“It could be about theft,” Talulah said. “Do you know how much people are paying for black market magic these days?”

“I’ll run an inventory check here in Research,” Vince offered. “Make sure none of our projects have gotten up and walked away.”

I stood up and looked at them each in turn. “If you find anything, tell me. That’s all. Do not talk to anyone else about this, and do not pull any lone-wolf spy crap. If you do, I’ll use you as my next test subject for the Gateway Project. If you’re lucky, I’ll send you somewhere on this planet.”

SECURITY COUNCIL VOTES NOT TO IMPOSE SANCTIONS AGAINST THE UNITED STATES

After expressing deep concerns regarding the magical research being conducted at the New Millennium center in Las Vegas, Nevada, the Russian Federation joined Jordan and Malaysia in calling for economic sanctions against the United States of America. The resolution was voted down 10-3, with China and Nigeria abstaining.

The representative of the Russian Federation said this resolution was an expression of international concerns over America’s alliance with the organization known as the Porters. They demanded regular U.N. inspections and the immediate cessation of all military research, despite the fact that New Millennium denies performing any sort of military work.

Today’s vote followed six months of angry negotiations. Proposals to build additional New Millennium centers in other member nations have been met with anger and threats.

The representative from France likened this time in history to the beginning of the nuclear age. “We have one opportunity to prevent a magical arms race, an escalation that could bring about a second Cold War. This is a time for unity.”

Following the vote, the representative from China reaffirmed his belief that all nations have the right to the benefits and advantages of magic.

The Security Council will be voting later this month on a resolution to establish an International Magical Regulatory Agency, similar in structure to the International Atomic Energy Agency.

Chapter 8

“Change is a difficult, often violent process, both for individuals and for whole species. The more rapid the change, the uglier the conflict.”

“I can’t accept that violence is inevitable.”

“Look at the breakthroughs you’ve discovered in your libriomancy. How many of those discoveries were born from conflict and violence and desperation?”

“I don’t want to talk about it.”

“Technology advances more swiftly in times of war. Violence and change aren’t separate concepts, Isaac. All too often, they’re different facets of the same thing.”

“Has anyone ever told you how damn depressing you can be?”

“Yes.”

THE NEXT MORNING found me walking across the grounds just before sunrise. Blue-tinged solar-powered lamps illuminated the sidewalks. A small brown lizard scampered away from me. Smudge crouched in his cage, as if preparing to pounce. I couldn’t tell if he meant to attack or play.