The audience convened within a highly specialized sector. It was situated neither upon a physical vessel nor within the perimeter of either faction's primary bases; instead, by mutual consensus, it took place within a secluded chamber adjacent to the Death World base main command center—a space fortified by multi-layered encryption and psychic dampening.
There, a virtual assembly was constructed utilizing highly stable psychic projections and holographic imaging technology.
Osiris sat at one end of the forum, his figure manifesting with solid clarity. At the opposing end, the visage of Eldrad Ulthran, High Farseer of Ulthwé, slowly coalesced.
His projection appeared more shimmering than his physical form, enveloped in a faint layer of psychic radiance; yet, the majesty and wisdom distilled through ten thousand years of existence, alongside a profound pressure intentionally dialed back yet thoroughly palpable, transmitted clearly through the phantom image.
Elendil stood slightly further behind Osiris's flank, her eyes downcast and silent, resembling a wordless bridge.
The brief silence that followed was a tacit acknowledgment of each other's weight and the gravity of the meeting.
"Lord Osiris," Eldrad initiated, his voice echoing directly through the secluded chamber. It was ancient and peaceful, yet completely devoid of the detached, transcendent distance of the past.
"Thank you for allocating your time to meet. Elendil should have already conveyed my core concerns to you. Today's assembly has nothing to do with the etiquette or testing between two civilizations; it is solely for the sake of survival, to seek a possible path forward."
Osiris nodded slightly, his demeanor remaining calm. "Survival is the most fundamental driving force of any civilization. I understand. Speak freely, High Farseer."
Eldrad's projection seemed to fluctuate minutely; he made no attempt to conceal the heavy burden he carried.
"You have personally experienced the tranquility of that clean universe on Pandora. To my race, that is not merely a new sky; it represents the only hope where the eternal curse is severed and our souls might finally find rest.
Since the Age of Fall, the shadow of Slaanesh has coveted every single soul of the Aeldari without a moment's respite. Every step of our survival has been like walking on thin ice, where a single ripple of excessive emotion could invite absolute doom. The Craftworlds are nothing more than fragile, isolated vessels drifting upon a raging ocean."
He looked directly at Osiris, his gaze piercing through the barrier of the projection. "You command the power to cross dimensions, to anchor and open stable corridors. The displacement of the Yautja homeworld has irrefutably proven this fact. Ulthwé, and indeed all Aeldari souls still struggling to survive, implore you—allow us to migrate to that universe. We do not petition for a cost-free boon; we are entirely willing to pay the corresponding price, bear obligations, and transform into a reliable auxiliary force under your command beneath these stars."
Osiris did not offer an immediate response. His fingers tapped lightly against the armrest of his seat, seemingly weighing his words.
"High Farseer," Osiris spoke after a moment, his intonation steady yet carrying a layer of detached scrutiny. "I understand the predicament confronting the Aeldari. However, the establishment of trust is not achieved overnight, nor can it be secured solely based on one party's urgent needs. Your civilization has a long history and profound heritage, specializing particularly in presaging the future and guiding the trajectory of events.
Throughout the vast eons of the past, when the Aeldari dealt with the Imperium of Man, or indeed other human factions, utilizing others or engaging in disparate partnerships where the price did not match the cooperation appears to have been far from rare. Not to mention, the defections enacted at certain critical junctions."
He paused, his eyes clear, as if seeing right through the ancient soul enveloped in psychic light. "I admire the foresight and restraint of Ulthwé, and I recognize the sincerity and capability your faction demonstrated during this joint operation.
But this is insufficient for me to extend an adequate level of trust to the Aeldari as a whole—a trust that directly concerns the safety of a universal portal. After all, if the key to a secure universe is placed in the hands of a race historically not renowned for keeping faith or maintaining stability, I must meticulously evaluate the risks involved."
The words were direct, even somewhat sharp, lacking any diplomatic euphemisms despite the other party being a legendary Farseer. This was not arrogance, but a cold assessment based on historical fact and his own position of absolute advantage.
Eldrad listened in silence. No flash of offended rage surfaced on his countenance; instead, a very faint, almost bitter understanding emerged.
He knew all too well that Osiris's words were not a slander, but the actual imprint left by the Aeldari's past conduct in the eyes of humanity. He also discerned that Osiris had not closed the door entirely; behind that "meticulous evaluation" lay an explicit space carved out for bargaining.
"Lord Osiris's reservations are entirely logical and reasonable," Eldrad stated slowly, his voice laced with an earnest weight.
"Past actions shape present perceptions. The Aeldari have indeed, due to indulging in fragmented prophecies and a sense of racial superiority, made many short-sighted and even erroneous choices. The complex entanglements with the Imperium of Man cannot be easily unraveled either. I cannot alter the past, nor can I guarantee the hearts of all Aeldari souls."
He leaned his projection slightly forward, lowering his posture even further. "Then, in your estimation, what must Ulthwé—or rather, those Aeldari willing to adhere to a new path—do to establish a new foundation of trust that satisfies your standards? What must we pay, and what must we prove?"
The core of the negotiation was pushed directly onto the table. Osiris knew the other party had understood his subtext. He did not immediately put forward concrete material demands; instead, he indicated Elendil beside him.
"The establishment of trust requires time, alongside suitable communicators and executors. Lady Elendil's performance on Pandora and during this joint operation proves she is a capable and relatively pragmatic collaborator. My communication with her has been quite smooth."
Eldrad caught the implication instantly and responded without a shred of hesitation. "Elendil will continue to remain by your side, serving as a plenipotentiary liaison and coordinator between Ulthwé and yourself.
You can rely entirely upon her loyalty and capability. Furthermore, should you require it, Craftworld Ulthwé can dispatch more warriors, artisans, and seers proficient in various disciplines to await your deployment at any moment. They will prioritize your will above all else, assisting you in managing affairs encountered within this universe, or indeed other dimensions."
He raised his voice slightly, delivering a monumental commitment. "This is not merely my personal pledge, Lord Osiris. If you require it, I can utilize my remaining influence to attempt to contact and convince other Craftworlds still clinging to survival, and even certain aspect groups that still possess sanity.
I will make them understand that collaborating with you to secure a safe future is the only viable path for the continuation of the Aeldari race. So long as it saves my people from the eternal curse, I, Eldrad Ulthran, am willing to act as your intermediary to convince them to enter your service."
Absolute silence reclaimed the secluded chamber. Elendil's eyelashes fluttered minutely, yet she maintained her wordless posture.
Osiris's gaze, however, turned profoundly deep.