It's so strange to think of Blaze behind the lines, directing troops rather than being out in front of them all. She's a wonderful, reckless soul, and as far as Hughes is concerned, she should be on the front lines. It's where she does her best work, where her colors fly, and where her skills shine the most.

"I'm sure you'd handle it better than you think." He gives her an encouraging smile, but it fades slightly as he continues. "It's always the hope that things won't get any worse, but you should always be prepared for the possibility that they will."