Since the moon broke out of its orbit, life for its Earth inhabitants has
taken on a semblance of normality, but with one ever-present imponderable question mark. Where is it heading for? Its
direction cannot be controlled.
Now, suddenly and alarmingly, it comes to a complete halt. At the same time the power drops
and continues to drop at such a rate that it soon becomes terrifyingly clear that life cannot be sustained for more than a
matter of days.
The only possible explanation is the influence emanating from an unidentified
planet which is within flying distance. Commander Koenig has no
option, a visit must be paid to the planet. He chooses his team with care - Doctor Helena Russell, Professor Bergman,
pilot Alan Carter and specialists Luke Ferro and Anna Davis.
The planet is dead, with
no signs of habitation. There are rock formations and petrified, leafless trees, all indicating that this was once a
living world. But whatever it was that struck, it was a long, long time ago. The atmosphere has now stabilised.
Then, in a cave, they find human skeletons and inscriptions on its wall
which Bergman identifies as being Sanskrit. Anna Davis, a trained philologist, recognises it as a very early form
of the basic mother of English. With Luke Ferro's help she is able to translate what was the last message from the dead
world of Arkadia, but with a declaration that Arkadia lives on in the bodies, hearts and minds of those who left in time,
taking with them the seeds of a new beginning.
Realisation dawns, confirmed
by identification of the trees as those native to Earth. Life on Earth originated on this planet, from the seeds carried
there by those who escaped the holocaust on Arkadia. Koenig has a grim decision to make.
The Moon's power loss has
now dropped to the point where everyone will freeze to death within a day. Evacuation to Arkadia is the only hope.
The chances of survival are slim, but they will at least be buying time.
Then, quite suddenly, the
power loss ceases. Plans to evacuate are cancelled. But Luke and Anna have been strongly affected. It is as though
they have received some sort of message. They are in love and determined to live on the planet, tricking Koenig into
providing supplies and spacecraft to take them there. It is their destiny.
The Arkadians brought life to Earth. Now life must be brought back
to the dead world of Arkadia. And as they reach their Eden, full power returns to the Moon and, once again, it is on
the move. The search for a new home continues ...
Episode synopsis taken from Guide Book provided with the Digitally Restored Network/Granada
Ventures Series One Box Set
Copyright Granada Ventures
