The ex-marine, Nick (played by Morgan Freeman), is a skilled weapons dealer who is hired by a defense contractor to sell high-tech weapons to the Panamanian military. Nick is initially hesitant about the deal because he wants to avoid getting involved in political conflicts.
However, as he arrives in Panama, he becomes embroiled in the U.S. invasion of Panama, which was carried out to remove Panamanian dictator Manuel Noriega who had been accused of drug trafficking and human rights violations. Despite his reservations, Nick is forced to take sides when he realizes that his own life is at risk.
Nick soon learns that the true nature of political power is not just about personal gain and ambition, but also about the way it impacts people's lives. He is shocked to see the devastation caused by the U.S. invasion, and realizes that his involvement in the arms deal was contributing to the destruction of innocent lives.
Feeling guilty about his role in the invasion, Nick decides to take matters into his own hands and works to stop the arms deal and support the people affected by the conflict. In the end, he ultimately realizes that true power lies in taking responsibility for one's actions and working towards creating a better world for everyone, rather than just seeking personal profit.