A deadly disease has killed off all aboard an alien spacecraft except a handful of survivors sealed within the inner command sphere. The design of the craft makes it impossible for the Aliens to get out or for aid to reach them without spreading the contagion. Finding themselves in the vicinity of Earth, but totally unfamiliar with the planet, the Aliens decide to land and seek help.

On Earth, politicians, scientists, and the military, unaware of the Aliens' predicament, argue over how to receive their visitors from space.