In the midst of the Cold War, American test pilot Fred Norwood stumbles upon evidence of a mysterious flying saucer that has crashed in rural China. The saucer’s advanced technology piques the interest of both American and Soviet intelligence agencies. As tensions mount between the two superpowers, Norwood, accompanied by a diverse team including scientists and soldiers, is dispatched to investigate and secure the craft before the Soviets can reach it. Upon arriving in a remote Chinese village, the team discovers that the locals have hidden the saucer in an abandoned temple. The Americans set up a temporary base to study the alien technology, which appears far more advanced than anything on Earth.

However, their efforts are soon interrupted by the arrival of a determined Soviet team with similar goals. Faced with the dilemma of working together or engaging in conflict, both teams are forced to navigate a landscape fraught with political tension and mutual distrust. Unexpected challenges arise, including deciphering cryptic alien symbols and dealing with treacherous terrain. As the race to unlock the saucer's secrets intensifies, ethical dilemmas and strained alliances push the mission to its breaking point.