In a space research centre near Washington, United States Government scientists monitoring pictures beamed to earth by an orbiting satellite observe an extraordinary 'hot spot' at a remote point in Manchuria, just on the Soviet side of the disputed border with China. Daring reconnaissance missions prove that the phenomenon is caused by a huge deposit of natural plutonium. Whoever controls it will have unlimited resources of nuclear fuel – in short, will rule the world! A thrilling story of international suspense and disaster with a background of amazing scientific authenticity.