Jake shook his head, trying to find the words. "Sam, it's not just a game. The missions... they're real. The team I'm commanding, they're real people."
Sam's eyes widened in shock. "What? How is that even possible?"
Jake explained everything, the recruitment, the missions, and the revelation from General Lawson. Sam listened, her expression a mix of disbelief and concern.
"Jake, that's... that's a lot to take in. But you can do this. You've been leading them this far, and you can keep doing it. They need you."
Jake nodded, his resolve strengthening. "You're right. I can't let them down. I have to keep going."
A New Mission
That evening, Jake received a message from Tactical Ascension: "Prepare for your next mission, Commander Harris. The fate of the operation rests on your decisions."
