Memories of Winter

Team Work in Munich

The file on the desk before her was dense. The file handed to her teammate was just as big. They both had their objectives. Unlike their previous missions, this wasn't about an individual being lured to a kill zone this was espionage. Natalia looked forward to doing something other than looking pretty and playing a role. This was what she'd been trained for.

Colonel Karpov began rattling off the finer details. A high-tech company with some interesting developments in the world of AI. They wanted the data, all the files and to leave without a trace.

"Finally something I'm better at than you. Computers."

Next to her the Winter Soldier looked up from his file and gave her a sideways stare. In front of their superiors, these jibes were dangerous. Any behaviour suggesting they were more than an effective team might lead to them being broken apart.

Reconnaissance was necessary before they committed to the hijacking. Scope out the building and entry points, and monitor the guard's shifts. Where they'd find the information was all detailed in the notes and though helpful wasn't the same as seeing the building and layout with your own eyes. Natalia zoned back into what Karpov was saying.

"You have seven days to complete your mission."

"Plenty of time." Natalia stood from the table and left the room. The Winter Soldier's technicians waited outside and entered behind her. She loitered by the door listening.

"The book," Karpov demanded.

"Longing. Rusted. Furnace. Daybreak. Seventeen. Benign. Nine. Homecoming. One. Freight car. Soldat"? The Colonel queried.

Behind her Natalia heard the Winter Soldier stand repeat the phrase expected of him.
"Ready to comply."

The Red Room's jet awaited at their safehouse cabin. No need for a pilot or anyone else, they were both expert pilots. The jet contained a motorbike and all the weapons they might need.
Natalia was already positioned in the pilot's seat when the Winter Soldier entered the cockpit. He strapped himself into the co-pilot's chair without a word. The navigation system was already set up for their destination- Munich, Germany.

The flight had it been a commercial one would've been a silent, uncomfortable thirteen hours plus. The jet made it in two. Everything about this mission left her feeling exhilarated- flying the jet, leaving Russia which she hadn't done in years and new mission parameters; she was excited. They landed outside Munich in Ebersberger Forst. A secluded cabin sat next to where the jet was stowed. A flat in Munich closer to the target building would be where they would spend most of their time while in Germany. Once the mission was complete it was back to their usual cabin to await the scheduled debriefing in one week. They took their preferred weapons, surveillance and tactical gear from the store on the jet. Looking like a walking armoury the Winter Soldier strode past her stowing weapons all over the bike in purpose-made holds. He clambered on and waited patiently as she clambered on behind him, wrapping her arms around his waist, then reversed out of the jet and sped off towards the city.

It was dark, but Natalia enjoyed the drive. The tall sprawling forest gave way to little suburbs that looked like postcards. The houses and flats had a distinct architecture very different to Russia. The landscape changed as the outskirts gave way to the modern city. The flat they'd be holed up in was like all safehouses, somewhere no one would go if they had a choice. Discarded, neglected a beige cold box. Natalia infinitely preferred their little cabin. She peered out at the city, she couldn't see much from here. Dawn was breaking the sky changing from black to hues of blues dulling the previously twinkling city night lights.

"Get away from the window."

She allowed the sheet covering the window to fall back and turned to scowl at him. He didn't notice he was too busy laying everything out on the countertop. He'd been odd since they'd left; barely speaking to her, almost back to silent and deadly, and she wondered what had caused this regression.