The main antagonists in 'Space Pirates!' are a group of space pirates led by Captain Stickybeard, who pillage cupcakes intended for Derek's birthday party, prompting the Super Duper Bunny League to intervene.

In 'Space Pirates!', the Super Duper Bunny League must stop Captain Stickybeard and his space pirates from ruining Derek's surprise birthday party plans, despite not having a steering wheel installed in their spaceship.

The team travels into outer space using a spaceship to confront Captain Stickybeard and his crew, although the spaceship lacks a steering wheel, adding to the challenge.

Derek's birthday is the occasion around which the episode's conflict revolves, as the space pirates' cupcake pillaging threatens to spoil the surprise party planned by the Super Duper Bunny League.

Before the space pirate attack, Stumpy, Bex, Handsome Steve, and Middy are out doing a cupcake run for Derek's birthday party.