Enemy Mind

A Matter Of Time

I started to find any and all excuse to go and visit the aliens at their camp. Months went by and slowly both aliens got used to my presence. Jab-Jab didn't like me but he accepted my presence. Mida on he other hand started to really accept me. To my utter surprise when it was just me and him he became very curious.

I too was very curious about him and his people. I knew it couldn't be he was trusting me. It felt more like he just....missed his people yet at the same time he had a lot a grief about the subject. It wasn't until I voiced my opinion about some things about his culture that he really started to trust me.

The Sangheili are named after their home planet, Sangheilios. Which I thought was cool. I mean, humans didn't call themselves earthians or some shit. Then again, that would be ridiculous sounding. His race has colonized other planets just as we humans had. Yet we both held our home planet near and dear to our hearts. It was the cradle of our species so how could we not?

"You know." I started as me and Mida returned back to his camp with one of the large three legged deer like creatures. "I understand your hate for being called anything but what you are but would you like to know what Elites mean to us?" I asked.

"I have no interested in it's meaning but you may inform me." He said.

"Well, Elites mean that you are a select part of a group that is superior to the rest in terms of ability or qualities. So, it's not an insult, more of a compliment. Which is surprising since humans typically smash anything they don't like. By smash I mean to squander their names. I guess it makes us feel better. Gives us an outlet to vent our frustration. Believe me when I say we hold lots of frustration with your Covenant." I explained.

"I see that as a sign of weakness. The Sangheili see most humans as nameless. Only your armored warriors are recognized with the title of Demon." He said.

"Yeah well, those are called Spartans. Their named from and ancient culture from our home world called Sparta. Sparta was a warrior society in ancient Greece. Spartan culture was centered on loyalty to the state and military service. At age 7, Spartan boys entered a rigorous state-sponsored education, military training and socialization program. Known as the Agoge, the system emphasized duty, discipline and endurance. Although, I'm not sure what makes a  modern day Spartan a Spartan." I said.

"We are much like your ancient Spartans then. Were raised from childhood to be warriors, other societal roles are treated as secondary endeavors or even hobbies, and are not honored at all." He said giving me a side glance. This is why I loved talking about humans and our past cultures to him. He's always willing to share some piece of his with me. It was an even give and take system we had set up.

"Well then, what is your hobie or secondary endeavor?" I asked. For many moments he didn't speak and I didn't press him about it. It was an understanding between us. Our friendship was fragile as it was, so I was carefully tip toeing around certain subjects.

"I.....it is dishonorable for me but I studied the way of medicine." He finally admitted to me.

"Oh well I know how your people look down on that. I know it may not give you comfort but for us humans the way of medicine is an honorable trade to go into. I guess you can say we're cowards without honor, but if we are injured we feel no shame in asking to be healed." I said.

"Yes, I have noticed you humans have a division within your military just for recovering and healing your wounded. They do not ask for aid in honorable suicide." He said.

"The only ones who will commit suicide are those who are severely damaged. Those who see their lives a tax upon humanity. It's odd, your people seem to hold combat and death sacred. Yet my people hold life sacred. I can see why we have so much conflict." I laughed even though it wasn't really funny.

"You know.... All these years of war some Sangheili have gained a respect for your kind. Your kinds bravery in the fight against extinction is admirable." He said.

"What about you? What is your take on humans?" I asked.

"My take?" He questioned.

"Yeah, your opinion!" I urged.

"Humans are weaker in comparison to Sangheili. However I find humans to be equals among us and have never understood the San'Shyuum in their inability to even consider making humans apart of the Covenant. They believe Humans are unclean beings that must be eliminated from the galaxy." He said making me beam.

"That makes me happy. I am glad you don't blindly follow the San'Shyuum and their judgment on others. I honestly don't know what they have against us." I said.

"Nor do I. Let us prepare this carcass for consumption. Kig-Yar are known to become feral when hungry." He said as we walked into his camp.

"Worse than a PMSing woman!" I huffed.

"I have no knowledge of your kinds inconsistencies in metal state." He said kneeling down beside the carcass.

"It happens when a female bleeds from her....reproductive organs. Our moods take a bad turn when it happens." I explained.

"Ah, The loss of possible children distresses you females." He concluded.

"Well no, it just causes a hormonal reaction. Plus it's not comfortable to deal with monthly." I shrugged.

"How long does incubation take for humans?" He asked as he gutted the carcass.

"Ten months roughly. We call it pregnancy, the fetus lives inside the mother during it. Once it is out it is called and infant or should I say baby. We get hormonal during this period too." I laughed sitting down on the other side of the carcass.

"Our spawn emerge from eggs we keep in incubation." He said.

"Huh, I guess that makes sense since your species is by no means mammal." I mused.

"You have returned....with the female." Jab-Jab grumbled.

"Awe! Look it's the Kig-Jar male! How are you doing?" I greeted happily.

"I am as I am. The season is changing, I am preparing the ghost for travel." He said to Mida.

"Very good Jab-Jab, Prepare the cooking pit." He ordered.

"Ghost? Wow! Are we going to hook up a sort of trailer for it to pull? I know it's only a one seater vehicle!" I asked. I had the pleasure of getting up close and personal with their Ghost on board. I have yet to be allowed to operate it but I was hoping it would be just a matter of time.

"Yes we will need to do so in order to carry supplies back and forth from the lands you migrated to." Mida answered for me as he skinned our kill. Ever since I told them about the great plains with many tall mountains surrounding it they wanted to go check it out. Apparently they were seeking metals or possibly Forerunner artifacts. Anything to find a way off this planet. It was the year 2550 when we got stranded. Now it was 2552 and 2553 was coming fast. Two years going on three. I could hardly believe I have been here for almost three years.

"Cooking pit ready." Jab-Jab informed. We cooked the carcass and ate together that night. After lingering for an hour to talk to the two aliens I went back home. Soon I would be going on a journey with these two aliens. I was looking​ forward to the long period of time they would be stuck with me. Yet if they found what they were looking for I fear for what will become of me. Will they kill me before leaving my corpse here to rot? Would they take me as a prisoner of war? Or maybe would they spare me or even aid me in calling from my own species help. I guess it was another thing that would just be a matter of time to figure out.