Thump. Thump. Thump.

Sergeant Major Sam Robinson looked down from the window of the chopper, fifteen thousand feet above the Brazilian Amazon. The vast landscape unfolded beneath him, a green, undulating sea that seemed to mock the military helicopter's sporadic drops, like something out of a bad dream he was unfortunate to be part of. To him, and probably the other six men with him, this whole mission was utter bullshit, too crazy to be true. His attention shifted to the young rookie across from him, fumbling nervously with his helmet.

“First time huh?” Sam said, nodding at the lad. The rookie tried to smile, but his quivering lips betrayed him. Yup, he was scared. Sam closed his eyes, resting his head against the soft leather headrest, memories of the General's office swirling in his mind. The General, pacing, his lean hands clasped behind his back, spinning a story that seemed increasingly unbelievable. And now, looking down at the Amazon, Sam wondered why anyone should be sent to a place like this for something that made no sense.

“Okay boys, here we are.” The pilot's voice cut through his thoughts, dropping the chopper another thousand feet. “This is where we say goodbye.” Below, an open patch of land beckoned, surrounded by dense trees. Sam and his men gingerly stepped out, carrying just enough ammunition for three days, if what they faced was what the General had said. The chopper ascended, and in minutes, it was gone, leaving them alone in the cold Amazon forest.