CORAL TRIGGER

A Philippine patrol vessel is sunk near Second Thomas Shoal.

Within hours, accusations fly, alliances are activated, and American and Chinese warships begin moving toward the same patch of sea.

The world braces for war.

Aboard USS *Ronald Reagan*, intelligence officer Revell Cassen spots a tiny anomaly others overlook. What begins as a routine review soon uncovers signs that the crisis may not be what it seems.

As tensions rise and military commanders edge closer to the point of no return, Cassen races to uncover the truth before a single mistake ignites a conflict that could engulf the Pacific.

Someone started this crisis.

And they are counting on no one discovering why.