The mission has failed. China is ready to declare war. The President wants peace, at all cost. All he needs is time, so Secretary of State Claire Haskett can negotiate a settlement. Survivors from the USS Charlotte need urgent medical care, free from prying eyes. The Dilorenzo Health Care Clinic inside the Pentagon—hidden in plain sight—is selected. When one survivor escapes, he threatens to reveal the failed mission. The President recruits Cal Stockton to rein him in. As turbulent talks continue between Haskett and Ambassador Chen Feng, Cal realizes a massive cover-up is underway and he is forced to Choose Sides.