by Parker James
As the President and General McCreary entered, those in attendance, most of whom were military personnel, all rose in unison in respectful recognition of their arrival.
“Well, I’m glad to see everyone is in attendance,” the President began. “It seems that for reasons beyond our control two days has changed the entire landscape. Our preliminary plans for the coming weeks have taken a sudden turn; I fear our time for decision making and altering the course of events has run short. There have been a number of developments on the military front, the most serious of which has occurred in Asia. General McCreary and I have been in constant contact with General Meehan at NORAD, while the Vice President and the Secretary of State will both be leaving the White House shortly; assigned to the bunker site in Ohio. And so everyone here today is on the same page, I shall now turn the meeting over to General Meehan who will give us an up-to-the-minute status report on current events.”
A Corporal manning the main console flipped a number of switches and within seconds General Meehan’s visage appeared upon the monitor, seemingly larger than life. The professional that he was, despite the serious nature of events, had a calmness about him that was almost disquieting.
“General Meehan, so good to see you,” the President said. “At the moment we have all members of the Joint Chiefs in attendance as well as Professors’ Enghult and the Conyers’. Will you please bring us up-to-speed on our current international situation as well as that of the Unites States?”
“Absolutely, Mr. President,” Meehan replied.
Behind Meehan in the Command Center of NORAD could be seen a flurry of activity; military personnel scurrying about in a multitude of directions while others still were glued to secured communication lines with one player or another, all capped off with a huge monitor that consumed the entire back wall. It displayed a map of the world with dots and blips and blinking lights of various colors, the meaning of which was otherwise incomprehensible to anyone other than a trained professional. While others in the room didn’t pick-up on it, Professor Enghult immediately recognized the location of almost each and every bunker site in the United States; glaringly obvious to him.
“Ladies and Gentlemen,” Meehan began, “At the moment we have two critical situations going on, one being the war in Asia and secondly the chaos erupting throughout the United States. For those of you who are not aware, the Chinese out of desperation have severely overextended themselves and are now fighting a war on two fronts; one with the Russians in the region of Mongolia and the second being that with both India and Pakistan on their southwestern border. Just one hour ago our satellites picked up a number of low-yield nuclear blasts occurring in southern China. Our radar did not detect any ballistic missile activity, so we can only assume that they were delivered by the Chinese air defenses. It seems that the Chinese, learning a severe lesson from the Russians’ response and being between a rock and a hard place have decided to use their own nuclear weapons to stem the advance of the Indians and Pakistanis. Based upon our imagery as of this moment we have only detected the use of low-yield tactical nuclear weapons. None of the countries involved have as of yet deployed high-yield ballistic nuclear weapons or missile delivery systems, however, our analytical teams anticipate that the leadership of all four warring countries have retreated to their bunker systems. This is speculative in nature, yet we have had some confirmation to this effect from our allies located within the region. While communications have been sparse, our imagery has also detected widespread chaos erupting in virtually all major cities in the region.”
Meehan paused, knowing that this was a situation that logically out of sheer necessity could only escalate. With the total destruction of North and South Korea several months earlier as well as the recent use of multiple nuclear weapons, be they tactical or not, it was a precedent set that could not be reversed. Food supplies, especially once the embargo was implemented against the Chinese due to their confiscation of relief ships as well as the drought occurring in the Midwestern United States had severely depleted all available food supplies worldwide; the crop yields recently gathered in the U.S. alone had been fully reduced by one-third. Simply put, there were too many people and not enough food.
Meehan continued.
“Currently we are experiencing widespread rioting and chaos erupting in all of our own major cities. People are panicking due to world events and quite frankly, literally starving. Despite intermittent power outages our electrical grid has generally remained functional, but this is wholly dependent upon the continued support of our personnel at these sites; whether or not they panic and abandon their posts or see things through. Should the worst occur, we have our automatic shutdown systems at all nuclear power plants on standby, and this can be accomplished at a moment’s notice thus avoiding potential multiple nuclear catastrophes. Despite the implementation of martial law and the presence of the National Guard in all of our major cities, our manpower is insufficient to contain the situation on any reasonable level.”
Mitch and Anya hadn’t been privileged to this information and were unaware of how serious things had become. Hearing these recent developments for the very first time, both turned pale and whispered between themselves; generally ignored by the others who were devoting their complete attention to General Meehan.
Upon hearing this there was suddenly a flurry of discussion amongst the members of the Joint Chiefs who began to envision various scenarios and strategies, however, the room quickly quieted down as the President by and large ignored them and continued his questioning of Meehan. The President valued Meehan’s opinion greatly as he was in the “thick of things,” and due to his location at NORAD had the greatest amount of intelligence available to him, perhaps more than any single individual involved.
“General Meehan,” the President said, “I would very much like to hear your personal opinion on what we can expect and our possible responses to both of these situations.”
The President greatly appreciated Meehan’s insight and had for quite some time. President Andrews’ question was very broad. General Meehan paused to gather his thoughts, not so much in that he hadn’t worked out what the possible outcome would be or the appropriate response on the part of the U.S. and its allies, but developments were occurring at such a rapid pace and the situation was an extremely fluid one. After a brief period of silence General Meehan began to let his opinions be known.
“Mr. President, you ask a very complicated question indeed,” Meehan replied, again pausing.
He stoically awaited the President’s reaction despite the fact that not only was he willing to give his opinions fully, it was simply that he needed to hear the question asked one more time. Tensions were running high, and although Meehan didn’t outwardly show his deep concern he was not immune to the gravity of unfolding events.
President Andrews never had to overtly threaten anyone in his entire career, neither during his time spent in the military nor that spent in Congress and then ultimately the White House. It had always been his tone that changed people’s minds and attitudes.
“General Meehan,” the President said somewhat indignantly at first yet quickly softening. “I have asked you a direct question. All opinions are valued at this conference, most especially yours. We are facing an unprecedented situation, so I shall ask you once more. What is your opinion on the matters at hand?”
Perhaps it was Meehan forcing the President to again ask the question despite knowing he was out of line. When the President asks a direct question, a direct answer is expected. That was the rule. Fully aware of the disrespect he had shown the Commander-in-Chief, for all of his strength and reliability General Meehan needed to hear it again, for he had a great deal to say.
“My apologies, Mr. President,” Meehan said, now all business. “I have many thoughts on the matters at hand, as difficult as it is for us all.”
The General quickly became the person that he’d always been, and the President would soon understand Meehan’s initial reluctance to ex
press his views fully, as he would hold nothing back. It was surprising that McCreary was quiet throughout this confrontation, yet he had known Meehan for most of his career and although above him in rank, held him in the highest of regards. He’d rarely known the General to be wrong in his interpretation of things, even during their time spent together as they went through West Point. McCreary had too much contact with Meehan over the years to form any other opinion, and so he remained silent and listened as Meehan began his discourse.
“Mr. President, within the next three days, if not sooner, it is my personal opinion that the world as we know it will cease to exist. What I am about to say is based upon the facts as we know them peppered with a degree of speculation on my part, yet also based upon the assessment of our analytical teams here at NORAD.”
“And I put myself in the mindset of the Russians, Chinese, Indians, and Pakistanis. They are at war and their citizens starving. A number of nuclear weapons have already been used in this war which is occurring on multiple fronts. The Chinese as well as the Indians and Pakistanis have little or no choice other than to attempt to secure what little food stocks are left available, most of which is located in Russia. The leadership of these countries have removed themselves to their secured bunker sites. Escalation is inevitable; the widespread use of their full arsenal of high-yield nuclear weapons likely. It may be a matter of hours or days, but I believe it will happen in very short order. Although we have little or no communication with these countries, according to your prior orders we have broadcast our intentions that the United States and our allies will remain neutral and not respond in like kind. We shall defend ourselves with interceptor ballistic missiles and drones only and will under no circumstances use our own offensive nuclear weapons. If we do, it would be absolute suicide on a global scale, and our allies agree.”
“Most of our bunker systems, thanks to Professor Enghult, have the ability to withstand a near direct nuclear hit, and possibly even a direct hit on any single one of these facilities. Our drone fleet will be used in an interceptor capacity only, and has been outfitted with EMP resistant guidance systems that we believe will also be able to withstand high levels of radiation, but that is uncertain. Despite disruptive electro-magnetic pulses, they should be able to continue their mission on an automated basis, but again that is not a given. Regardless of our transmissions indicating non-interference, we have as of yet heard no response from the warring parties. If and when nuclear war occurs, I anticipate a large number of nuclear warheads will be headed in our direction, and although we have the ability to intercept a number of them, we won’t be able to stop them all. Our major population centers will likely be heavily targeted as well as our offensive nuclear ballistic missile fields in the Dakotas. NORAD will also be heavily targeted. If it comes to all-out war, using our own offensive weapons would utterly devastate the planet and we would be cutting our own throats.”
Meehan paused as the President and Joint Chiefs took in this harsh yet realistic assessment. During the course of their careers each and every one had attended numerous roundtable discussions concerning various possible outcomes resulting from the use of nuclear weapons on such a massive scale, and truly knew it could quite possibly portend the end of mankind. The President was solely in listening mode and didn’t take the opportunity during the General’s brief pause to ask any further questions.
General Meehan again continued.
“Fully 50% of our citizens in this country alone will be lost within the first half hour when this inevitability occurs. We can only hope that our bunker systems are not targeted, yet the only thing holding back those inclined to do so is the threat that we will out of necessity respond accordingly, targeting their own bunkers. What citizens are not killed should this scenario come to its logical conclusion will be exposed to vast amounts of radiation which will take millions of more lives in a matter of months. There will be pockets, areas in the world that will not be targeted, but plant and animal life will be equally devastated. It’s the “nuclear winter” scenario. While there is always the hope that the warring parties have received our non-interference transmissions, I am most certain that they will target our major cities knowing that their own citizens will be decimated by those who they are currently fighting. Couple this with the fact that the nuclear genie has been out of the bottle for a number of decades now and the hatred of the United States by countries too numerous to count, most especially those located in the Middle East, we will without a doubt be targeted. The Middle East, with its long-standing history of inter-tribal hatred as well as that of the Israelis will go the route of Korea; it will simply cease to exist. Most of the Israeli citizenry has already been evacuated over the past several months and allocated space within the bunker systems located in Australia.”
“All global satellite communications will be down for three to six months unless adjustments are made; our satellite imaging systems will be unavailable. We will be completely blind for a period of time. Assuming the bunker systems work as planned, our only source of reconnaissance and communications will be our drone fleet, which is why it is imperative that a significant number be kept in reserve should this scenario come to pass. Forest fires will break on a grand scale and will continue unabated for months. Although most plant life will be decimated, it will not be completely so. There will be mass extinctions of various animal species. South America as well as Africa will not be as severely targeted since they do not represent a significant nuclear threat, but the radioactive fallout as well as lack of food will absolutely decimate the population on these continents, with losses estimated at well over 95%.”
This was quite a bit to take in. All who were listening were well aware of the implications of nuclear war and the outcome of such should Meehan be correct. Theoretical discussions were one thing; staring it straight in the face was another. The room became completely silent as Meehan’s words hit home.
After a brief period of time the President spoke.
“General, do you envision any other possible outcome or an ability on our part to prevent this scenario from occurring?”
“Mr. President, if we had more time perhaps that could be the case. But to directly answer your question Sir, no, I do not.”
“Suggestions, General?” the President said.
“Mr. President, other than the steps we’ve already taken, none. We can only hope to ride it out as best we can and pray for the survival of what plant and animal life may remain in the southern hemisphere; assuming they’re targeted on a limited basis. The continued survival of mankind for the foreseeable future will be underground for years to come, if not decades.”
The President turned to Enghult.
“Professor Enghult,” he asked. “How many of our 2,000 bunker sites have reached completion?”
“All of them, Mr. President.”
“And have they been sufficiently stocked with food supplies?”
“Not completely, Sir, but sufficiently enough taking into consideration the suspension chambers which will minimize food requirements and hopefully further progress in the area of hydroponic food generation.”
“All sites combined within the States have a total capacity of 80 million individuals. What are our current levels at, Professor?”
Enghult had to think for a moment. When the President had recently ordered that all citizens swarming the sites be permitted into the bunkers, the occupancy numbers had changed significantly.
“Approximately 68 million, Sir.”
“And will this extend the overall length of our survivability? We had planned on more people within all bunker sites.”
“Assuming the full functionally of the suspension chambers, which has already been confirmed, it will add an additional twelve to twenty-four months at the most. Assuming hydroponics lives up to our expectations, our overall length of time will be determined at a later date.”
President Andrews then turned to the Conyers’.
“Professors, are
there a sufficient number of chambers within the bunker sites as well as qualified staff?”
Mitch took the lead as he looked at Anya.
“There are a sufficient number of chambers within the bunkers, Mr. President; however, staffing levels need to be increased significantly.”
“And in order to extend the available food supplies within the bunkers, how long will it take to place the individuals designated into those chambers taking into consideration our current limitations?”
“With current staffing levels, over two years allowing for sufficient medical preparation time for the subjects.”
Mitch suddenly caught himself; he was speaking of living human beings as subjects and thought how odd it was that he’d chosen that word.
Professor Enghult had been looking at the monitor that General Meehan was on, the map of the world clearly visible behind him while the others in the room were glued to the President and his line of questioning. Enghult’s eyes suddenly looked on in utter disbelief, and what he saw was startling; several red lines appearing out of nowhere from central China. Seeing Enghult’s change of expression the others in the room looked towards Meehan and saw the main screen behind him in the Command Center while an aide ran up to the General and whispered in his hear. A commotion could clearly be seen. It almost seemed surreal as first dozens and then hundreds of red lines appeared. To a person everyone in the Control Room gasped; mouths agape. President Andrews looked over as General Meehan interrupted.
“Mr. President, our satellites have just picked-up multiple, repeat, multiple intercontinental ballistic missile launches emanating from the Asian continent in the number of hundreds, if not more.”
President Andrews understood clearly; time had run out.
“General Meehan,” he said, “Launch all ballistic missile intercept systems immediately and advise our allies to do the same.”
“Understood, Mr. President.”
Meehan turned and picked up a secured line.
It had begun - The Prophecy was upon them.
From the Author
Thank you for your purchase of APOCALYPSE 2073 (Volume 1) “The Prophecy.” I sincerely hope that you’ve enjoyed it, and if so please recommend it to a friend. Once again, thank you so very much and best wishes.
APOCALYPSE 2073 (Volume 1) “The Prophecy”
APOCALYPSE 2073 (Volume 2) “Darkness Falls”
APOCALYPSE 2073 (Volume 3) “Redemption”