Dragon Fire

The Situation Room, The White House, Washington, DC

‘The whole of central Bombay is flattened,’ said Tom Bloodworth. ‘We’re picking up the formation of a mushroom cloud. There are reports of black rain falling on the Tulsi Lake in the national park to the north of the city.’

John Hastings stood upright in the centre of the room, looking at the satellite imagery being translated into impact data on the map of Bombay.

‘Reece Overhalt calling from Jamie Song’s office,’ said Joan Holden.

‘President Tao gave the order for only one launch,’ said Overhalt. ‘He does not want to strike again.’

Bloodworth, on another phone, interrupted the President’s conversation. ‘Mr President, Hari Dixit is retaliating.’

‘For Christ’s sake tell him China’s calling it a day,’ yelled Hastings.

‘That’s not the point,’ said Bloodworth.

‘The Chinese are calling an emergency UN Security Council meeting,’ Overhalt said to Hastings.

‘Cynical bastards.’

‘Two Agni launches from north-east India,’ said Bloodworth.

‘Get that shit Gorbunov on the phone,’ snapped Hastings.