She's better than this, better than this...this panic overtaking her mind. Tear has always been about mastery and control; it's sustained her for so long. But even the best armor can only take so much damage. She can feel herself trembling.

"Even the best soldier isn't immune to fear," she remembers Major Legretta telling her, "and there are a lot of things on the battlefield to inspire terror. Just take a deep breath and count to ten. It will pass. Don't let your heart rule your head, Tear."

Still trembling, Tear takes a deep breath and counts to ten.

When she's steadied herself, she swallows down shame. "You're right. I'm sorry."