This is the eighth book in the 'Jon Hunt' series based on the Royal Navy and events of recent years. HMS Formidable is the Royal Navy's newest aircraft carrier. Captain Jonathon Hunt has been given command. He has the uphill struggle of getting a new and untried machine of war into service and then is almost immediately faced with a major crisis. A major mineral discovery in a small African republic has led to a potential confrontation. With both Navy and Air Force Harriers embarked, Jon and his new ship are the only hope for a group of innocent hostages.