Off the coast of China, the storm clouds of war are gathering into a thunderhead. An American yacht has been attacked in international waters by a Chinese combat helicopter. Tensions are at a zenith. China staunchly denies they had anything to do with the incident, and Carrier Battle Group 14 is put on full alert for what may become a full-blown shooting war between the superpowers. But even as the two mighty forces square for battle, an unseen adversary is watching, waiting for the bloodshed to begin—and time to strike.