Arriving in the Harz Mountains, within striking distance of the Iron Curtain, "civilian" Brown appears to be enjoying a small vacation. Yet one night, he crosses into the Russian zone, claiming to be drawn to a site of Catholic pilgrimage. His cover is not quite convincing enough, however, and he finds himself arrested and interrogated. Refusing to confess the real reason behind his visit, he gains an unexpected ally, and the two of them embark upon a hazardous plan to complete his mission and return to the West. The result is a remarkable, psychologically charged exploration of fear and crossed frontiers.