Caught in the Crossfire

Mar watched Lanya limp along behind him and tried to help her, but the Aeldari only gave him a rather cold look, warning him not to come closer.

A Space Marine walked toward Mar. His power armor was painted white, marking him as an Apothecary. His helmet was yellow, and the insignia on his shoulder pad was a red heart surrounded by black-and-white checks.

He was not one of the Ultramarines Mar knew, but he was still one of the Emperor's Angels, revered throughout the Imperium.

Mar snapped to attention and saluted. "Sir!"

In stark contrast to Mar's excitement and nervousness, Lanya remained calm. She stared at the Space Marine and tightened her grip on the Soul Stone in her hand.

"I've come for you."

She closed her eyes and waited for the Space Marine's execution.

What would it be? Lanya wondered with some curiosity at the very end of her life.

Would he blow her head apart with a bolter? Or carve open her body with a chainsword?

Or something worse—hang her up and burn her alive with a heavy flamer.

What would happen to that foolish human? Contact with a xenos would earn him the Space Marines' hatred and special treatment from the Inquisition.

He... probably would not survive either.

This isn't my fault. It's all his fault. He insisted on bringing me with him. He had plenty of chances to leave me on the ground, or cut off my head and use it as proof of his battle record.

Lanya comforted herself this way, hoping it would make her feel better.

For a monkey, he was an annoying fellow. An annoying fellow who did not deserve to die.

"You fought bravely, soldier." The Space Marine affirmed Mar's efforts. Even amplified through his vocal grille, his voice remained