When the Daleks come to town, it’s never good news, and Vega VI is about to find this out firsthand. Our human protagonists are geologist Suz and her driver, Alby, who become separated from each other in the aftermath of the Dalek invasion. Alby had fled Vega VI before it was too late, whereas Suz was trapped on the planet with many other inhabitants, providing slave labour to the Daleks as they mine the minerals that Suz was studying. Suz may be down but she’s not out—she’s going to fight back however she can, and Alby too is going to fight to get back to her.

This was an OK start to the “Dalek Empire” series proper; there are four other Big Finish audio dramas that introduce this plot thread, and this one is the beginning of the actual Dalek Empire spin-off series. I am always a fan of Dalek stories because the Daleks are ridiculous in some ways; however, they seemed to be carrying the idiot ball a bit on this one, not seeming to realize that humans need food and rest in order to be able to work efficiently. I guess this series is where they learn that lesson! As to the human characters, they were all right too. I do like a wise-cracking Scottish-accented man, and Suz is certainly tenacious.

The sound design feels a bit more basic than later Big Finishes, which is not surprising given that this was produced in 2001. (It’s just about old enough to vote; I’m writing this review in April 2019, and the audio drama was released in May 2001.) Some of the Dalek Supreme (or the emperor)’s communications weren’t quite clear, but fortunately the underling Daleks had a convenient habit of repeating back its orders!

This is probably best listened to in as close to one go as possible, lest you lose momentum. ( )