From the reviews and comments I got back I assume you are all enjoying the story so far. Thank you for the little hints and pointers you have all been giving me, I will try to throw them in somehow. Also, I do apologise for the damn spelling errors, you would think I would notice them, but no. Anyhow, Thanks again for reading, I will try my best to keep with the lore of the universe but I will slip. When I do, please let me know.
*Alert* Some of you will open fire on me for this chapter, please just tell me why you don't like it/ think it should be re-written etc. rather than tear me into little pieces.
Albert S.
Back on the Cruiser:
Farseer Míriel stood in the meeting room with Ranger Aredhel, watching Healer Caranthir rub his temples in thought. His sister had just informed him of her decision to spare the human, and bring him on board. Several emotions swept across his face, bewilderment being the most prominent.
''I don't understand why you need my opinion on this'' Caranthir said.
''The more perspectives we have on the matter the better the decision. Considering you are the primary healer on this vessel it makes sense for you to have some say.'' The Farseer replied. She herself could see where the ranger was coming from, but did not see how it could work.
''Caranthir, it is quite obvious that you and the other healers need help, this human has experience that...''
On Humans Aredhel, not Eldar. In case you didn't notice we are not the same physiologically or biologically. Therefore he has no experience.'' Caranthir interrupted.
''He knows more about us than other Humans do.''
''That proves nothing, so he is slightly more intelligent than the rest of his idiotic race. How does that support your argument?'' The Farseer countered.
''He wants to help, he doesn't resent us..''
''I find that hard to believe young one, you shot him twice and questioned him while holding a rifle at his head, he would have said anything to be spared. But let us not get side-tracked, Healer Caranthir would this Human be of any help to you at all?''
The healer was quite for a time before saying, ''Theoretically, yes he would. He has some element of medical expertise, even if it is only on other Humans. Which means he knows the basics, the very basics mind you. He also as no experience with our medical equipment, and little to no knowledge of our bodies. Not to mention the amount of verbal, if not physical, abuse he would receive if he were allowed to tend the wounded and wander the ship. I should also point out that if he was allowed to tend the wounded he would not do so with out my constant watch. A human surrounded by wounded Eldar, they are not known for being merciful. But yes, theoretically I could use him.''
The Farseer could understand his point. She disagreed entirely, having some Mon' Keigh wander her ship would cause some to question her leadership. But still, if he could be used as a tool then he was, at very least, of some minor significance. In any event what the healer said was true, the Human would inevitably suffer some element of physical abuse. She didn't really care, and she still didn't trust it.
Farseer Míriel, at least give him a chance, for my sake''. Aredhel asked. Míriel could see that she wanted this, for what reason, she did not know. But she would find out sooner or later.
''Very well, I propose a trial. If the human proves himself to be of some value then I will consider using him as a tool. Nothing more. Until then however, he will be regarded as an enemy and considered a prisoner. While he is going from his sleeping quarters to the Healing bay, you Aredhel will watch over him. While his is training under you Caranthir, he will be under your charge. Now let me be quite frank, because you brought him here Aredhel his is primarily your charge and if he somehow betrays us then it is you who will feel the fire, Am I clear?''
''Absolutely Farseer. Thank you again.''
Do not thank me yet child.'' With that, the Farseer left the two siblings alone in the meeting room. Caranthir was the first to speak.
''What, in the name of the spirits, possessed you to spare it? have you considered the impact this will have on you, on our family? what do you see in him Aredhel? because I cannot fathom why you do what you do.'' He was clearly upset, and it was not often she saw her older brother upset.
''Truly? I saw a little bit of you in him'' She replied.
''I beg your pardon Aredhel, do not think that...''
''Have you spoken to him Brother? no. Therefore do not be so quick to judge that which you have not seen.''
Caranthir was quite for a time, hearing his sister compare him to a Mon' Keigh was insulting, but at the same time she was right. He had not met this human, and it was unfair for him to pass judgement. Though he assumed that it would be like all the others.
''When you are ready to bring him to me, do so. But do not expect me to be welcoming or kind to it, distance yourself from it, so the shame of bringing it aboard will seem less.''
''I will do as I please Caranthir, do not tell me otherwise.''
''Have you not thought of how this will impact our family?'' his anger growing at his sister's stubbornness
''I am not talking to you about this anymore Caranthir, I will see you later when the Mon' Keigh is ready''. With that she walked out, leaving her bewildered and somewhat irritated brother alone.
Alexander lay on his bed in what appeared to be the Eldar equivalent of a brig. Though it was clearly less attractive than the rest of the ship he saw, it was still far better than what the Imperial Navy had. His thigh wound had been treated and now hurt far less and his back didn't hurt at all. Yet he was still tired and wasn't going to get any sleep anytime soon. Not good, not fucking good was really all he had been thinking. Somehow he went from planet to Eldar vessel without being killed. Now he was surrounded by thousands of Eldar who, at best ignored him and at worst insulted, glared and spat at him. For such a 'refined' people they sure as hell know how to make one feel unwelcome. Earlier on, in some attempt to break his social isolation, he made a very foolish attempt at talking with his guard. As one might expect, it didn't work. The guard simply glared at him, said some insult in his musical tongue and proceeded to stare at him continuously, which gave him the soul destroying feeling of being watched while being able to do nothing about it at the same time.
It was at this point, the tall blonde haired Eldar woman came along. She looked at him, pure disgust crossing her face, before turning and talking with the guard. After the exchange the guard moved out of sight and the Blonde woman began to speak.
''Do you know where you are, Human?'' she asked
''I have a hunch'' he replied
''Do you know what is going to happen now?''
''I think so.''
''What do you think.''
''Well, seeing as I'm an officer and you haven't killed me, I can only assume that you want information.'' he replied, the memory of the female ranger saying that he would help their wounded crossed his mind, but seeing as he hadn't seen her in, what he thought to be, a good couple of Hours he dismissed the idea as highly unlikely.
''No, you are alive because I allow it. I allow it because I think you may be of some use to us. You wear the rank of a Medical officer yes? I can only assume that you are one. Therefore I offer you a choice: You may stay here and help our healers in their art and live. Or you can refuse and I will kill you. The choice is yours. I will be back later to receive your answer.'' With that the blonde woman walked away as silently as she came.
Alexander was left alone, aside from his guard. His head swam with questions and possibilities:
If We accept her offer then you become a heretic of the worst kind. Decline and enter the Emperor's realm of mercy was what is first and most basic thought was. But then another voice entered his head and challenged the first: We have been offered a chance to live, take it so what if they aren't Human?
Humans are perfect, the Scriptures tell us so.
Don't be stupid, you have seen enough to know that Humans are anything but.
Siding with the Xeno woman betrays every oath you ever took to the great father. You would suffer a fate worst than Death
We took an oath to protect and help the injured, the sick and the dying.
That oath applies only to the children of the Emperor, Not to traitors and most certainly not to Xenos.
It applies to all life, not a select few. Who are we to chose who lives and dies?
A man of the Emperor that's who.
No. A man of medicine. Someone who has dedicated his life not just to the Emperor, but to those around him. If the Emperor is truly all knowing and all understanding then he will understand. And if he does not, then he is not the Emperor, so we have nothing to fear.
For a few more minutes, he wrestled with the ideas of eternal damnation, Heresy, and why the Eldar even bothered giving him a choice in the first place, before his mothers question came back into his head: Every being, good or bad, has a soul, and a soul is a beautiful thing my sweet, it is like a small candle surrounded by darkness, will you be the one to blow it out?. Thinking about that allowed him to come to peace with his decision. After a while, and several more miserable attempts at communicating with the Eldar guard, the blonde woman returned.
''Have you made your decision Mon 'Keigh?'' She asked.
''If you want my help, then yes, I see no harm in trying.'' He said after a short pause.
Farseer Míriel was now intrigued by this Human. Not fanatical and unusually willing to help, A trick? she did not know. But she had his answer. That was all she needed and without a word she left to consult her runes. This Human was an outlier, a freak of nature. His behaviour and attitude was not normal for a Human, and she wanted to know why.
Aredhel had received word from Farseer Míriel that the Human was willing to help. Or at least try. When she arrived he was sitting on his bed waiting and clearly board. Yet her recognised her instantly and a look of fear crossed into his eyes.
''Come with me Mon' Keigh.'' She said in such a way as to make him feel unwelcome.
He got up and began following her down the halls, Looks of disgust and shock crossed Eldar faces as he walked by, Insults followed and many spat. They reached a part of the ship where Alexander could smell blood. Entering a hall like room, they passed rows upon rows of wounded until they the female Eldar stopped behind a Male Eldar. Tall, with Blonde hair, sharp elongated features with deep green eyes.
''Brother, I have Brought the Human'' Aredhel said
Caranthir turned around and saw the Human. Taller than most, while still being shorter than other Eldar. Thin with black hair, that was off his collar and above his ears. His eyes were a deep blue that clearly showed wisdom. His face would have been clean shaven, but stubble was beginning to come back. He was also in prime condition being less muscular than most other Humans but still clearly having some. His hands were behind is back, and he looked the Eldar Healer in the eyes briefly before looking away.
''Aredhel, could you leave us'' He said in his musical tongue
The female ranger turned and walked away leaving an incredibly scared Human in a absolutely silent Healing bay, save for the groans of some.
Alexander had no idea what just happened, the female Eldar had just left and now, almost every Eldar in the room was staring at him. The male in front of him looked less than enthused by his presence. The he began saying something in his language to what he thought was the rest of the room. His hand gestures and a few harsher sounding words made it clear to him the Eldar was insulting him. The other Eldar snickered and laughed and made gestures that implied that they were doing the same.
''I don't speak Eldar'' He said quietly
The taller Eldar, hushed the room, before glaring at Alexander and saying:
''Yet another example of your inferiority Human. You can't even learn our tongue, yet you have the arrogance to believe that you might be of some help. For some reason my sister saw it fit to spare you. Why, I do not know but I assure you. Your kind is of no help to me whatsoever''.
The two stared at each other for a time. it became somewhat clear to Caranthir that the Human wasn't going to insult him back. In fact it just stood there, looking at him.
''What do you want Human? Why are you here.''
Alexander smiled, ''I am simply here to help''
Caranthir got very angry, ''You want to help?! help by leaving us alone Human, your kind has done too much already'' he said gesturing to the wounded.
''I cannot do that Eldar, and if you won't show me how I can help, then I will find out by myself.''
''I wish you luck with that Human, I suspect you are going to need it''.
For the rest of cycle, Alexander said nothing but saw everything, he watched the Eldar male treat patients and wounds. He wandered around inspecting wounds of those who were too weak to really resist him. Whenever the Eldar saw him doing anything with a patient he would shout and come towards him, needless to say Alexander didn't hang around too long. Changing dressings was really the only thing he could get away with by the end of the cycle and only because he had watched the male Eldar do it twenty times. Still he felt as though he had made some progress, if he proved to the Eldar that he was no threat then things should get better.
Aredhel was leading the Human back to his room when he started talking.
''It seems your brother thinks incredibly little of me.''
She was surprised, Caranthir had told him they were related?
''He also refuses to let me treat the injured, and yells at me should I get anywhere near them.''
She ignored him, but still he continued.
''If I am here to treat the wounded, then why is it so damn difficult? what threat am I to you?''
This cycle repeated it self many more times until one day Aredhel decided that she had had enough. She went back to the healing wards and spoke to her brother.
''Why do you not let him work at his art?'' she asked
''because he has no idea what he is doing. I have seen him dressing bandages and inspecting wounds but that is all he seems capable of doing. I will not waste my time teaching him something he will never understand.''
''Perhaps if you took the time to get to know him, you might find a reason to teach him.''
''You speak to him now do you?'' he asked, clearly not impressed.
''No. He speaks to me.''
''I don't understand, are you saying that even though you ignore him he keeps talking to you?''
Yes, he is not like the others. He is persistent and resilient. Talk to him, Caranthir, he may surprise you.''
''If you insist.''
''Thank you, he does complain a lot about you.''
''Does he now?''
The next cycle, Alexander was quietly sitting next to an Eldar Guardian redressing his bandages when he heard someone ask from behind him:
''What have you been saying to my sister?''
Because he didn't;t hear whoever had just spoken approach, he got the fright of his life. It was still something he couldn't quite wrap his head around, how silently the Eldar moved. He turned around to see the male Eldar.
''W-what?'' he stammered
''What have you been saying to my sister?'' Caranthir repeated
''Nothing of any importance I assure you.''
''That is not what she tells me. Apparently you complain about how you are being treated.''
''Its not that Eldar, its simply the fact that I...well..I'm a doctor, I want to help and yet no one seems to want it. So its not about treatment, but more about the lack of work.''
''Can you blame us Human? it was your kind that put the wounded into these beds, no wonder we don't want your help.''
Alexander could see his point. In his arrogance he failed to see that no matter how hard he tried, he simply would never be trusted by any of the Eldar. Because he was Human, and because he was Human he was the enemy, regardless of what he did. He knew Eldar lived long, long lives. It stood to reason then, that they were slow to trust anyone.
''I understand. But I refuse to allow that to stop me from trying''.
''Why do you care anyway? We are not your kind, why help us?''
''It doesn't matter if you are my kind or not. You are people, who feel joy, sorrow, pain and anguish. You laugh and make merry. You are individuals who have felt the horrors of war tenfold. So you are tall, with pointed ears and longer lives, who really cares? the Imperium? all it's ever done is revolve around war and slaughter and look where that got us. Nowhere. You have a soul do you not? if you do then it is my task, by my own choice, to save it.''
The Eldar within earshot were stunned. Here was a human who just renounced the Imperium and by extension the Emperor, in favour of helping Eldar. It didn't seem possible yet here he was, standing tall, and wavering in his response. There was something... commendable in that.
Caranthir was impressed. The Human was indeed determined. It did not mean that he trusted him, nor did he still like him. But he had found what his sister had said to be somewhat true. They did hold similar values. Life is still life, regardless of what form it takes.
''Then...at very least, I can show you how to do it properly.'' Caranthir said
''That would be much appreciated...Sir.'' Alexander replied.
''Sir?'' Caranthir said rather amused.
''I apologise, It's a habit now.''
''If that is how you address your officers in the Imperium, then that is what you will do with me. Understand?''
''Yes...sir.'' It felt odd addressing an Eldar as an officer but then, they were an odd species.
Aredhel stood a few rows down, listening in on the exchange. The Mon' Keigh truly wanted to help? there was something you did see very often. She mused, perhaps it wouldn't hurt to understand him better she thought. But then her mind turned to others things and the two men lost themselves in the thing they both loved.
So, I have this feeling that this chapter wasn't as good as the last two. Not to worry, fire some pointers at me and I will see what I can do. As always help and advice is welcome. Any other ideas would be good and thank you again for reading.
