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will be any geomagnetic storming from this event due to the slow speed of the CME. Just keep monitoring, and please, don’t get lulled into a false sense of security.”
    Dr. Stanford needed some air. The sun would be setting over the western edge of the Andes and would be a beautiful sight. At the end of most days, she would head home, only to renew her monitoring in the morning. Tonight, she planned to sleep on the sofa in her cramped office.
    She walked into the rapidly cooling night air. The temperatures rose well into the nineties by late afternoon, but would be in the low thirties within hours.
    Ordinarily, watching the sunset would calm her. People paid big bucks to travel to the beach, dig their toes in the sand, and watch the ball of fire sink into the ocean. To most, it was comforting that the sun would be back the next day, bringing with it light and life. As the sun began to fall over the westernmost peaks into the horizon of the Pacific Ocean, she talked to it.
    Dr. Stanford was skeptical. “What are you up to? I feel like you’re waiting for something.” She stared as the fireball slowly disappeared. She brushed the hair out of her face and tucked it behind her ears.
    She stared at the dormant volcanoes that blended into the landscape of the Andes Mountains. These sleeping giants would roar to life again someday. The molten lava and gasses of a volcano would increase in pressure until it was vented, resulting in an eruption.
    The sun worked on the same principle, although no lava was involved. The hot gasses and ionized particles swelled until the plasma was released. A chill ran over her body, and she unconsciously hugged herself, still staring at the bright orange star as it disappeared over the Andes. Then it dawned on her.
    “It’s building.”
     

Chapter 8
    27 Hours
    8:00 p.m., September 7
    American Airlines Center
    Dallas
     
    Outside of the American Airlines Center was a sign containing the letters—VIP. Fans of the NBA’s Dallas Mavericks and the NHL’s Dallas Stars walked past the dedicated entrance every game, but few of them got to enter the Lexus Garage allowing access to the premium seating. Admission to the luxury suites didn’t just mean you got to separate yourself from the rest of the madness that accompanied a large-scale concert like tonight’s. The perks went further than that. Attendees in the luxury suites got specialty foods and cocktails, concierge-level service, private restrooms, and features including multiple HDTV screens streaming the concert as well as any channel available on DirecTV.
    Colton was beginning to enjoy the perks of his status as one of the premier talent agents in the nation. Soon, he would be sought by promoters of events seeking access to his client base, as opposed to the other way around.
    The concert was in full swing, but most of the guests of Jerry Jones engaged in conversation and drinks. Joining them tonight in the luxury suite were Rudy Gatlin of the Gatlin Brothers, Kelly Clarkson of American Idol fame, and Colby Donaldson, who became known for his runner-up appearance on the second season of Survivor on CBS. He subsequently appeared on the Survivor reality show in two more seasons.
    “Pretty incredible, don’t you think?” said Donaldson to Colton.
    Colton took another bite of a buffalo chicken sandwich and nodded with his mouth full. “Yeah, it is,” he replied, swallowing fast. “I saw a Nashville Stars game in one of their suites, but the level of luxury wasn’t close to this. While walking through the AA concourse, I recognized a lot of local celebrities.” Despite his career, Colton, who had a humble upbringing, was still starstruck at times.
    Donaldson put down his Bud Light and grabbed another one out of the refrigerator. “Want one?” he asked Colton.
    “No, thanks, this IBC is fine.” Colton didn’t drink beer, opting instead for his longtime favorite roost beer , as he’d called it since childhood. “Do you come up here