Counter Terrorist Unit agent Jack Bauer is assigned to protect presidential candidate David Palmer from a potential assassination attempt. Unfortunately, his daughter has disappeared and someone within CTU may be involved. Mandy seduces Martin Belkin, a photographer headed for a meeting with the Senator.

Jack rushes to the aid of CTU Director Richard Walsh who comes into possession of a keycard and ends up in a shootout. Gaines encounters trouble acquiring Martin Belkin's ID from Mandy. Elsewhere, Kim realises the gravity of her situation.

As Kim and Janet temporarily escape their captors, Senator Palmer learns that his son may have been involved in the death of his daughter's rapist 7 years ago. Gaines finally gets Belkin's ID from Mandy, while Jack delivers the keycard to CTU.

Jack finds that his efforts to bargain with Marwan for the location of the missile strike are futile.

Heller pushes his son for information when CTU discovers that he may have had contact with Marwan before the attacks.

Logan finds himself in the middle of a power struggle between Palmer and the ambitious Speaker of the House.

Tony and Michelle explore their rekindled passion for each other, but their hopes for the future may be short-lived when a familiar player enters the game and takes a hostage.

Mandy uses Tony as leverage to try to force Michelle to aid in her escape.

A Chinese security operative captures and interrogates one of the CTU agents involved in the raid on the embassy.

Palmer and Logan argue over the option of evacuating all major cities that may be targets for the missile.

As the missile speeds toward its destination, Mandy cuts a deal with Jack and the President to give up Marwan's location in exchange for a full pardon on all of her crimes.

Tony and Michelle share a happy reunion, but Jack finds his relationship with Audrey shattered as she makes her feelings known.

Logan's advisor suggests a drastic course of action when the Chinese government demands that Jack be handed over to them for trial. Palmer tries desperately to warn Jack of the danger against him.

Jack's life changes forever as Tony, Michelle and Chloe help him to evade the trap set for him by Secret Service.