Chapters 11 and 12 Summary

In Chapter 11, "The Urgent Minutes," General Bogan in the Omaha War Room tells the President over the phone that it remains unknown why the Group 6 aircraft have flown past the Fail-Safe point. Also, radio contact cannot be made, perhaps because of Russians jamming the system. If they cannot be contacted within five minutes, the pilots will not turn back even if contacted later by the President's order, because a Russian agent might be imitating the President's voice. Bogan says the next standard step is to order the Skyscrapper fighter planes, which were escorting the bombers but are now heading back to base, to turn and chase the Vindicators. The President complies. Meanwhile, Swenson has entered the Big Board room at the Pentagon. On the red phone, the President tells Swenson that General Bogan has recommended shooting down the Vindicators. This is...