“The air defense wing is deployed to cover pre-recced landing sites around Riga. War stocks of logistics are being outloaded and the Training Schools have adopted their wartime roles. The National Guard mobilization is going well and we’ve had an impressive turnout of reservists. We estimate that the first to be fully ready will be the Third Defense District in Riga; probably by midday on the twentieth of May.”

“What about the Second Defense District in Rezekne?” questioned Balderis. “If the Russians roll in across the border, they’ll be first in contact. They’ll be heavily outnumbered. I know they’ll put up a good fight, but they can’t hope to stop them.”

“The National Guard in Rezekne should be ready by midnight on the twentieth.”

“Do what you can to speed things up.” Balderis turned to the Land Forces commander next to him. “I’m taking nothing for granted.”

He looked at the Chief of Staff. “And our Special Forces, the Special Tasks Unit? I want them ready in Ādaži as my special reserve. They’re to be prepared for immediate tasking, whether we’re faced with a landing in Riga or an invasion across the border—or both. Make sure they’ve got some helicopter lift if they’re needed.”

He looked at Morland again. “And it’s important you maintain close contact with them. They may also need your help.”

Morland clocked that. If it all went to hell in a handcart that’s where his team needed to be. Any professional soldier always needs to think through the “what if” question, even if the “what if” sounds far-fetched. These men and women were in deadly earnest, even if the rest of the world was downplaying events up here. Morland decided they’d keep their large “bergen” rucksacks packed and weapons handy; as they might, after all, end up spending more time in the forests than they had expected to. Just as well that he and the team had spent the last three weeks in Ādaži getting acclimatized.

“Sir, I’m sorry to disturb you.” It was Balderis’s MA, his Military Assistant, at his shoulder. “Admiral Howard, the SACEUR, is on the line from Washington. He’s about to see the President and is keen to talk to you before he does.”

“Hold the briefing,” said Balderis. “I’ll be back in twenty minutes. This is important.”

He left the room for his office, signaling Morland and Krauja to join him.

He entered the outer office and turned to his MA. “Put the call through to me and then listen in on speaker. I want Captain Morland and Miss Krauja to listen in as well.”

He then went through to his inner office to take the phone call, but was back out again in moments as there was no call. The phone was dead.