This second part of the novel marks an increase in readiness of the US military, as the president raises the level from DEFCON 5 to DEFCON 4. Pauline notes a change in her relationship with her husband, believing she can no longer rely on him. A Sunday meeting in the White House results in the change in readiness status and a tightening of sanctions on North Korea. The Chinese president is consulted. Moore, Pauline’s rival, gives a heated speech in response to her calling him timid. Japan, a US ally, is starting to get nervous. Gus describes the nuclear winter that would result from a nuclear war.

Tamara meets with her French counterparts, and everyone is concerned they did not hear from Abdul. They decide to send a US drone to try to pick up his signal. The Colonel informs Tamara one of the drones, the size of an airplane, is missing. Hakim denies the President of Chad has the drone, but Tamara thinks he is lying. She meets with Tab’s parents, who are wealthy and sophisticated. They start to warm up to Tamara. Dexter proves he is a sexist. The drone does not find Abdul.