The result was that the East was left with ample stocks of antimissile missiles, having had no attacking waves to contend with, while the West was not . . . at least, until the West had had time to redeploy its defenses. The implications of the situation slowly dawned on the military staffs present. A worried Carlohm explained to Sherman:
“Until we’ve had time to reorganize our defenses, we’re wide open. Our antimissile systems have been depleted, and for the time being we’ve got nothing that would effectively stop a classical attack from subs and ICBMs. The problem is that the other side hasn’t had any reason to fire off their antimissile systems, so the chances of success for a counterstrike by us wouldn’t be too good. Those guys over there aren’t stupid; the message must be obvious to them, too. If I were in their position, I’d hit now and hit hard.”
His concern was soon proved to be well-founded. Reports began pouring in all over the Command Floor:
“Salvo of sixteen missiles launched from underwater, three hundred miles south of Nova Scotia. Climbing and turning due west.”
“Launchings reported from four positions in the eastern Pacific. First course indications point to western U.S.A.”
“Mass launch profiles in northern Siberia, heading north over the Pole. Launches in central Siberia directed west toward Europe.”
“Missiles climbing over inshore regions of Algeria and Tunisia, heading north toward Mediterranean.”
A peppering of red traces started to appear across the enormous map of the world that was framed by the largest of the mural displays. The apprehension of the watchers rose to a point bordering on panic. The calm and composure that Sherman had exhibited throughout at last broke down. He stared aghast at the thin red lines that were beginning to elongate on the map, his mind refusing to accept what was demanded of him now. The lines began consolidating into irregular arcs that covered the North American continent from three sides, Europe from the south and east, and Australia from the north. The arcs were converging, agonizingly slowly, but relentlessly.
“Initial computations of trajectories put first missile on target in four-point-five minutes,” a voice announced. “Origin, west Atlantic. Impact point, New York area. Impacts in Spain predicted at four-point-nine minutes, Italy, five minutes, British Isles, five-point-three minutes. Further data coming in now.”
Carlohm and Foreshaw faced the President expectantly, but Sherman just stood immobilized, his eyes glazed and his head shaking weakly from side to side.
“It’s an all-out attack,” Carlohm said after a few seconds. “You have to order full retaliation . . . now.” Sherman slowly sank into a chair. The color had drained from his face; perspiration glistened on his brow.
“What will that achieve now?” he whispered in a strangled voice. “It can change nothing. Sheer, futile savagery . . . for no purpose . . .”
“You have to,” Foreshaw said grimly. “It’s the price.”
Sherman brought his hands up to cover his face. He shook his head mutely and became paralyzed. Suddenly Reyes stepped forward and proclaimed in a firm and decisive voice:
“I declare the President temporarily incapacitated and unable to carry out his duties. I therefore assume Presidential authority and accept full responsibility for my decisions. General Carlohm, order a full retaliatory offensive to be launched immediately.”
Carlohm hesitated for a second, then nodded to his staff officers. Within thirty seconds the whole strategic missile arsenal of the Western world was thundering skyward. On the map above them, chains of dots of bright green were added to the story that was already there. Both sides had now hurled in everything they had; the difference was that the longer traces in red, now closing in on the frontiers of their target countries, would be almost unopposed.
“First computed impact now confirmed as New York. Time to impact, thirty-two seconds. Further confirmed targets are Washington, D.C., Baltimore, Boston, Philadelphia, Montreal, and Ottawa. Los Angeles and San Francisco confirmed on the West Coast. Trajectories of following missiles being computed. We expect they will fractionate into independent warheads.”
“What’s the defensive situation?” Reyes asked Carlohm.
“They’re firing what they can. Most emplacements aren’t programmed for local interceptions, since that was supposed to be taken care of by the orbital defensive system.”