He looks at her, his expression heavy, processing all that's unsaid in her words, and senses her anger. He makes a mental note to check the Corps' archives, to see if anyone has said no. He knows of resignations when the rules changed, but when first chosen? Probably not.

'I'm sorry.'

It's quiet, and intense. He feels it's supremely inadequate, but he offers it anyway. 'I wouldn't make a different choice, but I wouldn't wish this life on anyone.'