Shadows of Mr Black

Three years ago

**Scene 2: Rewind – Three Years Earlier**

**Location:** FBI Headquarters, Strategic Operations Center (SOC)

**[The scene opens in the bustling SOC, where large screens dominate the walls, displaying real-time news feeds and operational data. Agents and analysts are seated at desks filled with computers, phones, and paperwork. There’s a palpable sense of urgency and controlled chaos in the room. The camera zooms in on one of the large screens showing a breaking news segment.]**

**News Anchor (on screen):** 
*"Breaking news: A devastating bombing attack has rocked one of the world's most iconic landmarks, the **Eiffel Tower** in Paris, France. Current reports confirm 58,000 dead and many more injured in the aftermath of this heinous act of terror. The terrorist organization known as Black Clover has claimed responsibility for this attack, leaving the world in shock and mourning."*

**[The camera pans out to reveal the FBI agents, all focused intently on the broadcast. There’s a mix of horror, anger, and frustration on their faces. The news feed is paused mid-broadcast by the Section Chief, James Mercer, the Head of the FBI Counterterrorism Division. He steps forward, his expression grave, commanding the attention of the entire room.]**

**Section Chief Mercer:** 
*"Listen up, everyone."* 
*He points to the paused image of the Eiffel Tower in ruins.* 
*"The actions of Black Clover have gone too far. Initial reports put the casualty count at 58,000, but we now know there are over a million affected by this attack, with at least 100,000 confirmed dead. This is a declaration of war, and we need to respond accordingly. Our mission is clear: we must dismantle this organization and bring its leaders to justice."*

**[The room is filled with murmurs of agreement, but also a heavy air of uncertainty. Agent Sarah Coleman, a seasoned field agent with experience in counterterrorism, speaks up.]**

**Agent Coleman:** 
*"But sir, with all due respect, how do we target an enemy when we don't even know who the leader is? Black Clover has operated in the shadows for years. We don’t have a face, a name…nothing."*

**[Mercer’s gaze sharpens as he addresses the concern. He paces in front of the screen, exuding authority and determination.]**

**Section Chief Mercer:** 
*"We’ve been operating in the dark, yes. But that changed earlier today. We received a video transmission—directly from their leader. He goes by the name Mr. Black."*

**[There’s a ripple of shock and curiosity through the room. Agent Daniel Briggs, the tech specialist, frowns skeptically.]**

**Agent Briggs:** 
*"Mr. Black? We’ve never heard of this guy before. How do we know this isn’t just some hoax?"*

**Section Chief Mercer:** 
*"We vetted the source, Briggs. It’s legitimate. And the message... well, let’s just say, he’s issued a challenge."* 
*Mercer nods to the technician at the controls.* 
*"Roll the tape."*

**[The large screen flickers to life, revealing a man in a devil's mask. He’s dressed impeccably in a black windbreaker over a sharp suit, topped with a stylish hat that gives him the air of a sophisticated English noble. Yet, there’s something undeniably sinister about him, a chilling aura that commands attention. The room goes dead silent as the agents watch the video intently.]**

**Mr. Black (on screen):** 
*"Greetings, Federal Bureau of Investigation. I am Mr. Black. You may not know my face, but surely by now, you know the name Black Clover. Yes, that little club I founded has caused quite a stir, hasn’t it?"* 
*He chuckles darkly.* 
*"How did you like my surprise in Paris? The Eiffel Tower is such a symbol of resilience, don’t you think? I thought it would be fun to see how much it could take before it crumbled."*

**[The agents exchange uneasy glances, some clenching their fists in anger. Mr. Black’s voice is smooth, almost playful, but dripping with malice.]**

**Mr. Black (on screen):** 
*"But enough about that. I have a game for you. There are 15 bombs planted in **Heathrow Airport** in London—one of the busiest international airports in the world. They’re set to detonate in... let’s see... less than three days. 67 hours to be exact. If you can find and disarm those bombs before they go off, I’ll tell you the name of the next World Heritage site that’s on our list."* 
*He leans closer to the camera, his tone mocking.* 
*"Tick-tock, agents. The clock is ticking. Let’s see if you’re up to the challenge. Toodles!"* 
*He gives a mocking wave and the screen cuts to black.*

**[The room is engulfed in a stunned silence. The gravity of the situation sinks in, and the agents are visibly shaken. Mercer steps forward again, his voice steely.]**

**Section Chief Mercer:** 
*"This isn’t just a threat. It’s a declaration of intent. Heathrow is one of the most heavily trafficked airports in the world. If those bombs go off, we’re looking at a catastrophic loss of life and a global crisis."*

**[Agent Briggs starts typing furiously on his laptop, pulling up schematics of Heathrow Airport on a secondary screen.]**

**Agent Briggs:** 
*"We need to contact British authorities ASAP. Get teams on the ground to start a full sweep of the airport. We’re talking every terminal, every baggage area, every access point."*

**Agent Coleman:** 
*"And we need to coordinate with MI5 and Scotland Yard. This is going to require joint operations and intelligence sharing. We can't afford any missteps."*

**Section Chief Mercer:** 
*"Agreed. I want every resource we have on this. Mobilize Special Operations, Bomb Disposal Units, and Cyber Task Forces. This is an all-hands-on-deck situation. We have 67 hours. Let’s make every second count."*

**[The agents spring into action, the SOC becoming a hive of activity. Phones ring, orders are shouted, and the room buzzes with urgent energy as the team gears up for what could be the most critical operation of their careers.]**

**[The camera pulls back, showing the intense focus on everyone’s faces as they prepare to face the ticking clock set by Mr. Black.]**

**Fade Out.**

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