(Things are progressing at a nice pace now, with this little three chapter mini-arc coming to an end, I would enjoy any feedback you might have for me. I strive to make my stories as entertaining as possible, and it never hurts to get an outsiders perspective. In this chapter, I intend to show humans in the Dark Eldar slave market with a heritage outside of Europe/North America, with the exception of a Fenrisian. This is meant to display the true cultural diversity of the Imperium of Man. Also, no matter the physical or cultural differences, all human life is equally worthless to the Dark Eldar. As a reminder, these chapters are dealing with Dark Eldar at their most depraved hence the M rating. I do my best to keep things tasteful, yet I also want to make sure that their actions are seen as the horrible and depraved acts that they are to instill a proper level of grimdarkness to what is easily the most evil faction in the universe. If you think I go too far in this, please tell me. If some of you think I haven't gone far enough, I am willing to hear you out. (Insert Generic Warhammer 40k disclaimer.))

Notes from Inquisitor Clark's Journal

After enduring the visceral terror of the Coliseum, and the mind numbing horror of the Haemonculi Coven, I didn't know how much more I could take. The slave auction, while not as intense as the other two, still churned my stomach but in another way. I have always been raised to view the human form as something divine. Nothing degrades the divine human form more, than a two for one deal. On a plus note I got to see the many variations of the divine human form that day.

The Archon, Nathaniel, and the warriors were walking over to The Pit of Despair auction house. Archon Taelbeirt was rambling on about his past exploits. Being in love with your own voice must have been mandatory for being an Archon.

"It was in this auction house that I set down the path to Archonhood. Yes, this is a building where the hopes and dreams of young Dark Eldar seeking to make a name for themselves come to life."

Right as he finishes up a screaming human child is being carried out by what Nathaniel could safely assume was another Haemonculi. He kept screaming for his mother so much that the Haemonculi stuck a needle in his neck and had him go limp, a building of hopes and dreams indeed. They entered what appeared to be a large theater, and were immediately greeted by the staff. One of the employees lead Archon Taelbeirt and his entourage immediately to a private box reserved for Commorragh's elite. Looking over the balcony of the box, Nathaniel could see rows and rows filled with Dark Eldar from all walks of life. He would soon learn that even those who couldn't afford to buy slaves loved coming to slave auctions for the festive environment. Walking through the aisles were a group of chained slaves selling various food and drink items to the patrons. A hush falls over the crowd as the light dims, and another garishly dressed Dark Eldar takes the stage. He is wearing a fancy purple and gold suit with a large feathered hat holding a circular device up to his mouth.

"Good afternoon Commorragh, I am your host this afternoon, Slavemaster Toren. We got a wide selection for you today from the many scattered worlds of the Imperium. An exotic display of Mon-keigh that you normally don't get to see generously brought to you by the Darkstar Raiders, a young and skilled group who are looking for employment from a large Kabal. Who knows, maybe some in this crowd tonight will be interested in contracting them."

All eyes turn up toward Archon Taelbeirt, you can tell by the smug look on his face that he loves the attention. He sips his wine with one hand and waves to the crowd with the other.

"Our first acquisition for today is a rare royal treat. On his home planet of Rumaliza he was a prince, now he has been humbled and brought to you in chains. May I present to you, the Prince of Rumaliza."

A tall and athletic black skinned man with large facial features and a bald head is brought to the stage. He is wearing what appears to Nathaniel to be a long ornamental purple and gold skirt with the hide of a large cat draped over his shoulders. He has golden armbands and a circlet of gold around his head. Despite his situation he stares out in defiance and dignity at the assembled Dark Eldar.

"We shall start the bidding at 500 Commors."

And thus the bidding began in earnest.

"600 Commors"

"700 Commors"

"800 Commors"

"10,000 Commors" Shouts Archon Taelbeirt at the top of his lungs. Everyone looks at him in shock with the exception of the Slavemaster and Raiders who have smiles on their faces.

"10,000 Commors from Archon Taelbeirt, a long time associate of our fine institution. In fact, he started out in the same situation that the Darkstar Raiders are in now. As per protocol all financial dealings will be dealt with after the auction." Slavemaster Toren proclaims to the crowd.

The Prince is taken off the stage while they get ready to bring the next acquisition unto the stage.

"Here we have a real cutie for you folks, hailing from the planet Tian." A young girl about Nathaniel's age is brought unto the stage. She has long black hair tied up in a bun, and brown thin and narrow almond shaped eyes. To Nathaniel, she appears to be wearing a long silky red robe/dress with large billowy sleeves. She gives the Slavemaster a dirty look as he drags her forward. "Yes she is young now, but that only means you have more time to train her as you see fit. The women of her world are renowned for their docility and good manners." Right as he says this she elbows him in the crotch and sends him to the ground. He kicks her viciously while he gets back up. "It seems that she has some fire in her. There is more to this girls back-story, would you believe her mother is an Imperial Inquisitor?" Everyone in the audience lets out a loud hiss.

"That's right folks; the Darkstar Raiders had the audacity and daring to steal an Inquisitor's daughter. While her mother was away on a private matter, the home was still heavily fortified and watched over by inquisitorial agents. Such a prize deserves a high price, wouldn't you agree? After all, what is a prince in comparison to the daughter of the hated Inquisitor Wei? Let us start the bidding at 1000 Commors."

"50,000 Commors, and a ten year contract with the Darkstar Raiders." Archon Taelbeirt blurts out.

The Slavemaster looks awestruck while the Darkstar Raiders begin to smile when they realize what has happened.

"Is my offer not acceptable?" The Archon asks the Slavemaster and raiders.

"Indeed it is, mighty Archon, on behalf of my Darkstar Raiders I want to thank you for your patronage." Says the leader of the Raiders, a tough and scarred young Dark Eldar male.

The auction continued though the Archon made no more purchases. From the planet of Tallarn came a olive skinned man wearing a turban and a long white robe. From the planet of Kali came a tanned skinned woman dressed in pinks and greens. A large blond haired and blue eyed fisherman from Fenris made quite a stir when he tried to escape. There were even more exotic examples of humans and abhumans, such as a group of irate Ratlings. After them was a woman with pale white hair and blood red eyes from the planet of Animus. This was followed by an Ogryn who had no idea where he was at. Nathaniel lost track of the many different humans and abhumans they brought forward, though a Squat did cause quite a stir.

Eventually the auction came to an end, Nathaniel waited at the ship while the two new slaves were brought over to join him. The Archon was handling his negotiations with the Darkstar Raiders Despite the gloomy situation, it couldn't hurt to make small talk.

"So, what are your names?" Nathaniel asks trying to start a conversation.

"You can just call me Rubanza, and I am not a prince, just the son of the planetary governor."

"My name is Wei Chun, what is your name?"

"Well Wei, my name is Nathaniel Clark."

"No, Chun is my name, Wei is my family name."

"Why would you introduce yourself backwards?"

"It is not backwards, amongst my people the family name comes first."

"Really, well like my granny always said, you learn something new every day. So what are your planets like? This may seem odd but I am interested in knowing. My Mantanya was a beautiful world filled with mountains, valleys, and a lot of lakes. We were an agri world focused on raising real long horn cattle, not the substandard Grox they raise on other worlds."

Rubanza smiles as he begins. "My world was a harsh but beautiful world covered in savannahs and jungles. It has the strange distinction of being a paradise/death world. Rich Imperial officials go there for safaris, but we make sure to keep them away from the areas where the really dangerous creatures live. In fact, it was the wealth from those rich officials that allowed my father to send me to a private school on a neighboring world for Imperial nobility. These raiders got me after I had graduated with high marks in literature, administration and theology. The last message I received from my father was that he had prepared a feast in my honor. I even dressed myself up for the ceremonial occasion" Rubanza has a very sad look on his face as he finishes.

"Tian had a wide variety of climates, though the region I grew up in was also mountainous, but filled with rice patties instead of cattle." Chun begins. "While it was classified as a feudal world we had a high production rate of rice, silk, tea, and jade. The trading of these items make sure that the bureaucrats who rule my planet are very rich. My mother often rants against the corrupt and greedy bureaucrats, but even as an Inquisitor there isn't much she can do. As long as the planet pays its tithes, practices an acceptable variation of the Imperial Cult, and keeps the mutant and psyker population under control, the bureaucrats stay in power." She has a very bitter tone as she finishes. "I know I probably shouldn't get my hopes up, but I do believe that my mother will find a way to rescue from this place."

Nathaniel didn't feel like shattering her hopes right now, a part of him also hoped that he would be rescued.

"What is this man who has purchased us like, Nathaniel?" Rubanza asks

"Let's see, he is erratic, flamboyant, psychotic, and prone to wild mood swings. He can have moments of genuine kindness, followed by terrifying bouts of torture. He views all of his slaves as pets and playthings that don't know any better, and he has a creepy obsession with breeding us. Though when all is said and done it's Yulnera you should look out for. She will not hesitate to throw you at the Archon's mercies in order to cover up her own mistakes. Also Nemorah, the Archon's second in command and lover. You might be able to get something past Taelbeirt, but you won't be able to slip anything by Nemorah."

"Yulnera, that is in no way a human name is it?" Chun inquires.

"You are correct; she is an Eldar of the non torture variety, just the arrogant self serving variety."

"So she is a Craftworld Eldar, what Craftworld does she come from?"

"I don't know, you can ask her when we get there, once their done branding and processing you."

"What?" Both ask at the same time.

One trip to the processing plant later, the two new slaves emerge in their appropriate attire, with Chun's hair being cut short.

"Now we must do the branding, pet will you fetch me my branding iron?" The Archon asks Nathaniel. So Nathaniel brings it over and he warms it up. "Now you may fear a strong burning sensation, this is normal and you should learn to accept it. Believe me the pain I can inflict is nothing compared to this."

He first brands Rubanza who doesn't even flinch as the hot iron is pressed into his skin. Chun doesn't fair nearly as well, screaming at the top of her lungs.

Later at they enter the slave quarters at the compound, Sarah and Sister Ortega come walking up to them. Sarah seems to have a new cut running across her forehead. Before Nathaniel even gets a chance to ask Sarah explains.

"Nemorah told me I was slacking off earlier while mopping the floors, so she gave me this little reminder to stay efficient with my work. Who are your friends Nathaniel?"

Nathaniel introduces them to his Sarah and Sister Ortega as they head further into the general living area for slaves. The Tau are in their own corner, listening to Aun'sal go on another rant about the greater good. The other humans were clustered together playing a card game, Sister Ortega gave them a disapproving look. And finally Yulnera enters the room from and looks with contempt upon the new arrivals.

"Just what we needed, more Mon-keigh, we might as well label this building the primate house. Well, welcome to hell my name is Yulnera and I am the head slave here. Do as your told, bow your heads to any Dark Eldar you meet, do not address them until you are addressed, and always refer to them as Master or Mistress. However" she looks with scorn at Nathaniel "if you get the privilege of being the Archon's favorite pet, I guess you can get away with a little more than what is permissible. Now if you don't mind me I have a private meeting with Nemorah" With that she leaves the room.

"So tell me Nathaniel, what did you see in the city of Commorragh today?" His sister asks him.

"Sarah, I have seen some truly horrific sights today, the only thing that is keeping me from completely losing it is the knowledge that things could get very worse. To our horror, the dark fairytales grandma told us while she was still alive are true, and now were living through them first hand."

"I was afraid of that."

"Children, have faith that the God Emperor will be with you every step of the way." Sister Ortega tries to cheer them up.

"You can always find solace in service to the Greater Good my friends." Aun'sal chimes in.

"Silence xenos filth, before I silence you myself. You will not speak your foul lies in my presence in your depraved attempt to corrupt the young minds of these children."

Nathaniel can't help but smile a little at this argument. As long as he had his Sarah, Sister Ortega, and his new friends, he would be able to endure anything. For the first time since he got here he began to have feelings of hope.

Nathaniel stops his memories to converse with Melissa.

"It's only going to get worse, isn't it master."

"Unbelievably so young one, I learned a long time ago that hope is wasted on what is hopeless."

"By the way, that girl's mother, she isn't the same Inquisitor Wei who trained you is she?"

"The very same, but we will get to that in a little while, right now we have a few more memories to finish up in Commorragh."