trans_9 | [open] Here's-a-sword-for-the-Rat, here's-a-sword- for-the Mole

If they were going to rebel (well, no longer a matter of if; a matter of when), Ildraniath knew that they were going to need more firepower than the average crew member tended to carry on their person. She, of course, had no need of further firepower. Her armor and her mind would serve her well enough. For many of the others, of course, they would need something more. Which was why she was paying a visit to the armory. In theory, Stacy might give her away. However, following that interesting performance at the punishment meeting, Ildraniath had reason to believe that Stacy wasn't about to give the crew away.

A gamble, of course, but Ildraniath was willing to risk it. So, the Eldar was perusing the armory. She tapped a button on her omnicomm and called up a blank document. She was going to need a list. And people to cart it all off later, but for now:

"Stacy. A list of all available small-arms and protable heavy weapons. Powered armor. Ammunition counts. And their effectiveness against heavily armored opponents."

|| Acknowledged, Ildraniath. ||

She bent over the control panel as the lists began to scroll past.

If she was going to do this, she was going to do it properly.

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

"In the type of warfare that would take place on this ship, as much as it pains me to say, the fanatical Space Marine may have much better advice."

She was a little shocked by Ildraniath's last statement. Not because she couldn't do it. Alendian was confident enough in herself and in surprise to make that happen. It just seemed quite bold in comparison to what Alendian knew about things on this ship. Either way, she was already preparing to scout out where these people spent time on the ship.

"It will be done. Their chain of command will be ruptured...if they have one."

"Thank you, Alendian."

Ildraniath felt rather safe in depending on the other Eldar. If she couldn't, than who could she? But, perhaps she had better address the lingering question that had come up earlier. And clarify a few things.

"Is there anything you'd like me to clarify for you?"

"Clarify. No there-" No, there was something she had to clarify. She'd be lying to herself if she thought otherwise.

"...why a human?"

Ildraniath knew that this question would come one day. She frowned and turned her full attention to Alendian. After a long moment, she answered, pacing a few steps and then turning back to face her.

"...I am not sure. He..." She had to put this into words. And it was surprisingly difficult.

"He is not just a mon-keigh and is not strictly one, either. He was made by them to fight their wars, but..."

Her brow furrowed, "...he seems a kindred spirit in a way and my emotions - well, I cannot help them. At first I thought he would make a useful tool. An ally. But... he was a confidant. And then something else."

"His allegiance will not and will never be with our people." If the question ever came down to it, she was sure Zouichi would choose to save humans over Eldar. Not many were left with the choice of killing millions of humans to save a few thousand Eldar like Eldrad but even minor decisions could matter.

"I know that," Ildraniath replied quietly, although there was still steel behind her words, "...and I know that if there is a choice, I will choose my people. My emotions do not cloud my judgement on that matter. No matter what you might think, Alendian. The Eldar... our people... they are more important than my own emotional satisfaction or indulgence."

She paused and set her jaw, "...when and if the time comes, I will do what must be done."

"That much is easier said than done. Emotional bonds are not so easily defeated." Alendian had no experience in the matter but she was just so sure of it. As strong as her compulsion to force others away was, she could imagine how powerful that force would be if turned around.

Ildraniath's hand curled slightly, almost a fist. But she told herself to be calm - Alendian had a right (a duty) to be concerned.

"I know. But I will do what is necessary. I am a farseer of Ulthwe and... I will always do what must be done. No matter the cost to myself or any other."

"...I know." She looked down at the ground while speaking. "I would not be here if I did not know that."

"...thank you," Ildraniath replied with a small sigh, "I know it must look strange and where we anywhere else, I am not sure I would have let it get this far, but..."

She shrugged, wished there was something more to be said. "The universe is a strange place."

"...perhaps." She cut herself off there, not wanting to say more. Then again, Alendian couldn't read her future so making assured statements of how she would act would be in error.

"Perhaps...?" Ildraniath arched a brow. "Continue."

"Nothing. That is all I wish to say." No, she would not admit that there was even the barest probability that she'd find herself attached to some human in the future.

Ildraniath gave Alendian a long, flat look and then shrugged, "As you say. What have you been doing, Alendian? Keeping busy?"

"Of course." The obvious thing of training would be expected, since Alendian was an Aspect Warrior. "Skills that are not practiced can be lost."

"Good..." Ildraniath replied. For a moment, she reflected on her own inability to adequately cast the runes while aboard this cursed ship.

"Is there anything you need from me? Don't hesitate to ask."

"Anything you may think is useful for future operations." That was all she needed...or wanted.

[open] Here's-a-sword-for-the-Rat, here's-a-sword- for-the Mole

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