Racial tensions against Koreans mount, resulting in lone wolf attacks in the States. The US must retaliate due to a mutual defense treaty ratified with South Korea. A “minimalist” approach is chosen by Pauline that will include direct attacks but no US boots on the ground. Pauline and Gus review the steps for declaring war, but both still hope she will not have to make this choice.

Pauline’s speech condemning North Korea’s attack blames only the leader, not the rebels or the citizens. An increasingly nervous Japan attacks, but as it does not have nuclear weapons the situation does not escalate to the highest level. Kai continues to overstep his authority and travels to North Korea to meet with the rebels. He tells them if they attack the capital in Pyongyang, China will recognize them as the rightful leaders of North Korea. His contact, Ham, informs him the rebels began an attack.

The rebels attack Japan, including US military bases there. A treaty requires the US to come to Japan’s defense. Kai meets with Neil but leaves uneasy. He later hears the leader of Japan repeat the same words Neil used. South Korea begins invading the North by land, and China tells the rebels it will supply them with weapons to repel the attack.