Synopsis
Covers the whole plot, including the ending.
- Difficulty
- Medium
- Pacing
- Fast
- Mood
- Suspenseful, Conspiratorial, Cynical, Tense
- Read it if
- You enjoy intricate conspiracy thrillers based on real-world events, featuring a witty, cynical protagonist and a fast-paced investigation.
- Skip it if
- You prefer fantasy or romance, or are easily frustrated by complex governmental cover-ups and the slow unraveling of a mystery.
Night Fall Plot Summary
Covers the whole plot, including the ending.
The Anniversary and the Assignment
It is July 17, 2001, the fifth anniversary of the TWA Flight 800 explosion. John Corey, a former NYPD homicide detective now with the Federal Anti-Terrorist Task Force (ATTF), and his wife, FBI agent Kate Mayfield, are given a routine task: review the original investigation files. The official conclusion was mechanical failure, a fuel tank explosion. Corey, known for his cynical and unconventional approach, immediately suspects there is more to the story. Their superiors, Captain Steve Landis and FBI Director Ted Nash, seem to want a quick confirmation of the original findings, which makes Corey suspect a cover-up about the true cause of the disaster that killed 230 people.
The Mysterious Videotape
During their review, Corey and Kate find references to a missing videotape. This tape was supposedly made by a couple on a Long Island beach the night of the crash, and it might have accidentally captured the explosion. The original investigators quickly dismissed this tape. Corey becomes determined to find it, believing it holds evidence that could contradict the mechanical failure theory. He learns that the couple, Larry and Mary, were questioned, but their tape never officially appeared or was analyzed. This tape becomes the main focus of their unofficial investigation, much to their superiors' annoyance.
Initial Obstacles and Resistance
As Corey and Kate investigate, they meet significant resistance from various government agencies, including the FBI, CIA, and NTSB. Files are incomplete, witnesses are unwilling to speak, and their information requests are often denied. Their superior, Captain Landis, repeatedly warns them to stick to the official story and not cause trouble. This pushback only strengthens Corey's belief that the government is hiding information. He uses his detective skills to navigate the bureaucracy, often bypassing official channels, which worries Kate about their careers and safety.
Tracking Larry and Mary
Corey and Kate work to find Larry and Mary, the couple who supposedly filmed the crash. They discover that Larry was a lawyer and Mary a real estate agent, both married to other people. Their affair was a secret, making them reluctant to come forward with the tape. The investigation shows that Larry died by suicide a few years after the crash, and Mary disappeared, likely to avoid scandal and government inquiries. Corey believes Larry's death was suspicious and linked to the tape, not just personal shame or legal problems.
The Fisherman's Account
Corey tracks down a retired fisherman named Jack, who was on the water near the crash site on July 17, 1996. Jack initially dismissed what he saw but is now willing to talk. He describes seeing a small boat in an unusual spot shortly before the explosion, and then a flash of light going up towards the plane. His account, though vague, suggests an external object, possibly a missile, hit the aircraft. This testimony directly contradicts the official mechanical failure theory and gives Corey a key piece of evidence, further fueling his belief in a government cover-up to avoid a major international incident.
Encountering the 'Watchers'
As Corey and Kate get closer to the truth, they realize they are being watched. Unmarked cars appear, their conversations are interrupted, and their movements are tracked. They suspect it is not just their own agency watching them, but possibly other, more secretive government groups. This surveillance creates paranoia and danger, making them realize the power of the forces they are against. This confirms their suspicions that the truth about Flight 800 is a highly sensitive secret that some parties want to keep hidden, even using intimidation.
Mary's Reappearance and the Tape's Location
After much searching, Kate finds Mary, who has been living under a new identity. Mary is initially scared and unwilling to speak, fearing for her life. She eventually tells Kate about the videotape. She explains that she and Larry had hidden the tape, fearing what would happen if it fell into the wrong hands after Larry's suspicious 'suicide.' Mary gives a cryptic clue to the tape's location, a place only she and Larry knew about, making their search more urgent.
The Retrieval and the Revelation
Following Mary's instructions, Corey and Kate go on a dangerous mission to get the hidden videotape. They find it, but not without a close call, realizing they are still being pursued. When they watch the tape, their fears are confirmed: the video clearly shows an object rising from the ocean surface and hitting TWA Flight 800, followed by the explosion. The evidence is clear — the plane was shot down by a missile. This revelation disproves the official mechanical failure theory and exposes a large government cover-up that lasted five years.
Confrontation with the Conspiracy
Armed with the videotape, Corey and Kate confront their superiors, Captain Landis and Director Nash, with the evidence. The officials, initially dismissive, must admit the tape's authenticity. They reveal the true reason for the cover-up: TWA Flight 800 was accidentally shot down by a U.S. Navy missile during a secret military exercise. The government chose to hide the truth to prevent panic, avoid international condemnation, and protect the Navy's reputation, opting for a story of mechanical failure instead of admitting a devastating friendly fire incident.
The Aftermath and the Public Truth
The revelation of the missile strike causes a government crisis. Corey and Kate are pressured to keep silent, but Corey, ever the maverick, leaks parts of the story. The government, unable to completely suppress the truth, must create a new narrative, admitting to a 'friendly fire' incident but downplaying the cover-up. Public reaction is mixed, with some feeling betrayed and others accepting the deception for national security. Corey and Kate, though they exposed the truth, find their careers and lives changed forever by their pursuit of justice for the victims of Flight 800.
Principal Figures
John Corey
Protagonist
A cynical, street-smart former NYPD detective now with the Anti-Terrorist Task Force.
John Corey is a highly intelligent, sarcastic, and unconventional detective who distrusts authority and bureaucracy. He possesses a keen analytical mind, often seeing through deception, and has a knack for cutting through red tape and official obfuscation. His cynicism is a defense mechanism developed from years of dealing with corruption and injustice, but underneath it, he is driven by a strong moral compass and a desire for truth and justice. He is often a loose cannon, clashing with superiors, but his methods, though unorthodox, are usually effective.
Relationships: Kate Mayfield (Wife and professional partner; their relationship is complex, balancing love, respect, and professional friction.); Captain Steve Landis (Superior officer and initial antagonist; represents the bureaucratic resistance Corey faces.); Ted Nash (FBI Director; a powerful figure involved in the cover-up, whom Corey eventually confronts.)
Kate Mayfield
Protagonist
An intelligent and ambitious FBI agent, and John Corey's wife.
Kate Mayfield is a career FBI agent, intelligent, ambitious, and more by-the-book than her husband, John Corey. She often acts as Corey's foil, reining in his wilder impulses and providing a more diplomatic approach. Despite their differences in method, she shares Corey's commitment to justice and truth. She is initially hesitant to challenge authority but becomes increasingly determined as the extent of the cover-up becomes clear, putting her career and safety on the line for the truth. She is a skilled investigator in her own right, bringing a methodical approach to their joint efforts.
Relationships: John Corey (Husband and professional partner; their relationship is complex, balancing love, respect, and professional friction.); Captain Steve Landis (Superior officer; she tries to navigate the bureaucracy while Corey challenges it.)
Captain Steve Landis
Supporting/Antagonist
Corey and Kate's superior at the ATTF, deeply involved in the cover-up.
Captain Steve Landis is a senior officer within the Federal Anti-Terrorist Task Force, initially appearing as a bureaucratic obstacle to Corey and Kate's investigation. He consistently pushes the official narrative of mechanical failure and discourages any deviation from it. Landis represents the institutional pressure to maintain the cover-up, often using subtle threats and warnings. He is not necessarily malicious, but rather a man caught in a difficult position, prioritizing national security and the protection of the government's image over revealing a painful truth. He eventually reveals his deeper involvement and motivations.
Relationships: John Corey (Superior officer who attempts to control Corey's investigation and maintain the cover-up.); Kate Mayfield (Superior officer; she tries to work within his system while Corey rebels against it.)
Ted Nash
Antagonist
The powerful and calculating Director of the FBI.
Ted Nash is the Director of the FBI, a powerful and influential figure who is at the heart of the TWA Flight 800 cover-up. He is presented as a shrewd and pragmatic leader, willing to make difficult decisions for what he perceives as the greater good of national security and the stability of the country. Nash is adept at manipulating information and controlling narratives. He embodies the high-level government machinery that orchestrates and maintains the deception, believing that the truth about the missile strike would cause more harm than good. He is a formidable opponent for Corey and Kate.
Relationships: John Corey (The powerful adversary whom Corey and Kate must ultimately confront to expose the truth.); Captain Steve Landis (His subordinate who carries out the directives of the cover-up.)
Larry
Supporting/Mentioned
The lawyer who filmed the crash with his mistress, and later 'committed suicide'.
Larry was a successful, married lawyer who was having an affair with Mary. He was the one who recorded the infamous videotape while on the beach with Mary. After the crash and the subsequent government inquiries, he became increasingly paranoid and distressed, ultimately leading to his suspicious 'suicide.' Larry's decision to hide the tape and his subsequent fate are central to the mystery, suggesting he knew the truth was dangerous and that his life was at risk for possessing it.
Relationships: Mary (His mistress and co-conspirator in hiding the videotape.); John Corey (Corey investigates his death and the circumstances surrounding the tape.)
Mary
Supporting
Larry's mistress, who hid the crucial videotape and later resurfaces.
Mary was a real estate agent and Larry's mistress. She was present when the videotape was recorded and became a witness to the TWA Flight 800 explosion. After Larry's death, she went into hiding, fearing for her life and the implications of the tape. She carries the burden of knowing the truth and the danger associated with it. When Kate eventually finds her, Mary is initially terrified but ultimately helps Corey and Kate locate the hidden tape, driven by a desire for justice and to honor Larry's memory, despite the immense personal risk.
Relationships: Larry (Her lover and co-conspirator in hiding the videotape.); Kate Mayfield (Kate establishes trust with her to uncover the tape's location.)
Jack
Supporting
A retired fisherman who witnessed suspicious activity before the crash.
Jack is a retired fisherman who was near the crash site on the night TWA Flight 800 went down. He initially dismissed what he saw as insignificant or misinterpreted, but years later, when approached by Corey, he recounts seeing a small, unidentified boat and a light streaking upwards towards the plane just before the explosion. His eyewitness account, though from a distance, provides crucial corroborating evidence for the missile theory and helps solidify Corey's suspicions. He represents the ordinary citizen whose testimony was overlooked or suppressed by the official investigation.
Relationships: John Corey (Corey interviews him and validates his overlooked testimony.)
Themes & Insights
Government Cover-up and Deception
The main theme is the government's deliberate hiding of the truth about the TWA Flight 800 explosion. This appears in the official story of mechanical failure, the suppression of evidence like the videotape, and the intimidation of witnesses. The novel explores the ethics of such deception, balancing national security and public panic against the right to know the truth. Corey and Kate constantly face resistance and attempts to discredit them, showing the power and resources used to maintain the false story. The government's reason is to prevent panic and avoid international incident, but this costs public trust and justice for the victims.
“The truth is a terrible thing to waste, especially when you’ve spent five years burying it.”
The Maverick vs. The System
This theme explores the conflict between an individual's search for truth and justice against the power of government bureaucracy and its stories. John Corey, with his unconventional methods and distrust of authority, embodies the maverick. He constantly clashes with his superiors and various agencies, who represent 'the system' and its desire for order, control, and a convenient lie. The novel suggests that sometimes, an outsider or a rebel must expose deep secrets, even if it means risking their career and safety. Kate Mayfield initially tries to work within the system but ultimately joins Corey in challenging it.
“You can’t fight the government, John. They have more lawyers than God.”
The Nature of Truth and Memory
The novel looks at how truth can be twisted, hidden, and reinterpreted, and how memory can be flawed or intentionally manipulated. The official report on Flight 800 becomes the 'truth' for five years, despite conflicting evidence. Eyewitness accounts, like Jack's, are initially dismissed or self-censored. The videotape itself is a physical representation of objective truth, but its existence is denied. The book questions whether a 'greater good' can justify lying to the public and how individuals reconcile personal knowledge with official stories. It also highlights the fragility of memory and the power of collective forgetting when a convenient lie is spread.
“There’s the truth, and then there’s what the government wants you to believe.”
Personal Cost of Pursuit
The search for truth comes at a significant personal cost for Corey and Kate. Their careers are at risk, their marriage is strained by pressure and danger, and their lives are threatened by surveillance and intimidation. Larry and Mary's story shows this theme tragically, as Larry dies and Mary must hide. The novel shows that challenging powerful groups has severe consequences, not only professionally but also psychologically and emotionally. It forces the characters to weigh the importance of uncovering a terrible truth against their own well-being and security.
“Sometimes, knowing the truth is a heavier burden than living with the lie.”
Plot Devices & Literary Techniques
The Missing Videotape
A crucial piece of evidence that drives the entire investigation.
The videotape filmed by Larry and Mary is the central MacGuffin and plot device. Its existence, disappearance, and eventual retrieval propel the narrative forward. It represents the objective, undeniable truth that contradicts the official narrative. The search for the tape forces Corey and Kate to navigate bureaucratic obstacles, track down reluctant witnesses, and confront dangerous adversaries. The tape acts as both a source of hope for justice and a symbol of the immense power of the government to suppress inconvenient facts. Its contents ultimately provide the irrefutable proof needed to expose the cover-up.
The Five-Year Anniversary
The temporal setting that reopens the cold case.
The five-year anniversary of the TWA Flight 800 crash serves as the narrative catalyst. It provides a plausible reason for the ATTF to conduct a 'review' of the original investigation, thereby allowing Corey and Kate to stumble upon the inconsistencies. This specific timeframe also adds a sense of urgency and reflection, as the memory of the tragedy is still fresh for many, but the official story has had time to solidify. It allows for characters to have processed the initial shock and perhaps be more willing to speak out, while also highlighting the long-standing nature of the cover-up.
The Maverick Detective (John Corey)
A character archetype whose unconventional methods challenge the status quo.
John Corey embodies the 'maverick detective' archetype. His cynicism, disregard for protocol, sarcastic humor, and intuitive investigative style are crucial plot devices. He consistently questions authority and refuses to accept official explanations, driving the narrative by digging deeper where others would stop. His clashes with superiors and his tendency to operate outside official channels create tension and allow for breakthroughs that a more by-the-book investigator might miss. His personality is not just characterization; it's the engine that propels the plot against overwhelming institutional resistance.
Friendly Fire Incident
The hidden truth behind the crash, revealed as the story's climax.
The revelation that TWA Flight 800 was brought down by a 'friendly fire' missile strike during a secret U.S. Navy exercise serves as the ultimate plot twist and the core of the government's cover-up. This device provides a compelling and plausible reason for the extensive deception, elevating the stakes from a mere accident to a national security nightmare. It explains why so many agencies were involved in suppressing the truth and why the government went to such lengths to maintain the mechanical failure narrative, making the conspiracy both horrifying and, from a certain perspective, understandable in its motives.
Night Fall Quotes
“The past is never dead. It's not even past.”
“There are no coincidences, only the inevitable.”
“Ignorance is not bliss, it's dangerous.”
“The truth is a fickle mistress, and she rarely reveals herself fully.”
“Every secret has a shelf life, and eventually, they all rot.”
“Patriotism is the last refuge of a scoundrel, and the first excuse of a murderer.”
“Sometimes the most obvious explanation is the one they want you to believe.”
“The government never lies, but it often withholds the truth.”
“Even heroes have feet of clay, and sometimes the whole statue crumbles.”
“The ocean keeps its secrets well, but not forever.”
“Paranoia is just heightened awareness in a dangerous world.”
“Justice is a long and winding road, often paved with good intentions and bad outcomes.”
“There's a difference between what happened and what you can prove happened.”
“Some wounds never heal, they just scar over, waiting to be reopened.”
Quiz
10 questions on the plot and the characters. Each answer comes with a short explanation.
Question 1
What is the primary reason the government initially gives for the explosion of TWA Flight 800?
- A terrorist bomb
- A missile strike
- Mechanical failure
- Pilot error
Show answer
C. Mechanical failure The book's premise states that the government's official verdict for the crash of TWA Flight 800 was mechanical failure.
Question 2
On what specific date does TWA Flight 800 explode?
- July 17, 2001
- July 17, 1996
- August 17, 1996
- June 17, 1996
Show answer
B. July 17, 1996 The back cover explicitly states the event occurred on 'July 17, 1996'.
Question 3
What is the marital status of the man and woman making love on the beach who record the explosion?
- They are married to each other.
- They are both single.
- They are married, but not to each other.
- One is married, the other is single.
Show answer
C. They are married, but not to each other. The description clearly states they 'are married--but not to each other'.
Question 4
Who are the two members of the Federal Anti-Terrorist Task Force assigned to reopen the case?
- John Corey and his partner, Ted Nash
- Kate Mayfield and her supervisor, Agent Smith
- John Corey and his wife, Kate Mayfield
- An unnamed FBI agent and an NYPD detective
Show answer
C. John Corey and his wife, Kate Mayfield The back cover identifies 'John Corey, an ex-NYPD detective, and his wife, Kate Mayfield, a career FBI agent' as the protagonists.
Question 5
What is John Corey's professional background before joining the Federal Anti-Terrorist Task Force?
- A career FBI agent
- An ex-NYPD detective
- A military intelligence officer
- A private investigator
Show answer
B. An ex-NYPD detective The text describes John Corey as 'an ex-NYPD detective'.
Question 6
What is the crucial piece of evidence that John Corey and Kate Mayfield are specifically searching for?
- The black box recorder from the plane
- Witness testimonies from the beach
- A videotape recorded on the beach
- Declassified government documents
Show answer
C. A videotape recorded on the beach The back cover states, 'But the videotape may tell another story--if it can be found. ... Together, they hunt for the crucial video...'.
Question 7
How many years after the TWA Flight 800 crash do John Corey and Kate Mayfield begin their investigation?
- Three years
- Four years
- Five years
- Ten years
Show answer
C. Five years The text states, 'Now on the fifth anniversary of the crash, two members of the Federal Anti-Terrorist Task Force set out to reopen the case'.
Question 8
What is the central thematic conflict suggested by the description regarding the cause of the TWA Flight 800 crash?
- The conflict between human error and technological advancement.
- The conflict between a government cover-up and an elusive, horrifying truth.
- The conflict between personal relationships and professional duty.
- The conflict between journalistic integrity and public perception.
Show answer
B. The conflict between a government cover-up and an elusive, horrifying truth. The description highlights the contrast between 'The government's verdict is mechanical failure' and the hunt for 'an elusive truth even more horrifying than the crash itself,' strongly implying a cover-up.
Question 9
What is Kate Mayfield's professional role?
- An ex-NYPD detective
- A career FBI agent
- A freelance journalist
- A forensic investigator
Show answer
B. A career FBI agent The back cover describes Kate Mayfield as 'a career FBI agent'.
Question 10
Where specifically are the man and woman making love and recording the incident?
- On a boat near the crash site
- At a hotel overlooking the ocean
- On a Long Island beach
- In a private residence near the coast
Show answer
C. On a Long Island beach The text specifies they 'make love on a Long Island beach'.
Night Fall FAQ
What is the central mystery John Corey and Kate Mayfield investigate in 'Night Fall'?
John Corey and Kate Mayfield, members of the Federal Anti-Terrorist Task Force, investigate the true cause of the TWA Flight 800 explosion on its fifth anniversary. They are specifically looking for a videotape that might contradict the government's official explanation of mechanical failure, hinting at a more sinister truth.
Who are the two individuals making love on the beach whose video camera might have captured the TWA Flight 800 explosion?
The initial setup describes a man and a woman, married but not to each other, making love on a Long Island beach with a video camera recording. This illicit encounter inadvertently positions their camera to potentially capture the TWA Flight 800 explosion, making their tape critical to the investigation.
What is the official government explanation for the TWA Flight 800 crash that Corey and Mayfield are challenging?
The official government verdict regarding the TWA Flight 800 explosion is mechanical failure. John Corey and Kate Mayfield's investigation aims to uncover evidence, particularly the missing videotape, that might prove this explanation false and suggest an alternative, more horrifying cause.
When does the story's main investigation take place, relative to the actual TWA Flight 800 crash?
The main investigation in 'Night Fall' occurs on the fifth anniversary of the TWA Flight 800 crash, which happened on July 17, 1996. This timing allows for a look back at the original events and the official findings while re-examining evidence with fresh eyes.
How does John Corey's background as an ex-NYPD detective influence his approach to the TWA Flight 800 investigation?
John Corey's background as an ex-NYPD detective equips him with a cynical, street-smart approach and a healthy distrust of official narratives. He often relies on intuition and a willingness to challenge authority, which is crucial for questioning the established mechanical failure theory.
What role does Kate Mayfield's career as an FBI agent play in the investigation, and how does it complement Corey's style?
Kate Mayfield, a career FBI agent and Corey's wife, brings a more structured, by-the-book approach to the investigation. Her official standing and procedural knowledge often provide a necessary counterpoint to Corey's maverick tendencies, allowing them to navigate bureaucratic obstacles while still pursuing unconventional leads.
What specific details about the illicit affair on the beach become relevant beyond just the video footage?
Beyond the potential video footage, the identities and backgrounds of the couple having the affair become crucial. Their social standing, connections, and reasons for secrecy could either aid in locating the tape or provide motives for its suppression, adding layers to the conspiracy.
How does the author, Nelson DeMille, use the 'based on true events' premise to build tension and conspiracy?
DeMille leverages the real-world mystery and lingering public doubt surrounding TWA Flight 800 to ground his fictional conspiracy in a plausible setting. By suggesting a hidden truth behind a widely accepted official verdict, he taps into existing anxieties and makes the fictional investigation feel more urgent and dangerous.
What psychological impact does the search for the 'elusive truth' have on John Corey?
The relentless search for the 'elusive truth' deeply affects John Corey, fueling his inherent skepticism and paranoia. As he uncovers more inconsistencies, his belief in a vast cover-up intensifies, pushing him to take greater risks and trust fewer people, even within his own agency.
Are there any specific government agencies or individuals within the government that become obstacles to Corey and Mayfield's investigation?
The narrative implies that elements within various government agencies, potentially including those responsible for the initial investigation, become obstacles. These individuals or factions might actively suppress information or misdirect Corey and Mayfield to protect the official story or their own interests.
How does the setting of Long Island play a role in the unfolding mystery?
Long Island, as the location of the crash and the beach where the video was recorded, serves as a central geographical point. Its proximity to New York and its diverse communities provide both potential witnesses and hiding places, weaving local color into the national conspiracy.
What makes the 'elusive truth' potentially 'even more horrifying than the crash itself'?
The 'elusive truth' being 'more horrifying' suggests that the crash was not a tragic accident but a deliberate act, possibly an act of terrorism or a government cover-up of a catastrophic mistake. This implies a level of human malice or systemic failure far more disturbing than a mechanical malfunction.
Does the book explore the motivations of those who might be trying to suppress the truth about the crash?
Yes, the book delves into the motivations of those attempting to suppress the truth. These motivations range from protecting national security and avoiding public panic to safeguarding political careers or concealing egregious errors, painting a complex picture of the forces at play.
How does the relationship between John Corey and Kate Mayfield evolve throughout the high-stakes investigation?
The high-stakes investigation puts significant pressure on John Corey and Kate Mayfield's marriage. Their differing professional approaches and personal stakes test their trust and communication, forcing them to navigate both professional dangers and marital challenges as they pursue the truth.
Is there a sense of moral ambiguity presented in the actions of characters trying to protect the 'official' story?
Yes, the book often presents a sense of moral ambiguity among characters protecting the official story. Some may genuinely believe they are acting for the greater good or national security, while others are driven by self-preservation or corruption, blurring the lines between right and wrong.
What narrative techniques does DeMille employ to maintain suspense and draw the reader into the conspiracy?
DeMille employs a first-person narrative from John Corey's perspective, filled with his cynical wit and internal monologues, to draw readers in. He uses a slow reveal of clues, red herrings, and escalating threats to maintain suspense, making the reader feel as if they are uncovering the conspiracy alongside Corey.
Are there any specific technological or surveillance details that become crucial to finding the videotape or other evidence?
The pursuit of the videotape involves various technological and surveillance details, from analyzing existing flight data and radar to employing modern investigative techniques to track down the couple. The challenges of recovering and authenticating such evidence are central to the plot.
How does the book address the emotional toll of the TWA Flight 800 tragedy on the victims' families, even five years later?
While focusing on the investigation, the book implicitly and sometimes explicitly acknowledges the lingering emotional toll on the victims' families. Their ongoing grief and desire for truth serve as a backdrop, emphasizing the profound human impact of the crash and the importance of Corey and Mayfield's mission.
About the author
Nelson DeMille is an American author known for his works of fiction, particularly in the thriller genre. His notable books include Night Fall, which explores the aftermath of a terrorist attack, Word of Honor, a story about a Vietnam War veteran, By the Rivers of Babylon, which delves into a hostage crisis, and Mayday, a suspenseful tale set aboard a commercial airliner.
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