Elias is driven by grief and a strong sense of justice after the tragic plane crash that killed one of their own, which official explanations fail to clarify. His personal loss fuels his determination to uncover the truth behind the crash and government corruption.

Internal tensions arise, particularly between Mara, who is risk-averse and concerned about publishing unverified data that could harm innocent people, and Kaï, a field reporter willing to break laws to expose the truth. These conflicts create challenges in decision-making and strategy during their investigation.

The whistle-blowing mechanic provides crucial insider information that helps The Kollective connect defective airplane parts to a European aerospace firm and government cover-ups, advancing their investigation into the crash.

As they near proof of the cover-up, The Kollective faces severe push-back including surveillance, disappearance of hard drives, smear campaigns labeling them as 'digital terrorists,' a secret police raid forcing them to scatter, and ultimately, one member's arrest and another going into permanent hiding.

The 'Congo Papers' are a cache of documents released by The Kollective that reveal falsified safety certificates, bribed officials, and war-economy mineral contracts linked to the plane crash. This expose triggers mass resignations, parliamentary hearings, and violent reprisals, marking a pivotal moment in their fight for truth.