The Doctor is taken "out of time" by the Time Lords and made to face an enquiry into his meddling in the affairs of others, overseen by the Inquisitor. The prosecutor, the Valeyard, soon has the proceedings upgraded to a trial for the Doctor's life. Evidence takes the form of recordings of the Doctor's recent adventures, beginning with his visit to the mysterious world of Ravalox and an encounter with Andromedan space pirates...

Clive King has to try and find out why two step sisters are unhappy after one of them is badly injured. As the story unfolds, it becomes clear that the injured sister felt unloved by her stepfather and Clive tries to make him aware of the problem. A spot check by the DHSS sends ripples through the department and Ewart upsets his wife by cancelling a dinner engagement.