In a remote area of the South Pacific, an airplane suddenly spins out of the overcast and crashes, the reason known only to a small group of scientists at a nearby atoll who have been developing the world's first space elevator in absolute secrecy. The atoll soon gives up its secrets, including a diabolical plot to murder innocent civilians and commandeer the incredible Ladder to Space project for military purposes that will hold the entire world hostage. Only heroic actions by a lone USAF reserve F-16 pilot can deflect the momentum of the destructive forces about to be unleashed -- if it isn't too late.