It was Jake's turn to be surprised. "I... I hadn't ever thought of claiming the rank," he admitted, completely honestly. "I mean, if you and Micha think I should, that I've earned it," he began, and then trailed off.
He tilted his head to the side as she spoke of her anger. "I'm not saying that as an apology or because I think I need scolded. Where... when, even. When I've come from, it's... it's war. It's war and we're losing, and I will do anything to keep what's left of us alive. I can't always manage safe. If we're alive, we can keep fighting. I needed to do it, each and every time."