Xenos had always been considered the greatest obstacle to humans in the Imperium and their glory. Humans had always had the advantage of numbers, but the Xeno had abilities beyond all human limits and especially ancient knowledge unknown to the Imperium.
The orks were like a plague: every planet that was colonized by those massive creatures was practically lost. The orks reproduced at an exorbitant rate, and more importantly, the more they were killed, the more numerous and intelligent they became in warfare; moreover, they were rather aggressive creatures by nature and extremely close-knit.
The eldar had always been a mysterious people, fascinating creatures to some, an overly aware and powerful species to others. Fortunately for humans their ancient empire disappeared, and divided they became weak. Some retained their ancient traditions, others became space brigands to survive, and still others became addicted to chaos and its younger god, exceeding in vanity and pleasure.
The tau, on the other hand, were always considered the closest to the human mentality. the tau empire was always open to the different, and this helped the imperium to view them in a more positive way. Yes the fear of those "strange" xenos within that empire was still present, but certainly of all the sentient xenos were the ones most open to dialogue and bargaining with the great human imperium.
Races, on the other hand, such as necrons and tyranids were from time immemorial only hostile to humanity, and capable only of war, death and conquest. dark creatures, tracing their origins back to the galaxy's oldest and darkest times.
Every human in the imperium knew that he or she had to hate xenos with all his or her heart, to be afraid of them, and the rule was almost always, "shoot any xeno on sight," and few times there were exceptions. And if the said human was also a soldier of the Astra Militarum or Navis Imperialis that rule was an unequivocal principle, soldiers had to embody the very principle of the imperium and their emperor's ideas, to contravene that was just to be a heretic.
-Yer woke up finally 'umie, wot are look'n at?- said the massive ork on the edge of the "door" of the hut. The ork was of muscular build, hypertrophied to a truly exponential degree. The green was shirtless and wearing black work pants, with boots made of native metal, on his head was a protective helmet of the same material as his shoes, his face was sculpted and had typical Orks features.
Gallek was shaking like a leaf, his face contracted into a terrified expression as he tried to hold himself upright leaning against the shed desk. It was the first time he stood before a Xeno in that condition: he was unarmed, tired, wounded, and stressed. There was nothing he could do, and he was too confused to understand at least what the hell was going on.
-Don't...don't...come closer!- stammered the human, in a vain attempt to intimidate the ork. The ork blinked a few times in confusion -uh? are ya ok? did ya hit yer head somewhere
'umie?- said the green as he began to approach the human -maybe i medicate yer wrong, i am betta whit enjinz dan whit 'umiez- concluded the xeno laughing to himself as he shortened the distance between himself and the human.
In a few moments the distance between Gallek and the ork was minimal, and the soldier could even feel the xenon's breath as he breathed. The armsman was trembling and totally out of control of his body, unable to move or even respond. He was used to hearing stories of xenos killing and torturing weak and fragile humans like himself, and in his own current vision he was sure to become the new protagonist of one of those stories.
Tears of pure terror began to form in the human's eyes as his gaze remained fixed petrified on the xenon. The ork, however, looked at him quite confused, squaring him very well, his gaze then becoming worried as he turned back to his desk and books.
-Yes i bandaged 'em badly, yer little 'umiez are really weak- the ork said to himself confidently as he awkwardly began flipping through the various books, which for the size of his hands, seemed small in comparison. Gallek nervously moved the eyelid of one of his two eyes, while totally speechless from the surreal situation he was in, he slumped to the floor, resting with his back on the furniture.
-I need some water…- said the human shocked and terrified, by now not even caring about the tone of his own voice. -ah iz true ya 'umiez drink a lot, ya are like plants haha- said the xeno jokingly, as he headed out to the hut probably to get the human a drink.
Gallek took that moment of xenon absence to put his thoughts back a minimum and calm himself down. He took a few deep breaths, and then said unconcernedly about the tone, simply trying to become lucid again -Since when do orks medicate...or even rescue wounded humans…- he then concluded by letting out a deep sigh -This is absurd…-.
The ork returned after a few minutes, holding a rusty bucket of rather crude metal. the soldier immediately noticed water inside: the color of the liquid was yellowish in keeping with the bizarre colors of the planet. The massive green man began to carry the bucket, taking care not to spill the water, and later set the container down beside the human, who in response looked at him with a confused look mixed with discomfort.
-Drink! it's water 'umie- Said the ork as he placed the bucket in the soldier's hands, probably thinking that he had not understood the previous gesture. Gallek was still frightened and agitated: he hated being so close to a Xeno and especially showing himself so weak and helpless, in front of a being who to him were the natural enemies of his kind. However, he also noticed that his body was beginning to suffer the signs of malnutrition and dehydration, he had traveled without eating or drinking for at least 1 day if not more and above all he had lost a lot of blood and suffered a lot of physical pain, he had to reluctantly accept the offer of his new green "friend."
He gave only a small nod as, slowly and still slightly shakily, he grabbed the bucket to begin drinking. The water was obviously not fresh and he wasn't sure if it was even drinkable, but it was certainly quenching his thirst and that was enough for now. as the armsman drank, the ork stood up and fiddled with mechanical parts resting on the desk: orks were famous in the galaxy for being strangely skilled with mechanics, almost on the level of tau and imperium, albeit in a much cruder and in some respects "primitive" way.
The pieces taken from the ork looked like scattered pieces of an engine, perhaps from some vehicle used on the planet, and as he assembled the various pieces he asked in a happy and vigorous tone, pleased perhaps to be dealing with mechanics -I fink i have ta say ma name now!- and then continued pointing with one of his free fingers as he continued to assemble -Ma name iz Garkrull- and concluded then turning to look at the Imperium soldier who by now had finished hydrating -I'z 'da only wun like me around ere, an' yer're 'da furst 'umie i've met 'n a while-
Gallek wiped his mouth with his arm and then turned to look at the ork, still intimidated by his mightiness but less agitated than before. -He's the only ork around here?...and I'm the first human he's seen in a while?...- the veteran soldier began to mull over in a low voice, -The situation is really surreal, orks usually live in huge armies and clans, how can he be alone?- kept thinking as he tried to scan the ork better, trying to notice maybe particular details.
Well Garkrull was an ork and of that there was no doubt. however, one detail immediately jumped out at him: on the ork's shoulder was a faded black code with the numbers "0312." Strange for sure, but given ork customs not even that unusual. -Maybe he is just particularly stupid…- concluded in the most rational manner the human always in his own head -But if what he says about humans is true, I probably have no chance of getting help from the imperium…-
Gallek began to break out in a cold sweat and mentally consider all possible ways forward: -Xenos are evil...if I help one it means I am a heretic…- he began reasoning -But if I do not exploit this stupid ork now...risk starvation and hardship- thought the indecisive Armsman -Attach with this ork? Or be loyal to the imperium and die of starvation?- wondered the unsure human, ignoring the presence of the ork temporarily given the thick circle of thoughts in place.
-Are yer okay 'umie?- asked the ork touching him on the cheek trying to make himself noticeable. Gallek after being touched came back to reality and quite trembling took a few steps to move away from the massive xeno, almost instinctively and naturally. -I...I…- he tried to speak, ending up stuttering with a low voice. Garkrull scratched his chin for a moment, and then said pointing to the pants of the human's uniform -Ya are a soldiia aren't ya?- the tone sounded serious, but not threatening or frightened.
Gallek nodded silently, swallowing nervously suppressing his human fear as much as possible. -Well if ya're a soldier, 'dat means ya're also strong an so ya kould help me ere!- joyfully affirmed the ork, -'Da price for sav'n yer before!- he continued, pointing at him with one of his massive fingers -Afta all, ya have ta escape from dis planet too, don't ya?- questioningly concluded the xeno, rising from the desk and standing mightily before the human still sitting on the ground.
-To help a xeno...what madness- thought L'armsman as he began to stand up, trying not to make his leg injuries worse. -It's madness...but I don't have much of a choice if I want to go back to the imperium…- he rambled in his own thoughts as he now settled on his feet, still careful not to look the frightening ork in the eyes still terrified by its almost grotesque form, -I'll have to exploit this monster until I can return to my people- the soldier concluded in his own head as he nodded in agreement to the xeno's question.
Gallek tried to take as much remaining strength as he could, while with a voice line he said towards the green -I will help you...but I am wounded...I...can't now…- he tried to justify himself by weakly pointing to the wounds on his legs and arm. -So maybe I can observe him better...I could find a way to escape if need be…- he thought letting his more military and tactical side come out.
The ork nodded in agreement with the human as he began to move closer to him, unconcerned by his growing trembling as he shortened the distance. Gallek couldn't help it: he was too used to fearing and hating xenos and especially orks, feeling one of them so close to him, without being able to even defend himself scared him to death and made him shake like a leaf, pathetic for a soldier.
Garkrull close enough to the human gave him a hand to walk to the bed, being careful not to drop him. It didn't help that Gallek's motionless body, frozen with the fear of having a xenon of that size on him, Garkrull had practically dragged him to the bed himself.
-Now dat we are friends, kan ya tell me yer name 'umie?- Gallek was lying on his own cot, and turned to look at the ork who had a sincere expression as he spoke. -Well at least I won't have to go through the trouble of making a "friend" of him…- thought a little reassured by the ork's idiocy, the human as he looked down at the ork's legs still unable to look him in the face without being frightened.
-My name is... Gallek, you can call me that- the human said in a few words, in a coincidental tone perhaps trying to show a modicum of fortitude in front of the xeno. -Well gallek, ya will be hungry.- The ork said as he began to warm up his muscles a bit, to the side of the human's cot -I'z hungry too an' want ta smash some beasts haha!- concluded the xeno thunderously and excitedly, as he began to walk out of the hovel.
-Iz gunna hunt a little, i'll be right back pal- Concluded the ork contentedly as he exited the hut, ready to fight some native beast. Gallek watched him leave, and after a few moments of waiting for the ork to move away, The armsman took a deep breath trying to calm himself. finally alone.
Night had finally overtaken the planet, it did not seem particularly cold perhaps the planet's natural gases kept the air ever so slightly warm. Gallek was still lying on the cot, trying to assimilate the situation as best he could.
-That ork is not normal...orks are usually aggressive, violent and numerous.- began to think turning over in the bunk the imperium soldier -He is alone and seems only particularly stupid not bad...and then he said he was stuck as well...this situation stinks to me- it was mostly due to his instinct and accume the credit for his so long military life, after all, luck without a good brain takes you little far.
Gallek in the cot continued to beam a bit, obsessively reasoning about the whole of that crazy day and trying to go over all the pieces: -There was a warp storm...I escaped via a capsule...I fought those creatures...and I met the ork…- he had always been very pensive and anxious, a little childhood memory came over him almost by accident as he noted those characteristics about himself.
-Stop being so silent Gallek! real warriors are brave, they are not afraid to speak and they only think when they really need to!"- said a figure with big shoulders and a muscular physique, the figure's face was blurred, he was having a hard time even remembering his voice by now -You will be like me one day! and you will have to teach your sons how to be real men and soldiers! don't forget that my son.-
The human huffed and began scratching his handlebar mustache in annoyance -Maybe it's true...if I keep looking like a wounded and frightened little animal, I'll never understand anything…- he thought with a contracted but determined expression -I'm a soldier of the Imperium! I have to survive for the Emperor and my species!"- he concluded to himself, his face renewed by new determination.
-Iz back!- shouted Garkrull as with clumsy steps he entered the shed. The ork had two large dead animals on his shoulders; they appeared to have been killed with his bare hands with the help of an armor-piercing weapon, perhaps a spear or a sharp stick. The animals were shaped like birds, but like other animals on the planet they had bluish scales that helped them blend in with their environment and reptilian parts on their bodies.
Gallek was sitting on the cot with a more restrained and vigorous expression than before, Garkrull noticed this and just gave a small smile as he started to approach the corner of the shed where all the animal bones were. The xeno quickly boned the birds with only his arms -Well it certainly has the strength of the orks no doubt- noted in a low voice the human who was watching the scene in silence.
The ork after boning leaned the beasts against the desk, went outside the hut a few moments and returned with a few wooden pebbles and round pebbles. The green created a small campfire inside the hut, taking care of course to create it small in size to avoid accidents. the green also made a sturdy wooden stick with which to pierce the volatile meat for cooking over the fire.
The ork sat cross-legged in front of the fire and beckoned for the human to approach as the birds were cooked. Gallek swallowed nervously -I am brave...I am a warrior...I am a soldier!- the human continued to think as he limped closer to the campfire, almost like a mantra to take courage. arrived on the opposite side of the fire the human also sat in a comfortable position as he waited for the meat to be cooked.
There was a stony silence between the two, interspersed only by the background noise of the fire and occasional little verses made by the ork, almost humming as it waited for the cooking.
-You will become like me gallek...actually...you are already like me, you just have to be brave-
-Listen Garkrull...why are you...um...alone?- he said taking some initiative from the human and trying to keep his gaze fixed on the ork as much as possible, even though it frightened him terribly -I have faced many orks before you... and they were almost all in large groups, I thought all orks were like that- he continued, making emphasis on the "faced" almost as if trying to veiledly intimidate Garkrull, who had obviously not changed his expression at the intimidation.
Garkrull scratched his chin thoughtfully, perhaps trying to remember something. after a few moments, however, he slammed his fist on the ground, almost startling the human and huffed in frustration as he regarded his new friend -When i was born ere, dey were already not ere! but i don't rememba where dey went…- began the green -But i am sure dey are somewhere ere 'n 'da galaxy an i will find im!- he concluded with a note of determination.
-Well at least I am sure he is alone, the less ork are here better it is…- thought the human as he let out a sigh of relief. -Friend ya are da furst 'umie i see for real- began the ork as he began to pull out the cooked meat -Yer are a soldia uv 'da imperium right? i have neva seen wun.- admitted the ork almost embarrassed as he began to make small skewers with the meat. Gallek looked at him with a raised eyebrow: -He doesn't even understand the fact that the imperium exterminates the likes of him…- he thought -I almost pity him…- he sighed silently, giving a small smile.
-Yes I am a soldier of the imperium, I have fought many battles and defeated many strong opponents in my career- he lowered his gaze to the ground a bit, feeling quite guilty for partially telling a lie -I don't like to lie, but I have to show myself strong…-
-But yer don't look very muscular ta me, 'n fact yer look a little ol haha!- said the xeno pointing to the human's short gray hair and mustache, as well as generally to his effectively "old" features -Well by help'n me ere maybe yer will become as big as me!- concluded the ork by pounding his own fist on his chest, somewhat proud of his own hypertrophied musculature.
Gallak looked at him doubtfully enough, but did not object to it preferring to keep silent -he wouldn't understand probably anyway…- he thought with a resigned smirk. -Well da food iz ready ma friend! eat a lot, yer kan't get big if yer don't eat!- said the green xeno thunderously as he began to eat the meat forcefully, Gallak nodded his head and then began to eat obviously slower than the ork. the human was' amazed at the "good" taste of the meat, maybe it was the habit of eating the food from the imperium canteen or maybe he was just hungry.
After dinner Garkrull got up again, and letting out a loud yawn he began to head for his own cot, opposite Gallek's in the hut. The human also with effort made his way to his own cot and lay down there again, now with a fuller belly and mind than before.
the fire had remained burning and made a soft atmosphere that was incredibly relaxing and pleasant: the continued sound of burning wood accompanied by the sounds of distant animals outside the hut helped create an atmosphere of peace, which few times the soldier had felt in his life made up primarily of rigid military doctrine and battlefields.
Garkrull almost threw himself down on the cot, putting himself in a fairly squat supine position. the cot had obvious iron trim; it had probably happened in the past that it had broken from the weight of the massive ork.
-Gud night new friend, maybe tomorrow we kan start work'n together!- Said the ork hopefully toward the human -Yes...hopefully…- Gallek said in a few words, trying to remain stoic. In the next few moments, almost involuntarily, he was about to openly thank the ork but then he remembered who he was, how he ended up there and especially who his new companion was and almost bit his tongue.
-The imperium wants you to be a valiant soldier and become like your comrades...remember every xeno is an enemy!-
Gallek moved to the side of the cot, his back to his new companion, and between memories he finally fell asleep accompanied by the thunderous snoring of his new friend.