POLAND'S PAST AND PRESENT COLLIDE IN AN EPIC QUEST FOR PEACE AND TREASURE In Central Europe, Poland has rejected plans for an anti-missile shield-until a threat from beyond their borders causes disaster. During testing, an Iranian ICBM veers off course with tragic results, and the Polish government turns to NATO-and the United States-for protection. With the defensive shield now back on the table, National Security Advisor Willis Avery envisions an even broader network of emplacements. His strategy depends on the cooperation of the breakaway states-and the help of Captain Michael Neill. Tasked as a liaison, it's Neill's job to convince the republics. He enlists the aid of an old friend, General Andrei Ulyanov-and, if he can keep her alive, dynamic and beautiful journalist Viktoriya Gavrilenko. The stage is set for increased tension when the Russians threaten an arms race. Avery is targeted, and along the way, Neill becomes caught up in the search for a lost religious icon, foretold by legend to restore the faith of a disheartened people . . .