I shook my head. “He’d say it’s Vanguard trying to set him up. He’s spent months fueling people’s fear of magic. You’ve seen the poll numbers. Who do you think the people will believe?”

“What about an electromagnetic pulse?” asked Lena.

“All of New Millennium’s hardware servers are protected by nested faraday cages,” said Talulah. “EMP wouldn’t touch them, and Kiyoko is all wetware, not circuitry and hard drives.”

“Does siren magic affect animals?” Jeneta was cradling her fire-spider in her lap.

“Nothing in The Odyssey talked about gulls drowning themselves or fish flopping to their deaths,” said Jason.

“He won’t limit the U.S. strike to New Millennium.” Nidhi looked around the room. “If the goal is to solidify alliances with the United States, we have to suffer as much or more than any other nation. McGinley needs that horror and sympathy for when he seizes control of New Millennium and starts talking about making the world safe again.”

“There are close to two million people living in and around Las Vegas alone,” I said.

“This is insane.” Jeneta sounded angry, but her eyes were damp. “They’re going to murder millions of people, and for what?”

“For power and control.” I thought back to my exchanges with Gutenberg. “And because people are afraid. McGinley sees that fear as an opportunity.”

“What’s going to happen?” asked Lex.

I smiled for her sake. “That’s simple, kiddo. We’re going to stop them.”

Summary: The National Terrorism Advisory System (NTAS) has issued an Imminent Threat Alert. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has received credible warning of a terrorist attack against United States targets.

Duration: This alert will expire in one week. The alert may be extended if DHS acquires additional information.

Details:

• Members of the organization known as Vanguard are planning a large-scale magical attack against the United States, with possible coordinated attacks in other nations.

• The precise nature of the attack is unknown, but appears to involve one or more television, radio, or cellphone broadcasting stations.

• Vanguard traditionally targets nonmagical humans, particularly those who have spoken out publicly in support of regulation and security legislation regarding magic. Other targets may include magical humans and creatures who are perceived to sympathize with such efforts.

• This attack is believed to be planned for some time within the next forty-eight hours.

What To Do:

• Government facilities, national and historical landmarks, core infrastructure facilities, and other potential targets are advised to increase security for the duration of this alert.

• Avoid unnecessary travel, particularly to busy, crowded locations such as national parks, sports events, and major cities.

• Families and businesses should refer to the DHS Emergency Preparedness Website for guidance on creating an emergency plan.

• The fight against terror starts with you. If you see something suspicious, contact your local law enforcement office or call 911. Your vigilance could save lives.

Chapter 18

“I’m not ready for this.”

“You never will be.”