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ACE satellite provides for a very strong possibility.”
    â€œCan we get both scientists on the screen at the same time?” President Harris asks of the crowded room. On command, both faces appear side by side.
    â€œDr. Blake, what could we be in for?” the President asks.
    Sam arms the sweat from his brow. “The plasma storm could be devastating, Mr. President. Massive power grid failures, the loss of communication and navigation satellites. . . All the water and sewage treatment plants would go off-line, along with all public transportation that relies on the electrical grid. In addition, fuel will become scarce, and pipelines will no longer function. Basically, Mr. President, life as we know it would change drastically.”
    â€œA grim picture, Dr. Blake. Major Garcia, could it be as bad as Sam suggests?”
    â€œI believe the worst you can imagine could occur, Mr. President. All flights need to be grounded soon, due to the potential loss of the navigation and communication satellites. We also need to switch off as many of the power grids as possible in hopes they could be restarted after the effects of the storm pass. But, sir, keep in mind this event will not only occur in the United States. This storm may have devastating consequences for every country north of the equator and possibly those countries farther south. Our systems, basically everything in our lives, are so reliant on electricity that the effects could be catastrophic. There’s also the potential risk of meltdowns at nuclear power plants due to failed cooling systems.”
    Silence fills the room.
    The President glances over at Ambassador Nelson. Most of the UK’s electricity is produced by nuclear reactors. The ambassador stands, making apologies about having to step out to phone the prime minister. The President nods and returns his focus to the screen. As yet none of the other participants have spoken, until Director of Homeland Security Janice Baker chimes in.
    â€œMr. President, I believe they’re overstating the effects of something which might not even occur.”
    â€œSo, Janice, you want us to sit on our thumbs until the power goes out for however long?” The President’s stern gaze is locked on the director’s face.
    â€œNo, sir, but I think we should at least wait until we have confirmation this storm is even going to happen. Imagine the outcry if we order all flights grounded. That in itself will create a nationwide panic—”
    â€œMr. President,” Dr. Blake says, “we cannot offer absolute confirmation due to the lack of available working instruments. But every moment we wait is critical. We don’t know for certain shutting down the power grids will allow them to escape destruction, but it’s our best option. We haven’t experienced a solar storm of this magnitude since the advent of worldwide electricity. There are many unanswerable questions, but I would suggest, sir, that you call up the National Guard.”
    The chairman of the Joint Chiefs bristles. “Mr. President, most of our National Guard troops are deployed overseas.”
    President Harris makes no reply as he mulls over the implications of the coming storm.

C HAPTER 10
    NOAA Space Weather Prediction Center
    Wednesday, September 29, 9:42 A.M .
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    S am slumps in his chair as the reedy voices continue to bicker over the small earphone in his ear. Kaylee, sitting near and listening in, puts her hand on his arm. The room feels as if the thermostat is set to max heat, and a stream of moisture slithers down his back.
    â€œWe’re wasting time,” he says to Kaylee.
    â€œGive me a few minutes, Dr. Blake,” the President says.
    Sam blushes, not realizing his mike is still active. The nasal voice of the director of homeland security, who has the advantage of sitting next to the President, is the loudest.
    â€œSir, we need more definitive information,” she says.
    Sam covers the