The Fall by Michael McBride

Author:Michael McBride [McBride, Michael]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Factor V Classic Releases
Published: 2014-12-23T06:00:00+00:00

V

Washington, D.C.

“MY FELLOW AMERICANS,” THE PRESIDENT BEGAN, QUICKLY LOOKING TO HIS right to where Brigadier General Alan Barnaby stood like a statue in front of the American flag, hands clasped behind his back. He gave a subtle nod, and the President turned back to the teleprompter. “At precisely 6:16 pm Eastern Standard Time, thirteen minutes ago, a nuclear warhead was detonated in the Persian Gulf. Our entire forward fleet, including four aircraft carriers and a dozen Seawolf nuclear submarines were destroyed at the epicenter of the explosion. Preliminary indications suggest a terrorist attack as none of our captains had yet been given their launch codes. While we are unsure of the exact specifications and kilotonnage of the warhead, we can confirm that the resulting explosion was sufficient to extinguish all life within a radius of several hundred miles, while effects of the radiation may well be felt throughout Europe, Africa, Western Russia and China.”

He looked again to the general. There was a rumble from the crowd of nervous reporters.

“Exactly seven minutes ago now, our early warning systems confirmed that the Chinese have launched a battery of surface-to-air nuclear-armed missiles, strategically targeting various cities between our western and eastern coasts. We can only assume that they fired their weapons in response to the detonation in the Middle East.”

The audience of reporters fell silent.

“We are confident that our satellite defenses will be able to shoot down the missiles while still over the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans. We assure you that none of these nuclear devices will even come close to American soil.

“But that brings us to the greatest dilemma a nation has faced since the dawn of time. Negotiations concerning trade and US-sponsored sanctions against the Chinese have been permanently halted. While we cannot verify that the missiles were launched as anything other than a knee-jerk reaction, we cannot afford to take that chance. Our venerable defenses are capable of withstanding a single nuclear assault, leaving us vulnerable to a second wave of attacks. That is a gamble that I, as your President, am unwilling to take. It is the first priority of this government to ensure the safety of the American people. This was a decision not taken lightly, and the direness of the consequences carefully considered. It is my duty as the President of the United States of America to ensure the survival of the millions entrusted to my care and the future generations of God-loving children to follow.”

He took in a deep breath and let it out in a long sigh. Deep circles ringed his eyes, his hair tousled from nervously running his hands through it. A tear blossomed from the corner of his right eye.

“Prior to commencing this address, I gave the order to launch a reciprocal strike against the People’s Republic of China.”

He looked out upon the sea of reporters, waiting for the wave of hands to rise.

None did.

“May God be merciful and just,” he said, his voice cracking. “May He bless you and keep you.”

He stormed

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