High in the Arctic, a machine designed to harness the energy of the aurora borealis has gone haywire. If not repaired, it could permanently disrupt the magnetic field protecting the Earth. Scott and Virgil answer the call, despite Virgil's insistence that they both need a break. Complicating matters is the fact that an atmospheric approach will be impossible, which forces Scott and Virgil to configure SKI PODS to get there in time. Scott admits the burden he feels as leader but the crisis is averted with Max's help.