Two scientists find themselves in a transit camp for those unfit for battle during the Boer War. Captured on suspicion of desertion and treason during a trek across an unchanging desert of bushes, rocks and ant hills to help transport a fellow soldier, suffering from shell shock, to his mother, the two wait for the judgement of General Bergh. They are unsure whether they are going to be conscripted into Bergh's commando, allowed to continue their mission or executed for treason. As the weeks pass and they despair of ever leaving they are suddenly sent on a bizarre mission.