Quoted By:
<span class="mu-s"><span class="mu-r">HOUR 8</span></span>
>I want that base back under our control, and we’ll be taking it by force.
The rest of the table nods, accepting your decision, though you know some don’t approve. But you’ll be damned if you let this spiral out of control. Before Frank can make the call however, you raise a finger to get his attention.
>I want the SEALS on this one. And make sure it’s the best they have. I want them infiltrating the base, seizing key sites ahead of the main force. Priority should be seizing or disabling comms to the rogue element can’t get any phoney launch orders out when they realise they’re under attack.
“Got it, sir.”
>I’ll also want Air Force Special Tactics Teams to handle the radar/air traffic while the SEALS make a HALO drop onto the site. And any other spec ops teams we have too, overkill won’t be enough on this mission.
“Right away.”
As Frank begins making the calls you lean over to Albert.
>Can we perhaps frame the attack as a base lockdown? Some kind of hazmat fuel leak, or something like that. We don’t want the public panicking.
Kate raises her head. “I can handle that, Mr. President. I’ll make some calls to the media and we’ll have that story running by lunch.”
You blink and glance at the 24 hour readout on the screen above you. It reads 12:07pm. You’ve been at this all night. Another four hours and those bombers will be at their targets. You only hope your preparations have been enough.
>Thank you, Kate. You get right on that.
While Frank and Kate are busy making calls, you look to Albert.
>We’re also going to need a safe word to guard against any unauthorised launches. We can’t have them pulling a fast one on us. Our nuclear forces don’t get the word, they don’t launch, and we get informed when they receive orders without it.
Albert nods seriously. “A wise idea, Mr. President. But what should it be?”
You take a moment to think, then say:
>How about, <span class="mu-s"><span class="mu-b"><span class="mu-i">FAIL-SAFE?</span></span></span>
