The Nestene Consciousness is a disembodied life force, a hive mind race from the planet Polymos, able to exist in various forms, various places, and even various times. It has the ability to possess plastic, and to also manifest itself in both the plastic form of an Auton or as a being of pure force and energy. The Nestenes usually invades planets for colonisation with the goal of either using them for resources or simply destroying them. The Nestene Consciousness attempted to invade Earth many times, but the Doctor always managed to thwart the Nestenes’ plans and save the planet.