All special trains were driven off into dead-end tracks, carriage decks were moved off, and the missiles were directed up.
Radio detection stations, accompanied by working engine roar, were performing the dance of death, quickly spinning about their axis, looking for a target in space.
They started their round-the-clock work.
Large-tonnage quad carriers, with powerful nuclear missiles on them, scattered all over the planet. Like centipedes, they were slowly moving on their wheels to the strategic locations, known only to them.
Power-actuated missile launchers were racing along the roads to evenly protect the territory against air attack. They could get through everywhere, but the military tried to set them on treeless altitudes.
Missile carriers were slowly whirling high in the sky. From the ground they seemed to be small silver stars.
Flying around the part of the sky in charge, missile carriers sometimes changed their closed loops to figure eights. They made their maneuvers at one altitude – maximum permissible for the flight.
A fuel dispenser was flying not far from each group. It was flying very slowly, circling at one speed.
Every other minute was registered in its flight assignment – where and when it had to be, and when a plane had to be fueled from it.
Each piece of Earth was equally important – everybody would perish, wherever an asteroid would have fallen.
Military pointsmen and military vehicles were everywhere on the cross roads. The troops were controlling any displacement of vehicles or people. The main goal was to prevent panics and, in case of danger, to direct people to safe places on foot and by cars.
The rest was in God’s hands.
Soldiers were also at factories and plants. They were responsible for the order, safety, and product release. The enterprises worked around the clock. Everything was important, clothes and food in particular.
People had to lay in stock all things might need for a long duration. Supplies were immediately carried to army depots and underground bunkers.
All abandoned bomb shelters were being restored. Though people had little hope to survive, it was better than nothing. At least they dealt with the matter, and did not have time for gossips.
Children were carried away to the mountains, where shelters were being built in deep gorges. Warm clothes and food were also sent there.