Irene knew that what she was doing wasn't right. She had just witnessed the captain clumsily finish the match because of his hotheadedness, yet she was there doing the same thing.
However, she truly believed it would be better that she defend the Commander because he wouldn't defend himself most of the time anyway. Those observing wouldn't say much about her being an emotional woman and would only confirm their biases, while he would look like it got to him if he spoke up for himself.
Perhaps a bit of her also felt repentance for the way she had behaved towards him. The hug. The avoidance. All of it wasn't right.
Irene felt the Commander's hand on her shoulder plate, and she gasped, realizing she should stand down, but the anger did not entirely cease.
"You don't have to defend me," the Commander quietly insisted.
"I have to because you won't defend yourself, Commander," she snapped, although quietly.
