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‘They believe they’ll be safer away from cities – the Pennsylvania forests, the Blue Ridge Mountains. New Yorkers are doing something similar, driving to the Adirondacks. I guess Californians will head for Mexico as soon as they wake up.’

‘I’m surprised people even know about this yet.’

‘One of the TV stations sent a drone camera over Seoul. The whole world can see the devastation.’

Pauline turned to Chess. ‘What’s happening in North Korea?’

‘The South Koreans are attacking every rebel stronghold. President No is hitting them with everything she’s got.’

‘I’m not going to use nuclear weapons unless I have to. Let’s give President No the chance to do the job for us.’

Jacqueline Brody said: ‘Madam President, there’s a message from the Chinese president.’

‘Show me.’

‘On your screen now.’

Pauline read President Chen’s ultimatum aloud. ‘Any nuclear attack by the US on North Korea will be treated as a nuclear attack on China.’

Chess said: ‘Kennedy said something similar during the Cuban crisis.’

‘But does this change anything?’ said Pauline.

Luis Rivera said firmly: ‘Nothing at all. We would have assumed this was their policy, without the statement.’

‘There’s something else that might be more important,’ Pauline said. ‘They say that Seoul was nuked by rogue elements in North Korea who are right now being dispossessed of their nuclear weapons, and no further such atrocities will occur.’

Luis said: ‘Do they add “we hope” at the end?’

‘You’re not wrong, Luis, but I think we have to give this a chance. If the South Korean army can wipe out the rebel ultras, the problem will be solved without further nuclear attacks. We can’t dismiss that possibility just because we think it’s unlikely.’

She looked around the table. Some of them did not like it, but no one opposed her.

She said: ‘Bill, please instruct the Pentagon to prepare for a possible attack on the North Korean rebels. Target nuclear weapons on every military base in the rebel areas. This is a contingency plan, but we must be ready. We’ll hold our fire until we can see how the battle is moving on the ground.’

Bill said: ‘Madam President, by waiting you’re giving the Chinese the chance to launch a nuclear first strike.’

‘I know,’ said Pauline.

***

Ting called Kai. Her voice was high-pitched and shaky. ‘What’s happening, Kai?’

He moved away from the stage and spoke quietly. ‘The rebels in Korea dropped a nuclear bomb on Seoul.’

‘I know! We were filming a scene and suddenly all the technicians took off their headsets and left. Work just stopped. I’m on my way home.’

‘You’re not driving yourself, I hope?’ She sounded too upset to drive safely.

‘No, I have a driver. Kai, what does this mean?’

‘We don’t know, but we’re doing all we can to make sure it doesn’t escalate.’

‘I won’t feel safe until I’m with you. What time will you be home?’

Kai hesitated, then told her the truth. ‘I’m not sure I’m going to get home at all tonight.’

‘It’s really bad, isn’t it?’