A Beacon of Hope

Flora stared at the envelope in her hand, the official seal marking its importance. She had been summoned to the commander's office for a "special announcement." Her mind whirred on. Was this another task? A reprimand for something she had missed during training? She took a deep breath and forced her thoughts to settle before she walked into the building. Outside, the world was abuzz while inside, a knot seemed to be tightening in her stomach.

Flora," Commander Alvarez ...