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“You are telling us that you are not afraid to be shot down?” asked the president.

Tom replied, “All of us are prepared to take the chance and launch, sir. However, I think Major Johns and his team might be able to help us here. He has done an incredible job with the fueling system and launch process for us. Major Johns and his men have been in the missile business for over twenty years. They have a tremendous knowledge of how missiles fly and at what trajectories they will be fired. I am willing to give Major Johns control of my ship until the danger passes or we are too far away to be shot down. He is capable of adjusting our trajectory or try to evade the missiles. He is an absolute professional. I trust him to keep us alive.”

Bob added, “The United States Armed Forces are the strongest in the world. The Russians just don’t know it yet. They think we have been weakened considerably. I trust the president and his generals will make the right decision whether to strike first or not.”

“Then it is settled. Tom, meet with Major Johns to outline your escape possibilities from the missiles. I will call Ivanov one more time in a few minutes and let him know we are onto him. If he decides to attack us, we will wallop them. This meeting is adjourned. Please keep me up to date on all decisions you make from now on until the crisis is over. The generals in the Pentagon have a green light to attack Russia as a defensive maneuver.”

Chapter 60 – Yellow Light

President Stevens, The Imagine, Rocky Mountains, CO

President Stevens and Major Johns watched the crew prepare for the launch. It was amazing to him that this spaceship was ready to be launched. He doubted anything would happen with the Russians until the American spaceship launched. With his generals on standby, he decided to call Ivanov to try to defuse the situation.

President Stevens wanted to see how Ivanov reacted to his words. It was always a game of chess between Ivanov and himself. Once in a while, Ivanov would tell the truth, but often he lied to try and deceive others to further his own goals.

Before calling Ivanov, he contacted the Australian and German prime ministers to let them know what he had uncovered about the Russian plot. They were furious at Ivanov and offered to help President Stevens in any way possible. They would inform their commanders of the threatening situation. As Dr. Burns had predicted, neither prime minister could see a way to continuously postpone the launch. They all agreed they would keep in continuous contact until the situation was resolved.

He dialed.

Ivanov asked the president why he was calling.

“I understand our spaceships will be going on a long journey together soon. I wanted to congratulate you on working so hard to get your spaceship on its journey. The Russians should be proud of what they have accomplished. Our spaceship had no government support, but they succeeded and are now ready to go.”

“Comrade Stevens, yes, I know about the launches. It is a great time in history. Despite all the natural disasters taking place, we can show the world that there is still hope for everyone. Russia has done its part in making this happen, and we hope all four ships arrive at a planet where the people can grow together.”

Stevens knew this was a lie based on the information obtained through the CIA. He wondered if Ivanov knew about the plans he had just discussed with everyone. Somehow, he had to tell Ivanov not to do anything stupid or face the consequences.

It would be better for everyone in Russia—and the United States—if they could prevent nuclear missiles from being fired. The effects of these bombs would cost millions of their lives, including his and Ivanov.

“Mr. Ivanov, I need to know your intentions about this journey. All the spaceships are to be guaranteed safe passage out of the solar system. Do you agree with this? We do not want to see anyone attacked or hurt as they go through space. All the commanders have their families on board as well as the DNA of millions of people, including yours and mine. We may not be able to survive on Earth, but we can hope to live again somewhere else in the galaxy. We all need to work together to ensure the success of the trip.”

“I can assure you, President Stevens, that we do not intend to interfere with any of the launches. We have better things to do than shoot at rockets. Why would you even consider suggesting I would do such a thing? Perhaps we can assist you in trying to help those citizens stuck in the natural disaster or earthquakes in California and Alaska. I am certain you have your hands full dealing with those situations.”

This answer told President Stevens that Ivanov was not going to admit he would attack several sites, including the spaceship. It also said to him that Ivanov thought the US was too weak to defend a military attack and that the US was totally focused on lending support to the earthquake victims. Obviously, according to Ivanov, the US was not paying attention to anything Russia was doing.

Stevens was mad at Ivanov but decided not to show it.

“No, we are fine and working well with our first responders and others to aid the victims of our earthquakes. We do not need any help with the earthquakes. We did have to shut down some nuclear warheads in Nevada, but I think you already know that. I am going to warn you now. Please do not to try to take advantage of the situation. There is too much at stake in the world for any kind of military action and the response it may receive.”

“Don’t worry. We are not planning on any kind of military action anytime soon. However, if we wanted to, it would be difficult to stop us, given the conditions in America and around the world.”

Stevens had heard enough. Millions of lives were going to be lost because Ivanov was not going to back down.

“Mr. Ivanov, I wish you well. Let us try to keep the peace between us and be friends with each other. The world is counting on us. Goodbye.”

After he hung up the phone, he contacted the Joint Chiefs of Staff and the German and Australian prime ministers.

“I just spoke to Ivanov. He is definitely going to attack numerous targets and will not give an inch or back down. Please have the satellites focus on all the missile sites in Russia to determine the location of where they will be firing their missiles. Also, locate the Russian military. We are going to strike them. We hope they will think twice about retaliating.”

The general replied from the Pentagon, “We have taken care of all of that already. We are monitoring the Russian movement twenty-four hours a day. The missile activity is coming from two different sites. Their military troops are along the borders of every country from Ukraine to Estonia, and they have some navy ships in the Black Sea. We do not think they are going to launch their full arsenal. We are well prepared to carry out any orders in a very efficient manner. Unfortunately, when one deals with nuclear weapons, many civilians will die. Are you willing to accept that?”

Stevens said, “Ordinarily I would not be willing to accept that, but we do not have any choice here. We cannot let Ivanov shoot down the spaceships and take over several countries without responding to him. Make sure that at least one or two missiles will hit the Kremlin. This does not have to be a nuclear missile but strong enough to destroy the building. His obsession with power is going to destroy him.”