A: When will the ceremony begin? I think all the guests are here and waiting.

B: Right, everyone — action stations! We’re starting in three minutes.

Note: This phrase is used to tell people to get ready immediately to do the particular jobs they’ve been given to do. “Action Stations” is a tune sounded on British naval warships to signal all hands must go to battle stations, and performed by buglers of the Royal Marines as a wartime alert. For example: The whole school was at action stations for the inspectors’ visit.