First Strike by Jack Higgins Read Free Book Online

yes,” Chance told them. “With a range of nearenough 5,000 kilometres, accurate to within 500 metres. And a warhead that delivers between thirty and forty megatons.”
    â€œI guess that’s what the rebels are after,” said Rich.
    â€œThis and another dozen we’ve found in other silos. Whatever happens, they mustn’t get them. Not even one of them.”
    From the other end of the long corridor came the unmistakable sound of a heavy metal door crashing open.

5
    â€œWe’re going to need some help,” said Rich.
    â€œI called in backup as soon as we found the missiles,” Chance told them. “Weak signal, but there’s an extraction team ready in India. It’ll take them hours to get here, though. With the rebels on their way, we’re on our own.”
    â€œYou know how to disable a nuclear missile?” Jade asked.
    â€œIt’s never too late to learn.”
    â€œYou are kidding.”
    Chance shrugged. “Afraid not.”
    In the distance they could hear the thump of booted feet on the metal stairway.
    â€œI think we should hurry,” Mr Chang told them. “The rebels are coming, remember?”
    â€œRight,” Chance decided. “Let’s take a closer look at the problem.”
    He set off for a metal ladder leading up to the walkways above. It seemed in better condition than the stairs they had come down, and soon all four of them were climbing.
    â€œThey don’t know we’re here,” said Jade. “They’re looking for the missiles. We could hide.”
    â€œWhat about the unconscious soldiers?” said Rich. “They’ll know someone’s down here.”
    At the top of the ladder, a metal gantry led across towards the top of the missile. There were railings along each side, but they were rusty and corroded.
    Rich looked down, feeling his stomach lurch when he saw how high they were.
    â€œIf they try and launch that thing, it’ll probably explode,” he said. “It’s so old and neglected.”
    â€œThey will remove the warhead and use another delivery method,” said Mr Chang.
    â€œCan we remove it?” Jade wondered. “Get the warheads away from here?”
    â€œNo, we can’t,” Chance called back over his shoulder. He was almost at the nose of the rocket. One of the large strip lights was shining in their eyes, so therocket was just a hazy blur.
    â€œWhy not?”
    â€œFirst, because it’s far too heavy. And second…”
    The roof was just a metre above their heads. The walkway turned to circle the rocket. There were massive hinges holding it to the wall, and Rich guessed it would be swung away when the missile launched. It was obviously positioned there for maintenance, allowing engineers to get close enough to work on the nose cone.
    Except there was no nose cone. The top of the rocket was an empty cylinder, with wires and cables spilling out.
    â€œAnd second,” Chance finished, “because someone’s already taken the warhead away.”
    â€œSo, the missiles were decommissioned,” said Mr Chang. “The rebels will be rather disappointed, if they’re all like this.”
    â€œI’ll bet they are,” said Jade. “But we don’t have time to check.”
    Far below, uniformed men were running into the silo. They spread out through the open space, checking everywhere, guns at the ready.
    â€œWe’re too close to the light for them to see us,” said Chance. “That’s why we couldn’t see the warhead was gone. And neither can they.”
    â€œBut they’ll soon come and look,” Rich told him. “And there’s no way we can get down without them spotting us.”
    Jade was leaning over the top of the missile, braced against the rusting handrails. “Look at this.”
    â€œWhat is it?” Chance hurried to join her.
    â€œOil. Recently spilled. And the edges of the wires