The President of the United States is killed after suicidal terrorists crash their bomb-laden plane into the White House. Operation Back-Step is called upon for the first time to thwart the terrorists before they can complete their plan.

Operation Back-Step receives its first mission well before the official test cycle is to begin. With a survival rate of 0%, it is unlikely that the mission will be successful. Based on physical and psychological profiles, Operation Back-Step recruits Frank Parker to be the next pilot. Unfortunately, Parker is also a patient at a military psychiatric hospital, dealing with issues ranging from paranoia to criminal insubordination.

But, Parker demonstrates an acute photographic memory and the ability to withstand super-human amounts of pain. Both attributes being crucial to piloting the Sphere, Parker is selected as the mission specialist. Let it be officially noted that Nate Ramsey strenuously objects to the acceptance of Parker.

Before the mission begins, Parker discovers that his only son, who lives with his estranged wife in Washington D.C., is among those killed by the terrorist bombing, which affects a wide area with poison gas. Finally, after determining that a Chechen Marxist dissident group is responsible for the attack, Parker is ready to go back in time to stop them.

Parker's first flight nearly kills him. Medical records reveal that his body endures enough stress to kill almost any other human. Parker successfully thwarts the terrorists primary plan, but the terrorists' backup plan, detonating the poison gas bomb in a suicide truck bombing, must also be stopped.Cast List