"Why are you showing me this?" || Keith to Sergei || v: wanderer among the stars
“Because I think you can help me.” Sergey answered, holding eye contact with Keith. In his hands, he held a mask, somewhat birdlike- reminiscent of that of a plague doctor. He wore armor, but it was not that of a Galra commander- no, it was that of his persona, a criminal, a killer. Oleg, his lieutenant, stood at his side, dressed in dark armor as well with a similar mask pulled up and to the side ad an angle to show his face, ruffling his hair.
Sergey smiled faintly, leaning in a little. He knew Keith, knew his values and his strength by now. They were near strangers, yes, but after a couple encounters Sergey had put in his research and come up with something valuable indeed. Keith was part Galra, and even more important, their morals nearly matched.
“I believe that you can join us. Not in the Galra empire, but in fixing it. You know of your terran plague doctors, yes? They whipped those infected to drive sin from their bodies in the belief that this would save them, and when it did not, they burned the sickly fallen to keep the rest safe and healthy. We will do the same with far more modern methods, to end the illness that is political and moral corruption and violence. All you must do is don the mask. We will train you if you accept it, show you where and who to hit and how.”
Oleg watched, stoic and calm. He didn’t trust this stranger, but he knew well how to handle a turncoat. He could shoot the boy if he had to, to protect himself and Sergey. But despite his worry, he trusted and respected Sergey, his partner, to make the right decisions, and to survive his missteps. He’d made mistakes in the past, yes, but he’d proved himself able to pick up the pieces.
So he was here to show Keith the ropes, to teach him to fight how he had to. To take care of him, until he was able to take care of himself, and to keep him in line. He’d taught Sergey, even if he took a follower position to him, and Sergey was completely faithful in his ability to teach one more person. Oleg was dubious, but flattered, and he’d do anything. Again, he trusted his partner’s judgement, so he chimed in.
“We will help you with more than that, if you agree. We have a home, you can stay there with us. Food, a warm bed, at the cost of your service. You can learn more about your Galra heritage, as well as human history if you wish, and what the two have in common. You are not so alone as you may believe, and we can help you. Between work, of course.”
“Exactly. Will you accept this, Keith?” Sergey smiled, holding out the mask.
