(An extra update in thanks for the donation from .Goddess T'au'va Dunks on the Empress of the Throne.)
It would not have been true to say that Flameburst Commander had no affection whatsoever for this student.
After all, they had spent more than ten years together at the military academy. You He had performed so well that he had been promoted to serve as the representative of the human military.
Even if he regarded You He as a tool, a tool this outstanding was bound to inspire at least a little affection.
That was why Flameburst Commander did not kill him immediately. Instead, he felt a sudden urge to toy with him.
He looked down at You He, whose life was rapidly ebbing away, and said coldly:
"So you really did meet those Imperium infiltrators who slipped onto the planet. Heh.
And that made you choose betrayal, did it? You chose to betray the T'au Government that raised and nurtured you!"
By now, You He was practically speaking from a pool of his own blood. He was dying and could no longer manage a heated argument. With tears filling his eyes, he merely said:
"Instructor Fireburst, I'm going to die. Could you please answer one last question?"
Hearing himself called Instructor Fireburst left Flameburst Commander momentarily dazed. Then he came back to his senses and once again regarded You He with a mocking gaze.
"My finest student, what else do you wish to ask before you die? Your teacher will certainly answer you. Go ahead."
You He spat out a mouthful of blood.
"Instructor, why did you send me on that counterterrorism mission last time?
Those decrepit so-called terrorists were Imperium troops who had held out for sixty years, weren't they?
What exactly was going through your mind when you