Transmitting down from Nerva Beacon, the Doctor, Sarah Jane and Harry find themselves on Earth in the far future, long since abandoned by the human race. Soon it becomes clear that they are not alone: a shipwrecked crew of human astronauts are being hunted down, one by one. What is the creature that lives in the rocks, and what is the purpose of the lethal tests it is conducting? Can the Doctor ensure the safety of the Earth for the future generations of humankind?