Midnight Black

The first Ukrainian drones and missiles are shot from Kharkiv’s Sokilnyky Airport at around 11 o’clock on Sunday night, targeting various radar systems and installations between Kharkiv and Voronezh. To the residents of Kharkiv, the passing drones are not out of the ordinary, as they are frequently bombarded by Russian missiles.

At 11:40 pm, Zack readies his team of four Osprey aircraft, all named after birds, like Utka (“duck”). However, one of the young team leaders develops cold feet moments before take-off. Zack can see that the man cannot command his team—his hands are shaking uncontrollably. Zack has no other option but to lead the team himself. He quickly gets into gear and asks his translator, Pavel, to come along. Sorkin reminds Zack that he is not supposed to fly into Russian territory, but Zack breezily remarks that it isn’t his first time disobeying orders from the CIA.

Baronov has an entire army of Alpha Group troops, a helicopter, and armored Tigr trucks at his dacha, ready to reach Yavas within 20 minutes. Though he is prepared for all eventualities, Baronov is sure that Court will not approach Yavas tonight because the snowstorm predicted for tomorrow is coming in a bit early.