(Miss Pauling just nodded her head, resigned. Her eyes glance downwards as she absorbed the bitter words. She looks less like the controlled professional that she shows herself to be, and more like the young woman inside who's frustrated with her inability to do anything. It's a crack in her mask of professionalism.)

I understand.

It IS difficult for me to accept all of this. I've never been in such a position where there's nothing that I couldn't do to prevent bad things from happening.

I...I used to think that as long as I worked hard and stayed alert, I'd be able to stay on top of anything. That there was nothing that I couldn't be prepared for. I guess that's not how it's going to work here, is it?

But I know that you're also right about not giving up. Someone once told me that the real battle isn't fought with the guns or the rockets; it's fought with your mind and your will.

(She falls silent for a bit, deep in thought, before she looks back up to Miss Susan.)

Thank you for your advice Miss Susan. It's helped me to straighten out my priorities a lot.