[ sam isn't on-board enough with the whole magical multiverse nexus thing to jump onto the other world implications here, but he can work with cultural differences on a general level. he takes note of kou's body language, the small cues of upset ringing over the reminder of 'lieutenant'. ]

We got a few guys like that, that'll go career for one reason or another. Way I see it, though - if you've given your time to your country and you need a minute or two or ten to breathe, that's your right. You earned that.

[ not to pass judgment on a foreign nation or anything, but if there's anyone you oughta take care of when they need the help, it should be your servicemen first and foremost. ]