HQ – Central Military District Command
“What do you mean, the planes were destroyed before they could take off?” said Colonel-General Vlastov into his phone.
“Sir, they were hit by a pair of missiles,” explained the air base’s commanding officer.
“I don’t care what it takes, Colonel, but I want another pair of Migs in the air ASAP, or you’ll have to answer to me.”
“Yes, sir. It will be done.”
Vlastov ended the call and swore. He sat in the back of his chauffeur-driven car as it raced through the dimly lit streets to his headquarters. His mind was awhirl. He’d never heard of the 139th Guards Missile Regiment until fifteen minutes ago, and now Moscow was screaming at him to protect the missile base at all costs.
Vlastov picked up his phone and called his senior duty officer.
“Yes, sir,” said Colonel Tormasov, answering the call.
“Colonel, do you know what is going on?”
“Yes, sir.”
“Very well, what can we move to secure the missile base from attack?”
“Sir, if the base is about to be attacked, there is precious little we can do about it,” replied Tormasov. “We can, however, try to take back the nuclear weapons stored there before they are launched.”
Vlatsov closed his eyes. The thought of a madman getting his hands on weapons of mass destruction was terrifying. “Which unit are you proposing to use?”
“The Third Guards Spetsnaz Brigade. They’re the closest formation and have their own integral lift to get them there.”
“How many men can they put in the field?”
“I’m still checking on that, sir. I’ve also taken the liberty of issuing a warning order to them to be prepared to move on your direct order.”
“Don’t wait. Give the order on my behalf. I want those people on the move before I get to my office. Also, get a pair of fully armed drones in the air. They may need them when they land.”
“Very well, sir, anything else?”
“No, just see to the deployment.” Vlatsov shook his head. He still couldn’t come to terms with a secret missile base in his command’s area of control. Vlatsov looked out the window and wondered what else Moscow had hidden that he didn’t know about.