Randall Garvey, a self-educated billionaire, world-class ego and "doubting atheist," is elected President as the "lesser of three evils." He works secretly to satisfy his obsession with the search for extraterrestial life. He is accustomed to getting what he wants, and with help from a well-placed rogue senator, he devises a plan to evade the restrictions of a hostile congress. In silent partnership with the governments of Russia and Japan, garvey sends forth a covert mission to Mars. The mission is energized by the discovery of an ancient scroll that bears a message for all mankind.