An unidentified alien vessel crashes into a Colorado lake, unleashing a terrifying threat upon humanity. A lone land surveyor and a journalist find themselves trapped within the Army's ineffective cordon, facing an enemy armed with a paralyzing ray. They must find a way to stop the alien invaders before their mission of terror is complete, navigating a world where conventional defenses are useless against the unknown.

The premise of Operation Terror sets up a classic alien invasion narrative, likely focusing on suspense and the struggle for survival against a technologically superior foe. The inclusion of a land surveyor and a journalist suggests a grounded perspective amidst the extraordinary events, potentially emphasizing human ingenuity and courage in the face of overwhelming odds. The story's core conflict revolves around the race against time to neutralize the alien threat before widespread destruction or capture occurs. The narrative framework appears to be a straightforward, third-person account of the unfolding crisis.