1 Chapter 1: Amidst Shadows and Secrets

Disclaimer: Sid Meier's Covert Action game is property of Microprose and I do not own it. This story contains situations and scenes not suitable for minors so if you are not yet an adult then stop reading.

CIA HEADQUARTERS, LANGLEY, VIRGINIA. 2 JANUARY 1990

The room was dimly lit, save for the harsh glare of the projector screen. Maxine Remington sat attentively, her piercing gaze fixed on the large screen displaying classified information. Her reputation as a brilliant operative preceded her, and she had successfully tackled some of the agency's most challenging assignments. Known for her unwavering determination and sharp intellect, Maxine had earned the respect of her superiors and colleagues alike.

Maxine's auburn hair was neatly pulled back into a practical ponytail, and her attire exuded professionalism and a hint of no-nonsense attitude. Though she was a woman of few words, her actions spoke volumes. Maxine was the embodiment of an agent who could handle any situation with utmost composure and grace. Her appearance was as unassuming as it was efficient, a quality she had perfected over the years. While she had often heard people describe her as "attractive," Maxine didn't consider herself as such. She preferred blending into the background, an asset for any covert operative.

She hailed from a family with a long history of military service. Her father had been a decorated Air Force pilot who went on to take the academic route and became a professor of government; her mother a linguist who had worked in intelligence. The legacy of her family's commitment to their country was a constant source of inspiration.

The CIA Director stood at the podium, his face grave. "Ladies and gentlemen, we have a serious situation on our hands. We've received credible intelligence regarding a dangerous blackmail plot targeting a high-ranking Soviet official in Moscow."

Maxine's eyes narrowed. This was no ordinary mission. The stakes were high, and the potential consequences were grave. She knew that her extensive training would be put to the test.

"The target is Pyotr Rozagin, a senior official in the USSR Ministry of Culture," the Director continued. "He holds confidential information that, if exposed, could lead to a chain reaction of chaos and instability."

"Time is of the essence," the Director said. "We can't afford any mistakes. Agent Remington, you've dealt with high-stakes situations before. We're counting on you to lead the operation and ensure we uncover this blackmail plot before it's too late."

Maxine stood up, her face grim. "I understand the urgency, and I accept the assignment," she said. "I'll assemble a supporting team and head to Moscow immediately."

The Director nodded. "Good luck, Agent Remington. The world is watching."

With a nod, Maxine stood up, her mind already racing with potential scenarios. She had faced dangerous foes before, but this particular operation carried unique risks and required an level of finesse.

Gathering her wits and steely resolve, Maxine Remington left the room, her footsteps echoing in the hallways of the CIA Headquarters. She knew that time was of the essence, and every moment counted in the race against a deadly alliance threatening international stability.

 -----

In her office, Maxine initiated contact with several trusted agents who would aid her as she delved into the heart of Europe's tumultuous terrain. She was well aware of the perils involved and the need to maintain a low profile in Moscow, where the watchful eyes of the enemy were an undeniable reality. Maxine personally reached out to each agent, her tone resolute and reassuring. Each agent accepted her request with unwavering commitment, understanding that they were supporting a colleague who commanded trust and respect.

Maxine convened a gathering with the agents she had contacted, setting the stage for their collaborative endeavor. She delivered a succinct yet resolute message, "I've been assigned a mission to thwart a high-stakes blackmail plot targeting a significant figure in Moscow. The success of this operation hinges on our collective teamwork as much as our individual competencies. While I understand that each of us has ongoing duties and missions, I'll rely on your assistance at various stages of this assignment, both directly and indirectly. I eagerly anticipate working alongside all of you."

The other agents conveyed their agreement, fully aware that CIA operatives were expected to be proficient in both team and solo endeavors, adapting to ever-changing circumstances during their missions. At this moment, they comprehended that Maxine Remington had called upon them to constitute her invaluable support team.

This formidable group consisted of four individuals, comprising three men and one woman, all seasoned CIA operatives, albeit of junior rank compared to Maxine.

The first member was Agent Xavier LeFeber, affectionately known as "XL" by his colleagues. XL, a former marine intelligence operative, possessed a commanding presence, taller and broader and three years older than Maxine, with a diverse heritage blending Hispanic and French roots. His rugged appearance, complete with a well-groomed beard, exuded a charismatic charm that set him apart. XL's proficiency with firearms and mastery of hand-to-hand combat, as well as his skill in handling vehicles, made him a standout asset. Hailing from the vibrant melting pot of New Orleans, XL's wealth of combat experience and skills was a valuable addition, having previously collaborated with Maxine on successful missions. It was only natural that he was her first choice for this critical assignment.

For matters related to technology and surveillance, Maxine enlisted the expertise of Junior Agent Valerie Pulgram. Val, a young woman with chestnut hair and bright green eyes, was a MIT graduate education in electrical engineering and computer science. Her scholarly appearance, characterized by glasses and practical attire, concealed her proficiency in surveillance, wiretapping, and electronic communications. Val hailed from a diplomatic family with German roots, endowing her with fluency in several European languages. Despite her relatively young age, her aptitude for technology and languages made her an indispensable asset for the team's communication and intelligence-gathering efforts.

Yusuf Khofri, code-named "Ashur" due to his Assyrian heritage, had a background as a police detective in Detroit before joining the CIA. Maxine sought Ashur's assistance, primarily because she required an operative with an "Eastern European" appearance—a misconception Ashur humorously corrected, as he hailed from the Middle East rather than Eastern Europe. Regardless, Ashur brought a unique skill set to the team. His expertise in information gathering, combined with his deep understanding of diverse cultures, made him a valuable asset. His familiarity with a diaspora community made him well-versed in the intricacies of international travel, both through legal and unconventional means.

 The fourth and final member whose assistance Maxine sought was a CIA agent stationed in London. Engaging via speakerphone, this charismatic Welshman, Lloyd Gannis, possessed the extraordinary ability to morph his appearance and employ various accents. His usual cover as a stage actor in London's West End attested to his chameleon-like talents. Lloyd's wit and resourcefulness made him an invaluable asset when it came to tactics and negotiations. Raised in the culturally diverse and vibrant city of London, he had honed his skills both on the stage and in the world of espionage and subterfuge, establishing himself as a master of disguise, negotiation, and improvisation. Maxine had discovered Lloyd's exceptional abilities during a previous mission in London, and he had indicated his readiness to assist her should the need arise.

Having secured the unwavering commitment of her colleagues to support her mission, Maxine outlined her initial plan. The first destination was Moscow, where the primary task was to locate and gather information on the target individual, Pyotr Rozagin. However, Maxine had a unique proposition – she intended to go alone initially. The challenges of entering the Soviet Union as U.S. nationals were substantial; acquiring a visa would be a time-consuming and arduous process, so it was not practical to have all of them travel to Moscow. In response to this, Lloyd, the master of disguise and a creative tactician, suggested a clever approach. Through the conference call, Lloyd proposed that Maxine should assume the identity of a citizen from a country that wouldn't arouse suspicion by the Soviet Union. Drawing from her extensive knowledge of current and recent geopolitics, Maxine made a strategic choice: Finland. Finland's position as a neutral entity during the height of the Cold War made it a suitable cover for her mission.

Lloyd recommended that Maxine first journey to London, where he would meticulously prepare her Finnish disguise. Ashur volunteered to assist in acquiring Finnish documentation for Maxine. Maxine agreed to the plan and conveyed her intention to meet Lloyd in London first, with the rest of the team ready to provide support as needed from their respective locations.