General Jack D. Ripper: I shouldn’t tell you this, Mandrake, but you’re a good officer and you have a right to know. It looks like we’re in a shooting war.
Group Captain Lionel Mandrake: Oh, hell. Are the Russians involved, sir?
This might apply as well (from the Bedford Incident):
Commodore Schrepke: This is insane!
Captain Finlander: Now don’t worry, Commodore. The Bedford’ll never fire first. But if he fires one, I’ll fire one.
Ensign Ralston: [launching the rocket] Fire One!