21) Robert Dover, Private of the Earth Systems Alliance Navy, 1st Division.
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Hero was an interesting title. It was surprisingly wished by cowards and amazingly hated by those who deserved it.
"Come here." Jane didn't hesitate. Her arms wound up around his neck, head against his shoulder as she sank boneless against his body. There was an exhaustion different than physical constricting her movements and no one noticed. They called her hero but what of the cost? To stand against hundreds meant she had killed hundreds. Blood of hundreds. And she might hate those who took these actions – she did, he couldn't forget her expression every time Mindoir barged into a conversation – but blood was blood. Stains were stains. Soldiers would always be stained and good soldiers would eventually drown in it.
Robert didn't ask the stupid question. She wasn't okay.
"What do you want to do?"
Jane didn't bother with a smile. It would not fool him. "Not think. I don't want to think."
"Sleep?"
"Dreaming."
"Drinking?"
"Biotic, bad reactions and worse hangovers."
"Are you being deliberately stubborn?"
"Yes. It's distracting."
"You basically want me to keep you awake and not sleep?"
"Yes?"
"...you're paying the gallons of coffee I'll require for this."
His arms remained around her as they sat.