Hine accepts a party invitation from the defence minister of a wealthy Middle Eastern state. The reason for the invite becomes clear when he learns the guests include Pendles arms salesman Astor Harris and Disposal of Arms Overseas official Walpole Gibb...
Hine demonstrates the advantage of independence when bureaucracy threatens to stall a very profitable deal to supply fifty tanks to a Middle Eastern country. His attempts to get things moving alarm both Harris and chairman Sir Christopher Pendle.
Hine is doubtful when approached for mortars by a white African mercenary, Du Plooy. But business is business, and he works out a quid pro quo to put the sale through, however much he dislikes this particular deal.
An African, Mbusa, wants a thousand automatic rifles to start a revolution. Hine, well aware that such a deal would be dangerous, finds there is a market for even the most useless of weapons...and wins a bet with Harris in the process.
An arms deal with a small Eastern country seems a certainty for Hine when the country's defence minister accepts his proposals. But diplomatic double-crossing humiliates Hine and leaves him eating fish and chips instead of caviare...
Hine finds his own way of countering a double-cross that Gianni Laclos, a freelance French competitor, is trying to pull on a Middle East buyer.
Hine is forced to defend himself when Harris is sent on a mission to discredit him - even though it means scoring a hollow victory over George Dyson, an old school friend who is now an M.P.
Selling arms is not only a matter of salesmanship and the quality of the goods. There are many dubious aspects to the business - which explains why Hine is able to sell an anti-tank gun that has exploded during preliminary firing.
Hine calls on his estranged wife, Liz, in Manchester. As they talk, there is a warmth and a promise of reconciliation; but, as ever, business is the third party in the triangle, with Liz once again left behind as Hine is forced to fly back to London.
An arms deal, or Joe Hine's life? Harris is forced to make a grim decision when Hine is kidnapped by an African rebel group. When news of the kidnap reaches London, however, it is ultimately Pendle who holds the power of life and death...
Sir Christopher asks Hine to help resolve a dock dispute which is holding up a shipment of parts; if he succeeds, there may be a top executive post for him at Pendles. However, Hine finds the odds are stacked heavily against him.
A large tax demand leaves Hine anxious to pull off a prospective deal with the small Eastern country of Sabat. When the deal is jeopardised by political pressure from America, Liz offers her help - a gesture which brings them a little closer.
A little rumour mongering regarding Rashid enables Hine to secure a deal to supply a squadron of English jet fighters in the face of French competition. His professional problem is solved...but not his personal one.
