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Hello, friendly folks.

This question popped up on a Facebook WH40k T'au group, and the interpretation seemed clear (albeit disappointing) to me, but it wasn't apparently as clear to others.

QUESTION: Can a Riptide use the Burst option from their Nova Reactor to move away from enemies if it is within Engagement Range?

As part of the 9th edition T'au Codex FAQ/ERRATA, they changed the Riptide's Nova Reactor's Boost option to the following:

"This model can move 2d6" in your Charge phase. You cannot use this ability to move within Engagement Range of any enemy models. If it does so, this model cannot declare a charge that phase."

Rules analysis:

Within is defined in the 9th edition rulebook as having any part of the base (or hull, if no base) within the range listed - a sliver counts just as much as the entire base. This is distinguished between "wholly within", which only counts the latter.

The 2d6" distance the Riptide covers is considered moving ("...can move...").

A Riptide that starts its move within Engagement range is, thus, within Engagement Range.

The same applies for a Riptide that is in the process of moving.

The same applies for a Riptide that ends its move within Engagement Range.

A Riptide that is already in Engagement Range thus cannot move without "moving within Engagement Range".

This ability Expressly forbids using it "to move within Engagement Range...".

Persuasive Evidence:

The FLY keyword in 9th edition allows models to move within Engagement Range of enemy models, but doesn't allow you to finish your move within Engagement Range. To do so, it explicitly distinguishes between the former ("...can be moved within Engagement Range...") and the latter ("... cannot finish their move ... within Engagement Range...").

If the Riptide's ability was intended to only apply to models finishing their move within Engagement Range, it would explicitly state that limited restriction instead of the broader, all-inclusive restriction.

CONCLUSION:
A Riptide may not use Boost to move out of Engagement Range of enemy models.

Any flaws in my logic here? Rules of Statutory Construction I should have applied differently?

You are correct in your thinking.

A Riptide may not use Boost to move out of Engagement Range of enemy models.

No, it may not. If it begins within engagement range, then some infinitesimal part of that move must be used to bring it "within" engagement range. As you may not do this, it logically follows you cannot use the ability while within engagement range.

Note that this isn't a new ruling, just a rewording of the 8th edition T'au Empire FAQ to bring it in line with 9th edition language.