**Scene 18:**
*Location: FBI Headquarters, Command Center*
The atmosphere in the FBI’s command center is suffocatingly heavy. The once-bustling room, filled with urgent commands and rapid coordination, now feels like a tomb. Agents are seated, many with their heads bowed, listening in stunned silence as the grim statistics of the bombings are broadcasted across the large screens.
The screen flickers as a news anchor, her face pale and voice trembling, begins to read out the casualties from the multiple bombings orchestrated by Mr. Black.
**News Anchor:** *[On the screen]* “In Cairo, Egypt, the historical site of the Pyramids of Giza was targeted, leading to a catastrophic loss of life. Casualties are reported to be at 1.5 million, with thousands still unaccounted for.”
The room remains silent. Eyes that were once full of determination are now shadowed with grief.
**News Anchor:** “In Tokyo, Japan, the bombing near the Senso-ji Temple has resulted in approximately 1.8 million deaths, with the surrounding area in complete devastation.”
An agent in the back swallows hard, visibly struggling to maintain his composure.
**News Anchor:** “London, Britain, reports that the bomb at Trafalgar Square has claimed the lives of 2.1 million people. The historic center is now a scene of unthinkable carnage.”
Sarah clenches her fists on the table, her knuckles white. Tears brim in her eyes, but she doesn’t let them fall.
**News Anchor:** “In Paris, France, the bombing at the Louvre has resulted in the loss of 2 million lives. The city, once known for its beauty, is now marred by unimaginable tragedy.”
Another agent covers his face with his hands, the weight of the losses pressing down on him.
**News Anchor:** “In Beijing, China, the Forbidden City has been decimated, with 3.5 million people confirmed dead. The devastation is widespread, and the death toll is expected to rise as rescue operations continue.”
Agent Luke, usually so stoic, wipes at his eyes with the back of his hand, his expression a mix of sorrow and anger.
**News Anchor:** “In Los Angeles, America, the bombing in Griffith Park claimed 1.8 million lives, leaving the city reeling from the horror that unfolded.”
The room is still. Even the most hardened agents can’t hide the devastation etched on their faces.
**News Anchor:** “In Petra, Jordan, the explosion claimed the lives of 2 million people, with the ancient city nearly wiped off the map.”
**News Anchor:** "In Athens, Greece, the Acropolis has suffered catastrophic damage, with 900,000 lives lost. The narrow paths leading up the rocky hill became deadly as panic ensued."
**News Anchor:** "In Granada, Spain, the Alhambra has been devastated. The historic palace and fortress complex, surrounded by thick walls, became a tomb for 800,000 people."
**News Anchor:** "In Bangkok, Thailand, the Grand Palace, one of the country's most sacred sites, has been attacked, resulting in 700,000 deaths. The limited access points made evacuation nearly impossible."
**News Anchor:** "In Peru, the bombing of Machu Picchu has claimed 200,000 lives. The remote access and treacherous trails made it difficult for many to escape in time."
**News Anchor:** "In Mont Saint-Michel, France, 300,000 lives were lost when the tidal island, normally accessible only during low tide, was targeted. The rising waters trapped many as they tried to flee."
The final toll flashes across the screen: **14.7 million dead**.
---
*Location: The Oval Office, White House*
The scene transitions to a live broadcast of the President of the United States addressing the nation from the Oval Office. The President’s face is grim, his eyes reflecting the weight of the tragedy.
**President:** *[In a solemn, measured tone]* “Three days ago, our world changed forever. We lost friends and colleagues, brothers and sisters, sons and daughters. We lost people we hold dear, both here at home and abroad. The devastation we have witnessed is incomprehensible, the pain immeasurable. But in the face of such darkness, we must remember that we are not defeated. We must rise together as one nation, as one world, to honor the memory of those we’ve lost by refusing to give in to fear.”
The camera zooms in slightly on the President’s face as he continues.
**President:** “We will rebuild. We will support one another. And we will pursue justice with every resource at our disposal. Mr. Black may think he has broken us, but he has only strengthened our resolve. We will hunt him down, and we will make him answer for these atrocities. To the families of the victims, to those who have lost loved ones, I promise you this: We will not rest until justice is served.”
The President pauses, his voice catching slightly.
**President:** “In these dark times, we must stand together. The world is watching, and together, we will show them that we are not broken. We are strong. We are resilient. And we will overcome.”
---
*Location: FBI Headquarters, Command Center*
Back in the FBI’s command center, the agents remain seated, absorbing the President’s words. The weight of their losses presses down on them even as they try to rally their spirits.
**Mercer:** *[Quietly, his voice rough with emotion]* “We’ve lost some of our own in this fight. They were heroes, every one of them. We honor their memory by continuing the fight they gave their lives for.”
An officer steps forward with a list, his voice thick as he begins to read the names of the fallen agents.
**Officer:** “Agent David Williams… Agent Laura Martinez… Agent Peter Marks…”
At the mention of Peter’s name, a few agents bow their heads further, some openly weeping. Sarah wipes away her tears, biting her lip to hold back a sob.
**Mercer:** *[Swallowing hard, his voice firm despite the grief]* “We knew this wouldn’t be easy. We knew the cost would be high. But we will not let their sacrifices be in vain. We’ll fight for them, and for every life lost. And we will stop Mr. Black. That is our mission. That is our promise.”
The room is silent for a moment longer, the collective grief of the team palpable. Then, one by one, they nod in determination, pushing back their sorrow to focus on the task ahead.
**Mercer:** “All right, everyone, let’s get back to work. We still have a job to do. And we will make sure that Mr. Black doesn’t win. Not now, not ever.”
As the agents disperse to their stations, the camera lingers on Sarah, who stands at her desk, looking at the list of the fallen. She takes a deep breath, her resolve hardening.
**Sarah:** *[Whispering to herself]* “For Peter. For all of them.”
The scene ends with Sarah sitting down, determination set on her face as she begins her work anew.
.
YOU ARE READING
Shadows of Mr Black
Mystery / ThrillerIn *Shadows of Mr. Black*, the world is held hostage by a mysterious and malevolent criminal mastermind known as Mr. Black. His carefully orchestrated attacks plunge cities into chaos, forcing an elite team of FBI agents to race against time to deci...
