God, I never thought I’d do this. I did sign up for the job, and I did know it was a possibility. I just never once fathomed we’d actually use our training. My father guarded a code and a key, just like I do now and just like my grandfather before him. Neither of them ever had to use what they knew.

No one had for centuries.

We weren’t even sure if they still worked.

But the orders came. On my watch, no less. Just three of us, sitting in a room. Thirty seconds ago, we’d been drinking coffee and laughing at something. I don’t remember what, not anymore.

I wish I could. The laughter’s stopped now. It’s stopped because we know what we’re about to do.

Millions will die.

We’ve each got a key and a code. Our only duty is to use them.

I entered my code, each number more uncertain than the last. Sweat dripped down my face. I stopped breathing as my fingers moved towards the key. I was the last one. Everything was my fault.

I turned the key.

I inhaled.

The missiles had been activated.