The Ping of the Seas

In remote Chinook, Montana, sixteen year old Mark Linderman is passionate about table tennis. His mom is supportive, but his dad and classmates wish he would play traditional sports. The tension mounts in the household, and Mark's adventurous aunt steps in with an idea to ease the pressure. Her plan goes deeper than just a summer stay, then goes awry, landing Mark far from home compliments of wealthy and eccentric table tennis club owner Scott Kobara. Kobara desperately seeks an American who could upset the ever-dominant Chinese in 2021, and sees that potential in Mark. Mark is enthralled with his new table tennis loving family, and becomes enchanted with the daughter. To continue to live in this idealistic environment, Mark must progress towards Scott’s goals. As Mark pounds the balls, Scott operates well beneath the table, using money, clout, and illegal measures to move Mark closer to stardom.