Following a successful trajectory around the moon by Charlie the Chimp, Maj. Gen. John Vanneman decides to orbit one of his top eight astronauts. There are, however, no volunteers until Charlie jabs Rich Talbot with his fork and the young captain leaps to his feet. While on a 3-day leave to visit his mother, Rich meets a mysterious girl with an equally mysterious name, Lyrae, who seems to appear wherever he goes. Believing her to be a spy, he notifies Vanneman, who, in turn, calls McClosky, head of Federal security. Lyrae finally confesses to the astounded Rich that she is from the friendly planet of Beta Lyrae and has been sent to warn him that he will die in outer space unless his rocket has a protective anti--proton ray coating. Certain no one will believe his story, Rich disappears and refuses to return unless his rocket is equipped with Lyrae's anti--proton ray formula. Vanneman agrees, and Rich finally sets out for the moon. He is hardly spaceborne before Lyrae appears in his cabin. And back on earth Vanneman and the space team are stupefied to hear on the space radio that Rich is delaying his moon orbit to spend a honeymoon visit on Beta Lyrae.