The latest scandal threatens to bring about the collapse of the government when the president faces a vote of no confidence. Kapita has a plan to secure victory, but the pressures take their toll.

Secretary General Gabrielle Tackichieff decides to keep the president's health issues a secret, but her plan goes awry when a hostage situation erupts in Algeria. Juliette still hasn't returned home.

Gabrielle is relying on Bakian to negotiate the hostages' release, but Kapita seeks advice from Hussan. As secret talks with the terrorists come to a head, the president has a tough decision to make.