II
Stone sleeps for seven straight hours aboard the U.S.S. Forrestal; he wakes around nineteen hours and notices it is still daylight out. He dresses in the same winter camo fatigues he wore during the mission then reports to the bridge anxious to start his way back home.
"How did you sleep?" Jameson asks.
"Like a baby sir." Stone replies.
"Alright let's get you on your way. I talked to the Pentagon this afternoon and since the Harrier has to be transported back to the states it has been decided that you will fly it back personally. That's not an inconvenience for you is it?" James asks.
"Well I wasn't expecting that but I'd never turn down a chance to get into the cockpit of a jet." Stone replies.
"Good, the sun will be down in about three hours do you want to wait 'til morning?"
"Well I'm wide awake so I might as well be on my way."
"Alright, she's already fueled up. Chief Barnes will take you to the flight deck. It was an honor meeting you Stone." Jameson says shaking hands once more before Stone is escorted back to the Harrier. While Stone is already aware Barnes reminds him that the AV-8 is sub sonic.
"You should be fine without a flight suit if you want to wear what you have on."
"Yeah I pushed her pretty hard during a dog fight this morning, I'll be fine." Stone says.
"So you flew Harriers in the Marine Corps?" Barnes asks.
"That's affirmative, logged most of my hours on the Hornet and Harrier but I could probably fly every plane on this ship."
"I wouldn't doubt it."
"I've also got a license to fly helicopters, although I got that through O.S."
As Stone steps back onto the flight deck and walks towards the Harrier he notices a group of pilots coming back from a sortie. With the Harrier not being a navy plane itself everyone on the ship is curious as to its presence and its unusually dressed pilot. As the four pilots head inside the lone female among them stops and salutes Stone. While not required to, the rest of the pilots follow suit and show their respect towards the unknown operative. Stone honorably salutes in return as the three male pilots continue on their way, however female pilot remains behind for a moment anxious to speak with the Harrier pilot.
"Sara let's go, we've got debriefing in five minutes." One of the other pilots says to her. The pilot looks at her wingman and then backs at Stone.
"Make us proud sir." She yells to Stone over the roar of nearby jets taking off. Stone smiles and winks at her then says. "You too!"
"Lieutenant, on the double." Her wingman says again as she heads below deck.
After fifteen minutes of pre-flight inspections and systems checks Stone crawls back into the cockpit of the AV-8 Harrier still armed with the remaining two sidewinder missiles. He lifts off the Forrestal just before twenty hundred hours and flies to Elmendorf Air Force base near Anchorage, Alaska in just under two hours. From there Stone finally discards the use of the stolen Harrier and boards a military transport plane which takes him to Fairchild Air Force base located in eastern Washington. Once he lands Stone changes into civilian clothing and after a short drive to the nearby city of Spokane via military escort he boards a government plane bound for Washington D.C.
When he lands in D.C. a car is awaiting him as well as an O.S. escort. The agent hands Stone a small nylon bag containing his personal effects such as his wallet, badge and house keys. The agent drives him home and relays a message from Director Grant for him to report for debriefing at twelve hundred. Also that Agent Hudson would be by to pick him up shortly before then since his own vehicle is still safely parked at headquarters. He finally sets foot at the front door of his place in Alexandria, VA around zero six thirty hours. He opens the door and disarms his security system then enters his one bedroom apartment. Exhausted from the long trip Stone crawls into bed and falls instantly to sleep.
Later that morning while eating a late breakfast, Stone hears the sound of Hudson's stereo booming away inside his '97 300ZX.
"C'mon in." Stone says at hearing a knock on his door.
"And how are we on this beautiful August day?" Hudson asks.
"Jet lagged." Stone replies still reading his paper.
"You wanna go bowling tonight with the team?" Hudson says pouring himself a glass of orange juice.
"Sounds good if you don't mind losing again."
"We'll see about that." Hudson replies following Michael into the bedroom.
Stone puts on his shoulder holster and shoves in his 9mm Beretta 92F from his gun cabinet. Stone keeps three sidearms in his apartment; next to the Beretta lay a Sig Sauer P220 and a Ruger P-89 both 9mm. He reaches further into the cabinet and grabs four extra Beretta mags and slides them into the opposite side of the holster. Then he grabs his badge and pair of shades as he walks out the door with Hudson following.
"So tell me about the mission." Hudson asks.
"Why don't you just come to the de-briefing with me so I don't have to go over it twice."
"Can't, Shadow has a re-training session on the H&K G36." Hudson says starting up his sleek 300ZX.
"Oh I love that gun, can't wait to use it in the field. Will you catch me up later?" Stone asks.
"Sure thing."
Stone spends about forty-five minutes in debriefing in Grant's office giving his full report of the mission's events to Grant and Hayes. Also listening via conference call are the Joint-Chiefs and Secretary of Defense.
"I'd like to commend you on a successful mission Agent Stone. You've done an outstanding job in the service our national security and for Russia as well." Says the Secretary through the speakerphone. "The President informed me that he spoke with Russian President Ostrova today. He wished to convey his debt of gratitude towards the operative who recovered the vial. He also stated that he's sending a bottle of Russian vodka to the White House for you as a token of his appreciation. We will have it sent over once it arrives."
"That's very gracious, please relay my thanks when the President speaks to Ostrova again." Stone replies.
"Excuse me gentlemen but we need to get down to business; this crisis is far from over." Says General Lewis of the Air Force. "While the Russians now have custody of the vial it will still take some time to disperse it through the city."
Grant seconds the thought and offers the opinion that it is safe to assume the C.R.A. doesn't have launch capability yet or never did. While Grant's opinion is noted Lewis counters by reminding everyone that Krestov's primary objective is to replace Ostrova himself and restore Russia to its former communist state.
"And gassing the capital city doesn't look good in the people's eyes. He may be crazy but he's not stupid." Stone adds. "By whatever means, if he were to succeed the transition into the his new government would be messy as hell. I seriously doubt he wants to fight a second revolution once he's in power."
The Secretary acknowledges Stone's point stating that he'll likely use the warhead as a threat on Ostrova. "As of yet though Ostrova has not received any such ultimatum."
"We still haven't confirmed whether Krestov even has possession of that chemical warhead or not. But with the vial in his hands we would have been hard pressed to say he was bluffing." Lewis explains.
"Even without the vial what's to stop him from changing targets? Any number of cities in Russia or anywhere else for that matter could be in danger." General Pierce of the Army adds.
"Another good point General, just because Moscow may soon be inoculated there is still a very real threat in effect." Replies the Secretary. "Ostrova's forces are still searching for the Scud base. Until it's taken out or we can confirm Krestov doesn't have the warhead our military forces are staying on alert. I think that wraps up this debriefing unless anyone has something to add?"
"Yes I do, in regards to Agent Stone." General Pierce says.
"Go ahead General." Replies the Secretary.
"Son, once word gets back to Krestov that a lone operative was responsible for recovering the vial I'm sure he's going to be extremely pissed off. Not to mention that aside from swiping the vial, per your report, you destroyed three C.R.A. Hind attack choppers, four Mig-25's, a stolen AV-8 Harrier, most of the convoy carrying the vial, numerous C.R.A. troops plus flight and ground crewmen from the temporary air base you escaped from." Pierce says.
"What is the point of all this General?" Grant says into the speakerphone.
"My point is there were survivors from both the convoy and the airbase. It doesn't take a genius to realize that a lone operative assigned to such a critical mission with no backup isn't part of the military. Anyone could guess that such an operative is a government agent. Therefore we can assume that Krestov would guess that, said operative would be stationed here in D.C." Pierce explains. "Bottom line the C.R.A. doesn't know Stone's identity but several of those troops that survived probably got a decent look at him. It's not so far fetched to think that Krestov might send a search team here to look for him. Granted it's a long shot but it's possible, so watch your six."
"With all due respect General Pierce, I appreciate your concern but don't call me son." Stone replies calmly.
Pierce is somewhat shocked by Stone's apparent lack of take away from his comments.
"Very well." Pierce replies solemnly.
"Well I'm sure in his line of work Agent Stone is well aware of the risks. That concludes this meeting everyone. Dismissed." Says the Secretary.
"I don't think you should have said that Michael." Hayes says once the line is disconnected. "One of the Joint Chiefs is concerned about your welfare and you're upset that he called you son!?"
"He wasn't concerned about me he was just making a point, besides like the Secretary said I'm well aware of the risks." Stone replies.
"It's not his point I'm speaking of it was your immature response to a singular word you found offensive for some reason." Kim adds.
"He's right Kim, besides we're not talking about some PFC from the Marine Corps. The Secretary is more than familiar with Michael's service record and Pierce's remark was a bit disrespectful. Especially considering the mission he just completed." Grant explains.
"Okay I'll agree to that but that only reinforces my point, Stone's response only made him appear . . . "
"That's enough Kim." Grant says interrupting. "Just let it be."
Somewhat shocked Hayes takes a breath then submits to her superior. "Yes sir."
All the while Stone remains silent just observing the dialogue between his two superiors.
"Excellent job as usual Michael, you're dismissed for the rest of the day. I know you landed only a few hours ago so we'll let you go home and catch up on some sleep. However on your way out if you would please go see Weiss down in R he'd like your evaluation of the thermal suit you were issued." Grant says shaking Stone's hand.
"Thank you Director, if it's all the same I'll stick around for a bit. Hudson told me Shadow was doing a refresher course on the G36. I'd like to head to the range so he can get me caught up. Then I'll see Weiss before I head home." Stone says.
"That would be fine, dismissed."
Hayes waits for Stone to leave then closes the door behind him and asks Grant for permission to speak freely.
"Granted." Grant says sitting down behind his desk.
"James what just happened here?" She says dropping Grant's title. "Everyone's remarks in that unusual dialogue between Stone and Pierce had merit to some degree or another. And you know I'll follow your order and let it go but I was really surprised by your response. I'm just curious where that came from."
"Kim there's a lot about Michael that you don't know."
"What don't I know." Hayes replies.
"Look I don't want you to feel like you are not trusted with this information but . . . . it's classified." Grant says finally.
"Classified? I thought as Deputy Director nothing was classified when it came to the background history of our agents." Hayes says even more curious.
"While that's true, I can tell you that the information I speak of is not something that Michael has shared with O.S. However, I am aware of it and out of respect for him I've vowed not to share it with anyone else."
"Understood." Hayes says as her curiosity continues to run rampant.
"Don't let this change your perception of him Kim. He's still the same man we've always known." Grant explains.
Stone heads for the gun range and finds Hudson alone working with the G36. "There he is, how did de-briefing go." Hudson asks sending two paper targets down the range.
"Fine, the Secretary commended me on my work and said Ostrova sends his thanks."
"How much did you suck up to him, did you ask him for a raise?" Hudson replies handing Stone the weapon.
"Nope."
"So you're saying your lips weren't even near his ass?" Hudson adds jokingly.
"What are you talking about, I'm no kiss ass." Stone says loading a magazine into the rifle. Hudson spends the next twenty minutes going over what they learned in the refresher course with Stone. After the reintroduction to the weapon system Stone steps forward into the firing booth and empties the magazine on semi-automatic fire. As he reloads Hudson grabs another G36 and takes the booth next to his friend. "Oh I forgot, the Secretary mentioned that Ostrova is sending me a bottle of Russian vodka as a gift."
"Whoa, we'll have some fun with that!" Hudson says as Stone just nods in response now firing at full automatic. After going through a few more magazines Hudson and Stone both field strip and clean the weapons. After they finish they return the rifles back to the weapons locker and leave the range. "I have to report to operations but after that do you want to get some lunch?"
"No I have to report to Weiss for equipment evaluation then I'm heading home. Grant gave me the rest of the afternoon off." Stone replies.
"Lucky you."
Stone simply smiles then asks if Hudson can pick up him on the way to the bowling alley tonight.
"Yeah no problem, see you tonight." Hudson says.
Khantayka, Russia - Fifty miles east of the Yenisey River lies a C.R.A. fortress nestled in the snowy mountains. Known as the Citadel; the fortress doubles as General Krestov's personal residence. Aptly named due to its defenses, the roof is complete with a helipad and guard towers on each corner. Down below six S.A.M. sites are dispersed around the perimeter to protect the Citadel from possible air attacks. Finally two structures serve as barracks for the garrison of fifty C.R.A. troops that are stationed at the Citadel at all times.
Colonel Xander Evensk formerly of the Soviet Special Forces arrives and enters the Citadel. Clad in his dress uniform and armed with his weapon of choice, a nickel-plated DD44 Dostovei, he steps out of the elevator and walks down the corridor towards the large double doors. The two commandos, each armed with an AKSU slung over their shoulders, guarding the office open the doors for him. They close the doors behind him as Evensk steps into the room. He removes his beret and stands at attention before the desk.
"You wanted to see me General?" Evensk says in Russian waiting for Krestov to turn around and face him.
Krestov continues watching the snowfall through the large picture window that encircles three quarters of the room. Finally he turns around in his chair to face his executive officer.
"Colonel, are you aware that we lost possession of the vial?" says Krestov.
"Yes General, one of my subordinates informed me of the situation on the way here. It was the Americans, although he was unsure about the report stating that one man attacked the convoy. Please tell me General that this report is not accurate, it's impossible!"
"Or so we would have thought." Krestov replies after a moment. "However it is true."
At hearing that response Evensk becomes outraged. "How could that be, one man against an entire armed convoy! I selected the men for that mission myself. Some of them I trained myself at boot camp!" Evensk replies furious.
"Calm yourself Xander, I am just as furious but we must keep our heads on straight. I have a new assignment for you." Krestov adds.
"What about the Vosk project?" Evensk says somewhat shocked. "I thought . . ."
Krestov cuts him off stating that Vosk will proceed as previously instructed. He then assigns Evensk's second officer, Major Divinska, to complete the assignment in his place.
"I have faith in Divinska, he can oversee the completion of Vosk just as well as you. Besides I have a more personal matter for you to deal with." Krestov says as he stands up and begins to walk in slow circles around Evensk. "This may sound unusual even impetuous but I want the man who stole the vial!"
"Sir?" Evensk says taken aback.
"I want you to find this man and bring him here, alive."
"What purpose would that serve us though?" Evensk asks.
"Honestly, none. It's just a case of cold blooded revenge. And once you've succeeded you and I can enjoy using this man as a punching bag." Krestov says still circling.
"Understood, so how do I find him? If he's in the military . . ." Krestov cuts in again to answer stating that the U.S. military would not send in one man on any assignment.
"This operative obviously has some background in the military but no, he's from some other organization." Krestov eyes Evensk as he passes in front of him.
"A government agency." Evensk replies with the answer.
"Correct."
"That means he's stationed in Washington D.C."
"Most likely." Krestov says resuming his walk around his subordinate. Still somewhat unclear how he is to accomplish such an assignment Evensk poses the question again how he is to find this man.
"Mobile comms at the temporary air base was able to get a picture of the operative as he made his escape. I ordered the photo copied and dispersed to the survivors of the convoy. Every single one concurred that this is our man; then the remaining crewmen from the air base verified that the same man was responsible for destroying seven aircraft plus the other Harrier we stole." Krestov explains pulling out the photo from his desk.
"Guess that means the Harrier mission is scrubbed." Evensk says as he looks at the photo of the blonde agent.
"Affirmative, send recon teams to D.C. to sweep the downtown area. They can pose as tourists or businessmen or what not."
"Washington is a big city General, I'm surprised you're diverting men and materials for such an unimportant objective." Evensk says. "And there's no guarantee we'll even find him."
"True but there is a chance, if you succeed, that it may end up working to our benefit." Krestov says.
"Oh?"
Krestov goes on to explain that with Russia and the U.S. unofficially working together to find them Ostrova was probably aware of the mission to recover the vial before it was even launched. While Ostrova himself doesn't likely know the agent's identity he's surely knows what he has accomplished. "Knowing Ostrova he's probably asked the White House to relay his thanks to this man." Krestov pauses for a moment. "I wonder what Ostrova's reaction would be if he knew we had captured this agent that he's so grateful to."
"Understood, so what exactly is my assignment once I send out the recon team?"
Krestov smiles and informs Evensk he will be in charge of preparing the backup plan. He informs Evensk that whether or not the recon team finds the agent they will initiate a plan to draw out the agent into their midst. They discuss the details together for over an hour including plans for Evensk to setup a temporary base somewhere near the U.S. for the second stage of the mission.
"You have your orders Colonel, no go get him!"
As instructed Stone heads downstairs to see Agent Jack Weiss, head of Omega's Research & Development department, to submit his evaluation of Weiss' thermal suit. Located in the lower levels of the thirty story building, that houses Omega Sector headquarters, R&D is tasked with inventing and field testing everything from new weapons and explosives, vehicles, gadgets, surveillance equipment, etc.
Stone enters the large sound proofed R&D lab and reports to Weiss. Weiss looks up from what he is doing and spots Stone. "Hey Mike, how did the thermo-skin work?" He says referring to the thermal suit's project name.
"Good, definitely cut down on the weight like you intended. Made it much easier to maneuver around especially in close quarters combat." Stone replies handing Weiss a small tote bag carrying the suit.
"Excellent. Did the thermostat console give you any problems?"
"Nope, good thing too cuz I was outdoors all through the second night." Stone adds.
"Very good, I was worried those glitches we experienced during its last evaluation would reoccur." Weiss says stowing the thermo-skin in a nearby locker. "So what are you up to today?"
"On my way home in a few minutes, why do you have some new items you want me to check out?" Stone asks excitedly. Being Omega's top agent has its perks, Stone and his team typically gets first dibs at testing out new equipment from R&D.
"Well we finalized the new body armor project, you could suit up and let Hennessey take a few shots at you with the M60." Stone simply gives him a crazy look then respectfully passes. Weiss then mentions his team is currently working on an advanced suppressor for an H&K MP5. "We're trying to reduce the sound of a normal suppressor by half. We call it the hush puppy!" As Weiss continues Stone scans the lab for something a bit more fun. Suddenly something catches his eye. "Or there is . . ."
"What about the motorbike?" Stone says unintentionally interrupting him. Weiss looks over at the red Honda in the corner and smiles.
"Ah, my new favorite toy." Weiss says leading Stone to the motorcycle. "I call it the Viper, cuz the tail end looks kind of like a snake head, a copperhead actually."
"Why don't you call it the copperhead then?" Stone asks.
"Cause Viper sounds better." Weiss says subtly as he begins listing the bike's features. "Totally bullet proof and fire resistant, she's armed with two 40mm armor piercing grenade launchers located just below the headlights."
"How many shells?"
"Just one each, she's also got two machine gun emplacements located right below the windscreen." Weiss adds pointing them out.
"What caliber?" Stone asks.
"5.56mm, each emplacement carrying one hundred rounds. Other features include cruise control and steering lock plus a tire re-inflation system."
"Does that mean what I think it does?"
"Yup, if a tire gets shot out a small air compressor activates and keeps the tire inflated until you can patch the hole or just change the tire altogether. However the compressor begins to overheat after five minutes. So if you're chasing someone and you blow a tire, you'd better nail your mark quick or you won't catch 'em." Weiss goes on stating that the tail end houses two small jet engines and a separate one-gallon tank. "That tank . . . .uh can only be filled with rocket fuel."
"What!?" Stone replies dumbfounded.
"It's a jet engine, like an emergency booster. The red button next to the throttle controls it; you can hold it down and the booster will last. . oh bout a minute. Or you can just push it whenever you need a quick burst of speed. Without the jets she'll do 0-100 in just under ten seconds."
"How fast with the jets?" Stone asks.
"That's what you're going to find out Mike, no one's been brave enough to test the booster yet." Weiss says smiling.
"Well if you got me sitting on rocket fuel it better be bullet proof!" Stone says getting on the bike.
"Not even an M203 grenade would put a mark on that body. Oh I suppose someone could put a missile through one of the tires but it's not like you'll take her into a battlefield. I almost forgot there are two security features." Weiss says grabbing a small remote from a nearby table. "You might want to let go of the handlebars."
Stone quickly draws back his arms from the control console as Weiss presses the button on the remote. Suddenly the handlebars fold up and red armored shields fold out from under the windscreen covering the control console. Stone simply looks as Weiss and says. "Whoa, that's wicked! What's the second security feature?" Weiss simply hands Stone a screwdriver and instructs him to reach underneath the chassis as if he were going to tamper with the bike. Stone does as instructed and receives an electric shock! "Ouch, you could have just told me."
"Yeah but that was more fun. " Weiss says laughing.
"So not even a grenade will penetrate the armor?"
"Wanna see?" Weiss asks.
"No I'll take your word for it."
"Okay but I still want to show you a demonstration. Hey guys, let her have it." Weiss leads Stone to a nearby worktable to go over the helmet's features as four of his assistants walk towards the bike. They take switchblades, axes and a jackhammer against the armor. After that three of the agents draw various firearms and fire at the bike. One agent fires a .357 revolver; a second uses a 12-gauge shotgun and third uses an MP5 on full automatic. During all this Weiss explains the features of the matching red helmet to Stone. "Bulletproof as well, internal voice activated comm system, night and thermal vision settings and a rear view angle that's transmitted from a tiny camera above the license plate."
Stone tries on the helmet to find it is a perfect fit just as the assistants complete the demonstration. Stone removes the helmet and inspects the bike to find not a mark on her! "This is killer Jack."
"Thanks, we've started working on a second one for a wingman or what not."
"That's a good idea, so can I take her for a spin?"
"Michael I'm hurt, you think I'd introduce you to something this cool and not let you play with it?" Weiss says jokingly as he tosses Stone the key. "Have fun."
"You're the man Jack." Stone says starting her up.
"Wait a sec, you'll need this." He says handing him the helmet. "And remember the back left button is night vision so don't try that one."
"Copy that, back left." Stone replies putting on the helmet again.
"Hennessey open the tunnel doors." Weiss orders. Moments later the wall facing the bike lifts up leading to a tunnel, which will take Stone down to the underground parking structure. "Test the booster sparingly, that rocket fuel ain't cheap!" Weiss yells over the purr of the engine. Stone gives him a thumbs up then speeds off down the tunnel.
Back at the Citadel General Krestov and Colonel Evensk have finalized their plans to find the American spy. I will deploy the recon team immediately and I should have the missile base setup within forty eight hours." Evensk says. Both men know the chances of finding their mark is slim to none even with the second phase of their plan in place.
"Very good Xander, contact me from Guanabacoa once the installation is operational." Krestov says dismissing him.
"Yes General." Evensk replies and he does an about face and exits the office.
Stone spends the next hour riding the Viper through town. While he doesn't get a chance to test the jet booster in full he is able to give it a few quick bursts. Next he test out the vision settings on the helmet, he presses the first of two buttons on the right side of the helmet. Suddenly the bottom half of the face screen displays the view from the camera on the rear of the bike; leaving the top half ample space remaining to see the road. He presses the next button that changes the entire face screen to the thermal setting. He can see the body heat of nearby drivers as well as anything else giving off a heat signature. He then goes for the buttons on the left side and presses to front one, for a moment Stone thinks something went wrong. Then he notices in the top right corner of the face screen a red dot and the letters REC appear. Suddenly he realizes there's a camera built into the helmet as well. He switches off the recorder then hesitates before hitting the back left remembering that is for night vision. Which in the middle of the day would blind him! He then tests out the voice activated features inside the helmet, after another lap around the city Stone heads back to base. All he says to Weiss when he returns is: "Awesome!" Before heading for home he tells Hudson about Weiss' new addition to the O.S. armory.
"Wow, does it fly too?" Hudson says jokingly. Stone pauses for a second then states that knowing Weiss you just never know. Suddenly someone comes over the PA system informing Stone to report to Grant's office ASAP.
"I thought you were off for the rest of the day?" Hudson asks.
"I'm sure it's nothing, I'll see you tonight, pick me up at seven." Stone adds.
"Copy that." Hudson replies.
Stone reports to Grant's office right away and knocks on the door.
"You wanted to see me sir."
"I was hoping you hadn't left yet, just thought you might want to know we found out where your stolen Harrier was from." Grant says.
"Oh really, where?"
"Marine Corps base in Iwakuni, Japan. Do you remember a few weeks back when two planes went missing in the pacific?"
"Vaguely yeah." Stone replies.
"There you have it."
"So the pilots were intercepted by C.R.A. Migs?" Stone asks curiously.
"That or the pilots were members of the C.R.A." Grant adds.
"That's discomforting."
"Anyway just thought I'd pass it on, enjoy the rest of your afternoon off."
"Thank you sir." Stone says finally heading home.
That night Shadow team reunites for the first time in almost two weeks. They spend four or five hours at a bowling alley having beers and burgers together. They toast their team leader's recent successful mission as they fill in Watts on the recent events. Watts who had been on personal leave for the last two weeks just returned today from his hometown in Colorado. "How was your brother's wedding Kyle?" Stone says to Watts.
"Good, it was nice to see my family again." Watts replies taking a swig of his beer.
"Meet any nice girls?" asks Hudson.
"Well my sister-in-law's maid of honor was kinda hot." Watts replies.
"Did you score?" Drake asks.
"Drake c'mon, our boy Watts has a little more honor than that." Hudson states.
"Yeah, he's not some man-whore like you that nails everything he sees." Anderson adds.
"Well you see guys, by that definition . . ."
"Please don't finish that sentence!" O'Bryan says interrupting Drake.
At nearly closing time the team is one of two parties left in the building. With the last game about over Stone, being the usual person to beat, is leading. With Hudson already too far behind to catch up only Drake stands a chance at beating their team leader. Stone picks up his custom made ball; made on request by Weiss at headquarters the ball is black with a seemingly hollow appearance as the Greek symbol for Omega rests in the center. Stone bowls and hits another strike leaving him with a final score of 240. Drake needing at least a spare to win bowls and comes up with a 7-10 split!
"Oh c'mon!" Drake says frustrated. Drake bowls again and can only take down one pin leaving him with a score of 239! Drake sinks to his knees in disbelief; he would have been the first member of the team to beat Stone in two years aside from Hudson.
They head out to the parking lot practically carrying two of their fellow agents because they are so drunk.
"Hey guys I don't think I should drive." Watts says stabling himself beside the car.
"You didn't bring your car anyway and Patrick I know you're too plastered to drive." Stone says.
"Okay fine, I'll call headquarters and have them send a Huey to come get us." O'Bryan replies as Anderson takes his keys from him.
"Knowing these guys I only had one beer, I'll get them home." Anderson says.
"Ha ha, ha ha, a Huey, I just got it!" Watts says laughing as he stumbles over. Luckily Hudson catches him and puts him in the back of O'Byran's car. Stone laughs as he gets into Hudson's 300ZX.
"You guys be careful." Hudson says getting behind the wheel.
Two days later Stone and Hudson attend a briefing held by Grant in the main conference room. While there are still no new updates regarding the C.R.A. situation the purpose of the conference is to gather the collective minds together.
"Four known air bases across northeastern Russia, a naval base in Nordvik, a training facility in Udzha and intelligence says Krestov hasn't been at any of them in the last week. " Grant explains.
"Makes sense, he's hiding until the situation blows over." Stone adds.
"But where." Grant replies.
"Well it's a safe bet he'll stay away from his occupied cities, doesn't want information to leak on his whereabouts." Hayes says.
"Looks like until the Russians ask for further assistance it's their ball game." Stone says.
"Alright I'll keep you guys updated, dismissed." Grant says.
As they leave Hudson asks Stone if he wants to join him for lunch. However Stone already has plans with his cousin.
"Oh did she move into town already?" Hudson asks.
"About three weeks ago actually, I just haven't had a chance to see her yet." Stone replies.
Guanabacoa, Cuba – Ten miles east of town Colonel Evensk and a team of his Siberian commandos land on an unmarked airstrip. Evensk steps off the plane and is greeted by a Colonel of the Cuban army. Evensk provides a coded greeting phrase and the Cuban responds with the correct return code phrase indicating this is their contact Krestov informed him about. Evensk offers his hand and thanks him for his assistance.
"Where is the site?" Evensk asks.
"Twenty miles east of here, it's a former military training ground but it hasn't been in use since the sixties. There's no one around for ten miles in any direction, it's a restricted area." The Cuban Colonel states as he hands Evensk the coordinates and directions to the site. "Your superior informed me you'd need some objects for target practice, there is a bone yard full of old military vehicles that you may feel free to do with as you please. As requested the transports behind me are yours per our deal with General Krestov.
"Thank you, everything sounds to be satisfactory." Evensk says as he turns to his acting executive officer. "Major Loyma, get the men off the plane and loaded into those transport trucks ASAP!"
"Yes Colonel."
As the men debark the plane Evensk orders the flight crew to see that the plane is stashed and covered by a camo net.
"Major Loyma." Evensk says. "What's the status of the recon team?"
"They checked in as scheduled but they've only been in Washington for twenty four hours. Nothing so far Colonel." Loyma replies.
"Copy, get the men loaded up we need to rendezvous with this arms dealer Devennia before we establish base camp."
"Yes Colonel." Loyma replies.