Detroit has come to celebrate the closely guarded maiden launch of SolAir 523 and the voyage of Teah Lancey, her son, Josh, and nine of her students to the headquarters of the New United Nations. The launch is a success, but when NUN peacekeepers mistake the enthusiasm of the crowd for civil disobedience, Detroit swiftly falls under martial law. Several die during the chaos that unfolds on the shores of Detroit River, including Owen and Teah Lancey's adopted daughter, Dorothy. Even though Owen had promised Teah that he would help Detroit keep the peace during this new economic transition, the death of his adopted daughter sets Owen Lancey on a collision course with the leader of the New United Nations peacekeeping force, Capt. Wills Merchant. As Merchant razes impoverished portions of the city to make way for a military occupation force, Owen fears he must break the promises he has made to his wife and deploy the skill set that once made him lethal.