I do not even know what to think of this guy. Let's say for a moment that I even believe that he wants to free the magicals. And let's say I believe that enslaving me is separate from this plan. Then what? I'll be the only slave left? What about the other slaves in this house, which he no doubt has. If he wants the rest of us free, then will he free his own? And what about me? Then he goes on about liking unique things. It's like he's dropping breadcrumbs about his crazed plan all around, just to enjoy watching me running around, trying to put the pieces together. It's fucking infuriating.
Make no mistake, Erik did not believe most of what this eccentric human was saying; not for a second. But rather than continuing to deny it, he realized he might gain some insight into this madman's mind if he merely played along. Either Alexi was telling the truth, and he really did have a plan to end these horrors, in which case perhaps he was not so horrible after all. Or he was lying, in which case Erik hoped to catch him in a lie. Or if he was crazy, then perhaps he could find a way to figure out how this crazy mind worked. In any case, it was important that he keep Alexi talking.
“I don't see all this ending in your lifetime. That much is true. It is quite pathetic that you humans spend so much of your short lives tormenting each other, distrusting outsiders just for being different. How boring the lives of your people must be. But do not think you are unique in your observations of your race. Your human arrogance and fear of those different is clear to most of us as well. The vast majority kind is short-lived and cruel.” Erik sat up on the edge of his bed and looked at Alexi.
“Am I supposed to fall under that then? Am I supposed to be an oddity? A hard-broken former rebel, part of your collection?” the prisoner questioned, staring directly into Alexi's eyes. “I suppose if you ended slavery then I would be the only one left, except any other hard-broken vampire slaves you may have. But then why me specifically?”
Not that Erik saw any reason to volunteer information on himself, but Erik was 243 years old now, relatively young for a vampire, and certainly not unique in terms of age. But he was the “face” of the rebellion. A few impressive deeds, and a few more misunderstandings that made him look far more impressive, and before he had realized it, his cell was leading the others, even though they primarily acted independently and kept little contact. In reality, he was more of a folk hero and a symbol than true military leader. The cells could not afford to be that structured, for the rebellion was a very organic movement, and needed as much flexibility as possible. Still, if there was an overarching “leader” to be had, then Cell Leader Erik Schumann would be the closest thing they had.
A thought occurred to the vampire, some memory from the news. “You're the CEO of some major slave control technology company. Why would you want to end slavery when the proceeds from it allow you to live as a king?”