Space & Time

Chapter 26 - Race for the Prize

The five-person NSA team departed Berlin on the company's private jet. Agent Hooper

was the team leader and took the opportunity to review assignment procedures on the flight into

Charles de Gaulle International Airport. Agent Ansh Jindal joined Robinson, Sonya and

Vladimir listening intensely as Hooper spoke.

"As soon as the last known position of our target is transmitted, we will pick the fastest

route to intercept them. There is a vehicle awaiting our arrival on the runway. I am relying on

Vlad and Sonya to keep the children calm and reassure them that going with us is their best

option. If they have made contact with any civilians, we will adjust the plan as needed. Under

last resort only do we want any shots fired or people injured, understood?"

The team nodded as Hooper continued, "Due to the nature of the material being extracted

and the sensitivity of the circumstances, no French or European authorities have been notified 

of our intentions. Let me be clear that if this operation goes south we are on our own. Any

questions so far?"

Olivia spoke up, "What is the plan if we are separated?"

"Good question Robinson," Hooper responded, "If we are separated and the assignment

jeopardized, there is only one goal, avoid being picked up by anyone. This plane will be

awaiting us at the airport and our field agents at the Embassy received just enough details to

know that if one of you shows up at their door then it is their job to tuck you away until

everything settles back down. We should have a secure encrypted communication link for the

entire assignment duration. Everyone run through the scenario in your head while we await

more intel on our target's location."

*****

On the other side of Europe, two small-unmarked stealth aircraft raced across the treetops

on their way into Ukrainian airspace. They were heading to the city of Odessa. The powerful

engines propelling the craft made no sound as they tore through the sky. Agent Forty-Four flew

one aircraft with Ivan and another KGB agent. The other smaller airplane carried the remaining

two operatives.

Upon arriving in Odessa, the pilot of the smaller vessel located a clearing in the woods

just the right size for both of them to land. The engines of the two planes swiveled downward

bringing them to a stop in mid-air and lowering them to the ground. Once they touched down in

the clearing, the cockpit canopies opened up and all five men stepped down from the planes.

The operatives each wore the nondescript uniform of the KGB, black layered with more

black and a little black underneath. Forty-Four had all of them complete a weapons check and

go live with communications and video feeds. Then he stepped around to the back of the plane

and pressed a concealed button, which opened a panel revealing a small cargo area. Another

push of the button and three small high performance motorcycles lowered down to the ground.