STORY:
As Prime Minister Ndukame got out of the automobile, he was struck by the complete absence of clouds above him. He could clearly see thousands of stars in the night sky. It had been quite some time since he had been out this far in the barren Sahara Desert.
Of course, that was the whole point. This top-secret military base was hundreds of miles from the nearest permanent settlement. Only the Bedouin came out this far, and they were easily frightened off by the "magic" of large spotlights pointed their way.
And now, Project Swift Sword was coming to fruition. The culmination of years of diligence was on this base. And the Prime Minister had come to witness the dawning of a new era for the Liberian Empire: the Nuclear Era.
Sure, several other nations had nuclear weapons. They had been used in various conflicts around the world. But there was no denying that a certain air of power and untouchability came with their possession. Of course, they would never use the weapons aggressively. That would be insane. But they are an extremely effective deterrent.
"This way, Prime Minister," the corporal said. "The protected bunker is down these steps."
He walked down the steps into a dimly lit room with a small opening at one end. Generals Yambe and Hampton were also present. As he took a seat near the opening, they explained the slight risk involved and the safety precautions required. Of course he understood all that.
"We would like for you to have the honors of pressing the button, Excellency," General Yambe said with a wide grin.
Of course, Ndukama thought,
Yambe is angling for the Ministry of Defense job.
When everybody was set in their positions, he placed his hand on the large red button. After saying a few flowery words commemorating Liberia's entry into the nuclear club, he pressed the button.
It was even more impressive than he had possibly imagined. Indeed, Liberia had entered a whole new era. And it was a bright future.