John Smith is forced to confront the choices he's made. The Empire attempts secret peace talks with the BCR. Kido arrests a traitor, threatening to divide the Japanese against themselves. Helen is assigned a new security minder. Juliana reunites with Wyatt to plan the fall of the American Reich.

The BCR launches a massive assault across the JPS, and Kido finds the fate of the Empire in his hands. Childan becomes a captive of the Kempeitai. Helen resolves to support her husband by re-entering public life. Juliana and Wyatt arrive in New York to plan a daring new strategy against Smith.