[ Sturmhond, on the other hand, does know it's a child. He doesn't stop her, nor does he allow his abhorrence to show on his face. Instead, he keeps fighting. He tells himself that he won't remember the number of the young ones that he's killed (12, counting the attack on the camp). He tells himself that it's kinder to kill them quickly, like this, than let them way to see the last days of their world.

It's terrible, either way. So he doesn't tell Asuka any of that. Whether she'd be content to keep fighting or not, he doesn't mind. He won't put the burden on her. Instead he supports her, shooting the ones around her, and keeping his voice jovial instead of heavy.

He rides Korol around, and as he passes her, he smiles. His sword drives into the shoulder of a Neraki bearing down on her. ]

Oh, we did. Believe me. We simply have to be out in time for them to do it.

Speaking of which, we'll do well to pick the pace up, here.

[ It would be a disappointing end to the day if they all died when the bombs go off, after all. ]