X-Com – The Unknown Menace
Chapter Two – Openings
December 13th, 1998
Russian Army Compound outside St. Petersburg, Russian Federation
Lieutenant-General Dmitri S. Illyuschenko realized that he was extremely drunk when the rational part of his brain took notice of the cold and metallic taste of the pistol barrel that was inside his mouth. With a sigh he slowly released the pressure his right hand thumb was putting on the trigger and placed the weapon on the table in front of him, after slowly securing the weapon. Not again, he thought looking at the written piece of paper lying on the plastic top of the table in Kremlin stationary.
Turning his head to the left he came up with his reflection on the mirror inside the open door of metal cabinet that hold his belongings, its surface revealing a white-haired figure slumped in a chair and beneath his gray eyes he could start to see dark strains caused by the lack of sleep. Although a scar marred his jawbone his face usually bellied his 56 years since he had always kept a lean body and still could outrun any of his recruits in the marathon. But without his self-confidence on his physical and martial skills little left now remained inside him although on one on the base, or even on his life knew what stood underneath it. Several particular ghosts had haunting him that night with one right next to the letter on the table, a silver framed photograph of a blonde-haired woman smiling.
He had met Irina on southern Ukraine in 1967, freshly commissioned as a junior lieutenant while his parachute unit was conducting airborne training on the countryside. The farmers of the local kolkhoz were harvesting the fields nearby the training facility and one night the officers of the battalion had been invited to a reception at the farming community. On that late summer night he had been introduced to Irina, three years younger than him and so delicate that she had been startled a number of times by his somewhat exalted enthusiasm as both of them talked through the evening meal. But both had felt in love by one another on that night and for the next weeks he had had to put up with the jokes from the senior officers about the 'enloved fool' of their unit as they completed their training. They married on his second leave after that, with Illyuschenko finding out that it had been easier to jump off a plane at night than making the proposal to her.
But Irina had died twelve years ago on St. Petersburg's military hospital while he had been serving in Afghanistan on the elite Spetznaz Special Forces after a coronary stroke. Their few friends who attended the funeral told him later that it had been brief, with not much attendance since both of them were single children and their parents had died on the Great Patriotic War against Hitler. They never had any children since medical tests had shown that Irina was sterile but until then they were happy. She's gone.
He had been gone on a mission, leading a two-helicopter flight to conduct raids on the mountainous border between Afghanistan and Pakistan in order to disrupt the supply routes of the guerrilla movement that was fighting Soviet rule on the country at the order of the American CIA. But their transport Mi-8 Hip helicopter had been hit by one of the American Stinger portable anti-aircraft missiles that had become a large threat to Soviet planes and helicopters, the same ones that he had been ordered to shut down their supply. Ordering the other craft away for fearing that it might suffer the same fate if it tried to rescue the survivors of the crash, Illyuschenko then led his unit back to Soviet lines until they linked with an armored column sent to retrieve then. The crossing of the mountain passes had been brutal with the guerrillas in hot pursuit of the small group of men that had survived the attack but when he had finally returned to his base on the outskirts of Kabul he had discovered that Irina had died. He had saved his men from death but he had been unable to save her.
Images of a little village lost in the middle of mountains in Afghanistan that he had been ordered to investigate for terrorist activity burned on his mind. And the bloody carnage that occurred afterwards when one of his men overreacted to one of the villager's actions and started shooting. When he finally got his men under control the bodies of the civilians were spread out on the main street and inside their houses, gunned down by the precision of his elite team. He later saw that his safety on his assault rifle had been taken off and his clip was empty but he couldn't remember firing the weapon. It didn't matter at the moment as they continued conducting raids against all enemy forces on the border, under secret High Command orders to raze the land. Now it matters?
The same memories that had taken over him again came back and he fought them off. It must be of this of receiving the orders to report myself to the Kremlin later in the morning. Who knows what I will be assigned now by High Command.
There was complete darkness in the base where the elite Spetznaz commandos were housed. Almost no sound could be heard in spite of the war condition, which had been ordered by the Russian President himself. But one special squad was always on full alert, ready to deal with any further intrusions or attacks, although Illyuschenko knew that their efforts would be worthless. Already they had tried numerous times to reach the craft when they landed, but the speed and the distances involved had always worked against them. And each time he felt more frustrated and feeling more helpless.
He never told anyone about his memories and nightmares. He knew that if the Army knew about them he would probably be discharged for medical purposes. And he had a very important job at hands, making sure that his elite teams were ready for anything and that mistakes like that wouldn't happen again. For more than a decade duty had been a helpful medicine in keeping away the bad dreams. Duty would also have to suffice now as he picked up the frame and placed it on the drawer of his bedside table, closing it afterwards.
He looked at the watch upon the table and cursed, noticing that it was already three in the morning. Looking down to the ground he found what he was looking for. An empty bottle of vodka was on the concrete floor, still intact and right next to the table, where it had fallen from his limp right hand. The dizziness as he tried to pick it reminded him that he had also taken a couple of too much shots. He was used to sleeping few hours due to his training and his duties, but as he got up and went to bed he knew that the hangover would be a bitch. Sleep came almost instantly, but his dreams were still troubled.
Unknown location, North America
In another location on Earth a man thought about the current events and how they would affect it personally.
Number One's position was very precarious and he knew it. He was nothing more than a first among equals, on everyone's perception of the leader. And while the choices for replacing him were dim, this sort of event could just provide sufficient arguments to convince the majority to take such an action.
The Group's strict hierarchy was organized like a ladder. When someone was elected to the first step, the former number One would be then demoted to number Two and so forth with the remaining elements. Which meant that conquering leadership was a long, arduous process. Number One's last position was Seven and he had managed to convince enough lower "steps" to give him their votes. Usually Number One would be elected from the top "steps", which had the closest chances of being elected. But the real factor of the equation would be the "middle" steps: if someone below them got elected their positions would go down. It would be real easy to get demoted due to someone's ambition, which through this way would be put in check.
The only other way of ascending, besides being elected to Number One would be through the death of one of them. If Six died all the others below would ascend, with Seven occupying its place. While that could have brought political assassination as a tool to ascend, in this case it was different. The resources available to these men ensure that any strange demise of one of its members would be investigated and if crime was behind the cause of death the punishment would be swift. Death. Or something much worse.
Seniority and experience would play a big role on internal politics. And due to a precise reason: the knowledge and means those men possessed made them more powerful than most nations in the world. Patience and careful planning was essential for them to reach their goals undetected by the remainder of society. Number One knew this was a crucial time, the one they had been preparing for years. Although the timetable had been advanced, they would have to be able to seize the initiative and take control over the development of events in the future. He considered what he should do with a piece of data his agents had just sent him: the recordings of the Hawk flight.
The Aurora was considered already obsolete, but he had been involved at some point before with its conception and still remembered the pride he had felt years later when it took its maiden flight. But his personal feelings were not relevant here. More important would be the use that could be gotten from the data, especially if it found its way to the media. The Group had already decided that mass upheaval and distrust on the government would play a significant part in their plans. But not yet, he thought. When the time came this particular chess piece would be placed on the board and perform his role. The same was happening now with X-Com: it would give his friends something to worry about for the next months.
The Pentagon, Washington D.C., United States
As Terry Williams passed the last and inner ring of the Pentagon he was feeling a bit nervous. While he had been working for the CIA and the NIC for twenty years he had never been to such a high-ranking meeting. He had dealt with Congressman, Committees and Administration officers, occasionally with a Secretary, but never with the Joint Chiefs of Staff or the whole Administration.
And now he was getting both and more. He was about to present his group's report for the top military and civilian leaders of the country and still felt unsure of what he was going to say. At one point, during the early discussions, MacAllister had suggested, half-jokingly, that we should greet the aliens as our saviors. After everyone expressed their heated reactions about such a comment, he then added: "Since we are considering here theories about ET that until now would classify anyone who believes in them as nuts, why don't think of all possibilities then?" That phrase had rung a bell into Williams' mind, but he had no clue of what it meant.
It came also from the assignment. Until the last year his work had been related to unconventional forces and future threats of the new millennium. When the whole 'alien' group was formed no one knew what they were supposed to do. He looked at a mirror as his marine escort stopped by a checkpoint and presented his ID to the other soldier. He exhaled in relief as he looked at the perfect knot on his blue tie made by his wife at his request. His wavy dark blonde wasn't that bad either.
Of course when news arrived to the team of the attack on Siberia and the incident with the Hawk, most of the theories that they had discussed were discarded. They now knew that they were dealing with some alien life form that would react aggressively when it entered contact with humans. Which also posed a lot of terrifying questions about what they were and, most importantly, what they wanted from Earth.
When he reached the War Room entry he paused for a minute and checked himself while the military police checked again his identification. When the clearance was given he proceeded into the heart of the US military.
Unbeknownst to him at about the same time that he was on his way to the War Room, calls were being made to several military installations all over the United States, ordering the listeners to present themselves to Pentagon.
Imperial Palace, Tokyo, Japan
Takashi Ishibari felt he was making the most extraordinary speech in his life. He was presenting the reports elaborated by his Cabinet, Military Command and intelligence service to the Emperor about the results of the summit and the overall situation. While he had an almost ceremonial role in the society of Japan and had lost his figure as a divinity after World War II, tradition still overwhelmed the Japanese Prime-Minister.
Kneeling in front of the seated Emperor they were both alone and standing inside a large room with walls of white paper. The monarch was listening carefully to his words and asking questions. "So, we can assume that their intentions are hostile?"
"Yes, Emperor. They apparently seek something out of Earth. We are speculating, however, if their presence here is temporary or permanent, and if their appearances and hostile actions are provoked by our attempts of interfering with them".
"Meaning that if we do not try to get in their way they might reduce their activity?"
"That was considered by the conference but their appearances spread throughout known history. Stories from ships in the sky were recorded by many cultures. Until now we had seen such allegations as ridiculous and mad, but now it seems that we will have to reconsider them. The past year's activity has no parallel with what had happened before. This can only mean that they have a goal now and are acting towards it with every means necessary".
Nodding slightly he commented. "We must increase our actions then. You were right in establishing the Kiryu-Kai".
"Yes, your Highness. We now know that we can't dismiss their real goal here and must stop them, because they are invading and attacking our country to reach it. And the only lead we have are the cattle mutilations and the abductions".
"War again then". The Emperor's objections had been stated before to Ishibari about engaging in offensive operations. "There seems no doubt about it, Emperor". The sound afterwards was the only response Ishibari got.
The man's voice came slightly changed as the monarch changed the subject of the conversation. "What else can you tell me? Who are they?"
"They are most likely from outside the Sun system, because there is no place to support such an advanced civilization except Earth in our solar system and if it was possible we would have detected it by now. Which means that they developed a way to travel between stars, something that was considered almost impossible by the modern laws of science until now. The time necessary for traveling with technology similar to ours would have no purpose. About what they look like we might have some indications but no ideas."
"And their craft? Can we match them?"
"No, we do not have the technology so we will attempt to capture one and hope we can understand its technological wonders."
"And we have tried every possible means of communicating with them?"
"We are still trying, your Highness. They just refuse to respond"
"Very well. Japan shall then prepare for defending itself. You shall use every means available to do this and report to me on a regular basis. And if the Emperor can do anything else for his subjects please ask him".
"Thank you very much your Highness"
"One last thing. When you have chosen the Japanese members of this team, inform me. I have something I want to present them".
Pentagon, Washington D.C.
The constellation of epaulets carrying stars in front of him made Williams think for a minute about how now this had really turned into a stellar war. He was presenting his report to the Joint Chiefs of Staff, the body of military advisors to the President and Secretary of Defense that was composed of the Chiefs of Staff of the Army, Air Force, Chief of Naval Operations and Commander of the Marine Corps, along with the Chairman and Vice-Chairman of the JCS.
The generals and admirals in front of all the US' combat commands where also present, along with the Secretaries of State, Interior, the National Security Advisor, who looked a lot better than expected after being through a cancer removal operation, and the President's Scientific Advisor. Absent were the Vice-President and the leaders of both parties of the House and Senate. The President, who now had just motioned Williams to continue, would brief them later.
"Most likely the aliens have a profound knowledge of human constitution and behavior by observing us for so long. They must also know our society and technological level deeply. That is a major advantage over us, since we have no information about them, their strengths and weaknesses.
They could have managed this using two ways: passively, by monitoring our transmissions or other such methods than don't involve direct physical contact with humans, and the other one, the" Williams paused, uncomfortable with the words "abductions and flyovers". One disturbing possibility also exists that those actions might also be psychological warfare on the aliens' part, with them trying to disrupt our societies through mass fear and hysteria".
"How do you predict they will react with the occurrence of unexpected encounters with humans?" The General in charge of the Special Operations Command, a special mixed organization with elite units from the Army and Air Force asked Williams with a look that gave him the impression that the man had his total attention focused on his words. Actually they all looked like that, besides the President and the Cabinet members that were already informed of all of the events.
"Aggressively, sir. After the Hawk incident we know this for sure. And the Siberian attack can also be seen as a way of testing our forces".
"But so far they haven't really met us in combat?"
"Even the Japanese haven't been successful in intercepting them but they were using limited resources".
"That might have a tactical advantage there if we can exploit it". His comment made Williams think for a minute before replying.
"Yes, if our technology permits us to strike at the aliens, using tactics on them, then they most likely will be unprepared. They will be committing the classic mistake of underestimating the enemy. But that could also mean that the conflict might escalate several levels as we learn more about the aliens and use that knowledge against them".
"By escalation, you mean that we or they might have to resort to mass destruction weapons?" The Commander of the Strategic Command slipped a trace of concern although he was performing his duty as the responsible for the nation's nuclear weapons.
"That is a possibility sir. It depends on how the conflict will evolve and ultimately if the means to victory for either side reside in the deployment of such weapons".
"And do our nuclear weapons possess any capability against them?"
"Unknown sir. They most likely will know we have them and what is their potential, but we can't tell if their technological level could withstand such power".
"How about their own strategic weapons?"
"It would depend on how their technology progressed. They seem to have an advanced knowledge of engineering, along with physics and chemistry. The incident with the Hawk showed us that they have high-energy weapons and we can reasonably expect more powerful weapons and applications of their concepts to hand-held equipment."
"And do we have any advantage on them? Chemical or biological warfare for instance?"
"The question is if they evolved as much in other areas, like biology, computers, and others. Can we expect that we have any field were we are equal or even more advanced? That could also be an advantage over them that we can exploit".
Another general addressed him, as the questions continued. "In what scenario would you predict hostile encounters?"
"At every time we actively interact with them. Their activity is being reported all over the planet, in every different landscape and day hour".
"Including heavily populated environments?"
"I am afraid the answer is yes". All of the generals shook their heads nervously. Urban fighting was one of the most brutal, especially if the enemy was a superior force invading your territory.
"And what are their objectives?"
"Undetermined. The parts removed from cattle don't give us any clue if they are using them for food or for some medical purpose. On the other hand the abductions, experiments and disappearances indicate that they have some purpose for us besides specimens for analysis. Their interest in us is not only scientific for analysis. The general disappearances indicated that the missing are having some final destination, whatever that might be".
"Sons of bitches!" None of the assembled men looked at the general that said the heated comment. They all realized what it could mean and anger was running wild in the room. Although Williams had stopped feeling about what we was writing when he was finishing the report and presenting it, he couldn't hold it anymore behind a neutral voice. "Yes".
The President raised himself and walked to the stand where Williams had made his presentation. "Very well, Mr. Williams. In spite of our almost complete lack of information, your team managed to determine some very enlightening hypothesis about them and their intentions that will make us think a lot. You are dismissed and keep up the good work".
"Thank you sir". He moved away and went to sit by the DCI. The Secretary of Defense got up and took his position behind the stand. "Well, gentlemen, that's about all that we know of the aliens so far. General Thompson, could you please present the plan for dealing with them now?"
The Chairman of the JCS left his seat and joined him at the bench. "Yes, Mr. Secretary. Basically, what came out of the conference was the creation of an elite strike and investigation group that will be called the Extraterrestrial Combat Unit or X-COM. The world has been divided into geographical commands, whose defense will be guaranteed by it's own X-Com team. Unfortunately the composition of many of the teams will be delayed, due to a lack of equipment and of funding for the bases necessary. While this will be a multi-national effort, with the supreme command in the hands of General Illyuschenko of the Russian armed forces, each area will have a reasonable degree of autonomy.
In our case we have assigned Colonel Johnson, the executive officer of the Army's 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment to lead the North American command. His group of elite men and advanced planes will be responsible for an area of operations that will extend initially from the Arctic to Patagonia. As you can imagine there are major operational problems with such a mission, such as the distances that might be involved. We are currently developing some answers to that, but until the Brazilians manage to activate their own X-Com team to cover South America and we establish teams on each coast, we will be severely handicapped".
The admiral in command of the Navy asked: "From what it seems the team will essentially be made up of aerial and ground forces. What role will the Navy and the rest of the armed forces play in this conflict? Is X-Com to act independently of our chain of command?"
"About that matter, the President has signed an Executive Order ordering all federal, state and local agencies to cooperate with X-Com. We can request X-Com's assistance if that is necessary also. But to avoid questions of jurisdiction, each country will retain its sovereignty. Which means that X-Com will still legally be a part of our armed forces, but their overall command will belong to the UN, similar to the formula used in peacekeeping missions before.
While we don't have any control or responsibility over their activities, the North American team will be led by a U.S. officer, which will guarantee some consideration for our interests. With missions in other countries X-Com will have to require the authorization of the local authorities before intervening, especially in the case of the non-signatory nations of the agreement."
"But what will be the means by which we will have to cede to X-Com?" The commander of the Air Force didn't like a bit to give away his most advanced aircraft.
"After a general assessment of each country's capabilities we will basically form the team out of the best men from several formations: Delta, Special Operations and Rangers from the Army, SEALs from the Navy and Force Recon teams from the Marines. When it comes to the craft we will put the F-22 fighter program into active status as soon as possible, using the available pre-production aircraft."
"All of them?" The general's worse dreams had just turned into a reality.
"Yes and some will be leased to other X-Com teams"
"What? It is our most advanced fighter! We can't just allow other nations to have access to it". The military men started moving nervously in their seats, also shocked at the decision".
"General, like it was said before, this is a world effort. In here what is at stake is our survival. And the Russians, Europeans and Japanese will also do the same as us with their top-secret projects"
"We already lost one Aurora, sir. All means we have are crucial for the defense of the US. We can't just be Santa Claus and start giving away what we might need in the future for our survival".
"And we will not give everything, General. The Aurora and other black projects still remain in our hands. While X-Com will coordinate a worldwide research effort, we will also develop our own projects, based on what we have now and the data retrieved from the aliens".
"Sir, and what about our space based assets? How will they be used?" Space Command didn't want to be left out of the action, no matter how it could turn out.
"As of the moment undecided and as such they will retain a routine state of operations."
"That's irrational sir. Just because their ships have all those capabilities we should try to keep the offense in space, just as we are going to do in the atmosphere and in land".
"Mr. Williams, could you please answer that argument?"
"Yes sir" Williams got up, not too sure of what he would say. "Well, from our basic premises that we've established about the aliens they will most definitely attack any attempts that we make of interfering with their activities in space. In fact our satellite network will surely be targeted when they start realizing their strategic value to us. Which lead us to the fact that we should keep our assets pretty much on a low profile status so as not to draw attention to them and also to be able to use them if an opportunity presents itself".
"Mr. Williams, does that apply also to Strategic Command?"
"No, general. My advice would be for the Strategic Forces to be placed into a high level of alert, like we had done in the Cold War. If we ever need to use them in response to an attack, every second will count."
December 14th, 1999
Yakolev Aircraft Company test range, outside Moscow, Russian Federation
The day after his briefing with President Larianov, Illyuschenko immediately went to check the state of the Yak-141 program. The director of the now privatized bureau was more than pleased to see him, and personally welcomed him to the research and manufacturing complex when Illyuschenko got there. Such cooperation and friendliness would be unusual back in the Soviet Union's time, the leader of X-Com thought. But now the Russian government and X-Com were putting large amounts of money into a nearly bankrupt company, which made everyone that worked at it happy.
He was standing in the tower at the middle of the runway, holding a pair of binoculars and watching a demonstration run of the Freestyle aircraft.
"Where am I supposed to look at, Mr. Vassilev?"
"At the right end of the runway General. The craft will come from that side at almost Mach 1 speed and 100 meters high, decelerate when it reaches the center of the runway and then land vertically."
Illyuschenko waited until he saw a spot in the air that rapidly increased in size. The plane looked like some monstrosity, a fighter that had been drastically enlarged with the two movable jet engines attached to his side. As it approached the center of the runway its engines moved upwards until they locked into the vertical position. A few seconds later the craft stopped its horizontal movement and just hung in the air, like a helicopter. Then it slowly descended until it landed on the runway. "Impressive, Mr. Vassilev"
"Thank you sir."
He kept looking at the craft as it completed its landing. "Does it have rough field capacity?"
"Yes. It was developed taking into account Search and Rescue, Infiltration, Extraction and Rapid Deployment missions, taking 14 fully equipped troops. Basically it can operate as a helicopter and land on hard terrain.
"And what's the availability of them?"
"Well, the one you are seeing right now is the demonstration craft, used to show its capabilities to potential customers. It's the only one which is operational at the moment, but we have some half-completed models that can be quickly refitted and delivered."
"Very well then. We will need all available craft that your company can manufacture. How many crews do you have certified for operating the plane?"
"Only three".
"Do they have any military experience?"
"All of them have served in the armed forces as helicopter pilots".
"I will want to see their personal files and talk to them. We will also want to hire them from you for training and operational purposes."
The managers' eyes went wide open. "All of them?"
"Yes and we might also be interested in some of your top engineers"
"General, those are the only assets this company has right now. It has been hell to keep them working for us in the middle of all the financial troubles we have been experiencing."
"Mr. Vassilev, this is a very important project..." Illyuschenko had years of dealing with such problems. "And I can assure you that funds won't be much of a problem". He made a pause. "Or we could seize these assets claiming national security interests or even pay those engineers better to get them working for us. But we want your cooperation."
The manager quickly realized that he had no choice. "In that case General, my bureau is at your entire disposal".
December 15th, 1998
Forbidden City, Beijing, People's Republic of China
One of Chairman Zhu's first measures when he reached the top of the Communist Party's leadership was to move the seat of the Chinese government back to the Forbidden City. One of its sections had been completely equipped for the effect, while retaining the ancient look. Some voices were critical; especially noisy had been the faction of the Party that still fully believed in Marxism, claiming that the Forbidden City was a symbol of oppression. But Zhu had a different view on the subject and on Marxism, like his predecessor did when he took measures to open the economy. In spite of decades of communist indoctrination, all of the Chinese cultural heritage couldn't be just negated. The same about China's role in the world. More important than the implementation of world socialism, the Chairman thought, was assuring China's survival and predominance over the other nations of the planet.
Already there had been a failure before, when the incidents with Taiwan failed to provide the motive to invade the rebel island. The intervention of the Americans had made his government stop the plan, since international opinion had rallied over the cause of Taiwan and threatened to make his country isolated. Not only that, but the threat of the damn American forces that had massed in Japan and in the Yellow Sea would render a military operation almost impossible. China didn't have the power to openly defy the US yet, but that would change with this alien threat. Attention worldwide would be focused on other events.
He had committed, in paper, to supporting the X-Com with a Chinese team of its own. At the moment he had claimed that he didn't have enough resources for equipping such force, so he would contribute to the Japanese one. While his deputy had protested about it, he knew that the rewards would more than justify it. Not only would his country have access to vital information, but they would also gain knowledge of the aliens' and X-Com's tactics and composition.
But what about the aliens themselves? How could he assure the survival of his country against such a superior force? He walked to the doors that led to the courtyard and surveyed the night sky. A flicker of light moving against the stars caught his attention and as he contemplated it for some time a thought crossed his mind. Yes, we may just be able to use them also.
December 23rd, 1998
Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada, US
Harris woke up on his hospital bed and grabbed the mirror that was resting on the table to his left. He checked again the scars made by the liquid methane's coolness on his face. The doctors had told him that he had been extremely lucky because the night vision goggles and his breathing apparatus had prevented the burning of both his eyes and nose by the spillage of liquid fuel that occurred after his craft was split in two by the UFO's beam. When the ray struck the Aurora it hit the rear cabin, where his rear electronics officer sat. Major John Cleaver probably never knew what hit him since he died instantly, his body disintegrated by the power of the beam, along with the mid section of the craft. Harris had turned his head at that moment, after feeling some intense heat on his back, to assess the damage and check for the status of his flight partner. But the compressed high-pressure liquid fuel had been released by the hit and flew in to occupy the free space in front of him.
He only saw the air for a second instead of his partner. And an intense burning on his face afterwards that almost drove him insane while he was descending with his parachute. It continued as the Blue Berets found him. They immediately called for medical attention. If he had been flying as high as the craft could go he would be with his faceplate down and probably nothing of the burned flesh would be there. But the mission called for a low altitude approach and visual reconnaissance also. No, you did what you had to do, he said to himself.
A knock on the door distracted him from his thoughts and he put the mirror down. After a second an Army Colonel stepped into the room and removed his cap. His nametag read E. Johnson and he was carrying a full range of decorations, including parachute wings. Harris began by throwing a salute, but the higher-ranking officer waved him off.
"That can wait until you are fully recovered Colonel. Right now this is more of a…., let's just say, of an unofficial matter that I've come here to discuss with you".
"Very well sir. What can I do for you?"
"I am fully briefed on your flight and its tragic results. I also bring a message from the President saying that he regrets the death of your flight companion"
"Thank you sir". Harris didn't feel anything when hearing those words. "Anything else?"
"Yes, Harris. Right now we are mounting an operation to deal with this, let's say, hostile threat to our country. It's completely outside our armed forces structure and it will be an elite thing".
"What does it have to do with me sir?" Suddenly his heart race and he knew what he wanted.
"Well, I'm in charge of the US part of it and we will be needing good pilots to fly some of the most advanced planes we got".
"Count me in". His response came automatically.
The Colonel kept his neutral pose. "I haven't invited you yet Harris".
"Sir, if you came here, the only reason for that is wanting me in that force. I have flown the Aurora for years and have one of the highest security clearances in this country. I also have an idea of what those craft are capable of and how we might develop tactics to counter them. And while my combat abilities haven't been practiced for years I can quickly pick them up".
"There are more things here at stake than revenge, Harris".
"Yes sir, there's a mission to accomplish. And to fulfill it I will use all the means I have. Including the motivation of revenge". It seemed to Harris that his last sentence finally seemed to get to the Colonel who changed the subject of the conversation.
**********
About half an hour later Colonel Johnson stepped off the hospital building and boarded a Humvee jeep that was waiting for him in the parking lot. The vehicle then headed off to the base gate and took the road to Area 51.
When the jeep reached the secret complex a locked steel mesh gate first greeted it with no guards at it. Johnson stepped out of the jeep and produced an identity card that he showed to one of the video cameras mounted on the poles of the gate. A few miles later they reached another checkpoint, this time manned by fully armed Blue Berets Air Force security teams. They signaled Johnson to step out of the Humvee and after he complied with their orders the driver of the jeep moved out of his seat, unloaded Johnson's luggage from the trunk and threw a nervous salute, under the eyes of the security troopers who here holding their arms. Johnson's replied similarly and he then went back to his seat, engaged the engine and headed back to Nellis. After rechecking his identity again, using a hand held scanner to certify for the card's authenticity and searching his luggage bag, he then boarded another vehicle and headed to the main complex.
The commanding general of Area 51 was waiting for him at the front door of a two level building made of gray concrete. He had been informed of Johnson's arrival ever since the first checkpoint and his apprehension had been growing since then.
Johnson stepped out of the Humvee and saluted him. He answered it and, without bothering to hide his hostility, said: "Welcome to Area 51, Colonel Johnson".
"Thank you sir. I'm honored to be here". He had finally made it to the base after a frantic week during which he had flown nearly everyday from one place to another. First to Washington where he had been briefed on the aliens and was asked to command the first US X-Com team. After he had accepted it, he had gone back to Tennessee to get his personal belongings ready to be taken to Area 51, the most secret facility in the US that was used to test advanced craft and technologies. He had arrived yesterday to Nellis Air Force Base, a facility in the middle of the Nevada desert close to Las Vegas and also to Area 51.
"Johnson, let's go to my office to have a talk". His voice made it clear that he wasn't pleased.
The General entered the building and started to pick his way through a maze of corridors, passing through another series of security checks. The soldiers responsible didn't even bother to check the general's identity card that he carried on his chest. They knew it was best as to stay out of the base's commanding officer's way when he was in such a mood, no matter what the security rules are. Johnson tried to keep up with him, the troopers stopping him in his case to check his clearance.
As he turned around a corner he saw the General waiting for a lift on the opposite end of the corridor. He joined him and after some seconds followed the general as he entered the lift. The ride to the upper floor was speechless. When they reached the top he followed the base commander until he entered a door with a sign saying: General K. Smith. "Get in and close the door Colonel Johnson"
"Yes sir" As the lock of the door was sliding into the notch on the wall, Smith started talking: "I don't like you and your orders a bit"
"Sir?" The Chairman of the JCS had warned him that some military commanders had expressed their reservations towards the project. He simply wasn't expecting that the officer in charge of the installation where his team would be based would also be one of them.
"I know what they say. I also know about who signed them and why he did it. I also don't know almost anything about you. But this is my base and around you there's an operation of the highest security clearance that could ever exist with almost all of our country's secrets. And I want everything to be kept that way, including the secret part".
At least the General seemed to be trying to protect his own turf, not actually dismissing him completely. "Sir, this is one of the highest security operations ever also". He said, trying to inflate Smith's ego.
"You are damn wrong about that. In a few hours a Russian plane will land here. I already have foreign military officers here present. Who knows what hidden cameras or recording equipment that plane might have? And how many of those officers aren't spies?"
Johnson realized that he had touched a sore point on his attempt. "They are commanders of combat troops, sir. With positions similar to mine".
"I don't care about your position. You will have quarters and working facilities assigned to you, your soldiers and the scientific and engineering personnel, although I don't like it. And I also don't like to have some of my best scientists assigned to this. The same with whatever base facilities are necessary. About the rest, you and your, what's their name again?"
"X-Com, sir".
"X-Commie force will be strictly forbidden to enter them, especially that Russian and his spy entourage. General base operations are still under my command, including security and communications, understood? You might command this Commie force of yours, but I'm in charge here".
"Very well sir. I have just one question". Johnson realized it was better to bring up the issue right away to know what he could expect.
"Say it and be short". Smith looked at him in annoyance.
"I can request more assets from this base if I decide so. What will happen then?"
"Yes you can, and most likely the President will authorize it, taking into account what you have already gotten from me. Which means that my mood won't get any better in the future. And it isn't getting now".
Although his attitude was on the border of the unacceptable, Johnson decider to try to smooth things out right now. "May I propose an agreement then?"
The General's heavy eyebrows came together but they moved back afterwards. "I'm not totally unreasonable Colonel".
"I shall consult you before I make such a requirement, sir". He didn't have to and the General knew it but it was a gesture of good will. "Like you said, this is your base and you have been running it for years. Your experience with this environment should be quite remarkable and although I have some more than able personnel to deal with flight operations, we could use your experience with planning such operations".
"It will be taken into consideration. Dismissed".
"Thank you sir". Johnson smiled to himself when he left. Base generals were all the same. If you manage to inflate their ego a bit they will be more than cooperative.
Later in the morning Johnson had noticed that the General required his presence at the tower. He went through a series of corridors, his sense of orientation guiding him. After taking a lift he walked into a room filled with sunlight that hurt his eyes. "Black ops people can't deal with the Sun, Colonel?"
"We can deal with everything sir".
"Well, in any case, your commanding Commie officer is arriving in some minutes. I sure hope you can deal with him".
The Skyranger arrived after some minutes, with the pilot landing the craft the same way as he did at the demonstration at the Yakolev test field. When Johnson and Smith went to greet the passengers his hostility to strangers was back, but in a more discreet way, Johnson thought. After the official welcome to Area 51, the General excused himself. Johnson then led the group of men to the barracks occupied by X-Com.
Commander Illyuschenko had called for all the regional commanders for a meeting the same day. Time was already running out and the proposed force was taking a lot of scarce resources to arrange and deploy. The result was delays that did not fare good. UFO activity was constantly increasing, as predicted. Pretty soon it could escalate into low-intensity war, although no more aggressive encounters had been reported so far.
The dining room was full of military uniforms what were all distinct of one another, with some exceptions. They were the leaders of the several X-Com teams that were being assembled all over the world. The world had been divided into several geographical commands: North America, South America, Europe, Russia, India, Far East, Africa and Australia. Intelligence didn't have an idea about the alien's activities in the North and South Pole and due to the almost inexistence of population those areas had not been assigned with X-Com bases.
"Gentlemen," Illyuschenko raised his glass "…to success". All nine men drank and then sat down again. Illyuschenko smashed his glass into one corner with the astonished looks of all his officials and started talking.
"I'm afraid the good times are over for now, and hopefully for just some time. The days we spend here will probably be the only ones where all of us will be together, since operational constrains will limit your availability to leave your command. Nevertheless, we have a mission to accomplish: to defend our planet from alien aggression. We are in all of this together, gentlemen. The human race will require everything we got and more. And while they might have an advantage on equipment and a clear objective unknown to us, we will have to surprise them and learn enough to defeat them. Your commands will be pretty independent in day-to-day operations, while most of the strategic planning will be done with me present. I will also be in charge of the scientific research and equipment requirements of the bases. And finally I will be the connection between us and the several nations and armed forces, through the Secretary General if necessary. Of course all of you already have the authorizations and direct connections to your country's leadership so use them also, but inform me of such operations".
A hand rose immediately. "Yes, Colonel Santos, want do you want to ask?" The Brazilian officer raised himself. "What about intelligence sir?"
"Free to use the means available. In case of any need notify me stating your requirements. Several countries have already put at our disposition manpower and equipment. My command staff will centralize all the information and make it available to all of you. Our facilities will all be linked through a computer system that will allow us to share all data available".
As the Brazilian officer sat, the Chinese liaison to the Japanese team got up. "General, what about rules of engagement?"
"You have already received your orders defined by the political leadership of the UN, major Chen".
"But they mean pure aggression on our part. We won't even offer the aliens the chance to back down and surrender on our first engagement". Johnson looked at Chen, who was the lower officer present in the room, wondering what this was all about.
"We have all seen what they are capable of, Major. They attacked a plane without any warning and destroyed it. If they really have any intentions of wanting to dialogue they would have done it by now".
"Sir, still my country strongly protests this course of action".
"Major" Illuyschenko slowly brought himself up "I don't care about what your country thinks. In all my life as a soldier I learned that one thing that doesn't work well with the military is political interference. Here you are part of a military organization under my command. If you feel morally obliged to refuse to participate in our operation you can ask to be replaced your High Command. But while you are under my orders you will follow by them and the rules of engagement established by all our countries. Is that understood?"
Chen nodded in reluctance. "I didn't hear you Major".
"Yes," he then added "sir" with disgust.
Looking around the officer to see if there were any further objections Illyuschenko found none to his satisfaction. "Very well. We shall now go over the status of all the teams. Colonel Johnson, from what I have understood your team is almost ready to initiate operations?"
"Yes sir. We presently have two F-22 interceptor craft that are operational. For weapons we are waiting for AIM-54 Phoenix missiles that have a range of almost 100 miles and should give us the ability to shoot down a UFO before it has the ability to strike back with one of those ray guns. Pretty soon we will adapt our craft to them, but in the meantime we will have to use the AIM-120 AMRAAM missile with a smaller range. To pilot those craft we have already recruited some experienced crews".
"And your ground team?"
"I have four squads of three men each available, drawn from the elite forces of all of my country's military. We are waiting for more men to arrive, with some also coming from Canada and Brazil. To transport them I have an MV-22 Osprey aircraft available. If we need to deploy them to places far away we will have to use standard military aircraft".
"Not anymore Colonel".
"Sir?" Those were important news to him.
"I got word from the Secretary General and my President. The Skyranger aircraft that I have flown in is to be assigned to this area of operations, since your team is the most advanced. While I would have preferred it to be with my own Spetznaz teams, the truth is that your splendid preparations make it more logical to assign it to someone who could use it straight away. When do you think you can start operations?"
Illyuschenko's honesty made Johnson realize that he was going to like the man. And the new aircraft would also be much appreciated. "At the beginning of the next year, General. There really isn't that much training that we need to do. These men are all trained professionals and they know it. They just need to develop some team work."
"Very well then. My country will also supply you briefly with other weapons, as soon as I can get my military to give them off".
December 26th, 1998
CIA Headquarters, Langley, Virginia, US
Something in all the intelligence estimates made by the team just didn't work out right, Williams thought. Looking at the papers spread over his desk he considered what it could be, feeling that it might be something crucial. Again he went over the results of more than 50 years of work done on the subject by the US intelligence and military since the end of World War II. Besides Blue Book there were all sorts of reports: NORAD detections that extended over decades. A CIA study of the threat of UFOs to national security that was discontinued after more than a decade of investigations because no danger was detected, the whole affair being considered mass hallucination, misinterpretations and hoaxes. Incidents over Air Force bases had also been ignored after the initial reports. Something just wasn't quite right in here, he thought. Human stupidity is known to affect everyone, but in this case it just didn't seem natural. In fact, it looked that if the aliens hadn't stepped up their activity the whole thing would still continue to be ignored. Until when? The next Pearl Harbor? That gave a cold feeling to his stomach.
The analysis group had spent a portion of their last meeting trying to come up with some answers for that lack of foresight. While it was decided to establish an investigation on possible alien infiltration or influence, conducted under the FBI and the Defense Investigation Service, the military agency responsible for counter-espionage, some things just didn't fit the puzzle. If the intelligence services had been compromised then it would be reasonable to expect an alien first strike before the Earth's response was ready. Basic military tactic: take your enemy when he's unprepared. But their apparent inaction towards the establishment of X-Com didn't make any sense. Unless they saw it as irrelevant, which brought a chill to Williams' spine, since it could mean that all their efforts would be worthless. Maybe the X-Com teams would be swept away without a chance during their first engagements.
He went to the window and looked outside. Snow was starting to fall again, covering the area around the CIA headquarters with a blanket of white. A blanket he thought, covering all their activity until recently. But how?
December 27th, 1998
Toyota Test Field, Central Japan
The tanks moved rapidly through the middle of the grassy field, zigzagging as they negotiated the somewhat hilly terrain on their way to a bunker some hundred feet away. Suddenly one of them stopped, pointed its main weapon towards a trench located nearby the hut and let loose a volley that opened a hole in the bunker with an armor piercing round. Automatic fire came out of other sections of the trench targeting the tank responsible, which stopped firing and drove to a small group of trees to get some cover while the bullets were hitting the ground around it. The other tank meanwhile used the distraction to position itself closer to the source of enemy fire. As it brought its massive gun to lock on the trench, the fire suddenly started to redirect towards it. Too late. A rocket flew out of the barrel, hitting the front of the trench and throwing tons of earth into the air in an explosion that could be heard by the Japanese Prime-Minister in the control room of the test field, located not too far from where the action was going. The other tank moved up, meanwhile, and both of them annihilated the remaining opposition.
"That concludes the demonstration of the Type 107 tank, your excellency"
The Prime Minister looked at the commander of Japan's Self-Defense Force. "Very well. I never had military training, but it sure looks impressive"
"Thank the Toyota engineers and project designers. They are the ones who developed it under our specifications"
"But I don't understand one thing. From what I remember about tanks they are big, massive weapons. Yet the ones deployed in this exercise seem to be small. How can that be? And what about the pilot? He must be cramped inside that vehicle"
"There is no pilot, sir. These machines are automated, using the latest developments in Artificial Intelligence. The computers on them will follow the orders of the ranking officer in the scene like any ordinary trooper."
Colonel Yamashita, the Japanese leader of the Far Eastern X-Com team asked in disbelief: "You mean they can think?"
"Actually no. Well, it depends on the matter of what Intelligence is. They basically can distinguish between a friend and a foe in their programming and act accordingly to opposition if they are left into that mode. They are basically like big computers developed to play chess, like Big Blue, the one that defeated Kasparov some years ago. But in their case the chess pieces are real, although they can't go against a human order, no matter how strategically unsound it might be".
"I see, and why are they so small?" added the Prime Minister.
"Modern warfare. Nowadays the emphasis is on the ability to transport such weapons as easily and quickly as possible without taking too much transportation effort. We had planned on equipping our paratrooper brigade with these weapons. And the miniaturization of our electronics industry allowed the tank to be so small, which is quite an advantage. It also can be deployed to places where tanks normally would have severe problems, such as mountains, forests and urban environments, because of its size and the ability to deal with difficult terrain"
"I look forward into receiving such a machine in my command then General. We need to study tactics to use these tanks"
"Unfortunately Colonel, that will take some months still."
"What?" The PM looked in dismay "We need them as soon as possible!"
"What you have seen out there is just a demonstration, your excellency, with the tanks being conducted by terminals far away. This project is away from being able to be deployed. The engineers report that they need to iron out the bugs in the software, so that the computer doesn't decide to start destroying everything around them."
"But why does it take that long?"
"A problem has risen recently. The design team lost our main software engineer in a car accident, who was responsible for the initial software code. They are working feverously to pick up his work, but it also means that they have to rethink a lot of the system since they don't have the general picture."
"Tell them then to be quick General. For that is the will of the Emperor and the faith of the Earth". The manager bowed his head. "Hai!"
December 28th, 1998
Kremlin, Moscow, Russian Federation
Larianov thought for a minute that the whole world was against him. Not just the whole world, he corrected himself, but also the aliens. How could he have made such a naïve mistake? Could his ego have influenced his reasoning? What had he missed? The French proposal had first presented itself as a marvelous opportunity for protection. A Russian in front of the force that would protect the Motherland and the world. And an assurance that Russia would have the best protection. What could have been better?
His doubts began to rise the next day when he flew back to Moscow and talked to Illyuschenko, that unwilling, blind idiot! He seemed to think on the matter and shared many of his impressions on the first occasion, but he quickly realized that he was wrong about the man! Duty always! Duty that the Americans would have the first ready command! Not Russia! And he even gives them one of our few resources! How much time will have passed until they could defend themselves if this goes on like this? And his requests to the military! The latest infantry cannons to be distributed all over the world! The best special forces people! The building of two separate bases instead of using our own installations and allowing us to have direct access to X-Com operations and intelligence! And his refusal to allow their own intelligence agents to those bases! What were they getting from all this? Nothing, besides giving men and equipment! It seemed that they were nothing else than manpower and resources to draw from.
He had considered if this hadn't been a trap from the first time. If the CIA and all western espionage agencies wouldn't have known for the first time what would be Illyuschenko's reaction. And the French, those arrogant cowards must have planned this with the Americans for a big piece of what will be discovered. And so he had been deceived. He wondered whom else in that room knew about this deal? Was Russia the only one? Because it turned out that the son of a bitch wasn't fanatically loyal to the Motherland like my Chief of Staff had said, he was fucking loyal to duty. The idiot should be dismissed of his position as commander of the military if he doesn't know the differences between the meaning of duty and nation!
He had summoned the Defense Council in the Kremlin for addressing those mistakes. "Gentlemen, these are hard times that need hard measures. I expect that you all performed as planned in the last days, otherwise your positions in this room will be in doubt, since your competency wouldn't seem adequate. And like they accuse us in the Western media, not everything of communist ways have been thrown away, have they?" He let the threat hanging in the air, while looking at the Chairman of the Federal Security Bureau, the agency that had replaced the KGB in the role of counter-espionage and internal affairs. After some seconds of silence after the tall bald man at the other side of the circular table had nodded, he then proceeded.
"Irinov, we can start with you, what's the status on the Mir and missiles?"
The Minister of Defense started speaking, apprehensive about what he would say.
"In two days time a Soyuz capsule will take = off, carrying three cosmonauts to supplement the other three we usually have there. The Progress ship will take off about 5 days later with the necessary equipment".
"The so called mirrors?".
"Yes, and their necessary control and targeting equipment. We will also install more visual and reconnaissance equipment to allow it to be used as an observation point in space. It will give us a strategic advantage"
"And the missiles?"
"The first ABM missile has been retrofitted with an Anti Satellite ASAT warhead. Tests are being made to check the condition of both the missile and the weapon. This is not well maintained equipment President and it might take some more days until we can use it."
"And the others?"
"For the moment we don't have any more ASAT warheads available. However we can arm the missiles with small yield nuclear weapons that would destroy anything in their range or wreak havoc with the radiation"
"Do it"
"Yesss….sir"
"Mr. Verchenko, SVK report?"
The Chief of Foreign Espionage raised himself.
"We have successfully infiltrated the American X-Com support personnel. We should start getting reports from them".
"Very well Mr. Verchenko, I'm quite impressed, those are unexpected good news".
"Thank you sir".
"I don't want to know any details. Your secret operations remain a secret. Just be the eyes for Mother Russia and let us know of everything. And what has your counter-intelligence counterpart have to say?"
Alexander Balyev had a public image of a sinister looking figure. He did nothing to repute that image and his voice at the Council sure reinforced it. "The media has been more than cooperative, Mr. President. Especially the press' managers. I think that the Government's position was made clear with those leaders. I put myself personally to that task. Abducted victims are taken off to isolated centers. And any remains of mutilations or strange phenomena are attributed to lunatics or terrorists or our own military craft".
"The trend of good news continues then. Finally you, Dr. Ziguanine. Most of my cabinet probably doesn't know you so please introduce yourself.
A gray mustached man lifted himself up and started speaking: "Thank you Mr. President. Gentlemen, what I will present you, more than talking about me, is one of the biggest weapons programs that the late Soviet Union had left us with and the reason why the Mir plays such a big importance in our plans".
December 31st, 1998
Unknown location, North America
Number One remembered that once there were elected officials or political leaders in the group. People for whom someone had voted and recognized them as their leaders. The same ones that had started his organization. When the last one died they realized that would never happen again. They just couldn't be trusted and their power would be temporary. Feelings could arise that would go against the group's interests. And their agenda could never go public at all.
As he looked on the television screens to see the various New Year's messages from around the world's leaders he felt that their power was inferior to his. And that they had no idea of who really determined how things were. They all sent messages of union against all threats that are amongst them. That it was a time of changes. Sloppy made propaganda. To convince people of lies you have to make them look the other way, not prepare them for bad news.
"What a façade." Number Nine moved in his chair.
"Yes" One replied. "Paradoxically, you seemed to maintain yours pretty well until now"
Eleven pairs of eyes turned themselves towards Number Nine.
"If I didn't report the latest failures of infiltration on X-Com Russia it was because we still have some opportunities left"
"And if they succeed then you would present all the reports together, hiding your initial failures. Very well. Unfortunately for you my own sources reported this matter."
"It will just be a matter of time"
"Time is sparse. And management of information is crucial"
"Yes, we need the information"
"No, again you have missed the point"
Number One pointed at one of the monitors. A news program was showing some coverage where Number Nine was getting into a government building of some sort.
"That is management of information, which you seem to be lacking right now. First that you would so recklessly use your replica meant to substitute you in such an open way".
"My men all have orders not to disturb me when I told them I'm not feeling well. There are also men of trust who know how to help out the clone."
"But imagine he makes an open blunder? Your whole position will be compromised"
The other ten pair of eyes quietly assented. Number Nine's position just had taken a dive. His word would be taken into less account and his resources would shrink until he could prove himself. But he was lucky. The Group well understood the need of deception even amongst themselves. And trying to cover up mistakes and blunders was a common error made by beginners. Not a fatal one, but a serious one nevertheless.
Number Nine waited for a sentence. When Number One turned his eyes away from him after some minutes and addressed Number Three, he knew he would still be able to leave the room alive. All the other members of the Group had sent a strong warning to him. They knew the value of patience and the dangers of rash action.
"It seems the interference in the Japanese operation was more successful?"
Number Three immediately took the chance to raise his status a bit and replied.
"Yes. We have acquired the plans of their new tank. And after getting the cooperation from the man responsible for the project we assured his removal from the project. It would be impossible to completely erase the research made without causing suspicions, but at least now X-Com will have to wait some more time before having access to the Japanese design".
"And why did we miss the development of such a technological breakthrough?" Number One knew better than to let Number Three's ego and ambition go unchecked. He had given him some leverage to satisfy the man, but he couldn't allow him to go unleashed.
"The Toyota Company had the project at a top secret level. Even the military wasn't informed until they had built the first prototypes. And you know how dedicated and loyal the Japanese can be"
"True, but besides the point. This development was a miscalculation"
"No, a general strategic surprise. We knew there is always the possibility of something like this going undetected by our operatives."
"You should have predicted it"
"The same way your entire previsions for drug consumption were completely off the mark, ruining our profit margin?"
So, the battlefield has changed, One thought. Very good. "We haven't really applied our mass hysteria plans yet. I'm sure the situation will change then"
"Really? So far there isn't even the slightest indication of such a trend. The flyovers and general uncertainty should have increased the use of opiates and cocaine by the general population, like you predicted, but we haven't seen that".
"And we are at the process of sustaining debts, due to the expenses we are making based on your financial projections, which is quite unacceptable", Number Four added. Number One didn't like the situation a bit. This could mean an alliance between two upper members of the ladder, which didn't fare well for the prospects of keeping his position in the near future. He looked at number Two who just nodded to him and spoke:
"The plan is set. We should not care now about financial matters. Pretty soon all money will have no value". Two's position would be threatened if Three and Four had made an alliance for one of them to reach power. One knew that the only solution for Two would be to support him, if we wanted to keep his position. "Exactly".
January 1st, 1999
Area 51, Nevada, US
The North American team was up early and they had all presented themselves in the auditory of the base. All the men from the four squads were present and seated in their chairs, with Johnson and his executive officer, Captain Hunt, standing up in front of them with a covered table behind them. "All right, I hope you are all fresh this morning after last night"
That comment drew some bitter smiles from the assembled troopers. Johnson had allowed them to celebrate New Year's Eve for some hours. "We have some new toys to play with and I also will be changing each squad's assignments". That caught the soldiers' attention and Johnson carried on, uncovering the table. He picked up with effort a massive gun that looked like a small cannon, with six rotating barrels.
"Meet the AGS-19 portable Autocannon, courtesy of the Russian military. So far we have been using M249 Squad Automatic Weapons and M240 machineguns, but now we will replace them for these".
"That is a big gun, sir. Won't it hinder our movements?" A Hispanic looking trooper with a mustache asked. He was one of the biggest men of the team and usually carried heavy weapons, but his strength enabled him to use them as if they were almost weightless.
"That's why you are being reassigned, Garcia. To keep the squads mobile Delta will now be tasked with providing suppressive fire and armed with this weapon and" He paused to place the weapon back and lifting another cannon with only one barrel, but bigger. "This: the OT-17 Heavy Cannon. While not being capable of automatic fire one shot of armor piercing from this weapon can penetrate almost all body armor, including Kevlar. Besides AP these cannons can also shoot HE and incendiary rounds".
Gunnery Sergeant Hopkins, an Afro-American six feet tall and possessing a massive chest, interrupted. "Sir, does that mean I won't get to keep Big Momma?" Mild laughter erupted from the enlisted men, only to be cut off when the black ex-marine started giving hard looks. The Gunny's affection for his LAW-2 rocket launcher was well known. Some even said the man slept with the damn thing.
"Sarge, don't worry. You will keep Big Momma. What would be of us without her?" More laughter followed. After some moments Johnson cut off the laughter.
"All right, as of this moment the North American team is on active status. We will go through the final team assignments and afterwards Delta heads out to the shooting range to get proficiency on the new weapons, while the others start exercising together. Captain, carry on".
André Galvão, 2001