During a space war between humanity and the Dracs, a reptilian race from the planet Dracon, Earthling fighter pilot Willis Davidge (Dennis Quaid) ends up stranded on an alien world, along with saurian fighter pilot Jeriba Shigan (Louis Gossett Jr.). While both Willis and his Drac counterpart can breathe on the planet, the environment and its creatures are relatively hostile, forcing the two to work together to survive. As time goes by, Willis and Jeriba become unlikely friends, though their unique relationship faces considerable challenges. In the end, Willis find himself caring for Jeriba in a completely unexpected manner on this hostile world.