Royal Navy missile tests are failing mysteriously. Martin Smith, a maths prodigy at a school unable to recognise his talents, is noticed by the Icarus Foundation via his secretive use of the school computer to research pure mathematics.

Martin tries to settle in at Falcon Lee with its bizarre teaching methods, tutors, pupils and games. Meanwhile, British intelligence realise that child prodigies may be doing the research that no one else is doing.

Falcon Lee turns up the pressure on Martin and British intelligence is warned off investigating them. Martin and Sue begin to understand that the challenges set for them by John Doll are pieces of a bigger puzzle they can't see.

British intelligence infiltrates Falcon Lee and Martin tries to leave but his mental conditioning stops him. Martin's family become concerned about his lack of communication and his brother tries to contact him.

British intelligence springs Martin and Sue from Falcon Lee. It becomes apparent that Falcon Lee has friends in high places with school across the globe. The head of Icarus makes one last attempt to tempt Martin back.