The planet Peladon is hoping to join the Galactic Federation.
The work of the committee is hampered by sabotage, fear and suspicion. The Doctor knows the Ice Warriors of old and believes that they may be the guilty party.
The Doctor is sentenced to a fight to the death in the pit with the King's champion, Grun. But the saboteur and killer is still at large.
Hepesh, supported by the delegate from Arcturus, is revealed to be behind the attacks. Arcturus is killed but Hepesh escapes to rouse a rebellion against the King.
