Cobra

The UK prime minister convenes an emergency committee when a solar storm threatens to strike. Under the name COBRA, this team of Britain's leading experts, crisis contingency planners and senior politicians deal with an unfolding national emergency.

Following the sinkhole collapse, Sutherland and his wife Rachel travel to Godley Common in the hope that Ellie is still alive. Multiple deaths are reported as rescue workers work round the clock to retrieve victims just as news breaks that Shirasian Princess Yadira has been kidnapped and forced back to Shirasia. Sutherland’s marriage meanwhile is straining under the pressure of Ellie’s disappearance falters . Ellie is trapped underground with Nate Stevens, Planet Resistance member and confidant of Henry Wicks, as it is discovered that an incendiary device was planted on the Ultraline boring machine, and questions arise about who placed it there and why.

Police interrogate Ellie and Henry, who both deny knowledge of any explosive device, maintaining that Planet Resistance is a peaceful organization. Knowing his daughter is alive, Sutherland has revived energy to deal with the aftermath of the sinkhole collapse and the abduction of Princess Yadira. Polly Wright, a key Planet Resistance organizer, is on the run from the police. When she is unable to reach her comrades and boyfriend, Nate, Polly seeks safety with her father Dan Goddard. When Goddard learns Polly is deeply involved with an organization accused of terrorism, he pleads with her to turn herself in. Defiantly Polly leaves Dan’s house and travels to protest at the imminent Defense Expo – a huge arms-trade fare held in London.

Following Polly’s death, the government faces scrutiny for legislating an aggressive anti-protest bill. When Sutherland fails to show support for the police in public, a renewed dissent arises, and “blue flu” strikes the country: police forces go on unofficial and illegal strikes. Obasi is forced to become the government’s spokesperson against the police, and after enduring criticism on Sutherland’s behalf, steps down from his position. Planet Resistance is declared to be a terrorist organization, during which a vigil is held for Polly Wright – attended by both Ellie and Francine. The event takes a turn as attendees rile against the police, Ellie and Francine are forced to escape together – in doing so, realize they have a shared interest in unearthing the truth about Godley Common.

Following the news of the stolen weapon, a so-called "smart mortar" -- an emergency COBRA is assembled, and the government frantically tries to locate it. The perpetrators are revealed to be a group of disgruntled ex-soldiers, led by Dan Goddard -- stricken by the death of his daughter Polly and traumatized by war crimes he witnessed in the Peninsula while undertaking mercenary work for the Shirasian regime. Goddard and his two ex-comrades: brothers Rod and Finn McQuarrie, demand the government pay a ransom, or the mortar will be fired.

Dan breaks into Archie's home, demanding Robert resign from his post or he will use his weapon.