Pinevale is a very small and remote community in the mountains of southern California. It is located in a long, narrow valley, bounded by steep mountain slopes, with just a single road connecting the village with the rest of the world. Unfortunately, a powerful earthquake has just occurred nearby, triggering a giant landslide that has blocked off the road to Pinevale. As the residents brace for the aftershocks of this earthquake, a hard rain has begun to fall, generating exceptionally perilous conditions favorable for spawning mudslides and debris flows.

As part of the local volunteer fire department in this remote area, you are trained in matters of rescue, and are even certified to pilot a helicopter. You recognize that it will be necessary to evacuate the village by air. The problem is, your fire department has never had the money to afford a helicopter. The nearest one is owned by Wade McLevolent, a few miles away, in a much safer locale -- the hamlet of Alta Potrero. Because you live outside of Pinevale, you are able to drive to Wade's store in Alta Potrero.

Unfortunately, Wade is a strange, not entirely friendly, character. While you manage to convince him to allow you to use his small helicopter and supply you with the fuel you'll need to make the trips to Pinevale, he agrees only on two conditions: that you must answer a question about earthquakes before he supplies you with fuel, and that each time, he will supply you with just enough fuel to make a single journey.

Desperate to begin the evacuation of Pinevale, you agree to his bizarre terms. Unbeknownst to you, Wade secretly plans to short-change you on fuel if you answer the questions incorrectly. Should this occur, you will be unable to complete the round-trip to Pinevale, and forced to turn back. This will result in time -- and lives -- being lost, as the mudslides triggered by the strongest aftershocks sweep down into the village, demolishing houses! Hurry! The residents of Pinevale don't have much time!