He bowed his head a little to her wisdom, aware that she was willing to sacrifice more than anyone else he knew for the entire idea of what was right and wrong. That was a strong streak in her, though he knew some of it had to do with something to prove back then being so small and mocked for it. "Your reasons were always respected by me. I was just there to pull you out on the other side." He winced at the sudden prod to his chest, reaching between them to rub the spot. Yeah, she certainly had gotten a lot stronger than he remembered. "It is. I always knew you had it in you," he said and leaned in to steal a kiss from her.

Well it was good that she was getting control over her own command, that she had a say in the men that she would take with her into the fire of wherever she was going. He suspected Colonial Phillips had to take her word now that she had proven herself so good at soldiering and leading missions. "I'm ready for combat right now, Captain." He gave a small salute. "I've got more reason to be on that special ops unit than anyone."