Who was abusing whom here? Jon asked himself. Did Cheryl want the best for her daughter, or was she mostly interested in making sure she was happy—and what in heck was the difference? Jon wasn’t a parent—he could never know the answer to that question. The closest he came to family had been Paul and Patrick McLanahan— one was dead, the other an emotional wreck.

Best to just get out of there and let them have their time together, Jon thought. Cheryl obviously treasured even these little moments, as long as they could be together— even if it was at the control terminal of a fifty-million-dollar laser.

PRESIDENT ANWAR SADAT UNITY
 STADIUM, CAIRO EGYPT
 SEVERAL DAYS LATER

“My brothers and sisters, may God bless and protect you, and may He grant all of us everlasting peace and happiness,” Egyptian president Susan Bailey Salaam began. The military memorial service for the slain, injured, and missing of Mersa Matruh had concluded, and then came the political rally and the speeches. Last to step up to the dais was the president herself, making her first political speech since taking office. The cheering was deafening: It rattled seats, made the flags high atop the rim of the stadium flutter, and even caused car alarms in the parking lot outside to go off.

“We are here to pray for the victims of the terrible tragedy that claimed so many lives,” Susan went on. “I pledge to you, on the memory of my beloved husband, to work tirelessly to bring to justice those that perpetrated that horrible deed. They will be brought before the people of Egypt, and they will feel our wrath—this I guarantee you.

“But we are here not just for vengeance or retribution, but to profess our strength and unity in the eyes of God and to everyone in the world,” Salaam went on. “None may challenge us. None may stay our hands or our voices, because God is on the side of the believers, and he will defend and protect those who stand for justice and peace.”

Seated beside her, General Ahmad Baris, Egypt’s new foreign minister, looked on, applauding enthusiastically and rising from his seat each time she was given a standing ovation. Outwardly, he was proud and overwhelmed by the effusive show of support for his friend ...

... but inwardly, he was confused and, yes, a little frightened.

“My friends, we are here in the presence of God for one reason: to show Him that the faith, the solidarity, and the unity of His people is stronger than ever. We have an opportunity to do exactly that.

“We have seen the birth of an exciting and promising new venture: the opening of the Salimah oil project to all Arab workers. My goal is simple but powerful: share the wealth of our land with all of our Arab brothers and sisters. We have opened our borders to friends. We pledge Egypt’s protection and support to all who enter peacefully. Salimah promises full employment, wealth, and happiness to anyone who is willing to take a chance and brave the Sahara. Egypt recognizes the bravery and sacrifice of everyone who ventures to Salimah, and we will defend and protect you in your travels and your labors—this I promise.”