The year is 1878. Three ships of the British Imperial Spacefleet have just set a course for the Moon.
The discovery of a mysterious diary, recalling a seemingly impossible journey, takes the Doctor and his companions back to a crucial moment in history - and into certain danger. For the Moon of 1878 is far from deserted.
Trapped in a crater teeming with hostile animal and plant life, the Doctor and Turlough must join the British explorers on a hazardous journey to battle for their freedom before the long lunar night descends. For, lurking in the shadows, are the Vrall - cunning and utterly ruthless killers.
With the loss of one of their ships - and their captain - the British team become embroiled in a struggle to survive the tests duty and honour to their limits. Meanwhile, Turlough finds himself with Time in his hands and the Doctor must make a choice that will determine the future of an Empire - and Earth itself.