Dr. Steven Sorenson plans to tap the geothermal energy of the Earth's interior by means of a thermonuclear device detonated deep within the Earth. Despite dire warnings by fellow scientist Ted Rampian, Dr Sorenson proceeds with the experiment after secretly learning that he is terminally ill. This experiment causes a crack to form and grow within the earth's crust, which threatens to split the earth in two if it is not stopped in time.
When a group of scientists developing an engine for interstellar travel see their funding cut after a fatal disaster, the disgraced group must resort to criminal activity to finance their operation as they rebuild their space time device.