The plot of Star Control II follows the adventure of a crew of human colonists who return to Earth twenty years after the the war against the Ur-Quan has ended. Unfortunately, the mysterious and ancient alien race has already subjugated the galaxy and imposed slavery on many populations, including humans. Aboard an alien spaceship, the player must travel exploring new worlds, forging alliances with other races and fighting the Ur-Quan. Along the way he will encounter various alien populations, each with its own culture and motivations, and must interact with them in order to obtain useful information and resources.