Would you take another person's life to escape death?
This felt like some dumbass question from a personality test. An impolite thought flashed through the crew's minds.
But as they looked at the space genesis expert sitting in the picturesque Ecogarden on the other side of the screen, they knew they should answer seriously.
Aeshlin's eyes remained gentle as she watched everyone on their side of the screen, yet there was a faint, intangible pressure behind her gaze.
"As far as I'm concerned, first of all, we would not try to escape death."
Caedhes answered instinctively.
Aeshlin raised an eyebrow, seemingly surprised by his answer.
"If death is inevitable, then trying to escape it is irresponsible."
The Space Marine guarding Caedhes from behind took over. The entire ship's crew shared the same outlook on life.
"From the moment we underwent genetic modification, we were destined to sacrifice ourselves for the Empire." The five-meter-tall Space Marine stood behind Caedhes like a tower.
"Then trying to escape death is irresponsible-an act of betrayal."
Even through his helmet's layers of protective armor, anyone could sense the Space Marine's anger.
"Every citizen of the Empire has corresponding rights and obligations. From birth, our lives belong to the Empire and His Majesty the Emperor. We are always prepared to face death without fear."
Caedhes summed it up.
Curiosity flickered in Aeshlin's glass-bead eyes.
"What a remarkable species. You can psychologically overcome a living creature's fear of death."
"The power of the mind is limitless," Caedhes replied. "We cannot harm the interests of the whole for the sake of personal desires or clinging to life."
"Then I phrased my question incorrectly."
Aeshlin readily admitted it. "May I ask, would you allow yourself to take someone else's life for the sake of duty, interests, or orders?"
"Yes."