The story focuses on two NYPD detectives and their investigation of serial-killer Alex Mercer, and the background of Peter Randall. In 1969, 1st Lieutenant Peter Randall is serving in the Vietnam War. It is during this conflict that Randall shows a strong commitment to his duty and insurance in containing the "communist plague". While leading a squad in infiltrating a North Vietnamese military outpost, Randall is unexpectedly met by General Stillwell who informs him that he is being reassigned. When a hesitant Randall asks what he should do with his men, Stillwell kills them and states to him that it was an order.