Contains spoilers for this episode.
Cheng demands a circuit board from one of the recovered nuclear weapons in exchange for Audrey. The component would expose Russian defense technology to China. Jack asks Chloe to obtain the bomb schematics, promising that he will prevent Cheng from keeping the board. She accesses Morris's files to help, but Morris discovers the intrusion and refuses to conceal it. Chloe tells Buchanan what Jack is attempting.
Jack removes the component from a weapon under Marine guard, only for Doyle to stop and arrest him. Jack appeals directly to Wayne Palmer, proposing an exchange followed by the destruction of the board, Cheng and himself once Audrey is safe. Wayne reluctantly authorizes the operation. Doyle releases Jack and agrees to assist with extracting Audrey, while CTU tracks the component and Cheng provides directions for the meeting.
Wayne demands Daniels's resignation after Lennox discloses the recording of his planned perjury. The president then announces the recovery of the bombs to the press, but falters and collapses during questions. His doctor reports a severe cerebral hemorrhage, leaving Daniels to resume executive authority. Daniels immediately cancels Jack's operation. When Doyle receives instructions to bring him back, Jack forces him to stop the car, leaves him beside the road and drives away with the circuit board to continue the exchange alone.