Amidst the city's chaotic state, where a merciless war raged between the dreaded apocalyptic infection and the resolute military forces, civil order clung tenaciously. A paramilitary government maintained a fragile semblance of structure, while countless nations grappled with similar crises. In these desperate times, soldiers and fighters emerged as the new elite of society, enjoying the finest restaurants, cafes, and entertainment facilities, for they were humanity's last line of defense against the relentless onslaught.

The officers of the strike teams had become more than comrades; they had become a tightly-knit family, bound by the shared burden of survival and duty. Now, let's delve into the present, inside the military dining room where Senior officers and special operations forces, clad in sleek black uniforms, occupied tables at the hall's upper end.

Among them was Sergeant Sarin, the commanding officer, a man of imposing stature and quiet demeanor. His black eyes and stern brows lent him an air of unwavering determination.

Seated around the table were his three closest subordinates, sharing a moment of camaraderie before embarking on their night shift.

First among them was Eli, a slender and agile woman who had once been a champion rock climber with formidable martial skills. Eli possessed a vivacious personality, often exploiting Sarin's stoic temperament for her own amusement. She playfully draped her arm around her friend Kian and boisterously inquired, "Sergeant, what's bothering you?"

Kian, the group's second member, had a philosophical soul hidden beneath his sharp sniper instincts. He could face down a wolf pack single-handedly but often found himself at a loss when dealing with Eli's exuberance. A tech-savvy individual with a nerdy appearance and the charm of a skilled fighter.

"Enough, you two! Quiet down!" admonished Mahsa, the third member and the group's eldest. A military veteran with a keen intellect and ruthless efficiency, Mahsa had been Sarin's friend for years, now serving as the team's unofficial spokesperson. She maintained the cohesiveness of the group, though her loyalty always lay with Sarin. She rested a hand on the sergeant's shoulder, her tone compassionate. "Is something on your mind?"

Sarin sighed, "Nothing, really. Everything's fine."

Eli couldn't contain herself, "I took out that hideous monster with a single shot! If we push a bit harder, we could clear the whole city ourselves!"

Sarin remained lost in thought.

"Eli, Kian, would you be so kind as to fetch the sergeant's dinner?" Mahsa interjected.

"Both of us?" Eli asked, cluelessly.

Kian pulled Eli's wrist, saying, "Let's go."

Once the two youngsters were out of earshot, Mahsa took the seat next to Sarin. "What's troubling you? You, of all people, know the commander's rule about staying vigilant and focused. No distractions allowed."

Sarin confided, "After the operation a few nights ago, I encountered a young girl. She was hiding amidst the ruins, clutching a bundle of bread as if her life depended on it."

"Oh?" Mahsa prompted.

"It was a heart-wrenching sight. She wore tattered rags, trembling in the presence of a man-like monster. I'm a soldier, Mahsa. I should be immune to such scenes, but here I am."

Mahsa offered a reassuring smile, "Sarin, It's perfectly understandable, we're all human after all."

Eli's voice carried from a distance as she returned with a food tray, "Hey, Sergeant, I got you a soda too!"

Sergeant Sarin managed a delighted expression somehow, "Thank you, but I'm afraid I can't join you for dinner tonight. I need to visit the morgue and the laboratory for further reports. I'll catch up with all of you during the training session afterward."