In the aftermath of the September 11, 2001 attacks on the United States, Joe Legion fights to protect his U.S. family and European relatives from a yet unknown enemy and from former friends who appear to have changed allegiances. Joe sharpens the fighting and survival skills he learned in the Army years earlier when he replaced his brother, who was presumed lost during a special operations mission. As an International Responder on earthquake relief missions in India and Peru before 9/11, Joe encounters individuals and small networks engaged in illegal trafficking in drugs, weapons, nuclear materials, and other contraband. Convinced of their links to larger terrorist groups after the 9/11 attacks, Joe demands authorization from MAGENTA, his former contact in the Pentagon, to disrupt and destroy these small, illegal operations while the U.S. military, FBI, and CIA pursue higher value targets. Joe enlists the aid of friends and family members he had previously organized to hunt for the legendary treasure of Juraj Janosik, the early 18th century Robin Hood and national hero of Slovakia. Joe's "recruits" willingly accompany him to confront dangerous adversaries under dangerous conditions in dangerous places including India, South and Central America, Europe, Russia, North Africa, and Joe's back yard. In solemn tribute to the known and unnamed defenders of the United States from its origin to the present day, the author deftly interweaves the horror of 9/11 with his personal experiences and actual historical events, causes, and consequences that have sometimes shaken our nation, but never defeated it. My book has received the following reviews, among others : "... Action, adventure, mystery, international intrigue, politics, a treasure hunt ... it feels like there is an adventure or plot around every corner ... all these exotic locales come to life with a touch of historical fact and details that the reader just knows comes from experience.  I enjoyed turning the pages not only to follow the adventure, but also to explore the world, my world, and the world of Joe Legion ...."                         --  Judge, Writer's Digest 21st Annual Self-Published Book Awards --"Even from the first couple of chapters, it's hard not to suspect that Banas has insiders' knowledge of international intrigue"."                         -- Janet Wilmouth of the Lisle Sun --"Banas builds his story on a strong, historical foundation, sharing details of actual events to create for his readers an authenticity and realism that puts us all at the "front" in the war on terror"                         -- Reviewer Ron Logeman --"You get the excitement of the story along with important historical information that all of us should never forget."                         -- Reviewer Pete Earleywine --"This story uses fictionalized real characters to convey dozens of true meaningful messages to the readers."                         -- Sean Ely of the Owosso (Michigan) Argus Press --"The character of Joe Legion is highly memorable, and the dialog is inspired, smart, philosophical, and funny."                         -- Professional Editor Chris Yurko --"I enjoyed your book immensely.  Your characters  Hassan and Vasily would be great in a spy thriller on TV."                         -- Joanne, cancer patient -- -- Dedication -- I dedicate this book to my wife, family and friends, neighbors, and colleagues for their inspiration, encouragement, and help to make the publication of this book possible. More broadly, I dedicate my work to all military and civilian defenders of this country from its inception to the present day. Their commitment, devotion to duty, and personal sacrifices mark the path to our freedoms and signal our ever-present responsibility to guard and maintain them. -- George Banas, Author -- From the Director of the Hollywood Book Festival : "Our book awards contests receive many submissions every year. For one book to win in two competitions is a rare achievement and a testament to the work's broad appeal." -- Bruce Haring, Managing Director, JM Northern Media -- I am an early Vietnam-era veteran who currently resides in suburban Chicago.  I hold a Bachelor's Degree in Marketing, earned my MBA in Human Resources, and achieved a Juris Doctor degree in Corporate Law. Following my retirement, I was Board Secretary for the local Wildlife Center Foundation and held a similar position with the local Library District. Initial inspiration for my book titled: "Terrorists and the Terchova Treasure - In My Brother's Place" came when trapped with my wife between Tangiers, Morocco and Madrid, Spain on 9/11/01. Like other U.S. travelers abroad on that fateful day, I did not know how soon I would be able to return to the States with all international flights to the U.S. grounded. And, like other travelers, I did not know who the enemy was. Recalling survival skills learned years earlier while serving in the Army, I set abou