Constable Rail, the rookie agent of ACCA's Badon branch, has a profound dislike for elite agents in ACCA headquarters and has it out for Jean. Meanwhile, feeling watched, Jean asks for his friend Nino's help. With rumors of a coup d'état circulating among the upper echelons of ACCA's hierarchy, Chief Officer Grossular announces at the Five Chief Officers meeting that he has obtained credible information about the coup.

While Jean is away on an extended trip to audit three districts in a row, there are signs of unrest that begin to close in on Lotta. Magie contacts Rail that Lotta is in danger upon learning of the events set in motion. Rail acts to protect Lotta, but the shadowy figures draw ever closer.