[Aqtabi, Urzikstan 1045 Hours]
Cpl. Borkhaev: *in Russian* You want some?
Pvt. Sokolov: *in Russian* What's that?
Cpl. Borkhaev: *in Russian* Candied almonds, I brought them from one of those local shops
Pvt. Sokolov: *in Russian* How much?
Cpl. Borkhaev: *in Russian* It only cost a couple cents, pretty cheap
Pvt. Sokolov takes a few pieces of candied almonds and eats them straight away
Cpl. Borkhaev: *in Russian* This place is being burnt down. I can tell
Pvt. Sokolov: *in Russian* No shit
Cpl. Borkhaev: *in Russian* Yeah, I heard this place was being used by the Urzik rebels as some sort of outpost, and the locals here kept them fed
Pvt. Sokolov: *in Russian* Yeah, I can clearly tell some rebels take shelter here
Cpl. Borkhaev: *in Russian* So, about last week. You still thinking about that?
Pvt. Sokolov: *in Russian* Why do you keep asking me that?
Cpl. Borkhaev: *in Russian* I'm just worried. Ever since you took that kid to safety, it's been clouding your mind
Pvt. Sokolov: *in Russian* Why are we even here at the first place?
Cpl. Borkhaev: *in Russian* To fight?
Pvt. Sokolov: *in Russian* It's just, I feel like we got sent to a suicide mission or something, it's just something doesn't feel right at all
Cpl. Borkhaev: *in Russian* Look, I have no idea what you're talking about, but-
Russian Soldier #1: *in Russian* Hey guys, you might wanna see this
Pvt. Sokolov and Cpl. Borkhaev looks at each other for a moment then follows the Russian soldier
[Aqtabi Town Square 1105 Hours]
Russian Soldier #1: *in Russian* Major is about to publicly execute someone
Cpl. Borkhaev: *in Russian* Who?
Russian Soldier #1: *in Russian* Some kid who was caught stealing our rations. See for yourself
Cpl. Borkhaev: *in Russian* I've seen enough
A young Anton Sudorov, who is a Major in this time, was standing in the center and next to him is what appears to be a child in rugged clothing. A potato sack conceals the child's face, waiting to be exposed to the environment around the child
Maj. Sudorov: Your actions against the Russian Federation will be dealt with immediately, and this child here will learn that soon
Pvt. Sokolov: *in Russian* See, things like that is what creeps me ever since I got here
Cpl. Borkhaev: *in Russian* What worries me the most is Major's talking. He talks and acts like some 4th Grade stage play actor
Maj. Sudorov: Perhaps, should I let you know who this rascal is, da?
Maj. Sudorov then pulls off the sack covering the child's face, revealing the child to be
Pvt. Sokolov: Idra
Maj. Sudorov: This child here tried to steal our food because he has a brother to feed
Maj. Sudorov: Oh child, stealing is bad. You're too young to be a criminal, but don't worry, you don't have to worry about your brother anymore
Idra had a disgust look on her face, and spat on the Major's face. Maj. Sudorov fires back by slapping the girl, and then wipes her spit off of his face
Cpl. Borkhaev: *in Russian* Don't, you'll get us both killed
Pvt. Sokolov had anger and concern flowing through his body. He wanted to save Idra, but that'll cost him his life and, possibly, Cpl. Borkhaev's life as well
Maj. Sudorov: *in Russian* You, come here
Maj. Sudorov points his finger directly to Pvt. Sokolov
Pvt. Sokolov: *in Russian* Me sir?
Maj. Sudorov: *in Russian* Yes, you Private, come here
Pvt. Sokolov hastily walks toward Maj. Sudorov, he felt like there is a weight coming down through his chest, as he walks closer and closer to the Major
Pvt. Sokolov: *in Russian* What is it, sir?
Maj. Sudorov hands Pvt. Sokolov his .357 Snub nose revolver with a malicious intent
Maj. Sudorov: *in Russian* My uniform is new, so you do the job for me
Maj. Sudorov: Let this moment be an example on why you should help us on the war against the terrorists
Idra: P-p-please, I beg you *cries*
Pvt. Sokolov looks like he was about to collapse. He killed people, yes, but he never killed a child, and he never will kill one
Maj. Sudorov: *in Russian* C'mon, what the hell are you waiting for? Pull the damn trigger!
Idra continues to sob, this time much louder
Idra: Please, I can't lose Aamir
Maj. Sudorov: *in Russian* Are we going to stand here like idiots or what? Just shoot her, it's that easy
Idra: Please, please *cries*
Pvt. Sokolov's mind was in a blank state, he could hear their voices while his hands are shaking as he aimed the revolver right into Idra's head. He felt extreme fear and stress taking over his body
Maj. Sudorov: *in Russian* Do it! Take the shot!
Idra: Please, I'm begging you
Maj. Sudorov: Shut up!
Maj. Sudorov: *in Russian* Do it!
Pvt. Sokolov was hesitating more and more, he is in complete shock
Maj. Sudorov: DO IT!
Pvt. Sokolov cannot take it anymore and snaps back at reality
Pvt. Sokolov: No
Everyone, including the soldiers, were in complete silence
Maj. Sudorov: What?
Pvt. Sokolov: *in Russian* I can't do it, she's just a child
Pvt. Sokolov empties the rounds and throws away the revolver
Maj. Sudorov: *in Russian* You're a fucking idiot
Maj. Sudorov pulls out an X16 pistol from his pocket
Idra: No-
Maj. Sudorov shoots Idra in the head. Pvt. Sokolov was in shock, but this time, even bigger, as he sees a kid executed just in front of his eyes. This event forever traumatized him
Maj. Sudorov: *in Russian* Had to make me put blood on my short, be glad I'm not General Barkov
Maj. Sudorov: Now you know what happens to criminals like her. And for my soldiers, don't be a disrespectful bastard like him
Maj. Sudorov walks to Pvt. Sokolov and grabs him by the collar
Maj. Sudorov: *in Russian* If only I could kill disobeying morons like you. Be glad the General is the one holding me back, you dumbass
Maj. Sudorov shoves Pvt. Sokolov and walks away from the scenario. Cpl. Borkhaev looks at Pvt. Sokolov with a worried look, but for Pvt. Sokolov, his body felt cold but his blood is boiling
Present Day
Journey: Wow, he really is a jerk
Pvt. Sokolov: Yes, and unfortunately, we had nothing to do about it. We had to follow every single orders he makes, no matter how sadistic it is
Journey: Look, I'm sorry you have to go through all of that. I know you want to defeat Sudorov for what he tried to make you do, and I can promise that will happen
Pvt. Sudorov: I appreciate you, I thank you for trying to make me feel better
Journey: So, what about that Borkhaev guy? He's your friend, right?
Pvt. Sokolov: I can't, I told you enough
Journey: I just wanna know if he's okay or anything
Pvt. Sokolov: I promise myself that I would not talk about what happened to Borkhaev
Cameo interrupts the two
Cameo: Oh, sorry if I come across to whatever business you guys are making
Pvt. Sokolov: Everything's alright, Cameo
Cameo: Alright, but listen, Igor
Pvt. Sokolov: Yes?
Cameo: I need you, there this something I need your help with
Pvt. Sokolov: Okay
Journey: Are you sure you don't wanna talk about it?
Pvt. Sokolov: We'll continue that in the meantime
Journey: Okay, just let me know, I'm always here to help
Cameo: What's that about?
Pvt. Sokolov: That was nothing, now c'mon
Pvt. Sokolov and Cameo leaves the room to meet Turk
Pvt. Sokolov: So, what is it?
Cameo: We're gonna need to bounce back on this one