Magazine columnist and former Department of Defense research analyst Lewis Cole is covering an antinuclear protest when gunfire breaks out, injuring his journalist friend and killing a charismatic activist. Not content to let the professionals investigate this shooting, Cole begins to dig into the background of the murdered activist, as well as the antinuclear protesters who are gathering by the thousands on the New Hampshire seacoast, promising violent action in order to take over a nuclear power plant and halt its power production. And at the same time, someone is gunning for Cole, obstructing his investigation and making attempts on his life.