The story takes place in a future where war games have become a reality. The United Nations Cellar is a underground facility where diplomats from five major nations meet to decide the fate of the world through a game-like scenario. The Secretary of State, Chandler Thompson, has been preparing for this moment and believes that the only way to achieve peace is through the annihilation of the world's population. The story follows Morten, a valet who serves Thompson, as he witnesses the events unfold in the Cellar. Morten is initially numb and detached from the proceedings, but as the reality of the situation sets in, he begins to question his own morality and the true nature of the game. As the Ministers make their declarations and push buttons on the conference table, the world above is destroyed through a network of electronic relays connected to thermonuclear bombs. Morten is tasked with pressing the final button that will annihilate Russia, but he hesitates and ultimately decides not to do so. The story then jumps to the President of the United States, who is watching the events unfold on TV. He comments on the inevitability of the situation and the fact that the people have taken matters into their own hands by rebelling against the system. The narrative ends with a philosophical reflection on the nature of humanity and the consequences of playing with fire. The story raises questions about the morality of war, the role of individuals in shaping history, and the true cost of peace.
By Bryce Walton · First published 1971 · Genre: Science Fiction, Military Fiction, Fantasy