In this chapter, we learn that the United States is involved in a military conflict with the People's Republic of China over the theft of a Chinese device that could be used to develop a weapon against the U.S. In addition, the Chinese have threatened to use the device on American soil. David is worried about the safety of his country and decides to go to the Chinese laboratory to find out what has happened. He finds out that the security guard has slapped him and that the quarantine procedures are not pleasant. He also learns that the General Clarkson and the General Mitchell have conspired to start the war. David wants to know what is going on. He has been at the laboratory for weeks, and no one has told him anything. He tells the doctor that he was always told he would do great things, but that he is not as smart as he thinks he is. The doctor tells him that they served together, and that he wanted to save Mirea, but politics are always behind closed doors. He wonders who the Chinese sent to find him.