On a spaceship deep in space one of the observation crew is taken by surprise when an ion storm erupts nearby. She calls out a warning to the rest of the crew but it is too late; the impact rocks the ship and the computer panels begin to overload in a shower of sparks. She calls out a mayday signal but there is nobody left to hear it.

Some time later the crew all lie dead. A loud ticking echoes around the command deck as a shadowed figure approaches the last survivor who sighs with relief at its presence. Suddenly she realizes it is not there to help her and she screams out to no avail, she is doomed…

Elsewhere, on an ornate mantelpiece above a fireplace a clock is ticking away, until suddenly its face cracks and time stops…