Burst Flare

Zashleigh Yates grit her teeth. She didn't want to answer. 

However, Dessi continued to glare at her intently. It looked like she wasn't going to let her off so easily.

"Like... I get it," Dessi said in a softer voice. "Things are pretty bad. We've lost some loved ones-- and they're not coming back. But, Zash, we *have* to focus on surviving."

"I know," Zash said, shaking her head... "I know."

Dessi was right. 

It was... an odd realization, but Dessi's personality fit the squad leader role more than Zashleigh's. 

She genuinely cared for all the girls in Zeta Squad. 

The Sapphire Tower promoted based on test scores. Zashleigh was the best of the best. Heartsong was the best of her generation. 

Based on Dessi's academic performance, the best she could hope for was a promotion from Senior Witch to Senior Citizen.