Steven Taylor Bradford, known as Colonel Steven Taylor, spy pilot for the CIA finds himself in a predicament when he is forced to eject from his crippled plane over Russia. His dream of going into the 'black world' of his flying career-something he has been wanting for so long-is jeopardized when what was to be his last U-2 mission ends in catastrophe. Once Steven hits the eject button, all hell breaks loose and he is badly injured. After being rescued and nursed back to health by Azera, a Russian peasant woman in the highlands of the Caucasus Mountains, he is finally able to get back to the United States. Upon his return, he finds friends from home who welcome him with open arms, meets the love of his life, and finds that job is still there for him. A tragedy shortly after his retirement plunges him into depression. With the help of an old friend, Steven Taylor Bradford learns how to get back in the groove of life and begins working again. Taylor, as he was called by his old friends and family, travels to and from Washington, D.C. These trips prove to be helpful in his recovery. And piece-by-piece, the past revisits, bringing him a surprise that gives his life new meaning.