Chapters 17-19 Summary

In Chapter 17, "The Vindicators," Colonel Grady is flying his bomber in darkness, with the aid of stereoscopic radar. Out the window, he can see the lights of Russian villages and vehicles. The only thing on his mind is to reach the target. The planes are approaching "lob point," at which they can elevate their noses, increase acceleration, and lob the bombs onto the target. As he talks to the other two pilots, he suddenly hears the President's voice on the radio, telling him the mission is the result of a mechanical failure, and the planes must turn back. Grady is shocked. He looks at his two crewmen and ponders, realizing it may be a ruse. He says into the speaker that he is not authorized to obey voice commands at this point, and shuts off the radio.

In Chapter 18, "Cascio's Command...