Chapter Two: The TOC

Alpha Team strolled down the long hallway toward the TOC –Tactical Operations Centre- and did their best to hide their excitement and anticipation. As they approached the TOC they were stopped by two armed guards who asked for a pass code. Michaels gave them the code and they stepped aside to let the team enter. Romeo was the last to enter and stood in awe at the inside of the TOC. The room was much bigger than he had expected and was filled with monitors, computers and personnel who were providing the Unit with intelligence. The far wall had the largest monitor attached to it with smaller ones taking up the rest of the space on the wall. In front of the screens was an open floor area. The TOC was set up like a theatre; the far wall was like a stage with an open floor area. Above that was where the personnel sat at their stations and beside the entrance was a sound proof office surrounded by shatterproof glass. Romeo finally snapped out of it and made his way down to the stage and passed all of the personnel.  He noticed that there were seats in front of the screens and sat next to Stryder. The team was fixed on the screen that was showing them live footage from a Predator Drone circling above a target in Russia. They had no idea who the target was but were intrigued by the armed men escorting him and the stationary armoured vehicles in the area. Romeo noticed Stryder scribbling down some notes on a piece of paper but before he could ask what he was writing, the Colonel entered the TOC and the team stood up.

Colonel Stone: At ease gentlemen.

The team sat down and waited for the Colonel to start the briefing. He started by having an assistant hand each of the Titans a file and killing the feed from the Predator. The screen now displayed the dossiers of Alexei Andreev and Minister Dima Taktarov.

Colonel Stone: Welcome back Alpha Team. I would love to say that I’m about to start you off on a nice easy mission to get you settled in, especially with your new number six. But unfortunately that’s not the case today. Operation Iron Viper: Investigate and neutralize the Russian Ultranationalist threat. It’s that simple boys. For the past six months Alexei Andreev, one of the wealthiest men in Russia, has been secretly funding the Ultranationalist Party and using his influence to get the party whatever they require. Support for the Ultranationalists has increased dramatically over the last six months and it’s only a matter of time before they decide to make a move and take over the country. Their aim is to return Russia to the way it was in the days of the Soviet Union. But their political goals are not what concern us. What does concern us is the intelligence that has been gathered by our assets overseas. According to our people on the ground, the Ultranationalist’s are now in possession of a very large and strong military force. Not only that but it appears that they are planning an attack both the United States and the UK.

Stryder: What kind of attack sir?

Colonel Stone: Chemical. Our informant believes that they wish to cripple both of our nations and blame it on the current Russian government.

Stryder: They think that starting a war with two of the most powerful countries on the planet will give them grounds to take over the government?

Colonel Stone: Apparently so. Which is why we need to stop them before they can kick off world war three.

Michaels: What’s the British involvement going to be like?

Colonel Stone: The British currently have a team in place in Moscow and have already set up shop, which is why we need to get you boys there ASAP. The team in place is a British SAS unit, call sign ‘Bravo Six’. They’re led by a Captain Wallcroft and the team consists of eight men.

Romeo heard a scoff beside him and looked to his left to see Stryder smiling and shaking his head slightly. Little did the new guy know but Stryder had experience with the SAS unit they would be working with. Prior to Stryder’s recruitment into Titan Unit he was attached to Delta Force before being snatched up along with two other Operators to work for the CIA. Their mission was to infiltrate and take down a corrupt Special Forces unit that was selling information to the Taliban. After two years and the loss of his friends, Stryder took down the unit and with the assistance of Bravo Six managed to capture five of the Taliban’s most wanted men. This was how Stryder came on Colonel Stone’s radar.

Colonel Stone: We also believe that a group of Ultranationalists are already in the country and are preparing for an attack. Now obviously we have a problem here. Alpha Team is needed in two places, meaning we’re gonna have to split the team. Stryder, we’re gonna need to send you to Moscow. You’re connections with Bravo Six and your skill set will be vital for this operation. Michaels, we’re gonna need you stateside. Pick your teams gentlemen.

Stryder: Alrighty I’ll take Priest and Midnight.

Michaels: Okay looks like I get Romeo and Killjoy.

Midnight: Yeah um guys.... I’m not too keen on Russia this time of year. You see I have this condition whe—

Stryder: You take Midnight and I’ll take the FNG.

Romeo: FNG?

Killjoy: ‘Fucking New Guy’. Welcome to Alpha kid.