Colonel…
I feel sort of silly, now. I should have known before. Better late than never, I guess.
I learned all about the war in Ishval, and…I'm so sorry. No wonder you always try to beat it into me that we're nothing but dogs; you experienced that in the worst way, right? I understand better now how it was so easy for you to tell me to keep going when we first met. You had firsthand experience!
Before I wondered what had happened to you, and now I know. Now…ugh, I so don't want to tell you I respect you. But I do. And admire you. Fuck me, am I right?
It's just impressive, how you were used as a human weapon in such a bloodbath and you're still so determined. Instead of letting that experience beat you down, you're using it to fuel your ambition to reach higher ranks and make a change (at least, I hope that's the case, and that you're not just a power-hungry bastard). Now you're keen on protecting the people around you from having to face similar troubles. Good shit.
Although, I also learned about the Philosopher's Stones that were used in Ishval. You knew of them all this time, and you didn't say anything. Why not? Why would you keep such obviously pertinent information from me?
At the moment I'm feeling good about you, so I'm giving you the benefit of the doubt. I mean, you only saw the Stones used in destruction; maybe you just didn't think of them being used in a good way? Or maybe you didn't want me to ask you how you knew what they are capable of…
Either way, I'll let it slide. This time.
-Ed
P.S. Don't get used to me being nice to you. You're still an arrogant asshole.