Jack Ryan, who has been working in the business sector since leaving the CIA, is approached by his former boss, James Greer, who is now the Deputy Director of the CIA. Greer asks Jack to fly to Dubai and complete a "simple task" as a favor. All Jack needs to do is meet a man named Nigel and retrieve a "package." Reluctantly, Jack agrees and travels to the UAE with his colleague, Mike November. However, the operation goes awry when Nigel is killed during their meeting, and Jack and Mike find themselves caught in the crossfire between intelligence agencies and mercenaries.