A mystery disease has broken out on an Indian Ocean isle and on the east African coast, wreaking fear and death as it spreads westward across the continent. Vying to report the story are the big international news agencies. France-Dépêches broke the news, but trouble's brewing among its staff, threatened by a government bid to privatise the agency.

A mystery killer disease has broken out in the Indian Ocean and on the east African coast, wreaking fear, havoc and death. Vying to report the story are the big international news agencies. France-Dépêches broke the news, but trouble is brewing among its staff. Determined to resist job losses its unions are threatening to stage a first-ever all-out strike.

Apprehensions and tensions mount across the agency's global network as the crisis exacerbates personal animosities and political rivalries. Worse still, journalists distracted by the crisis miss an important announcement. Meanwhile revolution has erupted anew in Central America. They must cover this story too.

Trade union leader and political militant Gareth Galant leads the struggle at France-Dépêches, which also coincides with a crisis in his personal life. At the same time reporter Cheryl Keyes is despatched as special correspondent to cover the killer disease story. As the struggle unfolds, there are revealed behind-the-scenes glimpses into the corridors of power within the French state.