As China expands its industrial might, it becomes one of the biggest oil-consuming countries in the world. And the only thing blocking China's access to an unlimited fuel supply is the Socialist Republic of Vietnam. When a Vietnamese oil rig is destroyed, China is the obvious culprit. The U.S.--recently joined in a defense pact with Vietnam--calls upon Commander Brick Maxwell to fly the hyperadvanced Black Star stealth jet against the Chinese. But the Chinese have on their side technology just as formidable--and one of Maxwell's old adversaries, who is hunting him with a vengeance.