(I've got GM Permission for this post)

Sigma let go of the tools with a loud clank, tears rolling down the face once again. She heard the fatidical sentence. [i]"You're dismissed."[/i] She felt like that was a waking up slap, as she slowly turned her face to the madness for the last time. [b]"Yes...yessir."[/b] She then started walking towards the door, closing her eyes at intervals. For her, it was [i]over[/i], but not for Ian. She gritted her teeth as she uttered a last sentence. [b]"I'm sorry about my ineptitude...I'll improve."[/b] She spat the words, almost as if droning. Words that had been once so common, when countless time she had been flung like a ragdoll in the hands of her trainer. Battered, bruised, at times wishing to die. But that never happened. [i]All veterans, they all are the same.[/i] She thought with bitterness. What kind of people had been those two before the war? She bitterly wondered as she kept walking. 

She looked terrible, tears rolling down her cheeks, bloodstains in her face, hair and clothes. Her panties were soiled as well, and she walked like if she wasn't even there, with a slow, zombie-like gait. And then a figure interrupted her slow walk towards her living quarters.

Lieutenant Ritsu. She was staring at her. And dear [i]god[/i]. She was staring at her with [i]sad eyes.[/i] Her sight made contact for only a brief second, but Sigma flinched. That sentiment of [i]pity[/i] was just as bad as Lorenzo's torture had been now. 

[i]"I am sorry for what you have to see and endure, Pilot."[/i] The Lieutenant said curtly, and then she handed a small box to Sigma, which she took in her hands, with a rather confused expression.[i] "It's a gift as your promotion to Squad Leader."[/i] The Lieutenant said. [i]"It's a specialized stungun and a tazer."[/i] Sigma looked briefly at the contents of the case, and then closed it. She shook her head. She really wanted to call it a day, and cry herself in her sleep.

[i]But there's still more to do, Sigma. Millions of lives. Remember that.[/i] She steeled herself somewhat, as she bowed in thanks, and gripped the case tightly. She began to walk towards her dressing room. She couldn't possibly discipline people looking like that.

[i]"Come talk to me once you're clean and you finish your tasks."[/i] The woman finally added, as she looked at Sigma before walking away, to be left at her own devices. 

Sigma wanted to say something, but words didn't come out. She then bit her lip. First, dressing room. Then briefing her squad.