After a self-imposed exile to China, David Sandström is kidnapped by the People's Liberation Army and ordered to secretly investigate a deadly outbreak that has killed 19 people in a small village. With the help of three Chinese scientists, David discovers the outbreak has been caused by an ancient bacterium that has seeped into the village's water system. David is horrified when he learns that one of the scientists has decided to test the antidote on her self in order to expedite a cure. While David makes his way back to Canada, Caroline and Carlos are witness to a horrific attack at the site of the International AIDS Conference.