The Ballad of General Shepherd: Disc One
Act I, Scene III
Overture: "Violet Hill" By Coldplay
"With his options limited, and running out of time."
"The patriot paid a visit, to a man invested in crime."
"His plan was dark, it's motive a filler."
"All presented, to a mad dog killer."
Shepherd looked down at the narrow figure that was Vladimir Makarov, sitting at his desk, now glaring at him. This man was responsible for more attacks and violence against the world then anyone before them. And he was sitting just in front of him.
"Then why are you here?" Makarov demanded, still not knowing why Shepherd wanted.
"Because I'm a client, in need of a certain service." Shepherd answered.
The man narrowed his eyes. "And what makes think I'll help you?"
"Because I can give you something your other clients can't, something worth more then money."
Makarov paused, still skeptical. "And that would be?"
Shepherd paused before answering, already knowing one word would be enough to get Makarov to agree to his plan.
"Revenge."
The word seemed to change Makarov. He paused, absorbing what Shepherd had just said. He knew what he could do in his position. He was an American general after all, and he could acquire things not even Makarov couldn't. And he knew he had something Makarov wanted, and he would do anything to have it.
Simple revenge it seems, never failed to make men take action.
Makarov finally broke the pause between them. "And what makes you think you can help me, of all people?" He asked, still skeptical.
Shepherd already knew the answer that would convince him. "Because I'm in a position you will never get to, no matter what you do." He answered. "I can bring something to the table others can't."
Makarov crossed his arms. "Please, enlighten me."
Shepherd reached into his pocket and pulled out a black and white picture of four men. He knew exactly who they where and so did Makarov. That was why he had brought it. Shepherd knew he wouldn't be able to resist this opportunity. This would convince him that he could give Makarov anything. Including revenge.
"You recognize anyone in this photo?" Shepherd asked, already knowing the answer.
For one, Makarov was quiet. He continued to stare at the photo as he replied.
"Yes." He said quietly, continued to study the photo.
"Then I think you know why I'm here." Shepherd said.
Makarov nodded, telling Shepherd that he had finally convinced him. The hard part was over, now it was time for the real work to begin.
"What do you need from me?" Makarov asked. Shepherd answered him by opening his briefcase and setting a set of photos on his desk.
They all where taken at a major airport, one of the biggest in Europe. Shepherd had spent countless hours researching and finding the best target, and he had finally come up with this.
"Zakhaev International Airport." Shepherd explain, handing Makarov the photos. "The largest airport in Moscow and your next target."
Makarov only studied the photos for only a moment before giving his answer.
"What do you want to happen?" He asked, no remorse in his voice. Just cold determination.
Shepherd smiled slightly. "Only a massacre of innocent men and women at an airport from a well known terrorist."
Makarov raised an eyebrow in question. "That's it?"
"Well, there's more."
Makarov's eyes narrowed. "Out with it then." He spat.
Shepherd's eyes darken and he lowered his voice. "The key to this is that it has to look like something else, something not caused by a psychopath, but rather an organized attack."
Makarov still looked skeptical. "An attack from who?"
Shepherd closed his eyes. "The American government."
Those words now stunned Makarov, just as Shepherd had expected. The man wouldn't have any idea why he would ask for such a request. It didn't make since for an American general to frame his own country. But there was a reason behind everything, and like every plan, each had their own steps. And this was just the first of many.
"Why would you want a war against your own country, what would you gain, if anything?" Makarov asked, his suspicion rising once again.
Shepherd decided the only way to truly convince him and set his mind at ease was to tell him the truth. It didn't matter anyway. Makarov didn't care about his goals. He only cared about his own interests, and would only need an explination to why he had requested such a thing. So long as his mind was at ease, and didn't feel threatened, he would comply to his request.
"It is an unusual request, but it works to my liking. You see, you're not the only one who wants their country changed. The United States is the most powerful military force on the planet, no matter what you think. That is what made us who we are, and I want to make sure it stays that way."
Makarov smirked. "So you want fame and notoriety?"
Shepherd smiled slightly. "I wouldn't call it something as trivial as that."
"So what are your goals then?"
"Same as yours." Shepherd replied simply. "Power, Revenge, and a country that the world recognizes for what it truly is."
Makarov crossed his arms, still somewhat unconvinced. "I still don't like helping you..."
Shepherd was expecting such a reply as well, and already knew the answer to it.
"Are you familiar with the old saying: the enemy of my enemy is my friend?" Shepherd asked.
"Yes I am." Makarov replied quickly. "It describes two enemies united together against a common foe that threatens both of them. I'm assuming you're using it as an analogy to us?"
"Correct." Shepherd replied. "We both have a goal. We both have the same enemy. You know there isn't another option. If you ever want to achieve your goals, you need my help, as much as you hate to admit it. So what do you say, can we talk business, friend?"
There was pause, stillness in the dimly lit office. Shepherd knew he had him now. This was just an offer he couldn't refuse. It was an offer he would never refuse. He was as good as sold.
Shepherd received his answer when a small smirk appeared across Makarov's face, telling him all he needed to know."
"I believe we can."
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