all is not well in the colony. strange eggs have started to appear in the riverfruit, and this is interpreted by first decider draith, using the system file of the starliner, as an omen of mistfall, a strange periodic change to the planet during which the natural balance of society is threatened. soon mistfall begins, and the colonists move into the starliner to protect themselves. adric attempts to steal some riverfruit to prove himself to his brother; draith gives chase to his young protégé but falls and lands in the river – only to be dragged beneath the waves by a strange force. his last words are aimed at the chief scientists of the colony: "tell dexeter we've come full circle!" adric heads into the forest in panic, finding the tardis. the doctor and romana take him in and tend to his leg wound, which recovers remarkably quickly. the doctor heads off to investigate the planet, while adric attracts varsh and the other outlers to the protection of the tardis.