Robert Sutherland and Anna Marshall devise a strategy against members of the environmental protest group Planet Resistance, which is protesting the Metro Ultraline fast-speed railway network. Meanwhile, new high-level government officials are keen to shut down any domestic dissent ahead of a state visit from Shirasia – a valuable ally in terms of both military strategy and energy security.

Following the sinkhole collapse, Sutherland and Rachel travel to Godley Common in the hope that Ellie is still alive, but their marriage is straining under the pressure. Meanwhile, Shirasian Princess Yadira has been kidnapped and forced back to Shirasia, and it is discovered that an incendiary device was planted on the Ultraline boring machine.

Police interrogate Ellie and Henry, while Sutherland deals with the aftermath of the sinkhole collapse and the abduction of Princess Yadira. A key Planet Resistance organizer has a deadly encounter with the police, causing a rift between Ellie and Sutherland.

Following Polly’s death, the government faces scrutiny for its aggressive anti-protest bill. When Sutherland fails to show support for the police in public, police go on illegal strikes. Obasi is forced to become the government’s spokesperson against the police. In an effort to divert attention from the police strike, Sutherland travels North to unveil a green energy project funded by Shirasia.

Following the news of the stolen weapon, a so-called “smart mortar” – an emergency COBRA is assembled. The perpetrators are revealed to be a group of disgruntled ex-soldiers, led by Dan Goddard – stricken by the death of his daughter Polly and traumatized by war crimes he witnessed in the Peninsula while undertaking mercenary work for the Shirasian regime.

Goddard makes one final demand: Sutherland resigns, or the Damocles weapon will be fired. Gerald Kendrick fears that Sutherland is a white-hot threat to their business – and with Victoria, agrees the PM is a problem that needs to be contained. Meanwhile, Francine and Ellie reach out to Sutherland with information about Nate.