X-Men Mission: Opera Redux

[x-dominion.livejournal.com]

A group of X-Men arrive in Israel for a briefing about what they are doing there.



The airforce base was smaller and rougher then they might have expected. Little more than a dozen small prefabricated buildings arrayed around a radar unit and a large square of tarmac. Not far outside of Kiryat Shmona, their guides explained that the base wasn't often used as a staging point, and more permanent facilities provided too tempting a target for rocket attacks. The forgotten and impermanent appearance made it easily ignored, and perfect for their covert operations.

Inside the largest of the buildings, they were greeted by Sabra, obviously brought in for the briefing due to her relationship with the X-Men, and another man, who introduced himself as Alúf mishné Aharon Weizman, a career Air Force officer, who was one of the true helicopter specialists in the IDF. After a few minutes, they were settled into chairs around a large table, and Weizman took his place at the head, starting a presentation.

"Ladies and gentlemen. Before we begin, I would like to stress that while your involvement in this mission is strictly voluntary, our mission and the crews of the helicopters you'll be taking in are IDF and under Sabra's command in the field. We have created a mission profile that allows our teams to work independently, and we'd ask you keep the same separation in mind." Weizman held up his hand. "This is not meant as an insult. Between Sabra and Storm, we potentially have two commanders in the field. As well, our mission goals are very different. To avoid confusion or potential issues, please maintain that separation whenever possible."

He clicked a button, and behind him, aerial photos of an industrial complex at the edge of a river blossomed into view. "This is the objective. It is a nuclear power facility just outside of Saqqez. It is only partially completed, estimated to go online by 2010. Here to the south, is a research lab, supposedly meant to support the energy production of the plant. In reality, it is where they have part of their nuclear weapon program, and house the mutant."

The image was replaced by a set of grainy images. "We don't have a name for the mutant in question, but photos and reproduction documentation indicate that he has been able to create and enrich uranium out of other metals. Obviously, such a power could supply every nation on the planet with any amount of weapons grade material completely anonymously. We've been told that your wish is to remove the mutant, as opposed to neutralizing him permanently. It is a critical factor the mutant does not remain an asset to the Iranian government."

Cain looked up from the back of the room where he leaned against the wall, flipping a folded map back and forth in his hands. "So what you're saying is that we're killing two birds with two stones, and if something goes south, you leave us holding the bag for the entire deal." His face was stony, then split in a grin as he nodded to the other X-Men. "Hell, I might not be the brightest bulb in the bunch, but does anyone else think this stinks to high hell?"

Shiro shifted uncomfortably in his seat. "Do you remember what happened the last time Israel violated another nation's sovereignty by destroying their nuclear technology?" he asked Cain rhetorically. "What, I read the news. Do not be shocked."

Weizman nodded to Cain. "You're very much right, Mister Marko. Trying to bring this mutant out alive represents an increase in the danger and the likelihood for error in the mission. However, the Professor is an old ally and you X-Men are owed a debt. That is the only reason why you're being offered this opportunity. That is also why you'll be... 'left with the bag', as you say, if something going wrong. Iran represents a nuclear threat to Israel. That mutant is key to them having that capability. Our national security has to be our foremost priority. There are many people deeply unhappy that the offer was made to involve you at all."

"What kind of security are we looking at in the research facility?" Jim inquired. It helped to focus on the technical aspects, particularly since it gave him something else to think about other than the fact he was in the country one set of parents had died in planning for a mission in the country his other set had fled.

"Iranian Republican Guard. The main guard is on the facility and plant itself, not where the mutant is thought to be held. IDF forces will engage and neutralize them. I would not expect a significant amount of armed resistance for your objectives. However, supporting the facility is an IRG base located here, not more than five miles from the plant. Once their alarm is raised, we can expect no more than ten to fifteen minutes before military units respond and close on the base. With the element of surprise, perhaps a little over twenty minutes is the window of this operation."

"We will be flying in from the north," Sabra added, her slim form standing in contrast to her deep, commanding voice. "Five helicopters. Three will go to the plant, and the other two" - she looked pointedly at each of the X-Men - "to where the mutant is kept. I must emphasize that the rescue must be as quick as possible. There will be no time for extended fire fights."

"Of course not," Marie drawled. "So we'll just make sure to tell the nice Iranians to let us waltz in and out with a minimal fuss. Maybe we can have tea as well."

"This is not the time for jokes." Weizman said crossly. He had already argued that including an attempt to bring the mutant out alive presented an unnecessary risk to his men, and had been overruled. The last thing he was willing to see was a group of mutants, wholly without military training, putting his teams in danger by not taking it seriously. "The IRG are relatively well trained and well supplied. If given the opportunity, they are capable of damaging or destroying the helicoptors before the mission is successful."

Kurt spoke up then, quiet but making himself heard. "If there is any way I could see images from inside the plant, or perhaps if Legion here could help me share someone's memories, I might solve the issue of the quick rescue."

"Ditto," Clarice spoke up, working with a second teleporter on this mission had some definite benefits as far as she was concerned. "We can possibly help with a more stealthy entrance too. Or something. I'm a girl of many talents."

"Hit them hard enough an fade. Depending on how heavy this buildings are, Juggernaut and I can make our own enterances." Kane said, staring thoughtfully at the maps. "What if something does go wrong? I know you're not coming for us, but..."

"Our best suggestion would be to try and make for the border, Dominion. If you can get outside of Iranian territory without being followed, we can try and arrange a pickup for you. If you are caught, or irrefutable evidence of your part in this comes to light, the Iranians will make it as public as possible to the diplomatic community. It will make your relationship with your President extremely precarious at the very least." Weizman said. "If captured, the Iranians will have every right to have you shot as terrorists. My suggestion is to ensure nothing goes wrong."

Weizman looked around for any last questions. "Then we are ready. Sabra, you will finalize the last details for the X-Men and your team. The target time will be late this evening. It is a long flight by helicoptor, and you will leave as soon as they are prepped. Good luck, X-Men. I pray this is worth it for you."