It is 1976 and the Cold War rages on. But the media is abuzz with speculation on the whereabouts of the charismatic, albeit eccentric, HOWARD HUGHES. All reported instances of sighting him have proven to be unfounded. Suddenly there is an announcement that informs the world exactly where Hughes is. The apolitical Russian scientific icebreaker, Brezhnev, has been investigating a new theory on the geographic location of Atlantis, when a gang of Russian Mafia arrives. The mafia easily overtakes the unarmed Brezhnev captain and his crew and they use the ship radio to demand a billion dollars gold ransom. The C.I.A. fears broadcasting their association with Hughes may be an embarrassment to the U.S. if the Red Army gets to him first and makes him talk. They bring secret agent JOHNNY WALKER out of retirement to see if he can rescue Hughes. He succeeds, but nearly loses his life when the ransom demands are delayed by a Mexican Standoff between US forces and Red Army forces who both want Hughes for propaganda purposes. A few days after Hughes dies, the U.S. President requests Walker take command and continue the Brezhnev search for Atlantis.