While interning with a seismic survey crew in the Sahara Desert, Rip Cantrell discovers a flying saucer embedded in a sandstone ledge. Rip is keen to learn as much as possible about the saucer, which is at least 140,000 years old. But he's not the only one.

While various groups squabble about Rip's discovery, Rip and former Air Force test pilot Charlotte "Charley" Pine steal the saucer and fly into orbit. As they try to learn the saucer's secrets, Rip and Charley must keep it away from the U.S. Government, which would deny its existence, and rogue Australian billionaire Roger Hedrick, who wants to sell it to the highest bidder.