Four black SUV’s
approached the gate of an old abandoned factory on the outskirts Moscow. A man
wearing black and white camouflage pants and a black shirt with a Kevlar vest
stepped out of the lead vehicle and unlocked it. He quickly opened it up and
let the vehicles drive past him and toward the entrance of the factory before
closing it behind them and jogging back to the convoy. The factory was
abandoned and appeared to have been for many years. Two decades in fact. The
factory and land it was built on was owned by a very wealthy Russian family called
the Andreev’s. The factory was very large and estimated to be the size of a
Football field. The land itself was three times this size and located twenty
kilometres away from a small town called Dubrovitsy. It was a nice secluded
place.
The SUV’s pulled
up outside the entrance to the factory where they were greeted by two men in
what appeared to be a military uniform, only these uniforms were in support of
an Ultranationalist government. They approached the second vehicle and opened
the rear passenger door to reveal a middle aged man in a nice dark grey suit.
The man had his hair slicked back and wore sunglasses so he didn’t have to look
directly at other people. He stepped out of the car and walked quickly into the
factory where he was greeted by a tall, strong looking man wearing a leather
trench coat over his military uniform. The slick man in the suit buttoned up
his jacket and scoffed as he stood before the other man. He looked into the
soldier’s eyes and stared at the scar that cut down the left side of his face
from his forehead to chin, another scar crossed over it which started at the
side of his nose and ended at his ear, making a cross on the left side of his
face. This scarred man, was Colonel Viktor Petrov. The slick man was Alexei
Andreev, one of the richest men in Russia and a man who has great influence
with politicians in the Russian Government. The two seemed displeased to be
meeting and then began to speak in their native tongue.
Alexei Andreev:
You have SOME nerve dragging me out to this....... hell hole, Colonel. I was
supposed to be meeting with Minister Dima for lunch today.
Colonel Petrov:
Save me your sob story Alexei. For one, it isn’t sad, and second, I have no
sympathy for you...
The two glared
at each other for a moment and then both smirked and started to laugh. Alexei
took off his sunglasses and put them inside his jacket pocket before going up
to the colonel and giving him a masculine hug.
Colonel Petrov:
Welcome cousin, it has been too long!
Alexei Andreev:
I’m sorry cousin. I’ve been travelling back and forth from America the past few
months. I believe I have found someone who can aid our cause.
Colonel Petrov:
Excellent! Come; let me show you something...
The two men
walked down the office halls of the factory and looked out to the work floor to
see hundreds of armoured vehicles and weapons. Colonel Petrov gave a sinister
smile as he looked out at his loyal followers down below. They were former
soldiers who left the military when the Colonel did many years ago and are
willing to follow him into hell and back.
Colonel Petrov:
These men are committed to our cause and will do ANYTHING to ensure that we
succeed. I have fought and bled alongside each and every one of these men.....
But that is not what I wanted to show you. Alexei, do you remember Major
Sergey?
Alexei Andreev:
Yes! We fought together in the closing years of the Soviet War in Afghanistan.
The man saved my life more times than I care to mention!
Colonel Petrov
nodded to Alexei and then led him to an office that appeared to be empty. It
had old pieces of paper scattered on the floor and the windows looking out were
all either dirty or broken. As Alexei entered he noticed two armed soldiers
inside the large office and another man tied to a chair in the centre of the
room. The prisoner appeared to be resting after a vicious beating as he was
leaning forward and blood was dripping to the floor from his face.
Colonel Petrov:
Alexei, say hello to Major Sergey!
Alexei stood in
awe at the sight of the tortured Major. One of the soldiers picked up a bucket
full of water and threw it on the prisoner. He woke up with a shock and began
panting frantically. The Major tried to break his binds but failed and started
to panic. It wasn’t until one of the guards smacked him in the stomach with the
butt of a rifle that he started to cry and beg for his life.
Alexei Andreev:
Viktor! What are you doing?! This man is our friend and a loyal ally!
Colonel Petrov:
No Alexei, he WAS our friend. Sergey has spent the last five years supplying
the British with information about our cause. I discovered this over a year
ago, and ever since, I have done my best to keep him out of the loop and feed
him false information to throw the British off our path!
Alexei Andreev:
..... This can’t be true..... Sergey! Tell me it isn’t true!
Colonel Petrov
then nodded to one of the guards and was handed a black folder that was
labelled ‘Alexei Andreev’. Petrov handed the file to Alexei with a smirk on his
face and watched as he flicked through it.
Colonel Petrov:
Sergey has been gathering intelligence on all of us and giving it to the
British. It seems though, that they have shown great interest in you....
Cousin.
Alexei Andreev:
My entire life is in this folder..... My family..... You son of a bitch! How
dare you involve my family in this Sergey!
Colonel Petrov:
You see, Alexei, we have to be more than careful when it comes to achieving our
goals. We can’t afford to have rats like Sergey spoil what we have been
planning for the past five years. What we are doing will change Russia, and the
world, as we know it! But, in order to reach our goals, sacrifices must be made
for the greater good. I need to know that you are willing to do whatever it
takes to help us succeed.
Alexei Andreev:
You know I am committed to the cause!
Colonel Petrov:
Are you? Sergey made the same statement even though he was betraying us. You’ve
had it very easy up until now Alexei. It is time to prove yourself...
Colonel Petrov
took a pistol out of his shoulder holster and held it out to Alexei. Alexei
stared at the sidearm for a moment and then looked at Sergey. He was a
whimpering mess and Alexei somewhat felt sorry for him even after discovering
that he had betrayed all of them. But Sergey had crossed the line by involving
Alexei and personally betraying him, even after everything they had been
through. Alexei took a deep breath and grabbed the gun from Petrov. Petrov
stepped away and stood to the right of Sergey as Alexei aimed the gun at the
Major’s head. Sergey started to beg again and whimpered as Alexei took a step
closer to him.
Alexei Andreev:
..... You named me....
Alexei pulled
the trigger and Sergey cried out. Petrov scoffed to himself and then started to
slowly applaud. Alexei as surprised as the gun didn’t go off and merely clicked
when he pulled the trigger. He examined the weapon and checked the magazine; to
his surprise it wasn’t loaded. Sergey hung his head in relief and began to weep
all over his legs.
Colonel Petrov:
I am sorry to trick you like that Alexei. I do not doubt your resolve at all.
But I did need to know that you are willing to kill even one of your closest
friends to ensure our success. And also...
Petrov walked up
behind Sergey and pulled him back in the seat. He held his head back, exposing
his neck, and then took out a knife. Alexei watched as Petrov swiftly slit
Sergey’s throat and the Major’s blood spilled out onto the floor. Sergey
gurgled and slowly bled out while the Colonel wiped his knife on the dying
man’s shirt and put it away.
Colonel Petrov:
.... I REALLY wanted to kill this man!
The two guards
walked up to Sergey and took off his restraints and dragged his body out of the
office leaving Petrov and Alexei alone.
Colonel Petrov:
Now, Alexei, I need you to go back to Moscow and keep up appearances. You spoke
of somebody who can aid our cause earlier. I am guessing that this man is an
American?
Alexei Andreev:
Yes.... He is a mercenary of sorts. According to my intelligence he will be
able to help us get the weapons and gear into the United States without being
noticed. He is also partners with a bomb maker who will be willing to assist us
in preparing the distributors for the Anthrax.
Colonel Petrov:
Excellent! Everything is coming together. We will send a strong message with
this attack, Cousin....
Major John
Michaels, aka ‘Zeus’, stood alone in the office of Colonel Timothy Stone, the Commander
of Titan Unit, and was taking notice of a news report that was playing on the
Colonel’s television. The reporter was a young British man standing on the roof
of a building in Moscow with a view of the city.
Reporter: Thank you Wendy. I’m coming to you live
right now from Moscow, the heart of the ‘Ultranationalist’ movement and the
place where many believe that a violent reshaping of the Russian Government is
going to take place. Over the growing months, the Ultranationalist party has
been trying desperately to win over the Russian people by trying to offer them
‘a better Russia’. For those who don’t know, the Ultranationalists are a
revolutionary political party within the government who believe that the
country should return to the way it was during the days of the Soviet Union.
These views have caused much tension between the Ultranationalists and the
Russian Federation as party leader, Dima Vorshevsky released a statement saying
“the Russian Federation does not have the best interests of the Russian people
at heart! By siding with western interests, both philosophically and
economically, they are weakening our great state.” The world can now do nothing
but watch as a new Russian Civil War prepares to kick off.
Colonel Stone:
The hell we can’t!
Michaels turned
his attention to the door and noticed that Stone had just arrived. Stone was
middle-aged and well known in the military. The Colonel was known for his
daring acts and favourable disregard for the rules; this made him one hell of
an Operator. Stone had spent his entire adult life in the military and made his
career working as a Delta Force Operator until he decided to accept a promotion
and take command of Delta Force for ten years. For the past six years he has
been commanding Titan Unit and gained the respect of every single member of the
unit. Stone reached out and greeted Michaels with a strong handshake then made
his way behind his desk and took a seat.
Colonel Stone: I
trust you got plenty of rest and relaxation while you were on leave, Major?
Major Michaels:
I did indeed sir. Took the family to Hawaii and switched off for a few weeks.
Colonel Stone:
Well that’s good to hear Michaels. Although, I must admit, you and your team
have been missed around here. But we can catch up and make small talk later
Major. Right now we need to get you and your team prepped and ready for your
next assignment. There are just a few details that we need to touch on first.
Major Michaels:
Such as, sir?
Colonel Stone:
Your team, Major. Let’s start off with your members who have been on medical
leave. During your last mission your team was severely crippled due to Priest
and Killjoy being injured during the operation to take out the high-value
target, codename ‘Blackburn’. Priest sustained an injury to his abdomen halfway
through the operation, in which he took a bullet while rescuing Killjoy and
Spartan. The medical report states that the bullet passed right through him but
the injury was worsened due to the strain that was put on his body during the
escape. The report goes on to say that his right kidney was damaged but
repaired and he suffered massive blood loss. This resulted in him spending the
past six months in rehabilitation to be deemed mission worthy.
Major Michaels:
And has he been cleared sir?
Colonel Stone:
He has indeed. So that is one less issue that needs resolving. Now on to my
actual dilemma! Killjoy has been undergoing psychiatric evaluations and tests
while on leave due to the nature of his capture. He was interrogated, tortured
and witnessed one of his teammates being murdered in front of him. Now
according to the results he is fit and ready to go. But I want your opinion
before I clear him.
Major Michaels:
Colonel, if you’re asking me whether or not I trust Carter after what happened
in Afghanistan, then I would have to respond by saying that out of everyone in
Alpha Team, I expect him to pull through and secure his issues without
hesitation. I trust everyone in my team sir, and Carter has honestly been
through far more brutal things in his life. This doesn’t change the way I see
him sir.
Colonel Stone:
Alright Major, good to know. Now, while we are on the matter, I know you were
debriefed when you arrived back stateside but there is something I need to ask
you. Off the record. Did you and your team get out clean?
Major Michaels:
As far as I can tell we did. Carter mentioned that Akil had documents and
information on him and Sergeant Wilson. Whether or not he had information on
all of Alpha Team or Titan Unit, I’m not sure. But whatever evidence there was
that we had been at the site was destroyed when the AC-130 that was providing
air-cover circled back after we were extracted and fired on the compound. The
remains of the compound were buried beneath a rockslide caused by the ordinance.
According to Carter, the information that Akil had was very precise. Do we know
where he obtained it?
Colonel Stone: No
we don’t, and that’s what concerns me. The CIA has been looking into Akil’s
movements for the past three years and come up with nothing. Apparently though,
he has two brothers.
Major Michaels:
Are they a threat?
Colonel Stone:
Langley’s looking into it but that investigation has been going on for the past
four months and we haven’t heard a damn thing! So whether or not we actual will
hear anything is a mystery in itself.
Major Michaels:
So what’s the situation in Russia sir? Are we going in?
Colonel Stone:
We’ll get to that shortly. But right now we need to discuss the empty slot in
your team. Four months ago I came to you with twelve possible candidates who
could fill Sergeant Wilson’s position. You then turned down all of them and
then came back with your own candidate. Sergeant First Class Benjamin Rider,
correct?
Major Michaels:
That’s correct.
Stone smirked at
Michaels and then stood up. He led Michaels to the door and the two began
walking through the halls of the base.
Colonel Stone:
As you’re aware, Major, Titan Unit protocol states that a team cannot be sent
into the field without having all of its members operational. This means that
Alpha Team can’t be sent out until we find a replacement for Sergeant Wilson.
So tell me why exactly you nominated Rider for Alpha Team.
Major Michaels:
The kid is an excellent soldier. He’s currently in Delta Force serving
alongside Panther, Dusty and Vegas in the Wolf Pack. As I’m sure you remember,
Colonel, I was once in that unit. Both Panther and Dusty personally recommended
him for Alpha Team I might add. According to them he would fit right in.
Colonel Stone: I
have no doubt, Major.
The two stopped
outside of a door and waited while the Colonel took out a cigarette and then
lighted it. Michaels always admired the Colonel’s disregard for the rules and
his determination to do whatever the hell he wanted. He puffed on the cigarette
for a moment then finally opened the door and revealed a young man standing by
the window.
Colonel Stone:
Major Michaels, meet Sergeant First Class Benjamin Rider.
Michaels was
surprised by Rider’s presence, but then again he wasn’t surprised that Stone
had played him the way he did. Rider stepped toward them and shook Michaels’
hand, then stood with his hands behind his back.
Rider: It’s an
honour to be here sir. I can’t thank you enough for considering me for this
unit.
Colonel Stone:
Well now, I’ll let you two get acquainted. Major? The rest of your team are in
the mess hall and you have a briefing in one hour.
Michaels looked
at the young Operator standing before him and saw a splitting image of his
younger self. The Major smiled to himself and thought, “This is gonna be one hell of a ride.”
The mess hall
was shaking due as music blared from the large stereo that docked Priest’s
iPod. The four Titans were the only ones in the hall, which is how they managed
to get away with having the music so loud. Midnight was sipping away at a
bottle of water and sitting on a table watching Priest and Killjoy duke it out
in an epic arm wrestle. Stryder stood over them with his arms crossed and
smirked as Killjoy finally gained an advantage and slammed Priest’s arm down on
the table. Midnight applauded and cheered loudly as Priest massaged his forearm
and turned his cap around the right way to hide his face. Stryder and Killjoy
bumped fists while Midnight mockingly imitated Priest’s defeat in a more ‘epic’
style –falling to the ground and begging for mercy- which surprisingly made the
latter laugh. After Midnight finally got off the ground he walked over to his
bag and took out a hard covered book titled, ‘The Play Book’. As he did so, a
full pack of cigarettes fell out of his bag and made the other three guys nag
at him.
Priest:
Seriously bro? I thought you quit?
Killjoy: Come on
Midnight. Don’t give in to the demon!
Midnight: I’m
not smoking again okay! I just like to have them with me. It’s like that ring
that Stryder carries with him all the time.
Stryder: Sure,
if that pack of smokes belonged to your nephew who has cancer and gave it to
you so you would be safe.
Midnight: Okay
maybe it’s not exactly the same. But
it does make me feel better knowing that they’re there!
The three
accepted this and realised that it was fair enough as they all had tokens they
held on to for comfort. Stryder realised finally how loud the music was when
two young female officers entered the mess hall and then shook their heads and
walked back out. He sighed and then turned it down.
Midnight: On a
more interesting note my children, I have come into possession of this outstanding book! It is called ‘The Play
Book’ and I personally think that Killjoy here could gain a lot from it.
Killjoy: Okay
I’m listening...
Midnight: The
book is a very successful guide on how to get laid! Now you’re a beginner when
it comes to sex, so we should start you with something simple like the-
Killjoy: Let me
stop you right there hotshot. I have no intention,
whatsoever, of reading that book. Mainly because I’m getting laid more than
you, but also because I just proposed to Sasha.
Stryder: You finally
did it huh? ‘Bout damn time!
The group
congratulated Killjoy on his engagement and listened to his retelling of the
previous night. It wasn’t until he had finished the story that they realised
that Michaels and Rider were in the hall and listening also.
Major Michaels:
Sounds like an amazing night, Killjoy.
The team got to
their feet and welcomed Michaels back. It was the first time they had seen him
in months and they were damn happy to see him back.
Major Michaels:
It’s good to be back boys. And I come
bearing gifts. Alpha Team, say hello to Sergeant Rider, our new number six.
Rider.... this is Alpha Team.
The team greeted
him with an assortment of nods and salutes before Priest finally turned off the
stereo and allowed Michaels to introduce Rider to the team properly.
Major Michaels:
Alright, this is Midnight, Priest, Killjoy and Stryder. These guys are the most
elite soldiers I have ever met, and according to what I’ve heard about you,
you’re gonna fit right in. Although there is one problem...
Sergeant Rider:
What’s that sir?
Major Michaels:
Okay we have two problems. First off, don’t ‘sir’ me. I might be an officer but
in this team we’re all equal. Secondly, when you were in Delta, you had a call
sign obviously. What was it?
Sergeant Rider: ‘Ozone’.
Major Michaels:
Alrighty then. Well when soldiers get moved to Titan Unit they have to undergo
a few changes. For instance, you’re going to need a new call sign. Anybody have
any ideas?
Midnight:
Atmosphere?
Priest: Solar?
Stryder: Romeo?
Sergeant Rider:
I’m leaning towards ‘Romeo’.
Major Michaels:
Romeo it is! Now listen up Alpha. The Colonel wants us in the TOC for a mission
briefing ASAP. Get your game faces on boys, we’re back in business!
