“Sit down, sit down,” M began just as Caitlin walked in the door. The other two agents were already sitting in one of three chairs directly opposite M’s large, red leather-topped desk.<br/><br/>M was a navy man, probably in his 60s. He had served in the War, and had been an initial member in the very first post-war intelligence agency established by the British government. Anyone in his presence was immediately taken with the intelligence and charisma in his grey eyes. He often smoked a pipe in his office, betrayed by the tell tale smell of burnt tobacco that never completely ventilated away. Today he was clearly concerned: he suit was ruffled, his eyes were tired, and his pipe was in-hand. As the three agents walked in, clearly showing their after-hours leanings, he knew he was working with the newest operatives in Investigations & Enforcement. M was a man who played his instincts. Those instincts made him choose the numbers from the roster he did, and thus he had no qualms in starting his briefing.<br/><br/>“I’m afraid I have some rather bad news,” M cleared his throat, snapping the agents back to reality, and drawing their attention back to the old sailor behind the great desk. He waited for Caitlin to sit down before continuing. “004 is missing and presumed dead deep inside Russia. We have no report of his capture, so we must expect the worst.” M puffed on is pipe and let the shock of the pronouncement sink in before going on.<br/><br/>“You are going into the Soviet Union to find out what happened to 004, and why he was unable to complete his mission. He was sent into Siberia to retrieve a prototype of a microchip which had been stolen recently by the KGB from Zorin Microelectronics here in the UK. The chip is critical to the future defence of England because it is impervious to the EMP...electromagnetic pulse...of an atomic explosion.<br/><br/>“In the event of an atomic war, the UK’s electronic defences and communications networks – all of which make extensive use of microchip technology – would be able to continue operation if this chip is used. On the other hand, the enemy’s comparable technology would be rendered useless by the Pulse.” M paused for a moment to puff on his billiard, straight-grain pipe. As a result the agents became more aware of the scent of tobacco filling the room.<br/><br/>“Zorin Microelectronics has undergone an extensive security check, and it appears the chip prototype was stolen by a KGB agent working on the inside. 004 was assigned to infiltrate the Soviet microchip research facility in Werchojansk, Siberia. That was where our intelligence determined the stolen chip was taken.<br/><br/>“004 reported the chip was indeed located there. He was ordered to break into the plant, steal the chip and any copies that had been made of it, plus the paperwork dealing with the technical data contained on the chip.” M then pointed out a map on a nearby table, and moved to it before continuing the briefing.<br/><br/>(http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2497/4042557034_b7e6aa52d3_o.jpg)<br/><br/>“He arrived in Siberia two weeks ago. Yesterday he reported his mission accomplished and noted he was escaping on land via snowscooter. He was making for Ust-Jansk at the mouth of the Jana River on the Arctic Sea in order to rendezvous with a Royal Navy sub, when he stopped – or was stopped – for some reason. He did not arrive on time for the rendezvous. The last contact with him had indicated no trouble.<br/><br/>“You will fly to Anchorage tonight; your flight leaves at 2am. From there you will be inserted by special transport to any location of your choice along the Jana River, and paradropped with Q Branch equipment. Insertion will be at night, just before dawn, so prepare yourselves for all eventualities.<br/><br/>“You must find 004 before the Soviets do and see if he has the microchip. If he doesn’t, you must find it, and steal it yourselves. If he does, return with it, and if he’s alive, bring him back if you can.<br/><br/>“004 was equipped with minimal kit, so you will have some trouble finding him. He did carry a Scarab tracer, but we fear it has failed. Your Polaris will be able to pick up his signal if it’s still broadcasting. His exact location is unknown, and you will have to plan a search.<br/><br/>“We can assume the KGB will be looking for him, and our only hope is surprise. Find him before they do.” M looked each of the agents in the eyes to make sure the gravity of the situation was understood. “Any questions?"<br/>