Hey, it's Brian, and before we get rolling, I should let you know that this episode might not be for the younger listeners.

I say might not because it's actually kind of on the fence as far as that stuff goes,

but I figured I'd give you a heads up that if there are little ones around,

maybe save this one for a time where you can enjoy it on your own.

Thanks.

Music where you can enjoy it on your own. Thanks. Your name is Colonel Harry Shoup. And even though it's Christmas Eve, your mind is focused not on sipping eggnog by the fire, or last minute gift wrapping, or

reading a visit from St. Nicholas to your children. On this Christmas

Eve in 1955, it's focused on the threat of a nuclear attack. Because you, Colonel Harry

Schoop, are the officer on duty at Conad, the Continental Air Defense Command in Colorado Springs.

Your job is to be on the alert for any signs of an impending airstrike from a hostile power.

This is the Cold War, after all, and as an Air Force officer and World War II veteran,

you're all business and military efficiency.

But on this Christmas Eve, in the skies all is calm, all is bright, which makes it all the more

surprising when the phone on your desk begins to ring. Few people have the number to this phone,

and none of them is likely to be calling you to wish you a Merry Christmas. This is a dedicated line for communicating

the trigger of an event. On the other end was either someone from the Pentagon or the Kodd

commander-in-chief. You waste little time lifting the phone's receiver off the cradle and answering the call.

Yes, sir, this is Colonel Shoup. Dead silence. Sir, this is Colonel Shoup.

Again, nothing.

Sir, can you read me?

Is there a problem with the connection?

Is there a problem of a more epic proportion?

...