A tense atmosphere deepens in the Royal Chamber of the Faradras space station. The blue light coming through the glass of the large window reveals the serious faces of Saiyans and Eldars, while a silent conversation is ongoing between the representatives of both sides.
Bann offers to take the talks to a more comfortable area once he exchanges pleasantries with Urocain, who sweetens the deal under the promise of obtaining a healer.
Observing Bann's sculpted and graceful face, both Irelene and Anáeth analyze the man in front of them, who exudes an oppressive and charismatic presence, albeit for different reasons.
Irelene cannot hide her curiosity, as the man in front of her is said to be the key to saving her Craftworld along with thousands of lives and giving them hope against She-Who-Thirst.
There is also the fact that the individual clearly proves to be not only powerful but also mysterious.
On the other hand, Anáeth is struck by the stark physical contrast the human in front of her presents compared to the Eldar she always deals with. Physically, the difference is abysmal, and Bann's primitive, bestial, and even predatory appearance presents Anáeth with a kind of beauty she has never been exposed to. And with Rucule's square and ruggish face beside Bann, it makes Bann's handsome face and attractive features stand out even more.
She completely dismisses the kid appearance of Aprit.
So Anáeth tries to keep quiet while Urocain holds conversations with Bann, completely ignoring the other Saiyans in the room who look on curiously.
'So, let me summarize what you've told me so far: you come from the Craftworld Mymeara, who has been having visions about me?' Bann asks telepathically to Urocain, who nods in response.
'And that they have sent you to place yourselves in my service. How would that help you? I mean, not that I could do without capable people around me, but I honestly don't see enough reason to help your people in such a case.' Bann watches Urocain's physical reaction as he lets him know his opinion.
As much as he personally has some interest in the Eldar, his priorities are set on far greater things than simply wanting to help arrogant space elves.
Urocain sighs audibly as he nods his head at Bann's words, though part of him wants to tell him that there is no reason for not wanting to help a glorious race such as his own; Urocain understands that he should not cloud his judgment for something as absurd as ego.
'And understandably so. This is why we are a token of good faith to reach an agreement between both parties while at the same time getting to know more about each other.' It is Bann's time to nod his head at Urocain's reply.
Letting a grin appear on his face, Bann leans back in his chair as he replies, 'Well, that seems like a better place to start. Tell me, what can you offer us? In the meantime, I can tell you what we'd offer, while you think about it.'
'Of course, go ahead.' Urocain replies as he holds a solemn gaze beside Bann, his head thinking about the extent to which he might be able to offer things with his limited authority.
'You see, even if we're just getting started now, in a couple of years, we'll have a decent, high-tech fleet capable of reaching systems in a very short time and without needing to go through the Warp.' Bann's last words bring Urocain's mind to a halt as his eyes shrink to the size of needles.
A cold sweat runs down his back as his mind twists at the notion spoken by the man in front of him. His rationality refuses to accept such words.
If Bann's ships don't need warp to travel, that means only one thing: he has access to the Webway. His mind doesn't bother even to contemplate other possibilities, such as motors that could move multiple times the speed of light.
Urocain's lips go dry as he continues to listen after Bann pauses to accentuate his remarks.
'Besides having a fast and reliable fleet, there is the greatest advantage we offer. Us.' Saying this, Bann opens both hands as he points to himself and his companions, causing Urocain to take a closer look at the other beings in the room.
'You see, we are beings of immense power, capable of single-handedly defeating entire armies and repelling all manner of offenses. Our abilities could easily break through a siege your Craftworlds may be suffering.' Urocain does not react to Bann's words, as he remains stoic.
However, he does not deny Bann's particularity after observing his feat with a ship. What else he claims to be able to accomplish is very grandiose, and he certainly needs some proof to back it up.
However, Urocain does not point out this and lets Bann finish his words.
'You can then see something in what I said. If we need technology, we already have it. If we needed armies, that's what the five of us and our future children are already there for. What do the Eldar have to offer?' Bann finishes as he looks at the elf with rapt attention, his full interest focused on whatever he is going to say next.
Feeling Bann's inquisitive gaze and realizing the importance of his words, Urocain looks calmly at Bann and speaks in his mind, 'We have deep knowledge of the Warp's energies and how to defend against them. You humans, from what we have been able to gather, have been making efforts to render the vast majority of the population unable to use their abilities.'
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For Bann, it is a good start, hitting on a real problem that not only the humans have but also him along with the Saiyans.
'We can offer you our guidance so that you can explore your latent potential without the dangers you would otherwise face.' A slight smile forms on Urocain's face as he says this.
The knowledge of the use of psychic abilities that the Eldar possess is precious, and he does not doubt that even the basic teachings they impart to their children would be more than enough to fulfill any kind of bargain.
'We can also offer our combat support. Having someone who can have your back in case you are wounded is worth more than any wealth we can offer you.' Urocain notes Bann's gaze on Anáeth as he introduces her, so he chooses his words carefully.
And once again, he notices a twinkle in Bann's eye as he says this, taking it for granted that they are in some dire need of healers.
'As always never failing with his visions, Farseer Naer-Lyoc,' Urocain thinks to himself as he chooses his words to finish his offer.
Casting his gaze briefly to the world outside the window, Urocain offers as his last, 'And though you have strength and in the future an armada, it never hurts to have allies to count on. As proof of that, I can offer you help in furthering the development of your world, which looks like it is barely starting.'
Smirking at his words, Urocain watches Bann carefully.
The latter makes an appreciative expression at the Eldar's words as he nods his head.
'How the heck does this guy know we don't have jackshit!?' Bann, however, cannot help but curse in his head as he avoids showing his bewilderment.
Not letting it affect him, Bann looks at the two female Eldar at Urocain's side, and with a smirk, he says, 'That's a pretty good proposal. But let me tell you something that we are in more need of.'
Hearing Bann's words and seeing the smile on his face, Urocain cannot help but feel that whatever he has to say, it won't be to his liking at all.
With a heavy heart, Urocain cautiously asks, 'And what would such a thing be?'
Letting a smile spread across his face, Bann begins, this time speaking to everyone in the room, 'You see, we are of a race of warriors and conquerors called Saiyans.'
The sudden voice in the heads of everyone present makes more than one jump in surprise, while Irelene brings her hands to her waist where her weapon is in pure reflex.
Anáeth lets out a squeak of surprise as Urocain looks with surprise and bewilderment at Bann, who continues.
'We are not human, we are far superior to them. Furthermore, let me tell you that the derogatory word you use to refer to humans, "Mon'keigh," is more accurate with us.' Saying this, Bann uncurls his tail from his waist, leaving Urocain, Irelene, and Anáeth to watch in surprise at this.
"Ow, look, he really is a monkey man!" Anáeth cannot help but exclaim with some cuteness as she observes Bann's bushy tail.
Pausing briefly at the soft, soothing timbre of the Eldar's voice, Bann continues, 'We are but just those you see in this chamber, so we have been planning a few things to ensure our offspring.'
The more Urocain listens, the more the horror on his face grows as a heavy knot forms in his stomach. Bann's words are unmistakably aimed at a fate he finds repugnant and dishonorable.
'Here in Faradras, we have established alliances with the noble houses in the purest and most trustworthy way possible. Uniting our blood in marriage.' Bann cannot help but smirk as he finally gets a reaction befitting the bad fame so often given to Eldars on the internet forums.
Not only Urocain but also Irelene looks with deep disgust and rejection at the implication Bann leaves in the air.
Irelene's first reaction is to look at the primitive individual in front of her with disgust and fury. The mere fact that he would propose such a thing is something she finds degrading.
Something that only those who walk the Path of the Lost could do or entertain such ideas.
For his part, Urocain remembers the Farseer's words and quickly changes the expression on his face. In this conversation, what he needs is pure, hard-nosed pragmatism for the sake of his race.
With a heavy heart, Urocain looks into Bann's eyes and asks, 'What do you want?'
Noting the solemn look and appearance of the Eldar, Bann understands that he needs to be clear and concise. That there is no room for games here, and he answers with severity.
'Something simple, to unite the Saiyan blood with the Aeldari. Forging an alliance that avoids the famous ploys your race is known for, like abandoning temporary alliances for the welfare of other Eldar.' Bann here is playing on the healer's goodwill.
If Urocain agrees to the deal, they will not only gain a great deal from all this but also have a hybrid offspring between Saiyans and Eldar, a race that is said to be perfect.
The latent talent of such a mix is something Bann finds not only intriguing but also fascinating once the possible variables are taken into account.
However, if the Eldar are unwilling to go through with the deal, Bann will have to kill Urocain and Irelene while forcing the healer to serve him to exploit the Zenkai boost once and for all.
With the time and hassle that would entail.
And so, he watches Urocain intently and anxiously, who is growing more and more serious and cold under Bann's gaze.
Cautiously, Urocain finally replies, 'While it is not something I can answer you now, for the implication of this is beyond my own will. I can commit myself to fulfilling this.'
Unable to fully accept such a request, Urocain gives the most compromising answer he can think of while avoiding showing his deep displeasure.
His mind only thinks of those Eldar in the Maidenworlds he could convince to commit such an atrocity.
'Among primitives, they might find a middle ground of interest.' The warlock concludes as he nervously watches Bann.
Who for a few eternal moments remains impassive with a flat face as he settles back on the couch.
Seconds later, he lets out a smile as he announces to everyone in a relaxed tone, 'No need to agree so soon; it's the first time we've met after all. How about spending more time with us and exchanging knowledge while we think of an answer?'
His friendly and receptive response helps the tense atmosphere in the chamber to decompress. Urocain nods his head as he lets out a sigh of relief.
For her part, Irelene drops her weapon while still looking with some haste and concern at the Saiyans. Unable to shake off the sickening image of them together with the Eldar.
While Anáeth looks more seriously at Bann, contemplating his words while her eyes occasionally flick in the direction of Bann's pompous tail.
Only she knows what thoughts are going on in her head at that moment.
"Bann just tells them to speak so we can scan their language with our scouters; it's extremely irritating to not hear you talking while just looking at each other." Seleri cannot help but grumble at Bann as she hurries him to talk to the Eldars.
"Okay, okay, I will!" Bann lets out a laugh as he answers her, for the few words said by Anáeth and Urocain, he finds their language fascinating and exotic.
And just like that, they spend the next hours exchanging words and experiences as they get to know each other. Although it is only limited to Urocain and Anáeth, who ask and chat with the rest of the Saiyans, as Irelene holds her distance from them all.
As she is slowly coming to the acceptance she is dealing with the true Mon'keigh.
A slur that is about to change its meaning forever.