David Troughton reads a brand new tale featuring the Second Doctor, Jamie and Zoe.

The Doctor makes a hasty landing on a satellite, only to discover that it's a one-man prison in space. Markan is in exile from his own people, banished to live out his remaining days with only his robot for company.

When the Doctor and Zoe learn of the crimes that led to Markan's sentence, they have very little sympathy. But returning to the TARDIS isn't as easy as it should be - and Markan is determined to get there first.

David Troughton, who has played several roles in Doctor Who, reads John Peel's intriguing story of reckless genius and the power that can be gained by control of the mind...

Cover design by Lee Johnson; Cover portraits © BBC
Reading produced by Morrison Ellis. Sound design: David Roocroft. Project editor: John Ainsworth Executive producer: Michael Stevens

© 2026 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd Text © John Peel 2026 (P) 2026 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd