A Russian nuclear submarine sinks while submerged with a US nuclear submarine nearby. The Russian government learns that the fault for the sinking lies with the Russians, but the officials seek to blame the US anyway. The US submarine leaders know what took place, but they feel reluctant to reveal that, because to do so would disclose an important advantage. After two surprising twists Mac takes a ride aboard a US submarine, and Harm takes one aboard a Russian submarine. The two boats wind up near each other, because the US vessel shadows the Russian one. An extremely dangerous situation develops aboard the Russian boat, and Mac and Harm take part in resolving the problem. Meanwhile a woman ensign in the US Navy graduates with honors in nuclear engineering from a college and from the Naval Nuclear-power School; she then applies but is rejected to attend the Naval Submarine School and to serve aboard a submarine; Mac and Bud advise her.

MGen. Creswell has taken charge. An official of the DoD has died in Iraq; a Marine staff sergeant goes on trial for involuntary manslaughter by culpable negligence; Harm prosecutes, and Mac defends. Officers take partial responsibility.

Vic defends a Marine in Iraq, and he sees combat and takes part in it. Mac advises and encourages the general's daughter, who's a plebe at the Naval Academy. Harm continues his vigil with Mattie, who remains in a coma.