Space Marshal Mike Banner observes his "telescreen" as an "Earth-bound convoy of space freighters" is escorted to Earth by Ellan. Ellan is piloting her Earth fighter when she observes a group of space ships attack the incoming scows. Ellan attempts to fire at the ships, but the fighters' new "desintegrator ray" or "powerful D ray" and the fighters' "heat ray" prove ineffectual against the attacking crafts. The attackers pierce the sides of the scows and board the ships. The passengers are taken captive as "slaves for the pit", taking them to work the "lectium mines".