Smith and Helen’s true loyalties are placed on trial by an old nemesis. The BCR struggles to maintain order across the JPS. Kido is forced to confront his atrocities. Bands of roving vigilantes threaten Childan and Yukiko.
Juliana’s instincts about Helen are put to the ultimate test. As San Francisco evacuates, Kido goes in search of his son, only to find himself a captive. A letter arrives, forever changing Childan and Yukiko’s lives. The BCR receives an unexpected offer of help from the Yakuza. Abendsen condemns Smith with his final prediction.
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.
John Smith discovers that one can get lost on the path not taken. Juliana attempts to decode hidden messages from Abendsen. Amid voices of dissent, Bell devises a new strategy for the BCR. Kido must decide where his true loyalties lie, even if it costs him the Empire.