The Strike.

Chapter 1: The beginning of the end

Dallas, Texas: September 26th 1983. 9:46 AM

You wake up and run into the living room to watch Saturday morning cartoons, possibly your favorite thing to do on the weekend. As you flip through the channels, with a bowl of Count Chocula Cereal on your lap, something catches your eye. You think nothing of it and keep looking for cartoons. You find that the channel usually broadcasting cartoons around this time and cover up as you watch Bugs Bunny while half awake. Suddenly, you are rudely awoken by a CBS Special News Report. You panic as the countdown plays. A slightly shaky voice starts to speak. "This is David Brooks with a CBS Special News Report. The time here in Dallas Texas is 9:48 AM. At 9:46 AM, The Soviet Leader apologized on behalf of the Soviet Union, as word of a *loses composure* Nuclear Attack against the U.S. was received due to what Mikhail Gorbachev called "A failure of Soviet Early Warning Systems". The 5 missiles launched towards the U.S. were shot down, however war has been declared on the Soviet Union due to the possibility of further attack. The government advises that all citizens prepare for attack by doing the following. And we advise you follow these instructions. First, gather at least a 2 week supply of supplies such as food, water, clothing a flashlight, a hand operated or battery powered radio, extra batteries, toiletries, any medications you may have, games, paper, and crayons. Secondly, seek a safe area to go to in case of imminent attack such as a fallout shelter. If there is not a fallout shelter near you, seek a central area of your home or basement and barricade yourself with furniture, and heavy objects. In addition, continue to monitor local media outlets for new developments and possible evacuation orders. We now go live to our correspondent in London, United Kingdom where the Military is preparing for what may be world war 3. Mike, what's the situation like over there?"

"Well David, the situation here is tense to say the least. The United Kingdom is currently on high alert as the threat of a nuclear war is increasing. As you can see behind me, severe rioting is occurring due to the situation. Buildings are on fire, and streets are blocked as the public panics. All major motorways are closed for military traffic only, and there is traffic stopped in all directions for miles."

"Mike, are you safe as of now?"

"At the moment, yes. I am safe behind a police barricade, however I'm not sure how much longer the police can hold off the rioters." *panic* "Oh my god! The rioters have spilt over the barricade."

"Mike, the producer orders you get to a safe place now!"

"I dont think I'm gonna ma-" *live feed cuts*

"Well folks, it seems as if the live feed from London has been cut off. We will try to get back with him as soon as possible. For now, we will go to break and refresh our sources and find new developments. Standby."

Paralyzed by the reality of the situation, you start sobbing. Your heart is racing and you begin to feel pain in the chest. Your parents hear you and run downstairs to see what is wrong. They ask you why you're sweating and panicking. You tell them about the news report you just saw.

They reply "What did we tell you about turning on the TV before we get down here?"

You apologize and they try to comfort you by saying it will be okay and that there is no need to worry. Then...

You hear sirens blaring loudly. You start screaming. You then remember today is the first Saturday of the month and try to calm yourself down by cuddling with your dog while you watch cartoons.

15 minutes later:

You hear a long ear piercing beeping sound coming from the TV. The screen then turns blue, and you see the words Emergency Action Notification on the screen in bold white letters. Your dog shrieks and runs away.

15 seconds later, you hear the words "This station has interrupted its regular program
at the request of the United States Government to
participate in the Emergency Broadcast System,
serving the Dallas Fortworth Metropolitan area.
During this period many radio stations will remain
on the air, broadcasting news and official information for areas assigned to them. This station will
remain on the air and will serve the
area. If you are not
located in the area,
you should now tune your radio to other stations
until you hear one which is broadcasting news and
information for your area. You are listening to the
Emergency Broadcast System serving the
area. This station has interrupted its regular program
at the request of the United States Government to
participate in the Emergency Broadcast System,
serving the Dallas Fortworth Metropolitan area. During this period
many radio stations will remain on the air, broadcasting news and official information for areas
assigned to them. This station will remain on the
air and will serve the Dallas  Fortworth Metropolitan area. If you are
not located in the area, you should now
tune your radio to other stations until you hear one
which is broadcasting news and information for
your area. You are listening to the Emergency
Broadcast System serving the Dallas  Fortworth Metropolitan area. At this time, The North American Aerospace Defense Command confirmed an attack was launched by the Soviet Union. There is no time to evacuate. Seek a fallout shelter. If no fallout shelter is available near you, get into the central most part of your house or basement. Barricade yourself with heavy objects such as furniture, sand bags, and pillows. Bring with you, a 14 day supply of food, water, clothing, bedding, medications,  a hand operated or battery powered radio, toiletries, hygiene products, crayons, paper, and games for children."

You start having a mental breakdown and bolt into your parent's room. The message is also on their screen. They are glued to the TV in horror and devastation. They pick you up and hold you as you sob. They carry you to the basement where, your safe room is set. As of now, all you can do is brace for impact.

End of Chapter 1.