“But they can’t be controlled. They can’t be used as weapons—”

“Unless we find William. And all the different branches of the SSA around the world have the intelligence that he is considered the conduit. So don’t think we’re the only ones after him all this time. Imagine if another superpower gets to him first. We did have him, until your family got involved. We suspect your nephew is operating not by his own will. We tried to bring him in, remove whatever it is within them all to stop this. Now, he’s left us no choice.”

“I know him. He’s smart, and he’s trying to stop this. He’s worried about what they can do.”

“He’s a college dropout who mows lawns and can control people with unstoppable weapons. I’ll keep the security of this nation in our hands, if you don’t mind.”

He looked out the window. “We are at the end of this, Senator. You will have to choose whether to uphold your sworn duty to serve the people of this country or put your family first. I think I know how you will choose.”

“You don’t know anything about me.”

“Really?” He raised his eyebrows. “No husband. No children. No family of your own. Your entire life is devoted to amassing power. If the world survives this, you could be president one day. And that, of course, will all depend on whether or not you can make some hard decisions.”

“What I can do? I have no way of finding him. Surely you aren’t thinking of using me as some kind of bait? Because I can tell you, he’s not especially fond of me at the moment.”

“Of course not. But your mother, your sister, your family friend back there. That’s a different story. He’s quite fond of them. Which is why you will convince them to help us bring him in. Just so it’s clear, the commander in chief agrees this must be done. If you’d like, I can get him on the phone.”

Kate crossed her ankles. “Funny, General. I’ve used the same threat myself in the past when I’ve needed someone to follow my direction.”

“Then you understand that our president is not a man to piss off. He’s been made aware that while the San Joaquin Valley has been evacuated, there are still people inside. It’s been difficult to track with the fires, but thermal imaging shows a small pocket of people moving. We’ve been keeping watch on them. We’ll be landing at Beale Air Force Base and then taking helicopters to their current location. We have men stationed nearby.”

“How can anyone exist in that?” she asked.