When World War III breaks out between the United States and its NATO allies versus the Russian Federation and the Iranian Islamic Republic and their allies, first female Navy fighter combat commander "Shrike" with four kills on her record must compete with her former lover-flight instructor veteran combat fighter commander "Hawk" for command of Puking Dogs Squadron. Their singular pursuit of who is best suited to command is complicated by an embedded double agent drone defense contractor and by the commanders' on and off again love affair. After losing five members of their squadrons and supporting crew by enemy fire, and increasing Russian-Iranian Syrian aggressions against the West, World War III is formally declared and all other issues become secondary.
