Melissa Lee, physically diminutive but large in character and mental toughness, commits herself to the nation's fight against terrorism. Her core values of integrity, dogged determination, patriotism, have been groomed by loving parents; her physical strength honed on the family thoroughbred racehorse farm. Auniversity education gives depth to an innate compassion for others, and provides her with the historical context of human conflict. In the year 2009, following college graduation, Melissa joins the CIA. Circumstances drive an early covert assignment to develop intelligence on a terrorist operation deep in Africa. While reconnoitering suspected terrorist activity, she is taken captive. Alerted to her abduction, the U.S. undertakes a daring rescue mission. Its outcome is at risk as events challenge the courage, skills, and unique capabilities of those human and technical national assets engaged in the mission.