The beginning of the tale of the Henry clan as they see the start of WWII from different areas. Victor and Rhoda are on their way to Pug's diplomatic posting to Berlin, while Byron ends up in Sienna, Italy.

As WWII begins, Byron Henry and Natalie Jastrow are stuck behind enemy lines, and an insightful memo brings Pug Henry to the attention of FDR

The bombing of London as seen by Victor Henry. Victor is given the opportunity to fly as an observer with a bomber group destined to bomb Berlin.

Byron and Natalie get married, Pug leaves Germany for good and Rhoda gets closer to Palmer Kirby.

Henry finally gets orders to his Battleship command, while Rhoda and Palmer get closer; Natalie and Aaron are increasingly being hemmed in by the authorities in Italy, while Natalie desperately seeks a way out.

Pug undertakes travel around the world to take command of his battleship at Pearl Harbor, where he is due on Dec 10th, 1941; Byron is increasingly worried about Natalie's situation.