Project Phoenix: The Rise

Chapter 22 - A date with Natasha

The cold air seemed to spread a thin layer of frost and ice across the long wooden jetty, every breath hung in the air.
Solitary and alone the tall thick-set man looked out across the water, huddled in his thick fur winter jacket.

Taking a long steady draw on the fat Cuban cigar he had been steadily smoking for the last quarter of an hour, he peered at the small light out at sea that had begun to piece the early morning fog.

"Our esteemed guest is right on time" he spoke softly as he drew heavily on his cigar, listening to the low rumble of the heavy diesel marine engines. Through the fog, the bow of the patrol boot appears like a knife slicing through the cold air.

The outdated Russian boat edged closer to the jetty its engines struggling to maintain the steady crawl. Its captain stood at the helm starring through heavily scratched binoculars, "We are here let's not outstay our welcome" The captain turned to a tall man who was dressed in well-pressed combat fatigues and highly polished boots. "let's make this quick before our comrades in the Navy get lucky."

"Don't worry this will be quick" The tall man turned and opened the sliding door and stepped out onto the top deck. He quickly moved down the stairs and over the gangway to the shore.

"Hello my friend, said the gruff Russian, throwing his cigar to the ground and crushing it under his heavy boot, whilst letting his arms fall open towards the oncoming figure.

"...... you old dog, want a fine morning for a walk up the coast." Replied the British officer.

"Da it's a beautiful morning, here in sunny Odesa, shit hole" Turning he spat on the Ukrainian soil.

" I'm sorry to hear about your boy, it's time to put things right my friend. It's time we take back control" The British General placed his hand on his old friends shoulder.

The Russian general looked down at the floor and then lifted his head whilst throwing his arm around his guest "Da, Charles Da, it's time to bring an end to this madness."

"Come, my friend, she is waiting." The two men walked towards the parked Russian military truck. "We must be quick my rank only buys me a few minutes before my comrades begin to ask questions.

"General Smith, please met Natasha" He stood at the rear of the truck and waved, as he did two Russian soldiers unclipped the heavy tailgate and jumped down into the mud. Then 2 more pushed a long green military crate across the floor of the truck, onto the shoulders of the two waiting on the ground, before jumping down and taking the rest of the weight.

"This is the last part, phoenix is a go and the pawn is now in play." General Smith turned to the Russian and gripped his broad shoulders, looking him straight in the eyes, "I will make them pay."
"Good are you sure this will be enough? Will this break their will? Will you end this war?"

"Once Phoenix rises it will cause the revolution, it will end the bloodshed and cut out the rot that has set in" After a short pause General Smith turned back towards the waiting patrol boat, watching as the crate was carefully loaded onto the for deck. "It will end the old ways and bring in the new."

"Good once the attack is complete, I will mobilise the others, will take power over and ensure we take full control." Patting General Smith on the back he pointed towards the waiting patrol boat "It's time to go, I will see you on the other side, my friend.

General Smith stepped back onto the patrol boots deck and nodded towards his old friend as the engines tugged the old vessel back through the fog.

Looking down at his watch, waved at the waiting Russian troops. "It's time to go comrades before anyone notices we are gone." The troops saluted and climbed back up into the truck.
Within minutes all that was left were tyre tracks.