Thousands of years ago, strange crystalline creatures settled on the planet of the Gonds. They educated the Gonds and, in return, the Gonds selected two of their most brilliant scholars to become the "companions" of these mysterious beings. When the Doctor, Jamie and Zoe arrive, they soon discover the true evil purpose of the aliens.

In a storm, in a workhouse, to a nameless woman, young Oliver Twist is born into parish care where he's overworked and underfed. As he grows older his adventures take him from the countryside to London, through harsh treatment, kindness, an undertaker, and a thieves' dens, where he makes friends and enemies. But all the time he is pursued by the mysterious Monks, who hires Fagin to turn Oliver into a thief. Oliver is rescued by chance and kind friends....