"As Mahmood approached them, Jimmy saw what was in Mahmood's good hand. He knew what it was. Mahmood used such devices frequently on his captives and had used such a device on Jimmy before. Jimmy screamed louder in rage and frustration. 'I do not want that on my head." He tried to move away from Mahmood but made little progress because of the handcuffs. Mahmood reached over to try to put the device on. Jimmy bent his head away from Mahmood in order to avoid the device. Jimmy was unsuccessful and the device went on. When the sphere touched the top of his head, it flowed out in all directions, assuming a more flattened shape. It stuck to his head despite the fact that he used his free hand to try to pull it off. He started sobbing. All his movements gradually started getting slower and slower. He appeared to get weaker and weaker, which he was. The violent emotions shown on his face became more subdued. He began to get lethargic. He slowly sank to the floor."

In New York City, a new World Trade Center has arisen from the ruins of the old World Trade Center, but it's not long before it too collapses into flames. Arab suicidal bombers drive six tractor trailers loaded with explosives into the World Trade Center, prompting an American invasion of Syria in retaliation.

A guerrilla war is being fought in Syria against the United States. The American people are outraged at the staggering number of American casualties, and President Weed's position in public opinion polls declines in the midst of the presidential election campaign, making his reelection not certain. Adding to his problems is the presence of a vituperative antiwar third party candidate.

In an attempt to win the election and to win the war in Syria, Vice President Regina Ropey, President Weed's mentor, devises a plan to completely eradicate Islam. To weaken the Arabs' faith in their religion, Ropey proposes that the sacred stone of the Muslims, the Black Stone of Ka'ba, be destroyed. Will Ropey's bold plan work, or is the United States on a collision course with a dark fate?

"As Mahmood approached them, Jimmy saw what was in Mahmood's good hand. He knew what it was. Mahmood used such devices frequently on his captives and had used such a device on Jimmy before. Jimmy screamed louder in rage and frustration. 'I do not want that on my head." He tried to move away from Mahmood but made little progress because of the handcuffs. Mahmood reached over to try to put the device on. Jimmy bent his head away from Mahmood in order to avoid the device. Jimmy was unsuccessful and the device went on. When the sphere touched the top of his head, it flowed out in all directions, assuming a more flattened shape. It stuck to his head despite the fact that he used his free hand to try to pull it off. He started sobbing. All his movements gradually started getting slower and slower. He appeared to get weaker and weaker, which he was. The violent emotions shown on his face became more subdued. He began to get lethargic. He slowly sank to the floor."

In New York City, a new World Trade Center has arisen from the ruins of the old World Trade Center, but it's not long before it too collapses into flames. Arab suicidal bombers drive six tractor trailers loaded with explosives into the World Trade Center, prompting an American invasion of Syria in retaliation. A guerrilla war is being fought in Syria against the United States. The American people are outraged at the staggering number of American casualties, and President Weed's position in public opinion polls declines in the midst of the presidential election campaign, making his reelection not certain. Adding to his problems is the presence of a vituperative antiwar third party candidate. In an attempt to win the election and to win the war in Syria, Vice President Regina Ropey, President Weed's mentor, devises a plan to completely eradicate Islam. To weaken the Arabs' faith in their religion, Ropey proposes that the sacred stone of the Muslims, the Black Stone of Ka'ba, be destroyed. Will Ropey's bold plan work, or is the United States on a collision course with a dark fate?