Upon reaching orbit around Cassa 7, Reggie and Vena are rescued by Jones and Winky, and it is revealed to the Rangers that the missing ships are actually being hijacked by a group of space pirates led by Rinkman, using a method created by partner in crime Dr. Vanko in which the ships' power and equipment are neutralized, turning them into artificial satellites of Cassa 7.

Jones speculates that the pirates must be operating from a base at the nearby planet of Prah, on which no unauthorized landing has ever successfully taken place due to an unknown defense barrier.

Meanwhile, on the planet Ophecius, we learn that its ruler, Queen Cleolanta, is actually the one employing the pirates and is behind the looting of the vessels near Cassa 7.

Down on Cassa 7, Space Traffic Controller Ken is secretly a double agent working for the pirates, and informs them of Rocky Jones' arrival.

Hagar Nu explains to Jones that he was kidnapped by Ken in order to frame him as the inside pirate collaborator.