The Dark Eldar could never have anticipated it: these "beasts" could activate Webway Gates.
This was their critical error.
Yet survival in Commorragh was no simple matter. Kabals and Wyches had already appeared. Now came the beings even Commorragh dreaded.
The Haemonculi.
Even in Commorragh, many avoided dealings with Haemonculi. They were Dark Eldar flesh-sculptors. Among the oldest surviving Eldar, they commanded countless arcane, forbidden technologies.
They appeared as Dark Eldar augmented with numerous mechanical appendages—tools of their craft. The Haemonculi themselves were products of their own modification.
By now, some might recognize the parallel. The Dark Eldar's "Abathur."
Yet Haemonculi were far more twisted than Abathur. Even Dark Eldar deemed Haemonculi deranged madmen. Their creations sometimes exceeded their control. Yet each possessed unique attributes. Even souls could not escape Haemonculi modification.
Abathur's modifications: Stable. Always.
Now, within the Haemonculi Coven, a Zergling lay dissected. A Haemonculus's myriad appendices probed the creature's organs.
This Haemonculus was named Pak Heinrich. Within the Coven, merely an ordinary practitioner. Far beneath the Covens' high lords.
Yet even he discerned this organism's uniqueness.
"Almost perfect design. Genetic architecture remarkably simple, replication-efficient. Yet capable of producing such an efficient body."
He elevated the Zergling's adrenal gland. Scrutinized.
"Adrenal gland exhibits genetic modification far exceeding organisms of comparable scale. Enhances aggression, induces berserker state."
Another organ, viscera-like.
"Nutrient storage system. Extracts essential compounds from all ingested matter. Enables prolonged survival."
Finally, the Zergling's cranium. Appendages interfaced. The Zergling's dimmed oculars re-illuminated. Amber luminescence.
"Genetic code and cellular architecture radically simplified. Integument adaptable to most hostile environments. Nocturnal vision augmented. Scythe-like forelimbs: maximized for offense. Yet corporeal equilibrium exquisitely maintained. Enables stability at high velocity. Truly a flawless work. Too flawless for natural evolution."
Zergling baseline genetics derived from Zerus's diminutive, aggressive raptors. Swarm-evolved, these creatures—in coordinated packs—employed razor-sharp, sickled forelimbs and fangs to rend enemies asunder.
They required not overwhelming power. Only extreme cost-effectiveness.
Beside the Haemonculus stood a Dark Eldar in Judicar's regalia. To most, Dark Eldar armor appeared identical: black.
Higher-ranked Dark Eldar merely possessed more ornate panoply.
"Er… Haemonculus Pak. You suggest these organisms are not feral specimens? Bio-modified?"
"Yes. Reminiscent of those… Tyranid Raveners."
Haemonculus Pak set down the Zergling corpse. "Per our agreement, this beast's cadaver is mine. Yes?"
"Certainly. Provided you thoroughly analyze these organisms' attributes and furnish the intelligence. Our arena's pursuit cadre has vanished. Several perished to acid exposure."
"Acid? This organism possesses no acid-secreting organs."
The Dark Eldar Judicar clapped. Kabalite warriors wheeled in a cart bearing Baneling remains.
"Ah. You withheld material from me?"
"Unthinkable."
Haemonculus Pak disregarded the Judicar's evident concealment. Such was Dark Eldar nature. Everyone hoarded small advantages.
Any Dark Eldar who fully disclosed—even a human would deride such naivety.
Even Tzeentch would shake his head.
"Hm. This organism indeed possesses an acid system. Predominantly acid composition. Extensively damaged, regrettably. Live specimens would be optimal."
"Live specimens are problematic to acquire. Yet we suspect connection between this organism and the dissection subject. According to captured Orks: the beasts underwent chrysalis transformation into these acid-vectoring organisms."
"Oh?!"
Haemonculus Pak returned to the dissection table. Employing obscure materials, he reconstituted the Zergling corpse. Suture lines visible. He activated an unidentified Eldar device.
The Zergling's eyes re-illuminated.
Reanimated. Its immediate action: attack its reanimator.
Regrettably, Haemonculi were not defenseless researchers. Pak's appendices effortlessly seized the Zergling, elevating it.
Simultaneously, multiple capillary conduits—extensions of his other appendages—penetrated the Zergling's cranium. Neural systems suborned. Struggles ceased.
"Let us examine. Ah. Here."
He located the genetic sequences enabling Zergling metamorphosis. The Zergling's form began chrysalis transformation. Pupation.
"Fascinating. Expenditure of self-stored matter to assume alternative morphology. This metamorphic behavior is most intriguing."
Metamorphic: biological holometabolism. Not the other "metamorphosis."
Minutes elapsed. Zergling → Baneling transformation complete. Neural architecture alteration, perhaps. Pak momentarily lost control.
Baneling detonated.
The Dark Eldar Judicar, reflexes exceptional, seized an adjacent Kabalite as ablative barrier. The Haemonculus manifested an unknown energy shield. Acid splash: neutralized.
"Impressive yield." Haemonculus Pak's assessment.
"Indeed. Cost me another subordinate."
The Judicar discarded the largely eroded Kabalite cadaver. Distinction between Asuryani and Drukhari. Drukhari held no reverence for comrade lives. Many were not naturally born but cloned.
Slaves commenced acid cleanup. Pak regarded Baneling residue.
"Next time, I shall prepare containment. Preempt offensive action. I require new specimens. You retain additional subjects?"
"Several."
"Several… insufficient. I require more extensive sampling. These specimens may suffice for my elevation. Where lies the origin world of these organisms?"