With the Sovereign in full production, Wilder sets his sights on the Predator, a supersonic jet with vertical takeoff ability. Wilder understands Bill Ryan's health is declining and he is at loggerheads with designer David Corbett.
Wilder is attempting to get a £40 million government contract to build the Predator. An fails to persuade Sir Gerald Merle but former reporter Laura Challis offers him a chance to meet James Cameron-Grant MP who has his own plans.
Predator designer David Corbett fears becoming just another part of Scott Furlong. Unsure of James Cameron-Grant MP backing, he goes to a journalist to give his side. After arranging a test flight, Corbett finds himself outmaneuvered.
There is talk of industrial espionage, when the French reveal their plans for a new jet plane similar to the Predator. NATO make it known they will only one of the jets. Cameron-Grant MP strengthens is position at Scott Furlong.
Wilder starts crucial talks with government over a multi million pound contract for the Predator. He angers David Corbett when he bypasses him for the talks instead he leaves him to deal with Sugden and Fraser on the production side.
Scott Furlong have just won their first defence contact and that means a visit by government security officials. When an official document is missing from Arthur Sugden's office he finds himself at the centre of a full blown investigation.
Test pilot Henry Forbes just avoids a serious accident when the Predator's low lever radar malfunctions. With Wilder away, Corbett decides to force James Cameron-Grant MP in to getting him a one to one meeting with the Minister.
Henderson and Corbett are left in the dark when Wilder brings a squadron of Germans to see the Predator. Wilder has done a deal to sell a modified Vetol to the Germans which they will pay to develop without NATO control.
Wilder sets a neat trap for his rival as the bill for the Veetol soars another £18 million - and compels Corbett into self revealing moves in Whitehall and the City.
James Cameron-Grant MP informs Wilder that there are rumours circulating in Whitehall that they are considering canceling the Vtol. When Sir Gordon Revidge confirms the rumours, Wilder decides to do a deal with the Australian government.
Wilder decides to take wife Pamela to Brussels. When Sir Gordon Revidge discovers he plans to meet businessman Pierre Dagenais, he is suspicious. Revidge decides to book Laura Challis on the same flight as his eyes and ears.
Wilder's absence is unnerving David Corbett, who fears that once again that he is working on a deal abroad. He asks James Cameron-Grant MP to investigate but discovers that Wilder is in hospital and it needs to remain secret.
Corbett drops a bombshell in his report forecast so the Vtol will cost £100 million more than Wilder's initial assessment. He attempts to remove Corbett from the building but finds himself forced to resign in exchange for a Knighthood.