Just as the command was given, a soft puff echoed as the sniper's rubber bullet pierced the cockpit window, striking the "hijacker" inside and "eliminating" the target. Of course, it wasn't a real kill—everyone was using rubber rounds, and the cockpit window was a simulation, not actual aviation-grade glass. The entire exercise was designed to mimic real-life conditions as closely as possible.
As the hijacker was declared neutralized, Heartbeat yanked the rope, and Owen slid smoothly down the cockpit's curve. A few well-placed shots shattered the glass, and he rolled inside.
Puff puff.
The moment he hit the ground, Owen "shot" an enemy who hadn't had time to react. Securing the passage, he covered the entrance while Heartbeat and the remaining A-team members followed in.
"Advance, advance…"
"A-Team has entered."
After reporting to the commander, Owen led the team in a reverse sweep from the cockpit toward the cabin. Simultaneously, B-Team breached the main cabin door with explosives. The moment they charged in, gunfire erupted near the entrance as they exchanged fire with the hijackers.
Puff puff. Da-da-da-da.
CTU's suppressed weapons and the hijackers' simulated gunfire filled the air. B-Team's entry was rough, but they effectively drew the enemy's attention.
The hijackers were fixated on the main cabin entrance, completely unaware that a second assault force had breached from the cockpit.
Puff puff. Puff puff.
A-Team moved in with precision. The narrow aisle only allowed two to advance, so the remaining two members stayed back to control the flanks and rear.
Since the beginning of the exercise, CTU had repeatedly instructed the "passengers" to stay down. If a hijacker attempted to hide among them and stand, they'd be instantly "shot" by flanking personnel. It happened more than once—any impersonating hijacker who popped up was immediately struck by a rubber round and declared dead.
Owen and Heartbeat advanced systematically. After securing a section, the rear members would catch up, and the process repeated.
Their coordination was flawless. If multiple enemies were spotted, they split targets automatically; if there was only one, Owen took the shot while Heartbeat moved in to disarm.
A few hijackers attempted to take hostages, but by the time they made the move, A-Team was already behind them. One was "shot" mid-grab attempt.
Three minutes later, the drill ended.
All seven hijackers were "killed." A-Team: no casualties. B-Team: one casualty. No simulated civilian deaths.
The results were solid—proof that NY CTU had substantial experience with anti-hijacking operations. They followed up with drills on other aircraft models, using a variety of tactics. The casualty rates remained low throughout.
After the training, everyone returned to CTU HQ.
Thanks to New York's financial status, their CTU branch received ample private donations. The building, gear, and overall infrastructure were significantly superior to the L.A. branch.
Even the weapons they used during today's exercise were different—custom gear and more variety. This wasn't unusual. Weapon procurement was up to each CTU division.
Owen, now free to roam the New York office, picked out two guns and headed to the basement shooting range with Heartbeat to do some target practice.
Muscle memory had to be constantly trained and maintained.
NY's armory was expansive: M4s, SCARs, HK416s, MP5Ks... Their handguns included M1911s, M9s, Beretta 92Fs, P30s, P228s, MK23s, Glock 22s—the list went on.
As the two were mid-session, Owen's phone buzzed. Seeing the caller ID, he smiled—it was Jack Bauer.
The Rapid Reaction Team's first mission had arrived.
An hour later, Owen and Heartbeat were aboard a military aircraft en route to the Navy's Fleet Training Center in Virginia Beach. The cargo bay was nearly empty—just the two of them. Owen sat calmly, conserving energy. Heartbeat was busy complaining about the awful flying conditions.
Military flights were far from comfortable—the engine noise alone was enough to drive anyone mad.
Owen kept his eyes closed, not sleeping but thinking. His mind replayed the moment Jack had called.
…
"Owen, I've got a mission for the Rapid Response Team."
"What is it?"
"We've got intel that Chechen terrorists have obtained a cache of VX nerve gas from the former Soviet Union. You know what that is. Our files say a single teaspoon of this stuff could wipe out an entire city block. Your job is to find it."
"They planning to attack the U.S.?"
"We don't know. But it's a threat we can't ignore. They can wage guerrilla war against Russia all they want—but they can't have that kind of weapon."
Owen understood immediately. This was a preemptive strike—an offensive action.
Chechnya wasn't technically an enemy of the U.S., but it wasn't a friend either. Even if they opposed Russia, America couldn't allow them to possess such a weapon. The risk was too high. Even if their first strike targeted Moscow, what if they changed their minds?
"Where are we headed?"
"Croatia."
Owen wasn't surprised the first mission came so fast—just that it was overseas.
"What kind of backup are we getting?"
He knew Jack wouldn't throw the two of them at a chemical weapon cache without support. That'd be suicide.
"You'll head to the SEAL training center in Virginia Beach. SEAL Team Six will assist. I've already cleared it with their CO. Your primary target is a man named Sarayev—Chechen leadership's son-in-law. He's hiding near the port city of Pula. Find him, and you'll find the VX."
SEAL Team Six. Owen had heard their name countless times during training in Colorado.
If SEALs were elite, SEAL Team Six was elite among elites. Officially known as DEVGRU (Naval Special Warfare Development Group), they were equivalent to the Army's Delta Force. Their operators were recruited from active SEALs and Navy EOD units, trained to the limit.
It was said that each SEAL Team Six member fired 2,500–3,000 rounds per week—more than a regular Marine used in an entire year.
They were one of the few military units authorized to carry out unilateral preemptive strikes against terrorists and their infrastructure—just like the Rapid Reaction Team. Their objectives aligned perfectly.
…
BOOM.
A loud thunderclap snapped Owen back to the present. It was pouring outside, the aircraft jostling slightly as it sliced through the rain and lightning.
An hour and a half later, the transport plane touched down at SEAL Team Six's training base.
------------------
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Fairy Tail: Igneel's Eldest Son (Chapter 256)
I Am Thalos, Odin's Older Brother (Chapter 336)
Reborn in America's Anti-Terror Unit (Chapter 542)
Solomon in Marvel (Chapter 924)
Becoming the Wealthiest Tycoon on the Planet (Chapter 1284)
Surgical Fruit in the American Comics Universe (Chapter 1289)
American Detective: From TV Rookie to Seasoned Cop (Chapter 1316)
American TV Writer (Chapter 1402)
I Am Hades, The Supreme GOD of the Underworld! (Chapter 570)
Reborn as Humanity's Emperor Across the Multiverse (Chapter 660)
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