Melody

Während eines Konzerts der Rockband "Sonic War" werden zwei Polizisten zu Tode geprügelt. Als Angestellter eines Plattenlabels getarnt will Cade den Vorfall untersuchen. Er glaubt, dass die Gua dahinterstecken und die Musik der Band so manipulieren, dass die Fans ausrasten. Und tatsächlich stößt Cade bald auf Gua-Agenten.

Foster poses as a record executive to investigate a band whose music inspires violence. - - - Quatrain 30, Century 4: "Where iron chariots are forged / The sweet youth cries revolt over a bitter melody / The poisoned song taints mind and soul / Spread by air across the land' s tears washes away ties to Rome / Fear extracts vain sacrifice until the raging pyre of the deluge is quenched." Seemed like Nostradamus' "iron chariots" might've been a reference to Detroit, Michigan & the Motor City. A mob of teen-agers had made headlines when they assaulted two officers at an underground club. With both cops listed in critical condition, parents blamed a local band called Sonic War for inciting the violence. I knew if the aliens were involved, this was about a lot more than rock-n-roll. I posed as a record company executive on the lookout for the next big thing and approached Sonic War's manager, Preston Barry.