Years before, when two young soldiers fought beside one another in Vietnam, a humiliating event occurred which would forever impact the psyche of the young medic. Decades later, he has become Admiral John Townsend, the White House physician, and his former lieutenant is now the president of the United States.

But dark forces were at work behind the scenes, intent on unseating the president—by any means possible.

Townsend discovers the plot to take President Meredith down. But is he up to the job, or will his deep-seated fears result in national tragedy?