:43:01
Why can'tyouraise them byradio?
:43:04
We don't know for sure, sir.
:43:05
We've tried all frequencies.
Wejust can't make contact.
:43:08
- Why?
- Idon'tknow.
:43:10
We had a flash on the board
just before it happened...
:43:13
and the fault indicator
blew out at the same time.
:43:15
The Russians may bejamming
their reception with some new device...
:43:18
weknownothingabout.
:43:20
Whywould they do that?
Is it customary?
:43:21
No, sir, but it's possible.
:43:23
In otherwords, it's possible
the fail-safe mechanism...
:43:26
might be giving them a go signal...
:43:28
at the same time they can't reach you
for positive confirmation.
:43:32
It's possible.
It's not probable, but--
:43:34
- Is it possible?
- Yes, sir.
:43:38
All right.
Ifwe regain radio contact...
:43:41
will the bombers respond
to an order to return?
:43:44
Ifwe can reach them
within the next five minutes.
:43:46
After that, their orders are
to disregard anyverbal command.
:43:50
Even ifI talk to them?
:43:52
Yourvoice can be imitated
by the enemy, sir.
:43:54
Our men have been drilled in that.
:43:56
Once they're
beyond a certain point...
:43:57
they're not to trust
anyverbal transmission.
:44:00
What's our next step then, General,
ifwe follow standard procedure?
:44:04
We already have
fighter planes in the air.
:44:06
The next step would be to order
the fighters after the bombers...
:44:09
to raise them visually
and divert them from their course.
:44:12
What ifthe bombers don't respond?
:44:14
The fighters would be ordered
to shoot them down.
:44:23
Who gives that order?
:44:26
You do, sir.
:44:31
Thankyou, General.
I'll be back toyou.
:44:36
Get me Mr. Swenson
in the Pentagon.