Silence hung over the improvised operations room as I unfolded a map over the metal table.
All eyes were fixed on me, awaiting instructions.
They already knew this mission was going to be insane, but there was no room for hesitation. I took a deep breath and began.
"The Russian base is approximately twenty kilometers northeast. The temperature is below zero, so any prolonged exposure to the cold could screw us over. We've got 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 crap, but we'll have natural cover. Obviously, we're taking the safer route—forest."
Joel crossed his arms and nodded. "Better to avoid their drones. The cold will be enough of a problem already."
"Exactly. Our primary objective is to infiltrate the base and steal a functional aircraft. Their defenses will likely include watchtowers, armed patrols, and a quick response unit. We should expect about twenty to thirty active soldiers on the outer perimeter, and an unknown number inside the facility. They won't make it easy."
Richard, already studying the map, pointed to a marked sector. "What if the base has direct comms with other installations? As soon as they realize there's an invasion, they might call reinforcements."
"That's why our first step is to cut communications. The radio control room is in this building right here." I pointed to a structure near the center of the complex. "We infiltrate quietly, take out 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 the aircraft. Bravo Team—Richard, Lee, and Mark—you'll sabotage the ground vehicles and plant explosives in the supply depots. If shit hits the fan, I want those Russians out of resources to chase us."
Lee raised his hand. "What if there are zombies?"
Of Asian descent, Lee had a calm appearance that matched his adaptable personality. Around 30 years old, he was the shortest in the group but made up for it with agility and stealth.
His face was always clean-shaven, with soft features and sharp, observant eyes. His short black hair was almost always slightly messy, completing his simple look.
Lean but well-defined, his physique was built for speed and efficiency. Lee didn't draw attention—and maybe that was his greatest weapon: a man who blended into his surroundings like water, discreet, observant, and effective.
Silence took over the room for a moment. That was the most dangerous variable.
No one knew how the infected might react in this extreme climate, or if they had already taken over the base.
"If there are infected, we improvise." My voice came out firm. "We have no way of predicting their numbers or behavior. If they're fast, we'll need to stay as stealthy as possible. If they're slow, we can use them to our advantage—trigger alarms and open doors to let them flood the complex, forcing the Russians to deal with two problems at once."
Richard ran a hand over his face, taking a deep breath. "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 a headshot." I crossed my arms. "The main plan stays the same. If zombies show up, we adapt as needed."
The tension was palpable, but no one complained.
They had already accepted that this mission was a nightmare the moment they realized we were stuck in this frozen wasteland.
I looked each member of the team in the eye and wrapped it up:
"The world may have changed, but our mission stays the same: survive and win. We're not alone in this. We work together, stick to the plan, and make sure this is just one more successful mission."
Everyone nodded, determined.
Richard smirked. "Simple, right?"
A low chuckle spread through the group.
"Simple." I replied with a half-smile. "Now gear up—we move out at dawn."