A few minutes earlier, aboard a B-52 Stratofortress strategic bomber flying at 5,000 feet (1,500 meters), a flight officer was communicating over the radio.
"Command, Deep Hammer 11 reporting. The GBU-57 heavy bunker buster scored a direct hit. Observed severe collapse of the underlying structure and a brief interruption in eruptions.
"The attack was effective, but we recommend escalating the strike plan... If possible, request tactical nuclear weapons for elimination. Over."
Amid the constant engine noise and electronic interference, there was a brief silence from the other end. A moment later, command replied.
"Deep Hammer 11, this is command. Your observation report is received. Nuclear weapons request denied. Repeat, use of nuclear weapons denied.
"But your assessment has been confirmed. Since conventional attacks are working, we will continue executing the Anvil Plan."
After a brief pause, the voice from command sounded again, this time replaced by a calmer, more authoritative male voice. "This is Lieutenant General Bruno speaking.
"We are coordinating emergency reserves at Kingsley Field Air National Guard Base and have ordered the rapid deployment units at Joint Base Lewis-McChord to assemble and urgently transport their entire stocks of GBU-43/B MOABs, Massive Ordnance Air Blast bombs, and BLU-82 'Daisy Cutter' fuel-air bombs to the front.
"Meanwhile, transfer procedures have also begun for the strategic stockpile at Malmstrom Air Force Base in Montana. The first shipment of munitions is expected to reach your area in twelve hours.
"Maintain surveillance during this period and continue suppression with your remaining conventional bunker busters to create optimal conditions for the subsequent high-yield airbursts. Do you understand? Over."
The flight officer exchanged a glance with his partner and answered solemnly, "My respects, General. Deep Hammer 11 understands.
"Nuclear weapons request withdrawn. Confirming our orders: maintain surveillance and continue suppression while awaiting the arrival of