Silence hung over the improvised operations room as I unfolded a map over the metal table.
The team's eyes were locked on me, waiting for instructions.
They already knew this mission was insane, but there was no room for hesitation. I took a deep breath and started.
"The Russian base is approximately twenty kilometers northeast. The temperature is below freezing, so prolonged exposure to the cold could screw us over. We have two options: we can move across open fields, which would make us easy targets for patrols, or we can go through the dense forest, where visibility is shit but we'll have natural cover. Obviously, we're taking the safer route—the forest."
Joel crossed his arms and nodded. "Better to avoid their drones. The cold is already going to be a big enough problem."
"Exactly. Our primary objective is to infiltrate the base and steal a functional aircraft. Their defenses likely include watchtowers, armed patrols, and a quick response unit. We should expect around twenty to thirty active soldiers on the perimeter and an unknown number inside the facility. They won't make this easy."
Richard, already analyzing the map, pointed at a marked sector. "What if the base has direct communication with other facilities? As soon as they detect the invasion, they could call for reinforcements."
"That's why our first step is cutting off communication. The radio control room is in this building here." I pointed to a structure near the center of the complex. "We go in silently, eliminate the operators, and shut everything down. That'll buy us time."
The team absorbed every detail as I continued.
"After that, we'll split into two units. Alpha Team—me, Joel, and Ryan—will head to the hangar and secure an aircraft. Bravo Team—Richard, Lee, and Mark—you'll sabotage ground vehicles and plant explosives in the supply depots. If shit hits the fan, I want these Russians without the resources to chase us."
Lee raised a hand. "What if there are zombies?"
Silence filled the room for a moment. That was the most dangerous variable.
No one knew how the infected would behave in extreme cold or if they had already taken over the base.
"If there are infected, we improvise." My voice was firm. "We can't predict their numbers or behavior. If they're fast, we stay stealthy as long as possible. If they're slow, we use them to our advantage—trigger alarms and open doors to let them spread through the complex, forcing the Russians to deal with two problems at once."
Richard ran a hand over his face, exhaling. "So, basically, we're hoping the undead become part of the plan."
"If they're useful, yes. If not, we kill anything that moves and stays standing after taking a headshot." I crossed my arms. "The main plan stays the same. If there are zombies, we adapt accordingly."
The tension was thick, but no one objected.
They had accepted how difficult this mission was the moment they realized we were trapped in this frozen wasteland.
I met each of their gazes and concluded:
"The world may have changed, but our mission remains the same: survive and win. We're not alone in this. We work together, stick to the plan, and make sure this is just another successful operation."
Everyone nodded, determined.
Richard smirked. "Simple, right?"
A low chuckle spread through the group.
"Simple." I answered with a half-smile. "Now get ready. We move at dawn."