On the private tarmac of Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (Sea-Tac), a black Gulfstream G650 sliced through the curtain of rain and touched down. Emblazoned on the fuselage was the insignia of the Sterling Group—a roaring silver lion. Roman stepped out of the cabin and frowned in distaste. The damp, bone-chilling air offended him. Everyone here looked as if they were in hibernation, swaddled i