Buck Rogers in the 25th Century

In 1987, NASA astronaut Captain William 'Buck' Rogers boarded the space shuttle Ranger 3 for a routine mission. However, unknown to him, he entered a cryogenic slumber that would last for 504 years, freezing him in time until the year 2491.

In 2491, Princess Ardala and her aide Kane discover Buck's dormant spacecraft while navigating their Draconian flagship. Upon awakening, Buck is greeted by Ardala, who is captivated by him, while Kane has ulterior motives in mind.

Though initially welcomed, Buck soon realizes that the Draconians have sinister intentions to invade Earth. They implement a homing beacon in his shuttle to bypass Earth's defenses and facilitate their conquests.

As Buck navigates the security perimeter, he meets Colonel Wilma Deering, who helps him uncover distressing truths about Earth. They discuss the nuclear apocalypse that has ravaged civilization, leaving only pockets of survival.

Buck's journey leads him to meet Dr. Elias Huer, the leader of the Earth Defense Directorate. Alongside the AI Dr. Theopolis, they provide vital knowledge that aids Buck's adjustment to the drastically changed reality of Earth.

Driven by curiosity, Buck ventures out of New Chicago and discovers the ruin of old Chicago. This exploration leads him to the grave of his parents, marking a deeply emotional moment that solidifies his resolve to fight for humanity.

In his quest for truth, Buck encounters deadly mutants roaming the wasteland, highlighting the peril of his world. He realizes the necessity of Wilma and her battalion in his struggle for survival and to uncover the Draconian plot.

Upon returning to the Inner City, Buck is shocked to find a Draconian tracking device aboard his ship. Accusations of espionage arise, and Buck is sentenced to death, insisting he is just a pawn in the Draconians' schemes.

Wilma facilitates a crucial meeting on the Draconian flagship between Buck, Princess Ardala, and Kane. However, chaos breaks out as pirate ships attack, revealing the true nature of the Draconian threat.

In a moment of bravery, Buck takes down the marauders attacking the Draconian flagship. His spectacular display of skill earns him the admiration of Wilma and solidifies his role as a defender of humanity.

Later that day, Ardala offers Buck a tempting invitation to visit Draconia, promising insights into their plans. This proposal puts Buck in a precarious situation, straddling the line between curiosity and danger.

Once aboard the Draconian ship, Buck learns of plans for an attack on Earth. In response, he discreetly sabotages the marauder fleet, instigating a fierce conflict with Ardala's protector, Tigerman.

As Buck fights against the Draconians, Wilma rallies Earth's starfighters for a counteroffensive. The tension mounts as the fate of Earth's remaining civilization hangs in the balance against the alien menace.

The Draconian ship sustains catastrophic damage due to Buck's courageous actions. In the midst of chaos, Wilma successfully extracts Buck, Dr. Theopolis, and Twiki just before the ship's destruction.

As the dust settles, Ardala and Kane narrowly escape the wreckage aboard an emergency shuttle. Kane vows to seek revenge against Buck, setting the stage for future confrontations and conflicts.