“Gentlemen, I think the time has come to discuss the possibility that we may be forced to employ the WOLR.”

<stunned silence ensues for a moment or two>

“I take it by the stunned silence that everybody present understands the gravity of the situation…”

<slow nods of assent all around>

“As do I, and believe me you, I do not raise this specter of desolation lightly.”

<he takes in a deep breath and then lets it out again, slowly>

“Gentlemen, and Lady, we are getting our asses kicked by our enemies.  We are losing the wars.  We have LOST the wars.”

<expressions of pain and anguish, but not of surprise, amid sounds of anger and despair>

“Gentlemen!  Gentlemen!  This is fact.  There is nothing to be gained by denying the harsh truth.”

<the commotion subsides, mostly>

“We’re in it now, boys and girls, and I’m afraid I don’t see any other option.  Does anyone see a way out of this other than the Weapon of Last Resort?  If so, I’m sure we’d all like to hear about it.”

<brows furrowed in concentration, sweat beaded on foreheads and above tightly pressed lips>

“Nothing?  No one?”

<nothing… no one>

“Very well, I thought as much.  I was hoping, that’s all… hoping…”

<pained expressions all around, darting glances, slumped postures of defeat>

“So, it is decided… We seal the fates of both our enemies and ourselves, dooming us all but dooming them as well in the bargain.”

<nods of resignation, visages wan and stricken>

This is how we pummel the World…

Not with a whimper but a keening screech of agony…

May God have mercy on us all… 

“Let slip the Two-Fisted Engine.”