"You're hurtful."

Rhys counters, but without any real force behind it. Like a kid who just can't be bothered to think of a better comeback.
He shakes his head, forehead scrunched up unhappily,

"And no, that's not-- look, the Admiral screws things up all the time. Death toll included. This is just some stupid clerical error..."

He can't be demoted. He didn't do anything.

Or, nothing he feels guilty about at least.