THE SUNFLOWER IN THE DARK

"Major Sergeant Rebecca Wilson is dead," Private Rodriguez announced, his voice cutting through the tense atmosphere of the officials' meeting.

The room fell silent. Conversations ceased, papers were abandoned, and all eyes turned to Private Rodriguez. Shock rippled through the gathered officers, their expressions a mix of disbelief and dread.

"Private," the commander's voice was steady but firm, "are you saying Major Wilson of the Alpha Team is down?"

Every person in the room held their breath, awaiting the confirmation.

"Yes, sir," Rodriguez replied, his tone heavy with the weight of the news. "During our last patrol along the border of Syria and Turkey, we were hit by an RPG. It was devastating, sir. The details are in this report." He stepped forward, handing the document to the nearest official, who passed it down until it reached the commander.

The commander scanned the report briefly before another officer, a major, spoke up. "Where is the body?" he asked, his voice edged with both curiosity and consideration.

Rodriguez hesitated. "We couldn't retrieve it, sir. After the explosion, there was... nothing left. The entire area was reduced to rubble."

A heavy silence settled over the room, broken only by the faint rustle of the report in the commander's hands.

Finally, the commander stood, his gaze cutting through the gathered officers. "Take the time to rest and recover," he ordered. "But be ready. We'll mount a mission to retrieve Major Sergeant Rebecca Wilson-dead or alive. Because if we don't... they will."

The final words hung in the air, a grim reminder of the stakes.

"Dismissed!"

The officers rose, their resolve clear as they prepared for the daunting task ahead.