Metafire

"Yes."

"We will be transmitting about twenty characters a second continuously. Our special radio transmitter is going to run out of juice pretty soon, and all we will have is Internet. We have already begun simultaneously broadcasting on the Internet mbone under the name 'www dot metafire dot com slash cobra.' Any break in our code sequence will cause the bomb to explode. But don't worry. As long as the bomb detects no movements, it can go without a signal for as long as an hour. Don't move your ship from position in New Boston. The box has an inertial navigation system that can monitor movements precisely. And don't even think about ripping off the tape and tinkering with the insides."

Ferguson and the Major were listening quietly. The President walked in. Ferguson made sure the microphone was off, and they both came to attention. "I was just told that we have a nuclear bomb planted in New Boston. Is this true?"

"Yes, sir." The Major then decided to explain further. "We have a case of mutually assured destruction. They will not use their bomb, and we will not use ours. Our only concern is that they have other bombs they are not telling us about. We are going to debrief the hostages. There is nothing else to do. We do not believe anyone is in immediate danger, sir."