After a lightning strike, a damaged Tomcat flying over Cuba is forced to land by the Cuban air force. Harm and Meg, accompanied by Cdr. Krennick and undersecretary of state Bair go to Cuba to negotiate the return of the pilot and aircraft. The main goal is to prevent the download of the Tomcat's classified software. But the CIA's actual plans are totally different ... Locations: Washington,D.C.; Cuba

On a sailing trip near Hong Kong, Harm is captured by the Chinese military. They want him to reveal the United States' position in case the Chinese should take two islands (which are claimed by Taiwan) by force. To get this information, the Chinese employ various mind games including placing Harm's father in a adjacent cell. Cdr. Krennick and Lt. Austin are offered a deal which includes Harm's freedom and asylum for a Chinese military person. Locations: Hong Kong; Nantou, China