In a coercion plot against the U.S. president, a VIP’s bloodstream has been mined with germ-sized bombs. The only hope is a prototype virus-sized submersible, but the man most qualified to pilot it, Curran Hunter, is traumatized by a near-fatal underwater accident. The sub is piloted by virtual reality—there should be no danger—but when VR becomes full telepresence, Hunter’s very sanity is on the brink. The bombs could be detonated at any moment. Mercenaries are mobilizing to kill the team of scientists working with Hunter. And he’s fallen in love with the victim. But to save her life will require the deepest violation of all.