Day 300 - Battle

 BATTLE

Prompt - Battle : Write about an epic battle, whether real, fictional or figurative

The general put down the phone and looked around at the tense, expectant faces in the bunker's command room.  He both did and didn't want to say what he knew he had to say, for he would have liked further time to consider the implications for himself, but time was now like the last of the sands in the timer.  Running out, moving faster and faster.

"That was the president."  A redundant statement, for they all knew was the only person who could have called.  But they also knew he said it to give himself time to phrase what came next.  And, like him, they both did and didn't want to hear it.

"There are Chinese missiles heading for the US west coast, and for southern Europe.  We are awaiting news of how many, if any, make it through our outer anti missile defences.  As soon as this is known a decision on launching will be taken and conveyed to us.  In the meantime we are to arm and ready all missiles targeted on the Chinese mainland.  Jack, take the necessary steps to convert all silos into immediate launch readiness."

Jack, aka Colonel Grubaur,  swiftly, efficiently, unthinkingly gave the orders that enacted the order he'd been given.  One step at a time, with double checks on systems after each step.  It took twenty four minutes from the command being issued to a complete state of readiness.  The Colonel went back the General, saluted, and said exactly what he was supposed to say.

"All silos are now open, missile command launch sequences initiated and held ready for immediate action, all warheads are armed and targeting confirmed, sir."

"Thank you Jack.  And now we wait.  I'll address the command."  The General moved over to the internal comms desk, asked the operator for a mike patched through to the entire bunker.  He took a deep breath and began his address.

"Ladies and gentlemen, no need for formality now.  We all know each other well, and we all know exactly why we're here and how we got to this position.  Those of you not in the command room at present will have heard the noises and know exactly what they mean.  On the orders of the Commander in Chief we have now opened all silos, and both missiles and warheads are in a state of immediate readiness.  You will be wondering what happens next."  He paused, trying to find the right words.  "And that all depends on the next call I receive.  We are all in this together, and I think we should all hear the news at the same time. All personnel please make their way to the command room as soon as possible.  You should know what there is to know as soon as I know it."

There was a mild ripple of approval around the room, the others in full agreement that everyone on the base should be there to share the fateful moment.  And so they made space, moved what could be moved, as a further fifteen people steadily entered, nodded, took their stance.  

"Feel free to talk among yourselves, there's nothing more to be done for now.  But I want complete silence the moment that phone rings."  The General looked meaningfully at Warrant Officer Lachowitz, who snapped to attention and saluted to show his understanding, to be given a warm nod in return.  Lachowitz moved closer to the phone receiver.  

The phone rang, Lachowitz bellowed, and thirty two pairs of eyes turned on the General.  he picked up the red instrument, put it to his ear, stated his name rank and name.  And listened.  He didn't have to listen for long, but while he did his eyes stared up at the ceiling, well away from any possible contact with others.  His face remained passionless, his lips thin.

"Colonel Grubaur."

"Sir!"

"initiate firing sequence on all missiles, immediately."

"Yes sir."  Grubaur gave only three short orders.  The second almost immediately following the first, the third taking him a little longer, as he absorbed the immensity of his words.  He walked back to the General.  "All missiles launched sir."  With the crispest of salutes.

"Thank you Jack."  He looked around the room, looked at the varied expressions of stoicism, disbelief, fear.  "We have all done our duty here, and enacted the orders of the Commander in Chief.  God bless America.  Other than the tracking team you may all stand down.  I'll let you know what I know when I know it."

There were muttered thank you sirs as the group broke up, voices soft and contemplative.  Everyone left to their own thoughts.  

Most shared the same thought as the General.  'This is how the end of the world begins.'