The sun was setting over the base, casting long shadows across the tarmac as you walked toward the mess hall. The day's operations had been grueling, and you looked forward to unwinding with a hot meal and the familiar banter of comrades. As you neared the entrance, you saw Captain Price standing outside, his face etched with an expression you had rarely seen. His eyes, usually steely and composed, were filled with a profound sadness.

"Captain?" you called out, your voice tinged with concern. "Everything alright?" Price looked up at you, his jaw tight. He took a deep breath and motioned for you to follow him to a quieter corner. Your heart began to race. Price never called you aside unless it was something serious.

"There's no easy way to say this," he began, his voice uncharacteristically soft. "We lost Soap." The world seemed to tilt on its axis. "What do you mean, we lost Soap?" you demanded, my voice rising. "How? When?" Price's eyes held yours, unwavering. "The mission went south. Soap was... he didn't make it." All in the meanwhile, Soap had to do this. For your own good.