A deadly Russian plot to unleash widespread cancer on America is uncovered by an unsuspecting geologist and his team of roughnecks while drilling for natural gas in Iceland.  On a whim, Briggs Stevens invites a beautiful new acquaintance to travel with him to Iceland.  A hiking accident quickly spirals into a lifesaving rescue for his friend and exposes a battalion of Russian soldiers involved in a covert operation to destroy the ozone layer above New England.  One soldier agrees to help Briggs rescue his friend in exchange for asylum to America, and in the process, helps to ignite a love interest between Briggs and his friend that lasts beyond the waters of Iceland.  Powerful leaders use the Arctic landscape to set the stage for a new Cold War between the U.S. and Russia.  A surprise coup d’état develops in Russia and causes precious time to be shortened for a solution to avoid a thermonuclear holocaust.