Captive

The Aeldari were xenos too.

That was all Mar knew, because that was all the Departmento Munitorum ever promoted.

Slim, graceful figures, ornate form-fitting armor, guns that fired beautiful sparks and sharp crystals...

As Mar watched, the Ork's axe came crashing down. But it failed to hit the agile Aeldari body, only chopping a piece of wood in two.

The Aeldari's pistol aimed at the Ork's ugly face. Shuriken struck the Ork's helmet, drawing a disdainful taunt from it.

"Oi ain't scared of yer shiny little bits."

With that, it slammed a fist into the Aeldari's body. Her armor caved in under the strain, letting out a cracking groan.

The Aeldari flew into a tree like a kite with its string cut, temporarily losing the ability to move.

Mar felt that he ought to leave this place of trouble, but he also felt that there was no way he could successfully escape an Ork this strong.

The Ork would kill the Aeldari with ease, then catch the scent of human flesh in the air.

Many of Mar's friends had been dragged out and eaten by Orks one after another. These green monsters had an excellent sense of smell when hungry.

He had to act before it noticed him.

The thought of launching a sneak attack had barely crossed Mar's mind when the Ork turned its head and roared, "Which ball-less runt's been sneakin' a look at me?"

Relieved that his choice had been correct, Mar quickly took aim and fired at the Ork's uncovered joints.

A laser pierced one of the Ork's elbows. It stomped its feet in fury, dropped the heavily wounded Aeldari, and charged at Mar with its axe raised.

It was practically a light tank. Even someone as experienced as Mar felt nervous beneath such overwhelming pressure.