Professor Donati is the voice of the opposition against a totalitarian state running Britain. Along with the Jane Frederick, the wife of government official Paul, they are to be tried for treason.
Paul Frederick's wife Jane, who is in a wheelchair, is to be put on the Driver, a highly dangerous torture device. He discovers that someone has leaked it's existence to the opposition.
Paul Frederick is kidnapped giving Colonel Singleton the perfect opportunity to declare martial law. His first act is to put Donati in front of firing squad and Frederick is shot in retaliation.