Synopsis
In the year 2113 A.D., a group of scientists is sent to Antarctica to look into the region's unusual seismic activity. Near the epicenter, the expedition uncovers massive ground markings similar to the Nazca paleoglyphs found in the Peruvian desert. Even more peculiar is the discovery of a vast underground cavern located beneath these symbols. At the bottom of this chasm, part of an immense tower protrudes from the earth. Using ultra-digital cameras, the scientific team relays their findings back to the Command Center. One explorer traces the image of a star chart carved into the tower's exterior. The tower then begins to emit a sinister wailing, as if possessed by demonic forces. One by one, the expedition members writhe in agony and die. Those watching from the Command Center can only look on helplessly. As the high-frequency noise floods their headquarters, they too collapse and perish in pain. When the frequency's waves are analyzed, they are revealed to be a beacon aimed at the planet Elysium, located beyond Earth's solar system. Van, the story's reluctant protagonist, is an 18-year-old pizza delivery boy living in Manhattan. He competes in the most popular sport of the 22nd century—turbo jai alai racing. These races are fast-paced, deadly competitions that incorporate virtual reality into the action. He is deeply in love with Lydia, a gifted ballerina. In the chaotic futuristic metropolis, the two have only each other and their dreams. Van and Lydia desperately long for a chance to escape the polluted cityscape. Despite the risks, Van enters a turbo jai alai race hoping to win the first prize—two tickets to a galactic resort where Lydia can audition for the Jupiter Ballet. Meanwhile, Earth's deep space observation vessel, the Odyssey, patrols the planet's orbital perimeter. The Odyssey is suddenly confronted by a fleet of advanced alien spacecraft from Elysium. The awestruck human crew prepares to welcome the Elysian ambassador, Yaspe. Without warning, the Odyssey loses control of its weapons and fires on the ambassador's vessel, destroying it. This tragic misunderstanding triggers brutal retaliation from the Elysian fleet, leading to the destruction of the Odyssey and a full-scale assault on Earth. Van's already deadly sport turns even more lethal when the stadium where he is competing comes under fire from the Elysian barrage. Van struggles through the chaos on his turbo-cycle to save Lydia from the collapsing stands. The indiscriminate Elysian onslaught scorches cities across the globe. Van and Lydia flee through the burning streets of Manhattan in search of safety. After a series of harrowing escapes, they take refuge in a cramped fall-out shelter.