The Phantom Stranger has a nightmare, wherein he is no longer capable of saving lives. The Phantom Stranger bolts awake, to be greeted by Doctor Bruce Gordon. Still coping with his newfound human limitations, the Phantom Stranger is ill at ease with the concept of sleep. Gordon introduces the Phantom Stranger to a hot shower, and coffee. The Phantom Stranger doesn't much care for coffee. Eclipso's machinations have escalated tensions between the governments of the United States of America and the Soviet Union. Now, both nations stand on the brink of nuclear war.

The Phantom Stranger assuages Gordon's guilt for releasing Eclipso into the world. Colonel Valentina Vostok attempts to prove that the escalating tensions, between the East and West, are the result of an outside influence. Her superiors refuse to bring her findings to the President. The President meets with his war cabinet, to discuss their increasingly limited options. Intrepid reporter, Jimmy Olsen, eavesdrops on a conversation between a mafia accountant, Rizzoli, and a member of the Russian Consulate.

Olsen is discovered. The Russian pursues Olsen, while Rizzoli departs for Washington D.C. Mikhail Gorbachev prepares for war with the United States of America. Lycaon garners air time on television, to spread his message of love and hope. The Russian discovers Olsen's hiding place. Olsen lunges at the Russian, then flees. The Russian corners Olsen in an alleyway. The Phantom Stranger confronts the Russian. Olsen subdues the Russian, who is revealed to be a demon. The Phantom Stranger, and Olsen, rendezvous with Gordon, in Washington D.C.

Eclipso gloats. Misinformation pushes the United States of America and the Soviet Union ever closer to nuclear annihilation. The Phantom Stranger heads into the White House. Olsen, and Gordon, await the arrival of Rizzoli. Outside the White House gates, Rizzoli physically switches places with the President. Rizzoli, as the President, asks for the nuclear codes. Gordon, and Olsen, rush the real President back to the White House. The Phantom Stranger confronts Rizzoli. Secret Service agents keep the Phantom Stranger from reaching the "President".

Gordon, and Olsen try to get the President past the guards at the gate. The guards are revealed to be demons. Olsen attacks the demons, allowing Gordon and the President to reach the White House. The Phantom Stranger wrests free of the Secret Service, and prevents the "President" from giving the nuclear launch codes. The "President" guns the Phantom Stranger down. The Phantom Stranger teleports the "President" out onto the White House lawn. The Phantom Stranger, and the "President", are confronted by Gordon and the President.

The Presidents begin battling against each other. The Phantom Stranger subdues the "President", revealing him to be a shape-shifting demon. The President reopens diplomatic talks with Gorbachev. Olsen bemoans the loss of a byline, on a story no one would ever believe. Eclipso's second plan to destroy the world has been thwarted.

Notes:

• John Workman credited as Sean Workman.