Preamble

As Animorphs is a book series that is not very popular in France (and not fully translated), I made sure that the story could be read by someone who has never read the original books. If you don't know Animorphs, take this story as an original fiction about the relationship between a human teenager and an extraterrestrial parasite that has taken control of his body as part of a secret invasion of humanity (and while his little brother, with whom he was very close before the infestation, is secretly the leader of the resistance).

Yes, I know it sounds far-fetched when said like that, but I swear it's a cool story.

For the others, I didn't even try to be faithful to the canon (for that, I would have had to reread all 54 books of the series before writing this fanfic). But I think my changes are limited to these 3 points:

In the books, the war has lasted for about twenty years and involves armies that seem tiny (but this is only suggested, as the author remains quite vague on this subject). In my fanfic, the war has lasted for over a century and is explicitly described as a gigantic war with the proportions of the First World War for humans (but on a galactic scale).

In my fic, the Yeerks will have a version of the war different from the Andalites. In my fanfiction, the Yeerks do not see themselves as the villains of the story. This does not mean they are not, but unlike the Yeerks in the books, they have a moral sense similar to ours that forces them to justify their actions. As a result, the Yeerk government must resort to propaganda. I made this change because, as an adult in 2023, I cannot envision a war where one of the sides would explicitly claim to be an evil villain. Even the Nazis said they were only defending themselves. And if I can’t imagine it, then I can’t write it. And I find it more interesting that way.

In my universe at the beginning of the war, the Andalites invaded and razed the Yeerks' homeworld. They did not just stay in orbit and wait for the Yeerks to build a fleet large enough to repel them. The Yeerks are thus a species in exile that no longer has a homeworld. I made this change because I find it much more logical and it puts the Yeerks in a more precarious situation that helps justify the extreme behavior they have in the books. And it makes the behavior of the Yeerks who, like my main character (or Altran in the original books), eventually refuse to behave like the other Yeerks, all the more admirable.

If you wish to reread the original books, download links in English are available at this address:

epub animorph en anglais

The original author of Animorph explicitly gave their consent for the creation and free distribution by Animorph fans of this electronic version of their books. However, the company that currently holds the rights to Animorph has neither authorized nor prohibited this distribution. In the meantime, let's say it's legal and since the books are not available in France through traditional channels, I am therefore allowing myself to share this link here.

If one day the company holding the rights decides to come forward and prohibit its distribution, then the Reddit post will be deleted and this link will be dead. But it has existed for years, so I'm not too worried.

Meeting

Shattered. That was the word that best described the state of my new host.

But let's start again from the beginning.

My name is Thévenin789. I cannot tell you my last name, because I do not have one. And I cannot tell you which planet I am on, because the enemy keeps tracking us. The enemy is the Andalites. TheAndalites are an extremely advanced race of extraterrestrials who have made it their mission to exterminate my race: the Yeerks.

In our natural state, we yeerks resemble slugs the size of a rat. In this form, we are completely helpless and the andalites could have easily exterminated us. But yeerks are parasites. We can enter the heads of species with a compatible central nervous system and take control. We thus form what we call a controller. A human who is no longer exactly human. Or a member of any species controlled by a yeerk in their head.

The school bus driver, the police officer in the patrol car, the minister, the TV journalist, the rock star in the music video, the person who smiles at you when you pass by on your bike, any of them could be a controller. Your teacher, your friend, your sister, your mother, and your father. We are everywhere and we spread as discreetly as possible throughout all strata of human society.

Even though it greatly slowed down the harvesting of new hosts, keeping the secret was essential if we didn't want the livestock to be partially destroyed during the invasion. Once transformed into controllers, most stay on Earth to continue the invasion, but a minority is urgently sent to hotspots on the front of the war between the Yeerk Empire and the coalition led by the Andalites.

Contrary to what opponents of visser-3 fear, for the moment, the invasion is a success. The secret has not been revealed and 10% of the Earth's military forces and police have already been transformed into controllers. As well as 100% of newspaper editors and 60% of journalists.

It is much faster than we had anticipated, but above all sufficient to paralyze any attempt at retaliation by humans. The only ones still opposing the idea of every human soon having a Yeerk in their head are a small group of elite Andalite soldiers who survived the destruction of their world ship by our fleet a few months ago.

Indeed, a few months ago, a small group of Andalite ships attempted to land by surprise on Earth with the aim of driving out the Yeerks. Fortunately, our fleet, though outnumbered, managed to intercept them near the moon's orbit and destroy them all without the humans noticing anything. But since then, this handful of surviving Andalites has been doing everything to slow down or expose our invasion to the public.

And my role in all this, you would ask me.

I was part of the expeditionary force from almost the beginning. From the time when Visser One personally led the operation. But my role was very limited. To avoid starving, once every three days, the Yeerks must leave their host to go into a large pool filled with highly mineralized water to feed on Kandrona. My role was to lock the hosts in cages while their Yeerks fed, then to force them to dunk their heads in the pool after two hours so that their Yeerk owner could repossess their bodies.

I did not understand the reaction of most human hosts. Instead of enjoying their two hours of freedom, most spent their time crying or screaming. Instead of resigning themselves to the impossibility of escaping, most attemptedto fight us. Yet it was obvious that a puny human could do nothing against a group of trained Hork-Bajir controllers.

Indeed, guards like me did not have the privilege of controlling a human, but had to settle for a Hork-Bajir. The Hork-Bajir are one of the many races enslaved by the Yeerk Empire, but they stand out from the others due to their incredible usefulness in combat. Although they are vegetarians, the Hork-Bajir resemble the most fearsome predators imaginable. To describe them simply, they are like raptors the size of two men with claws the size of a small sword on every imaginable part of their body. Additionally, they have skin thick enough to stop a rifle bullet, reinforced with limestone plates capable of stopping a shell at the location of vital organs. On top of that, they can run at the same speed as a horse and possess impressive strength. In a word, the Hork-Bajir are walking tanks.

The empire therefore raises them in large quantities so that they provide its shock troops. Unfortunately, despite all our efforts, their number remains limited. At the time of our invasion, their number did not exceed a hundred million and they reproduce very slowly. Quite the opposite of humans, whose numbers and rapid reproduction promised to provide the Yeerks with an unlimited number of hosts. Provided that the Yeerks are forced to reproduce more quickly, the high command hoped to obtain enough troops and workers in the near future to allow us to win the war against the Andalites.

Many Yeerks would have been happy with my assignment. It was an easy job, and the Hork-Bajir were very good hosts. But I couldn't stand this sinister cave where we had set up our headquarters. Nor the constant screams of the humans locked in the cages, mixed with those of my own host.

All day long, my Hork-Bajir host screamed for his freedom, and in the evening, he had nightmares. Even during the night, a Yeerk cannot disconnect from its host and stop seeing its thoughts. And the risk of being accused of sympathy and executed without trial by Visser-3 was too great for me to ease my conscience with other Yeerks. Worse, to justify why my host's resistance was still not broken, I had found nothing better than to say that I enjoyed hearing him scream. As a result, I now had the reputation of being a sadistic Yeerk.

Yet, it was quite the opposite. I was trying to be as kind as possible with my Hork-Bajir. But no matter what I said or did, he kept shouting for his freedom. I concluded that the Hork-Bajir were a species too stupid to negotiate with. Indeed, the Hork-Bajir had an intelligence similar to that of a 6-year-old human child. My host was simply incapable of understanding the situation and accepting my presence. The only thing that worked was torturing him by making him relive the worst moments of his life on loop. But I felt so much guilt that I was almost relieved to hear him scream again and I never did it again.

There must have been something abnormal about me. Normally, disciplining one's host was something natural and there was no reason to feel guilty about it. Some of my former teachers even said that a discipline session once a week was beneficial for the host and that one should not hesitate toapply one to him even if he had shown himself obedient. But I couldn't do it.

I had therefore made repeated requests to be assigned to another position. My dream was to become a ship pilot and have a Taxxon as a host. But my rank was too low for me to seriously hope for it. Until the day when Visser-One was replaced by Visser-Three at the head of the invasion. We hated each other, but he owed me a debt. He assured me that if I was patient, I would be entitled to a human host.

This news excited me. With this new host, I hoped everything would change. With my reputation, they would surely assign me an unwilling host (and even very unwilling). But I had been told that humans were much more intelligent than the Hork-Bajir. If that was true, then there might be a chance to reason with him and convince him to cooperate.

It is therefore with enthusiasm that, after several months of patience, I entered through the ear of my new host. A human named Tom Berenson. I connected to his brain in order to take control of his body and begin viewing all of his memories. I specify 'begin' because I had to stop quickly.

Already, because my host had regained consciousness and started to protest (I did not yet understand the concept of privacy at that time and found this request strange). But mostly because the memories were horrible. A memory was not just made up of images and sounds, but of all the sensations its owner had experienced at that time. Including their feelings. I could then feel the pain that Tom had experienced since his infestation. Yet, Temrash114 (his previous owner) had not been particularly sadistic. As one might expect from such a high-ranking Yeerk, he had treated his host by adhering as closely as possible to the empire's recommendations. Was it this human who was particularly sensitive, or did all hosts feel that? And in any case, how did Temrash114 manage to endure his human's suffering? Once again, I thought I must not be normal and felt a sense of shame.

But I had tried long enough to know that I would not be able to change. All I could do was hide my flaw from the other Yeerks and try to find a place where, despite it, I could live happily and serve the empire.

For the first time (of a long series), I broke the empire's rules and stopped my exploration of Tom's memory (much to his surprise). I made the secret sign to the guards, indicating that I was in control, then proceeded to the long stone staircase that would lead me to the surface. Once there, I waited for the system to identify my host, then entered the code that had been given to me in the pool. The doors finally opened.

I was then astounded by the beauty of the surface. For a while, all my worries vanished, and I spent at least an hour looking at and touching everything I found. This planet was truly magnificent, and human senses so, so, (..) there were no words to describe how incredible they were. But I had to interrupt my reverie when I heard a human ask if IDo not have a fainting spell. Apparently staring for 5 minutes, a cigarette butt crushed on the ground was considered abnormal by humans. I didn't know what this object was for, but the colors were so beautiful (should I specify that I was discovering the concept of color at the same time).

I assured him that I was perfectly fine and pulled myself together. I had to follow my host's routine and pass myself off as him. But I realized that, having not viewed all of his memories (especially the most recent ones), I didn't know what I was supposed to do. And also that my host had remained strangely silent since we left the yeerk pool.

Tom, what should I do?

"Leave my body and go die in hell, damn degenerate slug," replied Tom's voice, almost sobbing.

To my great surprise, I felt relief upon hearing this string of insults. I was afraid that my host had been completely broken by Temrash114. I don't know why that scared me. After all, a broken host would have been ideal. It would have guaranteed me some peace. So engrossed in my discovery of this fabulous world, I hadn't paid attention to my host's feelings and thoughts, but now, as I returned to myself, they overwhelmed me: fear, shame, pain, disgust, hatred, and above all, not the slightest ounce of hope. My own hopes of convincing him to become a volunteer melted like snow in the sun.

oOoOoOo

Author's note: For the curious, here is a magnificent drawing:

of an Andalite

2) of a Hork-Bajir:

His drawings are of course not mine and I take this opportunity to thankcharreed who created them and made them available for free on DeviantArt.

Go home

My host did not address me with any other words, but the feelings I received from him did not encourage me to ask him any more questions.

At least he wasn't screaming. I should have been pleased with this progress compared to my previous host. But the briefing I had received prompted me instead to consider this as a new form of inconvenience, much more subtle. I had been warned that humans, due to their vastly superior intelligence compared to Hork-Bajirs, did not resist in the same way.

Where the Hork-Bajirs were content to fight us constantly, the humans learned after a few weeks that it was pointless and that it was more effective to gather their forces for days in order to launch surprise attacks at the right moment. With this strategy, the humans sometimes managed to regain control for a few seconds and inflict a lot of pain on their Yeerk. Controlling a human requires less energy than controlling a Hork-Bajir, but it is much more stressful because you never know when the human will attack. You must constantly be on guard and ready to retaliate so that other humans do not notice anything. The secret is considered so crucial that any breach against it (even unintentional) is punishable by death.

In return, humans were much easier to train than other species (this was one of the reasons that made them so attractive to the Yeerks). After various trials, the Yeerks had found that humans had an extremely strong protective instinct towards their children (and before sexual maturation, towards their parents). The empire therefore recommended making them relive false memories in loops where they killed their children or parents to make them obedient. According to discussions I had heard between other Yeerks in the pool, it was a very effective technique, but I suspected that my mental illness would make me feel a lot of guilt if I used it. I would therefore have to invent a new method to tame Tom.

According to the reports that had been provided to me about my new host, Tom had not yet completed his sexual maturation and consequently his schedule was very constrained by his parents. He had to spend several hours every day in a large breeding center called high school, be home with his parents before dinner, and inform them of his whereabouts outside of those periods. To be sure not to miss this dinner time, I would probably have to go directly to his parents' house. However, I did not know which path to take for that.

In anticipation of my new assignment, I had reviewed city maps and noted some important addresses, but with its wonderful senses, everything was so different. In fact, I realized with concern that I wouldn't even be able to find the entrance to the pool on my own. No matter how hard I racked my brain, I had no choice but to search Tom's mind.

(Tom. I don't want to any more than you do, but I'm going to need to view your memories)

He said nothing, but felt a great deal of fear and anger. Faced with his silence, I took the time to read his mind to understand the reason for his feelings. I had barely begun to skim his thoughts when I screamed:

(No, it's not a punishment. I would never hurt you just because you insulted me). I didn't specify that I would probably never hurt him no matter what he did, because I wanted him to keep fearing me. All the manuals said that hosts should have a little fear for their Yeerk.

But I could tell that he didn't believe me. His thoughts were those of prey caught in a trap waiting for its execution. I repeated to him for a long time to calm down and that I wouldn't do anything to him, but it was practically without effect. I finally resigned myself to committing the unthinkable. Red with shame (despite the fact that no Yeerk could see me), I started humming the lullaby that the sergeant in charge of my batch would sing to us to put us to sleep when I was a very small larva.

In the natural state, we do not have the sense of hearing and even less the ability to emit sounds. We could only send basic vibrations through the water by moving our bodies. It was not exactly a lullaby. It was a set of sensations and emotions emitted at a certain rhythm. In the pool, his emotions were transmitted by touch and accompanied by comforting words conveyed by pheromones. I strove to translate it as best as possible into a melody and activation of human feelings and sensations in a certain rhythm.

Very quickly, Tom relaxed and felt pleasure in experiencing the lullaby. But he almost immediately felt a strong disgust with himself. I took the gentlest way I could to tell him:

Tom, there is no need to be ashamed. A prisoner can enjoy the food he is given without necessarily liking being locked up.

He remained silent, but I saw that I had said the right thing. He felt much less shame about what had just happened. He finally spoke with a lot of fear.

If you think a few caresses are enough to win me over, you're wrong. I would never be your slave.

(I had more or less understood that. But I don't understand why. It would be much more pleasant for both of us.)

Well, come on. I don't know. Because I'm not a fucking traitor. Because I'm not a dog that can be bought by giving it a bone to chew on. Because I'm not going to help you enslave my family.

I cut him off:

(What is a dog?)

My question caused a slight smile from him.

(Without wanting to offend you, you don't seem very qualified for the position). Tom replied after a moment.

(That's why I need to visualize your memories. I need to know how to behave and everything a normal human knows. Believe me, I don't want to either, but it's just a bad moment to get through).

A silence followed. I gave him all the time he needed and refrained from delving too deeply into his thoughts. In any case, I had been still for too long. I decided to start walking aimlessly to appear less suspicious. I could no longer focus on how his thoughts were evolving.

Finally, he said:

Are you asking for my permission?

(Yes)

(Why?)

He annoyed me by nitpicking like that and asking me for justifications for everything. I replied mechanically:

I don't know.

(So if I summarize, you're asking me to allow you free access to my memories in order to help your species turn humans into slaves without them noticing anything. Why would I say yes?)

I stopped again and explained:

(I hadn't thought about it that way. Honestly, I have no idea. In fact, I just thought that since I'm going to end up looking at your memories by force anyway, it would be more pleasant for both of us if you cooperated.)

"You know what, go to hell," he spat at me.

He curled up again, ready to receive pain. I sighed loudly and continued in a soft voice:

Can you at least tell me which way I should take to go to your parents' house?

He reassured himself that I still wasn't going to punish him, but silently prepared for a painful and humiliating search of his memories (I didn't yet understand how it could be humiliating for someone to see all your memories). But despite himself, he couldn't help thinking of the answer and by focusing on intercepting all his thoughts, I was able to obtain the information I wanted.

(I would try to make do with it. But I want to emphasize that it doesn't help much not to answer my questions).

Evening meal

Author's note:In order to take into account the lack of success of the Animorphs series in France and the age of the series, my chapters will regularly start with reminders of what is happening in the canon at that time. These reminders are completely optional, but I think it's better to read them (but you can do as you prefer).

Cannon recallWhile Tom is infested by his new Yeerk, the Animorphs attack the hospital controlled by the Yeerks (the sick are treated for free but leave with a larva in their head). The purpose of the attack is, of course, to neutralize the hospital, but also to prevent the Yeerks from infesting the future president of the USA. The operation is a success and the hospital is destroyed.

But following a mistake, during the attack Jack is infested by a Yeerk. Fortunately, his friends realize it and decide to lock him in a cabin deep in the woods (the time needed for the Yeerk in his head to starve to death). So that no one notices his absence, Axe pretends to be him for 3 days. In the books, all we know is that Axe messed up so much that when Jack returned, his parents forced him to see a therapist. I will be obliged to write what happened. My version will surely be less good than the one you imagined, but I hope it will still make you laugh.

As a reminder, Axe is the nickname given by the Animorphs to an Andalite child who found himself trapped on Earth after the Yeerks destroyed the world ship he was traveling on. The AnimorphsYou are a professional translator. Directly translate this text into English, without adding anything.saved his life and helped him hide on Earth. Like all Andalites, he has the power to morph and has therefore joined the group of Animorphs in their fight against the Yeerks (in the process taking from Tobias the title of the most unusual member of the Animorphs group).

oOoOoOo

After two hours of exhausting walking and concentrating to read Tom's thoughts, I finally arrived in what I thought was the street where he lived. I was exhausted. How had Temrash114 managed to endure making this journey regularly?

(Is it this house?) I asked

(NO, NO, NO, NO) Tom replied, trying not to think about the answer.

For peace of mind, I checked deep in her thoughts that it was indeed there. Then I entered. A human immediately came to meet me.

Hello my darling. You wouldn't have come across your brother on the way back?

No. I replied.

Ah! I had told him that I wanted him to be back before nightfall. With all these disappearances that have occurred recently, I don't like knowing he's outside.

Don't worry ma'am, less than 0.01% of children are abducted in the USA.

What's gotten into you to call me madam?

Uh sorry, I am tired.

Okay, did you lock the garage door after parking the car?

The car!?

Oh yes, I probably should have warned you, Temrash114 went to the Yeerk pool using mom's car. It's a shame now she must have a big fine for not putting enough money in the parking meter. The car might even have been towed. Mom will never let you borrow her car again. You won't be able to feed yourself as easily or move around for Yeerk missions. You're right, there's no point in not answering your questions, Tom taunted me.

I focused again on his thoughts and despite his pitiful efforts to hide it from me, I saw that he had found a way for me to get out of this predicament. I responded to him mentally with a mix of anger and satisfaction:

Well done. Since tomorrow I have to go back to the pool to get that car, I'll take the opportunity to ask a Yeerk controlling a police officer to cancel the fine. Congratulations, you've earned two more hours in the cages. I'll make sure you're put with my former Hork-Bajir. If you manage to avoid his claws, you can get acquainted.

Then I declared aloud:

Yes, of course. Can I borrow it from you again tomorrow morning? I promise I'll bring it back to you before lunch.

Again! Are you going to spend all your time in that weird association?

It's just that I forgot something. I need to go quickly. And besides, she's not weird.

Alright, as you wish. But in that case, you'll stop at the car wash and run some errands for me.

That works.

There, with luck, she won't notice that her car is gone.

"You're doing well, slug," replied Tom with a defiant air that didn't match his emotions at all. It was just a facade hiding despair. Unfortunately, I didn't have time to dig deeper.

(Don't be a sore loser, Tom)

(You are not the one who will have to endure two more hours in hell)

How is it hell? Okay, it's true that the cages are a bit overcrowded, but that's less and less the case. We were just a bit overwhelmed by the success of the invasion.

"Are you serious?" he asked me.

I did not respond to him and refocused on playing my role. Tom's mother returned to the living room to watch TV with a man whom I assumed was Tom's father. He greeted me, which I returned, sat on the couch, and began pretending to watch TV. I say pretending because I couldn't help but admire everything within my reach. How could I settle for the flat images coming from that little box when the room was filled with colorful objects of all sorts? But what caught my eye the most were the changing light plays occurring in an aquarium on the side. It was so beautiful. I so wanted to get up and touch it. What exceptional eyes.

I realized after a while that Tom's parents were staring at me strangely. I forced myself with difficulty to refocus my gaze on the TV. A man with a forced smile was asking a question to four other people who were pressing buzzers. Tom's father shouted the answer just before the contestant.

Ah easy Elton John, he was my favorite singer when I was young. You look strange tonight. Are you okay, Tom? Tom's father asked me.

Yes, very well.

Question science now, nicknamed the Shepherd's Star, I am the brightest celestial object in the night sky after the moon, ...

I screamed:

The quasar 3C 273. As I had seen Tom's father do a little earlier.

Yes, Venus was the correct answer, Miss Rica. You therefore win a place in the final.

But at that moment the door opened and two 13-year-old children entered. One was white, brown-haired, tall, and athletic. In fact, except for his small size, he looked a lot like the rest of Tom's family. It must have been Jack: Tom's little brother, whose existence I had noted while reading Tom's file. The other was dark-skinned, with long brown hair. I would have liked to have more details about him, but Tom's only superficial thoughts about him were: 'the clown,' and I didn't want to push my research further into his mind.

Ah finally. Jack, I told you to let me know if you were going to be late. Scolded Tom's mother.

Excuse us, ma'am. Jack and I didn't see the time. One of the children replied.

Marco can explain himself, it seems to me. Objected Tom's mother.

Sorry, mamamman. Replied the other, seeming to play with his tongue as he spoke.

Well, let's not talk about it anymore. Help me set the table, we're going to eat. I hope you're hungry. I made a chicken. Marco, it's late. If you want to stay over, I'll inform your father.

No, that's kind, but I have to go home. We've planned something. He replied evasively.

Okay. Good evening.

Oh yes, I am very hungry fun fun. Jack replied.

I noticed that Marco elbowed Jack in the back to stop him from repeating that word over and over. Probably a game that human children played to learn to speak.

Oh finally, I might stay after all. Said Marco

No, you have to go go go must. Replied Jack, almost pushing his friend outside.

Tom's father turned off the TV and we settled around a table while Jack placed utensils whose use I did not know in front of each guest under the worried gaze of his parents. I didn't quite understand what worried them. He looked perfectly healthy. At least the advantage was that he was no longer interested in me. I took the opportunity to observe the objects Jack had placed in front of me for a long time. I would later learn that it was 5 forks and a bowl of soup. I really liked the smooth texture of the bowl. Touch was a much less impressive sense than sight, but very pleasant.

Hey, let him go my dear. Please sit down. Said Tom's mother to Jack.

Yes mom. I love you. Jack replied.

Tom's mother blushed but moved away with a perplexed look, while Tom's father completely changed the utensils placed in front of us to an arrangement that I found much less beautiful and which was the same for all the guests. And my wonderful bowl was replaced by a plain white ceramic plate of little interest. I glanced at Jack to see what he thought. When our eyes met, I thought I saw a deep look of hatred that disappeared quite quickly.

I must have seen wrong. According to the brief summary given to me by Temrash114, Tom and his brother got along very well. Or maybe not? Temrash114 seemed to hate this powerless host who had been recruited by mistake and whom he found unworthy of a Yeerk of his rank. He may have neglected his work to the point of angering Jack. And then he was ambitious, and you can never trust them. Before my assignment on Earth, how many times had I almost died in an assault because an ambitious officer wanting to get noticed decided to attempt an assault before our bombers had time to sufficiently destroy the enemy defenses or before our laser artillery had managed to get rid of the drone swarms? How many times had I seen young recruits eagerly accept the order, certain of covering themselves with glory? Finally, the context was different. Earth was not a battlefield... Not yet.

Meanwhile, Tom's mother brought a large dish containing a chicken with fries and then served a generous portion to each of the guests. Once everyone was served, she sat down, joined her hands, closed her eyes, and began a prayer. I awkwardly imitated her, but she suddenly stopped. I reopened my eyes and saw that Jack was greedily devouring the fries and chicken with his hands.Apparently, it was finally time to eat, and I imitated him much more slowly. I wasn't sure I had enough control over this body to eat at such a pace. I took one of the fries in my hands and placed it in my mouth. Immediately, there was an explosion of flavor, and I let out a cry of pleasure before stuffing food into my mouth at the same pace as Jack. How good it was! So this is what it feels like to eat as a human. It's nothing like what a Hork-Bajir feels when eating tree bark. Very quickly, my plate was empty, and I rushed to get more. But I was stopped by the sight of Jack who had climbed onto the table to eat directly from the dish under the astonished gaze of his parents.

ENOUGH NOW, WHAT'S GOT INTO YOU TONIGHT? GET DOWN FROM THAT TABLE IMMEDIATELY. We are not savages. AND APOLOGIZE TO YOUR MOTHER RIGHT AWAY. Ordered Tom's father firmly (but without shouting).

Jack got down from the table as requested, but took a chicken wing that he continued to eat while repeating over and over:

Excuse me, mom. Excuse me, mom. Excuse me, mom.

Before taking what was left of the poor chicken carcass and eating it whole. It wasn't fair. I wanted some more too.

Hey, who wants dessert? Tom's mother finally said.

oOoOoOo

After this delicious meal where, by fighting, I managed to recover half a pie, 12 slices of ham, 6 yogurts, and one of the cans that Jack had found under the kitchen sink, Tom's father ordered us to go to our rooms and stay there until further notice. I tried to sleep, tired from this day and aware that I would have to wake up early tomorrow to fix the trick Tom had played on me. But something tormented me. At first, I thought it was Tom who had decided to choose this moment to bother me, but very quickly, I realized that it came from my stomach. A horrible pain was slowly spreading throughout my body.

The only other time I had been in so much pain was when a plasma shot had pierced through all three of my Hork-Bajir's kidneys during the siege of antimatter production station No. 3 in the Altarie Nebula. Fortunately, it still had a fourth one. Suddenly, I was no longer in this typical American teenager's room, but in the narrow corridors of that factory, dragging myself agonizingly on the floor to hide under the corpses of my victims.

But a violent urge to vomit brought me back to reality.

It's horrible. I think I'm going to die. I said aloud.

(But no, you're not going to die. And go vomit in the toilet). Tom ordered me.

It's the world turned upside down, a host giving orders to its Yeerk, I thought. But aware that I needed all the help available, I simply asked him:

What are toilets?

This is the water fountain where you tried to drink earlier. There is an adjoining one to my room.

Are you out of your mind? I'm not going to vomit in drinking water. It's far too precious a resource.

(Much less valuable than my Batman comics collection)

Ah, what's the point since I'm going to die?

He thought very hard about times when he was sick. His memories overwhelmed me and I saw that he had experienced much more severe pain but had survived. This reassured me. Then made me want to vomit again. But this time I made the effort to drag myself to the bathroom.

Thank you Tom

(Do not think for a moment that it is kindness on my part. I have something to ask of you in return)

What is happening to me?

(This is a taste of what you will endure every night as long as you are in my body)

Stop messing with me. If it were true, our classes would have mentioned it. The other Yeerks would have told me about it. Please, don't make me search your mind, I'm really not in the mood for that.

(Okay, that's just what happens when you drink an entire bottle of motor oil. In fact, even without the motor oil, you would probably have been sick considering everything you ate.)

I strained my ears toward the door leading to her brother's room (this bathroom opened onto both our rooms).

How come your brother doesn't have anything?

(This is exactly the service I want you to do for me. I want to know what's happening to him). He explained, emitting fear hormones that did nothing to improve my nausea.

(What do you mean? What's wrong with your brother?)

He mentally sighed while I was vomiting.

Okay, look into my memories. It's the only way for you to understand what's wrong. But just this once. Anyway, at the pace it was going, I would have had to give in so you wouldn't kill us.

Are you sure? I had thought about doing it in your sleep. That way, you won't notice anything.

(Saying that I was beginning to believe you didn't want to take advantage of me)

(It is the case. It is a perfect solution. It prevents you from having to relive unpleasant memories, while allowing me to access the information I need.)

That's not the problem. Well, yes, but not only that.

So what is it? Explain it to me. If you don't want me to mistreat you, I need to understand what is causing you pain.

(Well, it's ... It's not easy to explain. Just listen, please, if you have to explore my mind, do it when I am conscious)

Thank you Tom. I don't understand why, but I feel that it is really not easy for you.

(It is not for you that I am doing it)

(I know. You do it for your brother. You are afraid he is infected and you want me to make sure that is not the case)

You could ask my opinion before reading my mind.

I can't. It's just automatic. It's like asking you to stop your heart from beating. If I'm distracted by something else, it will be background noise that I won't pay attention to. If you hide thoughts from me, I'll need a slight conscious effort to access them. And not necessarily, because when you think about hiding something from me, you think about it.necessarily at certain moments. But whether I want it or not, I hear everything you think and feel everything you feel

Great. Really great.

Oh no, not great at all. It's torture to constantly hear the thoughts of your host. Especially when they are unpleasant. Hearing insults day and night and receiving hatred constantly. It's so horrible that I can't help but cry when I find a corner to isolate myself in the pool.

(It was sarcasm. But glad to hear that it serves a purpose to resist you)

(Thank you, Tom) I said emotionally.

(What? Why?)

(This is the first time one of my guests has shown compassion.)

No, but you're sick. I hate you and your vile race.

Yes, that too. It's common for hosts to feel conflicting emotions. And that doesn't make you a traitor. Listen, regarding your brother, if it had been planned to infect him, Temrash114 would probably have been aware and he gave me a whole spiel about how if I managed to infect that arrogant little Smurf, he would use his new influence to get me a promotion.

(What, that bastard. You're not seriously going to ...)

I don't care about advancement and have no desire for one of his lackeys to be constantly present to spy on me and report any mistake I make. In short, it's unlikely, but since his future host is expected to become the next president of the United States, he has been positively noticed by Visser-3 and many ambitious Yeerks are trying to please him. It's possible that one of them decided to violate protocols at the risk of the invasion being discovered to infest Jack. But I repeat, it's very, very unlikely. Breaking the rules, even if it yields good results, is the best way to incur the wrath of Visser-3. And I doubt anyone other than me is aware that your brother angered Temrash114. Being affected by the behavior of an inferior being is not the kind of thing an ambitious Yeerk boasts about. Especially in front of their groupies.

(A lower being? Forget it, I don't want any comments. In that case, what's wrong with him?) asked Tom.

I sat along the wall not far from the toilet bowl. I was starting to feel better.

If I understand correctly, he has abnormal behavior and notably a very strong appetite.

(In short, that's it, yes!)

(This reminds me of a course on human psychology that I was forced to take before your infestation. Wait while I remember)

I recalled the memory and imposed it on our shared consciousness.

« In this culture, shortly after the onset of puberty, many male humans take psychotropic substances such as cannabis or methamphetamine. It is a rite of passage into adulthood with little health risk. However, repeated use is a sign of a deeper problem and a vulnerability that predisposes the young human to various physical and mental illnesses. Infestation as quickly as possible, in addition to healing the human, allows in 90% of cases to obtain a high-quality voluntary host. The longer we wait, the more the physical and mental condition of the human deteriorates under the effect of thesubstances and the underlying problem. It is therefore important to identify the symptoms as early as possible and to subject the human to the infestation. The symptoms are a strong appetite and a significant change in attitude.

In other cultures and at different ages of life, it is not uncommon for these substances to be taken regularly for social and sexual emulsion purposes. The humans in question generally become very unwilling hosts and should only be approached if their social position would bring significant benefit to the invasion. »

I know you had a bad experience with Temrash114, but maybe you should consider that an infestation would be a good thing for your brother. It's not in my interest, but if it can...

(IT IS OUT OF THE QUESTION THAT YOU PUT YOUR DIRTY DROOLING PAWS ON HIM)

(Okay. No need to shout.) I tried to calm him.

(And he does not do drugs.)

How do you know?

I know it, that's all. He is not like me. He has always been ultra responsible and everything. He would never do drugs.

I cautiously added, suspecting that it was a sensitive subject:

You haven't spoken to him in a long time. Finally, I doubt that Temrash114 allowed you to maintain strong ties with him.

He doesn't do drugs. He said more weakly. Anyway, cannabis doesn't have that kind of effect. After taking it, you're almost drowsy, whereas there, he was all excited. And you don't get the munchies that much. Besides, around here to get drugs, you have to go through Bruno and he would never have sold meth to 13-year-old kids.

I went back to bed, taking care to set the alarm to ring early.

(Tomorrow, I will take advantage of my visit to the pool to check the register. This will allow us to rule out the possibility of an infestation.)

I suppose that now we're in for a brain-picking session.

He tried to appear detached and say it with humor, but he was terrified by the idea. In addition to terror, I felt a deep disgust for himself.

No. I'll manage otherwise.

I slightly detached myself from my host's brain, enjoying for the first time in years the ability to fall asleep in silence without having to keep full control over my host's body. Honestly, what a relief. At least until Tom broke the silence.

You said your former host was a Hork-Bajir?

(Yes)

(Were you a lifeguard before?)

(Of course. What else would you expect a Hork-Bajir controller to do on Earth? We don't exactly blend in, in case you hadn't noticed.)

How could you do this work?

I don't understand the question? Why wouldn't I have succeeded?

I don't know, you're all nice and cute and you're telling me that less than 24 hours ago, you were a concentration camp guard.

(What is a concentration camp?)

(No matter, that's not the question)

(Yes, but to answer you, I need to understand your question. And I admit I'm a bit tired of making efforts to read your thoughts in detail. I've done it enough during the two-hour walk you subjected me to out of sheer pettiness.)

(Pure pettiness!? Forget it, I have my answer.)

On his enigmatic words, he also tried to fall asleep and after making sure he was asleep, I finally relaxed. This animal was difficult, but at least with him, I could have peaceful nights. And that's when he started having nightmares. Despite my promise, I found myself overwhelmed by the emotions and memories he probably didn't want me to see (and that I didn't want to see either).

I had to tighten my control to the maximum to prevent him from screaming. I spent the night singing Yeerk lullabies to him and giving him mental hugs (an endorphin secretion and the looping of pleasant memories that simulate the feeling of receiving a hug).

So much for peaceful nights. But at least now, I understood his question. On the other hand, I no longer knew how to answer it.

Jack has a secret

The next day, upon returning from the pool, my host was eagerly awaiting my return.

(So?)

Once I had finished taking control, I signaled to the Hork-Bajir to let me raise my head out of the water and took a deep breath. The most unpleasant thing about re-entering a human body is the sensation of drowning. Many Yeerks complained to the Hork-Bajir to stop forcibly holding humans' heads underwater during the entire procedure. But I had been a guard long enough to know that with involuntary humans, it was the only effective method. Nevertheless, I now understood the persistence and recurrence of the controllers' complaints on this subject. Once I had calmed down, I responded to him.

Jack is definitely not a controller.

(Whew, thank you Thévenin) replied Tom with relief.

(It is somewhat insulting that you would prefer he be drugged, but I have another piece of news that should interest you.)

"Spit it out," he asked me with concern (news about the Yeerks is rarely good for humans).

Temrash114 died last night. A small Andalite commando attacked the hospital just before the governor came for surgery. They boiled alive all the Yeerks in the infestation pool, then used their morphing technology to destroy the hospital. Upon learning this, Visser-3 was furious and had the Yeerk in charge of site security executed. We better keep a particularly low profile in the coming days.

Once he had assimilated the news, I had the pleasure of feeling joy from my host for the first time. But this pleasant feeling was quickly replaced by panic and pleas from him. I then took my gentlest approach to say to him mentally:

It will be okay, Tom, I'm not angry. I understand that you are relieved after all he did to you. And I promised you to never torture you.

To further calm him, I gave him a mental hug. He pushed me away, but being in his mind, he couldn't hide from me that he had appreciated it.

(Yes, I know) he replied.

(But you still don't believe me). It was not a question, but a statement.

While I was talking to him, I had climbed one of the many staircases that allowed access to the surface via a hidden exit. Yesterday, I had barely noticed it, but today it seemed like a real ascent.

Unlike the other feeding areas secretly set up by the Yeerks around the globe, this cavern not only housed a gigantic pool with the volume of several Olympic stadiums but also all sorts of administrative buildings, factories, arsenals, and housing for controllers of various species who lived permanently in the HQ (like my former pool guard colleagues). It was a true underground megalopolis and one of the nerve centers of the invasion. Consequently, the protection of the place was vital. It had therefore been deeply buried, and zero-gravity elevators were prohibited. The only way in and out was through endless and labyrinthine stone staircases regularly equipped with security posts.

I turned around to take a break and I was able to get an overview of our facilities. With human eyes, it was breathtaking. Under a stone sky that stretched beyond the horizon, there was a vast black lake where the light of the LEDs was reflected like stars. All around, all sorts of colorful species were bustling in a precisely choreographed dance. I really wanted to take a few minutes to rest and admire the view.

But even from here, we could hear the cries of the humans locked in the cages, and after the almost sleepless night I had just spent, I didn't have the energy to fight Tom's desire to leave this place as quickly as possible. I felt as exhausted as the time when I had to defend access to the engine room of the x-301 satellite for several days before reinforcements came to break the Andalite siege. I was probably getting older.

Since last night, Tom's feelings towards me had improved a lot. But consciously or not, he continued to fight my influence and wanted to regain control of his body. I had to face the facts, he would never become a willing host. I hadn't gained any of the advantages I hoped for, and my situation was objectively worse than when I possessed my old Hork-Bajir. Nevertheless, without being able to explain it, I was happy with this change of hosts. I had taken a sort of strange pleasure in taking care of him. Maybe Tom's fragility had activated an old instinct to protect our hosts. Or more likely, I had discovered another aspect of my deviance and had to ensure that no Yeerk discovered it.

Once in the daylight, I asked Tom where his mother's car was. He hesitated for a long time but eventually answered me. That relieved me. I was beginning to think I would have to constantly struggle against him. Maybe, after all, in some respects, Tom was a better host.

oOoOoOoOo

5 days passed and things didn't go so badly. I gradually learned to pass myself off as Tom, and the psychiatric examination that his parents imposed on us (Jack and me) revealed nothing abnormal, apart from a high level of stress in Jack, which was attributed to the onset of adolescence. Tom stopped worrying about his little brother when he resumedSuddenly a normal behavior. I noticed that indeed his behavior had nothing to do with it, except that he seemed to harbor a deep resentment towards me. This hurt Tom, but he understood that his little brother felt abandoned given the indifference tinged with hostility that Temrash114 had shown towards him. Despite Tom's protests, I tried to get closer to Jack (he was afraid I would turn him into a controller). But Jack didn't give me the slightest chance and pushed me away coldly. This once again triggered conflicting feelings from Tom.

When evening came, I took a ball and quietly left his house to go to the nearest basketball court. Once I made sure it was completely deserted, I passed the ball to Tom.

Ouch! That hurts. Exclaimed Tom, still displaying a huge smile as he regained control of his body. As long as I had control, I felt a large part of the pain emitted by his body in his place. But now he had to endure all the pain from the various injuries inflicted on him by the guards.

(It is your fault, if you did not resist so much, the Hork-Bajir guards would not harm you. Well, they would harm you less.)

Well yes, it's my fault if they hit us to make us go faster. He said with annoyance as he began trying to make baskets and dribbles against an imaginary enemy.

(Speak in your head, someone might hear you.) I said panicked. (If another human-controller passed by and discovered that I am giving you control, I would be lucky if I suffer a quick death.)

(Sorry)

(It doesn't matter. You know if you stopped fighting the guards, I could convince them to treat you better.)

I know and I'm really trying. But every time he takes me to the pool, I, I...

(I understand. It's okay, we'll go at your pace) I replied, giving them a mental hug and assessing their performance.

The second day, while we were in gym class and I met the gaze of his former teammates, Tom sadly thought back to the day when Temrash114 had decided that Tom should leave his basketball team so he could devote more time to serving the empire. At that moment, he had been completely torn having to helplessly witness the destruction of that part of his life. Apparently, before his infestation, basketball was his whole life and he was expected to play in an organization called the NBA (I didn't know what it was, but in his thoughts, I saw that it is very prestigious for humans). That gave me an idea.

When night came, without telling him anything, I took him to the nearest field and surprised him by giving him control. He then felt immense joy. But as soon as he tried to dribble, the ball slipped from his hands and he fell to the ground trying to catch it. I tried to reassure him by saying it was temporary. That it had been so long since he had control of his body, it was normal for him to need an adjustment period. But an hour later, he missed a basket he would have previously made with his eyes closed and collapsed to the ground in tears.

In just a few days, he had made a lot of progress. But he could never again be part of a professional team. Despite everything now, heHe had accepted it, he was eagerly awaiting the next time he could play. And his outings were a good way for him to recover from the two hours he had to spend in a cage amidst the screams of the other hoods, recalling the many traumas he had suffered during his previous visits to this place. I would have liked to spare him his visits, but I had to feed myself and report to my superiors. Not to mention that for me, his two hours outside his head were a blessing. Two hours without any responsibility, just having to be myself and not having to endure intrusive thoughts.

Once he was exhausted, I convinced him to let me take back control and sang him a Yeerk lullaby to make him fall asleep. I went home with my host asleep (receded in his head) convinced that that night he wouldn't inflict his nightmares on me and I could think in peace. But after a few hours, Tom was awakened by screams coming from his little brother Jack's room.

Without even thinking about it, he got up and immediately went to see what was happening. I didn't like letting him move around the house without my supervision, but for once, I let him do it.

Once in the room, he stared at his little brother who was struggling in his sleep, screaming:

No! Get out of my body!

Tom approached him and grabbed him by the shoulder to try to wake him up. Immediately, he jumped out of his bed and his face turned towards Tom. As soon as he saw him, his face filled with fear. Faced with this look, Tom instinctively stepped back and raised his hands.

Calm down, dwarf. It's just me, Tom. You are safe.

What are you doing in my room? Jack shouted with a look full of hatred towards him.

I could feel that it upset Tom. Until now, Jack had seemed cold and resentful towards Tom, but he had never given him such a look of hatred. It was as if he hated him from the depths of his being.

Uh, you were having a nightmare so I wanted to help you. Is everything okay?

Everything is fine now, so get out of my room.

(Go back to bed Tom, Grouchy Smurf will be calmer tomorrow morning). I asked him, but he ignored me.

You know, I'm here if you want to talk to me? You can tell me anything. You screamed 'get out of my body'. What did you dream about?

All of a sudden, I was interested myself. I was so focused on what Tom was doing and on being ready to take back control at any moment that I hadn't really noted what Jack was saying. I shivered at the thought of what it could mean and the implications it would have. But I made no comment and just observed Jack through Tom's eyes. Hatred had briefly given way to fear.

To nothing. You have trouble hearing. I was dreaming that I was drowning. I must have yelled get out of the harbor. Now, get out.

OK, I'm leaving. Calm down. Good night, dwarf. I'm here if you need me. Even if I'm asleep, you can wake me up.

Tom decided to lie back down on his bed, but he did not fall asleep. He was furious.

Thévenin, can you explain to me, what is this mess? Why is my brother dreaming that he is infested by a Yeerk?

I have no idea. And for all we know, he told us the truth. He might have just dreamed of ...

He interrupted me:

(Replay the memory now.)

Are you sure? It may not be a good idea.

(Do it!)

Once again, I should have been outraged that he dared to give me orders, but I complied without a word. We replayed the memory, and it was clear that Jack had lied to us. The more I replayed the memory, the clearer it was to me that my worst-case scenario had come true.

"What did you do to him? You took advantage of my sleep to hurt him, you bastard. To think I was starting to trust you," Tom reproached me.

(What? Tom, I swear I didn't do anything to him. You have to believe me. What interest would I have in doing that?)

(I don't know another of your sadistic pleasures.)

I didn't even bother to respond to that and continued:

Did you hear like me? He dreamed that something had entered his body, how could I have done that without leaving your head?

(Do you think another Yeerk has infested him?) he said, feeling dread.

(No, we already talked about it. I would know if that were the case. Not to mention that if he had a Yeerk in his head, it would have stopped him from screaming. He is free and aware of the invasion. Aware of us.)

NO! He shouted as he understood the implications.

I regained full control so he wouldn't wake his parents or his brother.

Calm down, Tom. It's not that bad. If I take care of his infestation, I can make sure he gets a gentle yeerk. One that had good relations with its previous hosts.

(No, maybe we misunderstood. Maybe he just secretly watched Alien and dreamed that a xenomorph was laying eggs in his mouth).

Tom, you know the rules as well as I do. Even if there remains a doubt, I must organize its infestation to ensure that the invasion remains secret. If it is discovered that I have...

I'm begging you, don't do that. I'll do whatever you want, but please not that.

It was useless to reason with him any further. I decided to put him to sleep by force (something we were supposed to do only rarely to avoid damaging our host) and stay alone to think. But very quickly, I was besieged by nightmares where, because of him, his family was infested and then tortured before becoming one of those empty shells we increasingly encountered in the pool line. This irritated me greatly. Could he not leave me alone, even for a moment? Since I couldn't think about it calmly anyway, I might as well postpone the decision. And he was right. Maybe we were worrying for nothing.

The rest of the week, I spent a lot of time secretly observing him. I noticed that he was extremely stressed. Far too much for a human teenager. To the point where I wondered how it was possible that he didn't fall ill. Moreover, he was regularly absent, giving reasons that turned out to be bogus upon verification. Nevertheless, he was entering adolescence. Maybe he had joined a gang. And we still hadn't ruled out the possibility that he might be using drugs. I really hoped he had just started using drugs.

However, at the end of the week, I received a strange phone call:

I have a message. Said a thick and twisted voice just after I picked up.

What? I asked.

Don't give up, Tom. Never give up.

It hung up before I could answer anything.

(Thevenin doesn't mean anything. You know, you're not very good at passing yourself off as a human) declared Tom with a pleading voice.

Whose fault is it? If you let me access your memories freely, it would be much easier.

(This is not what I mean.)

I know, Tom. I know very well what you mean.

I used the phone's return key to be sure. It rang into the void and after 7 rings, I ended up on the voicemail of Marco's father's cell phone (I had learned since the first night that he was Jack's best friend since childhood).

I could no longer ignore the problem. The more time passed, the more likely it became that Jack would try something stupid to free his brother or warn the other humans. If that happened, the whole family would be forcibly infested (and there was little chance it would be by gentle yeerks). And at best, I would be reassigned to a Hork-Bajir for incompetence (I don't dare imagine what would happen if the case was deemed serious enough for Visser-3 to personally choose my punishment). As unpleasant as it was going to be, I had made my decision. All that was left was to decide how I was going to go about it.

Jack at the pool

During the rest of the week, I planned my move as much as possible to leave nothing to chance. When I learned that Jack's parents would be absent all Saturday afternoon, I decided to act at that time.

I then shifted my meal days so I could go to the pool on Saturday mornings. That way, if something went wrong, I would have time to find a solution before having to eat again. Tom had fought like never before against the guards. Both to try to escape (to warn his brother) and to make me suffer from his injuries when I would regain possession of his body. And even now, even though he knew it was hopeless, he was fighting with all his strength to regain control.

That's how I found myself full of apprehension entering the kitchen, trying to ignore Tom's screams and the numerous injuries the Hork-Bajir guards had inflicted on him that morning. Jack was there doing his homework. Alone and totally vulnerable.

I would have no trouble mastering him with Tom's body (even if he hadn't practiced for a long time, it was still the body of an exceptionally tall athlete). I took a moment to observe him. When I was sure that 15 minutes had passed since he finished drinking his glass of orange juice, I said in a voice hoarse from the screams Tom had let out for two hours:

Hi Jack.

Hi Tom, he replied, looking at me as if I were a particularly disgusting stain on his shoes.

Can you come to my room, please?

Why? He said suspiciously.

I have to show you something.

I am busy, I am doing my homework. He replied without trying to hide his annoyance.

Go on, dwarf. You're not going to tell me you're spending your Saturday doing homework? That doesn't sound like you. What are you hiding from me? I said as I approached him, but he backed away.

Okay, I'm following you. He said hastily.

I headed towards Tom's room, but despite his words, Jack remained seated.

Come on, are you coming?

Yes, it's fine, I'm coming. Replied the Grouchy Smurf in a drawling voice.

Finally, he got up and followed me. Very slowly, but he followed me. Tom's screams intensified, I told him as gently as possible.

Courage. Soon, everything will be over.

I paid no attention to her response, suspecting that it contained nothing pleasant regarding me.

In the middle of the staircase, he turned around and said:

I have to call Marco.

He wanted to go down towards the phone, but he staggered and almost fell. I caught him at the last moment before he broke his neck on the stairs. I swore. The dealer at the school exit had assured me that the GHB would take 30 minutes to take effect. But at the same time, I hadn't told him it was for a 13-year-old child.

Tom, let go of me or the tiger will attack you. He said, pushing me away.

Marco is in my room, he's waiting for you. I pretended.

What did you do to him, you dirty slug? Marco, I'm coming to help you.

He ran towards Tom's room. Or rather, he tried to run and ended up reaching it by crawling half the time. I might not have put so much in his orange juice. When I saw him collapse half-unconscious on the carpet, I anxiously recalled the dealer's warning that too strong a dose would cause a coma. But he was still mumbling incomprehensible words about Homer (that's the name of his dog), so I figured it was okay. And then, thanks to my mistake, I now had the certainty that he was aware of the yeerk. So I had no more reason to doubt or have qualms. So why did I feel so bad?

I took the handcuffs out of the bedside table drawer (which I had bought the day before in a sex shop). Then, with great effort, I carried him on my back to the trunk of Tom's mother's car, trying to ignore the incoherent words he occasionally murmured. I could have saved myself some effort by telling him to go directly to the garage, but I hadn't wanted to risk sending him to a place where it was just as easy to escape (and be noticed by passersby).

After making sure he could breathe effortlessly, I closed the trunk of the car and got into the front. I then let out a sigh of relief I hadn't realized I was holding. Everything had gone as planned. All I had to do was turn the ignition key and drive to one of the secret entrances of the yeerk pool. But I hesitated and decided to look at the few memories I had gathered about Jack. How at 6 years old, he had comeAsk his big brother to look under his bed to see if there was a monster after he had secretly watched a horror movie without his parents knowing. An afternoon they had spent playing basketball together (or rather where Tom pretended to play basketball while Jack gave it his all because the skill level difference between the two brothers was so significant). They looked so happy together at that time. I particularly lingered on the look of admiration and love that Jack gave me through Tom's memories. For young Jack, his big brother was invincible and would always protect him. He loved me so much. More than any Yeerk had ever loved me. This moment lingered. Then I thought back to the promise I made to myself before infesting Tom.

I got out of the vehicle, opened the trunk, and gently took it in my arms. Then I carried it back up to the room, much more delicately than on the way there.

What the hell was wrong with me? Contrary to what Tom thought, the infestation wasn't so horrible for the hosts. At least, that's what all the empire's courses said. Tom must have just been an exception. Like me, he was probably far too sensitive and weak. Jack struggled weakly, and I decided to refocus on my burden.

I noticed that as heavy as he had seemed to me earlier, he was quite thin for a human of his age. How long had he been living with this secret? Tom, meanwhile, was silent in surprise. He was wondering with a mix of hope and anxiety what I was doing. Like that, there were two of us.

Once back in my room, I handcuffed Jack to the radiator pipes. Now there was nothing left to do but wait for the drug's effect to wear off. I suddenly gave Tom control of his body for the first time since that fateful night. He staggered in surprise.

What is ... going to do? Tom pronounced with difficulty.

During the long periods when he had no control, the neural patterns that allowed him to coordinate his muscles to speak or move would fade, and he needed training even for the simplest actions. It was like coming out of a coma after a long time. But being in his head, I nevertheless understood his question.

(What am I going to do to him? If only I knew myself. Take care of him while I think about it. All I'm asking is that you don't touch the keys to his handcuffs. I'm warning you, Tom. At the slightest attempt to disobey me, I'll take control back and take him straight to the pool.)

(Thank you) he said, feeling an intense relief.

(Yes, alright. I can still change my mind) I said, embarrassed.

(Liar) he replied timidly.

Why did I have to have such an insolent guest? But afterward, realizing what he had just said, he began to beg me tremblingly. I then realized that in a few days all the progress I had managed to achieve in recent weeks had been erased.

During the two hours that followed, Tom wiped his brother's forehead and responded to his murmurs by asking for forgiveness.

Tom, it's not your fault he's in this state. I'm the one who decided to drug him.

But he did not answer me. In any case, he didn't need to since I could read his thoughts. For him, it was his fault for following that girl and getting infected. It was his fault that I realized Jack knew aboutThe Yeerk invasion. It was his fault he couldn't resist my control. And he was blaming himself for a dozen other things, each more stupid than the last. He was definitely very different from the confident and self-assured Tom I saw in his memories.

But after a while, Jack fell silent. Tom (and I through him) watched him closely, fear in our stomachs. Was he overdosing? And what to do if that was the case? We couldn't just take him to the hospital. But then I noticed that he was opening his eyes from time to time and moving his arms very slightly. The little rascal. He was pretending to still be out of it while trying to find a way out. He must have been terrified. I took control again.

Jack. I am Thévenin789, your brother's Yeerk. I know you're awake. No need to pretend. I don't want to harm you. I just want to talk to you.

You want to talk? Free my brother, bastard, and maybe then I'll take the time to listen to you before crushing you. Jack shouted as he stood up.

(Your brother is a lion) I commented in my thoughts.

Then, in a desire for appeasement, I acceded to his request and released his brother from my control. Tom took a few seconds to understand that he had control, then he rushed to his brother to try to hug him, but to Tom's great horror, the latter began to scream and tried to push him away.

It's me, Tom, don't be afraid. He said, trying to hold him closer.

You can see you're terrifying him, let him go immediately before he alerts the whole neighborhood. I ordered him.

Reluctantly, he stepped back, sat down on the ground facing him, and declared:

It's me, Tom. Thévenin left me in control.

And you think I'm going to believe you, you filthy monster. He replied, shouting.

Then he started to vomit. He tried to lean his head forward, but because of the handcuffs, he couldn't bend as he wanted, and a large part landed on his jeans.

What did you do to me, bastard? Why do I feel so bad? He said with concern.

It's nothing, dwarf. It's the drug that Thévenin put in your orange juice that is still taking effect. In an hour or two, you won't feel anything anymore.

Is that supposed to reassure me?

Tom said nothing and went to get a basin and something to clean up the mess Jack had made in the bathroom adjoining their two rooms. Once the vomit was cleaned up, he handed him MY box of cookies, saying:

Here, eat, you must be hungry.

He began to take one, then put it back down, his gaze filled with suspicion.

And if you told me instead what you are going to do with me? Jack asked.

I regained control to answer him.

It's me again, Thévenin. It will depend on whether you cooperate or not.

I would never cooperate with the Yeerks. I'd rather die.

If that is your desire, that is indeed what is likely to happen. I warned him.

After this last retort, he remained silent, giving me a look of pure hatred.

(No need to threaten him) Tom reproached me.

(And how do I convince him not to tell anyone without scaring him? Do I need to remind you what would happen if Visser-3 found out what is happening here?)

Just tell him the truth. He is intelligent, he will understand. After all, he has managed to keep the secret until now.

(That's what you say.)

(Anyway, at some point you will have to release him. You can't hold him captive for life.)

I began to think about this possibility.

(Are you really not going to do that?) Tom worried.

(No! Of course not, I'm not going to do that. But you're right)

Listen, forget what I just told you. I don't want to hurt you. I just want to talk to you. I declared to Jack.

I don't know why I find it hard to believe you. Ah! I know. It's because you chained me, drugged me, and threatened to kill me.

Marco has a bad influence on you. Listen, if you promise to listen to me and not run away, I will untie you. And for what it's worth, I'm sorry for the drugs and the threats. I should never have done that.

He watched me with a mix of astonishment and mistrust. Once untied, he stood up, rubbed his wrists, and looked at the door with a little too much insistence. Reflexively, I moved a little too hastily between him and the exit. This triggered another awkward silence between the two of us. Once again, I took the initiative.

Well, I don't know what you know, nor how you learned it, but I suppose you have a lot of questions?

You still haven't told me what you're going to do with me.

Nothing. As long as you don't tell anyone and you don't try anything stupid against me or another Yeerk.

And otherwise?

Otherwise, the other Yeerks will learn that you are aware of the invasion, forcibly infect you, search your memory to find out who else knows, and infect them in turn. Then they will see that I did not take you to the pool myself, even though I was aware, and I would probably be killed. And since this last possibility seems to delight you, know that it will result in Tom being transferred to a Yeerk probably less accommodating than me.

Why would you do that? Tom resists you so much that you are willing to risk your life for him to cooperate?

My motivations are none of your business. I replied curtly, starting to blush.

I noticed that at Jack's last tirade, Tom had started to get depressed. I really didn't need Tom to fall back into his dark thoughts on top of everything else. So I explained to him:

Tom, there's nothing wrong with cooperating. It's quite the opposite. And if it can lift your spirits, you resisted Temrash114 much longer than a human is supposed to according to my lessons.

(Yes, there is really no harm in letting you use my body to condemn strangers to hell, in exchange for a little comfort. I am so inadequate.)

(The infestation is not so horrible. It's even an opportunity for your species.) Faced with the outburst of diatribe he sent me in response, I cut off:

We've already had this debate thousands of times and this is not the time. Anyway, how many people have I managed to recruit so far?

(Zero) he replied grudgingly

(And how many people do you think I will manage to recruit?)

He smiled inwardly at the thought of my poor performances. I always found the hilarity that my recruitment attempts caused him very unpleasant, but if that was what it took to cheer him up, so be it. But he replied nonetheless:

(Okay, I admit that you are not really trying to do recruitments.)

On the contrary, I tried with all my might, I thought bitterly. However, I was no better at establishing relationships with humans than with other Yeerks. Usually, I was rather proud of that. The empire has enough smooth talkers who spend so much time polishing their superior's boots that they forget how to handle a Dracon beam. But for this mission, my military skills proved quite useless. I consoled myself by thinking that as soon as the invasion of Earth was over, I could be done with all this nonsense. But while I was thinking, Tom continued his response:

But it would only take one. And even if you're not the one doing the recruiting, you didn't hesitate to help another Yeerk force that child's head into the pool. She was only 7 years old, damn it. I can still hear her screaming every night.

Thank you, I am aware. I can't sleep either when you have nightmares. Listen, I couldn't refuse to help Aftran942 and Estril731.to infect them. Already, because I served several years with Estril731 and I owed him that, but especially because theThe father of the girlowns UniBank. It's too significant a target for the Yeerks to ignore any longer. They would have been infected sooner or later, and it's better for the girl to inherit a Yeerk like Aftran942 who just wants to avoid getting caught in the middle of the fighting. And then what did you want me to do? What difference would it have made to the outcome if I had protested?

Can I leave? Asked Jack.

Are you asking for my permission? That's good, you would make a good host. I remarked to congratulate him. But he immediately scowled and stormed off, pushing me towards the exit with his shoulder. Indeed, it was complicated to interact with humans whose thoughts could not be read.

Wait! I shouted at the last moment.

What now?

I. You're not going to tell anyone? I asked him hesitantly.

Who would you like me to talk to about it? The chances of running into an inspector are too high. And who would believe me? But Tom, I swear I will never give up. One day, I will find a way to free you. Whatever he makes you endure, keep hope.

Then he left without waiting for a response from me. I heard him running down the stairs to get out of the house as quickly as possible. I sighed and thought about what had just happened. I suppose it could hardly have gone better. But the result was only half satisfactory. At least he seemed to understand that he shouldn't talk about it to anyone. However, my limited understanding of humans made me doubt even that. They react so strangely sometimes. I decided to ask Tom for his opinion.

Do you think he will betray us?

"Avoid saying we. It's you he's after, not me," replied Tom.

(If he talks, you'll be in as much trouble as I am)

He won't do anything stupid. He understood the situation well. On the other hand, if I were you, I'd watch out for my big drooling butt.

I don't have a buttock.

(It’s an expression, I meant … Wait, does that mean you don’t... You know?)

(We do not produce excrement. Otherwise, we would quickly damage the brains of our hosts. And before you ask, we do not produce urine either)

Don't put such an idea in your head.

(But it's you who are asking. Anyway, it doesn't matter. We need to find a way for him to give up trying to free you. If I have to be constantly on guard in his presence, it's going to quickly become unbearable.)

Good luck. I know him, he is as stubborn as a mule. As long as you are in my head, he won't believe anything that comes out of my mouth.

First night Jack

I spent the rest of the day at home.

I had first taken advantage of one of the rare times I had the house to myself to stare at the aquarium and touch the different rugs (I liked their texture and following the different lines that formed their mosaic). I loved it, but it's one of the behaviors that led Tom's parents to send me to that psychiatrist. And then when I did it, Tom would let out long complaints of boredom. According to him, a teenager had much more fun things to do when he had the house to himself (which I found very hard to conceive). But there, I felt I deserved a reward and anyway, he didn't dare contradict me for fear of the consequences it could have on his brother (in the long term, it might complicate our relationship further, but I'd deal with that later).

Once his parents returned, I took refuge in my room to do Tom's homework, then to read the zoology books I had borrowed from the library. Earth was truly a fascinating planet and I never tired of learning more about the animals that inhabited it.

It is one of the few aspects of my life as a soldier that I have always appreciated. Discovering the wildlife of a new planet. Even after several decades, I never tired of the incredible diversity the universe offered. Even after traveling to dozens of planets, I hadn't found two biospheres that resembled each other in the slightest. Moreover, these rare moments of exploration were the only times when my former Hork-Bajir host did not confront me. He enjoyed these moments as much as I did.

Unfortunately, wonder was always followed by pain. The empire did not send its divisions to resorts. Very quickly, gigantic mining and industrial installations were set up there to support the war effort. The wildlife was reduced to the minimum necessary to allow the survival of the millions of slaves running the factories. Anyway, I became too busy monitoring the slaves (or the hosts while their Yeerk was feeding) to be able to devote time to such leisure. And then inevitably, as remote as our colonies were, sooner or later the Andalites would land and the planet would become a vast battlefield, untilthat the consequences of the fighting had made it uninhabitable. I hoped that the earth would not meet this sad fate.

I emerged from my reveries when I heard:

Tom, come down. It's time to eat.

I'm coming right away, mom.

I went down to the living room and took my seat. Papa said grace, then we began to eat without paying the slightest attention to the absence of the dwarf.

Jack does not eat with us.

No. He's spending the night at Marco's. He called me earlier to ask for permission.

Outwardly, I continued to eat as if nothing had happened, but inwardly, I was agitated. Should I be worried about it or not? My fear must have been strong enough for Tom to feel it, because he said.

(After what happened, there is nothing worrying about him not wanting to sleep at home. Once again, he is smart. He won't try anything stupid. And even if he talked about it to his friends like you think, what difference does it make? I bet you anything you want that they think he's crazy.)

I imagined the dwarf trying to explain to Marco that an alien had taken his brother's place, then drugged and handcuffed him only to release him without causing him any harm. Even I found it hard to believe that I had really done that. Despite my illness up to now, I had never had any trouble doing what was necessary to survive. And I had had to do things far more terrible than turning a child into a controller. Once again, maybe I was getting older. Or maybe it was this planet that was softening me. It was the first time I was anything other than a soldier.

Jack didn't sleep at home the following night either. But on Monday, his mother insisted that he come back. Throughout the meal, he tried to appear normal, but I caught him giving me worried looks. I decided to ignore him and hope the problem would resolve itself. But when I returned from my outing to the basketball court, I saw a slight glow in his room. Obviously, he wasn't sleeping. I searched through Temrash114's old belongings and once I found what I was looking for, I knocked on Jack's door. There was no answer.

It's me, Thévenin. I know you're up.

What do you want? he asked with a voice full of defiance.

I would like to talk about your behavior. You're not acting normally at all and you're going to end up drawing attention to us.

Leave me alone. I'm trying to sleep.

But you are not sleeping. You are afraid of me. Once again, I congratulate you, it's a very good reaction to have for a future host, but if you are not braver, I will be forced to inform the other Yeerks so that we take you to the pool by force and hope that my punishment is not too severe.

Tom mentally facepalmed as a flow of insults reached me from the other side of the door.

(Let me talk to him, you're only making the problem worse) Tom asked me.

What are you talking about? I'm handling the situation perfectly.

(Thevenin, please, let me do it.) He insisted.

I mentally sighed and decided to yield to my host's whim. After all, complying with such a request could only improve our relationship.

Hey, dwarf. It's me, Tom, Thévenin gave me control.

I will believe it the day you are no longer in Tom's head. Jack replied angrily.

I suspect it and in some way, I'm glad. You can't imagine the nightmare it was to see my former Yeerk pretending to be me and no one noticing the difference. Gradually losing all hope that someone would notice something and come to my aid. In the first days, I was convinced that mom would realize it, that she would call the FBI and that I would get my life back as before. That's what kept me going. I even forced myself to follow the boring math class through my Yeerk's eyes to not fall behind. The worst moment was when I realized it wouldn't happen.

Through the door, I heard Jack sniffle. I waited in silence until he said:

Why are you doing this? Does it amuse you to make me suffer? Is that it, you just want to have some fun with your prey before delivering me. You can stop, I know I'm not doing anything to help. That I'm still not doing anything. No need to make me feel more guilty.

You've always been too responsible. You've done much more than you think. I was convinced that as serious as you were, you would join the sharing. You can't know how happy it made me when you shut down Temrash. That's the name of my former Yeerk. The one before Thevenin, I added hastily.

I know.

How do you know that? I asked surprised and I felt Thévenin's pressure in my mind grow stronger. He was interested too.

But Jack quickly dodged the question by stating.

It's thanks to you. I saw your signal at the barbecue sharing party. I know you paid a high price for it.

At the mention of remembering, I had a flashback. A few months ago, Temrash114 had managed to convince Jack and his friends to come to a party organized on the beach by the 'sharing' (the charity that served as a cover for the yeerks to recruit new hosts). Just as Jack seemed convinced to attend a meeting, I had briefly managed to regain control of his face.

Once he regained control, Temrash114 had tortured me for a week to make me pay for my act of rebellion. Jack knew nothing of what those few seconds had cost me when I managed to regain control, and I wanted it to stay that way. Thévenin gave me what he called a mental hug and chased away the memory. The sensation indeed felt a lot like a hug, but with a calming effect added. For once, I nestled into it without resistance. That week of suffering in silence in my own head while watching my family and friends laugh as if nothing had happened had been the worst moment of my life.

(At least now you know it was useful. At least him, you were able to save him). Thévenin comforted me.

For the umpteenth time, I felt a sense of gratitude towards him. I knew I shouldn't. I knew that all of this was partly his fault. I knew he was certainly one of the pool guards who ignored my complaints and then forced me back into that hell the two times whenTemrash114 had to interrupt his sessions to go eat in the pool (while half-drowning in the process).

You never told me that you held it against me for that. I understand how you feel, but how could I have known? And even so, what would you have wanted me to do?

I had no desire to get into this debate tonight, and besides, Jack must have started to find it strange that I wasn't saying anything.

(We'll talk about it another time). Thévenin specified to me.

It was not that bad. I lied. And if you noticed it, then it was worth it. Not wanting to remember that period anymore, I quickly changed the subject. Listen. If I were in your place, I wouldn't be able to sleep either at the thought of finding myself powerless again in front of that monster and waking up having lost control of my body.

(Hey, I'm not a monster.) I ignored Thévenin's comment.

Jack finally opened his door.

It's okay. You don't scare me.

Her gestures contradicted her words.

How's it going, shorty? I know you by heart. You can't hide anything from me.

I tried to ruffle his hair, but he pulled back. I made no comment and continued.

And if you weren't afraid, I would seriously question your mental health. Listen, Thévenin is weird, even by Yeerk standards, but he's not mean. He doesn't realize what he's doing. At least, I think so.

(I am not sure if I should take it well) commented Thevenin in my head.

Once again, I ignored Thévenin's comment and took out of my pocket the devices that Thévenin had been looking for earlier.

In short, he didn't want to threaten you. He just wanted to give you this. It's a motion detector alarm. Temrash114 got it from one of his underlings who works at the police. He used it to secure the rooms where they met to plot and take over promotions. If you place it in front of your bed, you will be immediately awakened if someone enters or approaches you. Just be careful that Homer doesn't activate it by mistake or you'll have to explain to dad how you got it (Homer was Jack's dog).

He took the alarm, examined it and said:

It doesn't change anything. I still don't trust you, and I know you're pretending to act like Tom.

Good night Jack.

Good night Tom. If you can still hear me down there.

Then he returned to his room, and I hoped that from now on he would be able to sleep. Just before feeling the unpleasant sensation of Thévenin violently driving me to the depths of my mind. Even after all this time, I couldn't get used to this sensation. My body then started moving on its own towards the bed in my room.

Don't worry about him. You have done everything possible to help him. And besides, his nights can't be more restless than yours.

I'm not worried. He is strong. More than he thinks.

Timmy

(Tom, stop acting like an idiot). I got annoyed.

(Insult me as much as you want, it's out of the question) Tom replied to me insolently, but without the slightest fear for once.

(But why? I'm not even asking you to become a volunteer host. Just to pretend.)

(What's the difference?) replied Tom in a tone I now identified as sarcasm.

You don't have to support the invasion, just ...

(Just to behave as if it were the case all the time) he interrupted me.

(Not permanently. Just when I feed at the pool. The rest of the time, I will keep control)

Your lordship is too kind. I have the right to disagree in my mind as long as I obey like a well-trained puppy.

(So what? What's the point of playing the rebel in front of the guards anyway? I was a guard and I can assure you that your resistance doesn't faze us at all. The only difference is that you come back covered in bruises and scars every time. One day, someone is going to notice them)

I'm letting you know that this is the goal. If we're doing all this, it's so that someone notices the traces and asks questions.

(I thought it was so that your Yeerk would suffer by reclaiming your damaged body.)

(Yes, there is that too.)

In short, it doesn't make sense. Do you really want to make me suffer? Do you really want us to be noticed and for me to no longer be your owner?

(I am not your property) replied Tom, but I clearly saw in his mind that the answer to his two questions was: no.

"Look how happy the guests are here," I added, gesturing towards the volunteer area that I had decided to show Tom after once again retrieving his body in a pitiful state. To my great surprise, I felt that the better he got, the more he strongly resisted the guards. Humans really have no gratitude.

Unlike his traitors, I am not a dog that can be bought with a bit of comfort.

(They are not traitors. Just reasonable humans)

They help the Yeerks enslave humanity. They sell their neighbors and family to the Yeerks. Then they walk past their cage without giving them a glance. They are no better than the Yeerks.

You speak without knowing. The truth is that humans...

But I was interrupted by a seven-year-old boy, dressed in a three-piece suit and a large gold bracelet, who timidly asked me:

Is that you Thévenin789? I was told you changed hosts.

(There, there's a good example of a willing host.) I exclaimed to Tom.

(This is above all a good example that you are vile beings who attack children)

Interesting. Shall we talk about it later?

Hello, Timmy. Yes, it's really me. I replied to the child.

Can I ask you something?

Yes! I replied, exasperated by his timidity every time he spoke to me.

Could you swap your meal turn with my yeerk? Now, it's jera456. It will only delay your meal by 4 hours.

Why? And besides, why are you asking me and not your Yeerk? I asked, not very enthusiastic about the idea.

Oops. There was a mistake in the schedule. His meal time coincides with that of my parents. I mean my parents' yeerks. He corrected himself at the last moment.

A mistake. Really?

The boy fidgeted awkwardly, lowering his eyes to the ground. I let out a sigh.

You know that Jera456 will punish you when he realizes that you have once again prevented him from synchronizing his meal times with his triple.

He continued even more intensely, except that tears began to well up in his eyes.

Stop your theatrics. This kind of manipulation might work with weaker yeerks, but not with me. However, I agree on the condition that you do something for me.

Anything you want. He replied enthusiastically.

Take off your clothes.

(What?) exclaimed Tom.

That dampened the kid's enthusiasm.

Why do you want me to do that?

My host is an involuntary one and I want to give him a lesson on the inferiority of humans.

I don't know what you want to prove, but you don't need to humiliate the kid for that.

Yes. Humans are more visual than intellectual. You need to see to understand. This is not surprising given how developed your sense of sight is.

Meanwhile, the boy nodded and then reluctantly took off his shirt, turning to reveal a back marked by countless scars from what seemed to be belt lashes and burns.

How can you be so monstrous? Doing that to a kid, just to make him agree to obey without resistance. What was the point? To show me that not all volunteers are bastards and that some have good reasons to cooperate. That there is no shame in surrendering after a certain point?

Idiot

(About what?)

Tom, I see in your mind that deep down, you already understand, so stop deceiving yourself.

I scrolled through our shared consciousness the memory I had of Timmy's first visit to the pool.

At the time, he was accompanied by his two parents who had been infected very shortly before him. As soon as his parents were freed from their Yeerk, I had to restrain them to prevent them from attacking their son. In the process, I accidentally damaged the $500,000 watch the father was wearing. But that didn't stop them from insulting their son the whole time. Once the kid was freed from his Yeerk as well, he remained in tears on the unloading dock, and I had to take him by the hand to lead him to the volunteer area. His parents had insulted him as a traitor because after discovering the existence of the Yeerk, he had agreed to be infested instead of trying to find help.

Once in the volunteer area, I was infected by the maternal instincts of my host. And then, it would have disturbed the other hosts and it's me.that the substitute teacher had scolded him. So I spent the next two hours comforting and taking care of him. He was 5 years old. He told me with his child's words:

A month earlier, my parents were replaced by nice people. So 3 days ago, I asked if one day my real parents would come back. I didn't want that to happen. I really liked the new ones. So the fake ones brought me here. It's very big and very scary and it's filled with monsters like you. But they told me not to trust appearances and that monsters are nice. That there's no need to be afraid. I'm not afraid. Except for the blue horse, it's very scary. They took me to the magic lake and since then I have a yéyé in my head. At first, I didn't like it and I wanted it to leave. Besides, it was scary and looked mean. But actually, it's very nice. Except when I'm a bad slave. What does slave mean? But since I have a yéyé in my head, my parents love me, so I don't want it to leave.

I interrupted the memory.

After that day, his Yeerk arranged to shift his feeding days so they no longer coincided with those of his parents' Yeerk. But he kept the bad habit of disturbing me during my work.

It's okay, you can get dressed again. I indicated to Timmy.

He complied eagerly while reciting:

We are happy to serve the empire.

Is it Jera456 who taught you to say that? I asked surprised.

Yes. Shouldn't we?

No. It's very good? You are a very good host.

(You make me want to vomit) commented Tom.

Stop seeing humiliations everywhere, it's just an old form of politeness. We haven't asked the employee's hosts for at least 50 years, but Jera456 has the right to be old-fashioned.

While I was conversing internally, Timmy began to babble very quickly:

Really? Jera456 says that if I keep going like this when I grow up, I could work in the southern ship factory. Jera456 had a mission up there. He needed a small body like mine to make a repair. He didn't like it. He said it was unworthy of a Yeerk of his rank and that Visser-3 was trying to humiliate him because of his ties with Visser-One. I loved it. The ships are huge with lots of lights in every corner. Do you think one day I could take a ship like that?

Yes, of course. But I don't wish that for you. They are warships. The places they go are really ugly and the guest quarters are very spartan. In fact, I even believe that in the latest models, there are no more quarters for voluntary guests, just cages. Well, I have to go now. Goodbye, Timmy.

Not already. Are you playing with me?

No.

Go on. Please.

No. Go see gallac852 instead. He is the one replacing me as a guard. I replied as I began to move toward the exit.

But me, it's with you that I want to play. You don't love me anymore, is that it? Timmy asked me with tears in his eyes.

But why on earth had I decided to come to the volunteers' neighborhood.

(I make one comment and I swear you'll regret it) I addressed Tom

With great shame, I took the child in my arms and began to sing him a song in Galard, while rocking him. Once he was calm, I knelt before him and said:

But no. I still love you. It's just that now, I'm no longer a guard.

So what?

And then, I talked to you about it last time. Now, I have to respect my host's schedule. I no longer have the time to take care of you like before.

(We have all the time, Papa Thévenin) commented Tom.

I mentally gave him a stern look.

(What? Technically, it wasn't a comment) Tom defended himself.

Okay, but just 5 minutes. What do you want to play?

Three hours later, I was finally able to leave the HQ when gallac852 came to inform Timmy that his yeerk had finished feeding and that he had to get to the dock as soon as possible.

Watching him hop away, Tom commented:

(Poor kid. After enduring his parents, he has to endure the yeerks)

(Do you think he looks unhappy?) I replied, hurt by Tom's remark.

If you don't see how the situation is unhealthy, I can't do anything for you. Besides, you didn't need to humiliate him earlier.

(How did I humiliate him?)

Tom, surprised by my question, did not know what to answer, and I had to read the answer in his mind.

Oh! I don't think it bothers him to be exposed or for me to remind him that humans are inferior to the Yeerk. He is aware of his status as a slave and is used to being treated like that. However, I never thought he might be ashamed of his scars. That would explain why he wears loose clothing even in summer. How could I have guessed? He never told me anything, and I always thought humans were proud of their scars.

(And do you think it's good that he's used to that?)

Would you have preferred that he stay with his abusive parents?

(I would have preferred that the police put those bastards in jail and that he be adopted by a loving family)

(And me, I would like peace in the galaxy, a personal Kandrona generator, and to be able to mate without dying)

"Do you die when you kiss? That explains your character," exclaimed Tom.

Again, I gave him a mental glare but Tom continued:

(But I don't see how what I'm proposing is unrealistic? It's just what would have happened if you hadn't intervened)

Well, come on. Half of the voluntary hosts are former abused or raped children. Apart from the Yeerks, no one ever came to help them when they were children. And even less so when they were adults. Most of the time, it's not the voluntary hosts who betrayed their species, but their own species that betrayed them.

Tom did not know what to answer and we remained silent. After a while, he remarked:

If I calculate correctly, it's been more than two years since Timmy's parents have been hosts.

(Yes, and so?)

(Then they should have been zombified. How do they manage to last so long?) he asked, rehashing his fear of becoming one of the carcasses piled up by the pool while their Yeerk fed.

This is what inevitably happened to involuntary hosts. As they were no longer solicited, the host's neural patterns disappeared. As they no longer controlled their bodies, they became incapable of the slightest movement without their yeerk. This was the first stage of zombification. Then, deprived of hope and social interaction, they became unable to speak, even mentally. When this happened, with a lot of work, it was still possible to halt the process. But one had to act quickly, as the third stage would soon begin. As they were no longer stimulated, the host's brain lost most of its reasoning abilities. In a way, they became senile. From that moment on, the process would only stop when they could no longer emit the slightest coherent thought. Ideal hosts. At least, if one could manage to ignore the constant background noise of their disjointed thought fragments.

Tom, it won't happen to you, I promise. And to answer your question, of course they have become zombies. In any case, they're not far from it. But according to his former Yeerk, he is even more terrified than before at having to be around them without their Yeerk. At the time, I found it hard to believe, but it seems he feels guilty for what happened to his parents. He too feels guilty for things he's not responsible for. It must be a trait of your species.

oOoOoOoOo

Author's note: I think you will find the addition of the character Timmy curious.

Indeed, in the original books, all the human characters who joinVoluntarilyThe Yeerks are presented either as bastards motivated by money or as psychopaths in the style of the Joker whojust want to watch the world burn.

I understand this choice, becauseheallows the heroes to wound themYou are a professional translator. Directly translate this text into English, without adding anything.(see killing them) without shocking the young reader too much.

However, I find it would be more logical and narratively interesting for the voluntary hosts to be normal people but rejected by our society. And when I later needed an OC character to represent the voluntary hosts, this character of an abused child naturally came to me.

Already, because its theme resonates with Tom's. Indeed, Tom is a child abused by the Yeerks while Timmy is by humans, one accepts the Yeerks, the other rejects them... In short, they are mirror characters of each other in many ways.

But also because after writing Harry Potter fanfictions, I am used to writing characters of abused children.

Follow-up with Jack

What are the causes of the war of 1775? I asked.

Invaders from far away tried to enslave us. It ended very badly for them. Jack replied.

According to this book, the correct answer is a tax increase to finance the Seven Years' War. Curious. To oppose the high cost of a war, your ancestors started another one. Humans are really strange.

It was sarcasm. Honestly, Thevenin, let me out. What do we care about this war?

No idea. But your parents said you'll be in serious trouble if you get another D. And I don't want the police sticking their nose in our business. It's full of controllers.

Not that kind of triple idiot boredom.

Yet Tom says that it's important for you to work at school. And where do you want-YouGo anyway?

I don't know. Where I want.

But still? I hope you're not doing anything that could put us in danger.

I told Cassie that I would go to her place to help her clean her father's barn. There you go, happy now. Nothing that could harm you.

You spend a lot of time at that Cassie's place these days.

And then said Jack, stretching himself.

So Tom finds it curious and would like to have details?

(Not even true. I respect people's privacy. And I don't spend my time watching silly telenovelas.)

(It’s not stupid, these are documentaries about human behavior. Since you don’t let me access your memories freely, I have to find another way to understand how humans work)

We're not dating. She's just a friend. And anyway, she doesn't pay attention to me.

Oh! Do you need me to buy you condoms and lubricant?

A silence passed and Jack blushed up to his ears.

Jack, are you okay? Are you sick? Your forehead is very warm, said Thévenin, placing his hand on Jack's forehead.

It's you who are sick, said Jack, pushing his hand away. Let me go before you drive me crazy.

I don't know if it's a good idea. If that girl affects you so much, maybe I should take care of it. I remind you that if we attract too much attention, you and your whole family will be reduced to slavery.

Thévenin, let him go. If he has poor results, it's not because he sees too many girls, but because he doesn't sleep enough. And then you don't have to meddle in my brother's love life. You already meddle in mine.

(I already said I was sorry. How could I have known that she was one of your exes and that you still have feelings for her)

I have no feelings for (…). Okay, you're in my head so if you say I still love them, it must be true, but I don't love them anymore. Well, yes, I do. Oh! You're annoying me.

(But I didn't say anything. To get back to Jack, why do you say he's sleeping badly? We haven't heard him have nightmares anymore, so he must be doing well.)

Have you seen their dark circles? Just because we don't hear them anymore doesn't mean everything is fine. And don't you see all the signs of stress?

(It can't be my fault. I do everything to make him comfortable.)

Tom mentally hits his head against a wall.

oOoOoOo

No Thévenin, there's no way I'm sleeping in your bed.

Be reasonable. We need to address your sleep problems. From what I saw in Tom's memories, it was very effective before.

First, I would have even more trouble sleeping knowing you were next to me. And secondly, I was six years old and I had played Resident Evil in secret from my parents.

And so

And so now, I am 13 years old.

I don't see the connection. Tom is 17 and not a week goes by without him waking up in tears wanting to call his mother for help.

Thevenin, I am going to kill you.

oOoOoOo

Cannon recoil:

This mini-chapter takes place between volume 07 and 07.5. As a reminder, in volume 07 the Animorphs destroy the Earth's main Kandrona generator to starve the Yeerks. In volume 7.5 the Yeerks attempt to use a Veleek to kill the Animorphs.

oOoOoOo

Tom, get up or you won't be able to eat before going to school. Shouted Tom's mother's voice through the house.

I shouted through the door:

I don't feel well, mom. I don't think I'll be able to go to school.

I heard Tom's mother coming up the stairs and a few seconds later, she was in my room. She placed her hand on my forehead.

No fever, but it's true that you don't seem to be doing well. Do you want me to call the doctor?

No, it will be fine. I'll just rest.

Okay. Rest well my darling.

Mom, I'm 17 years old. I pretended to complain.

I have bad news for you. Even when you are 60, you will still be my bunny. She said, placing a kiss on my forehead.

Then she left. My whole body let out a huge sigh of relief. I could finally stop pretending to be Tom and start moaning in pain again. I knew it was pointless, but it was all I could do. My only consolation was that I could spend this last day of waiting in peace. At least, that's what I thought. After a time that I had difficulty defining, my door was violently smashed open and the light blinded me. On the threshold stood Jack, visibly angry, who shouted:

What are you up to?

Nothing, I'm sick. Can't you see it? I replied.

Do you really think I'm going to believe that? It might work with my mother, but not with me.

What are you doing here? Shouldn't you be at school?

Yes, but I skipped it. He admitted, as if it didn't matter in the slightest.

You shouldn't skip school. I reproached him.

You are not my mother and even less my brother. And don't change the subject. Tell me what's going on.

For all response, I let out a small cry of pain. A glimmer of understanding lit up in his brain.

You are starving. He stated.

How did you guess? No matter. Now that you know I'm not scheming anything, go back to school. If you hurry, you can still be excused.

Why are you still pretending? Jack asked.

Pretending what? When we do not nourish ourselves, our cells cannot regenerate and our organs gradually dissolve. It's like being slowly flayed alive. I am not pretending to suffer to gain your sympathy.

Pretending to be my brother. Pretending to care about how I'm doing or if I need help with my homework. It's useless, don't you think? If your goal is for me to become a Yeerk's slave. He explained, his voice charged with emotion.

It was indeed a good question. And I didn't have a damn clue. In fact, he was right. What interest would it have seen that, anyway, he would inevitably be a host before reaching the legal drinking age? But I wasn't in the mood to think about it, let alone admit it in front of him.

If your behavior changes in any way, it will be suspicious to the other Yeerks and some ambitious person might report me for sympathy in order to take my place.

I see. Thank you for being honest. I prefer that to having to endure the pretense of good feelings.

Now that you're reassured that I hate you, can you let me agonize in peace?

He asked with a sadistic smile:

Why don't you just go feed yourself? Is something stopping you?

If I had questioned the strange tone with which this sentence was spoken, fate would have radically changed. But even when I was in top form, I had trouble grasping the subtleties of human behavior.

Those Andalite commando bastards destroyed the main Kandrona generator. As a result, our access to the remaining Kandrona has been strictly rationed until a new one is brought in. And since I'm low in the hierarchy, I'm among the most rationed. Fortunately, near the highway exit, we have a base with enough shuttles for all the Yeerks to make frequent trips to the mother ship's pool.

Oh my poor thing. Isn't it too hard? You know what, I'm going to get some popcorn and stay to make sure I don't miss any of the show.

Popcorn won't help me, but it's nice. Ahhh. It really hurts, but fortunately Tom isn't trying to fight against me. That helps me a lot. Some Yeerks are so weakened that they lose control of their unwilling hosts.

But that's great. It means that people are freed from the Yeerks. Those Andalites are heroes. Jack rejoices.

Of course not. As soon as that happens, the host and the Yeerk are eliminated. We cannot afford to have unwilling hosts wandering around and revealing our invasion to everyone. You should not admire the Andalites. They must have known that destroying the Kandrona would lead to the death ofThousands of humans infected. But they don't care. For them, these are acceptable losses.

I had the impression that my answer had upset him. But I must have been dreaming. On the other hand, he replied angrily:

While you, do you care about it? It is you who kill the hosts, not the Andalites. They are just trying to free us.

You are too naive. The Andalites will kill you all if necessary to ensure that my species is exterminated. In any case, in a few days, the Veleek will have gotten rid of us.

What is a Veleek?

I shouldn't have said that. If I weren't so weakened by hunger, I would never have made such confidences. But talking to him made me feel better and what difference could it make anyway.

It is a creature composed of a colony of tiny insects that feed on zero energy and assemble to form immense tornadoes capable of destroying entire buildings. Visser-3 brought it to Earth and trained it to detect zero energy emitted when Andalites use their morphing technology. As soon as they morph, the creature will detect them, then go to the location and kill them.

They might defeat him.

That would surprise me. The Veleek is invincible. Even a Yeerk ship is no match for this creature.

She must have a weakness.

You are right. But only one: it fears water. That's even how we repel it when it tries to eat the ship of the visser. But the Andalites will be dead before they figure it out.

Okay. Rest well. I have to go to school.

I thought you wanted to stay? I asked weakly, but too late. He was already running towards the exit. What had gotten into him? I returned to my agony with the certainty that I would no longer be disturbed.

Meeting at the mall

Recoil of the cannon:

This mini-chapter takes place at the beginning of volume 08. As a reminder, in this volume, the Animorphs notice the first effects of the destruction of the kandrona generator during an outing to the mall. There is then an argument with Axe because he did not warn them that their actions would lead to the death of humans. And also because he is hiding things from them about the Andalites.

oOoOoOoOo

(Ah !!)

I mentally breathed a sigh of relief as I saw the cinema lights go out and handed over control to Tom. I was so hungry. So much so that I could no longer maintain control all the time.

Those cursed Andalites. At the same time, we should have suspected that they would use the morph next to one of our facilities. What is more surprising is that he seemed to know this creature perfectly and how to get rid of it. Yet our scientists had claimed that the Veleek was a speciesUnknown Andalites. The outcome of the events was not only that the Andalites were at large, but also that a large part of our transports had been destroyed. The very ones we depended on for kandrona supplies until the main generator was replaced. Despite the Visser's denials, upon hearing the news of the disaster, all the Yeerks understood what it meant: there would not be enough kandrona for everyone.

No one was therefore surprised by the attempted purge that supposedly followed to find the traitors who had given the Andalites the necessary information (what a flimsy excuse, as if a Yeerk would help the Andalites). In fact, so unsurprised that the Visser's agents were met with armed resistance. A battle ensued within the HQ, leading to the destruction of another shuttle. By the end of the day, calm had returned, and half of the personnel present in that area were either dead or doomed to starve. Shocking losses, but barely enough to resolve the shortage.

What a humiliation. We were tens of millions of Yeerks armed to the teeth on this planet and hundreds of thousands in this area, and yet 6 elite Andalite soldiers without advanced weapons were giving us a monumental beating. Not even. 5 Andalite soldiers and an Andalite child.

Indeed, during the Veleek disaster, it was confirmed that one of the Andalites was just a child survivor from the world ship that had approached near the moon without an escort, completely unaware of the extent of the Yeerk fleet deployed around this planet. His rescue shuttle had miraculously escaped our hunters, and then he had survived, somehow, the particularly dangerous wildlife of this planet. And all without being detected by humans or controllers.

The kid took after someone, but it was still impressive.

But anyway. The disaster was such that it was rumored it was only a matter of time before Visser-3 was demoted and his Andalite host confiscated. It is true that it would have been much more logical for the leader of the invasion to take a human host (as long as the invasion had to remain secret). Such an exceptional host had its place on the battlefield and not as a tool of intimidation for troops increasingly disapproving of their Visser.

But while waiting for the wonderful day when the council would bring this psychopath into line, visser-3 remained in charge and was determined to restore his authority. And that was just one of the many troubles that followed. But only onechooseReally worried me: hunger. Never, even during the worst sieges, had I been so hungry. And this, while we were supposed to be outside a conflict zone (which was evident by the large number of civilians and opportunists who, unlike me, had never really known hunger).

It's simple, me and the other Yeerks of my rank étionsNow subjected to a regime that was normally reserved for the worst criminals. Receiving every 3 days a dose of kandrona sufficient to prolong the life of the yeerk, but insufficient to allow it to repair the damage caused by the period of fasting. Usually, it was a torture technique that allowed a yeerk to slowly starve to death (the death penalty was so common among the yeerk that it was necessary to invent an even worse punishment for the most serious crimes). And all this while the visser and his associates could indulge as much as they wanted.

Even knowing that in two days everything would be over and I could eat and rest as much as I wanted, I wouldn't have been able to bear it if IHad not discovered this wonder that was cinema. Being able for several hours to just watch beautiful lights coordinated with music move on a giant screen while your host regularly consumed junk food. What a delight. At certain moments, I almost managed to forget that I was in pain. At others, I almost managed to follow the film's plot.

Tom was also happy to be able to have control, even if he complained that he was getting tired of spending the little time he had in control sitting on a chair watching the same movie on loop. But he said it more for form's sake. I expected him to help me reluctantly to protect himself and his brother. But I did not expect to receive sincere compassion. Even if tinged with a wild joy at seeing the Yeerks suffer and some reflection on how to take advantage of it to free themselves permanently from the Yeerks (and therefore from me). Wait, do the images look different? I thought.

Tom, we got the wrong room, it's not the right movie, let me take control again.

The movie has not started. This is a donation appeal message for the 'earthquake' that devastated the region.

Oh yes, one of the many other problems that followed was that it was necessary to cover up the sudden disappearance of hundreds of thousands of people from this mini-civil war (most of whom were in high-ranking positions in the police, the army, the media, politics, or finance). The vibrations caused by the underground battle were used to make people believe that an earthquake had occurred. To successfully make humans swallow this lie, all the Yeerks were mobilized almost 24/7, which only worsened the fatigue due to the lack of food and thus the Yeerks losing control of their hosts. Fortunately, given the extent of the problem, the systematic execution of Yeerks and problematic hosts was stopped. From now on, they are put in cages until the problem is resolved, but this involves explaining their temporary disappearance to their loved ones.

In short, I spent half of my days 'helping earthquake victims' with the sharing association instead of going to class with the express permission of Mr. Chapman (a controller whose host is part of Tom's high school leadership) and the other half in this cinema watching movies on repeat. And my nights were largely spent doing guard duty at some yeerk installation in case the andalites launched a new attack, because of course, who needs sleep?

And to top it all off, there was the constant threat of another attack by the Andalite commando, which was driving everyone crazy. Especially Visser-3. He knew that even the slightest additional failure would mean the end of his career. He was plunged into a sort of paranoia. He saw traitors and hidden Andalites everywhere. For the first time in his impressive career, Visser-3 was afraid of his opponents.

It must be said that these Andalites made a particularly inventive use (and contrary to their code of honor) of morphing technology. In the eyes of the Yeerks, morphing technology was more like magic than science, but from what little we understood, it allowed them to store their bodies in zero-space for a maximum of two hours and interact with our dimension byThrough an artificial body. In a word, he could transform into any living being at will for two hours. And when he returned to their initial state, all the injuries they had sustained disappeared. However, if he exceeded the two hours, he remained forever trapped in their transformation.

They could therefore be anything and appear from anywhere. Normally, it is just one of the many technologies the Andalites had to ruin our lives. Because of their rules of honor, usually only Andalite spies really used it (at least until they were cornered enough to throw their stupid code of honor out the window). However, combined with guerrilla tactics, it proved extremely effective in spreading terror among the Yeerks.

After a few minutes, the movie finally started and I let Tom give me my dose of chocolate at regular intervals. Mmm chocolate. I will never understand why humans don't consider it a hard drug.

After an indefinite period, Tom's gaze left the screen. I asked him what was wrong when I saw him scolding a child who was devouring at full speed the chocolate bars Tom had placed on the empty seat next to us. This stock was supposed to last us the whole day, and he had already made a quarter of it disappear. Without even thinking, I took control and set about securing my precious loot, but he resisted.

But will you let go!

To me, eat. Declared the creature like a zombie, its face covered with traces of its previous misdeeds.

Tom couldn't help but burst out laughing at that face he found as cute as it was funny. But I didn't see what was funny about it.

No way, it's mine. I shouted with great maturity before pulling harder on the tablet he was holding in his hands. He retaliated and we almost ended up fighting.

The other spectators turned around worriedly and very quickly we became the center of attention.

Axe what are you doing? Leave it. Excuse us, Sir. Tom!!

Marco. I replied.

The moment I showed that I had recognized him, Jack's best friend displayed a terrified expression that he would never have directed at Tom.

(So, Jack won't talk to anyone about it?) I said sarcastically to Tom.

Don't act surprised, you suspected it for a while. Anyway, what difference does it make?

(Not much) I conceded to him.

My inner debates were interrupted by the arrival of a sweaty Jack who also turned pale upon recognizing me. He tried to force this curious child to leave the cinema and stop picking up popcorn remnants from the floor that must have been from the previous screening, while Marco nervously rambled on with a speech I didn't pay attention to. I was in pain and just wanted to be alone again.

It's okay, it's just chocolate. But you need to feed your friend.

He left without asking for more and I sat back down for the rest of the movie. I was just waiting for Tom to stop laughing to give him back control.

He's really weird, that kid. Besides, I shouldn't laugh about it, he's probably autistic. In your opinion, was it a boy or a girl?

I don't know, I didn't really pay attention.

A boy, I would say, but he had a feminine look. In fact, he looked like a mix between Jack and my cousin Rachelle. It's crazy how much he looked like them.

This last remark alerted me and I replayed the memory to get a portrait of the boy. Depending on how you looked at him, he displayed a different face. At one moment, he looked like a boy and at others, he looked like a girl. And constantly, he seemed like a mix between Rachel, Marco, and Jack. You could also say there was a bit of that Cassie, but I couldn't be sure, because Tom had never spent much time with her, so Tom's memories representing her were blurry. Immediately, all the pieces of the puzzle came together in my mind and my blood ran cold. I rushed out of the cinema amid the shouts of a Tom who didn't understand where my anger was coming from.

I spotted them quickly. HeYou are a professional translator. Directly translate this text into English, without adding anything.was foundYou are a professional translator. Directly translate this text into English, without adding anything.a few meters awayfrom the cinema entranceand I triedYou are a professional translator. Directly translate this text into English, without adding anything.to move away as quickly as possiblethis strange child from the terrace of a restaurantunder the furious gaze of the customers. I rushed towards them. Tom tried to stop me, but I was seized by a new strength I didn't think I possessed, which temporarily made me forget my hunger. I violently grabbed the armof the two boysfrom behind and forcibly moved them away from the androgynous boy. They tried to break free, but I held them firmly.

Hey, let us go. What's gotten into you? Jack scolded me.

You, if you value your life, I advise you to shut up and come with me. I replied to him.Firmly.

The chocolate-devouring monster pretended to approach. I placed myself between him and the two unconscious people and ordered:

And you, the degenerate nag, don't take another step. Your brother killed half of my litter sisters. Eliminating you would be a pleasure.

"But what are you talking about? Has hunger driven you mad or what?" Tom exclaimed.

Shut up! He has no way of knowing we came unarmed, thinking he was rightly criticizing the madness that such a bluff represented.

The boy looked at me with a deep look of contempt straight in the eyes and I heard resonating in my mind:

They are not going anywhere yeerk. Release them immediately.

And otherwise, what are you going to do? You are alone and you can't transform in front of so many people. And in this form you are as harmless as a newly born Yeerk (especially hoping he doesn't know that I too was harmless).

"You're talking to yourself now," worried Tom.

(He is telepathic and speaks directly into my mind) I quickly replied to Tom

This response only confirmed her fears about me. Never mind, I had other fish to fry for the moment.

All of a sudden, another voice resonated in my head:

He is not the only Yeerk. Let the humans go and we will not harm you.

For all response, I started to laugh to feign a confidence I was completely lacking. It was a cold and cruel laugh. I don't know if it frightened my adversaries, but it worked extremely well on Tom. I then spoke without paying attention to the many people surrounding us:

Tell your nanny that I have killed enough Andalites to know that if you could have done anything to me, you would have already attacked. Add that whatever they try, I would have plenty of time to shoot the little brother of their late leader. If you have any of that honor you so often boast about, let me leave with the two humans. Anyway, you should never have involved them in this.

Without waiting for a response, I headed towards the parking lot, dragging behind me the two runts who did everything to slow me down and hurled protests that I didn't even bother to listen to.

Once seated in the car, I turned towards the back seat where those two fools were sitting and yelled:

Can we know what you were doing? After all the risks I took for you. Is this how you thank me? Do you even know what will happen when the other Yeerks find out that I'm the traitor who allowed the Andalites to destroy our shuttles?

You didn't do this out of charity, but because my brother agreed to sacrifice himself for us. The only one I owe something to is him, Jack replied courageously.

And in your opinion, what will happen to your precious brother when you get caught?

He seemed to want to say something, but lowered his head, his eyes filled with guilt.

And you, the sexual partner of the dwarf, have you thought about your father? You clearly don't care about dying, but what do you think would happen to him if just after losing his wife, he lost his only son? Have you even thought about it?

Of course I thought about it. But we have to do something. We can't let the Earth be invaded. If we lose, all our loved ones will be enslaved. And we will never abandon Tom. He replied.Marcowhile glancing at Jack.

So that's it. You think you're heroes who are going to save the earth? Is that what the Andalites told you to convince you to help them? I have bad news for you, war is like in your stupid movies. Except humans aren't the main characters of the story, but the grunts you see in the background getting blown away in general indifference. For you, there's no happy ending at the end. The best thing that can happen to humans is that the invasion is a success. I harangued them with spite.

You seriously hope to convince us to support the invasion. Retorted Jack.

If we succeed in the invasion quickly enough, we can project the war onto the Andalites' home planet. If we fail, all our defense lines will be breached and this planet will be reduced to ashes by the Andalites' orbital bombardments.

The Andalites will never do that. Jack replied with conviction.

Of course. The planet is already too infected for them to risk a ground assault. What did you think they were going to do? Scan six billion human beings while trying to dodge the Dracon rays. After more than a century of war, they are as exhausted as we are. Even if they wanted to, they simply wouldn't have the means. And the genocidal maniacs who lead our two peoples will never agree to sign a peace.

You are mistaken, Andalites are not like the Yeerk, they are (...). Attempted Jack, but I interrupted him.

Stop being so naive and grow up a little. In reality, there aren't the good guys on one side and the bad guys on the other. There are only bad guys and a mass of extras struggling to survive in the midst of this mess.

Hope to survive to know an eternity of slavery. I think you haven't quite grasped the concept of hope, Marco said ironically.

It is not me who makes the rules. In a few years, you will become slaves and you must accept it. I know it sounds horrible as a fate. And it is. But there is always hope, a goal to achieve that gives meaning to the most horrible of ordeals. As a Yeerk saying goes: 'Life is worth nothing, but nothing is worth life.'

Easy to say when one is destined to be the master. Retorted Marco, once again.

Upon hearing that, I got angry again:

The master! The master of what? I have been a soldier since birth. This invasion is just a parenthesis. Once finished, at best, I will be sent back to the front and I won't even be able to breathe without a permit signed in triplicate by my assistant's sub-screw. Unless the Andalites find us and kill us from orbit.

I did not tell him that the most likely scenario was that once the invasion was over, they would both be infected (like the rest of humanity) and that the other Yeerks would discover my betrayal by searching their memory. I would then suffer a slow and painful death. Unless I kill them both. Maybe it will be easier when they are older.

I resumed in a softer tone:

I didn't have a childhood. I was twice as young as you when I killed for the first time. Until I arrived on this planet, I was never given any choice in my life. You have it. Enjoy it while you still can. Leave honor and great ideals to the Andalites. Whatever the outcome of this war, none of us will be part of the picture. In fact, if the Andalites win, there won't even be a picture. All you can do is enjoy the time you have left.

You know I've met undertakers more cheerful than you. Does that mean you're not taking us for a little swim? Marco added.

I turned around and started the car.

No, I'm taking you home.

They both sighed with relief. I added:

But if you have even the slightest instinct for survival, you will not come within 100 meters of a Yeerk installation. By the way, before I interrupted you, what were you planning to do at HQ? I understand that the Andalites want to attempt an attack when we are most vulnerable, but what was your role in this story?

Nothing at all, we just wanted to show a film to Axe. Jack replied.

Axe? Is that what you call Aximili-Esgarrouth-Isthill? He must really be desperate to accept such a lack of respect.

How do you know him?

I don't know him. Since the Veleek incident, all the Yeerks on the planet know that the killer Yeerk's little brother is part of that very strange group of Andalites that have been ruining our lives for months.

Why strange?

If I answer your questions, you will answer mine.

It depends on the questions.

Because they do not behave like Andalites. Andalites are brainless brutes who follow a very strict code of honor. Guerrilla strategies are not their style. They charge in, relying entirely on their technological advantage to get by. Not to mention, they manage to blend in surprisingly well among humans and are extremely knowledgeable about the local fauna. So much so that many have said it was not Andalites, but humans. However, Visser-3 dismissed the hypothesis outright, as that would mean he had failed to maintain secrecy. It was very clever of them to use humans. Not at all in accordance with their laws, but clever.

Now it's your turn. What were you doing near one of the secret entrances to the HQ with Andalite soldiers, just before the installation of the new Kandrona generator? You're not going to make me believe it was just to watch a movie?

Well, that is to say. Jack began awkwardly.

But of course, Andalites are fans of Star Trek, that's well known. I said with sarcasm.

A moment of silence followed.

The Andalites are Star Trek fans!? I exclaimed.

We just wanted to show him what a movie was. Jack replied.

You took the risk of getting caught just for that?

So yes, said like that it sounds silly, but at the time it seemed harmless.

How did you get the other Andalites to approve this nonsense? Don't tell me they're children too? I asked. I didn't know if I hoped the answer would be yes or no. On one hand, if they were all children, it would be easier to catch them, but on the other hand, what a humiliation it would be for the empire.

They fell silent and we approached Marco's house. I sighed. Now that we were far from danger, my strength was gradually leaving me.

Okay, I understand. You won't tell me anything and whatever I say, you won't give up. Just don't take unnecessary risks and don't foolishly trust the Andalites, just because they tell you what you want to hear and their natural appearance is more appealing than ours. They are only using you and will betray you at the slightest opportunity.

No. Axe is our friend.

Oh yes, really. Does he trust you? Does he answer your questions? Is he hiding important information from you? If I remember correctly, you didn't seem to know that the destruction of the Kandrona generator would lead to thousands of human deaths. Wouldn't they have hidden this slight little detail from you, just so you would agree to help them?

They did not reply anything.

If there is one point on which the Andalites and the Yeerks agree, it is on how to treat primitive species like yours. To them, you are just inferior beings. Animals they can dispose of as they please. They will never treat you as equals. And your 'friend' is no exception.

I stopped in front of Marco's door. The two boys got out. I suppose Jack didn't want to be alone with me. I let them.Leave hoping that he would stay out of trouble. As soon as I found myself alone, Tom's voice echoed in my head.

(So, are you going to explain to me what's going on?)

It was going to be a long conversation and I no longer had the energy.

Later Tom, I'm tired. Can you drive?

Obviously, I have my license, just so you know.

(No, Temrash114 had the license. You were just a spectator when he took it)

Before my infestation, I often secretly drove my mother's car to go to Cindy's house.

(Is she your ex too? Is there a single girl in this town you haven't slept with?)

Stop, nothing happened between us. I was just a friend to her. The only one I clicked with pushed my head into the yeerk pool. Who would have thought that the star of the local basketball team would be such a loser with girls.

You are not a loser. It's just that you were infested very young. Too young to experience serious stories. Normally, we avoid infesting non-mature hosts. And not only because the high hormone level is ... disturbing.

I gave him a mental hug and completely disconnected from his mind, leaving him totally free of his movements without me being able to intervene. I had only given him such control once. It was a few days after he became my host. After the disaster that was that first time, I swore never to do it again (even in safe places). Since then, I had always maintained a minimum level of connection and was ready to regain full control at any moment. But now, I was too tired to do otherwise.

I spent a few minutes alone in the dark trying to fall asleep despite the pain. But deep in my retreat, I sensed hormones linked to a depressive state. At the cost of great effort, I immediately reconnected (this host was going to end up killing me).

(Is something wrong?) I asked worriedly.

No, nothing, everything is fine. Rest. I will go home quietly like a good obedient slave.

(Are you going to try to commit suicide again?)

Of course not. I'm much better now. Thanks to you, he added timidly. And I already told you I didn't want to talk about it anymore.

Tom, I can see that something is bothering you.

(It’s nothing really. It’s just… I was thinking about that girl. It was her first time too. At least that’s what her Yeerk told me. Now that I know she was infected, I feel like I violated her) he stammered.

You couldn't have known. It wasn't your fault.

(It doesn't change anything. Why did she do that? I mean, why did her Yeerk do that? I thought you didn't want to infest people so young or without power. At least not for now.)

After some hesitation, I replied:

(I don't know. Maybe his host felt like it and wanted to please him.)

Thévenin, you are in my head. Unlike you, I can't read your thoughts, but I can tell when you lie to me. And I have enough experience to know that yeerks wanting to please their host are ultra-minorities.

I answered him more honestly.

I can only assume, but if you had continued with basketball, you would no doubt have become a star known throughout the country. If that had been the case, you would have been a top recruit and the Yeerk responsible for your infestation would have received a reward. Maybe even a promotion. But after your little escapade, they had to infest you urgently and you ended up with a Yeerk who had no intention of wasting time putting balls in a basket.

There was another question burning on his lips, but he didn't dare to ask it. But it obsessed him so much that I didn't even have to make the slightest effort to read it in his thoughts.

(When the pool is operational again, I will try to speak to his Yeerk. But don't get your hopes up. I don't see how I could convince him to stop using such an effective recruitment method. With this body, he doesn't really have any other assets to use to try to get a promotion. And if I am too insistent, he won't hesitate to denounce me for sympathy.)

Bonus not Cannon alternative ending of the conversation in the car

Author's note: Here is an alternative ending to the previous chapter. This passage is just a humorous bonus and doesn't actually take place in the story.

oOoOoOoOo

While I was trying to dissuade those two idiots from getting themselves killed in a war that doesn't concern them, I slowly moved my hand to the knife located in my glove compartment. I slowly opened the window, aimed, and threw it in one motion. I watched with satisfaction as the hawk that had been watching us all along collapsed to the ground. Then, without paying attention to the screams of my two passengers, I pressed the accelerator with all my might and floored it. The other Yeerks think knives are primitive tools and swear by Dracon beam guns. I never understood how they could believe such nonsense after seeing the effectiveness of a Hork-Bajir on a battlefield.

You bastard, how could you do that? Jack cried in tears.

That's war. People we love dying for no damn reason. What do you think the relatives of the Yeerks you boiled alive in that hospital felt? Anyway, he's an Andalite. He just has to leave this borrowed body to survive.

It's not an Andalite, it's Tobias. Yelled Jack, before jumping out of the moving car to rescue the hawk that lay half-crushed on the road.

Okay, maybe I had made a mistake there.

A few hours later at a veterinarian's.

The operation went well and he is now stable. But it would be better to euthanize him. We did what we could, but the car completely crushed his wing. He will never be able to fly again.

I whispered to the four children:

Do not worry. The Yeerks have enslaved many flying species, so we have a whole stock of prosthetics that will allow it to fly again.

What is the small line on the bill? Jack asked with visible concern.

That is a legal obligation. We must castrate all the wild animals that are brought to us.

Shit, there's no prosthesis for that.

oOoOoOoOo

Author's note: Due to an indefinite strike by the characters of this fanfic in support of Tobias, I had to modify this ending. Since then, Tobias is doing very well and has had abundant offspring. The real reason is that I find the ending joke too tacky and that this passage clashes with the rest of the story. But I still like it, so I'm adding it as a bonus.

The escape

Cannon recall:

For others, this chapter is a rewrite of volume 13. I do not summarize this volume, as it would spoil too much for those who have not read the books.

oOoOoOoOo

A month later, I was lounging in the yeerk pool. Since we once again had unlimited access to the kandrona, I savored each of my feedings intensely. But as soon as I was informed, I had requested on the console at the bottom of the pool for it to be shortened. After an interminable wait, a head held by the powerful arms of a hork-bajir appeared in the water. Well, I suppose it was a head. In this form, I had no sight to know. I used ultrasound to locate the ear and slipped in as quickly as possible.

Usually, I took a few seconds to apply an anesthetic (which we could naturally secrete) before piercing the ear canal to reach the brain. But for once, I skipped it. Too bad, this time, Tom will have to deal with the pain.

Without waiting, as soon as I regained control of my host, I made the secret sign to the guard to ask them to release me. Then, without saying a word to my host, I rushed towards a taxxon-controller with whom I had fought on uran1.

To simply describe the Taxxons, they were giant centipedes with shark-like jaws. Their appearance is even more atrocious than you can imagine. But it is not for their appearance, capable of frightening most races in the galaxy, that the Taxxons became the most valued hosts of the Yeerk empire. What clearly made the difference are their superhuman reflexes and the fact that they are one of the few species to have voluntarily accepted to be infected by the Yeerks. In fact, it was even the Taxxons who requested that their planet be invaded (after learning of our existence through Skrit Nad traders). The Skrit Nad initially came to the Taxxon home planet to abduct a few and sell them to a zoo on the Skrit Nad home planet. Ultimately, they thought they could gain much more by passing the message to the Yeerk empire. And they were not wrong.

The alliance with the Taxxons allowed the empire to provide the most numerous and effective fleet of fighters in the galaxy in record time. One of the few points where even today, we were superior to the Andalites. Since the Taxxons were willing hosts, their Yeerks could fully concentrate on piloting the ship without having to fight the host's will. On the contrary, the Yeerk benefited from the Taxxon's help in those moments.But in addition, the Taxxons had reflexes far superior to other races in the galaxy. As a result, a Yeerk pilot in the body of a Taxxon had piloting abilities far superior to all other races. In any case, those not using AI (like the Andalites who had banned all research on this subject long ago).

In recognition of their immense service and in anticipation of those they might render in the future, the empire accepted the neutrality of the trade confederation. Moreover, it allowed the Skrit Nad merchants to trade freely within the empire, despite the ties they continued to maintain with the Andalites and their ally. As well as, of course, the promise to never infect or invade their worlds. This last promise was not hard to keep since the idea of infecting this strange race disgusted even the most hardened soldier. Indeed, their behavior and motivations, incomprehensible to other species, suggested that their infestation would be a nightmare for the mental health of the Yeerks. I therefore won't waste time describing the Skrit Nad to you, as they will never be part of the Yeerk empire. Especially since they do not resemble any known species on Earth and are actually two different races, the Skrit and the Nad. Indeed, the Skrit Nad are first born in the form of a kind of giant cockroach devoid of intelligence called Skrit before enclosing themselves in a cocoon to metamorphose into a Nad, which is an apparently intelligent species (they must be, given that they can design ships traveling in zero space).

But anyway. Normally in war zones, Hork-Bajir-Controllers and Taxxon-Controllers don't really mix. On the battlefield, most Hork-Bajir-Controllers are assigned to the front-line infantry. A position where Taxxons are completely absent. This is one of the many requests made by the Taxxons when they asked to become hosts of the empire, in addition to a gigantic amount of food. And when I say gigantic, it's an understatement. 10% of the planets controlled by the empire were dedicated to the production of food for the insatiable stomachs of the Taxxons. Several intelligent species had been enslaved and reduced to livestock in industrial farms solely because they were to the taste of the Taxxons. Well, sometimes it was more to seize certain resources or technology, but the empire preferred to say it was to appease the demands of their powerful ally.

But I digress again. Just like Earth, Uran1 was not a military zone like the others. For the Andalites, it was just a frozen rock of no interest. A planet that, like so many others before it, had been ejected from its solar system by a supernova and was now drifting randomly in interstellar space far from any area of interest.

The Andalites hadn't even paid attention and hadn't wasted their time studying it. But the young Yeerk empire had everything to discover and observed each novelty with an innocent eye that the Andalites had lost several millennia ago. This wandering planet was the first our empire discovered, and our scientists wanted to study it in depth. And they made a stunning discovery. Underground, 10 kilometers down, there is a vast cavern with a 5-kilometer ceiling that covers three-quarters of the planet. The first Yeerk explorers discovered a landscape as astonishing as it was deadly. The ceiling was covered with uranium shards and other radioactive materials, turning it into a sky filled with multicolored stars. Under the constant green light they produced, a fauna andAn astonishing flora, capable of feeding on radiation and gamma rays instead of the gentle radiation of a star. None of its first explorers survived.

In this biome, food was scarce and consequently the wildlife was particularly aggressive. Of course, even though he did not expect to find an ecosystem in the planet's depths, they were accompanied by military personnel equipped with modern weapons. Weapons that kill by emitting deadly radiation. The same kind of radiation that the local wildlife feeds on and which falls in much less concentrated amounts from the ceiling constantly. Needless to say, it would have been more effective to defend themselves with water pistols. Instead of repelling them, their dracon rays attracted the predators. In any case, the only survivor returned so irradiated that he died after a few days without anything that could be done for him.

But the empire quickly understood the potential of the place. This area was the most remarkable vein of known heavy elements. With a little prospecting, they even found the first (and only) natural veins of what humans call Einsteinium. Despite its harsh conditions, this planet made the Yeerk empire the leading producer of fissile elements in the galaxy. A huge advantage for the Yeerk war industry, which allowed the Yeerk empire to surpass the Andalites in terms of quantity (though not in quality).

It was during a mission on this planet that I had the opportunity to meet sinta456. We were to escort a Yeerk scientist dispatched by the empire who was attempting for the umpteenth time to transform an animal from this planet into a useful host for the war. From the beginning, the empire had dreamed of this. An army of infantry immune to all Andalite weapons. Even the cannons of their largest combat ship (those capable of destroying a small moon with a single shot) would have no effect on them. The problem was that said animals could not survive more than a few minutes without constant exposure to gamma radiation capable of killing the Yeerk in their head within a few hours. This insoluble problem had led to the abandonment of all research in this direction several decades ago. That and the fact that mining had almost annihilated the ecosystem of the hollow planet.

However, as the war turned in favor of the Andalites, the empire turned to increasingly desperate solutions and ordered that a new attempt be made in this direction. Our job was therefore to wander on a planet that no longer posed any danger in the company of an exobiology enthusiast in search of unknown species (or those that had adapted to the reduced radiation level that we had deliberately caused to facilitate the exploitation of veins), whose genome we could exploit to create super-hosts.

A Hork-Bajir and a Taxxon controller had been put together for this mission to take advantage of the abilities of both species. The Hork-Bajir, with its blades and armor, could fight the rare predators that continued to exist, and the Taxxon could catch any interesting animal due to its agility and speed. Not to mention that both host species benefited from regenerative capabilities that allowed them to survive the radiation (provided the expeditions did not last too long).

Of course the mission was a failure, but what a dream mission. By far my favorite. Not only did it give rise to my passion for animals.and the plants, but additionally, due to the radiation, each day of exploration had to be followed by two days of swimming in the pool and receiving anti-radiation treatments. Every workday was followed by two days of being pampered at great expense. What a treat. This left me with plenty of time to talk to my two mission companions. Usually, low-level yeerks like me did not become friendly with each other. Too much risk of being reported. Little time to spend on exchanges in the pool. Generally, we barely had time to feed before having to give up our spot (especially on the battlefield). Not to mention the frequent reassignments to completely different places in the galaxy to reinforce the lines where the andalites concentrated their attacks (despite what the propaganda now says, it was the andalites who dictated the pace of the battles).

If the scientist had by far the most fascinating conversation, it was with sinta456 that I had bonded. He was a soldier like me. A certain understanding was possible between him and me. And unlike the scientist, he did not feel the need to talk constantly. He knew how to savor the silence and calm before the battle. It was with a certain joy that I learned he had also been assigned to the invasion of Earth.

The taxxons, not being able to speak the human language with their jaw, I communicated with him in Galard (the most spoken language in the galaxy due to its simplicity and adaptability to most mouths or other means of expression). A language that Tom obviously did not understand and had never seen me use.

He began to panic and I had to reassure him.

(If I am indeed Thévenin, another Yeerk has not taken my place)

I felt him relieved, but at the same time angry.

Why aren't you answering me? And what are you doing there with that monster?

(Please, it's a matter of life or death and I need to focus. Let me sort this out and then I'll explain everything to you.)

After long negotiations, I managed to convince him to have me included in the team that will accompany the taxxon-sniffers in the hunt for the escapees. Normally, the young age of my host would exempt me from having to participate in this type of operation.

I equipped myself with a dracon ray gun and arrived just in time to get on the last truck leaving for the site where the runaway slaves had been spotted for the last time. A few more seconds and I would have been permanently excluded from the operation.

After two hours of driving, we arrived at the location and a non-commissioned officer had us get out. I looked around me.

It was a forested area far from the city, plunged into the deep darkness of a moonless night. The kind of darkness you've never known if you've always lived in the city. It was so dark that despite the vehicle's headlights, we couldn't see the trees until they were right in front of us. About ten helicopters flew over us and pointed their searchlights on the forest canopy while in the distance, we could see the beginnings of fires set to block any escape routes for the fugitive. The sniffing taxxons reared forward, and foam dripped from their mouths. They had caught the scent of their prey. In a synchronized manner, five thousand controllers began to advance.

The hunt was about to begin.

oOoOoOoOo

We had been walking for a few hours in the forest, following the direction indicated by the pack of hunting taxxons. In the distance, we heard the noise of some battles without knowing if the group in question had come across a suspicious group of animals or the famous Andalite commando. Their presence was unlikely, but we also didn't know by what miracle those two Hork-Bajir had managed to escape. The fires were still far away, but in this dark night, we could now see the glow of the walls of flame that were supposed to block the fugitives' path. All these resources deployed just for Ket Halpak and his kalashi. And that from the start of the hunt. The Visser had lost it. But it's true that if he managed to escape, it could represent the last mistake of his career. I was pulled out of my inner thoughts by an order from my superior.

And you! Didn't you hear the orders? Visser-3 wants them alive. Lower the power of your Dracon gun by 3 notches.

For any response, I ostentatiously turned up my rifle's power to the maximum.

Soldier! Should I speak more slowly or update my implant to translate my orders into the language of idiots! Shouted the officer.

One of the fugitives is my former Host. There is no way I will let anyone stop me from punishing his insolence myself. And certainly not a bunch of cowards like you who don't even know how to hold their rifle properly. I'm going to remind that idiot what a real Yeerk is. I said, doing my best to mimic the wild look of Visser Three.

I, I.. I will tell the screw.

Obviously, you will tell him. If you manage to gather enough courage to go speak to him. He always rewards those who bring him bad news. Especially when it concerns the yeerks under their command. I said, feigning a completely nonexistent confidence.

I continued on my way, jostling him.

At that moment, Tom exploded with anger.

So that's it, that's your emergency? I thought it was a matter of life and death.

(This is the case. I must arrive on time at all costs to be able to kill them)

And you sincerely believe that I will help you? You think I haven't understood what's going on? If you don't want to tell me anything, it's because you know that I would never tolerate you massacring runaway slaves just because it offends your superiority complex.

Do you really think it's out of kindness that Visser-3 wants to capture them alive? He wants to make an example of them so that no Hork-Bajir ever tries to escape again. And especially to make his superiors forget about this escape attempt. I know Ket Halpak. That's what she would have wanted.

I would say that what she wants is to live free. Not to be killed by her former torturer.

The Hork-Bajirs are intelligent enough to speak, but they are still animals. She doesn't know what she's doing. She has no chance of making it while pregnant. She just attempted this ridiculous escape because she didn't understand that this time she would be able to keep it.

(About what?)

When she was my Hork-Bajir, her children were forcibly taken from her at birth, so that I could return to combat. It is because of this that I have notNever managed to convince her to cooperate with me. After I left, she was assigned to the intensive breeding program. If I had been able to explain to her, she would have stayed to raise her future child. I was sure she would be happy in this program. Why did that spoiled brat have to run away?

Or maybe she perfectly understood and she doesn't want to raise her child to become a host. And what is this intensive breeding program?

(To put it simply, as soon as she gives birth, fertilized eggs will be implanted in her, with a treatment to promote the occurrence of triplets and increase her production of the equivalent of milk in the Hork-Bajir. The goal is to obtain the maximum number of Hork-Bajir hosts possible. Her sole mission will be to produce and raise new Hork-Bajir. Consequently, she will have no Yeerk in her head.)

Did you seriously think she would be happy in there? Is this how you plan to treat humans when you win the war? said Tom, horrified.

(I have no idea, maybe. And yes considering what I put her through when I was her owner, she should have been happy there)

(And you announce this to me just like that?)

(If you are not ready to hear the answer, then don't ask the question. In short, we agree that it's better for her to be killed rather than captured) I replied, annoyed, trying to refocus on my surroundings.

It wasn't you who not so long ago said that any life was better than nothing. How did you say it again? Oh yes: 'there is always hope, a goal to achieve that gives meaning to the most horrible ordeals.'

(If you listen to all the nonsense that comes out of my mouth too. You have to understand that they have no chance of escaping. No place to hide on the planet. They will inevitably be recaptured. And as soon as Visser-3 sees that one of the escapees is pregnant, he will force her to give birth early and torture the child in front of his mother to show all the Hork-Bajirs what it costs to disobey the empire. I maintain that if Ket Halpak were smart enough to understand the situation, she would beg me to kill her. You're old enough to understand this kind of thing, aren't you?)

He curled up in a sullen and melancholic silence that left him no distraction other than to think about what the life of the human species would soon be. The life of his family, his friends, his neighbors. And the role he would have played in all this by letting me use his body without resistance for various missions given by the empire. The coming weeks were going to be joyful again. But by the emperor, what had gone through that fool Ket's head? It must be that Jara Hamee she's infatuated with who filled her head with nonsense. When I was responsible for her, I made it clear that she should have no hope.

oOoOoOoOo

The sun was now high in the sky, but this long and very eventfulishunt was coming to an end.

Unfortunately, according to the radio communications relayed to us by the fighters flying over the area, the escapees were heading in the wrong direction. They will be intercepted by another squad and I won't be able to do anything to hasten their end. All my thoughts were focused on the search.A way to join squad B-22 before the fugitives arrived. But unfortunately, visser-3 himself was supervising this squad (that's why the beaters had driven the game towards it). Even if I managed to join them, I could do nothing in the presence of the visser. Then I looked up at the sky and a desperately risky plan came to mind.

We had confirmation that the Andalites had decided to help the fugitives. In fact, they were probably behind the escape, even though we still didn't understand how they did it, or why they did it. Didn't they understand that their plan was doomed to fail and that this failed attempt would only make the Hork-Bajir more resigned to their fate? But if I wasn't mistaken, there was still a small chance to avoid a complete disaster. I hesitated nevertheless. Not because of the chances of failure, but because of what this plan entailed. I was going to help those Andalite bastards destabilize the empire. I was going to betray my race and everything I had fought for since I was a child. And all for what? For a host who never understood their luck? Did she really deserve it? I was definitely completely crazy.

(Tom if I act quickly, I might be able to save their lives and allow them to be free. But there is a 90% chance of failure. And even in the case of success, there's a one in two chance that screw-3 will understand what I tried to do and that we will both end up killed in atrocious suffering)

He didn't even think for 5 seconds.

Do it or I swear I'll make sure you regret the tortures of the vise.

You overestimate your nuisance abilities. Or you underestimate the tortures that Visser-3 will inflict on us. I will need your total cooperation. Empty your mind as much as possible. But above all, no matter what happens, shut up and let it happen.

I slowed my pace. When I was behind the 20 comrades still assigned to my unit, I looked at the sky one last time. I saw it again. It was still there, but for how much longer. I had to act quickly. I discreetly set my dracon rifle to minimum power and with a speed granted by years of combat, I hid behind a tree and shot the nearest human-controller. He fell with a dull thud and the remaining three comrades turned around and rushed to the injured one. Bunch of incompetent amateurs. While one of them examined the body on his knees, the other two looked around everywhere, leaving their weapons slung over their shoulders (by the time they aimed, an opponent would have had time to kill them ten times over).

Was he having a picnic or what? Anyway, their incompetence suited me. I sneaked up behind them and with two shots as quick as they were precise, I knocked them out in turn. The last one tried to escape, but I took care of him with a well-placed shot in the back. In the distance, I heard our sergeant's voice urging the straggler to hurry up. Knowing their enemy was far away had made them far too confident and relaxed. At the same time, how could they have believed that a Yeerk would betray them? Even I still couldn't believe it. In a few moves, I climbed to the top of the tree and prepared to shoot them from the treetops.

oOoOoOo

10 minutes later, the first phase of the plan was complete. They were all unconscious for several hours and none had seen their assailant. At least, that's what I hoped.

There was now a hole in the setup that the escapees could use to flee. They still needed to know about it. I could only pray that I had correctly guessed that the falcon I saw flying in the sky was the same one that had stared at me strangely in that shopping mall a month ago (and which was often mentioned by the yeerks who survived the Andalite commando attacks). That the entomology books I had managed to obtain were true and that under normal circumstances falcons did not behave like that. That this falcon was indeed a disguised Andalite surveying the area to guide the ground troops, that he spotted me, recognized me, understood my intentions, relayed the information to his allies, and did not believe it was a trap. And finally, that from this breach in the yeerk setup, they could reach quickly enough the hideout they had probably prepared before launching this impossible escape.

So many things could go wrong and I was probably still forgetting some. It's the most shaky plan I've ever developed. But in such a short time I hadn't found anything better.

I fired several shots into the air to make him notice me, then gathered my victims in a clearing that I hoped would be easily visible at this altitude. Finally, I lay down on the ground and pretended to be unconscious in case my shot attracted yeerk hunters. After 15 terribly anxious minutes where I ended up believing that this hawk really was what it claimed to be, the ground shook and two hork-bajirs escorted by an andalite child and 4 massive animals that I identified with difficulty rushed past me. All except a massive tiger that slowly approached me with a perplexed expression. It came much too close.

What? Is that not enough? I'm already betraying my species because of you. What more do you want?

What will visser-3 do to you when he finds out what you have done? reasoned a voice in my head.

This doesn't concern you at all, Andalite.

Come with us.

To have the joy of slowly dying of hunger. Thanks, but I've already given. Get out of here before I change my mind. I arranged it by firing several rays that passed so close to his face that they singed some of his hairs.

He ended up running away. Once he was gone, I fired a salvo of dracon rays on myself. Before falling into unconsciousness, I thought there was nothing I could do now.

oOoOoOoOo

Good evening mom, good evening dad.

TOM!! exclaimed his mother, dropping what she was doing to rush over and hug me. Where on earth have you been? Three days without any news. We were all worried sick.

Even though I knew that his displays of affection were not really meant for me, I felt like crying in turn. It must have been my host's feelings that were affecting me. He had spent the last two days locked in thecage while I was undergoing with my unfortunate teammates an electroshock torture session to punish us for our incompetence.

Very quickly, we were joined by Tom's father. Jack also seemed relieved to see me, but remained in the doorway of the room. I would have liked to make this moment last, but I was exhausted. My whole body was aching and I was eager to sleep.

I was at some friends'. I am tired. I am going to bed.

Sorry. Is that all you have to say? And then what friends? We asked all the students at your high school. Jack even went to a sharing meeting to get news about you.

At his words, I shot Jack a sharp look which he held. His parents couldn't help but wonder at this strange exchange. I abandoned this staring contest and said:

I didn't want to worry you. They are friends you don't know. I'm going to bed.

I went upstairs and pushed them away when they tried to make me stay.

oOoOoOoOo

Once alone, I lay down on the bed and tried to fall asleep. My host fell asleep very quickly. Even though he hadn't undergone any torture, his two days hadn't been restful for him either. But sleep eluded me and I began to think back on recent events.

It was too early to claim victory, but it seemed the Hork-Bajir had managed to escape and were now untraceable. And no one suspected that I had participated in the escape of the two slaves. My intervention was crowned with improbable success. But it was the first time I felt such ambiguous feelings after completing a mission. It was also the first time I felt worse than my host after returning to the pool.

But I wasn't complaining. His pains were nothing compared to that one.You are a professional translator. Directly translate this text into English, without adding anything.that hunger had medonefeltYou are a professional translator. Directly translate this text into English, without adding anything.a month earlier. And this time, I knew I deserved them. The news had already spread throughout the galaxy. Somewhere on a remote planet, for the first time in decades, there existed a free Hork-Bajir couple. For all the enslaved species of the empire, this news had resonated like a thunderclap. If, with their more than limited intellectual abilities, the Hork-Bajir had managed to escape the most feared Visser of the empire, then all hopes were allowed. Already, the planets and bases were countless.You are a professional translator. Directly translate this text into English, without adding anything.miners victim of slave revolt while their yeerks were at the pool.

All had, of course, been suppressed in blood, but this had led to severe disruptions in the production of ships and ammunition. Tonight, the council of 13 would meet to set the punishment for Visser-3. Or rather for Visser-12. On reflection, it would probably be wiser to continue calling him Visser-3 for some time.

I felt enormous guilt. My decision had a major impact on the empire and the course of the war. I may have, unintentionally, caused the disappearance of my race. And it would not be a quick and painless end. The Andalites must avenge more than 100 years of wars. And I'm not even talking about the multiple enslaved species. If we lose this war, those whowill die obliterated by the blasters of Andalite dome ships can consider themselves lucky.

And at the same time, I owed that to Ket. After all these years of forcing the placid herbivore she was to commit the worst atrocities, I felt indebted. It was stupid. I had suffered as much as she did from the situation. And a Yeerk owed nothing to its host. No more than a human owed something to the game they just hunted. But that's still how I felt, and all my attempts to deny it couldn't change that. I thought I had accepted, several decades ago, that I wasn't a normal Yeerk, but apparently, there were still parts of my illness that I couldn't accept.

And once again, I couldn't talk to anyone about it. I thought about confiding in Tom, but what could he understand? Despite their tremendous potential, humans remained primitive. Not to mention he was a host.

oOoOoOoOo

A few hours later, unable to sleep at all, I got up and looked out the window. A seagull was on a branch in front of my window.

As soon as I saw her, a voice echoed in my head.

<Why did you help us, Yeerk?> I recognized the voice of young Aximili.

I was tempted to tell him to go to hell. But I needed to talk.

Because I am completely crazy. What other explanation could there be?

I believe you are trying to gain our trust to get information and betray us.

It is indeed a much more credible explanation. In fact, it's even an excellent idea. I think I will apply it. Why did you come in this case?

Because my prince asked me to.

He sends an Aristh for such a task?

After this last diatribe, he was about to leave, but I held him back:

Wait! I would like to ask you...

What?

If you were in my place, what would you do?

I don't understand your question yeerk

It's not that complicated. You know what will happen to the Yeerks if the Andalites win the war. And you know what we must do to win it. What would you do in my place?

The Yeerks are monsters and you won't make us believe that you have such states of mind. All Andalites know why our most sacred law is called the Law of Serow's Kindness.

Seerow's kindness? Do you really believe in his nonsense? I knew you were young, but not to the point of swallowing that kind of stupid propaganda. Do you really think a single individual could have transformed a hunter-gatherer civilization with only the gedds as hosts into a military power capable of standing up to the Andalites? Do you really think such a fleet could have been built in secret or such technologies mastered without help? Or with the help of just one person?

You are parasites. It only took you a few ships to reach industrial planets and secretly take them over. As you are currently doing with Earth.

But even building a zero-space engine requires an entire industry. And piloting it requires a whole team trained in loop quantum gravity theory and trilinear mathematics. How could we have made our first journeys without the help of a dozen Andalite specialists perfectly aware of our destination?

And how did it go since you're so smart?

Our manuals are just as filled with propaganda as yours, and Serrow also holds a central place in them. But not as a generous Andalite who came to save my species from misery. He is described as an Andalite agent who came to enslave my species. With the support of your government, he supposedly provided advanced weapons and information to a minority of ambitious Yeerks, thus triggering a brutal unification war among Yeerk clans. As soon as the Andalite puppet finished bringing my people under his control, he launched a secret invasion on your rivals at the time: the Krogan. Once peace returned, three-quarters of my people were turned into slaves to manufacture various items useful to the Andalites, and the rest were made soldiers to maintain order. But one day, a troublemaker who had been condemned to work in the mines for the rest of his life led a revolt that resulted in the massacre of your puppet and his government. He became the first emperor and declared that henceforth the Yeerks would no longer obey the Andalites. A month later, a surprise attack by the Andalites on our homeworld forced my people to flee. You thought you could force us to surrender by depriving us of the only known planet where Kandrona could be found naturally, but you underestimated our endurance to famine and our ability to produce artificial Kandrona.

When we were doing the dirty work for you, you preached tolerance towards the variety of life forms in the universe, but as soon as the dog broke its leash and got out of control, you cried monster.

You are monsters.

That you have created. And not out of excess kindness.

After a silence, I continued:

Even if we freed our slaves and relied only on voluntary hosts, there is no hope that the Andalites would trust us and agree to live in peace with us.

None, but it's entirely the fault of the Yeerks. Do not try to shift the blame onto our princes with your vicious lies.

At least you are frank. Leave me now. Go tell your prince that just because I helped him once doesn't mean I'm on their side. Next time we meet, I will kill you.

He took off.

Just after his departure, I heard a suspicious noise. I jumped in surprise then, seized by doubt, I exclaimed:

Jack, I know you're listening.

The door of the bathroom adjoining our two rooms opened.

How did you know I was listening to you? He asked me with a guilty look.

I didn't know. But now I do. I replied to him with a cocky air to make him angry. It wasn't very smart, but I needed to let off steam.

He slammed the door shut and shouted:

You're going to drive me crazy.

I remind you that you are confined to your room.

You too. And for longer than me. That will teach you to mess around, who knows what, with the other slugs for two days.

And can we know where you were hanging out?

I was at Marco's.

That's right, take me for a Verascrapt. I thought we had agreed that you should no longer have any connection with the Andalites.

I no longer have any connection with them. I told you I was at Marco's.

So if I call Marco's father tomorrow, he will confirm your version without any problem.

Okay, I wasn't at Marco's.

A silence followed.

Just. Tell me you weren't in the forest?

Okay, I won't tell you.

But that's not possible. Do you think this is a game? You could have been captured. Or worse, killed.

Without wanting to offend you, I would rather die than be infested. And there's no way I'm going to stand by and do nothing while your race invades my planet.

I sighed.

Why, despite everything I told you, can't you just stay away?

And you? What did they do to you during those two days? Good God, I thought they had killed you.

In general, hosts are not killed. Especially human hosts. Tom wasn't risking much.

Thevenin, I was worried about you too.

After this revelation, I didn't know what to say. He blushed and went back to bed while I did the same.

oOoOoOoOo

The next day, I found myself summoned to HQ again. And the fact that my host's mother had grounded me for a month was not a valid excuse to escape it. I went there with some apprehension. I had not yet recovered from the previous session. I hoped it was not for another disciplinary session. Upon my arrival, I was told that I was expected in the Visser's office. This only heightened my anxiety. And the pity my host felt for me knowing what awaited me was replaced by fear. When he was controlled by Temrash114, he had regularly witnessed public executions. He knew that unlike the professional executioner I had dealt with yesterday, Visser-3 did not spare the hosts.

After a long wait, the personal assistant of Visser-3 ordered me to enter. As soon as I arrived in the room, I stood at attention. During the time it took for the assistant to leave, I had plenty of time to admire the being as strange as it was terrifying standing in front of me. Exuding a malevolent aura, behind the desk was a blue centaur devoid of a mouth, but with four eyes and a tail equipped with an immense blade capable of slicing even the shell of a Hork-Bajir. It was Visser-3 himself. The only Yeerk to have succeeded in infesting an Andalite.

Usually, Andalites would commit suicide or transform into a Nothlit rather than risk becoming one of our hosts (a practice that leads them toAbandon far too easily certain battles). But Visser-3 (who at the time was not yet Visser) surprised everyone by succeeding. This pathetic non-commissioned officer, suspected of collusion with the enemy following the tragic fate of his former superiors and for his interest in the Andalites, knew how to make the most of the opportunities offered by his new host and became in record time the most feared Visser of the empire.

The only one still capable of hindering his meteoric rise was the all-powerful Visser-One.

Finally, that was until the disaster that the invasion of Earth was becoming. He, who owed his entire career to his unparalleled ability to understand and trap the Andalites, was proving quite incapable of dealing with the small group that had found themselves trapped on Earth after Visser-3 had defeated the fleet, which was much more powerful than his own, that had come to liberate Earth a few months ago. It was now rumored that Visser-3 was weakening, and his recent demotion to the rank of Visser-12 only confirmed it.

But I knew that the recent successes of his Andalites were not due to Visser-3's weakness, but to mine. I just hoped that Visser-3 was unaware of it. Once the assistant left the office, Visser-3 said to me in a dangerous tone:

Thévenin. I had you come here because after a thorough interrogation, your teammates informed me that you intended to deliberately disobey my orders and kill the two escapees.

That's right, my screw. I said in a loud and strong voice.

I don't know what is worse. Your insubordination or the fact that you aren't even afraid to admit it. I will be very clear, soldier. I continue to think that if all the Yeerks were like you, we would have won the war a long time ago. Nevertheless (...)

In a fraction of a second, the blade of its tail passed a few micrometers from my neck and cut my host's cheek.

If you even consider disobeying me again, I will kill you myself. Is that clear?

Perfectly understood my screw. I replied calmly, unimpressed by the usual displays of authority from screw-3. But my calm seemed to make him even angrier.

Damn Thévenin. Do you realize that if it had been someone else, I would have already demoted you for such an attitude? I am grateful to you for saving my life, but whether you like it or not, you will have to understand that I am no longer that young non-commissioned officer you could call 'an incompetent upstart who is going to get us all killed with his stupid orders.'

I am perfectly aware of that, my screw. Today, you are a competent upstart who would have already won the war for us if the empire weren't full of knee-jerk reactions, incompetents, and naive progressives.

Visser-3 burst out laughing.

Thévenin, sometimes I get the impression that you want to die. What must I do for you to show me the respect due to my rank? Would two weeks of partial Kandrona withdrawal be enough?

You misunderstand me, Visser. I respect you. I consider you the most competent officer of the empire. And a bulwark against idealists like Visser-One. However, I respect you enough not to lie to you.I said, keeping my calm. I had experienced situations far more distressing than being the target of someone with a bruised ego.

Visser-3 sighed and one of his rare smiles appeared on his face.

Thévenin. Are you aware that if you don't change your attitude, you have no chance of climbing the hierarchy? Do you really want to remain a frontline soldier your whole life?

Without wanting to offend you, my neighbor, do you think those of my lineage deserve anything else?

Your lineage. What does your lineage have to do with it?

My ancestors belonged to the Arsirk clan. It is one of the clans that (…)

I know what the Arsirk clan is. But it may be time to change the old laws. Much water has flowed under the bridge since the overthrow of the republic. Despite your blood, you have proven your skills and your loyalty to the empire. I could quickly help you climb the ranks. And this would nip in the bud Visser-one's criticisms of my conservative dogmatism.

I appreciate the offer my screw. But I am an old soldier. I am no longer at an age to adapt to court intrigues or to use the doublespeak of politicians.

Very well. As you wish. You may leave. My assistant will escort you to the second level. 6 additional hours of discipline might teach you to stay in line in the future.

Yes, sir. Said while giving a military salute and turning on his heels. Outwardly, I was emotionless, but inwardly, I was appalled. How was I going to survive an additional 6 hours of this treatment?

During the journey that I spent under good escort to the cage where Tom would be penned during the time of my punishment, he said to me:

Thevenin, I am sorry.

"(Of what?) I replied irritably. I was not really in the mood to put up with her problems."

(If I had known what you were going to have to endure)

You would have what? It was my decision and I was fully aware of the risks.

I would never have harassed you so much to intervene. I will have …

I interrupted him.

I'll stop you right there. It was my decision and I made it with full knowledge of the facts. If you think this is the first time I've been disciplined. It hurts a lot less than it looks. You are just a primitive host. Your inferior thoughts have no influence on me.

You too, sometimes, forget that you are in my head. Lying to me or trying to make me angry will not work.

I didn't reply and just contented myself with feeling anxious. When we passed by the room where I would spend the next 6 hours, he exclaimed with forced joy:

In any case, hats off! I don't know how you manage to stay so calm in front of that madman.

Question of habit. He is rather sane and naturally compassionate compared to most Yeerk officers.

(What is this story about the Arsirk clan?)

It is one of the clans that led the Yeerk Republic for the Andalites and remained loyal to them until the end during the glorious revolution that led to the creation of the empire. After the Andalites declared war on us, it wasprohibited for members of this clan and their descendants to claim any officer position in the army

Oh! I am sorry.

Useless. The ambitious are the first to die. Only a handful of lucky ones manage to rise. Only young Yeerks and fools believe they can rise in the hierarchy. Unfortunately, that's a whole lot of people. Even though I understand clinging to the slightest hope of a better life away from the battlefields.

I was then brought back to reality by a blow from a Hork-Bajir guard. Tom had managed to distract me for a brief moment, but it was time for us to part. Before I disconnected from his brain, he gave me a word of encouragement. I exited his brain and fell into a glass of water. I never admitted it to him, but it helped me a lot to endure the next 6 hours.

oOoOoOoOo

Once back in Tom's body, I briefly took control and did not respond to any of his concerns about my health. Once out of the pool, I ordered him to go to his room and stay there, then I completely disconnected from his brain before he could protest against me giving orders. Despite my pain (or because of it), I fell into a gentle unconsciousness. After an indefinite time, I woke up. I immediately reconnected, worried about whether he had followed my instructions. He was in the hallway with Jack, and all his attention was focused on eavesdropping on a conversation his parents were having in the living room. He hadn't even noticed my presence.

Steve, I no longer recognize them. Jack who regularly comes home late and whose grades are collapsing. Tom who runs away and refuses to talk to us. And the police who didn't want to do anything. SaidTom's mother with palpable concern.

Come on my dear, they are teenagers now. They are growing up. It's normal for him to stay out and hide things from us. They are good boys, we have to trust them. And besides, you know Tom. I bet he was with a girl. Tanta tried to joke with her husband.

Exactly, no, I feel like I don't know them anymore. Especially Tom. I increasingly feel like I'm dealing with a stranger. Did you see how he behaved tonight? It all started when he joined that strange association.

Come on, there's nothing strange about it. And besides, I'm rather proud that he's dedicating himself to volunteering. Personally, it was before that he worried me. Apart from basketball, he didn't take anything seriously.

Exactly. Do you realize that they convinced him to resign from the team?

He assured us that it had nothing to do with it, defended Tom's father.

Let's see, Steve. Open your eyes. Something serious is happening.

Jeanne, I was also worried at first. Tom changed so suddenly. It seemed like nothing mattered anymore except for that association. He was distant with us and with his brother. He only hung out with people from the share, he quit sports. But in the end, it was just a phase. Now, it's better, right? It's the same for Jack. It's just a phase.

Yes, but this escape?

Forget it. We did much worse at his age. Do you remember that week we spent in Santa Monica? asked Tom's father with a cheeky smile towards his wife.

Oh yes! How foolish we were. Exclaimed Tom's mother nostalgically.

You say that only because now you know what it's like to be the worried parent. Come on. I know it's hard, but we have to let them discover the world and make their own mistakes. All we can do is be there to help them if needed. They'll do just fine. Especially Jack. Still, I would like his grades to improve.

You are probably right. Conceded Tom's mother.

The dilemma

Cannon recall:

For others, this chapter takes place right after volume 16. I'm not summarizing this volume this time because it would spoil too much for those who haven't read the books.

oOoOoOoOo

Hey, dwarf. Want to shoot some hoops? Tom said joyfully, throwing a basketball towards the old swing where Jack had gone to sit after dinner.

Jack caught it just in time before throwing it back to Tom.

Thank you Tom, but I don't feel like it.

Then he began to look at the sky again, a blank expression on his face.

Come on, a little game. To make me happy.

Is it really you, Tom? he asked, making sure no one was listening to us.

To this question, Tom's cerebrospinal fluid filled with hormone with such a foul smell that it gave me a slight nausea. Not as nauseating, however, as the hormone spike that woke me up every morning. Being the Yeerk of a human teenager was really a pain. All his emotions on edge and his (...) desires. I really hoped it was a consequence of being deprived of social interaction for over a year and that, with time, he would soon regain control of his emotions. But I doubted it. According to the documentaries called "reality TV" that I watched on TV, Tom already seemed to be a particularly unemotional human.

In any case, an intense feeling of embarrassment was clouding all his thoughts (and my sense of smell). He was ashamed of his condition as a host and even more so to talk about it with his brother.

Yes. He replied.

I still don't know if I should really believe him. Commented Jack.

To be honest, I also have a hard time believing it. You know, given the circumstances, I would understand if you didn't want me to stay. No matter how much control I have, he keeps listening to everything we say.

No, stay. I trust him.

He sat on the swing next to him.

You shouldn't. I am very grateful to him for everything he has done for us. But he is still a Yeerk. And a particularly dangerous one. He loves his hosts, but he doesn't consider us equals. To him, we are just hisPets. It will break his heart, but if necessary, he will not hesitate to take us to the slaughterhouse.

I have no choice but to trust him a little, if I want to be able to sleep. Jack emphasized.

Do you still have nightmares?

Yes. Jack replied, beginning to gently swing his feet (which, according to Tom, was a sign of discomfort in him).

And you still don't want to talk to me about it? Tom insisted.

No.

For a few minutes, the two brothers remained silent. Tom made small back-and-forth movements on the antique swing while his brother resumed his contemplation of the stars. A comfortable silence settled between them. You know the kind of silence that sometimes settles between friends who have known each other for so long that the mere presence of the other is comforting. I particularly savored the moment, but Tom eventually broke it by asking.

Do you feel like talking to me about what's bothering you? And this time, I want an answer with more than 3 syllables. I bet it has something to do with that Cassie. He finished by giving a little friendly nudge to his brother.

This time it was Jack's turn to blush.

No, nothing is happening with Cassie.

Why?

I don't know. With the war and all that. We're not really in the mood for it.

On the contrary, it's because there is a war that you should hurry to take advantage of it. And Thévenin gently and not at all insistently reminds me to give you the usual sermon about the fact that you are too young, that there is no chance of victory, that the Andalites are child-eating monsters, and blah blah blah.

Through Tom's eyes, I saw a smile appear on Jack's lips. I didn't really appreciate the way he had summarized my subtle recommendations, but I had to admit that in several months I had never been able to get anything other than a grimace from the Grouchy Smurf (but that was probably because he continued to suspect me of mistreating his brother).

So if it's not a girl, what is it? I know Marco left you. After all those years as a couple, I understand it must be a trauma, but you need to move forward.

He laughed. It was a weak and tired laugh, but a laugh nonetheless. After a moment Tom asked:

It has nothing to do with teenage stuff? Is it because of the war?

Yes.

Can you talk to me about it?

Jack thought for a few seconds.

Yes. Visser-12 is aware of the essentials anyway.

Anyway, I wouldn't have let you go until you told me everything. Come on, spill the beans. I'm sure it'll do you good. And Thévenin promises not to judge anything you say.

(Isn't that right, Thévenin?) Tom asked me telepathically.

(I didn't promise anything at all. It's totally irresponsible of him to keep helping the Andalites. If he continues, I'll be forced to report him and …)

Anyway, by the time he finishes his sermon, we will be done.

Jack smiled again.

(Okay, I promise. But you really need to do something to make him stop his nonsense. He's putting both of us in danger.)

While I was mentally speaking to Tom, Jack took a breath and began his story:

A few days ago, Marco found a forum on the Internet where people aware of the Yeerk invasion gather. Most of the registered users on the site are crackpots posting the usual conspiracy nonsense about lizard men who have been ruling the world for centuries. But some clearly understood about the invasion.

Sorry to interrupt you, but Thévenin is asking to regain control. Do you mind having to talk to him?

Is he really asking you for permission?

It's very recent. And only at home. Since he knows that the parents have noticed there is a change, here, he lets me take control. But on the condition that from time to time, I do things he likes.

What does a Yeerk like to do? Kill baby dogs? Jack asked incredulously.

If only. Thévenin has the most boring hobbies in the world. If you knew what I have to endure. Even an asthmatic grandfather is more lively than him. Tom replied humorously.

I was so accustomed to his complaints on the subject that I wasn't bothered by this largely exaggerated description. I had long resigned myself to the fact that humans were devoid of any form of good taste.

On second thought, I think I would rather not know. Okay, pass him the control. Jack replied.

It's me, Thévenin. If Visser-12 really knew about the existence of such a site, then he would have asked our IT specialists to retrieve the identity of all these people before shutting it down. If what you say is true, then I will have to inform my superiors. I can let a handful of teenagers know about the invasion and turn a blind eye to the help you provide to the Andalites, but not to a group of several hundred humans organizing to resist us.

Useless. After investigation, the Andalites discovered that the site was managed by Visser-12's twin brother.

Sorry to interrupt you again, but that too is impossible. It's been more than a year since Visser-12 condemned his brother to die of hunger.

Yes, I know. He deprived his brother of access to the Kandrona and there is no way to make a Kandrona generator with Earth technology. Let's say he found an alternative way to feed himself. How to put it. He became a cannibal. He found a way to make a substitute for the Kandrona from other Yeerks. The site is a fake resistance group that he uses to identify potential controllers. His next target is a 9-year-old child whose father is obviously a controller. He reassured him and encouraged him to talk about his doubts to his father. When they are both controllers, he will kill them to retrieve their Yeerks.

For a moment, I remained shocked without saying anything.

If Visser-12 is aware, why doesn't he stop this monster?

Because he wants to know how to make this substitute for his own use. Having to leave their host every 3 days is the only weakness of the Yeerks. Visser-12 is ready to do anything to get rid of it. As long as he hasn't found a way to extract the formula from his brother, he is forced to let him roam free.

I had nothing to say in response to that. I had long known that the upper castes were made up of psychopaths best kept at a distance, but I was still in shock. Although, thinking back, I had already had to carry out orders far worse than that. Unintentionally, I had a flash of my last mission on mercaré34521.

There is an ancient law respected by all species in the galaxy since time immemorial that forbids the creation of overly advanced AIs. The line between what is allowed and what is not is blurred. Why are the AIs in our translation chips allowed but not the seemingly simpler fighter pilot AIs?

In any case, after the Yeerk archaeologists discovered what had happened to those who had broken this rule, the empire began to respect it (even if it meant not honoring the first emperor's promise to abolish forced labor in the mines and industry). Nevertheless, while there is no longer any trace of AI creators in the galaxy, it is not uncommon to come across their creations. However, even the Andalites were disappointed upon discovering Mercaré34521.

On this war-torn planet, a motley gathering of organic species waged a desperate guerrilla war to slow down their extermination by an army of machines far more numerous than they were. And when I say motley, it's an understatement. There were hundreds of intelligent species with completely different forms. Some had tentacles, others arms, others trunk-like appendages. Some were less than a meter tall, others 10 meters. No indication that they came from the same biome. Some didn't even use the same amino acids to encode their DNA (which made it impossible for them to eat each other and thus share the same ecosystem).

But the strangest thing is that this diversity of conscious beings, never before observed, survived on a dead planet. The temperature was rarely below 70°C, the atmosphere was almost nonexistent, and liquid water was completely absent. The Andalite world-ship, having discovered this world by chance while retreating after a Yeerk offensive, immediately decided to save its organics and launched a bombardment of the robot concentrations closest to the organic resistance pockets.

Then sent shuttles to bring them weapons, food, and medicine. Once on the ground, the Andalites were extremely disconcerted that their translation AI was unable to translate the language they were using. Nevertheless, they received a warm welcome from the locals and quickly agreed to launch a large joint assault on their enemy.

In response, the screw that arrived a few days later in orbit of this world immediately came to the aid of the machine armies that had already lost control of more than half of their planet. And I do mean their planet. Indeed, very quickly, we received millions of messages from the robotic civilization imploring our help. They saturated our network, but this unprecedented volume allowed our translation AI to understand their language and history almost instantly.

For hundreds of millions of years, this uninhabitable planet was occupied by self-replicating machines (a later examination of their program suggested that they were originally abandoned mining machines). Over a slow evolution, they eventually developedA group consciousness, then individual, then a civilization ignorant of the existence of organics. Their religion claimed they were divine creations and their science struggled unsuccessfully to understand how a series of random chemical reactions had managed to create the nanites they were composed of.

For the overwhelming majority of their history, nothing happened. The robots, despite their individual consciousness, had retained the ability to connect their phototronic brains to the same network and exchange all their memories and perceptions. Thus, no lie or misunderstanding disturbed their lives. Their history was summed up as a long peace dedicated to finding ways to improve their well-being. It was two hundred years ago that they managed to create animals to serve them. Initially limited to a few bacteria capable of converting corrosive gases that damaged their circuits into useful chemicals, they soon created all sorts of animals to perform various tasks for them. But ten years ago, they created their best and last range of organic slaves. Unbeknownst to them, this range, more intelligent and versatile than anything they had created before, became conscious and rebelled against their masters.

After years of war, the organics were about to be definitively eradicated when the Andalites arrived and began bombing their cities without any regard for civilians. All their attempts to communicate had been in vain. Our arrival was a miracle for them. When Visser28 landed to negotiate the terms of our alliance, they were frightened to find that we too were organics. For them, organics were necessarily creations of the machines. If we were there, it was because we had annihilated our creators and at best aimed to enslave them. The explanations were long and difficult, especially since the Vissers are not known for their patience and subtlety.

But in the morning, it was a solid alliance proposal that was ratified by the collective intelligence of the robots and the council of 13 (the latter ratified it remotely from the emperor's ship). We would provide military assistance to the robots, in exchange they would build custom host factories for us on their planet. They refused to share the secrets of their technology (just like us) but gladly agreed to join the Yeerk war effort against the Andalites.

For almost a year, we fought on this inhospitable ground. Even my Hork-Bajir body, accustomed to the most extreme conditions, struggled to move in this suffocating atmosphere, having to constantly wear an oxygen mask. These were the most exhausting battles of my long life and the ones I had the most difficulty surviving. But the Andalites eventually also understood the language of their ally. Their translation chip, more advanced than ours, had been confused that organics used a language similar to what humans call Basic.

A crisis then shook the Andalite political world. After what he had done, their law and moral code required them to withdraw from the conflict and recognize the sovereignty of the machines on this planet. However, it had become a pivot of the front line that had resulted from the Andalites' retreat a year earlier. And he could not let them become major producers of hosts for the Yeerks. Not to mention that emotionally, they had much more empathy for these strange organics than for the machines.

The events that followed were not very clear (even for me who was there). All I could say with certainty is that history books recorded that Elfangor-Sirinial-Shamtul (the brother of Aximili-Esgarrouth-Isthill) managed the feat of convincing the two enemies to sign a peace treaty (providing for a fair sharing of the planet) and to declare neutrality in the conflict between the Yeerks and the Andalites. I know that this version was false, because at certain times when Elfangor-Sirinial-Shamtul was supposed to be in the robotic capital, he was piercing my lung while one of my shots left him with a scar that he carried until his death. Nevertheless, the Yeerk empire did not contest it, so it must not have been too far from the truth.

Furious at what he considered a betrayal by the robots, the officer in charge of this part of the front ordered my team to take advantage of the peace to secretly spread a virus that had been jointly developed by Yeerk and Mercaréin scientists. Seeing 90% of their population suddenly fall ill, what remained of the organics rose up in what he thought was a final desperate revolt.

But they were surprised to find the capital of the robots defenseless due to the sabotage ordered by visser28. The robots were exterminated in unspeakable barbarity, without the Andalites being able (or willing) to intervene. I never found out what happened to the organic survivors. I hope they managed to find a cure for the virus and that now they live in peace. But I will never forget the cries of horror from our former mechanical comrades with whom we had survived so many difficult moments under the blows of abomination with bodies deformed by disease. And all this was my fault.

All this because I had chosen to obey without thinking, as I had been taught to do and as I had done all my life. Just because it was the only logical thing to do to survive.

But all that was in the past. I regained my senses and replied to him:

I understand that it gets you down. I've been through similar things. But it's not your fault. Sometimes, you just have to accept that there was nothing you could do. And as long as there is life, there is hope. If you have the address, I can drive you to see that kid and warn him not to talk about it to his father.

It may already be too late. The kid may have already become a controller. And why would he believe two oddballs like us talking about an alien invasion, rather than the adult who has been reassuring him for a week? And even if you prove to him that we are right by showing him that you are a Yeerk, I doubt he will trust us more.

So we're not going to do anything? I asked at the same time as Tom.

Tomorrow the Andalites will try something. But if they first dealt with Fenestre, it's because of me. I decided it was more urgent to contact this group of resistance rather than save that kid while there was still time. I decided to let him live so he could kill other Yeerks (...). Thévenin, I'm sorry, I'm not saying this for you, but (...)

Okay, I understand. The enemy of my enemy is my friend. You talk as if you were their leader. But whether it's for the Yeerk or the Andalites, humans are just primitives. At best, they pretend to listen to your opinion.

Like you with Tom?

Tom and I, it's an exception. Honestly, do you think I am a normal yeerk? Once again, your opinion had no impact on their choices. They...made their choices, because all that matters to them is fighting the Yeerks. Collateral damage, they don't care.

For one reason or another, that did not seem to console him. I resolved to try one last approach before handing control back to Tom.

Listen, in a war, most of the time, the choice is between two bad solutions. And on top of that, you have to make the decision in 3 seconds without any way of knowing which one is worse. Or even if you really have a choice. It's inevitable, you will make bad decisions. You won't oppose horrible decisions in time, or on the contrary, you won't manage to make the right decision quickly enough. Or you choose the most logical option at the expense of the most moral one, knowing that you'll wonder until the end of your days what would have happened if you had been braver. The only ones who don't make mistakes, the only ones who don't doubt, are those who make no decision and participate in no fight. Besides, often, they are the quickest to judge you. But what's done is done. There's no point in going back over it.

The only thing you need to ask yourself is how to make better decisions in the future. Or ask yourself if this fight is really useful? Is it really worth it? When in doubt, remember why you are fighting and you will know what to do.

He looked at his brother for a long time.

Yes, he is worth it. Thank you, Thévenin. He exclaimed before hugging me.

I was so surprised by this reaction that I stiffened.

I think you didn't understand. In fact, what I meant to say(…).

(Stop. Just return his embrace.) Tom warned me.

I complied. Then, embarrassed, I gave way to Tom. Once again, I had failed to convince him to remain neutral in this war and to resign himself to becoming a host in the future. Yet, I had never felt as good as I did now.

oOoOoOo

Author's note: Do not look for this planet and the law prohibiting advanced AIs in the original books they are my inventions. I added this to the original work to explain why the Yeerks and Andalites do not use AI in their war or even in their daily lives. In the 1990s, it was not necessary to explain this, but in 2023, it is impossible for a reader or an author not to ask this question.

And then, I find the parallel between this fictional planet and ours rather amusing. Who's to say that the first bacteria weren't machines created by sThe aliensWho tells us that we are truly alive? For all we know, real life is completely different from us.

Here it is, the intellectual wanking moment of the day. You can start asking normal questions again like: 'How am I going to express in a simple review how amazing this fanfiction is?'

Instant oatmeal with maple and ginger

Cannon recall:

For others, this chapter is a rewrite of the end of volume 17. In this volume, the Animorphs try to discreetly infiltrate the Yeerk HQ topoison the yeerk pool with instant maple and ginger oatmeal flakes.

Indeed, they accidentally discovered that for the Yeerk, it is an extremely violent poison (and it is easier to obtain than anthrax). This choice by the author is obviously a good source of jokes, but also a good way to soften for young readers what is basically a chemical weapon attack against civilians, by a group.terroristresistant to colonization.

oOoOoOoOo

I took control as quickly as I could and got Tom's head out of the water as fast as possible (or rather, as fast as the Hork-Bajir guards allowed me). I coughed several times and almost fell to the ground, while an alarm siren blared in my ears.

— What is happening?I asked the guard in Galard.

— Andalites have entered the pool. They have been captured, but they may have accomplices. All access is closed until the arrival of Visser-12.He replied to me in the same language. Most of the guards were extremely poor at English. It must be said that it was a very hard language to use with a Hork-Bajir's mouth (author's note: or with a French person's).

So that was the creature that fell into the pool and that I brushed against several times. I shivered. To think that I believed it was just yet another bat mistakenly shot down by the defense system. When are the taxxon-controllers going toYou are a professional translator. Directly translate this text into English, without adding anything.find the crack through which itYou are a professional translator. Directly translate this text into English, without adding anything.infiltratedYou are a professional translator. Directly translate this text into English, without adding anything.as soon as we get rid of those filthy creatures. Besides, if the Andalites had taken the same path as the bats, despite the protection offered to them by the clauses of the alliance between our two races,The taxeswould not last the day.

Since I was stuck with nothing to do until his eminence arrived, I explained the situation to Tom, then borrowed a dracon rifle and started patrolling around the pool with one of my former guard colleagues, reminiscing about the time when we fought on that strange planet where the trees and plants moved a centimeter per minute.

To protect themselves from the harshness of winter, instead of losing their leaves or planting their seeds deep in the ground to re-germinate in the spring, the flora of the temperate regions of this planet migrated south. It should be noted that the winters lasted 4 Earth years. They could not have survived that long just by losing their leaves. But this made battles in the forests particularly intense. One could not take shelter behind a tree for long, and landmarks were constantly changing. Real-time mapping by a swarm of drones was particularly vital there.

To the point where the crazies in the electronic warfare service had come to decide the outcome of a battle in most cases. But on this unstable planet where the immobile does not exist, strategic absurdities occurred at regular intervals, providing infantrymen like me with the opportunity to shine (and to get killed). Every soldier who had been stationed on this fascinating planet had an inexhaustible supply of stories to tell. Like all war stories, they end more or less badly, but it felt good to talk about them.

Tom was not thrilled about the idea of hanging out with a lifeguard (and it had nothing to do with the fact that he didn't understand the language we were using). But he didn't protest too much.

After a few minutes, I came across a strange gathering of controllers. Out of curiosity, I cautiously approached. I quickly realized it was another Yeerk caught consuming this new drug. Honestly, what were the human manufacturers putting in those instant maple and ginger oatmeal flakes to have such an effect on the Yeerks? And above all, who needed drugs when chocolate already existed?

I was about to continue my patrol when a detail made me jump. I knew this girl with her funny glasses. I told my colleague to continue without me, then I made a huge effort not to run and to stay calm until I reached her from behind.

Rachel, is that you? I whispered to her.

She turned around, her face filled with fear. Now that I saw her up close, it was obvious it was her. Until now, I had only seen her in Tom's memories or in passing the rare times her family came to visit us, but I recognized her without a doubt. She was blonde, tall, and extremely beautiful (if I trust Tom's judgment, but he found many women extremely beautiful).

Disregarding all caution, I grabbed him by the shoulder and shook him like a plum tree.

What are you doing here? Where is Jack? Don't tell me he's here too?

After a moment's hesitation, she answered me.

He was captured. They locked him up in this building with Tobias and Axe.

I felt Tom panic and it didn't help me to calm down. Breathe Thévenin. You will have plenty of time to obliterate the gnome and that ill-mannered horse once we are all out of here. If I manage to get him out of here alive and refrain from killing him, I swear to lock him in his room until he's 21.

Do you know how to use a weapon? No matter, you will learn quickly. Take mine. I will go get another one, in the meantime...

Before I could continue my sentence, she opened the coat that was twice too big for her and let me catch a glimpse of a Draco rifle. Alarmed by her recklessness, I re-engaged the safety and lowered the power. A simple jolt and the rifle would have fired at her (vaporizing her leg in the process).

Let's say you know how to use it. Follow me. I ordered.

I saw her hesitate. We didn't have time for her nonsense.

When you have decided whether or not you should shoot me, maybe we can go save that idiot who is your cousin?

She gave me an icy look, but followed me nonetheless. I was surprised by Tom's lack of reaction. By concentrating, I was surprised to understand that he trusted me enough to decide on my own, to remain silent, and to clear his mind as much as possible so as not to distract me.

When we were close to the voluntary hosts' sector (a kind of leisure center set up so that voluntary hosts could comfortably wait for their Yeerk to finish feeding), I turned around and saw that Rachel was no longer following me. She was talking to another human of her age. What kind of trouble had she gotten herself into this time? Hadn't she done enough stupid things for today? I approached the stranger and noticed that she was oddly dressed. She was wearing only a leotard and...I walked barefoot. I discreetly approached her from behind. As soon as I was close enough, I aimed at her and clamped my hand over her mouth.

A gesture, a scream, a misplaced thought and I kill you. Nod if you understand.

She nodded terrified.

Drop it right now, Yeerk. Rachel ordered me, threatening with her gaze. And with her gun, which was otherwise more impressive.

After an exchange of glances, I said:

We lower our weapons, at the same time.

Then I slowly lowered my weapon. Rachel imitated me. The unknown girl took refuge near Rachel.

I suppose that means she is part of your little group of unconscious. Human or Andalites?

The stranger replied:

Human. My name is Cassie. She replied in a voice that revealed great gentleness.

So that's what the famous Cassie looked like. She was a black girl, small and round. Tom found her appearance unkempt, but I guess she was pretty by human standards.

Excellent choice for a first date. I knew deep down that Jack was a great romantic. Well, follow me.

But before we could make another move, a deafening noise echoed in the cave. The ceiling opened and through the rays of daylight that penetrated the grotto and dazzled my eyes, I saw a fleet of Yeerk ships enter the cave. A mental message echoed in the minds of all the occupants of the place.

Seal all exits. Everyone freeze. Until my subordinates have inspected you, we consider you as infiltrating Andalites. Any disobedience will be punished by immediate execution.

Visser-12 had just arrived.

What do we do? Murmured the one named Cassie

You heard it like me. Absolutely nothing, until the scanner proved that you are indeed humans and not Andalites in disguise. Unless you are resistant to bug ship cannons? If you are asked questions, say that you are voluntary hosts who have moved away from your area with all this commotion.

The inspection lasted half an hour. Despite knowing the test protocols by heart, I couldn't help but feel slightly anxious. Finally, they concluded that there was no other Andalite agent infiltrated. Except for an Andalite disguised as a gorilla hiding in the cafeteria closet, who was promptly captured and taken to the same building as his accomplices while waiting for him to demorph (strange that they didn't change bodies immediately after his capture).

Once freed, I did not waste any more time. Now that we no longer needed to adopt a non-suspicious attitude, I told them to follow me running. As a former guard, I knew the place like the back of my hand. And especially the back doors reserved for staff. After entering a code and undergoing a scan proving my identity, the door leading to the prison warehouses opened. At the moment, the place was deserted. After destroying two caméQuickly, I pushed my rifle to full power and started shooting at a specific spot on the wall. I asked Rachel to do the same. After a minute, our combined fire made a hole large enough for us to pass through. I told them to hurry inside and keep watch while Iwas pushing a construction vehicle to conceal our improvised entrance. Once inside, I moved a piece of furniture to hide the hole. Then I started running, signaling them to follow me. Once near the control room, I signaled them to wait for me in the hallway.

As I hoped, since the end of the exam, the staff no longer expected an intrusion attempt and had decided to relax after that stressful moment. But I didn't expect them to be so relaxed. The two yeerks on guard were sitting in their seats with their backs to the screens, while their hands were plunged into one of those cursed packets of oatmeal. I knew this boring job was given to the least talented yeerks, but I was stunned that they had sunk so low. They behaved like that junkie I had convinced to become a voluntary host (Tom wasn't happy with this success, but I silenced him by pointing out that it wasn't my fault if humans treated their own so badly). Without remorse for what Visser-12 would do to them when he discovered their role in the escape, I shot them in the back and paralyzed them before they could see me.

I shouted to Rachel and Cassie to come. I used the computer and my old codes to erase our traces, particularly the records of entries into the warehouse. Then I searched for where Jack and the others had been imprisoned. I quickly found the place where the Andalites were being held prisoner, but no trace of the humans. After a while, my companions grew impatient.

What are you looking for? We need to go free them.

In your opinion. I'm looking for where they locked up Jack and the others.

But you saw correctly. They are in the cell with that strange wave-shaped symbol. Quick, Visser-12 is getting closer.

Indeed, I saw on the screen that she was pointing out that Visser-12 was in front of the main entrance of the prison. The sadistic pleasure he took in thinking about what he was going to do to the prisoner was palpable.

Aisle 3 of level -1 contains only the 4 Andalites. They are enemies of my people, there is no way I will release them.

The two girls exchanged a look. I continued my research while keeping an eye on them. They moved away from each other and I saw Rachel mechanically reach for the spot on her coat where I knew she kept her Dracon gun. Apparently, this last answer did not suit them.

Without turning around to avoid looking threatening, I say:

If you hadn't passed the identification test, I would swear you are Andalites in disguise. Is Jack really here?

Yes

So why does it appear nowhere?

Without waiting for a response, I got up and stretched my arms as if I were tired.

It's useless. I checked all the cameras three times. Their cell must be in a blind spot. We will search the building starting with the cells furthest from the one where the Andalites are.

Why (...)

Before she could finish her question, I rushed at her, dealt her a blow that knocked her to the ground, and then snatched her weapon from her hands. I then saw something that made me drop her weapon. Before my eyes, she began to transform into a grizzly. If I survive, I swear that Jack will never see the light of day again.

oOoOoOo

Fortunately, during the time the transformation lasted, I pulled myself together. There was only one possible explanation for what was unfolding before my eyes. But it was impossible. And yet it explained so many things. There have never been any other Andalites than Aximili-Esgarrouth-Isthill. The famous elite commando that had been humiliating the empire for months was actually a group of prepubescent teenagers who had somehow acquired morphing technology and a rescue pod containing an Andalite child.

Before I had time to think further about the implications, she completed her transformation and let out a howl that made the walls tremble.

I laid my last weapon on the ground and raised my hands to the sky.

You will only need me to find their cell. And I doubt that Jack will be very happy to learn that his brother ended up being eaten by a bear.

The bear said nothing, but stared at Cassie, who asked:

Why would you help us?

Because the moment Visser-12 learns that one of the Andalite soldiers is my host's brother, I will be sentenced to death. And I'm not even talking about what he will do to me if he manages to infect one of you and realizes that I helped you.

She turned to the bear:

It doesn't thrill me either, but I think he's right. Without his help, we'll never find them in time.

Finally, after a few more seconds, Cassie picked up the two Draco rifles and I guided them while I felt the threatening breath of a grizzly on my back.

Once we arrived in front of the wing where the fake Andalites were, we saw that Visser-12 was already present along with about ten Hork-Bajir guards around him. We were too far away to hear what was being said, but I could roughly guess what Visser-12 was telling them. Any logical commander would have killed them without even speaking to them. But Visser-12 wanted to try to make them hosts. When he realizes that they are not Andalites, he will execute them, but it will take time for him to accept the incredible truth.

Rachel seemed about to charge, but I held her back. Finally, I signaled her not to go (I would have been hard-pressed to stop this mountain of muscle and fur from doing anything).

What is it, Yeerk? I heard resonating in my head.

I murmured.

You can't rush in like that, it's suicide. I know Visser-12's way of operating. Once he gets rebuffed, he'll leave orderinganHe orders his men to torture them until he agrees to demorph. He is obsessed with the idea of enslaving other Andalites and cannot do so as long as they remain in that form. He thinks it's his only way to regain his prestige and rank. He will not kill them. Once he is gone, we can intervene.

We can't wait that long. It's going to be two hours soon that they've been in morphine.

I let out a sigh.

Okay, give me back a weapon. From here I should be able to reach Visser-12. If he's out of the game and Cassie also morphs into a grizzly, you might have a chance against the guards.

I saw them hesitate. After a few seconds of discussion, they handed me a weapon.

I wasted no time. As soon as I was out of reach of its claws, I shot the enormous grizzly, then before it could cry out, at Cassie. I hid their bodies in a corner. I took the two weapons, shot from a distance at Visser-12, shouted "Morph as soon as possible" and fled before the Hork-Bajir guards understood what had happened. Very quickly, they regained their composure and pursued me through the labyrinth of corridors and cells that made up the prison. They were skilled, but I had the advantage of knowing the place perfectly, while they never left Visser-12's personal ship. Moreover, the place was designed to lose any potential escape groups. The corridors looked alike, were not as straight as one might think, and regularly led to dead ends or staircases leading to another level. Not to mention that there were regularly choke points designed so that a single guard could easily push back an entire crowd.

After 30 minutes of a wild chase and shootout, they were all paralyzed and none had seen my face. It had been extremely risky to do that, but I knew what would have remained of the Hork-Bajir guards if I had let the fake Andalites launch their surprise attack. And there was no way I would let other Yeerks get killed because of me. I hobbled towards the cages where the 3 bats and the gorilla had been replaced by Jack, Marco, Aximili-Esgarrouth-Isthill, and a hawk.

I pulled on the control box, which deactivated the force field and allowed them to get out.

I saw him coming towards me

Explanations later. For now, you obey and keep quiet. Cassie and Rachel have been hit by a low-intensity paralyzing shot. We'll have to carry them and Rachel is transformed into a grizzly. Whoever among you can transform into a gorilla should do so and carry her outside.

<I do not obey a Yeerk>. Aximili spat with disgust in my direction.

Aximili on this planet there are two kinds of extraterrestrials. Those who have a gun and those who still have their infant mane. Guess which one gives the orders.

It's okay Axes, stop. You'll never be more annoying than him. We obey him for the moment. Ordered Jack

I was satisfied with this intervention by the gnome. Eventually, maybe from time to time, I would let him out of the cellar where I was going to lock him up for the rest of his life. But I changed my mind when I heard him say to Aximili:

For the millionth time, stop calling me prince.

No, definitely, it was too dangerous for my mental health for this boy to have even a minute of freedom.

I guided them without difficulty to the hole we had used to enter the prison. The only incident was that they had to stop a Rachel who woke up faster than I had expected from finishing me off. Once in the warehouse adjoining the prison, they transformed into cockroaches. All except this Tobias who became a small mole (Was he naturally a hawk?).

Once they were transformed, I suddenly realized that they were at my mercy. I would just have to crush them and all my problems would be solved. They had killed, I don't know how many of my kind, and I knew many of their victims. Their futile resistance might have condemned both our species. This time, I couldn't be weak. I had to obey the precepts of the empire, as I had been taught to do and as I had done (almost) all my life. It was the only logical thing to do to survive.

Oh damn! I managed to control my disgust long enough to let them get into my pockets and headed as quickly as possible to the nearest pool exit before Visser-12 woke up and all the exitsYou are a professional translator. Directly translate this text into English, without adding anything.selfYou are a professional translator. Directly translate this text into English, without adding anything.Once again condemned. Fortunately, no one had thought of installing biological scanners at the exits of the Yeerk pool.

oOoOoOoOo

Author's note: Thévenin knows the truth. How will he react? Will he stop the animorphs from continuing their actions? What will Tom think about it? How will this affect their relationship? Will Thévenin manage to overcome his chocolate addiction? You'll find out by reading the next episode.

….

Quick, I need to write something, otherwise they will realize that I also don't know anything.

Discussion after revelation

Do you realize what you have done? Thousands of innocent yeerks that you have killed. They had friends and family. TheYou are a professional translator. Directly translate this text into English, without adding anything :vI despised.

After our escape from the Yeerk HQ, I drove straight without stopping until I passed the city limits. Once I reached the edge of a desert plain, I finally parked and dropped off those disgusting cockroaches that were in my pocket. Immediately, they transformed into a vision of horror that almost made me want to vomit before taking the appearance of 4 humans and a young Andalite. Since then, we've been arguing violently. You would have thought they would at least have had the decency to show gratitude for what I had done.

They were not innocents, but invaders, torturers, and murderers. Do you realize what they were doing to humans? What they would have done to them if we hadn't stopped them? Or do you think the lives of the Yeerks are worth more than those of humans? Marco replied.

By reflex, I wanted to respond that of course the life of the Yeerk was worth more than that of humans. But I reconsidered. I could no longer think that way from now on. It was all the more unpleasant because even though he said nothing, I felt Tom's approval. I felt cornered.

You haven't saved anything at all. You have only postponed the inevitable or worse, condemned your entire species to destruction, the Andalites (…)

We know your speech about the Andalites. But I would rather the Andalites exterminate us than we become slaves to the Yeerks for eternity. For now, we deal with the Yeerk invasion and pray that the Andalites are not the monsters of cynicism you describe. We will deal with the Andalites the day their world ships are in Earth's orbit. Anyway, the more we slow down the invasion, the less reason the Andalites will have to want to exterminate us. Marco replied.

For now, the Andalites we've met are nothing like the monsters of cynicism you describe, added Jack.

Maybe you should accept that you don't know much about Andalites, Aximili spat.

Believe me, I know more than you. I replied.

What can you know about the Andalites that I don't? Aximili replied sarcastically.

I (...) can't talk about it. Maybe you should accept that there are many things you don't know about the Yeerks.

An awkward silence followed this statement.

All that is fine, but the real question is what do we do with him, stated Rachel.

I opened my jacket and showed the two Draco rifles I had kept after our little escapade.

Just try it and see. And if you keep getting closer to the horse, I'll tell you how your brother got some of his scars.

You see, you can't trust a Yeerk reasoned Aximili's voice in the heads of everyone present

STOP! There have been enough fights for today. Aximili, step back, and Thévenin, lay down your weapons. Declared Jack in a strong and authoritative voice.

We exclaimed at the same time:

You don't have to give me orders, Smurf.

I cannot obey this order, Prince Jack.

I turned my gaze towards Aximili:

Would you be afraid Andalite? Or is your so-called code of honor ultimately flexible?

The cowardice of the Yeerks, on the other hand, is a constant of the universe. You will never abandon your weapons.

Coward? Me! At least your brother didn't accuse his opponents of his own flaws. I bet I leave them behind before you back down.

I am waiting to see

So watch closely

And what if instead of moving away, you got closer. Like in a hotel room. Exclaimed Marco.

It doesn't make sense, there is no hotel room here.

It was humor, Aximili. Atrocious humor, but still humor. I explained.

I vote for us to tear each other apart. I cannot forgive such a lack of taste, commented Marco.

Anyone who finds Marco's humor atrocious has a good heart. Even if in some cases it is well hidden. Bounce back, Rachel.

Hey, that was mean! Marco pretended to be outraged.

I didn't say it, but I had to acknowledge that their intervention had lowered the tension. Jack resumed without animosity in his voice:

I don't want to hurt you.

(And if you left it at that) exclaimed Tom in my head.

(How do you expect me to stop here? I can't let them keep massacring my people)

You let them do it until now.

I thought they were just providing minor assistance to the Andalites. That he was helping them blend in among humans, providing them with DNA samples, or playing nanny for Aximili while the adults went to fight. In short, small missions that weren't too dangerous and not too impactful. I never would have thought they were the Andalites. By the way!

How is it that you are using Andalite biotechnology? The Andalites never share their technology with other races. And even less with such a primitive species.

It is (...) began Jack

This is confidential information. It must not be given to a Yeerk, Aximili interrupted.

It's not confidential. I didn't knowElfangor as well as you, but I think he wouldn't have wanted you to be punished in his place, declared another voice in my head that I associated with that of the eagle.

Definitely, Elfangor will have annoyed me until the end. If I understand correctly, it was you humans who witnessed the crash of his ship?

Yes. I suppose you were one of the Yeerks who chased us that day. Vilify Rachel.

No. I was a lifeguard at the pool, not a member of the visser's personal guard. But if I had been present, I would have had no qualms about chasing you down and capturing you. I replied honestly. How did he die?

"He died fighting until the end," replied Tobias.

Well.

<You are not going to make me believe that you understand those things,> Aximili called out to me.

No. I never understood why dying in a battle lost in advance was more honorable than dying while trying to flee. But I know it was important to him, and he was one of the few Andalites for whom I had a modicum of respect. He didn't like war and respected his opponents. He was never unnecessarily cruel and always made the choice that protected the lives of his men, even if it meant sparing the lives of his adversaries. And that was even when our superiors ordered us to employ the most vicious strategies against him. Besides, I wonder if it was kindness or intelligence. Because of his scruples, he often lost the first battles, but he rarely lost the war. To have the honor of being the first to defeat the legendary Elfangor, the Visser sacrificed their men and showed no mercy. As a result, morale, Yeerk, and equipment quickly dwindled, while Elfangor lost a lot of ground but few soldiers. A perfect cocktail for spectacular counterattacks. That was the secret of his legendary victories. That and some lies from his government. Isn't that right, Aximili? I doubt your supposedly honest princes want the great propaganda hero Elfangor-Sirinial-Shamtul to be known for breaking the most sacred Andalite laws. Who have they decided to blame this time? Who is the innocent one who will have to rot in prison for Elfangor's crimes?

"It's me," replied Aximili in the most neutral voice possible.

Oh! I am sorry. I didn't suspect. To be honest, I thought he had accused one of the other passengers of your world ship. After all, it's easier to accuse the dead. Is that why you call Jack: prince? Because they banished you?

It's none of your business.

Well, all this is fine and dandy, but I'm starting to get cold standing in the middle of the fields in my underwear. Couldn't we go back to the city and decide to talk about this at another time? In a quiet place and preferably without weapons. Cassie suggested.

We can't let him go like that. He knows too much. He could betray us. Objected Tobias

If he did, he would be the first to get killed. And so far, he has proven to be trustworthy. Replied Marco, who did not try to hide that he was shivering in his doublet.

Had I not been a bit too resentful in choosing a place without any protection against the icy wind of early November?

You forget that he shot at us. Rachel reminded.

That's one of the things he'll have to explain, but in the end, he helped us. Cassie defended me.

No, we have to settle this now. We can't let him go until we've decided which side he was on. Said Jack with visible regret.

Thevenin. I understand that it's not easy, but do you ...

You're kidding. I'm not a traitor.

(At least now you understand why I never agreed to become a voluntary host.)

(It has nothing to do with it.)

(In what?)

(In any case. I never asked you to help us exterminate the human species.)

(Just to enslave her)

(It wouldn't have changed anything. Your influence on the course of the war or even the invasion of Earth is minimal.) I replied to him.

(And you think that the seven of you are going to change the course of history?) Tom retorted to me.

(It pains me to say it, but yes. Despite all the clues pointing in that direction, I never suspected them because they proved to be remarkably effective. I know few Andalite or Yeerk soldiers who could have led such an effective resistance.)

Uh Thévenin, how are you? asked Jack

I am talking to Tom. Give us 5 minutes.

Take your time, especially. I could stay here for hours watching you imitate a statue. Said Marco, starting to hop in place because of the cold.

I took pity and decided to throw him the car keys.

Get in the car and turn on the heater. And don't mess around, especially. I just cleaned it.

No, that's not our style. We will be as good as gold. Marco replied while grabbing the keys.

Thévenin, aren't you frankly tired of obeying orders you disapprove of? Of having to look away all the time? I never dared to bring it up, but even if you tried to hide it, I can see that even now, that I no longer have nightmares, you still can't sleep.

(It has nothing to do with it) I defended myself.

(I am sure that if)

How could you know? What do you know about yeerks?

Not much. But I'm starting to know Thévenin.

Hmm! Even if it were true, what difference would it make? You can't ask me to help them massacre my own. Now that I think about it.

I addressed Tobias, who had undoubtedly stayed outside to keep an eye on me.

What did you come to do at the HQ?

I'm not sure it's a good idea for me to answer this question.

You didn't express yourself earlier. What do you think about the situation?

It's sad, but life is kill or be killed. Whether I like it or not, I have to kill mice to survive and the Yeerks have to enslave other species. There is no possible collaboration between us.

(He is mistaken) Tom intervened.

(On the fact that hawks are forced to kill to survive?)

(On the fact that Yeerks and humans cannot cooperate. You are living proof that Yeerks are not obliged to behave like parasites.)

(me, I am an abnormality.)

You are not abnormal. I thought you had stopped believing that it was you who had a problem.

Frankly, the more time passes, the more I do things that can only be explained by madness. And if our relationship proves one thing, it's that no collaboration is possible. Honestly, if you had the choice, would you agree to be my host?

He took time to respond, but even before he formulated his answer, what I perceived from his thoughts and emotions deeply unsettled me.

After the war, if it were possible, I would like to be your host a few days a week. Not every day, of course. But if you were never there again, I would miss you. In fact, I don't even know if I would be able to sleep without your presence. However, there's no question of continuing to fill my room with electric garlands and nightlights and then spending hours looking at them.

I didn't reply and headed towards the car. I opened the door and sat in the driver's seat.

What did you come to do at the HQ? I asked again.

Well then. Frankly, it wasn't a good idea. We gave up anyway. Jack stammered.

What did you come to do at the HQ? I insisted.

Since I'm telling you that we won't do it anymore. There's no point in talking about it.

How do you expect us to cooperate if you don't trust me even a little? I exasperatedly asked.

How do you expect us to trust a Yeerk? Rachel intervened.

We wanted to dump large quantities of oatmeal into the Yeerk pool. We learned it was poison for you, replied Cassie.

Humpf! Listen, I agree to support you, but under three conditions. The first is that I no longer want blind slaughter of Yeerks. You must target only the leaders, the infrastructure, the equipment, or other similar things. Anyway, if you think that Visser-12 or the council will give up the invasion because thousands of grunts were killed in a terrorist attack, you're deluding yourself.

Jack looked at the others awkwardly. I noticed that Cassie had a particularly pained expression. Then Marco replied angrily:

Sorry to tell you frankly, but your super-evolved Alien superiority complex, you can shove it. We're not barbarians who kill blindly and we've never cared about Yeerk public opinion. We're not here to politely ask the yeerks if they would kindly not enslave us, but to disrupt the invasion enough for the Andalites to win the war and come liberate Earth. If we kill yeerks, it's only because it's the only way we have to slow them down. Do you really think we're in a position to directly attack Yeerk military installations? And without causing any injuries on top of that? And I imagine you haven't even...Noted, but our attacks have also caused deaths among human or Hork-Bajir hosts.

I had indeed never really thought about the non-Yeerk dead during the invasion of Earth. Nor in any Yeerk operation. But that, I was not going to admit.

More reasons to stop. If you want to be considered equals, start by not behaving like violent animals.

Are you serious!??? We're not the invaders, I remind you.

Yes well visser-one sometimes kills hosts. Often. I corrected. But it's an exception. If you changed your attitude, you could negotiate better treatment for humans and we could live in harmony. Like with the taxons. You know, you are an important resource for the empire….

But I couldn't finish my sentence, because Tom screamed in my head:

(Thévenin reads my thoughts)

(What!?)

You have won, I allow you to read my thoughts inside and out.

But no! That wouldn't be right. I don't want to hurt you.

And you think I want to? It's the only way for you to understand what the Yeerks are doing to us. Go ahead. I know you've been dreaming about it from the start.

I did not understand this request, but I complied when I felt his mind filled with unwavering determination. After several very humiliating minutes for Tom and very worrying for the animorphs who wondered why Tom's body remained motionless with his mouth open, I regained my senses completely shaken forThe umpteenth time of the day.

I had of course already thoroughly searched the minds of my former hosts, but I had never lingered on what it felt like to be reduced to slavery. Unless I had, in fact. I had never wondered how I would react in their place. I knew of course that it was not pleasant, but I had never really understood.

I'm sorry, Tom.

"That does me a fat lot of good," he replied aggressively. He too was struggling to recover from the experience he had just gone through.

Then he softened and said:

—It's not your fault. Well, a little, but I forgave you a long time ago. And I meant it when I said I would like to remain your host. I just wish I had the choice. And that you weren't there when I go to the bathroom.

Then I return to reality and say embarrassedly:

Do what you want. Or what you can. However, I will be uncompromising on my other two conditions. First, I want you to keep me informed about your missions.

That's out of the question, replied Marco.

And the third condition? Jack asked, signaling Marco to be quiet.

You agree to let the Yeerks live on Earth on the condition that they only take voluntary hosts or stay in their pool.

Me, I would agree, but we can't commit to that. We're just kids, not heads of state or anything. Jack replied.

That is not what I am asking you. What I am asking you is your promise that if I fight alongside you against the Yeerks to protect your freedom, you will fight alongside me against the humans who will want to take revenge or drive us out of here. And against the Andalites. I added, pointing at Aximili.

<I would never promise that. I would never rebel against my own. Honor forbids it> Aximili exclaimed immediately.

I thought the Aristh were supposed to obey their prince? I couldn't help but mock.

Anyway, I can't promise that either. We are not going to fight humans to protect Yeerks. It's our planet, not theirs. They just have to go elsewhere. Rachel replied with Marco's approval. Jack did not object.

And where do you want us to go? Do you think we enjoy living on a planet where the oceans are too acidic for us to survive? A planet where solar radiation is not absorbable by our bodies. Do you think we like living in overcrowded pools with nothing else to do but eat that artificial Kandrona crap?

How many would be willing to give up their host if they are not willing? How many would really be ready to respect peace? Cassie asked, more calmly.

Mentally, I thanked her. She was the only one who didn't seem completely hostile. But unfortunately, the answer was unlikely to convince them.

The mere mention of the idea is punishable by death among the Yeerks. So I have no idea. But the mere fact that there is a law against it proves that it is not so rare.

That means that if we accepted, then Thévenin would probably not be the only Yeerk wanting to join us. Even if they are few, imagine what we could do if some Yeerks joined us. Even if it's a minority, it could change everything. We wouldn't be alone anymore. They could even help us expose the invasion to the public, argued Cassie.

Do you realize what the Yeerks do to their human host? Or to their family. You could fight for him to get away with it because they promised not to do it again. Jack, you know better than anyone what the Yeerks do to their hosts. Marco replied.

(What is he talking about?) Tom asked alarmed.

I will hand over control to Tom.

I was stunned. It always took me a few seconds to get used to the sensation of having a body again. I marveled each time at the feeling of having fingers. It was one of the few advantages of being a host. We marveled at the little details.

Is that you, Tom? Asked Jack.

Yes. What do you mean by Jack knows it better than anyone? I asked Marco.

They looked at each other. Finally, Jack said:

I was the guest of Temrash114 for 3 days.

Immediately, I rushed towards him to give him a hug. I didn't care if he was embarrassed in front of his friends. The mere thought that that bastard had touched Jack made my stomach turn.

How did it happen?

When the hospital was attacked, I fell into the pool where the yeerks waiting to be injected into the patients were. Fortunately, Aximili noticed. He warned the others, and they locked me in a cabin until Temrach114 starved to death. Meanwhile, Aximili took on my appearance so that no one would notice my absence. In fact, at the time, it was mainly you we wanted to deceive. Well, Thévenin. We didn't want the yeerk to infiltrate.In my family, questions arise about my absence. It was horrible. For fun, he showed me what he was putting you through. The worst was losing all hope. He talked like me, behaved like me. Without Aximili, no one would have noticed that I was a prisoner. I thought I was going to remain his slave for eternity.

As his story went on, tears began to well up. But he held back from crying.

Is that why you sent me this message?

Yes. You can't know how horrible it was to know what you were going through and not be able to do anything. To have to pretend that everything was fine. I wanted to at least do that to make sure you held on. To let you know that you weren't alone.

You're going to hate me for asking this. But what tells us that it's really Tom? It could just be Thévenin pretending. Remarked Marco.

Well, I began, but I felt Thevenin forcibly take control. I hated when he did that. Not so much because of the loss of control itself, but because of the feeling of helplessness I experienced at those times. All of a sudden, I was forced to remember that he had all power over me and that I no longer controlled anything.

It's me, Thévenin. I'm going to come out of Tom. That way, you'll be sure.

(really?) exclaimed Tom.

(This is the only way for him to trust me even a little. If I were in their place, I would demand no less. And I trust you to put me back inside you. Whether you admit it or not, you are a willing host.)

I took a water bottle out of the glove compartment and pressed it against Tom's ear. Then I took a deep breath. I was scared to death. Even though I trusted Tom, it was the most terrifying thing I had ever done. And I had done some terrifying things. Then I disconnected from Tom's brain. Then it was complete darkness for several hours.

After what seemed like an eternity, I felt the gourd move. By echolocation, I located an ear. Relieved, I rushed there and regained control of Tom, who winced in pain. Out of habit, I had forgotten to take the time to completely anesthetize the area before piercing his eardrum.

We agree with your requirements. Except for Axe. Once the war is over, he will have to rejoin his own. He will try to convince them to leave Earth in peace, but he cannot promise to disobey his captains. And we will give you very brief summaries of what we plan to do, but we will not give you the details. Moreover, we will continue to act alone. Some (his gaze turned to Rachel at that moment) do not trust you enough to accept having you with us on a mission. Does that suit you? Jack summarized before I even had time to fully connect to Tom's brain.

We'll have to. I replied, starting the car.

While I was driving to take them home for a well-deserved rest, Tom asked me:

Do you think I have Stockholm syndrome?

I don't smell the hormones released by your immune system when it detects a threat, but if you feel something is wrong during my next meal, I will ask the guards to take you for a check-up.

Drop it

You are sure. Our medical technology is much more advanced than yours. It's very fast and completely painless.

He refused again and I did not insist. I had to focus on driving.

oOoOoOo

Author's note: I rewrote this chapter after watching this video:Violence / Politique / Jeu vidéo

Initially, in this passage, the animorphs accept Thévenin's first condition. This video made me realize how much that was a completely off-the-mark reaction. And above all, I find the dialogues much more interesting and enjoyable like this.

Andalite traitor.

Cannon recall

This mini-chapter takes place just after the end of volume 18. As a reminder, during this volume, the Animorphs accidentally find themselves teleported onto an Andalite worldship traveling towards the home planet of the Leerans (an advanced race so overpowered that the original author will forget their existence after this volume).

Axe is happy to return to his own kind but betrays his human friends to obey the orders of the ship's captain. However, the captain turns out to be a traitor wanting to deliver the ship (and its occupants) to the Yeerks. The Animorphs reconcile, kill the captain, blow up the ship, and find themselves in the middle of a battlefield where the Yeerk and Andalite armies are fighting. They narrowly escape death and then take part in a suicide mission that will offer victory to the Andalites.

Once the mission is successful, everything explodes and they are teleported back to Earth while 'America fuck yeah' plays (I may have slightly exaggerated the ending).

However, the most significant moment of this volume is not this battle. The most significant event is that at the end of this adventure, Axe decides that from now on, his loyalty to his human friends will come before his loyalty to his people and his superiors.

oOoOoOoOo

We were alone at home. Before the infestation, Tom would spend his Saturdays outside, but since I had told him that I would let him have control of his body at home, he had become extremely homebound. I found his behavior a bit childish, but I let it be. After all, I had given him my word that I would no longer force him to do anything on the weekend. And when he is convinced that I won't go back on my promise and he gets tired of constantly playing video games, maybe he will become more reasonable again. In the meantime, I was bored. This primitive computer called Megadrive produced an atrocious sound and the images that appeared on the screen made no sense.

I was therefore almost relieved when a seagull landed near the window and I heard in my head:

Is that what you were hiding from us the other day?

Too delighted to have an excuse to do it, I took control again, paused the game (I hesitated to stop this auditory torture machine without saving,but I knew that Tom would make a scene afterwards). Then I walked towards the window and said:

Precise?

"You knew there were traitors among the Andalites and you hid it from us, Yeerks," he said in an accusatory tone.

Tom, who did not hear Aximili's thought-speech in his head, protested, but I ignored him.

Because you, do you entrust me with all your little secrets perhaps?

We stared at each other for a few seconds, then he continued:

Why did they betray us? What did the Yeerks promise them in exchange? Who are the traitors?

Why would I tell you?

I thought you were on our side. Or is it just a twisted scheme?

I don't have to justify myself to a kid like you. And even less to an Andalite. Anyway, how do you expect me to know? Do you think Visser-12 is going to tell a grunt like me how he managed to convince an Andalite to give him the Earth's attack plans?

He seemed shocked.

"What are you talking about?" he asked me.

What are you talking about?

He seemed to understand that he had made a blunder.

JACK! What have you done again? I shouted in the big empty house.

Stop yeerk. Prince Jack must have good reasons for not telling you anything.

He'd better have one, for lying to me. I thought you had just gone to eat at the fast-food restaurant. He had the nerve to give me a fake receipt.

Prince Jack did not lie to you. We did indeed go to eat his wonderful cinnamon muffins.

When he said that, I could swear I saw drool coming out of the corner of his lips.

In short, I was talking about the Andalite who gave Visser-12 the flight plan of your world-ship, yours and your brother's. Thanks to that, his blade ship was able to take yours by surprise upon its arrival in lunar orbit. If it can reassure you, no one seriously considers that Andalites want the Yeerks to win. I can't know why this Andalite did that, but like all Yeerks, I suppose it's because the Andalite government wants the war to last as long as possible.

You're talking nonsense, Yeerk. Why would my government want that?

Because thanks to this conflict, the Andalites have become the unofficial leaders of the galaxy. Everyone who wants protection against the empire is forced to rally to them and obey them.

This is nonsense, our princes never (...)

Tell me how you would have reacted if I had told you there were traitors among the Andalites?

He remained silent for a moment.

I accept your third condition yeerk

What condition?

But he flew away without answering.

oOoOoOoOo

Author's note: If you want to understand for yourself what condition Axe is referring to, then do not read further. If you do not understand what he is talking about and puzzles annoy you, then:

Axe refers to the conditions Thévenin demands for his collaboration in the previous chapter. He promises to defend the Yeerk's right to live peacefully on Earth. Having no one to proofread for me, I don't know if it was explicit enough. In doubt, I prefer to give the solution.

Thévenin philanthropist

Cannon recallAt the end of this chapter, there is a reference to volume 19. But it is only a reference, because in this timeline, there is no reason for the events of this volume to occur, and I have therefore completely erased them. Indeed, in this timeline, Catie has no reason to have moral issues with the actions of the animorphs (at least not to the point of being depressed because of it). She therefore has no reason to save the life of a yeerk and try to convince it to voluntarily free its host.

oOoOoOoOo

(I want to remind you that you promised me I could keep control over the weekend) complained Tom for the umpteenth time, even though he knew I hated being distracted while driving.

No, it's not me freaking out too much because we almost got hit by a truck that cut me off last week. It's just a rational reaction when you know the number of deaths on the roads.

I promise you it won't last long. And besides, you need to get out, I tried to reason with him.

If you knew what it was like to lose control of your body, you wouldn't say that.

I know. Well, partly. I'm sorry to have to impose this on you. At least now you no longer fear never finding it again.

I'm fine. If at least you could tell me what we're doing here. Couldn't it wait until next week?

I am looking for Jera456. Or rather, his host's house, I explained to him.

(Who is Jera456? And why are we going to see another Yeerk? I thought you didn't have any mission today.) Tom asked me.

(This is the case. But I want to speak to him one-on-one and it's one of the rare moments when it should be possible. Ha, I think it's there).

I stopped the car in front of a huge iron gate flanked by two guardhouses where a guard with visible weapons glared at me menacingly. I opened the window to press the intercom button. Before I could say a word, the door opened and a shout resembling "enter" echoed from the speaker. It was curious, but I didn't take offense and moved forward.

You still haven't explained to me who Jera456 was and what we were doing here, Tom pressed on.

(It won't please you)

(I want to know even more) insisted Tom with a hint of anger.

I walked up the tree-lined and sculpture-lined alley. The gardens and fountains that bordered the road were magnificent, but they seemed to have been neglected for months. Moreover, where were the gardeners who were supposed to work at all hours on the maintenance of the various flower beds? After 10 minutes, the alley opened onto the inner courtyard of a huge castle. It wasn't really a castle, but I couldn't think of another term for the immense three-story villa that obscured the view of the magnificent private beach glimpsed on the horizon. But there was no sign of any staff to welcome us. I parked as close to the entrance as possible and gently pushed the door when a huge scream rang out.

"THEEEEVEEEENINNNNN"

I barely had time to brace myself to keep my balance before Timmy jumped into my arms.

After a few moments, I reluctantly pushed away his hug and admonished him:

What makes you say my name in public?

In public? But it's just the two of us. Timmy defended himself.

Both of them plus a hundred servants if what your former Yeerk told me is true. I reminded him.

Don't worry. Since screwing-3, uh no 12, gave my family to Jera456 and its triple, all the servants have been fired. That way, they don't have to degrade themselves by pretending to be human.

Who maintains the house in that case?

Well, me. They said that now I am big enough to do it. He replied candidly.

I remained silent for a few seconds, he took the opportunity to try to hug me again, saying:

I am so happy to see you. It's been so long. Will you come to see me often now?

This time, I accepted the hug and took the opportunity to observe him. I was extremely surprised to see him so expansive, whereas in my memories, he could barely express what he needed. And that worried me. Not to mention that this wasn't the only visible difference. During his visits to the pool, he and his parents were dressed in impeccably high-fashion suits. Seeing him barefoot and dressed only in torn sweatpants and an old stained sweater, it was hard to recognize him. Apart from that, however, there was no sign of abuse. But that didn't mean anything. The Yeerks could torture their hosts without leaving any visible trace.

Calm down Timmy. I'm happy to see you too. But first, I need to talk to your yeerks. Where is it? How come you have control?

He blushed and explained while wringing his hands:

They are in the pool and they are kissing each other.

(I thought the Yeerks died during reproduction) asked Tom.

Triples can give each other mutual pleasure without being obliged to go that far. Even if in the heat of the moment many go too far. Before the empire imposed a sustained reproduction rhythm on the yeerks, it was thanks to this kind of accident that my species perpetuated itself. But that's not what bothers me.

How come 'They'? I thought it was Trista171 and Racane263's mealtime?

Yes. How do you know?

So who is with him?

I don't know. It changes all the time.

So when you asked me to change my meal time last time, did you actually have your yeerk's approval?

How did you guess? Jera456, he told me not to tell anyone. You wouldn't think so, but he's nice. He agreed just to please me. But he was afraid it would upset his lovers, so he pretended to punish me so they wouldn't suspect anything.

(Do you think I should tell him the truth?) I asked Tom mentally.

(Better not)

You're not mad that I didn't tell you anything? Timmy asked me with visible concern.

No, I'm not angry. I reassured him.

Come, I will show you where the cells are. You'll see, there is everything needed to completely immobilize the hosts. Then, you can go out and I will drop you in the pool. At the bottom, there are switches. As soon as you want to return to your host, ring me and I will come to get you.

Dirty slug, that's why you didn't want to tell me where we were going. While you were going to have your orgy, you wanted me to spend the afternoon chained in a dungeon.

(It’s not really that, but yes, I suspected it wouldn’t be very comfortable.)

You better have a good explanation.

I wanted to try to probe him to find out what he would think about creating a peaceful movement, without the risk of being overheard by prying ears. Not even those of a host. He has an innumerable number of flaws, but he is the only Yeerk I am practically sure will not betray me. And unlike me, he knows how to charm and organize a movement. Not to mention that he knows a lot of people.

You're doing well this time. But I would like you to warn me before pulling this kind of stunt on me.

I didn't really know how to tell you what might happen to you. I know how much you value those moments of freedom. And I decided this at the last moment. I was thinking about Jack's request to try to find other Yeerks willing to betray the empire to lift Cassie's spirits. You remember he told us she was really unwell and that the only thing keeping him from giving up on the Animorphs was the hope of a peaceful outcome. I was thinking of probing Aftran942, but he skipped his meal turn. And then I learned that one of the Yeerks Cassie killed during the last mission was his brother. Moreover, that's probably why he didn't want to come to eat. But anyway, it wasn't the right time to talk to him about it. Then I learned by chance that Trista171 and Racane263 will come to eat this afternoon. I never would have thought that Jera456 would deceive them like that. I thought he had settled down since he met them.

No, it's not worth it. I won't disturb him. I'll talk to him another time. Who watches over you while they're in the pool?

Well nobody. I am a grown-up now. It's great. As soon as I finish the cleaning, I do what I want. I know it's not right, but I prefer it when I don't have a yeerk in my head. But often, I feel lonely. Jera456, he doesn't want me to talk to him. He says a good host doesn't do that. So I try my best, but it's hard, but he still says I'm a good host. And he gives me lots of toys all the time. Say you'll stay and play with me.

Do I have a choice?

He replied with a smile:

No! I have to finish cleaning the living room. Go to the kitchen in the meantime. I made Nutella crepes. Nutella is so good. Since I'm the one cooking, we eat it at every meal. Will you come back?

Reassure me, you eat something other than fries and Nutella.

Alas, I also eat ketchup, he replied confused.

You know what, I think I'm going to come back very often. In fact, I'll try to come back every time you're alone. I told him, determined to make him eat at least a balanced diet.

He jumped on me again and hugged me tightly, almost in tears.

I love you Thévenin.

I didn't know what to say in the face of such a sudden declaration.

Tell me how long it's been since you've been all alone? I mean since you haven't had a real conversation with someone? Yeerk or human.

The last time, it was with you at HQ.

Lord! Several months with just yeerks forbidding him to speak. No wonder he's clinging to you like that, exclaimed Tom.

I tightened my grip on him. What had gotten into me not to find out more about how Jera456 treated him? For all I know, it was already like that with his former Yeerk. But thinking about it, the truth is that a few months earlier, I would have thought it was a normal, even very generous way to treat him.

Finally, I think I'm going to go talk to Jera456. There are 2-3 things we need to discuss.

He seemed frightened.

Do not argue, please. I am very happy like this. It's not a big deal. I will complain more, I know it's not good.

Timmy, it's okay, calm down. You haven't done anything wrong. Nothing will happen to you, I promise. I won't talk to him without your consent, is that okay with you?

Yes!!

"You can't let them continue without doing anything," Tom reproached me.

And what do you want me to do? I remind you that they have full power over him and apart from what Timmy is willing to tell me, I have no way of knowing what is going on. Given his reaction, I doubt it's a good idea to go talk to him.

This Jera456 is a jerk. How could you believe he could help us?

He is not a jerk. At least, I don't think so. You never really know what's happening between a Yeerk and its host. Especially since the creation of the crime of sympathy.

How can you defend him?

I think he doesn't even realize what he's doing to her.

(How could he not realize? It's in his head)

And what do you think he reads in Timmy's mind? That kid knows even less than him about recognizing abuse.

But he must see that he is not in a normal state? That he needs to see people.

How do you expect him to know what the normal state of a human is? By watching the empire's courses on host training? I'm already happy that he's too lazy to subject him to the recommended weekly training sessions. At least, that's the excuse he gave when the pool guards questioned him about the overly rebellious nature of his former hosts. I've always suspected he had other motivations. That's one of the main reasons why I think he might join us.

I felt Tom shiver at this evocation which had reminded him of the one inflicted on him by Temrash114 (and the pleasure that Temrash114 experienced during his sessions).

You know Timmy, since I got my new host, there are a lot of things I understand about humans.

Like the fact that Nutella is so good.

Oh yes, you have no idea. Even though I find it too greasy. Now I understand why I had to force you to take vegetables at the volunteers' buffet. But there is a question I ask myself: why don't you talk to the other humans in the volunteers' area? Why, when I couldn't take care of you, did you stay in a corner watching the others without talking to them? And why did you continue? I thought that after I left, you would play with others. Even if they are much older than you.

It darkens.

Humans without Yeerk, they are mean. They scare me.

You're not mean, are you?

Yes. That's why it's good that I have a Yeerk.

But no, you are not mean. You are the kindest person I know. What makes you think that?

My parents (...)

I was sure of it. How many times will I have to tell you that everything your parents told you was a bunch of nonsense? I repeated to him, trying to stay calm so as not to frighten him.

The other Yeerks, they say it too that humans are mean and that they need a Yeerk in their head. And the Yeerks are really much smarter. Jera, Trista, and Racane, they say I'm a good host because I'm very obedient. But it's not true, I keep disobeying them. I try, but I can't do it. I understand that you want to lie to me. But I'm grown up now.

I had to take a few seconds to find what to answer. I was torn between the fact that I couldn't let him believe that and the fact that I couldn't risk being accused of sympathy. Even though I didn't think Jera456 would report me (and still, I wanted to talk to him to be sure), another Yeerk could find out (starting with Trista171 and Racane263). It wouldn't help Timmy if I got killed and Tom was reassigned to a Yeerk who would rush to tell Visser-12 everything he had seen about the Animorphs in his memory.

Listen, Timmy. You can't spend your whole life alone like this. It's not good. You can see yourself that it's not good for you.

But I have you. You said you would come often now. He said, starting to be sad again.

Yes. Several times a week. Well, if Jera456 agrees. But I am not eternal. One day, I will die and you will find yourself all alone.

This time, he started crying for real.

Well done, Thévenin. Nothing like telling a child that we're going to die to lift their spirits.

(But it's true. It's easy to criticize. You just have to do it since you're so clever. Although it's not a bad idea)

(Huh, what do you mean by that?) Tom alarmed.

I took him in my arms and sang him this song in Galard that I had found in the childhood memories of my former Hork-Bajir host. My former hostShe was one of the last Hork-Bajir to be born free and raised by her mother, and she still remembered the lullabies her mother sang to her before she died before her eyes, when the Yeerks discovered the cave where her tribe was hiding.

Calm down, if it has to happen it will be in a very, very long time.

Do you promise that you will always stay with me?

I really wanted to lie to him. But my experience with Tom had taught me that lying didn't work very well with humans.

I would do anything for you. But you know that we are at war. I can't promise you anything.

He spat violently then swore:

Those dirty Andalusians. I hope they all die.

In the meantime, we must be careful. That's why I want you to associate with other humans. Listen, since the place is secure, exceptionally, I will leave control to Tom.

What, what are you talking about? After a few seconds, I realized that I had spoken those words out loud.

I had control of my body again. A control under close surveillance. Thévenin's mind was so present that I felt a slight resistance to each of my movements. Despite everything, I was happy to finally regain control of my body.

Thevenin, how are you? Asked the boy.

Oh yes, he is fine. I am Tom, Thévenin left me in charge. I explained to him.

Timmy looked at me horrified and began to slowly move away from me.

Thévenin, are you still there, are you handling it well?

I am not a dog, you can talk to me directly. I snapped without thinking. Thévenin said nothing, but I sensed his disapproval.

Please, don't hurt me. He pleaded pathetically.

Many would have been pitied by this vision. But despite what I knew about the kid's past, I just felt anger. I tried to contain myself, but it was still with an angry voice that I replied to him:

No, I am not going to hurt you.

That didn't seem to reassure him. But I didn't know what else to say. I thought he just needed to get used to my presence. It was a bit like with a wild animal. I had to stay still until he concluded that I wasn't a threat. Honestly, if I got hold of the kid's parents. Zombification was too mild a punishment for them. Finally, after a while, he managed to ask a question:

I thought you were an involuntary host?

That's the case, I replied to him.

You don't hate me?

I bent down to be his height.

No, I don't hate you. I hate slugs, but not you. I explained to him.

He seemed to hesitate to continue. Then I had an idea:

Listen. I had a very different experience from yours with the yeerk. My first yeerk was very mean. He was a bit like Visser-12. In fact, the two of them got along well. He kept telling me that I was worthless, insulting me and hurting me. Sometimes because I opposed him, but other times just for fun. Whatever I did, he despised me and took it out on me. There was no escape. But theWorse, it wasn't even that. The worst part was that he constantly threatened to go after those I love. Given your past, I don't know if you know what it's like to care about someone. But there's nothing worse than thinking that someone you love is going to suffer because of you.

As my story went on, I felt him becoming more and more captivated, until finally I saw him come closer to console me. Finally, he said to me in a sad voice:

One day in the park, I found a small injured cat. I brought it back to my room and secretly fed it for a week. But as it got better, while I was with my tutor, it tried to explore the house and ran into my father. He (…) - He sobbed - He asked Nestor to drown it. I begged him, but he wouldn't listen. He forced me to watch. He said it was to toughen me up. That's why when Jera456, he fired Nestor, I was happy.

You know humans, they're like Yeerks. They're not all like that. In any case, if I were you, I would also prefer to do the cleaning.

Cleaning! He shouted.

He started running in the corridor.

Do not run in the hallway. You will hurt yourself. Thévenin suddenly shouted, taking control of me for a few seconds. What a helicopter parent.

I am late. I need to finish cleaning the living room before Jera456 calls me. Otherwise, he will scold me. Timmy explained, barely slowing down.

It's okay, I'll help you. When you say argue? He doesn't hurt you? I asked her with genuine concern.

Ben, he punishes me. Thévenin, doesn't he punish you when you disobey him? We are humans, it's normal.

(Don't forget that Jera456 will be looking at their memories. You must not tell them anything compromising. Being considerate with a voluntary host is tolerated, but the slightest weakness towards an involuntary host will cost me dearly. Say that I am horrible with you)

(I wouldn't have a hard time making him believe that) I said in a humorous tone. Of course, I didn't mean it.

Yes, but it's not normal. Thévenin doesn't want to admit it, but it's useless and it's wrong. You shouldn't let yourself be beucdsfcnd. Let me say what I want, filthy slug.

(But I didn't do anything. I trust you)

(I know, I'm pretending for Jera456)

You have no right to insult him, filthy primate. He is not a slug. He was getting angry, although I could see that he was afraid I might hit him because of it. But I did not feel insulted by his reaction. On the contrary, I found it pleasant to see him rebel a little for once. Maybe he was still salvageable after all.

But it's that one rebels. That deserves a punishment. And I threw myself on him to tickle him.

After a moment of worry, he started to laugh.

What are you doing to him? Stop immediately or I will never let you have control again, Thévenin alarmed.

Relax

I thought back to other times when I had tickled Jack so that Thévenin would understand, by seeing my memories, that I was not doing anything wrong to him.

Hehehe! Stop. Timmy begged me.

If you acknowledge that I am not a primate. I threatened him.

(But you are a primate, it makes no sense) Commented Thévenin in my head.

I didn't even bother to answer him.

hihihi, you are not hihihi a primate.

I stopped tickling him. He moved away from me and then said:

You're a big baboon who stinks. Before starting to run down the hallway. I pretended to chase him, but I deliberately let him win until we arrived in what he introduced to me as the living room.

It was the most bizarre living room I had ever seen. The walls were covered in glitter and painted in all colors. There was a large bay window that must have offered a magnificent view of the beach, but the shutters were closed and the room was lit by dozens of lava lamps and a disco ball. In the center of the room were sofas with a pastel-colored table where there was a box of bubble wrap. The whole thing was extremely garish and gave me a headache just by looking at it. I think that just the detailed description would have caused a migraine in anyone with a minimum of good taste.

"It's magnificent," exclaimed Thévenin in my head.

I suppose that's the case if one is an alien. I thought a little too loudly.

"Humans really have no taste," he replied, offended.

You're deluding yourself. You just don't want to admit that the Yeerks are the worst decorators in the entire universe.

One day, our art will be recognized at its true value.

Some time ago, his remarks proving that he could read my mind would have exasperated me and led to an argument. But now I didn't pay attention to it. Even if he had never rummaged through my memory over time, by living in my body, he had come to know everything about me. And he never judged me. Even when seeing my most shameful thoughts. That was the advantage of him being an alien. Most of the time, he didn't even understand what could be problematic with my thoughts. He even accepted my hatred towards his race. It was a strange, but very pleasant feeling to have a friend to whom you could tell everything and who would support you no matter what. If only he wasn't present when I went to the bathroom, it would be perfect.

While I was helping her with the cleaning, I asked her.

Do yeerks also have an obsession with everything that is shiny?

He nodded and in a confidential tone, he said to me:

Jera456, he keeps using me to watch the reflections of the lamps on the wall. He can spend hours doing that. I get so bored during that time.

Believe me, no one can beat Thévenin in terms of strange taste and boring hobby. He wanted to put pink glitter all over my room. Fortunately, I convinced him that my parents would find it too suspicious. I wouldn't have been able to get over it.

Are your parents nice?

Yes, they are great. I never tell them, but I like them a lot.

After that, he withdrew into a pensive silence that I respected. Once our task was completed, he took me to what he called his room. It was a huge room that must have been the size of our house, cluttered with tons of toys, game consoles, and dirty clothes. However, I noticed the absence of a bed.

Where do you sleep?

In the yeerks' room. They still use me at night.

I did not comment. I did not want to risk upsetting him or getting angry. In any case, as long as Thévenin had not been able to probe Jera456 about our project, I should not risk revealing too much.

We spent the next 30 minutes playing Neo-Geo on a gigantic TV that must have consumed half of the city's electricity by itself when it was on (edit: remember that this was the era of cathode-ray tube TVs).

oOoOoOoOo

I let them play until it got too close to the time when Trista171 and Racane263 were supposed to return from their meal. Then I took back control of Tom's body and headed for the exit despite Timmy's pleas for one last game. I preferred to return before Jera456 finished deceiving his triple, so as not to have to provide them with explanations for my visit. I would wait for an opportunity to be alone with Jera456 to talk to him.

Timmy walked me back, making me promise once again to return. I assured him that I would come back on Monday after school, but that I couldn't stay long because I was required to attend a sharing meeting at 7 p.m. When I was on the doorstep, he asked me:

By the way, what did you want to ask Jera456?

Caught off guard, I blurted out the first lie that came to mind.

I wanted to ask him to fund the Wildlife Rehabilitation Clinic. My host's brother spends his time there, and I would like that to continue. I believe that with a hundred thousand dollars, they should be able to cover their budget without any problem.

That's all. No need to talk to him about it, I'll do it right away.

You?

Yes. Since I learned to read, Jera456 said that I should also take care of the small amounts of money.

I had a bit of a feeling that I was taking advantage of him, but at the same time, it would have been suspicious to refuse, so I let him do it.

oOoOoOoOo

A week later, I went into a fast-food restaurant in the mall. I spotted a table where Jack, Marco, Rachel, Cassie, Axe, and Tobias in human form were sitting.

I stepped forward and loudly pretended to be surprised to find them there. Then I launched into a speech extolling the virtues of sharing and inviting them to join us. It was important that a controller didn't think we were hanging out together. Once sure that no one was listening, I sat down and asked them:

I thought the meeting place was Cassie's barn?

Precisely, if I called a meeting, it's to discuss this. We have a big problem. Jack replied.

What problem? Cassie decided to take care of a skunk? Asked Marco.

It is believed that the yeerks are aware that Cassie's barn is used by the Andalite bandits and that they want to set a trap for us.

One wonders how they could have learned it. Said Rachel, staring at me with a dark look.

She still hadn't gotten over me shooting her. I suspected it was mainly the fact that I had managed to beat her that ruffled her feathers.

No one suspects anyone around this table. Jack asserted a little too loudly for it to be natural.

Leave it, it's normal for you to suspect me. What exactly happened? I interrupted.

Don't give us orders, Yeerk. Said Rachel.

Jack, can you ask your friends what happened, please? I said in a loud and clear voice.

Eh, normally, I'm the one who's supposed to exasperate Xena. Marco replied. You're supposed to be the super serious and depressing guy.

Please, I won't survive with both of them on the team. Rachel dramatized.

Focus a little. Admonished Jack, but you could tell he was amused by his friends' antics. When everyone was silent, he continued.

A few days ago, Catie's parents received a check for one million dollars from Wellington Industries for the Wildlife Rehabilitation Clinic. Her parents immediately hesitated to the point of considering returning the check. Not only had they made no solicitation, but the clinic is affiliated with environmental NGOs accusing them of conducting illegal depleted uranium weapon tests that allegedly contaminated lakes for centuries in Alaska. In short, not the kind of company that usually sponsors animal shelters. At least not without ulterior motives.

Finally, Rachel is right, we should fire Thévenin. I have some very good jokes to make about evil empires, but since he's been here, I have to hold back. Joked Marco.

Cassie ignored the intervention and instead continued with Jack:

In short, despite what my parents think of the arms industry, our financial situation is so desperate that they decided to accept the check.

Meanwhile, we conducted our investigation on Wellington Industries. For some time, the company's profits have skyrocketed following the launch of a new range of smart missiles, capable of evading the most advanced anti-missile systems. Needless to say, all the armies in the world are vying for them and they are set to replace all other missiles. Thanks to his computer skills, Axe was able to obtain classified information on these weapons. According to him, their effectiveness is due to the incorporation of Yeerk technology.

Everyone turned towards me. Under the pressure of their gaze, I hastily explained to them:

I am not aware of anything and the council prohibits any transfer of Yeerk technology to hostile races. However, everyone knows that Visser-12 is cornered. If he doesn't get results quickly, Visser-One will succeed in obtaining the confiscation of his host. At least for the time of Earth's invasion. Furthermore, Earth exasperates him. It is possible that he has decided to resort to extreme measures.

"What does that mean?" Tobias asked me with fear.

I see only one reason why the visser would transmit yeerk technology to humans. To incorporate systems that will allow us to take control of their weapons when the time comes. The main reason that motivates us to keep the invasion secret is the fear that the human response would annihilate the planet's potential. If we had the guarantee of the inefficacy of your nuclear bombs, then we could carry out the invasion openly. In 8 to 12 weeks, all humans would have a yeerk in their head. AndVisser-12 will be able to boast of having successfully led the invasion in record time. All his previous failures will be forgotten. And at the same time, he will have demonstrated that Visser-one's secret invasion strategy was a mistake. However, if it fails or the council finds out, he is destined to spend the rest of his life in one of the emperor's ship's dungeons.

Everyone shivered after my presentation.

We must try everything to stop them. Does anyone have an idea? exclaimed Rachel.

It's just a hypothesis on my part. For all we know, we might be completely wrong. I reminded.

Catie acquiesced and continued:

First, we need to know who sent this money to my parents and why. In the best case, it's an executive who wants to ease their conscience by funding an NGO.

Or else the Yeerks have figured out that the clinic was connected to us, summarized Rachel.

Cassie acquiesced and continued:

But that's not all. For some time now, I have the impression that something is watching the farm. Maybe because of all this, I'm becoming paranoid. However, I think it's a trap by the Yeerks. Perhaps they deliberately put us on a path we couldn't refuse to lure us into a trap? Capturing us too would be a good way for Visser-12 to make people forget his failures.

And I suppose Aximili also investigated the source of the funds. I asked.

Jack replied:

Yes, but it is a dead end. The order was signed by Robert Wellington, but on one hand, he was being questioned in Congress at the time the order was sent, and on the other hand, according to Axe, the order was issued using Timothée Wellington's account. However, according to the newspapers, he is only seven years old. It can't be him either. The person responsible for this transfer did everything to hide their identity. And if even Axe can't outsmart it, it is probably because Yeerk technology was used.

Or else this Timothée Wellington is the host of the Yeerk who is setting this trap for us. In any case, it strengthens the possibility of a trap. The Yeerks know something about Cassie and want to push us to attack the Wellingtons, proposed Tobias.

And it works. Even if it's a trap, we can't let the Yeerks carry out their plan. I propose launching an assault on their factories as soon as possible. What scares me is that if they know about the clinic, then it means they suspect the truth. How do we handle that? Asked Rachel.

If Rachel is scared, we have a big problem. Marco said ironically.

Internally, I was boiling. I had completely forgotten that I had asked Timmy to make a donation to Cassie's clinic. Apparently, he doesn't know how to count very well yet.

The Yeerks know nothing about you. If Visser-12 had even the slightest suspicion, he would request the emergency infestation of Cassie and her entire family to prevent any danger.

And what about this transfer then?

It has nothing to do with the war.

You're hiding something from us. Speak immediately. What's watching Cassie's farm and why? Rachel asked.

I have no idea. However, I know the source of this transfer. I can't tell you more, but I promise it has nothing to do with the war.

Despite their insistence, I refused to tell them more. They eventually gave up, but even Cassie shot me a dirty look. After this difficult moment, we decided that we first needed to find out if Catie was being watched. We couldn't attempt anything until we were sure that no one was spying on us.

Tobias volunteered to constantly monitor the area in his hawk form, but apart from a little girl, no one was in the area. Her presence was not suspicious. She was probably there to watch the horses at Cassie's ranch. Nevertheless, her almost constant presence now prevented us from meeting near the place.

It was from Marco's father's apartment, who was often absent, that they planned the attack on the factory using plans and a pass that I had stolen during my recent visits to the Wellington manor. I really felt like I was abusing Timmy's trust. Why is it that, no matter which side I chose, I felt like what I was doing was wrong? Maybe because, no matter the side or the ideals defended, the demands of war remain the same. How do the Andalites find anything honorable in it?

But I was too busy worrying to dwell too much on the question. The Animorphs had categorically refused to share the details of the plan with me or let me come with them so I could help in case of trouble. Despite my help, they still didn't consider me trustworthy. I was just worthy of obeying orders and praying that their decision wouldn't lead to disaster. Being on the other side didn't change much about my situation.

I sighed and told myself that I had to be patient. In time, they would trust me.

Jera456 the traitor

High school had just ended and I was riding my bike home.

I was late. A mathematics teacher insisted on keeping me in class at the end of the lessons. Usually, I was extremely careful, but I had apparently solved an exercise with a theorem that was only taught in the final year of a master's degree. It was so difficult to remember what humans knew or didn't know when I had to solve a science or mathematics assignment.

The most logical solution would have been to let my host do them for me, but when he had lost hope of ever being freed from the Yeerks, he had stopped caring about his classes. As a result, he was a year behind in the program, and I couldn't entrust him with this task.

I got away with it by claiming that I had asked someone older than me to do my work for me. Result: I was going to be grounded again by Tom's parents. I was wondering what excuse to give them so they would let me go feed on Kandrona at the HQ pool, when I was violently pulled out of my thoughts by a black Hummer that suddenly cut me off. I braked hard. Immediately, another Hummer stopped right behind me and men in black got out with weapons drawn. I was surrounded.

I raised my arms and gave them a dark look. Inwardly, I was panicked, but the succession of increasingly sadistic officers I had to deal with over the years had taught me never to show my fear and to remain calm in all circumstances. One of the men in black stepped forward and motioned for me to lie down. I looked everywhere for a way out, but I saw none. I complied, and the man began to search me. When he concluded that I had no dangerous objects, he handcuffed me. Then a limousine came around the corner and parked right next to me. Immediately, one of the gorillas lifted me as if I were light as a feather and threw me onto the back seat of the car, which began to drive off escorted by the two Hummers.

Someone then spoke with authority:

You have 5 minutes to explain yourself. And you better be convincing.

The voice was so different from his usual intonation that I almost didn't recognize him. I turned around. In front of me, sitting on the other bench protected by bulletproof glass, sat like a prince, Timothée Wellington, in an impeccable three-piece suit. However, he wore a severe and haughty expression that I had never seen on him before.

Greetings to you too Jera456 from pool 42. May the Kandrona be gentle to you. What do I owe this charming invitation to spend this afternoon in your company? I replied with irony.

He replied angrily:

Apparently, you need me to refresh your memory. The most arrogant Yeerk on the planet shows up at my place unannounced, at a time when he thought I was alone and vulnerable, to ask me for money. And as if that wasn't already curious behavior from Mr. I-despise-anyone-who-can't-hit-a-target-beyond-ten-meters, you suddenly start playing Askarine with my host. I decided to let you do it to see where you were going, and then the Andalite bandits attack my factories, putting me in a difficult position in front of Visser-12. Don't try to make me believe it's a coincidence? Are you still trying to take my place? When will you understand that you're aiming too high? Your rank is far too low to claim a host of this quality. That said, I must admit I'm impressed by your ability to manipulate my host. He continued to believe in your sincerity, even though you had abandoned it like a first molt, just after your first attempt failed. In fact, seeing his memories, even I wondered if you weren't guilty of sympathy. If you weren't such a jerk, I'd ask you to work for me.

For a moment, I wondered what he was talking about, then a memory suddenly came back to me.

I was striding angrily towards the volunteer host area. I let my blades drag slightly on the ground, tracing a wide furrow. Sometimes, they would catch on one of the cages and cause a dull noise. Each time, the humans would jump in fear, hoping not to be the target of my anger. I slammed the door open and headed for the stairs. Hidden in the dark under the stairs, I found the object of my fury. Because of my cursed Hork-Bajir host, I felt a surge of affection upon seeing him curled up against the wall, clutching an old teddy bear with all his might. When he recognized me, he moved towards me and then, cautiously to avoid accidentally cutting himself, he hugged me. Or rather, he hugged my leg. For theFirst time, I pushed him away. He looked at me confused and I started to yell at him:

Can I know what you're playing at? What made you tell the sub-Visser that you would like me to be your next Yeerk?

You (...) You don't want me?

Of course I don't want you. You will immediately go tell him (..)

I stopped my tirade when I saw him start to cry his heart out. It was hard, but I couldn't give in to the maternal instincts of my host. He needed to understand the limits. Then, unable to hold back any longer, I decided he had been punished enough and wanted to take him in my arms to sing that silly lullaby he loved so much, but this time it was he who pushed me away. Then he ran off, trying to dry his tears.

I followed him only because it was part of my mission to ensure the safety of the volunteer hosts. I had no trouble catching up with him. The body of a Hork-Bajir was not only extremely powerful and resilient. It was also incredibly fast. A Hork-Bajir could run as fast as a horse.

At the time, I didn't understand his reaction and why it took me so long to calm him down. To me, he had just wanted to play a bad trick on me. And it worked. I was made to understand that my 'schemes' would no longer be tolerated and that only my excellent service record had spared me from a severe punishment. It never crossed my mind that he might genuinely believe that such a weak host could be suitable for a soldier like me. That he might have wanted to know the battles I would be inevitably sent to as soon as the invasion of Earth was over, while he was temporarily considered a superior host and as such could aspire to be acquired by a Yeerk who would only know battles from afar.

I couldn't help but laugh nervously at my ignorance back then.

What is so funny? Jera456 asked coldly.

Do you think I don't know that I have no chance of getting Timmy? Do I need to remind you that it was YOU who took advantage of MY successes on the battlefield to rise in the hierarchy.

I would understand all the more if you tried to take revenge.

Stop. All of this is perfectly ridiculous. And the means you have employed are as well. Give me the key to these cursed handcuffs.

I don't think so. I know what you are capable of. I wouldn't make the mistake of underestimating your combat abilities. But you are right about one thing. My theory doesn't hold up. But it's the best I have to explain your behavior. If you don't provide me with a better one, one of the many police controllers will soon announce to the press that you were found dead in a simple car accident.

You want a theory, here's one. Obviously, you're dealing with something top secret with the visser and you're starting to panic because things aren't going as planned. And we both know what happens when the visser's plans don't go as expected. I wonder if it might be you who aimed too high?

Do you think Visser-12 gave me a choice? To say that I chose this host because I thought it would keep me out of trouble.

So you're looking for a scapegoat? And since you've always been a coward, you chose a target that can't defend itself, like a low-level Yeerk. Mind you, I don't blame you. I've always considered cowardice as a sign of intelligence. But you're in luck. I think I have an idea to get you out of this mess. But it won't be free.

You will never change, indeed. Snorted Jera456.

I am too old to change. I replied to him.

Well, so what is your solution? He asked me.

I would prefer that we talk about it one-on-one.

But we are alone together.

Not exactly. There are four people in this car. I reminded him.

Do not abuse my patience. Speak now or I will make sure you remain silent forever.

You're the one who wanted it. First of all, I need to know something. What do you think of life on earth? What do you think of life in a human host?

What does that have to do with (…)

Just answer my question. I interrupted.

Well, but you'd better make sure it leads somewhere. In a word, it's paradise. The planet is magnificent, and the humans are the most docile hosts I've ever seen. My host is entirely devoted to my service to the point that I can leave his body and be certain that he will continue to obey me. Besides, I followed the advice of your host. Or rather you pretending to have given freedom to your host. When he makes a mistake, it's much more effective to just scold him. And yet, I wonder if I could just be content with explaining to him again what I wanted him to do. Most of the time, he had no desire to disobey me. It's really surprising.

Your host is a special case. Most humans are not like that.

I think I understand. That is not his only peculiarity, by the way. My host is barely a larva and yet humans treat me like a vassal. Unlike the Yeerks, their social status is almost entirely determined by their lineage. There is no notion of advancement by merit among humans.

Oh really? The other humans keep telling me that it's their school results that will determine their social status for the rest of their lives.

He remained silent for a few seconds. Then he suddenly said:

No matter how much I search his memory, my host does not know what a school is. It must not play a significant role in their society. Well, all this is fascinating, but I did not come to discuss the peculiarities of human society.

Do you think you will still appreciate the earth when our leaders are done with it? What do you think will happen to this host that you cherish so much? What do you think will happen to us?

Where is this discussion leading us? If I didn't know you so well, I would accuse you of treachery. Declared Jera456 with suspicion.

Yet it was you who told me a few years ago that betraying our leaders was not betraying our race.

Stop. Don't tell him anything. I don't trust him. Tom asked me.

(That's for me to judge). I reminded him, annoyed.

(I also have my say on the matter)

We had agreed that when it came to interacting with other Yeerks, it was up to me to decide.

Yes, well, I changed my mind.

I did not reply to him in order to focus on Jera456's response.

The situation was completely different.

Not so much. I argued.

Galdius741 was a planet of no interest. Visser-5 just wanted to conquer it for his personal prestige. I didn't want to be the millionthYeerk to die on this frozen rock. And I know you agreed with me. Otherwise, you would never have shut your big mouth. Jera456 explained to me with obvious discomfort.

At the time, I was much more naive than I am today. I disapproved, but I didn't dare say anything because your rank impressed me. But with hindsight, I approve of you. I confessed to him.

No! You who admit to having had a weakness. I need to record it. More seriously, the conquest of Earth is vital for the survival of the empire. It is unthinkable to sabotage it.

In that case, why did the Andalites help us carry it out?

He sighed and then answered me:

Thévenin789. These are just stupid conspiracy theories. No Andalite is secretly helping the Yeerks.

I have a firsthand account indicating that it's more than just a conspiracy theory. And then think. With their technological advancement, the Andalites could easily exterminate us. The smallest Andalite fighter is equipped with stealth technology so effective that they can fly over the core planets of the empire without being detected. It would be so easy for them to drop an antimatter bomb on each of our planets. In one night, the war would be over. Don't tell me it's their damn code of honor holding them back. You saw, like me, during the Hork-Bajir conquest what Andalite honor is really worth. If our leaders agree to continue the war, then our peoples have the duty to agree to put an end to it.

Despite all your efforts, it seems that the bad blood running through your veins is resurfacing, commented Jera456 calmly.

I spent my life fighting who I was. Then hiding it. And I feel like it's the same for you?

Whatever you imply, you will understand that I am obliged to deny it. However, what form would that concretely take? And how could that help me?

No idea. To be honest, I was counting on you for the details.

This time it was his turn to laugh. Ignoring his hilarity, I continued:

Think. You know far more people than I do. And unlike me, you're appreciated. A little too much, actually. I still can't believe you're deceiving them. You made such a beautiful trio.

It darkens.

It has nothing to do with it. With the others, it's just sex. But you can't understand. Honestly, I'm not far from thinking that you're still a virgin.

In my head, I heard Tom snicker.

My sex life is not the subject. I defended myself.

Neither is mine. But I prefer to talk about the nonexistence of your love life than to betray Visser-12. How do you expect us to end the war between Andalites and Yeerks? I didn't think you were into discussions about changing the world. I saw you as someone more concrete.

My goal is more modest. What I want is to end the war on Earth and enjoy a peaceful retirement there. Earth is a gathering of the worst Yeerks in the galaxy. How many of them are still loyal to the empire since the great famine? I'm sure we could take control of the planet if we recruited some well-placed Yeerks in the hierarchy, then weNeutralized Visser-12, his personal guard and his blade ship. I explained to him.

Down with it, if it's just enough to do that. I'm reassured. What are we waiting for? Let's go right away. Between the two of us, it should be done in two hours. I wonder why I didn't think of it sooner. Oh yes, I know: because it's impossible! As soon as we start talking about it around us, a traitor will get wind of it and go report us to the Visser. In fact, that's what I should do. And even if we managed to be selective enough in choosing the Yeerks we don't talk to, how do you expect to defeat the Visser's personal guard? Not to mention the Visser himself. In this body, he is invincible.

One day, someone told me that no objective is unassailable for an army that is sufficiently determined.

It's just the standard motivational speech I used to give to new recruits before a tough fight. You're not going to tell me that you still believe in that kind of nonsense. Motivation means little against a swarm of Andalite thought-drones.

Oh, please. You talk as if we have never killed an Andalite. Why would it be harder to kill the Visser? I asked him.

Because he thinks and he is ruthless. Our little tricks won't work against him. And even if we managed, what would be next? We live our little life on Earth until the Andalites or the Empire massacre us?

If the Andalite bandits were with us, it would become possible. Then, we would come to an agreement with human governments to defend the planet against the empire and against the Andalites.

How many boxes of oatmeal have you eaten? Give me a reason not to report you. Jera456 alarms.

Visser-12 is going to kill you anyway. Isn't the crazy thing to wait and do nothing until it happens? Don't you want to try something first?

I didn't know where this fervor came from, but now that I had started, I couldn't stop. I continued by telling him passionately:

And even if you find a way to calm the screw, do you really think you will be able to continue living as before? Do you think you will be able to live among the killings again? Do you think you can bear to subject your host to that? How do you think you will react when he starts to feel hatred for you? If you think we can continue this war for another 100 years, then you're the one who's delusional.

The Andalites will never agree to cooperate with us.

They have already accepted. Those on Earth, at least.

You're trying to make me believe that you're in contact with the Andalite bandits? You?

I think for a few seconds. Until now, his veiled threats to denounce me didn't scare me much. He didn't have much to gain by denouncing a low-ranking Yeerk like me for a few idle words. But being responsible for the capture of a traitor in contact with the Andalites could be very profitable for him. At the very least, it could persuade Visser-12 to forgive his recent failures.

I nodded awkwardly. If Jera456 decided to betray me, I would turn Tom's brain to mush. That way, we would be the only ones to die. The animorphs could continue their fight.

Do you trust these Andalites? Jera456 asked me. Apparently, he had interpreted my long silence as a confession.

Yes, I trust them. But I can't tell you more until you get more involved. I'm asking you to trust me on this one.

This time, it was his turn to take a few seconds to decide on his response. He finally told me:

I need to think about it. I will give you my answer in a week. In the meantime, there's no need to return to the manor. I wouldn't leave Timothée's body anyway. It's too risky now that he has witnessed that.

I told you it was better that he wasn't present. But you can't treat him like that.

Of course, yes. He replied carelessly, already deep in thought.

Please? Don't do that to him. I implored.

He immersed himself for a few seconds in an inner dialogue. I'm sure he was talking with Timmy.

It's true that you still haven't explained your behavior towards him. Why are you interested in him again?

Listen Timmy, I have always been interested in you. I wasn't pretending to manipulate you and get you to become my host. It's just. Well, I don't know how to say it. A Yeerk isn't supposed to do that. You know, it's like the time I caught you playing with that doll. I didn't want to admit that I wanted to take care of you. And above all, I didn't really understand humans, and I thought you didn't need me anymore. I'm sorry. Now, I know I hurt you, and I regret it a lot.

Do you really love him?

Not you?

I wouldn't go that far. How disgusting human larvae like him are. Of course, he is generally pleasant, but I can't stand hearing him spout his uninteresting nonsense with his shrill voice. Besides, he insists on telling you that he never doubted your sincerity towards him, but that's a total lie.

I couldn't help but blurt out:

Timmy, I don't find you disgusting, I like it when you talk to me and I don't blame you for having doubts.

After a moment of silence, Jera456 added:

I'm probably making a big mistake, but that's okay. However, before doing anything, I want to meet these famous Andalite bandits. Your word is not enough for me.

I will pass on the message.

He threw me the handcuff keys. I opened them and rubbed my wrists.

And above all, don't talk about it to Trista171 and Racane263. I don't think he would react very well if he heard about all this. I love them, but they are far too loyal to the empire.

Jera456 the traitor 2

Recall of the cannon:The end refers to volume 10 where the Animorphs steal a Permalite supercomputer (a vanished alien race that was much more technologically advanced than the Yeerks or the Andalites) in order tomodify the computer program of the Chee. The Chee are ultra-advanced androids created by the Pemalites. For reasons I won't spoil, the Chee want the Yeerks to leave Earth. They could defeat the Yeerks in a few minutes, but their programming prevents them from harming a living being. If attacked, the Chee allow themselves to be killed rather than risk hurting someone. Their only defense is their holograms, which allow them to pass for anything or create diversions on command.

Once the crystal is stolen, the animorphs free a che from its programming. The che then transforms into an unstoppable war machine. Once all the enemies are reduced to pieces, the che begs them to make it peaceful again, as it cannot bear the images forever etched on its hard drive of the suffering it has inflicted. The animorphs, disgusted and frightened by what they have just seen, decide to grant its request and dispose of the supercomputer in the ocean. And this, while the ches might be the only means to avoid humanity's enslavement.

oOoOoOoOo

I was pacing at the edge of the forest, nervously looking into the undergrowth. What was taking them so long, damn it? If this continues, they'll reach the two-hour limit.

When I reported Jera456's request to the animorphs, the reactions were not what I expected. I understood that they were suspicious and considered the possibility of a trap. I would have scolded them myself if that hadn't been the case. But their reaction was largely excessive. No words were spoken, but I could clearly see from their looks that they thought I had betrayed them by revealing so much without their consent. What did they want me to do? I had to give him something.

And Tom's remarks urging me to be understanding only made me more upset.

As a result, even I did not know the place of their meeting. All I knew was that I had to drive Jera456 into the middle of the forest and then leave him to be guided by the thought-word to the place of their gathering. Moreover, I only knew the exact place where I had to leave him once Jera456 got into my car alone.

After a while, my patience finally paid off. I saw him suddenly emerge from the forest. I wanted to ask him how it went, but he gestured for me to be silent.

After a few kilometers, I ended up asking him:

It's good, two hours have passed. They can no longer spy on us. So how did it go?

Extremely well. To simplify, I obtained from them that they no longer attack my factories. Finally, those of Trista171 and Racane263. In exchange, I promised them to modify the software embedded in the Yeerk components, so that it is not Visser-12, but the Andalites who have control of the human missiles.

What! But how do you plan to do that? I exclaimed.

I won't even try. The risk is far too great to get caught. Visser-12 put betraya148 on the case. Even the Andalites can't crack his code. He explained to me calmly.

I'm afraid to understand. I said suspiciously.

Seriously, did you really think I would cooperate with that Andalite scum?

The Andalites will realize your deception. I asserted.

So what? By then, it will be too late. Visser-12 will have launched his large-scale invasion and their little guerrilla will have become insignificant. Provided, of course, that you help me hide the truth from them long enough. He finished with a dangerous accent. How did he manage to look frightening with such a host?

And if I refuse? I asked calmly.

So I would make sure your dear Timmy pays the consequences. He threatened.

Well done Thévenin, I told you that we couldn't trust a Yeerk. Do you still think that Jack and the others are wrong to be suspicious? Tom reproached me.

Shut up, you're talking about what you don't know. And I want to point out that I too am a Yeerk.

(Yes, well, I'm starting to think that you are a special case).

(All yeerks are special cases. And I remind you that you promised to agree to share the planet with all yeerks. Not just with the special cases).

(Jack and the others promised. As far as I'm concerned, I'm starting to wonder if it will be possible). He grumbled.

(You know, it's not because I can read your thoughts that you should get into the habit of really telling me what you think. A little hypocrisy would be appreciated sometimes)

(With a little goodwill, I'm sure we'll end up agreeing. Let's just say that from Monday to Wednesday the planet is ours and from Thursday to Friday it's yours. And on Sunday, we alternate weeks). Tom replied with irony.

(Finally, I prefer it when you are frank). I replied to him before turning to Jera456 to say:

Jera456, you are not that kind of yeerk.

Hahahaha. And what kind of yeerk do you think I am?

The kind that refuses to make others suffer needlessly. The kind that cannot stand to participate in what the empire does. The kind that indulges in debauchery and excess to forget, but fails to do so. You know, it's one of the few points on which you have never managed to deceive me.

Humpf. You talk like my twin brother. Complained Jera456.

I didn't know you had one.

I don't have any more. He was killed for treason during the purge of transger9. Do you think you're the first to imagine that we could revolt? To think that this time, it's different? But the truth is, it will never happen. In the pool, there is too much proximity for us to talk discreetly. And if we do it outside, all it takes is for the host of one of our members to be assigned to a loyalist for the secret to be exposed. It is impossible to create an effective resistance movement. He explained.

The first emperor did arrive there. I countered.

It just means that your ancestors were weak and incapable of doing what it takes to keep power. It takes at least that for them to have accepted being the Andalites' lackeys. Or that this story is a bunch of nonsense. What do I know? In any case, I'll tell you what I know. Idealists don't survive very long.

What's so great about surviving in these conditions?

Life is worth nothing, but nothing is worth life. The day you take your shot, you'll understand. Jera456 retorted to me.

I didn't know how to respond to that last remark. In my silence, he continued:

Come on, don't make that face. I'm not a monster. If you serve me well, I might even get you a promotion. You'll see, I take good care of my close ones.

Keep your gifts to yourself, I'm not the kind of Yeerk that can be bought.

Frankly, what is wrong with you? If you were doing all this for a race like the Hork-Bajirs, I could understand. But humans, honestly? They are barely better than the Taxxons. It's a chance for them to be infested by the empire. If they were a bit more evolved, they would understand.

How can you say that? Can't you see that your host has nothing to do with the taxxons? I asked angrily.

He was raised by Yeerks. No wonder they're somewhat decent. And even then, it's still a predator. Even when I'm in his head, I frequently let him have control of his body. He keeps pretending to play war or kill small insects. Just yesterday, he attacked an anthill like that for no reason, just for fun.

Really? I'm sure he had another reason?

(It’s okay, it’s just ants. You’re not going to make a big deal out of it, while you exterminate entire species.)

When one kills, it is not just for fun. Honestly, you have to be seriously crazy to take pleasure in killing. And we do not exterminate any species. We simply enslave them.

He said nothing, but I saw him thinking back to what he had experienced with temrash114. To what other hosts had tearfully told him in the cages. To what he had seen when his yeerk was one of Visser-12's close associates. For him, a quick death was far preferable to this long agony. Meanwhile, Jera456 replied to me:

Believe me, I've searched his mind thoroughly and that's not the case. Anyway, it's not just him. They're all like that. They spend most of their time looking for ways to kill each other.

You're exaggerating. I reproached him.

Not at all. I said they were barely better than the Taxxons, but in fact, they are worse. The Taxxons kill only to feed. They eat their wounded, but they do not wage war on each other. Damn, I think it's the first time I've heard of a species that wages war on itself, even though it has enough food and territory for all its members. And with what talents, too.

We do that too. How many Yeerks has Visser-12 killed? I replied, inspired by my host's thoughts.

And you think Visser-12 is a model of mental health? Imagine an entire species behaving like him.

It's not just Visser-12. All our leaders are like that. And all those who suck up to them for a promotion, I added darkly.

I inform you that I am one of the so-called bootlickers. And you would do well to get into it if you really want to have a peaceful retirement one day.

I am not as skilled as you at making speeches, but you understand what I mean. What is funny is that my hood says almost the same thing about the Yeerks. Imagine if we judged our species by what it does.The empire or our leaders. Damn, that's literally what the entire galaxy is doing.

Well, maybe they are not wrong. We are the two most unhealthy spaces in the galaxy. Super-parasite and super-predator. We are made to get along. Jera456 said in a falsely cheerful tone.

Jera456, you are anything but a disillusioned cynic. You are the yeerk who loves life the most that I know. If you lose that, what do you have left? Let me tell the Andalites that you can't crack the code. You will find a solution together.

The solution is that they will blow up my factories and not care in the slightest about what Visser will do to me. Or what he will do to you when Timothée's next Yeerk tells him about this little meeting.

I would be able to convince them to look for another solution. I assured him.

Why would he do that? He asked incredulously.

Trust them. They are not like other Andalites. You must have noticed when talking to them.

Except that he insisted that only this young Aristh speak to me, I didn't notice anything strange. And if you trust Andalites, then you're even crazier than I thought, he retorted.

Trust me then.

I saw him sniffle. So I added:

You are our only hope to develop a resistance movement strong enough to put an end to this conflict.

Yeah. I think there's a better sucker than me to play this role.

He thought for a few seconds before answering:

Humpf! There is indeed a way to sabotage Visser-12's plans without putting myself in danger. What interests Visser-12 is mainly taking control of the missiles on nuclear submarines. For the other missiles, we already have infected individuals capable of neutralizing them or countermeasures to destroy them. Sabotaging their replacement with missiles under our control will not change Visser's plan. Or not much. However, nuclear submarines are a real problem for Visser-12. The 3-day limit makes us unable to infect the submarine crew members, and our search for Aximili's escape pod made us realize that Earth's oceans disrupt our detection tools. To achieve this goal, Visser-12 has asked our triple to use our hosts' connections within the Pentagon and the Senate to pass an accelerated renewal program for American nuclear missiles. Visser-12 then relies on the tendency of other states to imitate the decisions of the American military to successfully convince other nuclear powers to do the same. I won't go into details, but the keystone of our plan is an infected senator named Jon Kyl. If the Andalites put an end to his political career before next week's vote on the defense budget allocation, then Visser-12's plan would fall apart. But this time, the Andalites need to be discreet. No one must suspect their intervention, or Visser-12 would definitively go on a traitor hunt, and Timmy's memories would be searched by his loyalists.

Are you telling the truth? Or is it another lie so we leave you alone? I asked him suspiciously.

And then, you dare to demand that I trust you. Jera456 reproached me.

I never tried to screw you over. I reminded him.

I would like to point out that I am already taking a huge risk by proposing this plan. I am still not convinced that these Andalites will make the effort to stay discreet to protect the Yeerk. Not to mention that I am not sure these brutes are capable of discretion. If you had seen the state of our facilities after they stole the calculation crystal that Visser-12 had bought extremely expensively from Skrit Na merchants. I had never seen such a massacre. Even after a week, we were still finding body parts in some corners. These Andalites are anything but discreet.

You know very well that their morph technology makes them extremely discreet. I asserted, pretending to still be offended by his attempt to deceive us. I hoped I wasn't overdoing it. He must not suspect that the Andalites were actually human children or he would betray us for good.

Moreover, I was mentally noting to ask Jack and the others why they had shown so much cruelty during this mission. Now that I remembered, I had also heard about this particularly violent intervention by the 'Andalite bandits'.

Okay, I understand. Come to my place tomorrow at 1 PM. Trista171 and Racane263 won't be there. You can check in Timothée's memories that I'm telling the truth. And then you can try my personal pool. You'll see, it's great to have all that space for yourself, without having to deal with your host. And then I ordered from a mixing pro, a cocktail made with nitrogen isotopes that can only be found here. You'll tell me what you think.

Jera456 didn't know it, but I had already experienced this form of luxury during my mission on uran1.

Tom, would it bother you if …

(If I agreed to spend my Saturday chained in a dungeon so you could lounge in a spa. But of course, my dear friend. What could possibly bother me?) he replied sarcastically.

You know if I refused, he might take it badly. It is very important that we maintain a good relationship with him.

Okay, stop, I get it. No need to make up excuses. You can go. But you'd better not do anything dirty. No way you're going to mess up my brain with slug sperm.

I gave him a big mental hug. I was all excited about the idea of tomorrow.

oOoOoOoOo

The next day

But what was I thinking accepting that? I complained loudly, without noticing that I was not alone.

Sorry Tom. Jera456 insisted that I should not release you under any circumstances. You have to understand. Outside of their host, the Yeerks are defenseless. He can't take the risk of letting a stranger roam free in his place. I don't understand why Thévenin didn't allow him to read your mind. Jera456, he allowed him to read mine though. It's really impolite. Said Timmy, fidgeting with his hands next to me.

I was completely immobilized by about ten straps against a hospital bed in a gigantic bunker converted into a prison. After noticing my frustrated silence, he asked:

Say, was it really you playing with me? Jera456 says it was Thévenin pretending.

Yes, it was indeed me. Frankly, I am much cooler than that old slug. How dare you think you could confuse us?

He smiled, but nevertheless, he said:

You shouldn't insult your yeerk. It's not right.

Because they might be bothering themselves?

They do not insult us.

Oh yeah! And what were the comments they made about us yesterday?

They weren't insults since it was true. Thévenin has gone completely mad. I'm sure it's because of me. My parents were right, I always ruin everything. You have to convince him to stop before he gets himself killed. Timmy lamented.

Without wanting to offend you, my influence on Thévenin is quite limited. I retorted.

You're kidding. We have a huge influence on our Yeerk. And Thévenin is nice. I'm sure he listens to you. Timmy stated.

Do you think I would be tied up like a ham if he listened to me?

He nodded then declared:

You're like Thévenin. You're too nice for your own good. Please, at least try. You must realize he has no chance. Please, if you don't do it for him, do it for yourself. Unlike me, you have no value. You're not even willing. Visser-12 won't hesitate to kill you, along with Thévenin, when he discovers everything.

Before I could reply, I heard an adult scream in the distance:

Kid, are you there? I'm begging you, set me free. I'll do whatever you want, for pity's sake.

Another replied to him.

Shut up! You still haven't understood that this son of a bitch won't do anything. I bet he's getting off on it. He's no better than the Yeerks.

I have to go. Timmy said hastily, before leaving with eyes filled with tears.

WAIT!

When he closed the bunker door, all light disappeared and I heard a man in the distance start to cry. I would have liked to comfort Timmy. To tell him that he was a great kid. That his parents were talking nonsense and he shouldn't listen to what the other prisoners said. However, I don't think I would have succeeded.

I understood why he had chosen the other side. But a part of me couldn't forgive him. Probably the part that wanted me to scratch my nose. Or perhaps the part to whom this forced immobility in the darkness unpleasantly recalled the time when I was the host of temrash114.

I was going to make Thévenin pay for at least a month for abandoning me there.

oOoOoOo

After what seemed like an eternity, the light returned to the bunker. Then I heard footsteps coming towards me.

Timmy, is that you?

Silent slave.

Once again, I would have at least liked to be able to turn my head to see who was there. After a few seconds, Timmy's face appeared. Except that Timmy would never have had such a harsh expression.

Insulting you is the only pleasure you've given me, filthy sadist. I don't see why I should deprive myself of it.

If you really want, next time, I can also gag you. Jera456 threatened me.

Or you could just put me in a cell.

And how could Thévenin789 reinfect you if you are not immobilized?

I would let it happen. Anyway, what would be my alternative?

He lifted Timmy's hair to reveal a scar that must have required stitches and explained:

You see that? This is what happens when you trust an involuntary host who promises to allow reinfection.

I felt something wet being pressed against my ear, then a slight discomfort in my ear canal.

Arougul741. It's okay, you can untie me. I asked after regaining control of Tom.

There you are at last. What the hell were you doing? Tom asked me angrily.

I shortened the session as much as possible. I swear that if I had known he treated the guests so poorly, I would never have accepted his invitation.

(Was it at least good?)

(Not so much. But it was instructive.) I knew him well enough to know that I definitely shouldn't tell him that it had been one of the best days of my life. Say what you will, Jera456 knows how to enjoy life.

(Okay, give me back control now)

(No, I need to speak to Timmy.)

(Are you kidding me?) he complained angrily.

Jera456 had just removed the restraints from me and I stretched Tom's body, which had become sore from being kept still. I felt a bit of guilt. It must have started to be really difficult for Tom to be locked up here.

Jera456, I need to talk to Timmy about what I saw in his mind. Will you let him have control?

Timmy's face changed completely. Jera456's extreme confidence was replaced by a beaten dog's expression.

I'm sorry. Timmy declared in a very small voice.

No, you are not. I asserted calmly.

I took a step in his direction, but he backed away. Remembering what I had seen in his mind, I set aside my shame of doing this in the presence of Jera456. Then I bent down and opened my arms. Timidly, he moved towards me, then when he was close enough, he hugged me as tightly as he could and I did the same, lifting him up.

I let out a sigh of surprise. I didn't think he was that heavy. The last time I did this, I had a Hork-Bajir body and he was two years younger, but still. Maybe I should take Tom to the gym. I snuggled him against my heart, then carried him out of this grim place.

During the journey, I asked myself for the thousandth time why he never told me he wanted to continue receiving signs of affection. Why did he tell me he was no longer a baby the last time I tried? How was I supposed to guess that human larvae lied about their development status? If this whole story hadn't led me to have to read his thoughts, I would never have known.

Once in the open air, I sat on one of the many benches in the park. I noted that they were extremely dirty. Timmy did what he could, but he would never replace the dozens of employees who used to maintain the place.

I understand that you're worried. And I'm not going to lie to you, you're right, it's very risky, but sometimes we are forced to take risks. And I don't want you to try to stop me anymore. I explained to him.

But there's nothing forcing you to do it? Timmy asked me.

If I were in danger, wouldn't you risk your life to save me?

You know very well that yes since you read my mind.

It was a rhetorical question.

What is a rhetorical question? Timmy asked.

No matter. What I mean is that if I don't do it, I will lose things that I care about a lot. And I wouldn't be the only one. And yes, you are one of the things I want to protect, but you are far from the only one. Even if you didn't exist, I would have made this decision. And I'm not lying to you to make you happy. That's a human thing.

(Yes, you are lying to yourself for your personal interest.) Tom reproached me.

(I have a slight feeling that you're still mad at me for this afternoon)

No. I'm far beyond being mad at you. Was it really an emergency to play the babysitter? Couldn't it wait until next time?

If Jera456 tried to betray us, it's because of him. Initially, Jera456 sincerely wanted to try to create a revolt movement among the Yeerks. It was Timmy who convinced him to give it up and lie to the Animorphs so that they would no longer attack his factories. Or rather, he influenced him to give it up. Jera456 is convinced that the idea came from him.

What? But that's impossible.

(Don't make the mistake of underestimating Timmy. He is really very intelligent. Did you know he taught himself to read and write?) I knew perfectly well that Tom was unaware of it, because I had discovered it myself by probing his mind. But I couldn't help announcing it with pride. Until now, I thought it was one of his Yeerks or a human tutor appointed by Jera456 who had taught him.

But how could he do that, when Jera456 can read his mind?

(Without wanting to upset you, I don't really want to explain to you how to manipulate me.)

(I see that trust prevails.)

You're going to have a hard time making me believe that you haven't thought about it.

(Obviously, but that doesn't mean I'm going to do it) complained Tom.

In short, it is urgent to convince him to stop before he succeeds once again in changing Jera456's mind.

I don't want you to leave. Timmy shouted.

Me neither. And that's exactly why I want to make sure we don't have to fight anymore. You know, it's a real miracle that I'm still alive. Most low-ranking Yeerks like me die young in the terrible battles currently tearing the galaxy apart. Of my 54 sisters, none reached their 21st birthday. High-ranking Yeerks like the Visser or even Jera456 think that if I survived, it's because I have exceptional combat skills. But that's nonsense. It's just that I was incredibly lucky. If it's my sister, and not me, who got hit by an Andalite orbital shot, it's not because I was more skilled than her, but because chance had it that I was two meters further away. When the invasion of theThe earth will be finished, I will have to go back there and nothing says that my luck will continue. I prefer the possibility of dying now trying to protect those I love, rather than the certainty of dying in a year having lost everything.

Tears pearled on his face which he repressed.

(Definitely, you are the father of the year. Why are you so keen on making him believe that you are going to die?) commented Tom

Because it's true. The sooner he gets used to it, the better it will be.

(I know the stakes as well as you do, but he is traumatized enough as it is.)

Timmy dried his tears and suggested:

Jera456 could help you. He could get you a promotion.

I'm afraid that Jera456 doesn't have enough influence for that. And anyway, it's too late now. A promotion would necessarily involve changing hosts. However, Tom knows too much for me to entrust him to another Yeerk. It may not seem like it, but Tom is one of the humans best suited for war. He and his Yeerk are destined for the front line.

(You never told me that) exclaimed Tom.

I thought it was obvious. You are an athlete, what better body for a soldier. Why do you think you were assigned to me?

(Former athlete) he said bitterly, but I felt that he was nevertheless flattered by the mention of his past sporting achievements. Maybe I could try flattery to get him to overlook this afternoon. In the silence of Timmy, I continued:

Listen, buddy, I promise to do everything to stay alive. In return, all I want is for you to stop looking for a way to stop me. Is that okay?

He thought for a moment, then said:

Alright.

Thank you, now I will give control back to Tom and we will leave.

(YEEEEEES) exclaimed Tom.

Wait, I need to tell you something.

(NOOOOOON) laments Tom.

Yes Timmy?

In a month, the G7 leaders will meet at the Marriott hotel to discuss the crisis in the Middle East. Visser-12 wants to take advantage of this to infest all the leaders, the secret services, and ...

His expression changed and he said in a completely different tone:

Sorry Thévenin, I don't know why he's telling such a lie. I promise you that Visser-12 has no plan of this kind and that Timmy will be punished accordingly. I really don't know what's gotten into him... WHAT! YOU DIRTY RASTAR.

What's happening? I asked worriedly.

That damned primate tricked us. You need to warn the Andalites. If Visser-12's plan succeeds, then in two months everything will be over. He will be able to launch his invasion without fear of any human retaliation.

What are you telling me? I searched through his memories and there was nothing like that.

Despite the side effects, that lunatic took Drapelsiant to erase his memories.

Of what? I asked, increasingly panicked.

Sorry, I'm starting over. As part of a contract with the CIA, 10 years ago WellingtonIndustrie developed a whole range of drugs intended for interrogations and the creation of sleeper agents. The project was abandoned afterthat a senatorial inquiry commission had deemed that the experimental protocols violated the Geneva Convention. Finally, that they violated it even more than the other projects of WellingtonIndustrie. But secretly from the authorities, his father kept a significant stock of his drugs to use against his personal enemies. From his reserves and the notes left by his father, this traitor took advantage of some of my moments of relaxation to create a cocktail that erases human short-term memory. Then, he erased the messages from the visser regarding this plan, left a note to himself, and finally took a shot of his poison. Thus, even by searching his memory, one could not discover his nonsense. And when he found his note, he would remember again what he had done. Of course, he repeated his act every time he risked undergoing a memory inspection.

A whole range of emotions were battling inside me, from anger to astonishment. And I wasn't helped by the fact that Tom was more or less in the same state. All I could say was:

Is he at risk of having long-term consequences?

I have absolutely no idea. He was counting on yeerk medical technology in case of a problem, but his stuff is such crap that I'm not sure anything can be done about it. At least now I know why I had such migraines.

I saw that in his memories and it has nothing to do with it. It's because you don't let him sleep enough. You need to stop relying on what he tells you about his physiological needs. He just has no idea how to take care of himself. According to my host's memories, at a minimum, a human larva must sleep 7 hours a night and take a shower every 3 days.

(In fact, it's a bit more than that. It's just me who was a bit messy and stupid when I was young)

Believe me, I'm not about to start listening to it again.

Do not punish him too severely. He meant well.

Are you still defending him? He asked me incredulously.

In the end, he confessed. Even though he knew you would get angry. That deserves your leniency.

In any case, this time, I swear not to leave him alone without supervision, to go enjoy my wonderful and sweet personal pool. And this time, I will stick to it. Goodbye to the PH variations, the beta wave diffuser, the republic-style acoustic decoration, the calcide ionizer... Well, I will do it just once more, but after that, I stop.

oOoOoOoOo

That same evening, I asked Jack to organize a meeting of the animorphs where I explained the situation to them. They received my information with great suspicion (especially after I confessed to them that Jera456 initially intended to betray us). But fortunately, even Aximili and Rachel seemed to agree to take care of Senator Jon Kyl immediately. However, they decided not to do anything about the G7 meeting until they had further verified the information. Moreover, they insisted that I leave while they devised their plan. I found this request extremely humiliating, but given their insistence, I had to comply. Once again, I urged myself to be patient (but it was becoming increasingly difficult).

A few days later, Senator Jon Kyl's credibility was destroyed after he kicked one of his voter's poodles violently in front of the cameras. The image made the headlines of all the morning shows and AmericaThe whole group mocked him. Then he disappeared purely and simply. I tried to ask them how he did that without Visser-12 suspecting their involvement, but all I got was a blush from Marco and a sarcastic comment from Rachel about Marco's incredible ability to annoy anyone to the point of fleeing to the other side of the world. Realizing the topic was sensitive, I did not insist.

Instead, I asked them what had happened several months ago in the center where Visser-12 stored his calculation crystal. The only response I got from them was that they couldn't talk about it. I was starting to get fed up with their constant suspicion.

David

Cannon reminderAs the title indicates, this chapter takes place during volumes 20 to 22.

As a reminder, in this volume a human child named David accidentally finds remains of an Andalite ship, including an artifact capable of giving morphing technology to anyone. Unaware of what it is, he sells it on the internet, and the Yeerks show up at his place at the same time as the Animorphs. There is a fight, his parents are captured by the Yeerks and turned into hosts. However, the Animorphs recover the artifact and David faints.

Upon waking up, David finds himself in the middle of a group of strange teenagers who explain to him that his parents are now controlled by an alien slug located in their heads, that he must hide because the yeerks are after him, and that from now on, he will have to participate with them in various extremely risky missions to fend off the yeerks. And also that since he touched the artifact, he has the power to change into an animal. And precisely, to start, they will have to infiltrate a hotel guarded to the teeth by secret services from all over the planet, because the leaders of the most powerful countries in the world will meet there in a few days and the yeerks want to take the opportunity to infest them all.

As you might guess, he reacts calmly to the situation and becomes a valued and valuable member of the group of animorphs. Of course not. He completely loses it.

oOoOoOo

Jack, do you have a minute?

Yes, of course, come in.

Once I had closed the door, I asked him point-blank:

What do you intend to do to prevent Visser-12 from carrying out his plan?

Uh, well. For now, we haven't decided anything.

For a few seconds, I froze.

Sorry?

For now, we have another problem. I'll let you know if we need your help. In the meantime, try to get as much information as possible about Visser-12's plan.

What could be more important than preventing Visser-12 from taking control of the G7 leaders?

If it were up to me, I would tell you. I'm sure you could help us. But the others are opposed to it.

You're messing with me. We had an agreement, just so you know. Should I understand that it's an operation I would disapprove of?

I can't tell you anything. But I assure you that if you knew, you would approve 100%. Anyway, it will be resolved quickly. Besides, if I were you, I would avoid being near Visser-12 tomorrow. He might not be in a very good mood.

He is never in a good mood. But I take note: I must trust you blindly, but in return, you refuse to even keep me informed. And that without any valid reason.

You too are hiding things from us. You still refuse to tell us why Jera456 made a donation of one million euros to the wildlife rehabilitation clinic.

This donation has absolutely nothing to do with the war. Tom must have confirmed it to you.

Yes, and that's enough for me. But others are starting to think that you're putting pressure on Tom, even when you're not in his head.

How can they believe such stupidity?

It's not stupid. Tom is at your mercy 90% of the time. And to a lesser extent, so am I.

It's rather me who should be saying that. With Andalite technology, you could easily kill me and hide my disappearance for several days. I got annoyed.

Don't yell at me. I'm on your side. I'm just reporting the point of view of others to you. I know you and I don't believe for a second that you would betray us. But that's not the case for them, and understand that after everything we've been through, we've become wary.

Let's admit it. Can you at least explain to me why you've been twiddling your thumbs for a week while Visser-12 is about to take control of the planet?

I never said we twiddled our thumbs.

He seemed to hesitate, then continued:

We questioned our other sources of information among the Yeerk and (..).

Are there other Yeerks working for you? Who is it? Could it be a spy? I worried.

My reaction seemed to amuse him. Jack shook his head and explained:

No, it is not a Yeerk, and I am 100% sure of its reliability. This time, I think you will understand that I won't tell you more. He is as keen as you are to ensure that as few people as possible know his exact role in this war.

I nodded and he continued.

So we questioned him and he told us that one of the G7 leaders has already been infected. Could you find out who it is?

Your informant is wrong. None of the leaders is infected. But if you don't hurry to act, it won't last very long.

He states it with certainty and without wanting to upset you, I have complete confidence in his information. Could you investigate? Without taking too much risk, of course.

I will check the records and ask Jera456 if it is possible that it is not up to date or if Visser-12 has hidden certain infestations. But I doubt I will find anything. Besides being a great victory, infesting one of your heads of state is a logistical challenge. You have to infest at the same time all his staff, a large part of his government, and the media that follow him so thatTheir Yeerks could go feed every 3 days without anyone noticing anything. Such success would be widely reported by the empire's propaganda. Unless! Is your source of information a human?

He hesitated.

Yes and no. I cannot be more specific.

So it is not a human. He may have made a mistake. A few years ago, one of the humans we infested became the head of the French state, even though all the polls predicted he would lose and his party had presented another candidate. His name was Jacques Chirac. But upon learning this, Visser-12 decided to replace his Yeerk with one of his loyal followers. However, it was a notorious incompetent who knew nothing about French politics. And he could not rely on the abilities of his host, who was hardly more talented.

Shortly after his election, annoyed that something called the parliament refused to obey his orders, he decided to dissolve it on a whim. Don't ask me what it means, I have no idea. All I know is that for a week Visser-12 kept punishing everyone within reach, shouting: 'What an idiot! What an idiot!'. And a month later, it was made official that France was no longer under the control of the Yeerks, even though Chirac was still president and consequently, we still had to allocate enormous resources so that he and his subordinates could feed discreetly. In any case, it is not him who will represent France at the G7, but a human named Lionel Jospin. And he is not a host.

Your story is strange. If he won the elections, how can he no longer have power?

I can't help you. Tom has never been very interested in politics. Even less so in that of France.

Well, if it's true, it's good news. Still, try to find out more. And don't take others' mistrust too much to heart. In time, they will change their minds.

That's what I thought at first. But I have already given you some time. The truth is, no matter what I do, to you I will always be just a Yeerk. You will never trust me.

I left, slamming the door to his room before he could answer.

oOoOoOo

Author's note: For the younger ones, here is a historical reminder of this great political moment that was the dissolution of the parliament by Chirac:

C'est l'heure de la cohabitation pour Chirac : tellement culte ! - Les Guignols - CANAL+

Author's note 2: additionéIn 2024: This chapter was written several months before the dissolution ofMacron and does not refer to it in any way.

David 2

Thevenin, I want you to give me back control of my body.

(No, you don't want it. At least not more than usual. Right now, you just want to stop me from listening.)

Frankly, it's completely stupid, how do you expect him to trust you if you spy on them?

They don't trust me anyway. I want to know exactly what I'm supporting. Imagine that in secret, he's preparing a new Yeerk massacre.

(Oh, that would be really awful. I would never get over it) replied Tom sarcastically.

You know I was in the pool the last time they tried to dump neurotoxins in it. If their plan hadn't failed, I would have died. Or worse, the dose would have been low enough to just turn me into a vegetable.

(You, it's not the same) Tom justified awkwardly.

I am like all the other Yeerks. One day, you will have to stop playing schizophrenic on this subject.

(Even so, don't you think it's a bit extreme to place a microphone on them? There are other ways.) He said to change the subject as usual when I brought up the issue of his persistent hatred towards the Yeerks.

I understood his origin perfectly, but it was starting to bother me. However, I knew that whatever I did, he could not change his mind as long as every 3 days he had to contemplate what my species does to his. I hoped it would gradually disappear when the war was over.

(Which ones? Wait, be quiet, something is happening)

In the microphone, I heard Jake speak with a harshness very unusual for him:

David, I presume.

I will stop it. Reasoned Cassie's voice before she got up from her seat.

What do you want? Jack resumed.

What? No chatting? Not even a hello. Asked Marco's voice.

I asked what you wanted. Jack asked again, having regained his composure.

I want the blue box. I found it, it is mine. Said Marco.

In your opinion, David, what are the chances that I will accept this?

You have no choice, my dear. You cannot fight me. I have the same powers as you. And I am more intelligent than you, so I will win.

We are 6, and you are all alone. Well, 5 now, Jack corrected himself sadly.

(What do you mean, there are only 5 left?) Tom exclaimed, who had now forgotten all his qualms about spying on his little brother.

I want the box. Marco's voice repeated obstinately.

Why? Do you want to give it as a birthday present to Visser-12? Rachel's voice mocked.

Then I heard the sound of a chair and Cassie say in an understanding voice:

David, I know you've been through a lot lately. I know you feel like your life has fallen apart. I know you're alone. I know you're scared. And I know deep down, you feel really sorry for what happened last night. But you must know that you cannot negotiate with Visser-12. He will never give you what you want.

What negotiation. What are you both talking about? Asked Rachelle. Mentally, I thanked her for asking this question.

I then heard very unpleasant chewing noises, then Cassie resumed:

Should I tell them, David? Or would you like to explain to them yourself?

For a brief moment, only the sounds of distant dining echoed.

Then Cassie explained:

David wants the box to be able to buy back his parents. Isn't that right, David? You want Visser-12 to release your parents so you can have a home again.

Then Marco's voice answered angrily:

It's not a big deal, I don't need the box. I have something else that Visser-12 wants. You see, I know that the Animorphs are not Andalite soldiers. I know their names and addresses. He can do to you what he did to my parents and get his stupid blue box from you.

After that, the conversation abruptly stopped and they pretended to be normal teenagers. I didn't say anything, but my emotions must have been so strong that Tom felt obliged to say:

Okay, you were right, it was a good idea to spy on them. What do we do now?

(For the moment, nothing.) I replied annoyed as I tried to focus on listening.

(How come nothing. Did you hear, they are in danger)

(Yes, that, I understood very well. And by the way, I am also in danger. If Visser-12 captures them, it won't be long before he discovers our role in this war. But for now, we don't have enough information to act. We have to settle for waiting and continue to snoop.)

Useless. Go see them and tell them what we know. They will explain everything to us and together we will find a plan against this David.

You haven't heard? That creature they call David has the power to morph. And maybe he has accomplices or he can duplicate himself. How do we know if we're really talking to the animorphs? And even if we could be sure, how do we know he's not spying on us? We would lose the element of surprise. We could even worsen their situation without knowing it. If they haven't told us anything, it's probably because there's a reason.

(Ha, you finally admit it.)

(I said there was a reason, not that it was a good one) I said in bad faith. However, now that I was reassured he wasn't planning something nasty, I started to feel guilty for not having trusted them more.

The next day, Jack and Tom's cousins arrived at the house because their son had just had a serious accident and was hospitalized in the nearby hospital (and according to the doctors, there was little hope that he would recover). Of course, even though we sympathized with their misfortune, this family invasion delighted none of the three of us. It complicated the management of our double lives at the worst moment and darkened the atmosphere of what was once our refuge. Fortunately, this depressing situation was short-lived. During our first visit to the hospital, the doctors announced that a miracle had just occurred. Jack and Tom's cousin had miraculously recovered and would be able to leave today.

But of course miracles did not exist. I did not need to spy on Jack to understand that the one who had left the hospital and was now living with them was not their cousin. Nevertheless, it gave me the idea for a plan. Tom and I were finally going to be able to take action.

oOoOoOoOo

The next day, I sped by car to Cassie's barn.

Quick, come help me! I shouted as I braked at the last moment to avoid hitting the barn door with Mom's car.

I opened the car door. Immediately, Hommer came out and rushed towards Cassie's barn to lick Jack's face, who had just come out alerted by my shout. Except it wasn't Hommer.

Calm down, Hommer. Ah! Naughty dog! Go fetch. Jack pushed him away while throwing a stick.

Meanwhile, Marco and Rachel came in my direction and asked me:

What is it, TOM? He pronounced slowly, emphasizing my name.

There is a problem with Thévenin, he (…)

What are you talking about, Tom? We don't know any Thévenin. Jack interrupted me with a falsely naive voice.

Stop pretending, Thévenin has solved the problem with David.

What? How do you know? Jack, did you tell her? Accused Rachel.

No, I didn't tell him anything. And what's going on with Hommer? Why is he so excited? Jack asked while pushing away his dog's slobbery assaults for the umpteenth time.

It's not Hommer, it's Thévenin.

"Pardon?" they all exclaimed.

I will explain everything to you, but he has been in morph for almost two hours and I feel like he is stuck. You have to help him. Where is Aximili?

And you think we're going to believe you, David. It's audacious to have taken Tom's appearance to trap us. Said Marco while the other three surrounded me and Aximili came out of the barn. It was the first time I saw him in his true form. In the middle of Cassie's barn, he seemed unreal. Despite the blade of his tail dangerously cutting my neck, he exuded an aura of kindness. You could almost say he wasn't of the same species as the host of Visser-12.

Damn, think about it. David is unaware of Thévenin's existence. You didn't actually tell him, did you? I replied, exasperated.

No. But Tom isn't supposed to know David either, retorted Marco.

Tell us something that only Thévenin knows. Or that only Tom knows. Ordered Cassie.

We don't have time for this nonsense. I exclaimed.

So hurry up and answer. Ordered Jack.

Well, I don't know. Jack wet the bed until he was six. I said, panicked, before I had time to think about what I had just said.

Nonsense. Shouted Jack, blushing.

He did it only once. Well actually twice. But the second time, it was my fault.

If I had a brother like that, I would have done it until I was 8 years old. Marco declared to lighten the mood.

Are you going to help him now? I asked impatiently.

Axe? Asked Jack.

I'm trying to talk to him telepathically, but he's not responding. Are you sure it's really Thévenin and not a real dog?

Yes. Well, I think so. I said, starting to panic at the thought of having taken Homer by mistake.

The dog has an instinct that is very hard to resist. Thevenin must have just lost control of the transformation. Said Marco.

<Axe keeps trying to talk to him> Ordered Jack as he started to transform into a clone of Homer in turn.

Once Jack had finished transforming, Thévenin/Hommer stopped running around and turned around abruptly. Then he made plaintive noises towards this new dog identical to him in every way.

To my great relief, after a while, Thévenin/Hommer deformed in an extremely disgusting way. Little by little, he took the form of a completely naked David. Immediately, Aximili placed the blade of his tail under his throat while the girls hesitated between looking away or getting into a combat position.

Calm down. He is Thévenin's host now. He won't harm you. I shouted, throwing him my shirt (it was large enough to fall to his knees). He put it on after pushing away Aximili's blade from his throat with a disdainful gesture.

How did Thévenin do that? Asked Marco.

He put what was left of the GHB into a glass of orange juice. David had no reason to be suspicious of Thévenin. Or rather, of me. So he drank it in one go when mom brought it to him.

What is this GHB story? Rachel asked suspiciously.

You didn't tell them anything? I asked Jack, who had returned to human form.

I didn't give them that kind of detail. Besides, next time bring that up instead. Jack replied.

Sorry. I panicked and that's the first thing that came to my mind.

It's okay, it's not a big deal. And how did you find out about David?

I adopted an awkward attitude. Fortunately, Thevenin had recovered from his transformation and replied on his own:

I placed a Yeerk micro on you.

WHAT!? Jack shouted

On the second button of your morph suit. I was fed up with your secrecy.

Immediately, Jack tore off the button and crushed it with his foot.

"Why didn't you warn me?" Jack accused me.

Well, to be honest, I was a little curious too.

Marco comments:

I suggest we officially integrate them into the team. Only real animorphs would embark on such a crazy plan, commented Marco.

But that did not make Jack laugh, who shouted:

I trusted you. And you too, Thévenin.

I lowered my eyes in shame, but Thévenin shouted in turn:

So much so that it didn't even occur to you to ask me for help when he started trying to kill you. I spoke to the Yeerk who found you in the mall yesterday, to make sure he would keep his mouth shut. You came within an inch of dying. It didn't occur to you that it might be useful to have the opinion of the only person here who has already fought Andalites.

We would have managed on our own. We were handling the situation. Jack replied.

You're screwing with me. He killed Tobias and you were about to give him the blue box. Do you realize the consequences? I read his mind. Sooner or later he would have given it to Visser-12 in exchange for his parents' lives. Thévenin shouted.

No. Tobias is alive. David killed a normal falcon thinking it was Tobias. And they would never have given him the blue box. We thought he wouldwas spying so we pretended to want to collaborate. It was part of our plan. Marco intervened.

In fact, he was indeed spying on you at that moment, Thévenin informed them.

The little rattlesnake. Insisted Rachel. Then she added:

I'm sorry for not trusting you. We should have asked you for help.

This statement surprised everyone, so she added:

What? Aren't you relieved that he took care of David? It's still better than what we had planned. Besides, what are we going to do with him?

Immediately, Thevenin declared:

It seems obvious to me. You will give the morphing power to Tom and I will keep David as a host. That way, we can both participate in your missions.

Aximili intervened by thought:

It is out of the question, Yeerk. Giving this technology to humans to fight the Yeerks is barely acceptable, but giving it to a Yeerk is unthinkable.

You agreed to give it to a human child you barely knew, and you are going to refuse me. Thévenin protested.

I agree with Thevenin. We do need two new members. And he has proven that we can trust him. And anyway, if he betrays us, Visser-12 will already have 6 hosts with the power to morph. One more or less. Supported Jack.

Prince Jack, whatever your reasons may be, if my people learn that you have given morphing technology to a Yeerk, they will consider you an enemy. And I will never see my parents again. I would have to live alone on Earth for the rest of my days.

Oh, how sad. As far as I'm concerned, the Andalites are already our enemies. Exclaimed Thévenin.

But this considerably cooled down the others. I then argued:

You are not going to give the power of Morph to Thévenin, but to me.

<I am sorry, but giving the morph to a voluntary host or to a Yeerk is the same thing> Aximili sent me by thought.

I am not a volunteer! I protested violently. But a single look at the embarrassed faces of the others taught me that this convinced no one. Fortunately, the past year spent being the host of Temrash114 had taught me to contain my anger.

Marco then asked Thévenin a question:

How will you manage when you have to go eat? And to pretend in front of the other Yeerks?

I would only use David as a host when I need his morphing powers. The rest of the time, he will remain locked in a cage suitable for Andalites that Jera456 will provide me. In the meantime, I will drug him to make sure he doesn't escape while I am in Tom's body.

Even I shuddered upon hearing that. It was quite a horrible fate.

It's temporary. Once the war is over, he will be released. Thévenin added.

Marco, who seemed the least sensitive to David's fate, spoke again:

I propose a compromise. We do not give the morphing power to Tom, but we let him use David as a host during our missions. Once the war is over, Thévenin will force him to become the Nothlit of a human who resembles him and then release him. Since David obtained the morphing power before becoming a host and will have lost his powers, it should be acceptable to your people.

"I don't know," declared Aximili.

What is a Nothlit asked Thévenin?

<That's what we call a being who is stuck in a transformation, because they stayed in it for more than two hours> Aximili explained through thought.

Thévenin nodded and I asked:

Before we intervened, what had you planned to do with David?

The truth is that everyone had already thought for a long time about the possible solutions. And even Aximili preferred to break Andalite laws rather than hear the screams David would make when they applied one of the few alternatives that could solve the problem posed by David. As little by little, everyone got used to the idea of accepting Marco's proposal, Thévenin thought it best to add:

For your information, David is begging you to release him. His pleas and cries are quite horrible. I would like you to decide quickly so that I can drug him and return to Tom's body.

You really needed to give us that much detail. I asked Thévenin.

Yes. Thévenin simply replied.

I began to argue with Thévenin. It felt really strange to talk to him face-to-face. When he was in my head at the same time we were talking, I saw glimpses of his emotions and he saw all of my thoughts. Between us, there was an understanding that went beyond words. When we argued or he did something horrible to play his role in front of the other yeerks, I felt his friendship and how much he deeply hated it. But now, I only saw the cold and pragmatic words of a yeerk soldier. At this moment, he reminded me of Temrash114 and it made me shiver. I began to understand why the others took so long to trust him. Why even today, he was wary of him.

Our dispute was interrupted by a new question from Marco:

Guys, you're probably going to hate me, but: is it really wise to lock him up? He could escape. How many times have we escaped from a Yeerk prison? It's not to criticize, but your specially designed Andalite prisons are real sieves.

Every time, someone from outside has rescued you. Do you really think someone is going to come save David?

No. Apart from us, he knows no one and no one knows him.

Yes, I know. I saw his memories. He really has no luck. No friends because of his father's work and now no more parents. Commented Thévenin.

Personally, I find it hard to sympathize with that little bastard. But he might find a way to escape. Marco insisted.

Alloran-Semitur-Corrass is an accomplished Andalite warrior and for several years, he has never managed to escape from Visser-12. In any case, since I can read his mind, I would know if he is preparing an escape plan, Thévenin explained patiently.

You are going to systematically read his mind. I asked horrified, wondering if I really wanted that Yeerk to go back into my brain.

I wasn't a lifeguard long enough to know that it's a vital necessity. Humans are very hard to keep prisoner. That's why we hit you so much. So imagine a human with the powers offered by Andalite technology?

Once again, this statement cast a chill. Rationally, I knew he had already said much worse when he was in my head, but emotionally, it was another story.

oOoOoOoOo

Finally, after a long debate, everyone agreed to let Thevenin use David to accompany them on the mission. I was a bit disappointed that he didn't want to give me the power to morph, but I understood the reason. Not to mention that I knew he hadn't dared to mention in front of me the fact that I spent a little too much time in the Yeerks' HQ cages for it to be safe.

Thévenin took syringes filled with a suspicious liquid out of the car trunk, which he had specially gotten from Timmy for this occasion, and then we headed to a wooden cabin located in a deserted corner of the forest. Once there, Thévenin forced David to inject the product, and he collapsed on the spot. Immediately after, a long worm began to emerge from his ear. In front of the disgusted expressions of the others (except for Cassie), I picked up the worm and brought it close to my ear. Thévenin squirmed to access my ear canal, but as soon as I felt its slimy flesh against my skin, I pulled back my hand in a reflex of fear that did not go unnoticed by Cassie. Until now, I thought Jack was exaggerating because he had a crush on her, but she is really very intelligent and observant.

Is everything okay, Tom? She asked.

Yes, everything is fine. I lied.

I tried again to bring Thévenin close to my ear, but I had a flashback to the time of Temrash114 that almost made me cry. It hadn't happened to me in a long time. Then I remembered that when Thévenin would take possession of my body again, he would probably see that I had hesitated. How would he react? Wouldn't he risk getting angry and taking away the little freedom I had? No, I could trust Thévenin. I had to trust him. This whole story was far beyond my little self. However, at that moment, the thought of entrusting my fate entirely to a Yeerk, even a friendly one, horrified me.

You don't have to do this. Jack said, placing his hand on my shoulder. We'll find another solution.

Which one? Is one of you volunteering?

As I expected, only silence answered me.

Everything is fine, really. I'm just embarrassed to have an audience. I lied once again.

I took a deep breath, closed my eyes, and with a quick motion, I pressed Thévenin to my ear. He rushed to enter. I then felt a sharp pain in my ear and screamed. I had lost the habit of feeling this unpleasant sensation. I don't know how he managed, but usually Thévenin arranged it so that I almost felt nothing when he entered. Then I felt myself losing control of my body and everything went black around me. Without moving my mouth, I then heard my voice scream:

What's happening, we're under attack.

I then realized that Thévenin had taken cover behind an old half-ruined dresser as soon as he had gained control of my body. The others had gotten into combat mode and Jack shouted:

What did you do to him, bastard? Why did he scream?

(No, everything is fine) I said, ashamed. He must have been extremely worried, stuck in his worm form, deaf and blind, being tossed around in all directions. Immediately after, I felt Thévenin give me a mental hug.

Tom, how can you believe that I would get angry? I feel like you constantly forget that I can read your thoughts. I know how difficult it is for you. Next time, just avoid shaking me around like I'm a spaghetti and put me in a glass of water until you feel better. I'm too old for thrill rides.

(Sorry)

(You don't have to be. If you knew how grateful I am for everything you do for me, you would never doubt again)

I did nothing for you.

(While I am one of the parasites who stole your life, you loved me. You gave me hope that I could live something other than this life. How can you say you did nothing?) he declared, giving me a mental hug again. For a while, we said nothing, just savoring each other's presence.

Then we returned to the real world and to the 5 animorphs ready to attack us at the slightest wrong move. Once we reassured them, we decided that we would take turns guarding David until Jera456 provided us with a suitable cage.

France

Mr. Wellington. Said softly a butler in a costume as luxurious as it was elaborate, entering a rococo-style reception hall.

If the chairs had not been so uncomfortable and if his host had not been so bored, Jera456 would have wanted this wait to last his whole life. The palace where he was was the most beautiful human building he had ever seen. For the first time, he understood a little of the human obsession with gold. It's true that if you put enough on the walls, it was extremely beautiful.

Jera456 got up and advanced with a conquering step towards the room indicated by the butler. But he blocked my way.

Very funny kid. Mr. Wellington. The president wishes to speak with you. Has anyone seen Mr. Wellington?

Jera456 took out his passport to prove his identity to that annoying servant.

I am Mr. Wellington.

Oh, uh, sorry Mr. Wellington? But where is your father?

In California. I have an appointment with Mr. Chirac. So if you want to keep your job, let me through.

The servant finally complied. Since the beginning of this journey, Jera456 had been discovering that without the close presence of his host's father or mother, humans were unpleasantly condescending and not very obedient with him. He set aside his annoyance to focus on this meeting that would entirely determine the course of his life. It was a gamble. Either he lost everything, or he won everything.

He followed the staff's directions to an empty office which, like all the rooms in this palace, was filled with art objects and gilding. In a corner stood, straight as an I, two servants armed with ceremonial swords.Observing closely, I saw that they also had a gun hidden in their jacket). After a few seconds, they shouted:

Mr. Jack Chirac, the President of the French Republic.

The wall behind which he was standing opened, revealing a secret passage from which emerged the person I had come to see and who might perhaps change everything.

He sat on the desk and signaled to the guard. Immediately, they left the room and went to guard the only two entrances to this room, which was now completely closed. They could finally speak frankly.

I am happy to finally meet you, Richac6487. We have a lot to talk about. But first of all, I must congratulate you on the decoration of your home. It is truly sublime, while being light enough not to offend the bad taste of humans.

Thank you, but his praises are undeserved. According to my host's memories, the Élysée Palace has been like this for centuries. The place was already like this in the time of my predecessor. Well, my host's predecessor. The French are the only humans with taste, and they are proud of it.

You definitely have a golden job. I envy you.

You are wrong. I thought like you, but in fact, it is a very difficult assignment. Of course, I am not saying this to complain. Most yeerks have much more unpleasant positions. It's just that human heads of state have almost no power. Moreover, they have to adhere to extremely demanding protocols, while other humans show them almost no respect. I can't understand it. I have thousands of soldiers under my command ready to invade any country in less than 24 hours and hundreds of atomic bombs waiting for my order to be sent. And yet, I had more power when my host was just a sweet drink manufacturer.

Oh, you must be exaggerating. The president of Coca-Cola definitely has less power than the French president.

Go tell that to the four-eyes.

Excuse me, but I don't follow you. Asked Jera456.

No matter. Let's get to the subject of your visit. Unless, like the other Yeerks, you've come only to mock me. Replied Richac6487 dryly.

"It wasn't good. I absolutely had to put him in a good position," Jera456 said to himself.

I would never mock a Yeerk who has an army under his command, joked Jera456.

It is a wise decision. So what is the reason for your visit? Since my disgrace, few Yeerks come to see me. Asked Richac6487 in a relaxed manner after the joke from his former playmate.

The few evenings he had spent with Jera456 on Alibor7 would have been the best of his life if he hadn't had to spend the following weeks in an isolation pool to recover from an STD. What irony that a parasite could be a victim of a parasite. Among all the species native to their home planet, why did that one have to follow them into exile?

I came because of certain rumors.

Rumors. What rumors? Asked Richac6487.

The rumors saying that Visser-12 not only demoted you but sentenced you to death following your unfortunate blunder.

He replied aggressively while getting up:

Now that you have seen me alive, you have your answer. Now go away.

Of course, I won't waste your precious time. It's a shame that the rumors are false. Otherwise, I had planned to offer you a deal.

He stopped.

A market? Can you see that? You think you're the first to try to trap me to deliver me to Visser-12. I knew you were ambitious, but I never would have believed this of you.

If you hide your secret as poorly, I understand why there are so many rumors.

Oh, but I hide nothing. It's Visser-12 who doesn't want anyone to know that he can't eliminate me. If the council learned that some of the Yeerks living on Earth have seceded and are pushing back the empire by threatening nuclear retaliation, Visser-12 would be immediately removed.

And then the new visser would hasten to take all necessary measures to inflict a punishment on you that would serve as an example for all yeerks who would want to rebel against the empire. The secret protects you as much as it protects Visser-12. And by the way, you can rest assured, there are no rumors at the moment. I discovered it by chance while doing research to help Visser-12 prepare his mass infestation plan during the G7.

A mass infestation during the .... You mean the four-eyes?

If by 'the four-eyes' you mean your prime minister, then no, he is not an agent of Visser-12. The Andalite bandits foiled his plan. None of the leaders present there were infested.

It's a relief. I would almost reward them.

The only reinforcement they need is help. They are just a handful. Despite their surprising efficiency on their own, they can only slow down the invasion.

Those arrogant Andalites. Once again, they have underestimated us. If they had been smarter, they would have hidden without making a fuss until their compatriots came to get them. Now, they are going to die for nothing. As soon as the invasion is over, Visser-12 will hunt them down and they will have nowhere left to hide.

It is your case too, if I'm not mistaken. When the invasion is over, you will lose all control over the humans' atomic bombs. Visser-12 will then be able to give free rein to his desire for revenge.

I will find a solution when the time comes. I always do. And something tells me that you have come to propose one to me. Since it's you, I am willing to take the risk of listening to you. But if you try to trap me, you will know that Visser-12 is not the only one capable of being vindictive.

Oh! I have no solution. I have no kind of talent in the art of war. But his Andalite warriors have proven that they are unmatched geniuses in this field.

Where are you going with this? Stop beating around the bush.

Richac6487, I appreciate you a lot, but you are severely lacking in patience and subtlety. I propose we form an alliance with the Andalites so that it is not just France, but the entire planet that secedes from the empire. We will become an officially neutral planet, but unofficially allied with the Andalites.

Have you lost your mind?

No, but if this plan fails, we will soon lose her both of us. You are not the only one having trouble with Visser-12. I reacted like you when I was offered this plan. But I met these Andalites and I can assure you that they are not normal Andalites. You know that many say they are notOf Andalite, but of human using the power of morph. I always found these rumors completely ridiculous, but now that I have met them, I understand where they come from. They are much more pragmatic than other Andalites. During our conversations, they never once referred to their damn tradition and code of honor. It's simple, I felt like they didn't even know it existed. I know it may sound crazy. And it is from a certain point of view. But I swear we can succeed.

Just tell me what I need to do.

Jera456 remains stunned for a few seconds before replying:

What, that's all. Are you convinced already?

As you said, I lack patience. When I see an opportunity, I go for it without asking questions. Boldness and more boldness. That's how I earned my stripes. And it's not like I'm risking much. Visser-12 already wants to kill me anyway. By teaming up with those Andalite scum, I'm just reducing the number of my enemies.

The Notary and the Child

Author's note: This volume is a rewrite of volume 23. Knowing in advance what happens in this volume only brings spoilers, so I won't say more.

oOoOoOoOo

Still disturbed because of what I had just learned, I got out of the pool and took possession of Tom's body again. Once I got back to the car, I started it and asked him:

Do you think it's normal that I have so little desire?

(Huh, hey what?) replied Tom eloquently.

(All the other beings in the galaxy only think about jumping on everything that moves except me.)

Are you still fixating on what happened last week? Once again, as long as you're in my... Well, as long as the war lasts, there's no way I'm going out with anyone. And besides, Cynthia isn't that pretty. She has lots of freckles. Very pretty freckles...

I interrupted him knowing that it could last quite a while and that he always became bad-tempered when he indulged in this kind of daydreaming.

(No, it has nothing to do with it. But I insist that it would be good for you to date someone.)

(So, what's the problem?)

I read in his thoughts a very strong desire to change the subject, which suited me very well, so I did not insist.

As Jack asked me, I inquired about this notary who is looking for Tobias everywhere. He is indeed an inspector. I spoke to the brother of the member of his triple. While cleaning his office, he found a letter from Prince Elfangor to be given to Tobias on his 18th birthday.

Are you waiting for Prince Elfangor? You mean Aximili's brother? The one who commanded the fleet that came to liberate Earth and who died just after giving their powers to Jack and his friends?

This is the great and noble war hero Elfangor. The only Andalite prince to dare to come to the battlefield and share the daily life of his troops. The prince entirely devoted to the service of the noble cause of exterminating theYeerk wherever he is in the galaxy. The one I had faced so often that I ended up respecting him despite everything. I knew that Andalite propaganda hid dark secrets about him, but I didn't suspect that one of them was that he regularly visited primitive planets to have sex with anything that moved.

(Huh?)

He used his morphing powers to take the desired shape then he ...

Stop, it's okay, I understand, no need to spell it out for me. Well, okay, it's surprising, but I don't see why it shocks you? Wait, were they consenting?

Why her? I doubt he limited himself to just one gender.

Are you sure this is real information? It really looks like fantasy. ... Are they fantasizing about the Yeerk?

I ignored his second question and replied:

Given the source, it wouldn't surprise me if the story had been distorted. But what is certain is that ...

I stopped, because I had just seen a very familiar bird eating a dead opossum on the road? I checked that I was alone on the road, then I braked urgently and got out of the car. As soon as it saw me, it took off. I began to wonder if I had been mistaken. In doubt, I shouted anyway.

Tobias come down, I need to talk to you urgently.

He made a few circles in the sky seeming to hesitate, then landed on a branch of a tree next to the road.

<What is so urgent?> I heard echoing in my head.

Without being able to stop myself, I then asked the question that had been burning on my lips since I had met him.

What exactly are you? I mean, are you really a hawk?

"I would really like to know," he said sadly before taking off. Then, before I could stop him, he headed towards the mountains in the distance.

Wait! I shouted uselessly.

(I feel like you hit a sensitive spot.)

And shit.

I then took the wheel again.

Could you give me back control? The road is empty, I'm not at risk of having an accident. And besides, I would like to go to the beach to meet Arnold.

Finding that it would be good for him to learn to drive, I pulled over to the side of the road and then handed him the control.

First, I need to inform the Animorphs of what I have discovered. Go to Rachel's, she's the closest.

Frankly, can it wait? I don't see what's so urgent about spreading gossip about Aximili's older brother's sex life.

The letter says that Tobias is Elfangor's son. After reading it, Visser-12 got it into their head that he is in contact with the Andalite bandits. The notary wants to lure him by spreading the rumor that he has a distant cousin wishing to adopt him. Of course, she will be a Controller, and as soon as she gets her hands on him, he will end up with his head in the pool. Visser-12 will discover all his secrets, including ours.

Tom braked suddenly.

(Why didn't you start with that?)

(Check that there is no one behind you before looting). I admonished him.

(There is no one.) He fumed.

(How could you know, you didn't look before braking?)

(There, that's exactly what I wanted to talk about. Why do you insist on talking about insignificant problems and not vital emergencies?)

(Frankly, I have no idea. I was curious, I guess. And then I didn't think he would get upset and run away right after.)

I don't see why you're asking questions. It's obvious that it's a hawk. Well, a hawk-Andalite hybrid.

Apparently not. In any case, Visser-12 is looking for a human named Tobias.

(So Elfanghor didn't sleep with a falcon?) Tom asked.

(Frankly, I have absolutely no idea. And that's not what shocks me. Whether it's with a falcon or a human, it's still zoophilia) I replied.

(Did it seem to disturb you quite a bit too?)

(No, that's not what was bothering me. Well, not really. It's just that... I don't know how to say...)

For the first time, I regretted that he couldn't read my mind as I was struggling to articulate my thoughts. In fact, it probably wouldn't have helped much if he could read my mind, as I wasn't sure myself what I was feeling. After a while, I sensed an impatience that Tom could no longer suppress. He hadn't waited until today to dislike that I was the only one in our duo capable of keeping secrets. On a whim, I finally decided to ask:

Do you think it's normal that I've never wanted to form a threesome?

Uh, I'm not sure I understand the question. Does that mean you've never had sex? I mean the equivalent of sex for the Yeerk.

(That's a bit like that)

(Yes well, like that, we're two. No need to make a big deal out of it)

(However, you already did it with ...)

(It doesn't count. It was a slug, not a girl) Tom interrupted me, violently.

I didn't quite understand what difference it made, but I thought it more prudent to change the subject.

(In any case, it has nothing to do with it. At your age, it's common. Not at mine. And then you, you want it all the time)

(Hey! I don't feel like it all the time) Tom contested.

However, he quickly understood the futility of his denials, for he sighed mentally:

(Damn!)

(You know, there's no shame in it. It's normal at your age. Some of your dreams, in the morning, are ...) I tried to reassure her before he interrupted me:

Stop! New rule. We do it like we do in the bathroom. For pity's sake, act like you didn't see anything.

In short, I never had any desire to do it. It's not for lack of watching others, but nothing.

(Whoa!!! Wait, what do you mean, you watch the other Yeerks making love?)

Oh, please, if they don't want to be watched, they just shouldn't do it in the middle of the pool. And then it would be hard to miss them. At the same time, it's true that when the screens are already taken, there's not much else to do during the two hours of nursing.

Wait, are you talking about THE pool? The one where you eat? The one where the guards dunk my head every 3 days!? he exclaimed deeply disgusted.

Well yes. Since we were driven from our home world, only high-ranking individuals like Jera456 can benefit from enough space to isolate themselves or even have a private pool.

He remained silent, but his thoughts were clear enough: "It's disgusting." At the risk of annoying him by pointing out once again that he couldn't hide anything from me, I commented:

(There's nothing disgusting about it. It's nature. It's you who have strange standards about managing your fluids.)

Leave the fluids where they are. Ah! When I think that I believed it was mud sticking to my hair when we came back from the pool.

(It is probably magnesium.) I corrected. (The pool is oversaturated with it to accelerate the absorption of kandrona rays by the yeerks.)

This seemed to calm him, as he added more calmly:

Listen, I don't know if it's normal to not have sexual desire for a Yeerk. In fact, because of all this alien nonsense, I've long given up on the notion of normal. No one is normal. We're all anomalies of nature, more or less deviating from the average. Asking if we're normal makes no sense. The only thing we should ask is whether our anomalies prevent us from being happy or harm others. Since Yeerks die when they reproduce, I think you can consider that you've won the genetic lottery.

His response surprised me so much that I was left speechless. Then, without asking my opinion, he resumed the road. I quickly forgot my worries and exclaimed with concern:

(This is not a reason to drive so fast. And don't hug the white line so much. And look in the mirror when you ...)

Stop! I know how to drive. Tom shouted angrily.

I spent the rest of the journey holding back with all my might from taking control again. Then the following hour holding back from shouting: 'I told you so' when he scratched the door while parking.

oOoOoOoOo

The next day, we were all gathered in the barn, anxiously waiting for Tobias to arrive.

Jack held in place an eagle that the forest rangers had brought to Cassie's father's veterinary clinic while she changed its bandage, casting him languorous glances (those two really needed to declare themselves). Meanwhile, Marco tried to stop Aximili, in his human form, from putting everything lying around into his mouth (the behavior of Andalites in their private life was really disappointing me). Rachel, for her part, was pacing back and forth.

Despite our searches, none of us had managed to find Tobias. However, we knew he would come to this meeting. At least if Visser-12 hadn't already gotten hold of him.

I asked:

You really have no idea where he could be?

No. Usually, when he's not feeling well or feels lonely, he comes to my place. Rachel replied.

By the way, I've been meaning to ask you for a long time. What exactly is he? Is he a falcon or a human? How did he get the power to morph and the ability to speak through thought?

Rachel was about to answer when Tobias finally landed in the barn, perching on a rafter.

Are you already here? Good, I have something important to tell you. What? he said, seeing that we were all staring at him.

Rachel spoke.

Tobias, we have something delicate to tell you, in fact (....)

No matter, transform yourself, we have to leave immediately. Ket's son has run away. Everything suggests that he is wandering somewhere in the forest. We must find him before he encounters a human or a controller.

Forgetting all other considerations, they all immediately began to transform into birds. Once their transformation was complete, they indicated to me through thought the location of the forest surrounding the valley where the small group of free Hork-Bajir founded by Jara Hamee and Ket Halpak was hiding. I watched them take off, assuming they would explain the situation to Tobias during their flight.

In the meantime, I handed control back to Tom and asked him to go to where we had locked up David. I needed his body to be able to intervene without risking being surprised by another Yeerk.

oOoOoOoOo

We had spent the rest of the day and, in my case, part of the night searching for the missing Hork-Bajir baby. Three of us on the ground transformed into wolves tried to track its scent and three others in the air. However, despite all our efforts, it remained untraceable and we didn't have the slightest lead. Or rather, despite the efforts of the others.

I thought my loss of control during my first transformation was due to the difficulty of resisting the dog's instinct. I thought the hunting instinct of a bird of prey would be much more familiar and easier to master than the surge of happiness and desire to play that a dog constantly felt.

And it is true that was the case. This time, I did not forget that I was a Yeerk and not a golden eagle. However, I couldn't focus on tracking the Hork-Bajir. Instead, without realizing it, I started looking for rabbits or rats. Regularly, I began to dive down on prey I had spotted before pulling myself together.

Nevertheless, I would have undoubtedly mastered this form better without the presence of David's spirit. I had been with Tom for so long that I had lost the habit of controlling an involuntary host. Or maybe it's that David hates me much more than my former hosts. In any case, I had never experienced such a bad time with a host. The first time I controlled him, his main feelings were visceral fear and a sense of confinement. But after several days drugged, then locked alone in a cage, he felt nothing but an unparalleled hatred towards me (and the other animorphs) which was the only thing preventing him from sinking into a bottomless despair. He spent his time insulting me and trying to fight me. Of course, he had no chance of regaining control, but it was extremely exhausting (both physically and emotionally). When I regain control of Tom, I will have to tell him how great a host he is (though I'm not sure it will please him).

It was with relief that I left David that evening, to return to Tom's body. Before leaving him for peace of mind, I asked him if he preferred that I continue to possess him rather than having to return to his cage. He responded with a flow of insults and death threats that made meLose all hope of improving our relationship. I had become the scapegoat for everything that was wrong in his life (and the list of his problems was as long as my arm). Whatever I did, I could never convince him to cooperate. I had nothing that interested him enough.

I fell asleep well before Tom, trusting him to guide our body. I remembered just before falling asleep that I had forgotten to tell Tobias what I had learned. I hoped the other animorphs had been more mindful than me.

oOoOoOoOo

The next afternoon, I rushed to take possession of David urgently. Lacking any leads to find Ket's child, Tobias had apparently spent some time with Rachel spying on her fake cousin (the two of them spent a lot of time together). In any case, they followed her to a sort of freak show that boasted of having captured an alien in the forest. The poor Hork-Bajir was locked in a tiny cage and displayed like an animal to extract a few dollars from tourists convinced it was a hoax.

I transformed into a bird and took off as quickly as possible to join the others. We had to hurry if we wanted to arrive before the forces of Visser-12.

Despite my efforts, I was the last to arrive. I was quickly informed of the plan that had been put in place. It was quite basic. Jack would enter the zoo with Marco, pretending to be two kids out for fun. While Marco distracted the manager, Jack would sneak into the technical room to cut the power. Once the lights were out, Rachel, transformed into an elephant, would break through the wall leading to the Hork-Bajir's cage and create a diversion by freeing the other animals. Tobias would then take the form of Ket and try to convince the child to follow him. We hoped that instinctively, he would obey his mother. Cassie, Ax, and I would stay nearby as reinforcements. Specifically, we had to watch the road and block it if we saw a convoy of vans arriving. Indeed, it was only a matter of time before, warned by Tobias's 'aunt,' Visser-12 would send a group to seize the Hork-Bajir by force.

A boring role for a simple mission. Patience had never been my strong suit. To distract myself, I asked Axe:

By the way, what species is Tobias?

Humans call it red-tailed hawk.

No, but that, I knew. What I mean is how it is that he thinks like a human, has the power to morph into Andalites, and can speak through thought. And why is Visser-12 looking for a human named Tobias?

It's very simple. Initially, it was (....)

But he was interrupted by a panicked cry from Rachel that resonated in our heads:

The place is swarming with controllers, they're shooting at us. We need help.

Immediately, I transformed into a huge lion and without even consulting the others, I started running at full speed towards the dilapidated building that constituted this shabby zoo, without even paying attention to the panicked humans fleeing from it. For once, the instinct of the animal I had morphed into wanted the same thing as I did: To kill those who dared to attack my pack. However, as soon as the blood started to flow and the dracon gunshots rang out, David's cries of hatred turned back into cries of fear. No matter, he was nothing.Faced with our determination to destroy all those who would stand against me. The lion did not become the king of predators for nothing.

The initial confusion quickly dissipated and despite their losses, the Yeerk forces showed their professionalism by retreating behind an improvised barricade from which they were firing at us. Their goal was clearly not to defeat us, but to slow us down while waiting for reinforcements. After a few unsuccessful attempts to escape, which ended with the tearing of one of Marco's pant legs (fortunately transformed into a gorilla at that moment), we had to resolve to confront them. In the form of various aggressive animals, six of us charged to dislodge the human-controllers from their barricade, while Tobias (in his Hork-Bajir form) would escape with the child who had immediately clung to him upon recognizing his mother. In any case, with his burden, he would be completely useless to us in combat.

We advanced with difficulty, but when we were in morph, we had an overwhelming advantage over our opponent that more than justified my abandoning my beloved Dracon beams: we didn't need to be careful about not being hit. If we were injured, we just had to revert to our original form to instantly heal all our wounds (you now understand why Yeerk soldiers hate Andalites). We were all injured to varying degrees, but we had finally broken through the obstacle and the first controllers tried to flee.

We had almost won when the walls began to shake and a mental scream from Tobias assailed us. Immediately, Jack ordered us (Rachel and me) to rush and see what was happening, while the rest of the team stayed to cover us.

We rushed to the entrance and saw an adult Andalite surrounded by an aura of malice mutate very quickly. As its body grew to exceed Rachel's elephant in size, its head shrank and stretched forward until it resembled that of a seahorse. Its neck elongated. Two enormous wings sprouted just behind its head. From its torso, a fifth, sixth, seventh, eighth leg emerged. Very quickly, I recognized a Kaftid, one of the most fearsome predators in the galaxy. Visser-12, the only Yeerk to have succeeded in enslaving an Andalite, had just arrived. And at its feet was a Hork-Bajir kneeling on the ground, begging Visser-12 to spare it. A repulsive sight.

I let out a roar capable of making the walls tremble on its own, which distracted Visser from that coward Tobias. But I revised my judgment of him when, the second Visser-12 turned his back on him, he sliced off two of his eight legs. I then realized that the child was clinging to his belly. Tobias detached him and ordered him to run towards the forest. Then he prepared to attack Visser-12 in a pincer movement with us. I still didn't know if he was a hawk or a human, but one thing was certain: if not a warrior, he was a hunter who would stop at nothing to corner his prey.

The rest made me painfully realize that unlike us, Visser-12 did not rely solely on his morphing powers to win. From one of his tentacles, he grabbed a Dracon beam he had brought with him and aimed it at Ket's child, who had not yet had time to reach the edge of the forest. As if in slow motion, I then saw Tobias position himself between the Dracon beam and the child. What a fool. He was the only one of us the child would listen to. Once out of play, how could we convince him to obey us and avoid getting caught? I used all the lion's agility to leap over the creature and pushed Tobias out of the trajectory. Then everything went black.

oOoOoOoOo

Thevenin demorphs quickly. Your two hours are almost up.

Do you think he will make it? He has lost a lot of blood.

I woke up with difficulty. I looked around me. I was in the middle of a forest in the dead of night. The place was incredibly dark, but by the light of the moon, I could make out threatening shadows surrounding me. In my head, the same word repeated unvaryingly with 5 different voices: 'Demorph'

I wanted only one thing, for the voices to be silent so I could die in peace. I gathered what strength I had left to obey them despite the headache that was assailing me. Then I felt my body begin to change. My claws retracted until they disappeared. My bones reorganized with a sinister clicking, and little by little, my headache lessened.

But my pain was then replaced by a hatred and disgust that almost convinced me to cancel the metamorphosis. Fortunately, I was already sufficiently healed to think clearly and understand that I had to see it through to the end.

Once I regained human form, I felt every square inch in search of an injury. I was unharmed. 5 seconds earlier, I was about to die and now I was in perfect shape. Andalite technology is truly miraculous. Then I remembered the reason I almost died and looked at my companions. There was a gorilla, an andalite, a tiger, a grizzly, and a wolf. In a word, they were all there, except Tobias.

Where is Tobias?

He escorted the child back to his mother. After you fainted, Rachel and he managed to distract Visser-12 enough so they could escape. Then, Marco grabbed you and we fled in turn, Jack explained to me.

oOoOoOoOo

The cannon lost in the cold

Author's note: This volume is a rewrite of volume 24. Knowing in advance what happens in this volume only brings spoilers, so I won't say more.

oOoOoOoOo

All seven of us were gathered in the usual meeting place for the Animorphs: Cassie's barn. Rachel sat in one of the few places without straw to avoid getting her dress dirty, Tobias on a rafter of the barn used his eagle eyes to spot if anyone was approaching the building, Aximili in his human form in case Cassie's parents showed up unexpectedly, Cassie herself tending to one of the many animals taken in by her parents. And of course Marco, Jack, and I who had just arrived by car. I sat a little apart and let Tom take control. Despite his recent efforts in this regard, I still felt a bit apart from the rest of the group.

Jack then spoke:

If I asked you to come, it's because Erek gave us new information.

(Tom, can you ask him who Erek is?)

Excuse me, but who is Erek?

Ah yes, that's right, you don't know. Erek is the informant I told you about with the Yeerks. It's a (...)

I urgently took back control to interrupt him:

Stop! The less I know about this Erek, the better. No need to unnecessarily expose your other spy among the Yeerks.

No, you are a member of the team now, you have the right to know. Anyway, if you are unmasked, we will soon be too. Once captured, Erek's secret will no longer be one. Jack replied.

Not one protested. I was touched by this sign of trust and handed control back to Tom, who was beginning to wonder if I was deliberately finding excuses to take it from him. Even if it was just to sit and do nothing, he liked having control, whereas I was completely indifferent. But it's true that unlike him, I had the ability to take back control by force at any time.

Catie then explained to us: Erek is a Chee. It is an extremely advanced android race created thousands of years ago by a race, now extinct, called the Pemalites. Their bodies allow them to produce holograms which they have used for thousands of years to go unnoticed by humans and now by the Yeerks.

When she had finished her explanation, Tom and I were completely stunned.

So if I summarize, they want to get involved in this conflict to protect the dogs? I summarized

They agreed and inwardly, I was doubled over with laughter. I was quite happy not to be in control.

(They don't give a damn about humans, Andalites, freedom, or resources. The only thing they care about is dogs) I exclaimed between fits of laughter.

(Don't make fun of me) Tom reproached, who was also having a hard time keeping a straight face.

I'm not mocking. Of all the ridiculous reasons to go to war that I've heard throughout my life, this one is undoubtedly the most reasonable. Well, so to speak, since their programming prevents them from committing any act of violence even to defend themselves. Well, it's a stroke of luck for the Yeerks. If that hadn't been the case, they would have easily exterminated us.

I forced myself to refocus my attention on what Jack was saying.

Erek did not manage to find out where this secret base is located. However, he did manage to discover its nature. It is a construction site for an orbital defense cannon.

If they are allowed to build this cannon, then the Andalite fleet will have no chance of landing. Aximili commented calmly.

Exactly. That's why the ches want to help us destroy it. Visser-12 will soon visit the site. We'll take the opportunity to sneak aboard his ship. That way, he'll take us directly to the location. Once there, we'll do as usual. We'll cause as much damage as possible and leave before they can react. Meanwhile, the ches will replace us so that no one notices our absence.

Let's do it, exclaimed Rachel.

The 3 words I hate the most. Commented Marco.

For a reason I did not understand, everyone smiled at that last line. Once again, I felt left out for not understanding the reference.

Out of politeness, I asked Tom if I could take back control long enough to intervene, but what I had to say was too important for me to accept a refusal. Deep down, Tom wasn't fooled, but he was so eager for control that I forced myself to play this charade. I really needed to find something so that he truly had a say in who controlled his body.

I am against this mission.

Everyone turned to me. There was a hint of suspicion in most of their eyes. Especially in Aximili's and Rachel's.

Why is that? Jack asked calmly.

I have so many reasons that I don't know where to start. For one, it's a perfectly unnecessary risk. Visser-12 is not building one orbital cannon, but several. Even if you destroy that one, it won't make much difference to our planetary defenses.

<How can you know that, Yeerk?> asked Aximili.

Because due to the curvature of the earth, a single cannon would be useless. At most, a cannon can only cover half the sky. If we had only one cannon, the Andalites would have a one in two chance of landing on Earth without even realizing the existence of this cannon. And that's being generous. In reality, given the speed of Andalite world ships, it's more like a 9 out of 10 chance of arriving out of the cannon's range before it has time to fire. If Visser-12 wants to equip the planet with a minimally effective defense, then at least a dozen cannons spread everywhere around the globe must be built in parallel. Destroying just one won't change much.

Even if it has a small impact, we must try. We have to do everything we can to facilitate the Andalite fleet's landing, declared Rachel.

The other reason is that I don't want to facilitate the Andalite landing. Jera456 has managed to gather quite a few Yeerks and he's starting to talk about overthrowing Visser-12. If he succeeds, then his cannons will be a valuable asset to convince the Andalites to leave us alone.

And if this coup succeeds, the only thing that will prevent the rebel Yeerks from enslaving us will be the fear that otherwise the Andalites will intervene. The weaker the Yeerks are, the better it is for humans. Not to mention that if Jera456 fails, the Andalites will once again become our only hope of being freed.

Or to be exterminated. If we fail, it would be better for you if the Yeerks are able to repel the Andalites.

Stop telling your lies, Yeerk. My people are not like that. We would never exterminate an innocent race just to weaken the Yeerk, protested Aximili.

Oh really? I could tell you quite a few stories that would change your mind about your people. Shall I?

"When it became clear that you were going to take control of the Hork-Bajir home planet, did we exterminate them before our departure?" argued Aximili.

You tried, but your plan failed. It was for taking control of your campaign headquarters before you could spread the quantum virus that Visser-12 got his first promotion. I replied.

In fact, it was Jara Hamee's grandmother who prevented the virus from being spread. Declared Tobias in thought.

Everyone turned towards him.

In the evening, before falling asleep, the free Hork-Bajirs tell stories by the fireside. When I feel lonely, I go to listen to them. Jara's grandmotherHamee was an Andalite soldier who fell in love with a Hork-Bajir seer during the invasion war of their homeworld. Tobias explained.

Again! No, but did you invent morphing technology just to have sex with every species you encounter or what? I exclaimed towards Aximili.

(Personally, it always seemed suspicious to me that they don't wear clothes) Tom sneered inside my head.

(In fact, that's the case for most species in the galaxy. To my knowledge, you are the only intelligent beings in the galaxy who are ashamed of their genitals. But it must be said that yours are particularly ugly). I replied calmly.

What!!!

Aximilie was about to reply when Jacks authoritatively stopped us:

Stop! We don't need yet another argument between you two.

Yes Prince Jack

Don't call me prince.

Yes, Prince Jack

This reply made us all smile. I then realized that this time, I got the reference. Maybe I was finally integrating into their group. Tobias then continued his story:

In short, when Jara Hamee's grandmother discovered that her superiors planned to kill all the Hork-Bajirs, she rebelled and had to end her life in the body of a Hork-Bajir. Nevertheless, it was not the Andalites who wanted to destroy the Hork-Bajirs, but a desperate officer isolated from the rest of the Andalites by the Yeerk fleet. According to Jara Hamee, the officer thought that upon his return, the Andalite government would punish him for this genocide, but he didn't care because it was the only way he had to save his own skin and that of his men. Well, his Andalites. All this to say that the Andalites sometimes do monstrous things, but they are far from being the monsters you think they are.

Jack continued:

As for me, I don't know what Andalites are like in general, but Prince Galuit owes us a favor and he seems like the type to pay his debts. I don't see him letting the Andalites exterminate us. And we won't let him go after the Yeerks.

Provided they agree to release all humans who want it. Marco specified.

I was too surprised to reply with anything other than:

How do you know Prince Galuit? He is one of the most influential Andalite princes and the latest news is that his fleet is stationed thousands of light-years away from here.

It's a long story. Said Cassie

I have all the time in the world.

Not me. I need to be back before my gym class starts. Protested Rachel.

And I have to get home before 9 p.m. at least one night a week or someone will end up suspecting something. Marco explained.

And I have to go hunt that red-tail before it takes over my territory, declared Tobias in thought.

This last response left me incredulous. He certainly surprised me a lot. I spoke again:

Well, I propose a compromise: We will destroy the cannon if the coup d'état fails. In any case, we lack information at the moment. We don't knowDon't even know where it is. For all we know, the journey could last more than two hours and we'll be stuck inside the ship without being able to demorph.

It is precisely because we don't know where it is that we must take advantage of this opportunity. Following the ship of the visser is our only way to discover the location of this cannon. And there is little chance that he will warn us the next time he makes an inspection tour. Against Rachel

You could place a bug on his ship. I can steal one from the Yeerk HQ if you want.

Let's do it. Exclaimed Marco.

In front of the questioning looks of the others, he added:

What? This is the first time someone has proposed a plan where we have a reasonable chance of staying alive.

Finally, my plan was adopted unanimously and everyone went home.

oOoOoOo

Once at home, Tom asked me:

(By the way, what is a clairvoyant?)

This is the name that the Hork-Bajir give to members of their species who carry a very rare genetic mutation, making them as intelligent as an Andalite or a Yeerk. Yeerk scientists have calculated that this mutation has about a one in a hundred billion chance of occurring. Before the Yeerk invasion, Hork-Bajir religions considered Seers as messengers from the gods meant to guide them to survive a catastrophe. The birth of a Seer was therefore as feared as it was celebrated among the Hork-Bajir.

(And one of them was born just at the time of the invasion of their home planet by the Yeerks)

(Several in fact. But it's just a coincidence, nothing more. You really have to be as stupid as a Hork-Bajir to believe there's anything real behind this legend) I replied to him.

Revolution part 1

I took a deep breath. The moment had finally come. I tried to ignore David's screams as he alternately yelled for me to give him back his freedom or cried in fear of what we were going to have to face.

Doing that to a child so young broke my heart. He was even younger than Tom when he was forcibly infested. Barely older than Timmy. I could, like the Animorphs, tell myself that he deserved it after trying to kill them and abandoning humanity to its fate. I wish I were human to be disgusted by some of his tendencies towards cruelty.

But I was a Yeerk, and if I fought, it was precisely so I wouldn't have to tell myself lies anymore. I disapproved of his attraction to violence, of course, but I didn't feel such disgust that it would lead me to despise him. And I couldn't blame this child for holding the Animorphs responsible for the loss of his parents and his life. I couldn't blame him for refusing to be a soldier obeying Jack's orders. Great Visser knows that if I could have, I would have made the same choice.

Finally, I could not afford this kind of state of mind. An additional soldier equipped with Andalite morph technology is too significant an asset to be ignored. Especially when the balance of power is so much against us. And if we succeeded, he would be the last human to experience such a thing.

A dull noise was heard. Our shuttle had just connected to the mothership currently in orbit around Jupiter to serve as a base for the Yeerk workers who were building a huge industrial complex there. Once completed, gigantic nuclear fusion reactors and particle accelerators would convert the atmosphere of the gas giant into antimatter capsules (the fuel for our ships).

Our plan was simple. Jera456 had convinced a small group of Yeerk soldiers and the captain of a transport ship that regularly supplied the mothership with drinking water to join us. Thanks to Andalite morph technology, I had acquired the DNA of the host of a high-ranking Yeerk. I and a small group of soldiers would impersonate him and his escort on an inspection tour for Visser-12. At the same time, the Animorphs would launch an attack on the Yeerk pool to force Visser-12 to intervene with his blade ship.

That should keep him busy enough so that he doesn't pay attention to the confirmation requests from the mothership's officers. Once our small group reaches the ship's bridge, while the soldiers cover me, I will transform into a creature capable of sweeping away the defenders, and we will take control of the mothership. If there is a problem, the troops waiting in the water carrier will be there to cover us. Once we have control of the mothership, we will inform all the yeerks through all possible channels. Visser-12 will be forced to abandon the game to retake the mothership, even if it means letting the animorphs escape.

And as soon as it is high enough in the atmosphere, France will launch a nuclear attack on the axe-ship, aided by Tobias who will continuously maintain a laser guidance system attached to his paws aimed at the ship. This planet has such strong gravity that to escape it, the axe-ship must reduce its shield power to a minimum (which are not very powerful to begin with).

It should damage his ship enough for it to crash and for the Animorphs to capture Visser-12. Once Visser-12 is eliminated and the mother ship is under our control, the Yeerks on Earth will have no choice but to obey us if they want to eat.

Then, Richac6487 and Jera456 will lead the Yeerk by relying on their respective clientele.

It was a perfect plan. And like all perfect plans, it didn't take 3 seconds before we had to throw it in the trash. Damn! Who would have thought that just at that moment, Visser-12 would be on the mothership. Normally, he never sets foot there. I glanced at Jera456. Despite the inexpressiveness of the hork-bajir who was temporarily hosting him, I saw his face fall apart. I was really glad that Timmy wasn't there to see what was going to happen next.

oOoOoOoOo

Barely 30 minutes later, I felt like I was in hell. We were surrounded in a corridor located in the middle of the mothership. Shots were coming from all directions, bodies were piling up. Everything was nothing but screams and confusion.

Damn Jera456, what are the orders? I yelled at him.

He was supposed to be the operations leader, but since the shooting started, he remained crouched back, trembling, without saying a word. As a result, everyone reacted randomly and completely ineffectively. And his panic was starting to spread. Damn coward! I was going to have to do his job for him again.

You two hold the position and make them believe we're still in this corridor. The others with me. They will probably try to outflank us by going through corridor B-3 to encircle us. We will intercept them. Our advantage is that Visser-12 is so convinced he has the upper hand that he wants us alive for interrogation. Follow me and I promise you victory.

I shouted the last sentence and to emphasize my words, I transformed into a rhinoceros and smashed through the wall behind me. Once on the other side, despite the rhinoceros's poor vision, I had no trouble seeing the fifty or so Hork-Bajir who, as I had predicted, were trying to flank us. Thanks to the element of surprise, I crushed them with ease.

I resumed human form, let out a war cry while raising my Draco beam high, and charged forward. Whether out of conviction or because he preferred to be in the only corridor where there were no more enemies, they followed me.

oOoOoOoOo

Meanwhile, in France, Jacques Chirac was biting his nails in the secret bunker of the Élysée Palace, surrounded by his entire staff (all infested by yeerks, of course). They should have launched the first nuclear strikes about an hour ago. But since the docking of Jera456's squadron to the mothership, there had been radio silence. What were they supposed to do? Deep down, he knew. In such a case, they had to wait for more information to act. Patience was the best weapon of the warrior. But Richac6487 had never been patient.

Order our forces to launch the assault. Let the submarines surface and our special forces begin landing along the California coast. Let the fighters stationed in French Polynesia take off to protect them from bug fighters. Our target is the Yeerk HQ.

Under-screwing, the non-commissioned officers are infested, but most of the soldiers are mere humans.

And so?

So there is no chance that they will agree to launch an assault against the USA as long as no spacecraft is visible.

Tell them it's an exercise. When they are under enemy fire, they will no longer be able to retreat and will be forced to advance.

Have you gone mad? It's completely out of the question. Reasoned with authority a voice that belonged to none of his officers.

Completely stunned, Richac6487 watched helplessly as the being he hated most in the entire galaxy, Lionel Jospin, entered the bunker. The other Yeerks mainly noticed that he was escorted by about ten Republican Guards, of whom only two were infested by Yeerks.

How did you get in? I shouted.

Jacques, you left the same code as in Tonton's time (Author's note: for the younger ones, it's a nickname that was given to Mitterrand.)

Following this response, Richac6487 instinctively lowered his eyes in shame, under the reproachful gaze of his men. Then he raised them. He was the leader. As the leader, he was in charge of the grand strategy, but it was up to them to think aboutthis kind of insignificant detail. As soon as the humans are gone, he will severely scold them for this oversight.

In fact, it's perfect. You're arriving just in time for me to take revenge for several years of humiliation. Soldier, as the head of the armies, I order you to execute this unbearable bespectacled person.

But apart from Lionel Jospin (who slowly approached Chirac), no one moved.

Jacques, let's not go that far. I understood from the dissolution that you, too, could never forget that evening in Acapulco. From the beginning, I understood that it was a ploy to get closer to me. But the world is not ready to accept us as we are. Lionel pronounced in a suave voice, reaching out his hand with the obvious intention of caressing Chirac's cheek.

But this one stepped back.

But stop! For the last time, there is no scheme. I HATE YOU. Shouted Richac6487.

In front of the astonished gazes of all the individuals present (human and Yeerk), Lionel continued:

Your words say one thing and your actions say another. If you really hated me, why did you do everything to make me your prime minister? Jacques, give up this madness and accept that we must live our love in secret.

For any response, Richac6487 panicked and ordered his chief of staff:

Send the atomic bombs. Now!

Where to screw down? We have no target. Replied the officer, barely holding back laughter.

Wherever you want, but shoot.

Immediately, the republican guards regained their composure and raised their weapons on Chirac. His words had dispelled their last doubts about their leader's mental health. They could not let this band of depraved old politicians destroy the France he had sworn to protect. Not 7 years before their retirement.

Calm down, gentlemen. I was joking, come on. Right, it was a joke? Laugh, you idiots! Defended Richac6487.

But only silence was heard. After what seemed like an eternity for all the participants, the youngest of his assistants gathered enough courage to suggest:

Sub-screw, I think we need to tell them everything.

The others approved and without waiting for their leader's orders, they began to explain that they were actually extraterrestrial parasites in rebellion against a galactic empire trying to invade Earth. This explanation did nothing to reassure the republican guard soldiers about the mental health of their command, until the only Yeerk with a voluntary host decided to leave its host. That, plus the fact that two of their colleagues in whom they had complete trust admitted to being Yeerks, convinced them that this incredible story was indeed real.

However, in good French fashion, they reacted to this turn of events with a long argument about the course of action to take. During the entire duration of this battle, no further orders came from the presidential bunker. Much to the despair of the animorphs, who did not understand why no reinforcements came to their aid as planned. Fortunately, Jack ordered the retreat early enough for them to escape without too much damage. The absence of Visser-12 also greatly helped them to come out unscathed.

Despite everything, it was with much bitterness that they assessed the situation. The operation was a total failure. The Yeerk HQ was not under their control, and the blade ship had not been destroyed. Thévenin789 would have to escape the entire Yeerk fleet and the reinforcements that the HQ would soon send.

oOoOoOoOo

We had succeeded. After hours of intense battle, we had managed to reach the heart of the ship's survival system. And with practically no losses on our side. With a bit of tinkering, we had modified the oxygen and CO2 levels in all other parts of the ship to a level that caused fainting in all the races enslaved by the Yeerks. Many human hosts would suffer lifelong consequences, but such a high CO2 level was necessary to paralyze the Hork-Bajir. I collapsed to the ground exhausted.

CRIIIIIIII

What was that noise? I said aloud.

As if to answer me, the thick steel wall shattered the next moment, and a creature composed of multiple tentacles emerged (killing about ten of my men in the process). Visser-12 had resisted. I got up and gathered what energy I had left to transform into the most powerful creature I had made David acquire: A skunk.

David, I know you hate me, but if you want to survive, stop screaming. Your mom can't do anything for you. But if we win, I promise to do everything to find her.

oOoOoOoOo

After a tough (and very smelly) fight, Visser-12 lay unconscious on the ground, like the rest of his men. We had won.

Thévenin, Thévenin, Thévenin, Thévenin

To my great surprise, I was now surrounded by our supporters who, without asking my opinion, carried me in triumph. Even my host inwardly joined the crowd. I was too tired to protest and let them lead me to the control room where we were to announce to the Yeerks remaining on Earth our takeover. But it was not for me to do it. It was Jera456, our leader. I searched for him with my eyes and saw him in the middle of the crowd. He was applauding with the others. When he saw that I was looking at him, he approached me and spoke in a loud and clear voice so that everyone could hear:

I believe your moment of glory has finally arrived, my screw.

Fucking lazybones. How did he always manage to get me to do his work for him? I thought.

I took the microphone and hesitated for a few seconds on the course of action. I modified the transmitter settings. I saw Jera456 try to stop me, but with a gesture from me, the other soldiers stopped him.

I did not want to address the Yeerks, but also all of humanity. And there was no question of doing it in the guise of a child reduced to slavery. The face of the empire would now be one of symbiosis with a consenting host. Or rather, no. We are no longer the empire. I took on the appearance of Tom. Grabbed the microphone and began to speak:

Hello, I am Thevenin789 from the Arsirk clan and if I am speaking today, it is to announce the creation of the Second Yeerk Republic.

This beginning of the speech was meant to go down in history. But after 15 minutes, the communications operator removed his headset, screaming, and then massaged his ears. An extremely powerful jamming had just cut the transmission to Earth.

Everyone moved towards him to find out what was happening. But before he could open his mouth, we had our answer. In front of the bay window of the mothership's bridge, in all its terrifying splendor, the battle-axe ship had just appeared (accompanied by a significant escort): Visser-12's personal warship. The only ship in the empire capable of rivaling Andalite ships in speed and firepower. The ship that permanently housed a regiment of the visser's personal guard. Elite soldiers chosen by Visser-12 himself for their skill and fanatical loyalty to the empire.

We literally had no chance.

Revolution part 2

Seeing the axe-ship appear, I thought for the first time in a long time about what was happening on Earth.

I had naively thought that the presence of Visser-12 on the mothership had only made their task easier. That upon learning that Visser-12 was in danger, the blade ship had quickly taken off to rescue him and that as planned, it had been shot down by the French army and the Animorphs at the moment when its exit from the atmosphere made it vulnerable. The impressive offensive capabilities of Visser-12's ship were offset by extremely weak defense, and I had no doubt that it would be an easy victory. Deprived of a leader to command them and of orbital support, the capture of the HQ by the coalition forces of the Animorphs, the French, and perhaps the Americans should have been difficult but largely achievable.

Nevertheless, the presence of this ship made me fear the worst. But I didn't have time to worry about what had happened to the others. Alone, we had no chance against the axe-ship and already some were pleading for us to surrender. I had to quickly restore calm. Find a glimmer of hope. Or we were going to lose this battle before it had even begun.

Soldier, attention. I tried, but the most brazen of my troop retorted:

Go fuck yourself, you nutcase.

Immediately, the others followed suit without me knowing what to do to stop them. Before today, I had never commanded anyone and the Yeerks are not the most docile species in the galaxy. I watched helplessly the complaints of my soldiers:

We're all going to die.

I should have let Jera456 report me.

By the way, where is that traitor?

Knowing him in a survival pod.

A warning shot crashed against the shields of the mothership and shook the entire structure to the point that I stumbled. As I got up, I saw the long-range sensor display screen. An idea suddenly came to me.

Me, I'm not staying one more minute on this ship. Everyone to the shuttles. If we all take off at the same time, they won't be able to kill all of us. Shouted one of my Hork-Bajir.

If you do that, you will all die. Your only chance of survival is to stay here. I exclaimed.

Open your eyes, Thévenin. This ship is nothing more than a flying coffin. And your combat skills won't change anything.

Two frigates have just taken off from the ground to lend us a hand. If we catch it in a pincer movement, we have a chance to defeat it. We just need to hold on until they arrive.

You're crazy. They can't jump to zero space for such a short distance. Even pushing their engine to the limit, they can only go at 99% of the speed of light. It will take them at least half an hour to make the trip. We won't last that long.

We will hold on for days if necessary. I replied.

Without wasting time, I headed to the nearest control console and redirected all power to the engines. The mothership plunged into the depths of Jupiter. The others understood where I was going with this and lent me a hand. Everyone knew that our shields were much more powerful than those of the axe ship. We could delve much deeper than it into the bowels of the gas giant and stay safe there as long as necessary (its thick atmosphere sufficiently diluting energy weapon fire to protect us). At least, that was the theory. In practice, I had no idea how deep we would have to go for the axe ship to abandon the chase, nor the level of fuel in the tanks. But above all, I had no idea if we would receive help from Earth. I was really lucky that no Yeerks had the idea to check my claims. They would have seen that I had lied and that no ship was on its way to help us. David, who of course knew all about my lie, was crying his eyes out.

And the next time I hear you talk about retreat before I give you the order, I will kill you myself, you bunch of cowards. I shouted before getting up and running to the engine room.

I had to quickly find a way to sabotage the long-distance sensors. I couldn't risk them discovering the truth before we were out of trouble.

oOoOoOoOo

Richac6487 was increasingly at his wit's end. Because of those primate fools, he was going to end his glorious career on this cursed rock lost in the middle of nowhere. How did it come to this? If only his assistants had thought to change the code of this primitive bunker. If only his monkeys were evolved enough to respect the natural hierarchy between races.

He was looking for a solution, but the only one that came to him was to kill them all. But if Jera456's plan went as planned, he would need them. When he saw on one of the TV screens a human teenager surrounded by Hork-Bajir, he shouted with all his authority.

Silence. Stop your ridiculous arguments and turn up the volume on screen number 4.

One of his assistants turned up the volume to the maximum and everyone fell silent:

Hello, I am Thevenin789 from the Arsirk clan, and if I am speaking today, it is to announce the creation of the Second Yeerk Republic. A republic where yeerks will live in symbiosis with both their hosts and the rest of the galaxy. A nation born from the collaboration between the few resistants.Human, Andalite, and Yeerk. Despite his comforting words, I imagine you must be as confused and scared as the humans. My long experience has taught me that no matter what species one belongs to, there is nothing more frightening than the unknown. So I will explain from the beginning the events that led to the situation we are in. My name is Thevenin789 and I am a Yeerk. A Yeerk is a (...)

What is this nonsense, thought Richac6487. This was not at all what was agreed upon. And who was this Thevenin789? Where was Jera456? No matter. For now, the most urgent thing was to regain control of the situation. Richac6487 spoke again.

You see now that I am on your side. So let me lead the operations.

What tells us that this isn't a scheme to enslave us? Why should we believe that you are better than the other side? I say you don't care about us and just want to use us as cannon fodder in your wars, then enslave the survivors, exclaimed one of the human soldiers.

Yeah, you're right. We should kill them all. His closest colleague agreed, raising his Famas menacingly in my direction.

Even if you're right, how do you expect us to beat them? They are extraterrestrials. Besides, they can impersonate any of us, and in the eyes of the public, we'll just be the crazies who killed the president. I say we need to negotiate, retorted another soldier.

Traitor!

Idiot!

Cowards!

The soldiers insulted each other.

SILENCE! I am the Prime Minister. Given the president's inability to perform his duties, it is up to me to take command of the armed forces. Lionel Jospin attempted to intervene.

Isn't it the president of the Senate who replaces him if he is canned? asked a soldier.

Chirac is not deceased. Just temporarily unavailable. Unlike Lionel.

As far as I'm concerned, it would be better for him if he were dead, replied one of the soldiers.

I order you to immediately cease these acts of insubordination. Do I need to remind you of your oath? Insisted Lionel.

We swore an oath to defend France, not to serve you. And what tells us that you aren't infected too?

Do I have the behavior of an infected person? Why would I have brought you here to stop Chirac after reading the Defense Minister's report?

I checked the manual. It is indeed up to the president of the Senate to take command. Another soldier interrupted them.

The president of the Senate is a close associate of Chirac. He is probably already infected. Opposed Lionel Jospin.

And you, aren't you one of his close ones perhaps? Sneered one of the soldiers. No way I'm obeying a faggot.

Do you really think this is the time for such considerations? The fate of France, not of humanity, is at stake. Let us be worthy of this great honor that history grants us to prove our worth to posterity, declared the Prime Minister in a grandiloquent tone.

Keep that for your voters, when you have to explain to them that they will become the slaves of these monsters, retorted a soldier.

For the first time, Lionel got angry:

I do not allow you! Chirac and I are the last of a generation of politicians who experienced the war and the resistance. We know the price of freedom and what happens to those who refuse to pay it.

After that, Richac6487 stopped listening to this uninteresting argument. The broadcast had just been cut off in the middle of Thévenin's speech, and that concerned him much more. What was happening up there? Fortunately, he had thought to install Yeerk communication devices in the bunker. Discreetly, he asked one of his subordinates to send a message to the mothership to request clarification. After 5 long minutes of waiting, he received a response. The hologram of a Hork-Bajir filled the room. It had a mean and wild look that a Hork-Bajir would never naturally display. Everything in its expression said it was dangerous. A voice with authoritative tones resonated in the now silent room. It spoke in Galard (the common galactic language), but the humans fell silent, understanding that what was happening was important.

Here is sub-visser Bentrash158, personal assistant to Visser-12, captain of the blade ship in his absence and commander of his personal guard. The insurgents have fled in the face of our assault, but it is only a matter of time before we dislodge them from their hiding place and they face the wrath of the empire. Unfortunately, Visser-12 is still in their hands. In his absence, I order all sub-vissers to submit to my authority.

Here is the sub-visser Richac6487, commander of the Western European invasion troops, I am relieved to know that these terrorists have been stopped. For the good of the empire, I gladly accept to submit to your command. Can I have more details on the situation of Visser-12? When will we have the joy of seeing him among us again?

It won't be long. About two hours ago, the insurgents took control of the mothership's life support systems and forced all its occupants into unconsciousness. Visser-12 was on board. He must be a prisoner with the other crew members. Unfortunately, as soon as we arrived, those cowardly insurgents fled with the mothership into the lower layers of the Jovian atmosphere. Our shields do not allow us to follow them to attempt a landing, and we cannot continue firing for fear of destroying the ship. To save the visser and make his traitors pay, I have no choice but to conduct a long siege. However, the other sub-vissers have shown themselves to be much less reasonable than you and reject my legitimate authority. I am one of the few Yeerks aware of your recent troubles with Visser-12. But I am sure he will forgive you if you help me put an end to this anarchy.Explained Bentrash158

No need to bribe me. My recent mistakes were due to a culpable but understandable ignorance of the grotesque system of government of these animals and not to a lack of loyalty to the empire. In these troubled times, I will do my duty and when the time comes, I will accept to pay the price for my mistakes.

are content that at least one subordinate knows how to be reasonable enough to set aside their ego for the good of the empire. Contact your colleagues in North America and inform them that if he refuses to comply, theywill have to face our two troops. Once peace is restored, focus the means on stifling this affair. Human governments must not suspect anything. We will wait for the return of Visser-12 to make other decisions.

Far be it from me to contradict you, but I think there are certain decisions that cannot wait for the return of Visser-12. If there is a return. After all, despite our attachment to our glorious leader, we all know that his devotion to the empire was absolute. He would not want us to risk letting these terrorists escape to save his life.Objecta Richac6487.

What are you trying to imply?

I will be clearer: every breath of these rebels is an insult to the empire, and our hesitation to destroy them is a sign of weakness. I admire your loyalty, but by letting your attachment to Visser-12 dictate your actions, you are giving this rebellion a chance to survive and spread beyond the system. We must crush them now with all our strength. Believing that all the rebels were on this ship is a mistake. Shortly before this attack, Sub-Visser Jera456 paid me one of his pleasant visits, during which he made some ambiguous remarks. At the time, I didn't pay attention, but after this rebellion, they take on a new meaning. Especially since, to access the mothership, these insurgents must have had high-level complicity. We must now strip these traitors of any hope of victory and begin a great purge of the traitors, starting with the men of Jera456. You have claimed command, and you must now bear the consequences. You know Visser-12 well enough to know that if the roles were reversed, he would not have hesitated.

If I do what you ask, I will be accused of treason and thrown into a pit of the imperial ship.Bentrash158 worried

On the contrary, Visser One will reward you for restoring order on Earth. He might even appoint you as Visser and new head of the secret invasion of Earth. After all, as soon as we have forced the other sub-Vissers to recognize your authority, you will be so de facto, and the empire cannot afford to divert resources from the front to challenge you for this title.

Your words are a sweet poison that I would drink to the dregs. Once this crisis is over, I would like to continue receiving your good advice. Even if it is heartbreaking, I will do what is necessary. In the meantime, I give you carte blanche to restore order within the invasion forces. Bring the rebellious underlings in line and then start the purge. If you prove sufficiently effective, perhaps I will appoint you as my new assistant. And once we have succeeded in the invasion, perhaps you will become a leader in turn.

At your orders visser36.Replied Richac6487, emphasizing the title before ending the communication.

The events were turning out better than well. With the speed that experience granted, Richac6487 pulled the Draco ray gun from his pocket, which never left him (even in his sleep), and pointed it at the head of that damned bespectacled man who had been defying his authority for months. Before anyone could react, he fired and his head exploded in a spray of blood.Strangely satisfying. He had been waiting so long to be able to do that.

Immediately, the human soldiers opened fire, but their bullets smashed against the personal shield surrounding his chair. The other Yeerks in the room were less fortunate. It would have been possible to equip each with a personal shield, but he wanted his subordinates to know at all times that they were at his mercy. And anyway, now he no longer needed them. Worse, he was one of the few Yeerks who knew he had been part of this rebellion. He could not allow them to survive. One by one, he killed all the men present in the room until he was the only one left standing. He then realized what had just happened and began a long laugh. Once again, he had gotten away with it. Better yet, his intelligence was finally going to be recognized for its true worth. It was only a matter of time before he outsmarted that fool Bentrash158 and became a leader himself.

Then he fell silent. He had just seen a human crawling under the desk. He pointed his gun in that direction, but the human pleaded:

Screwdriver, I know that Bentrash158's offer is appealing, but you shouldn't accept it.

Why is that? Asked Richac6487, curious and amused by the futile attempt of this young Yeerk to escape his fate.

Do you know that my host is a volunteer?

Yes, and so? Asked Richac6487, who was already starting to get impatient.

So he became a volunteer when he learned that they were going to rebel against the empire and put an end to the invasion. Many of your officers are in this situation and have ended up sympathizing or at least getting used to the comfort of having a voluntary host. Not to mention the promise of finally being able to live in peace.

Are you implying that they would prefer to serve their animals rather than me?

A minority undermines me. But enough that you cannot suppress your participation in this coup. The day he wants to denounce you or simply blackmail you, Bentrash158 will have no difficulty finding evidence. If you choose to obey him today, you will become his dog. Until the end of your life, you will live in fear of the day when he no longer needs you. You must try to contact Jera456 and coordinate to attempt to turn the situation around. Nothing is lost yet. We can still win.

Jera456 had heard enough. He shot and then left whistling to organize the arrest of Jera456's clients and the assassination of his officers. He had the element of surprise on his side. He had no doubt he would succeed in killing them all. As for any survivors, he would ensure they were seized with terror just at the thought of speaking.

oOoOoOoOo

6 hours later, Richac6487 was quietly sipping an aperitif in the shuttle that would take him to the Yeerk HQ.

He had a hard time holding back his laughter again. Faced with the threat of a joint attack by his forces and those of the axe-ship, the weakest sub-screws had fallen into line, and then it snowballed.

Feeling the wind change and seeing the size of his forces increase by the minute, other subordinates spontaneously joined him. Thus, without the need for any bloodshed, all the subordinates submitted to his authority. Even the subordinate in charge of the HQ, who until the end hadcontinued to claim that it was up to him to take command in the absence of Visser-12.

Richac6487 was then able to begin the purge. All of Jera456's men who had not committed suicide were arrested. He had given the order to lock them in a separate pool and not to speak to them until he arrived. Thus, he could personally supervise the interrogations and accumulate false testimonies proving his complete lack of involvement in this puerile rebellion.

Icing on the cake, we had quickly been able to find in the HQ files who this Thevenin789 was. Remembering that Thevenin789 had mentioned human complicity in his speech, Richac6487 immediately sent Yeerk soldiers to arrest the family of his host. But on-site, they had to fight the Andalites who managed to evacuate them all in time. All except the mother of his host and the father of his cousin Rachel, whom the Yeerks were able to intercept while they were still at work. Richac6487 had ordered that they be infected immediately. There was no doubt in his eyes that they had been collaborating with the Andalites for months. Thanks to these humans, Richac6487 thought he would obtain the information that would allow him to get his hands on the Andalite rebels. Thus, he would be known throughout the empire as the one who succeeded where even Visser-12 had failed. Ultimately, maybe it would be him and not Bentrash158 who would be the new Visser in charge of the invasion of Earth.

The only shadow on the horizon was that he hadn't heard from Bentrash158 in a long time.

oOoOoOoOo

Meanwhile in California

We need to go save my father. Shouted Rachel.

No Rachel, that's exactly what they want us to do. If we rush in without thinking, we have no chance of getting out of it. Tempered his cousin Jack.

Excuse me, you want us to abandon them, you bunch of cowards. Replied Rachel.

I am telling you that they have my mother, Jack defended himself.

That makes you even more cowardly.

Calm down, both of you. There's no way we're abandoning anyone. But Jacks is right. We need a better plan than just blindly rushing into a trap. Cassie tried to calm Rachel. She completely understood her anger. She herself didn't know how she would feel if her parents weren't safe in the valley where they had hidden the Hork-Bajirs (she wished Tom good luck in explaining to them what was happening). But that wouldn't help them find a solution.

Now that they are on their guard, we would need an army to get into the HQ. How do you want to get it? Are we going to the White House and asking nicely to lend us a regiment? said Tobias.

And why not? Asked Marco.

"Pardon?" they all exclaimed at the same time.

If we never did that, it's because the risk was too great of running into a controller or triggering an open war with the Yeerks that we were sure to lose. But now it's only a matter of time before the Yeerks discover our identity and we are captured. Without us to resist them, the invasion will be over long before the Andalite fleet arrives. Since we're doomed anyway, we might as well try this. If we dieAt least, we will die fighting and trying to save our loved ones. Marco explained.

Am I dreaming or did what just came out of Marco's mouth actually make sense, declared Rachel.

Your line is: 'Let’s do it.' Marco replied.

That's what I say when someone proposes a risky plan. This is a suicidal plan. Against Rachel.

Axe, you don't have to come with us. You could hide and wait for the Andalite fleet to come and get you. Jack interrupted them.

I am an Aristh, Prince Jack. It is out of the question for me to abandon you just before the battle.

Do not call me prince.. On Leera, we agreed that I was your prince until I released you from my command. That day has come. You have fulfilled your duty and you are free to return home.

In that case, I would go as friends.

The Andalites do not have a mouth, but at that moment everyone had the impression that he had smiled. Holding back their tears, they, in the form of birds, headed to the nearest airport for what would undoubtedly be their last mission.

oOoOoOoOo

After this interminable journey, the shuttle of Richac6487 finally landed at the heart of the Yeerk invasion HQ. Upon his arrival, he was greeted with cold deference by Emlin1478 in his human host. He was the sub-visser in charge of the invasion HQ and North America. In other words, the most powerful sub-visser on Earth and the only one (along with Bentrash158) to work daily with Visser-12. Behind him, Richac6487 saw 5 Hork-Bajir controllers of his personal guard. A dozen of his own Hork-Bajir deployed around him. The tension was palpable between them. Despite his oaths, Emlin1478 still had not digested his rise to power.

So much the better, thought Richac6487. The triumph would be all the sweeter.

Dearest Emlin1478, I want to congratulate you on your excellent work. Thanks to you, I will soon be able to boast of finally having put an end to the threat posed by the Andalites to our invasion.

Thank you for this compliment. You are already behaving like a visser. What a pity that the 36 visser positions are already filled. Otherwise, I would support your application.

After his veiled provocations, the two glared at each other.

Thank you, however, I am sure an opportunity will present itself soon. But enough of social pleasantries. I would like to start the interrogations as soon as possible.

Certainly. Please follow me. Declared Emlin1478.

Before she finished her sentence, Richac6487 had the impression of briefly seeing a smile on the face of Emlin1478's host. It was so fleeting that Richac6487 wondered if he had imagined it. But in doubt, he asked his Hork-Bajir controller guards to keep a close watch on him. Something that made Emlin1478 happy could not be good for him.

He followed her into the depths of the HQ, staying as alert as possible. Finally, they passed through the ominous doors of the yeerk prison. As soon as Richac6487 stepped inside, the doors closed with a sinister sound, and from the heights of the prison emerged about twenty human-controllers who pointed dragon beams at him.

Richac6487 screamed:

So you're part of the traitors. But you forgot one detail. The moment my death is known, my troops will rush to this place and kill you all. Surrender and maybe I will know how to be merciful.

From the shadow behind Emlin1478, a voice I never thought I would hear again roared in the minds of all the beings present:

There is only one traitor here. Lay down your weapons immediately if you do not want to share his fate.

I was terrified. It wasn't possible and yet, there was only one being in the entire galaxy who could project so much cruelty with a simple phrase. Only one Yeerk capable of using the thought-speak of the Andalites. My men had no doubt. They dropped all their weapons and knelt, begging for mercy. Out of the shadows emerged a blue horse exuding an inimitable aura of malice and violence, closely followed by a human child with a bruised face who served as the main host for Jera456.

My screw, what a pleasure to see you alive. Stammered, trembling, Richac6487 in front of an Emlin1478 who no longer hid his smile.

You still dare to claim that you are loyal to me. You are even more pathetic than I thought. How could two wretches like you and Bentrash158 even for a moment believe that you could overthrow me, Visser-12, the most gloriously honored officer of the empire. The only one to have succeeded in enslaving an Andalite. Fortunately, there are still loyal Yeerks like Jera456. While you were scheming to take my place, he rushed at the risk of his life into the mother ship to save me. He freed me from the cage where that bastard Thévenin789 had locked me up and together we regained control of the mother ship and executed that traitor Thévenin789. Upon seeing me alive, Bentrash158 immediately surrendered, realizing he had no chance against me. But both of you will soon learn that I do not forgive disloyalty so easily.

My screw, allow me to supervise its execution myself. Intervened Emlin1478 with an obsequious voice.

My screw, his crimes are unforgivable, but you should think more before killing him, it might be advantageous to keep him alive. Remember that (...). Began to plead Jera456.

But he was interrupted by a Richac6487 exasperated by what he had just heard:

Jera456, stop your manipulations. I would rather die like a true Yeerk than owe my life to a being like you. As for you Visser-12, I wish you a long reign followed by a slow agony.

You finally behave like a true Yeerk. Too bad it's too late. Visser-12 then pointed to the guards escorting Richac6487. Prove your loyalty by executing this traitor.

My screw, I must reiterate my request for clemency. At least preserve the host.

But even before Jera456 had time to finish his plea, the head of Richac6487 exploded in a spray of blood, killing his yeerk instantly. His guards were far too eager to make Visser-12 forget that they had served a traitor to wait for an unlikely surge of pity from Visser-12.

Good. Now that the minor details are settled, let's get down to business. Emlin1478, go fetch those humans linked to the Andalites and bring them to the launch bay as quickly as possible. Jera456 and I will be waiting for you there.

As usual, I gladly obeyed my screw. But I want to reiterate my objections. The HQ is a safe place. It is perfectly unnecessary to take them on your axe-ship.

I do not doubt you. So much so that I also plan to take you on my ship. But after the betrayal of Bentrash158, I am forced to be wary of everyone. As long as the investigations into what happened are not completed, I can only rely on the yeerks obeying Jera456. By the way, have you finished freeing these yeerks and entrusting them with the guard of the Kandrona generators?

Yes my screwdriver.

Perfect. I understand that you might take my distrust as an affront. But rest assured that you will be rewarded for your obedience.

I expect no reward for having done my duty.

Stop your hypocrisy. Nowadays, yeerks demand a reward for the most insignificant gestures.

Forgive me my mistake. Emlin1478 replied, lowering their head.

Visser-12 turned his back on him without taking the time to answer. He still had much to do to ensure he once again had absolute control over the invasion force. While he was eager to get back on his ship with the human hostages, he had to regularly retreat to his private quarters under the pretext of a health issue with his Andalite host, even if it greatly slowed down the operations.

Finally, it was only 8 hours later that he was able to take a shuttle to his blade ship with Visser-12, Emlin1478, Jera456, Tom's mother, and Rachel's father on board. As he took off, he saw on the ground the entire invasion fleet that had been exceptionally parked on the ground and placed under the guard of a Yeerk loyal to Jera456 (except for the mother ship and the blade ship which would remain stationed in orbit).

In a dull noise, the shuttle connected to the ship-hatch airlock and the door opened. But as soon as they all exited the shuttle, the hangar locked, and all five of them were surrounded by Hork-Bajir controllers threatening them with their Dracon beams.

What does this mean? Exclaimed angrily Emlin1478.

To his great surprise, Jera456 and Visser 12 advanced towards the Hork-Bajir without the slightest hint of fear.

All three of you, leave your hosts immediately. Cooperate and I promise that once the transition is complete, you will be released and offered a position suitable to your rank. Resist and we will be ruthless. Reasoned in thought speech in their heads with a gentleness that visser22 had never used.

Before their eyes unfolded a spectacle as horrible as it was frightening. Visser-12 began to morph until taking the appearance of a 10-year-old child, then very quickly into another form much more familiar to Emlin1478. Before his eyes stood Thevenin789, the leader of the rebellion.

Revolution part 3

Cannon recallAt the end, this chapter refers to volume 14 where the Animorphs race against Visser-3 to discover and seize an Andalite object that crashed on Earth in the 1950s and that humans have hidden in theZone 51. In the original volume, they say zone 91, but it's obvious that the volume refers to the legend of Roswell and zone 51. By the way, I warn you that in this chapter, I spoil the end of volume 14.

oOoOoOoOo

I couldn't believe that Jera456's plan had worked. If there was one thing to acknowledge about him, it was that he was skilled in intrigue and manipulation. Without him, I would never have succeeded in posing as Visser-12. I would have had even less idea which Yeerk to contact and what to say to regain control of the situation.

I made a gesture to two of my guards. Immediately they approached the hosts of our enemies and held a flask filled with water to their ear. Emlin1478 turned his host's head and gave me a look of pure hatred.

Savor your triumph well, it will be short-lived. You will soon learn that there is no darkness in the galaxy great enough to hide a Yeerk from the wrath of the empire.

Then his host lost all expression and a giant worm emerged from his ear to land in the water of the gourd. His host then took a few steps forward, staggering before collapsing lifeless like a puppet whose strings had been cut. It was to be expected. Emlin1478 had been using him for 4 years. There wasn't much left to save of this former executive of Lockheed Martin.

Through thought, I asked a guard to take the host and the gourd containing Emlin1478 to a safe place. The Yeerks controlling Tom's mother and Rachel's father came out of their hosts docilely without a word. They were probably waiting to see how the situation would evolve before deciding to which camp they would pledge loyalty. I couldn't blame them. In their place, I would probably have adopted the same cautious attitude. Whatever their aspirations, for lower-ranking Yeerks, survival is too precarious a thing to compromise with ideologically motivated impulses. Anyway, my thoughts were not directed towards them.

As soon as they were released, the two humans ran towards the airlock shouting and then pounded the opening buttons. Through thought, I ordered the other Yeerks to leave me.

Are you screwing with me?

Don't call me sir. Damn, is that how Jack feels when Aximili calls him prince, I sighed and continued: They're just humans. I can handle it.

All left hastily except Jera456.

It concerns you too.

No, I have three things to tell you in private that cannot wait much longer. And those humans are not the only ones who need your attention.

What do you mean?

My host is trying to hide it from me, but he is having a hard time recovering from what the involuntary hosts did to him. He needs you.

I then thought back to the state in which Timmy had been found. As soon as we landed on Earth, Jera456 had asked where his main host was. He was then led to the cages of the involuntary hosts. In accordance with Richac4687's orders, Yeerk soldiers had invaded the Welington manor and captured everyone there. Timmy was then brought to the HQ and placed in the same cage as the involuntary hosts while waiting for another Yeerk to be found for him. Richac4687 was counting on the hatred between involuntary and voluntary hosts to get rid of this troublesome witness to his double-dealing. For theFor the umpteenth time, I wondered why on earth it had been decided to stack the overcrowded cages of the involuntary hosts within sight of the luxurious quarters where the voluntary hosts rested while waiting for their Yeerk to finish feeding. Perhaps to convince the former to cooperate more and remind the latter of what they risked in case of betrayal.

In any case, the least we can say is that Richac4687 was not far off the mark. This experience was not going to help Timmy have a better opinion of his species and, by extension, of himself. As soon as he was found covered in blue and reeking of an indescribable smell, I wanted to take him in my arms. But if I wanted to survive long enough to comfort him, I had to continue playing the role of the ruthless Visser-12.

I leaned down and took Timmy in my arms, trying to ignore David's taunts about my hypocrisy in pitying a voluntary host like Timmy (who had actively helped the Yeerks conquer Earth) but feeling only contempt for him who had just tried to escape this war where he was dragged by force.

I had tried to explain to him that I did not despise him at all. That the way (quite despicable) I treated him was due to necessity and not any hatred on my part. But he refused to listen to me. All he wanted was to show me how much he hated me. A few seconds later, Timmy, freed from Jera456's control, began to cry softly while I held him as tightly as I could, uttering comforting words. After a few minutes, he calmed down and remained silent without expressing any desire for me to let go. I got up and calmly walked towards the two other humans who had finally understood there was no way out and had gathered next to each other with iron bars, visibly determined to sell their lives dearly.

Calm down, mom. Sorry, I mean Jean.

Don't come any closer, filth!

Calm down, I am not going to hurt you. No yeerk will infect you anymore. At least not without your consent. You have my word. Do I look like I'm about to attack you?

After a glance at the child in my arms, the two humans lowered their makeshift, futile weapons (but did not abandon them altogether)

Who are you? Why did you take on the appearance of my son? Where is he? If you have harmed a single hair on his head.

It's a long story. But to put it simply, for about six months, I have been the Yeerk of your son. Normally, he is somewhere on Earth safely with the rest of your family. Without any Yeerk in his head. I specified in front of his tense face.

But that only vaguely appeased her. Learning that her son had lived through hell for six months, without her realizing anything, seemed to have shocked her. It was up to Dan to speak again.

And my daughters, are they well?

As far as I know, yes. Jack managed to get them away from the yeerks before they could capture them. But we need to hurry. Knowing him, it's only a matter of time before he embarks on a suicide mission to save you. In fact, I'm extremely surprised he hasn't already tried something.

You monster, why should we trust you? And what does Jack have to do with this story? Asked Jean Berenson.

He, Rachel, Marco, Cassie accidentally discovered the existence of the Yeerks and Tom's situation about a year ago. Since then, they have been secretly fighting to try to slow down the invasion and free their loved ones imprisoned by the Yeerks.

In front of their incredulous expressions, I added:

I know it's a lot to take in in a very short time. And you don't even know half of the story yet. But you have to trust me. In any case, you have no choice. At least if your goal is to one day regain your freedom and your children alive. Do you really think you can take over this ship with two iron bars? By the way, where did you find that? Never mind, it doesn't matter and time is precious to us. I'll start from the beginning, I am Thevenin789 and even if this is the first time you hear this name, I've been secretly interacting with you for months. I belong to a species of parasite trying to conquer Earth to use humans in a war that has been going on for over a century against another species called the Andalites. But I and the group I recently became the leader of oppose the war and the invasion of Earth (...)

Before I could continue, Timmy jumped from my arms and displayed a serious expression that could only come from Jera456.

Precisely, we will need to talk about that again. In case you forgot, it is my men and not yours who control the critical points of this colony.

I thought you agreed to let me take command.

Are you an idiot or are you doing it on purpose? The only reason I approved your takeover is because I couldn't do anything to oppose a crowd fanatical about the fights. But it didn't take you 5 seconds to prove your gross incompetence to me. What made you deliver that little speech before we made sure what happened to the others? And you broadcast it to the humans too! Said Jera456 angrily.

Yes well excuse me, I thought I could trust you when you said you had ensured the obedience of Richac4687. If he hadn't betrayed us and had attacked the HQ and the axe-ship as planned, none of this would have happened.

One of his assistants worked for me. If he had planned to betray us, I would have been warned. Something must have prevented him from launching the attack as planned. And you didn't need to kill him.

He betrayed us and killed, I don't know how many of your yeerks. I exclaimed.

Killing him will not bring them back, but sparing him could have saved many others. Seeing us victorious, he would have joined us, and his men would not have been too many to ensure a peaceful transition. I did not do all this to abandon power to another Visser-12.

Oh stop it. Whatever you say, you were too happy to give up the power to me to go pursue new conquests or indulge in I don't know what decadent hobby.

I may be a coward, but no matter my fear, I have never run away from my responsibilities. Unlike you, I didn't do all this for those damn stupid primates. My only concern has always been to protect my subordinates. I only embarked on this crazy revolution because I was tired of sending my men to their deaths in senseless battles. Jera456 almost shouted.

Stop, you are like Richac6487. You supported me only because it was in your interest. If you could, you would have betrayed me. By the way, what were you doing in the mothership's engine room when I found you?

And you're going to tell me it's a coincidence that you were leaving the sensor room just before it broke down? By the way, great idea to sabotage our own ship. Luckily, you're not supposed to be the more skilled of the two of us in military strategy. He said sarcastically.

We began a staring contest that I broke by admitting:

I also wanted to spare Richac6487, but after his statement, I couldn't let him live without the other Yeerks understanding that I was an imposter.

You had a million ways to get out of it.

I am not like you. I am not a smooth talker who always knows what to say to get what he wants. Anyway, if you care so much, I am willing to let you have the power.

It doesn't work like that. It's you and no one else that the men obey now. And frankly Thévenin789, if that was the only thing I was interested in, I would have just had to report you to Visser-12. If I had brought him the Andalites' heads on a platter, he would have forgiven me any of my mistakes. And once the invasion was over, I would have become a Visser. Do you remember the day you proposed that insane alliance to me? You said I was wallowing in luxury to forget my guilt towards our hosts. I have never felt any regret for the primitive species that the empire enslaved or exterminated. Most would have done the same to us if they could. And humans are the worst of all those I have encountered. However, every day, I think back to the hundreds of thousands of Yeerks I let die, or even knowingly sent to certain death. Listen, since you care so much about these bloodthirsty gorillas, I'm willing to try to coexist peacefully. But from now on, we do as I planned. We announce our takeover to each sub-visser individually, then we secretly contact the Earth authorities via the controllers in their entourage. Only then do we announce our presence to the human population. All you're going to achieve by wanting to go too fast is to trigger a panic or a new war.

I don't know. We need to go quickly if we want to be ready to repel the empire or the Andalites.

The nearest imperial fleet will take at least a week to cover the distance separating it from Earth. As for the Andalites, I thought they were on our side?

I evaded his last question and simply replied:

A week seems very short to prepare ourselves to push them back. We have no time to lose.

One week is the shortest possible time frame. But I know better than you the workings of the imperial administration and the logistical constraints of a war fleet. In reality, I think we have at least two months ahead of us.

Well, very well, I trust you. We will do it your way. But don't forget in your plan that we also need to warn the animorphs before they launch a new attack on the HQ.

Who are the Animorphs? asked Jera456.

Hmm. How to say. You know the Andalite bandits?

Yes, besides, we will need to contact them quickly before he launches an attack on the (....) Wait, is it (...) The humans you talked about? If we add Aximilie (..).

I was about to confirm to him that the Andalite commando never existed when an alarm went off. We rushed to the bridge without paying further attention to the two humans behind us who had incredulously witnessed our argument. Immediately, the Yeerk I had appointed as captain of the ship called out to me.

visser, the American army launched a major offensive against the HQ.

I gave up reminding him not to call me screw and put my head in my hands. This day was never going to end.

oOoOoOoOo

Meanwhile, George Bush was preparing to give the most important speech of his career. For the first time since becoming President of the USA, he was afraid. But in a few seconds, the camera would turn on and he would have to act as if he had the situation completely under control. In times of crisis, if the captain trembled, then the population would panic. If the leader doubted, then the men would disobey and anarchy would ensue. At least, that's what George Bush believed since his time in the army.

To give himself courage, he told himself that in this secret bunker located 50 meters deep, nothing could reach him. He sat in the replica of the Oval Office that had been built there during the Cold War to give the illusion that their governments had not fled to take shelter (this subterfuge was intended to deceive both the Americans and the Soviets).

The broadcast began.

My dear compatriots, if I am addressing you today, it is to announce the most terrible news. Contrary to what we thought an hour ago, the message that disrupted our airwaves this morning was not a hoax. Our nation, no, our entire planet is invaded by what I can only describe as belligerent aliens. This seems completely senseless and yet, it is the absolute truth. Mr. Aximili-Esgarrouth-Isthill, could you present yourself to the camera.

A few seconds later, a huge blue centaur without a mouth, with antennas on its head equipped with eyes at the top, entered the camera's field and stopped behind the president. As requested by the president's communication advisors, it took care not to show its tail (and especially the huge blade it contained).

Despite his imposing appearance, Mr. Aximili is actually just a child whose shuttle crashed on Earth after our enemies, the Yeerks, destroyed the ship he was traveling in. Hunted since then by our enemies, he has been trying to find human allies to help him repel the Yeerks. As you have understood, we are dealing with a formidable enemy. Too formidable, perhaps, for us to defeat alone. But precisely, we are not alone. Mr. Aximili's people will send a fleet to rescue him and avenge the death of too many lives unjustly taken by those vile beings, the Yeerks. In the meantime, Mr. Aximili will provide us with as much technology and information as his young age permits. In fact, he started six months ago. And this is not our only advantage.

The video sent earlier in the day is the result of a failed coup attempt by the corrupt and incompetent government of our adversaries. A few minutes ago, we took advantage of the political chaos currently prevailing among our Yeerk adversaries to launch a majoroffensive against their main base located on the California coast. Deprived of this essential base for their food supply, they will be forced to abandon the North American continent. For the moment, the offensive is going well. Our shots are stopped by some sort of energy barrier that protects the base. However, they have so far proven completely incapable of repelling us or even inflicting significant damage. With the help of God, I have faith that this battle will bring us victory. Nevertheless, like all difficult times, it requires tough measures. From now on, I decree martial law and the mobilization of all reservists. In the coming days, all citizens aged 18 to 35 will be called to join the nearest National Guard unit for (...)

But he was suddenly interrupted in his speech by one of his closest advisors who had the audacity to enter the room and address him out of context:

Mr. President, I have an urgent communication for you.

Before the president could rebuke this intruder, the intruder took a curious device out of his jacket and in front of the camera appeared a teenager of about ten years old. No, it wasn't a teenager, but a very realistic hologram, George Bush realized afterward.

Mr. President, I suppose and (....) Aximili, what are you doing here? Where are Jack and the others? I asked with visible surprise.

<They are doing well, Yeerk, but we thought you were dead,> Aximili replied to me. Was I dreaming or did I note relief in his mental tone?

The rumors of my death have been greatly exaggerated, but I don't have time for that. Mr. President, you must immediately stop this attack on our HQ. After some setbacks, our coup has succeeded, and I am now the new leader of the invasion force. Not all yeerks are yet aware of the change in power, and many will oppose it. But our control over the yeerk fleet and the Kandrona generators will eventually force them to side with us. To facilitate this transition and our future collaboration, I ask you to kindly cease this attack immediately.

But the president ignored my words and merely shouted while pointing at the human-controller who had brought the communicator.

Guard, seize this traitor.

Mr, I understand that this intrusion may shock you, but your overreaction jeopardizes future relations between our two (…)

As for you, vile creature, it is out of the question for us to collaborate with demons like you. This war is a trial sent by heaven from which nothing will deter me. I will only stop the offensive when we have sent you back where you came from. You want peace. Leave our territory!

I had a strong urge to shut him down with a scathing retort. But I took a few seconds to calm myself. As unpleasant and off the mark as he was, I had to keep my cool. I told myself it was normal for him to be confused and that this day must have been long and eventful for him too.

But before I could answer, the cry of a grizzly was heard and Jack arrived on the set.

Sorry sir, we couldn't stop him. Apologized the security guard who was following them closely.

If you are really Thevenin789 then tell us something that only Thévenin789 knows. Jack asked me.

When I discovered that you knew about the Yeerk, I put GHB in your orange juice to be able to take you to the pool. But if you want, I can also tell another anecdote. I replied, after noting that unlike the Yeerks, he had immediately thought of the possibility of a trap. And this, while he was supposed to belong to an inferior species. At the same time, we had done everything to make the news of my death as credible as possible, and making a close one believe in the surprise was typically the kind of cruel trap that Visser-12 liked to subject them to.

Mr. President, you can trust him. He is on our side. You can stop the offensive. Declared Jack to George Bush.

But instead of calming down, he pulled a revolver out of his pocket and pointed it at Aximili.

That's enough now. Take these freaks of nature away from here. Dissect this one and imprison the others in our high-security lab. We must discover everything we can about this morph technology.

Aximilie prepared to defend himself and I to respond when I was roughly pushed out of the communication circle.

You parody of a politician, you better not lay a finger on my son. Tom's mother shouted.

All stopped in surprise.

Mom! Are you okay? Jack asked, half crying.

Yes, and your uncle too.

But before she could add anything, a tranquilizer dart hit Jack. Through thought-speak, I sent my orders to my men. The ship-axe's artillery officer got to work, then a Hork-Bajir guard forcibly moved Mrs. Berenson aside so I could retake my place.

I snapped my fingers then, and an immense light accompanied by a noise worthy of the apocalypse filled the room. When they regained their sight, the inhabitants of the room noticed that it was now lit by sunlight. The shot had completely annihilated the bunker's roof without causing any damage to what was underneath.

Exasperated by all the events of the day, I then shouted in the direction of the president:

Listen to me carefully, you idiot, I've spent my life obeying Yeerks who sent their troops to death from the comfort of their chairs. I've spent my life lowering my eyes when, from the command center of a flagship, they accused the few survivors who, against all odds, managed to return alive, of cowardice. Now, it's over. So listen to me carefully because I won't repeat it twice. Between our two species, it was never a question of war. No more than there is a war between a pig and a butcher. Right now, a fleet with enough firepower to exterminate you in a few hours is in orbit, and our shields are strong enough to withstand any of your weapons. Your attack on our HQ is equivalent to that of a mosquito against an elephant. So you're going to stop it immediately before it persuades my people to remove me from power and infect your people without being hindered by idealists like me.

yeerk

My name is not yeerk, but Thevenin789. I interrupted Aximili violently.

Thevenin789, if I understand correctly, this primitive technology transmits everything that happens in this room to all of humanity.

I turned around and for the first time noticed the camera. I wasn't close to being able to go to sleep.

Use the weapon located in Area 51. Shouted to his men, the president who had cowered fearfully in a corner.

What is it? I asked, moderately worried.

<It's an old Andalite chamber pot> reasoned Aximili's voice in the heads of all the spectators.

In front of everyone's astonished look, he specified:

Centuries ago, Andalite ships were not equipped with waste recycling systems. So, organic waste was accumulated in containers. Once full, they were thrown at the nearest sun, but an unscrupulous captain must have discharged too far from the sun's gravity well, and the container drifted until it crashed on Earth. Given that a leak in the middle of a journey that could last several months would have been very problematic, these containers were made of very advanced materials by human standards. So when they discovered it, humans mistook it for a weapon and hid it in Area 51.

Lie. How could a simple chamber pot have killed all the men who approached the object without suits, shouted the president.

He cannot. It's just a chamber pot, explained Aximili calmly, wondering if it was another human joke he didn't understand.

Without wanting to offend you, Aximili, the same thing happened with the first Yeerks to come into contact with the Andalites. By traveling to the four corners of the galaxy, they became real nests of germs. I'm actually surprised that no Animorphs have caught something nasty from being around you.

All the men present looked at the president, uncertain of how to proceed with the events. I thought it wise to add.

Mr. President, I apologize for losing my temper. But if you do not stop this attack, I will be forced to retaliate and kill your men. Understand that despite my desire to have peaceful relations with humans, I must prove to the Yeerk that I will not put my desire for peace before their safety.

Very well. Order the ceasefire. But our troops will remain in place. Abdicated George Bush reluctantly.

That seems to me to be a good compromise. I gave in.

Spring yeerk

A week later, I was quietly working in my new office located on the ship-axe. Or rather, I was pretending to work.

For a week, I hadn't stopped and I was taking advantage of one of my rare moments of calm to reflect on everything that had happened. In fact, I thought it would be a good time to hand over control to Tom. The poor guy almost had control of his body more often before the revolution.

Indeed, the week had been a series of meetings with the leaders of the humans or the different Yeerk clans. Even confrontations. The points of contention were numerous and the situation precarious.

The France on which Jera456 had based his plan for cooperation between Yeerk and human had shown itself to be strongly hostile after learning that I had killed their president. Moreover, the new leader, a certain Jean-Luc Mélenchon, had unjustly accused me of the rest of their government's demise. The French did not want to accept that for years, they had been led by Yeerk.

But the question that created the most division was the liberation of involuntary hosts. The humans insisted on the immediate release of all hosts while most of the Yeerks did not want to abandon what they considered their property and a vital need. It was hard to blame them. Becoming deaf and blind again after knowing color was a huge sacrifice, and for the moment nothing guaranteed that we would one day find them voluntary hosts. Not to mention, of course, that I could not take the risk of thinning our troops as long as the threat of an imperial invasion loomed over our young republic. But in the meantime, suspicion towards us was spreading. More and more humans thought that we would never release the involuntary hosts unless forced to do so.

And to my great surprise, the enormous concessions made to human leaders (access to some of our technologies, release of all involuntary hosts from powerful families, percentage of future wealth created by the republic) only increased the hatred and suspicion of human populations towards us.

Fortunately, the remote negotiations with the Andalites were going rather well for the moment. To gain their trust, it was enough to announce that we had given a transport to Alloran-Semitur-Corrass (the host of the former Visser-12) so he could return to the Andalites' home planet. Apparently, they still had trouble believing that we had freed him. What did they want us to do with that old grouch? Granted, in combat, he was undeniably the best host of the Yeerk empire. However, no sane Yeerk would want to live in a host that had enough mental strength to resist Visser-12 for decades without becoming a zombie. But thinking about it since I had taken power, I was starting to wonder if my kind were sane. Why couldn't they be content with what they had? Wasn't life more pleasant since we made peace with the humans, established the republic, and ended military rule? At least for those who still had a host. And for those who didn't have to fear losing their hosts. On reflection, it's true that they had some reasons to be discontent.

I was thus lost in my thoughts while Tom went about his business (I had given him control of his body), when Jera456 burst through the doors of my quarters. Though he was the leader of the most powerful clan and my second this time, I was determined to rebuke him. The more time passed, the bolder he became. Some days, I felt like nothing more than a figurehead he tolerated only because most of the yeerks respected only strength and military talent. But before I could say anything, he shouted excitedly:

Thévenin789, a dispatch has just reached us. Everywhere in the empire the Yeerks are revolting. It's like a wave of freedom spreading everywhere. We have already received requests for affiliation with the republic.

Really? Tell them we accept immediately. No, I'll tell them myself. I said, taking control of Tom and starting to get up.

No! You will tell them that we are flattered by their request, but that we refuse them. Jera456 corrected me, suddenly serious again.

Pardon? I exclaimed.

You heard very well.

But why?

The Andalites tolerate the Yeerk republic because they think it is harmless. Do you think it will be the same when it extends over a quarter of the empire's territories?

But we cannot abandon them to their fate! If we do not ally, the planets that remained loyal to the empire will massacre them.

I'm not worried about that. The empire will have a hard time repelling the Andalites. This time, if they don't want to lose face in front of their ally and lose their position as the galactic leader, the Andalites won't be able to compromise. They will be forced to put an end to this war once and for all with a major general assault against the empire weakened by revolts. The problem is rather the reaction of the other species. Many will want to take revenge for the century of war. Others will want war reparations that will turn the Yeerks into slaves. Still, others will want to take the opportunity to exterminate the Yeerks once and for all, to eliminate any risk of the reappearance of a parasitic and expansionist empire. Not to mention the Skrit-Nad who will just want to seize our resources or abduct some of our members to put them in their damn zoo. Jera456 replied to me.

All the more reason to unite. They'll think twice before attacking us. I replied.

On the contrary. This will be a perfect excuse to declare war on us. Caught in the necessities of the conflict, the republic will be forced to restore authoritarianism, slavery, and militarism. In short, the empire, but under another name. And all this will have served no purpose. Of course, that's in the most optimistic case. The revolution has weakened us a lot. We could very well be simply crushed by the Andalites. We would then be completely at the mercy of a galaxy drunk with vengeance.

So what? We abandon them to save our own skin. Thank you for helping us defeat the empire, but we were here first? I protested.

Of course not. In any case, the earth is so rich in resources that in this scenario, there is little chance that we will be spared under the pretext that we have signed friendship treaties with the Andalites. No, what we are going to do is ask our sister republics to declare independence and form a strong alliance with a third species. Then negotiate separately a peace with the Andalites. Officially, we will declare that we will not provide any assistance to our sister republics. But unofficially, we will make it clear that if we feel the Yeerks are being mistreated, then we will unite. The negotiations will be difficult, but this threat should push them to treat us fairly.

Aren't you a bit naive? You yourself say that the Andalites are in a position of strength. Why would they bother negotiating? They just have to wipe us out. The empire was right we (...)

The empire was wrong. Andalites do not form a uniform bloc. Certainly, some are indeed supporters of Andalite supremacy who would have no qualms about exterminating us to seize our resources. But they are a minority. Others are deeply committed to peace and justice. AndBetween its two extremes, there is a majority of undecided people whose opinion swings with events. Our mission is to ensure that this ignorant mass leans in our favor. We must not give any opportunity that would allow the war supporters to turn Andalite public opinion against us. As long as we do not appear threatening and have staunch defenders among humans, then we will be safe and peace will be maintained.

Is that why you insisted so much for me to sign such advantageous agreements with the humans? I asked Jera456.

Yes. I want their leaders to take any attack against the Yeerk republic as a personal threat. As humiliating as these agreements may seem, they are a necessity. It is a bitter truth that your ancestors had to understand. To live in peace, the Yeerks must be weak and submissive. At least in appearance. Otherwise, the galaxy will never tolerate our existence.

When they understand this, many Yeerks will say that war is better and (...)

He cut me off:

This is what must have happened a century ago. The new generations will be the first Yeerks to have only known peaceful relations with their hosts and the rest of the galaxy. Moreover, they will grow up with the stories of the horrors of war. My only hope is that it changes their mentality enough that they are reluctant to such a solution. In the meantime, we must ensure that we retain power without falling into authoritarianism so that when the time comes, this new generation is not deprived of their future by a few old cronies nostalgic for a glorious past that never existed.

That's all. You don't also want us to invent cold fusion while we're at it?

I never said it would be easy. Are you starting to understand better why our leaders seemed so incompetent to you? Leading is much more complicated than most yeerks think.

Our leaders were really incompetent. But I miss the time when we just had to fight Visser-12 and his minions. Things were so simple back then. I commented dejectedly.

I wouldn't go that far. But yes, this is when the serious things start.

Tom sighed mentally at this news. First of all, I would have to find a new host. Without the threat of the empire, there was no longer any justification for keeping David prisoner, and I could not continue to take advantage of Tom's goodwill.

OooOoOo

A week later, in the senate of the Yeerk empire:

— This is simply unacceptable!Invective in galard a nightmare creature resembling a human-sized spider whose legs have been replaced by tentacles.

The human controlled by a Yeerk to whom this invective was addressed responded with authority:

— With all due respect, dear representative of the trade guild, it is only out of sheer politeness that the council of 13 has decided to inform you of its intention to start peace negotiations with the Andalites and the revolutionary movement. You have no say in how the council of 13 manages this war.

— But me, yes!A human woman's voice exclaimed forcefully before about ten armed Hork-Bajir entered the room and surrounded the representative of the Council of 13.

— What does this intrusion mean? I order you to ...

— I do not take orders from a coward and a traitor. For too long, the vissers have tolerated your incompetence. But today, to save the empire, we have no choice but to act. In the name of the emperor, I arrest you. You and your accomplices will soon be judged for attempting to betray your race to the Andalites. As for you, senator, representative of allied races, volunteer hosts, and the empire's guilds, I humbly ask you to temporarily grant me full powers and the temporary suspension of civil rights. You know all my love for the laws and ideals of the empire. It is therefore with reluctance that I ask you for this sacrilegious violation of our most fundamental principles of governance. But the salvation of the empire demands exceptional measures. Accept my request and I promise to eradicate this revolutionary tumor and push our Andalite enemies back to their home world.

The senator and leader of the trade guild Istras851 cast a critical eye at the over-armed Hork-Bajir warriors now filling the spectator boxes overlooking the senate stands. Istras851 knew that if Visser-One had wanted, he could have made this show of force discreetly. Istras851 understood the message and exclaimed:

Long live Visser-one, savior and regent of the empire.

Everyone followed him in his acclamation, except for a minority who prudently decided to remain silent. Without losing her smile, Visser-one took care to mentally note their names.

oOoOoOo

One week later:

I took a deep breath and gathered my courage. Then, resigned to my fate, I pressed Tom's finger on the fingerprint scanner. A green light came on, indicating that the security device had recognized my presence, and the door to the communication room of the ship-axe opened onto a luxurious patio. In the center of the room was a zero-space communicator, separate from the rest of the ship-axe's communication system. It was through this means that the former Visser-12 could communicate securely with the imperial capital and the council of 13 (despite the light-years of abyssal void between them). It was the most secure place in the solar system.

Well, it's about time. Do you realize what time it is? Jera456 addressed me as soon as I arrived.

Calm down. The broadcast starts in only 10 minutes.

Excuse me. Do you realize the stakes? Imagine if you had been delayed. You should have been here half an hour ago. He said, visibly nervous.

Thevenin789 had resolved to be understanding with Jera456. But now, he was crossing the line. Just because he had problems with his triple and his new host didn't mean he could speak to him like that.

Should I remind you who the President of the Republic is? I admonished.

I'm starting to wonder. You want respect, be worthy of it. He snapped. Then he continued more gently:

Sorry. How do you manage to be so relaxed? I haven't been able to sleep for a week.

Maybe it would be better if you went back to your old host and apologized for behaving like a jerk with Trista171 and Racane263?

Stop with my host. It's not crazy love between us, but what I really need is for us to find a solution to this problem. As for Trista171 and Racane263, I'm glad they eventually ended our relationship.

I am sure of the opposite and I need you to be at your best.

We already talked about it. First, my relationship stories are none of your business. Second, since you insist, what ultimately separated us is that they remained loyal to the empire. Third, I cannot afford to appear weak. People already mock me enough because of my so-called cowardice. Moreover, because of YOUR decisions in favor of those stupid humans, everything related to the distribution of hosts has become far too sensitive for me to allow myself this kind of folly. Abusing my power to take back Timothée would cause a scandal that could cost me my position. And right now, keeping my position is more important than preserving my health. This host commands respect from the Yeerks and shocks humans much less, so I have to keep it.

Jera456 decided to abandon this stupid conversation to busy himself with the communications equipment and review the notes he had compiled at the cost of many sleepless nights and over-soliciting his contacts within the empire who still agreed to talk to him.

I probably should have done the same, but I preferred to observe with a critical eye the former heavyweight boxing world champion that Jera456 currently occupied. Even I was impressed by his stature. However, I still found it ridiculous that Jera456 had abused his powers to claim him exclusively (to cope with the shortage, most hosts were now shared between several Yeerks). On paper, he was an ideal host. In addition to an incredible physical form, he had voluntarily become a host several years ago and had been rated very positively by his former Yeerks. All this promised a pleasant coexistence with his Yeerk. Unfortunately for Jera456, things were a bit more complex.

Before becoming a host, François Bortha was passionate about boxing since he was 6 years old he had sacrificed everything to try to make a name for himself and, incidentally, to make a living from it. But despite his efforts, he never managed to climb onto the podium, and the excessive constraints he imposed on his body began to degrade his health. This only further distanced the prospect of one day raising a championship belt above his head. But everything changed when he went to a food aid association run by the Yeerks.

Before the revolution, the Yeerks primarily used charitable organizations to integrate into human society and gain hosts, influence, and a means to disguise their true activities. In fact, Yeerk charitable organizations had become so entrenched in human societies that after the revolutions, the abandonment of these activities by the Yeerk republic caused food riots in many cities in the USA and Europe. But enough digression, the Yeerks in charge of the center noticed his potential and after a few days lured him into the backroom to reveal everything to him and make him an offer: If he became a voluntary host and actively helped the Yeerks recruit more hosts, then the Yeerks would use their medical technology to solve his health problems and make him the greatest boxer in human history. Understanding that despite their fine speech, they would not let him leave freely after what they had revealed to him, François Botha accepted this Faustian pact without hesitation.

The results were beyond his expectations. A month later, he became the new regional champion and two years later the new heavyweight world champion. His meteoric success and his uninterrupted winning streak made him a legend far beyond the boxing enthusiasts' circle. He became a sought-after star by TV shows and brands. And such a valuable guest for the empire that he could negotiate very pleasant living conditions (several days of freedom per week, the right to choose his Yeerk, and a private pool in his residence that spared him from having to pass by the cages of humans who had been enslaved because of him, when his Yeerk needed to feed).

But this success story abruptly ended because of the revolution. A few days after the revolution, the republic had to transmit to the human authorities the list of humans controlled by the yeerks. Initially, its presence was overshadowed by that of larger political, economic, and artistic figures. But without knowing exactly where the leak came from, his story was revealed and quickly made headlines in the media. Newspapers scrambled for testimonies from involuntary hosts who had been infected because of him. The public's reaction was as violent as it was immediate. All his titles were stripped, his sponsorship contracts were canceled, his clothing brand went bankrupt, and he became the symbol of all the real or imagined misdeeds of voluntary hosts. Then lawsuits were opened all over the world, plunging his bank account into the red,….

In short, he had lost everything, including his valuable host privileges. From now on, he was a host like the others and due to a lack of attractive prospects in human society, he could not sign up on the waiting list to become free again. Paradoxically, the liberation of human hosts had made him a prisoner of the yeerks. He had thus become much less pleasant and easygoing for his yeerks, especially for Jera456, whom he perceived as directly responsible for his problems.

All of a sudden, the holographic projector lit up and the room became a vast pit surrounded by empty bleachers overhung by a throne whose imposing stature contrasted with the pastel red color speckled with green dots that gave it the appearance of a child's toy. On this throne sat arrogantly a human displaying a cruel smile. In this weak woman's body, Visser-One seemed harmless. The temptation was great for those who had known Visser-Twelve (and his Andalite host) to underestimate him. But among the Yeerks, more than any other species, appearances should never be trusted. Visser-One was certainly very different from Visser-Twelve. In many aspects, he was his exact opposite. However, he was at least as dangerous as Visser-Twelve.

So, the traitors have enough courage to appear before me. Visser One pronounced in a harsh voice, giving us a contemptuous look.

It was very humiliating and unpleasant to have to look up to respond to a holographic projection, but I suppose that was the intended effect. Politicians and their symbols vilified Thévenin in his mind.

"Traitor" is quite an ironic word coming from you. Did you not swear loyalty to the emperor? I replied.

Lies are your only weapon as far as I can see. It is out of loyalty to my oath that I was forced to overthrow the council of 13 and compel the emperor to seek refuge. His traitors were about to agree to sign the unconditional surrender demanded by the Andalites and to recognize the autonomy of the territories fallen into the hands of the rebels in the pay of the Andalites.

Jera456 then intervened:

Visser-one, I have confirmation that the connection is secure and no one else is aware of this communication. We can speak frankly. I congratulate you on your rise to power and for managing to quell the rebellions. Although violent, your methods are undeniably very effective. However, we both know that you will have much more difficulty keeping your other promises. You will not be able to regain control of the territories lost due to the revolutions and the Andalite offensive. Your only option is to negotiate a favorable peace with the Andalites, and the Yeerk Republic of Helios could help you with that.

Your audacity is refreshing, but let me make you a counter-proposal. Betray the Andalites and deliver to me the resources of Earth, as well as all the information your new 'allies' are willing to share with you. If your cooperation allows us to repel the Andalites and reclaim some of the lost territories, then perhaps, and I do mean perhaps, I might grant you amnesty for your crimes. Refuse, and I will ensure that in a thousand years, people will still speak with horror of the painful death I would have inflicted upon you. I may not have enough resources to save the empire, but I have enough to avenge it.

We both know that your threats are in vain. Despite your recent successes, your authority is weak and your legitimacy nonexistent. A move as suicidal as diverting resources from the Andalite front to allocate them to a conquest of Earth would provide the perfect excuse that the former supporters of Visser-12 or the Council of 13 are waiting for to overthrow you. Contra calmly Jera456

And I added more aggressively:

And don't believe that we will be as easy to invade as you think. From the first day, we have been preparing for an intervention by the empire. And don't forget that we have the help of the Andalites.

The help of the Andalites. Do you really believe that? Poor naive person that you are. They will never sacrifice a drop of their blood to defend the Yeerks. And you won't make me believe that they agreed to share some of their technology with you. Replied Visser-One with arrogance.

If you try to invade us, you will find out soon enough. Was I bluffing?

I refuse to discuss such nonsense any further. Jera456, we led the first steps of the invasion of Earth together. I still don't understand what that incompetent Visser-12 did to you that pushed you to embark on such an adventure. But I urge you to come to your senses before it's too late. You know as well as I do that human leaders will be more than happy to mass-produce weapons and send their own to be slaughtered if the Yeerks give them the necessary technology. A sudden reinforcement of several billion well-equipped soldiers would allow us to turn the tide of the conflict. It's our best hope for both you and me to get out of this crisis.

Before Jera456 could reply, Marco appeared as if by magic in the center of the room.

Sorry to upset your plans, moms, but we will not let this happen.

(Mom?) I exclaimed internally.

(It is true that they look like her, but it is not possible. She drowned at sea. Marco is taking his dream for reality). Tom replied in my head.

Noticing that he didn't seem as surprised as he should be by his sudden appearance (which was followed by that of the other animorphs), I accused him:

Did you talk to them about this meeting?

They have the right to be there. Humans are just as concerned as the Yeerk.

I agree, but I had promised Jera456 to keep it confidential.

(I didn't promise anything.)

(Jera456 will give me a dressing down again) I complained, even though deep down, I was glad for his intervention. While lying to human leaders didn't bother me, I wasn't comfortable hiding things from those I now considered comrades-in-arms.

Seeing the newcomers, Visser-One announced mockingly:

Look, the son of my host and his friends accompanied by the newly promoted Andalite prince and governor of Earth: Aximili-Esgarrouth-Isthill. I don't understand what's happening, but it seems that my host is valuable to you. I expect a positive response before the end of the week and a first shipment of weapons before the end of the month. Refuse and I will feed my host to the Taxxons. She ended on a vindictive note before abruptly cutting off the communication.

Can we know what the hell is going on? Exclaimed Jera456, red with anger. But he was ignored by Jack, who asked Aximili:

How's it going, governor of the earth?

Aximili blushed, the equivalent of blushing for Andalites.

The Andalite council considers that humans are not a race evolved enough to govern themselves and is concerned about the influence the Yeerks might have on you. But it is a purely symbolic title. In any case, I am far too young to exercise such guardianship.

And why didn't you tell us anything?

I did not find the right moment.

The Andalite arrogance. I exclaimed with a small smile in the tone of: 'I told you so.'

And that goes for you too. Why didn't you tell us anything? Jack asked me.

I knew nothing about it. I'm discovering everything just like you. I kept my promise not to spy on Aximili's conversations with his people.

"As if you were technologically capable of it," said Aximili with annoyance. It had been a long time since we had such a tense conversation.

Stop both of you. You're not going to start again. Thevenin, I wasn't talking about that, but about this meeting and what's happening in the Yeerk empire, Jack clarified.

He didn't tell you about it because it's none of your business. As important as your role has been so far, you are only human children. You have nothing to do here! Jera456 replied in my place.

Thévenin, do you agree with that? Jack asked me with an accusatory look but visibly approved by the others (except for Cassie and Tobias)

I don't know, maybe. You don't agree, do you? Do you really think all this makes any fucking sense? Me leading the Yeerks and you going on TV shows to convince humans to trust the republic using your hero status.

I think you are forgetting the main point. What do we decide about Visser-one and the empire? Reasoned Tobias's voice in our heads.

We refuse and we fight, obviously. Stated Rachel.

Am I the only one who feels like this conversation should take place in Cassie's barn? Marco remarked ironically. I noticed at that moment that he seemed sadder than usual.

We procrastinate, we hesitate, and we send symbolic aid to the empire. In short, we pretend to cooperate and wait without doing anything for the empire to collapse under the assault of the Andalites and the revolts. Visser-One doesn't want to admit it, but the empire is finished. The balance of power between the Andalites and the Yeerks is now far too unbalanced. All we have to do is ensure that it doesn't drag us down with it. Retorted Jeras456. You see, that's exactly why they don't belong here, he addressed me.

Sorry, but I partially agree with Rachel. The empire is supposed to have been dead for a century, but it is still there. We cannot just wait to be slaughtered.

And when my people learn that you have maintained ties with the Yeerk empire, the princes opposed to cooperation with the peaceful Yeerk are likely to gain the upper hand, warned Aximili.

Why would he learn it? Are you planning to denounce us, Prince Aximili-Esgarrouth-Isthill? Jera456 asked insidiously.

Jera456! The timing is bad for such insinuations. I scolded him.

It's the pot calling the kettle black. Replied Jera456.

Maybe, but I have complete confidence in Aximili. And he is right.Visser-one is intelligent. It will not be possible to pretend to cooperate with him, let alone discreetly. At some point, there will be a leak. Moreover, it could very well come from Visser-one himself. For him, it would be a way like any other to force our hand.

What do you propose then? We take the handful of ships we have and our ragtag army largely deprived of hosts, then charge at the empire without sufficient logistical means to ensure fuel resupply over long distances? Criticized jera456. I didn't do all this to have to send the men into battles doomed to fail again.

Well, that is to say... I cast an awkward glance at the animorphs before continuing:

If we implanted a Yeerk in every human, we could quickly build a weapons industry and a formidable army. It would be temporary, of course. I quickly added in front of their shocked expressions.

(Thevenin, it's completely out of the question to even think about it) Tom told me.

The alternative is a permanent infestation. I reminded aloud.

Out of the question, said everyone in the room.

Including Jera456, who was offended by having to engage in open war with the empire rather than depriving humans of their freedom. To my great surprise, he was primarily a pacifist. The whole purpose of his policy was to achieve peace and prevent future conflicts. Even if it meant sacrificing the comfort and honor of the yeerks.

We must think about another solution. Said Jack.

The only viable solution is the one I propose. Insisted jera456. I admit that pretending to cooperate with the empire is risky, but we won't have to maintain the charade for long. Thevenin, I understand that because of the conditioning that all low-ranking yeerks undergo, you find it hard to admit, but the empire is fragile. Forget the nonsense that the empire's propaganda has stuffed into your head. If the empire survived a century ago, it is notNot because our species would have exceptional abilities that it would be able to mobilize in the perilous moment or other metaphysical nonsense supposed to prove the superiority of our species. If we survived a century ago, it is solely because the Andalites underestimated the Yeerks. They thought that the Kandrona famine caused by the invasion of our homeworld would be enough to kill the nascent empire. Moreover, initially, it is because of this excessive confidence in their ability to control us due to the impossibility of finding natural Kandrona on other planets that they helped us spread across the galaxy. They had not foreseen that instead of shaking the empire, the Andalites' action would unite the people around the first emperor who until then was highly contested. They then lost their first battles because they sent very small forces to confront the Yeerks. They thought we were just a disorganized band of slaves belonging to a primitive species. In their minds, there was no reason to devote significant resources to the Yeerk problem. Now, they no longer underestimate us.

You said the right words: 'he hadn't considered'. Who knows what you don't consider? For example, do you consider that the Andalites might help the empire get out of this bad situation?

Let's go? You're not going to bring up those old ridiculous conspiracy theories about the Andalites controlling both sides. Leave that to our opponents, please.

These are not conspiracy theories. I saw with my own eyes an Andalite captain try to deliver his ship to a Visser.

After Aximili's intervention, Jera456 kills himself.

After a long silence, Marco announced, trying to look strong:

The solution is to kill Visser-one.

But of course! I exclaimed. With Jera456's contacts and morphing powers, we should be able to infiltrate to the heart of the empire and kill Visser-one.

No, it is not possible Thevenin. The empire has long installed detectors that do not let the and.. through. But yes! No yeerk has ever thought to protect themselves against humans possessing the power to morph. If you also manage to free the council of 13, it would create such disorder in the empire that they would forget about us.

Let's go. Shouted Rachel with a worried look at Marco.

Wait there, we can't do that. Cassie interjected.

Cassie stop! Ordered Jack.

But does any of you realize that we are talking about killing Marco's mother?

No, I hadn't noticed. Marco yelled on the verge of tears.

Jera456 resumed without the slightest consideration for its brilliance:

In fact, there is another problem with this plan: We have no ship capable of reaching the heart of the empire quickly enough. And even less so without being detected and intercepted. Even Andalite ships are no longer capable of it.

The vessel can make the journey in a few hours and is perfectly undetectable.

Declared a voice from the back wall where the animorphs had emerged. The back wall took the form of an Android with a strangely canine design.

What is it? Thévenin! Can you tell me how this thing managed to get in here? What don't you understand in the words confidential and high-security? Jera456 asked me angrily.

But stop accusing me of everything, it's not my fault. I defended myself.

It has been 3 years, 6 months, 15 days, 15 hours, 36 minutes, and 25 seconds since I have been broadcasting everything that happens in this room on CheNet. Exactly 3.5248795 seconds ago, the ches agreed to drop your small group on the yeerks' capital planet.

All attention refocused on Marco who was surprisingly serious for once:

Stop! I especially do not want your pity. This is not the first time someone has been sacrificed. We cannot stop on the pretext that it is my mother.

Well, when are we leaving. Exclaimed Rachel to change the subject.

You are not going anywhere. I exclaimed.

Pardon? Cried Rachel.

Jera456 is right, you are just children. Your place is at school and not on a suicide mission at the other end of the galaxy. I will gather the best Yeerk commandos present on Earth and leave with them.

Everyone exclaimed at the same time in a hubbub of protest (including Jera456).

I can't believe I'm the one saying this, but if you think you can stop me from coming, you're deluding yourself. It's my mother we're talking about. Declared Marco angrily, as soon as the silence returned.

Yes, and that's an additional reason for you not to come. Do you think I haven't realized that you're hoping to find a way to free her?

By reflex, we turned to Jack. As the leader of the animorphs, he was the one who usually resolved disagreements within the group. Cassie stepped forward and discreetly took his hand to support him. Jack gave her a radiant smile and then declared:

Thévenin is right. We have no business being on a battlefield. If we did all this, it was only because there was no one else to do it. And frankly, I would be more than happy to never have to live in fear or kill innocents again. Am I the only one still having nightmares even now? If others more qualified than us can take over, then I would be happy to step aside for them.

He then let go of Cassie's hand, giving her an apologetic look, and continued in a harsher tone:

But no one can replace us. We are the only non-Andalites to possess the power to morph. Thévenin, can you tell me how you plan to reach Visser-One without morphing technology?

I don't even intend to try. But I don't see why you should remain the only humans to possess the power of morphing. Aximili, the blue box is still on Earth, isn't it?

Aximili hesitated before answering:

Yes. However, there is no way I am entrusting this technology to the Yeerks. Even less so to Yeerks heading to the capital of the empire. Our technological advancement is the only thing that allows us to envision a victory against the Yeerks.

And to continue to dominate the galaxy. Retorted Jera456.

We are not the Yeerks. We do not dominate anyone.

Of course not, great governor of the land. Jera456 replied so obsequiously that no one could doubt the irony behind his words.

It has nothing to do with it.

This debate is off-topic. Aximili. Do you realize what is at stake? I asked before their argument escalated.

Better than you. I am already nicknamed the new Serrow and even my parents... Humpf. If even my family doubts, then I dare not imagine what the Andalite princes would think of such an initiative. They are only waiting for a shift in Andalite opinion to launch a preemptive strike.

I sighed:

In this case, we have no choice. Your parents are going to kill me, but you will accompany me on this mission.

When I think that your mother was starting to look at me with less disgust. I said to Tom in my thoughts.

Do you believe that? I assure you she hasn't changed her mind about you and the fact that I am a host.

(But what is she getting involved in at the end?)

(Ben, that's my mother.)

(Yes, but you are grown up now. It's up to you to decide.)

You think it when it suits you. Since I'm an adult, are you going to let me drive now?

This is out of the question, it's far too dangerous.

But you let me drive a spaceship!

What's the connection? A spaceship isn't dangerous. Do you know the number of humans who die on the roads?

(Phew! Anyway, if you kept your promise to free me and the other humans, you wouldn't have a say.)

You know that I do everything I can for that. And then you already have Sundays off.

Thank you, my lord is too kind.

Tom, it's not funny. You know I feel bad about it.

(In any case, it's not fun to try to fool you if you can read my mind.)

You know I'm not doing it on purpose.

(You know it very well since you read my mind).

I let out a grunt before I stopped talking to him. Contrary to what he thought, I wasn't sulking. I was just meditating on the extraordinary ability some hosts have to drive their Yeerk completely crazy when they're unhappy.

And then, I had to refocus on the diatribe that Jera456 had started while I was talking to Tom. As expected, he was against my departure. Anyway, since he changed hosts, he spends his time criticizing me: Thevenin789 be more diplomatic, Thevenin789 don't be so frank, Thevenin789 don't say that on TV it's a state secret, Thevenin789 don't punch the politician who insults you.

You must be joking, I hope. You are the president of the Yeerk Republic. You cannot afford to go on a suicide mission to the other end of the galaxy. He finally concluded in a calmer and more reasonable tone.

Hey! exclaimed the Animorphs upon hearing Jera456 talk about a suicide mission (in our group only Marco was allowed to complain about how risky our plans were).

I ignored them to respond:

It is non-negotiable. A Yeerk must accompany them or they will be spotted immediately. And I doubt they are capable of trusting another Yeerk than me to help them in case of danger. And to be honest, neither do I. Most of the competent combat Yeerks on Earth have faced the 'Andalite bandits' at least once and have lost.comrades he was close to in the fights. How could he work together and trust each other after that?

But are you crazy? At the risk of repeating myself: YOU ARE THE PRESIDENT OF THE YEERK REPUBLIC OF HELIOS.

No, I am a figurehead. You are the real leader. Tom will be more than capable of playing the puppet in my place.

(I don't know how I should take it). Commented Tom.

Many would be flattered to be told they are capable of managing a state.

Contrary to what you think, you have become a very good politician.

(Here, it's me who doesn't know how I should take it.)

You underestimate yourself. Even if it's with a style... let's say inimitable, you increasingly influence decisions. And to my great surprise in general, you often influence them in the right direction. In any case, a leader is much more easily replaceable than a figurehead. If I disappeared, you could easily replace me. There is no shortage of motivated and competent yeerks. But imagine if you don't come back and the deception is revealed?

If this mission is a failure, then we will have plenty of other sources of concern. I replied.

It's fine, I give up. You are definitely the most stubborn and unreasonable yeerk in the galaxy. Sighed Jera456.

Well, at the risk of repeating myself, when are we leaving? Rachel asked.

It is necessary to wait at least two days. We cannot postpone Thévenin's next meeting with the new French government.

We are leaving right away. Every minute counts. I exclaimed then. To Tom's great amusement, who knew how much I hated his meetings. Then Tom realized he would probably have to attend in my place. This made all his amusement disappear.

The Android then declared:

The ship is docked at dock 4 of the ship-hatch. I know it is confusing for organics to open an airlock to what looks like empty space, but the camouflage of our ship must remain activated so that the other Yeerks continue to ignore our existence. As usual, Ches will go to your parents to play your role and prevent anyone from becoming suspicious. And don't forget that everything designed by the Permalites is incapable of the slightest violence. If you fight inside the ship or attempt to use it to harm another living being, then the ship will neutralize you without harming you and eject you to the nearest habitable planet. And this includes acts of self-defense.

I am going to get David. In the meantime, take them to acquire willing humans. Being able to change faces will surely be useful to them. Preferably adults. I asked Jera456.

Isn't there another way? Cassie asked.

She was the only one with me to feel pity for David's fate and to be relieved at the prospect of his upcoming release.

Yes. One of you could agree to be infested by me.

All shuddered with fear.

Thévenin, you know we like you, but please never mention that possibility again. Jack asked me with the agreement of the whole group.

Trip

A few minutes later, I entered David's ear, dreading his reaction when I explained the reason for my visit.

Towards the end of the revolution, he had started to accept my presence, convinced that our victory meant he could soon reunite with his parents and return to his previous life. However, things did not go as planned. First, after the revolution, we quickly discovered that David's parents were no longer on Earth. Visser-12 had concluded from my appearances in his body alongside the 'andalite bandit' that David had used the blue box to acquire the power to morph during the brief period it was in his possession. Then he had ultimately chosen to join the andalites in their fight to prevent the invasion of Earth. As a result, he decided to send David's parents and the yeerks controlling them to another planet in the empire, to prevent the andalites from freeing them and to keep a potential leverage over David.

To say that David had not reacted well to this news was an understatement. After that, he flatly refused to obey any of our requests, including the one to give up the morphing power by becoming the Nothlit of a human who looked like him. Today, I was glad he made that choice, but at the time it led to an unpleasant discussion with the Animorphs about what we should do with him. Ultimately, we decided that it was too dangerous to release him from his cage until he had given up his powers. But that meant keeping him prisoner while hiding his existence from humans (they would never have tolerated us imprisoning a human child). One might have thought it would be child's play after doing the same while hiding from the Yeerk empire. However, hiding anything while all our actions were scrutinized by hundreds of cameras and paparazzi proved to be much more difficult than expected.

So, the larva, need muscle? Humans have finally figured out who you really are, and you need me to take out those animorph bastards? David asked me hopefully.

(No, this time, our target is Visser-One)

(What?) he exclaimed as his skull filled with fear hormone at the foul smell.

You understood well. Many things have changed since the last time I took you out of your cage. Visser-One and his supporters have taken power through a coup d'état and have bloodily suppressed all rebellion movements within the empire. And now his gaze is on Earth. We are leaving for the Yeerk planet to stop him before he launches an invasion.

After his explanations, he remained silent for a few minutes before declaring:

Why are you doing this? Don't you understand that all these killings are useless? All you will achieve by being stubborn is getting yourself killed. We are just grains of dust, completely powerless to influence the course of events.

(How can you continue to believe that after everything we've done?) I asked him, stunned.

You managed to convince a bunch of fools to follow you in your delusion, but the fun is going to end soon. You know as well as I dothat we have no chance of resisting the Yeerk empire. Please give up and let's hide somewhere to enjoy life as much as we can.

(Even if I wanted to, my dependence on Kandrona prevents me.)

On this last word, I made the secret sign to Tom indicating that everything was fine, and he left to interfere as he always did when he had to help me take control of David against his will. As for me, I headed towards the airlock indicated by the che. I ignored David's cry of protest and opened it onto what looked like outer space. Then I took a step. It was really intense to walk in the middle of what seemed to be interstellar void (but each breath proved to me that it was only an illusion).

Finally, I crossed an invisible barrier and found myself inside what seemed to be a gigantic ship. The corridor was large enough for several elephants to pass through comfortably, and a soft light was diffused from lamps located on the ceiling. In fact, it was more than just soft. I was so surprised that for a few seconds, I lost control of David, who tried to escape. As impossible as it may seem, these lamps did more than just light up the room. They seemed to supply me with Kandrona constantly, even while I was in my host. This defied all the laws of physics.

I regained my senses and moved forward until I came across a vast meadow filled with grass, with a gigantic tree in the center that reached up to the ceiling made of a transparent surface from which one could observe that tiny but fascinating blue sphere that was the Earth. I quickly spotted the 5 animorphs leaning against the base of the tree. Aximili had remained aboard the Yeerk ship since his presence with us would only trigger the surveillance systems of the Yeerk Empire.

Since you're here, we can leave. Said Jack.

Immediately, I felt a very slight jolt. I looked up at the sky and noticed that the earth had been replaced by a huge white trail. The ship had started and was now sailing at an incredible speed through interstellar space without even needing to go into zero space.

For the umpteenth time, I reflected that we were lucky that the ches were programmed to be peaceful. However, for the first time, I began to question their creator, the permalites:

How come a permalite ship contains Kandrona generators? I asked out loud.

According to the AI heads of the permalite ship, they analyze the races approaching the vessel, then modify their structure to be as welcoming as possible. Cassie replied.

Why did they do that? I understand that he is peaceful, but they must have realized that the other races were not like them and that it was not a good idea to invite them onto their ship.

Unfortunately not. According to the ches, they were totally incapable of imagining that one could be violent. Their only goal in life was to play and find new play partners. When they realized that despite all their efforts, the other races did not want to play with them, they withdrew to their planet and built the ches. Not to have slaves, but to have additional companions. Cassie explained.

Couldn't we go hide on their planet instead of going to get killed by the Yeerks? With them, you wouldn't have to fear dying from Kandrona starvation anymore. Suggested David in a pleading voice.

What happened to the permalites? How come neither the yeerks nor the andalites have heard of them?

They were exterminated several thousand years ago, Rachel said sadly.

This news made me surprisingly sad. Maybe David was right and in the end, our fight was in vain? If even the Permalites, with their incredible technology, were not able to create a little corner of peace, then what chance did we have? Then I pulled myself together. A soldier who starts to doubt is a soldier who already has one foot in the grave. If there is one thing these years of fighting have taught me, it is that it is impossible to know in advance the outcome of a battle and that even the most powerful armies will eventually be defeated. Given their technological development, the Permalites probably lived millions of years of peace and prosperity before experiencing the inevitable fate of all races in the universe. If my fight allowed the Yeerk Republic of Helios to live in peace for even a tenth of that period, then my fight would have been worth it.

I sat down beside them, then Jack threw me a chocolate bar.

Well, this is what the Permalite ship considers suitable food for humans. The cupboards are filled with candy and chocolate. Fortunately, the trip won't last several days.

I unwrapped the candy to find that they were even more delicious than the ones found on Earth. Even David let out a sigh of pleasure.

So how's the Yeerk capital? Tobias asked, landing on a branch of the tree next to me.

I don't know. I've never set foot there. In fact, it's the first time I'm going to a planet entirely controlled by the Yeerk.

Really? How is that possible? Asked Cassie.

I was born in the pool of a warship of a parent condemned to reproduction, then my litter was raised by their former sergeant. Then, I ...

Wait, how is reproduction a punishment? And what happened to your parents for you to be entrusted to their sergeant? Jack interrupted me.

The Yeerks die during reproduction. You didn't know that?

Everyone looked at me awkwardly. Except Marco, who came close to my ear, his mouth still covered in chocolate, to ask me:

And how does masturbation work with the Yeerks?

I blushed to my ears and chose to walk away without trying to find out if the question was serious (while getting closer to the big pile of sweets jealously guarded by Tobias) and continued:

In short, from my childhood, I was destined to be a soldier and as soon as I reached the age, I was shuffled from ship to outpost according to the needs of the empire. I was never stationed on a planet of the empire.

Do you have any brothers and sisters? Where are they? asked Cassie.

Like all yeerks. When 3 yeerks reproduce, they give birth to a litter of 30 to 60 larvae. My litter sisters and childhood friends are almost all dead after a few months of fighting.

All seemed saddened upon hearing this:

Have you really never known anything else? Cassie asked.

Like most Yeerks of my rank. The only time I was able to leave the battles was when Jera456 pulled strings for me to join the empire's commando program. He said I had talent and that it would allow me to escape the front line. Yeah right, he just wanted to buy my silence for the time I caught him botching the invasion of Gladuis8. Anyway,It was a complete failure and I was sent back to the front as a simple soldier, until my officer managed to get rid of me by assigning me to the invasion of Earth. It’s the only good decision that idiot made in his life.

You really had a rotten life. How come you failed the commandos? You're pretty good at combat. Much more than most yeerks. Rachel asked from the branch of the tree where she had managed to climb, I don't know how.

You should not judge the value of the Yeerk soldiers based on the sample you encountered on Earth. The worst ones are assigned there. In the capital, the soldiers will be much more formidable. But my talent was not at fault. At the time, I was a little jerk filled with anger. I was mad at the whole world for what had happened to the rest of my litter. I kept fighting with the other Yeerks or talking back to my superiors. Moreover, since for once I was assigned to a calm area, my jerk superiors decided to impose Ket's first insemination.

Ket! What Ket? exclaimed Jack.

Well, Ket Halpak. My former Hork-Bajir host.

"Are you Ket's former Yeerk?" Tobias asked.

Yes, she never told you? Why do you think I took so much risk to help him escape?

Their gaze turned to the branch where Tobias had perched and started teasing Rachel while she continued her acrobatics. He was by far the animorph who spent the most time with the free Hork-Bajir. Especially since Rachel had urged him with the subtlety of an elephant charge to take on a permanent human form.

She rarely talks about her former Yeerk, or even her years of servitude, but I would never have made the connection with you. Reasoned Tobias's voice, tinged with restrained anger towards me.

I can well imagine what that ungrateful person says about me. Even back when she belonged to me, she didn't hesitate to insult me. I defended myself angrily.

Seeing their reaction, I told myself it was better to calm down and return to my story.

In short, having to live in a pregnant Hork-Bajir is really uncomfortable. But once she gave birth, I had a brief period of respite. She was willing to do anything for me to let her see and take care of her son. And it wasn't easy to do this without anyone noticing that I was letting her have control. Or at least no one who would report me. But it was worth it. For the first time, we started to have the beginnings of a good understanding. But when her son was infested and then killed in battle, she became unbearable. And when she was re-inseminated two days later, ... I don't want to talk about it.

You can't blame him.

Sorry! But what could I do about it? How was it my fault? On the contrary, I hadn't stopped warning her and telling her not to get attached. No matter how much I explained to her, she didn't want to listen to reason and continued to hold me responsible for doing nothing. And after all her drama, she had the nerve to ask me to take her to see her son's body before it was sent for recycling.

BOOM! Rachel had ended up falling and she asked me while rubbing her back:

You accepted at least.

Of course not. He was dead. What could it have possibly changed for her to see him? I wasn't going to risk getting caught just for that. Especially after everything she dared to do to me.

Oh yes, I imagine, it must have been horrible to be under his influence. Marco commented, giving me a dark look before starting to make fun of Rachel again for her fall.

Are you being sarcastic or are you serious? I asked him after a moment.

Guess?

What would you have done in my place?

He was about to reply when all six of us thought of the same thing. He was at that very moment faced with a similar choice and, like me, he had embarked on the path of pragmatism. And contrary to what one might think, it was not the easiest choice. By what right would he blame me for sacrificing Ket's feelings to preserve my safety, when he himself was about to sacrifice his mother? Some would say that unlike me, his sacrifice would benefit everyone. But that didn't change the fact that he was ashamed of being cold enough to do it.

Embarrassed, we looked away.

Let's talk about a lighter subject. Why are you avoiding the French? I've never seen you run away so fast, not even when we had Visser-12 on our tail. And you two, stop your nonsense! Jack ordered in the direction of Rachel, who had jumped on Marco to put him in an arm lock.

The taxxons need 100 kilos of meat per day. To give you an idea, that's the annual consumption of an American. Previously, their rations were provided by the empire from planets dedicated solely to raising their food. Now, they have to be fed from Earth's resources, but they don't accept just any meat. American industrial meats disgust them. Apart from humans, the only terrestrial food that suits them are pasture-raised cattle. However, the only countries that produce them massively are France and Argentina. As a result, the republic buys all their meat regardless of the price, and the French can no longer afford to buy any, which creates strong discontent. If you add to that the fact that I killed their former president and they are convinced that I also killed their Prime Minister, my relations with the French are not at their best. I explained to them.

You killed their president!!!! They all exclaimed.

Don't talk to me about it, Jera456 keeps blaming me for it. Me, I'm a soldier, not a diplomat. When someone pisses me off, I kill them, I don't negotiate.

Awkward silence

Their president was controlled by the Yeerk who kidnapped your parents. I had to kill him during the revolution.

An even greater discomfort settled between us and we remained silent for the rest of the journey. They too had killed many humans during their resistance operations, but it was a subject they still did not dare to broach. I respected that. I had gone through that stage myself. Killing is never trivial, even when it involves an enemy.

Finally, everyone except David who chose this moment to taunt me:

(I have the impression that they discovered you were just a little hypocrite.)

Not understanding what he meant, I replied wearily:

(If it's still about your parents, I've already explained to you a thousand times that I can't do anything)

I'm not talking about that, but since you're bringing it up again, do you often make promises that you know perfectly well you can't keep? That's how you managed to convince that fool Tom to cooperate with you.

You don't know what you're talking about. And I will soon keep my promise to free Tom.

(Yes, of course, you're just waiting for there to be peace in the galaxy. It won't be long to wait. Tell me what you'll do when that fool realizes you never intended to set them free? He might become much more, ... what term did you use again, oh yes: uncomfortable. For you, we're just objects, like clothes with a consciousness. At best, pets. You know how I know? Because if I were in your place, I would do the same.)

You are young, too young. Humans your age have not yet developed the areas of the brain dedicated to empathy. In fact, if you were a Yeerk, your state of brain development would be considered too weak to be allowed to obtain a host. As you grow, you will change. Or you will become a psychopath, I added realistically.

It's, it puts me to sleep with your beautiful words. In the meantime, tell me, why did you rebel for Tom and his #*$ & !! animorphs and not for this Ket?

The situation was different.

(In what?)

(Uh, well, it's ….)

It seemed obvious to me but impossible to find a conclusive argument. I remained silent. Which he interpreted as confirmation:

You see, you are totally hypocritical. You have no more empathy than I do. It's just that the animorphs had power, whereas Ket did not. You may have managed to make all those fools dripping with good intentions believe that you were acting in the name of morality, but we both know that the only reason is that you saw in them an opportunity to acquire supreme power over your peers. I have a deal to propose to you. Promise me that the day you betray them, I will be present to see them die. In return, I will try to be less 'uncomfortable.'

(Being locked up alone in your cage for so long really didn't do you any good). I felt guilty.

No, seriously. Who could have predicted? You're not going to try to make me believe again that you have regrets. I can imagine that that fool Cassie really regrets it, but you?

I stopped responding to his jabs and fueling this sterile discussion and instead, I thought about Ket.

The difference was obvious. The Hork-Bajirs had nothing to do with humans. Providing us with their bodies was the least the Hork-Bajir could do in exchange for our protection. And it wasn't that seer Hork-Bajir that would convince me otherwise. Still. If I didn't know it was impossible, I would have sworn that Ket had given birth to a seer just to annoy me.

In any case, even if she was already managing to stand up to Aximili (intellectually speaking), she was still young and did not want to accept that she was an extremely rare genetic anomaly. One day, she would understand that her race must remain the slave of the Yeerks. That the Hork-Bajirs are incapable of taking care of themselves.

But I thought again about the suffering endured by my host. Maybe if we succeeded in this mission, we could allow the Hork-Bajir to be free of their Yeerk for several hours a day. And above all, replace the Hork-Bajir breeding program with their liberation after 20 or 30 years of service on lands purchased by the republic. Even without the intervention of the Yeerks, they would reproduce sufficiently.

It would undoubtedly be extremely generous and bordering on unreasonable. So why couldn't I stop thinking about what Tom would think of it?

I was saved from my dark thoughts by a beep indicating that we were approaching our destination. We rushed to the large bay window (which was actually an extremely realistic hologram of a window looking outside). I had never been there, but I immediately recognized the planet from having seen it multiple times in propaganda brochures. Before my eyes stretched a brown globe from which gigantic megastructures emerged like the spikes of a hedgehog, composed of towers in variegated colors whose tops almost brushed the surface of the nearest of the two moons. These towers were connected by a multitude of corridors and platforms that seemed to have grown anarchically against them, like parasites threatening to make them collapse. No doubt, this was the capital planet of the Yeerks.

oOoOoOo

Author's note: Well yes, Thévenin remains a Yeerk. He has been indoctrinated since childhood with the idea that the Hork-Bajir are barely intelligent and natural slaves. Then he himself had to treat a Hork-Bajir like dirt for decades. Making him treat humans as equals is already borderline, if we want to respect the universe of the books, so I can't make him a woke with pink hair either (not that I'm not tempted). For me, Altran and his friends are an exception in the books.

Otherwise, those who don't know Animorphs might accuse me of being a bit sadistic with Marco, that this plot comes out of nowhere, or that his reaction isn't realistic. It so happens that in volume 30, Marco has the opportunity to kill Visser-3 and Visser-One. In the name of the group's and humanity's well-being, he chooses to sacrifice his mother. In the following volume, Jake has to choose between killing his brother or endangering the group. He makes the opposite choice (even though he is the leader and is supposed to set an example). In both cases, the plot saves them from having to follow through with their choice, but I think what the author wanted was not to make his characters suffer, but to create the conditions for the conversation between Jake and Marco that concludes this diptych opposing Marco's pragmatic approach and Jake's more humane one (and which I won't spoil for you).

In any case, no, this plot and Marco's reaction do not come out of nowhere. It is present (in another form) in the original work. Including it was mandatory if I wanted to respect the source material to a minimum. But I admit that I only remembered this little detail at the end of the writing and had to include it somewhat hastily.

The capital of the Yeerk

Okay, how do we settle down? Asked Rachel.

What we really need to know is where we land. How are we going to find Visser-One in this giant anthill? commented Tobias.

He must be somewhere in the administrative sector. Knowing the ego of the visser, he might have even settled in the imperial palace. I replied.

Who is there?

Somewhere at the equator, on a gigantic platform located near the surface and surrounded by towers equipped with laser defense systems and state-of-the-art detectors. That's all I know. I specified.

Okay. Ship, can you descend and circle the equator while staying as far away from the towers as possible? Jack asked. But nothing happened.

What it was worth trying. He justified himself.

Right away, we heard what sounded like a childish giggle in our brain, then the ship moved, and additionally, the bay window started displaying zooms on the surface. After 3 turns, Cassie exclaimed:

There, look.

Immediately, the 4 pixels she pointed at enlarged, and we could see a large luxurious construction on a platform several hundred meters from the toxic marshes that covered most of the planet. Around this construction was a magnificent garden made up of the most beautiful plants of the Yeerk empire, including the very rare exolia4 trumpet (which was a small tree less than a meter tall producing ball-shaped purple leaves). But the splendor of this park was spoiled by the presence of an immense metallic sphere that covered a third of its area. Its distinctive shape indicated to me that it was the control sphere: Visser One's personal ship. Legend has it that its distinctive shape was due to Visser One's desire to optimize the efficiency of the shield projectors and to be able to maneuver very easily in all directions. In any case, it was reputed to be the ship with the best defenses in the Yeerk empire. It is even said that it is capable of withstanding the shots of an Andalite world-ship without flinching.

No doubt, this is the place. Ship, land discreetly in the imperial garden without being detected, ordered Jack.

<It would be fun, but I might hurt the occupants of those shuttles>. Reasoned a childish voice with canine accents in our head. At the same time, the many highways filled with delivery drones and warships that dotted this part of the planet's sky were highlighted in red.

Vessel, it's a matter of life or death. Can't you try? Jack insisted.

Sorry to hear such sad news, but my programming strictly forbids me from risking the life of another sentient being. Here is the nearest area where I can land.

Immediately, a large area located about 300 kilometers to the north was highlighted in yellow. It was one of the many brown spots scattered across the celestial body that had been deliberately left free of any construction, to allow the planet to retain the minimum biosphere necessary for it to remain habitable.

At what altitude can you descend to the maximum and hover? I asked.

If the traffic remains under current conditions, I can descend to a minimum of 50 km from the surface. Below that, the traffic is much too dense.

Too high for us to go out in the form of a bird. Commented Tobias, who had perfectly grasped my thought.

We could jump and transform into a bird once we reach a sufficiently low altitude. Jack proposed.

You are crazy, it's way too risky. I jumped.

We've already done it. Declared Jack nonchalantly.

He forgets to say that this time we didn't all voluntarily jump out of that damn helicopter. Are you starting to understand that they are completely crazy? Let's get out of here before they manage to get us killed. In this ship, we could live like kings. You wouldn't even need to leave my body. David pleaded with terror.

With his permission, I explored his memories to see what he was talking about and I had to suppress a violent urge to slap Jack when I saw the kind of suicidal plan they usually followed. Good god, didn't these kids have any survival instinct?

Instead, I objected, convinced that it would be easier to change his mind with rational arguments:

But we would no longer have any way to return.

Unless we steal one of his shuttles, he added.

And how do you plan to steal a shuttle? We don't even know where it is or what the security measures are. It's a high-security area, I remind you. There must be all sorts of guns ready to shoot us down in mid-flight as soon as its disappearance is discovered. I understand you want to finish quickly, but a few kilometers in the form of a bird is not that big of a deal.

In the form of a bird perhaps, but on foot, that's another story. He replied.

Why on earth would you want to walk that distance? I asked exasperatedly.

Jack, the mission comes first. Marco replied in a harsh tone.

I then understood that it was not the going, but the return that he wished to be able to do in human form. He wanted to try to capture Visser-One and bring him back to the ship to force him to release Marco's mother. If we landed at such a distant location, even by stealing a shuttle, our chances of succeeding were considerably reduced.

The gravity and atmosphere of this planet are probably different from those of Earth. Ship, can you calculate the maximum altitude a falcon can reach here? Cassie asked.

2198 meters maximum, but the traffic is too dense for it to be fun to fly in this area.

Where is the closest place where you can stay at an altitude of 2000 meters? She asked.

An area located just 70 kilometers away appeared in yellow.

Very well. We make the journey in bird form from there. Not forgetting to note landmarks to find our way back to the ship. Once there, we go with a classic plan. We acquire some insects living on the planet, transform into one of them, then latch onto a guy heading to the palace. Once inside, we find another quiet corner to demorph before the two-hour limit, then change into a cockroach to explore the place through the air vents. As soon as we find Visser-one, we split into two teams. One will follow him until finding the right moment to abduct him while the second will look for a way to grabone of its shuttles. No one separates from the group or acts without consulting the others through thought. If separated, meet at the ship tomorrow at noon at the latest. Jack declared solemnly.

Yes, supreme leader. Marco joked while giving a military salute.

And if we have an opportunity to kill him or we can't find a way to steal a shuttle quickly enough. I asked so that things would be clear from the start.

He looked at Marco, embarrassed:

<Then we will have to kill her.> Tobias declared to spare Jack from having to give that order.

oOoOoOo

"I'm starting to get tired," declared Cassie.

"One more effort, I'm sure we'll find it," said Rachel.

<I too am starting to reach my limits and I have more experience than you. We need to take a break. Anyway, if we continue, we risk exceeding the two-hour limit.> Tobias declared, glancing at the tiny watch attached to his paw. In the absence of Aximili, one of us had to wear one, to be able to measure our time in morph.

We land near the tower with the closest entrance and demorph, ordered Jack without further comment.

I said nothing, but I was relieved by this decision. Initially flying in the atmosphere of this low-gravity planet turned out to be a true pleasure. We weren't flying, we were levitating. Before the arrival of the empire, this celestial body must have been a paradise for all kinds of flying species (which probably hadn't been able to adapt to the appropriation of the sky by the various machines of the empire).

However, I had started to become disillusioned when halfway through, a violent pain seized me. I felt as if I were being pierced from all sides with a knife. I screamed with all my might and lost control of my flight and began to fall. In a final surge of consciousness, I flapped my wings to escape the area and suddenly everything disappeared. I stabilized my altitude and looked around to see that the other animorphs seemed to have undergone a similar experience.

What happened? asked Rachel

"I don't know, but something tells me we better turn back..." I replied.

"It looks like the security setup that visser-3 had put in place around the Mariot hotel," added Tobias.

You're kidding, it's nothing like that. Visser-12's device hurt a lot less. That's it, I've officially gone crazy. I'm starting to miss that evil larva. Objected Marco.

Maybe, but Tobias is right. We must be dealing with a similar device. A weapon or force field must inflict this pain on anything flying without authorization in the area. Thévenin, any idea on how to detect and avoid it?

Not the slightest.

Well, we take a wide detour and try to approach the palace again.

But each time we were stopped by the same barrier of pain. It seemed impossible to get too close to the imperial palace from the air. Once on the ground, I demorphed and savored the silence in my head. These sessions of pain had at least had the positive effect of tiring David enough for him to stop haranguing me or trying to betray the Animorphs. Although it would have been more accurate to say that they had traumatized him. But it wasn't the right time for my thoughts to drift.In that direction (no matter what he says, I had no choice but to make him go through that).

Is everyone okay? Jack asked once the last of us had demorphed (except Tobias whose natural form was a hawk).

Yuck, it stinks. Complained Rachel, trying to keep her balance on one of the few rocks painfully emerging from the stagnant water of the swamp where we were all wading barefoot (none of us had found a way to keep our shoes during the transformation).

I think it's sulfur. It stinks, but apparently, it's not dangerous. Cassie declared.

We would still do better not to linger. The capital is known for its toxic swamps. I said.

Charming. You could say that the Yeerks have taste in choosing their world. Marco commented.

First, we didn't choose anything at all, we took what we were allowed to have after the Andalites drove us from our home world. Second, the more hospitable planets of the empire are primarily intended for the breeding of food for the Taxxons and our other hosts (and also as vacation spots for the highest-ranking Yeerks, but I won't mention that). Third, our planets may not be as beautiful as Earth, but at least we respect them. I fumed.

Calm down. I know everyone is tired, but we're all on the same team, in case you forgot. Stop Jack immediately.

Sorry. Marco apologized. It was just a remark to lighten the mood.

It's okay, I shouldn't have gotten upset just because of a bad joke. I apologized in turn.

Hey, that was supposed to be an apology. Marco complained with a smile.

Marco, you will have to admit the horrible truth. Your jokes are atrocious. Rachel teased him as usual.

If even Princess Xena is siding with the Yeerks now, replied Marco.

Fine. I suggest we go inside and from now on, we continue on foot. Any objections? Jack interrupted them.

"Humans, won't he risk being noticed?" Tobias asked.

No. Millions of humans have been deported to the four corners of the empire to serve as hosts. They are still rare, but it shouldn't seem strange to see them in the capital. In any case, the empire has enslaved so many different species that no yeerk can claim to know them all. On the other hand, in his bird form, Tobias is likely to attract attention. I replied.

Immediately, Tobias began to change to take on the appearance of a young brown-haired boy the same age as Jack. And we passed through the airlock where we had the unpleasant surprise of having to undergo a scan. After a few anxious minutes, the inner door of the airlock opened and a voice declared in Galard (the common galactic language):

No Andalite detected. No weapon detected. Eradication of unknown pathogens completed. You are authorized to enter block568. May the Kandrona be gentle with you.

We can go. I explained.

We entered a vast steel corridor with a neglected appearance, scattered with dwellings and depots where the inhabitants came to help themselves to various objects and provisions for their host. The further we went, the more I asked myself questions.Already, I did not understand why everything looked so dilapidated. We were in the center of the most powerful empire in the galaxy, for heaven's sake. I expected the interior to be as flamboyant as the majesty of its incredible constructions suggested, as smooth and flawless as if it had just been built. At certain moments, we even had to slalom barefoot between puddles of a liquid that I hoped was only water.

But over time, I stopped looking at the places with a critical eye to focus on the inhabitants. Contrary to what I hoped, we did not go unnoticed. The crowd, composed of various species of which I recognized only half, turned as we passed and gave us threatening looks. To accentuate this distressing atmosphere, all seemed more or less maimed. Among the species I recognized, I did not see one without a hand or tentacle replaced by a prosthesis or that did not bear a hideous scar.

We continued to walk along the main avenue, doing our best to ignore them until the path opened onto a huge intersection with a large basin in the center, from which an intense light emanated from the ceiling. We had arrived at the Yeerk pool of this sector. All along were various aliens whose heads were encased in collars forcing them to keep their heads in the water. Some were crying and screaming, but most were resigned to their fate. We hastily turned back, trying to ignore what, even without understanding the language, we all interpreted as cries for help, when a crippled Hork-Bajir blocked our way.

— So the high-ranking officers. Our pool is not good enough for you. You know, I'm not sensitive, but my friends might take it the wrong way.Threatens him in reward.

As soon as 3 gedds equipped with knives looking menacing and a sirtlin (a kind of giant serpent with 4 arms) emerged from the shadows and surrounded us.

What do they want from us asked Cassie.

(That's it, we're going to die.), shouted David in my head.

I have no idea, but they'll see what she's drinking, we're warming up. Declared Rachel as she began her transformation into a grizzly.

Rachel, stop. The Yeerks must not know we are here, Jack ordered. Thévenin is trying to negotiate.

You are mistaken. We are just lost soldiers.I was explaining, but the Hork-Bajir Controller interrupted me.

Yeah, that's it. Take us for fools. You thought you could strut around the underworld with your human hosts without consequences. Apparently, it's true what they say. The higher up in the hierarchy you go, the more stupid you become. But you're lucky, we're not looking for trouble. Just to improve our daily life. Head gently towards the pool and maybe we'll leave you a host on the edge of the pool so you can return to your sector. There's no reason we should have to settle for a host damaged by war, when some use their privilege to grant themselves luxurious hosts at the expense of our soldiers.

Replied the Hork-Bajir while showing his blade. Meanwhile, the others started to laugh wickedly.

I don't know what you told them, but it didn't seem to convince them.

They want to steal our hosts. Apparently, humans are very valuable. I believe we won't be able to avoid a fight. I explained to them.

Rachel begins to transform you into your most powerful form. The others, move in a way to hide her as long as possible. Thévenin keeps them waiting. Ordered Jack.

The talking is over. We're starting to get impatient. If you want to chat, do it in a way that we can benefit from it.

Please wait. We will obey you. It's just that my friends don't speak Galard, so I have to translate your instructions for them and get them to agree.

What do you mean, he doesn't speak Galard? Where did you say you came from again?

Before I could make up for my blunder, a siren wailed and the corridor suddenly emptied of all the inhabitants.

— Damn the militia. You're lucky, you slackers. But we'll meet again.

He said before fleeing. Just after, two shuttles arrived in the corridor and suddenly pointed immobilizing rays in all directions. Fortunately, I was able to dodge them and hide in a dark corner with the others. Unfortunately, this was not the case for Rachel, who now sported a disgusting appearance halfway between a grizzly and a human (not very effective for running). Nevertheless, she did not look out of place in the incoherent group of aliens that had been randomly caught by the ray (including one of the Gedd who had tried to rough us up).

— The administrative zone has undergone several attempted intrusions by air. The perpetrators are suspected of having entered block568 without authorization. For your safety, please cooperate with the authorities.Shouted a voice coming from the militia shuttle.

We have to go save Rachel. Shouted Tobias, ready to rush at the vehicle.

— What are you up to, you clowns? Don't you think you've already caused us enough trouble? Stop your nonsense, or the militia will be the least of your worries.Said the leader of the gang, putting his blade under Tobias's throat, who swallowed. Despite the heaviness of his Hork-Bajir, he had managed to sneak up behind us without me noticing anything.

— Are you going to let your friend be arrested without doing anything?

— He will get out quickly. We've been caught so often that we know the prison guards better than our assigned handlers.Ironisa is the Hork-Bajir controller.

— My friend will not have that chance. When they discover her identity, she will be sent directly to the dungeons of Visser-one.

I am beginning to understand. You are fugitives. Maybe even members of the Council of 13.He said with a covetous look in our direction.

— Not exactlyI said as I expertly pulled out the miniature Draco ray gun that I had carried attached to my falcon legs, then hidden in my underwear.

Phew! That's pro gear. Okay, slackers. Their shuttle is protected by a shield, but it's weaker at the back. If you wait for their shuttle to turn around to shoot at them, then you should be able to immobilize it. If you do that, my guys and I can jump on them. You stay back and cover us with your toys. Your fragile hosts would only get in the way.

Why would you want to help us?

Being able to take down an imperial is already a good reason. And as you said, I can't let them take my corassan without trying something. But don't get me wrong. It's just a fair exchange. If I see you on my territory again, I'll kill you. Is that clear?

Clear. I replied.

Listen, we might still have a chance to stay discreet. Our friends are going to attempt an assault. Let them get killed in our place and only transform if they fail. I explained to the animorphs.

(A plan worthy of a traitor) commented David in my head.

(I would have thought you would approve of any plan to avoid putting your precious body in danger)

I'm not saying otherwise. I'm just highlighting that despite all your fine speeches, you're no better than me.

(I never said otherwise. It's rather Jack and the others that should be convinced. If you hadn't tried to kill them, he would probably be more receptive to your arguments.)

(I consider that they started first)

(It is a bold interpretation of the events. And you know it perfectly well.)

(As you can read my thoughts, you also know that I...)

Enough! I need to concentrate. If you really care about life, then be quiet until we are out of trouble.

(That's exactly what I wanted to talk to you about. You forced me to risk my life for your cause, and then you complain that I resist.) Nevertheless, after this last objection, he fell silent again.

I took aim and waited. I held my breath as the shuttle entered the alley opposite ours in search of a new target. But its occupants had long since taken shelter inside the buildings or fled. Once it had passed us, I aimed and fired continuously until I emptied my magazine, trying to ignore the horrible noise of the impacts that would surely attract reinforcements. When I finally looked up, it was to witness a nightmare scene. The shuttle, deprived of its shields, was being stormed not only by our attackers but also by all the residents of the alley who seemed to have spontaneously joined them. They managed to tear off one of the metal doors and extract an alien in uniform who was torn to pieces by the vengeful crowd. Then one of them must have managed to reach the controls, as suddenly the tracking beam that was keeping the raid's victims paralyzed deactivated and the prisoners began to flee.

Tobias used his telepathic abilities to mentally shout to Rachel to flee in our direction without anyone else but us hearing. She took advantage of the confusion to become fully human again and ran to join us when a shot was heard. The rioters began to flee. A taxxon in uniform armed with an old model of Draco ray got out of the vehicle and started shooting at the crowd (particularly targeting the fleeing prisoners). If nothing was done, Rachel would never have time to get out. However, we were too far to intervene in time. He aimed his ray in her direction and was about to shoot. But he screamed in pain when a crow gouged out his eyes. Without me noticing, Tobias had resumed his normal form and, seeing Rachel in danger, rushed at her attacker without regard for his safety (or our secret).

In the distance, I thought I heard the sound of another shuttle approaching. We fled running before we could find out if I was right.

oOoOoOo

Please choose me, I would make a good host.

By constantly fleeing, we had finally reached an anti-gravity elevator that had taken us to the upper levels (the only difficulty had been having to transform into an insect to get past the checkpoints). Once again, we attracted suspicious looks, but here it was because of our disheveled appearance and the dirt covering us from our visit to the underworld. Even though I spotted traces of decay in various places, the cleanliness of the area was impeccable. Not only were the hosts on this floor in good condition, but the closer we got to the palace, the more they wore clothes richly decorated with various shiny objects that the Yeerks favored.

The deposits were also increasingly well-stocked. If at the beginning he only offered basic items like food or clothes for the hosts, very quickly, we saw shops offering works of art, various leisure gadgets, or tools to train the host or immobilize them so that their Yeerk could safely leave their body. When Cassie, curious about everything, asked me what the sign indicated and what the objects were for, I pitifully invented a pious lie that did not seem to deceive her incredible insight. However, she acted as if she hadn't noticed anything and moved on, knowing that the other team members wouldn't have her restraint.

Nevertheless, when we reached this shop, she herself was seized with a violent disgust. Before our eyes stood a good dozen crippled humans in cages with labels in front specifying their characteristics. At the shop's front, there was a magnificent sign indicating in Galard: "Luxury event hostThen in chalk:This week, exceptional arrival of humans discarded by the army. Come test their incredible senses.»

If most stood immobile, zombified or traumatized by the conflicts, the few still able to move begged passersby (in English) to choose them as a new host, not knowing that the present Yeerks probably didn't understand them.

Pathetic. Rachel commented, pointing to a 30-year-old man who had literally knelt down to convince a Yeerk of his docility, as it had stopped to examine the contents of the cages.

For once, I agree with Xena. Added Marco, making an effort to tear himself away from the spectacle.

Before I could admonish them for speaking English in public, a taxxon with a cape decorated with the equivalent of a colonel's stripes in humans jostled us and hurriedly entered the shop. He spoke loudly without caring about being heard by all the passersby, using the taxxon language:

You have received a new shipment of his succulent humans.The faces of the Taxxons were not very expressive, but even from the distant place where we were, their greed was clearly visible.

One of the Yeerks busy cleaning an empty cage rushed toward the newcomer and answered obsequiously:

Pleased to see you again, Lord Oltri147. You are well informed. However, I would be grateful if you could prioritize choosing the unsold items from our previous shipment.

He remained silent for a few seconds then replied:

In recognition of your ability to procure the finest dishes in the galaxy, my taxxon grants your request. But it hopes that next time your stall will be better stocked.

The speed of the Andalites' advance no longer always allows us to recover our wounded.

Andalite scum. They talk about honor all day long, but they don't even respect the most basic rules of engagement.He said before rushing at the man whom Rachel had found so pitiful and devouring him alive (in the complete indifference of the numerous passersby).

Then he turned to the other occupants of the cage. The spectacle was so horrible that even David asked:

(Can't we do anything to help them?)

(Not without compromising our mission.)

(My parents?)

(It is possible. After our revolution, they had no value as hostages anymore. The empire probably sent them to the fronts. The more time passes, the less the chances of finding them unharmed.)

We resumed our journey in silence. None of us dared to speak about what we had just seen. We all felt guilty, but despite their youth, they already had enough combat experience to accept that they couldn't save everyone.

Quickly, we spotted the palace through a large bulletproof glass next to a guard post equipped with an impressive security system, which would undoubtedly be much more difficult to pass than the previous ones.

oOoOoOo

Surprisingly, infiltrating the emperor's palace had been the easiest part of the journey. Despite our initial fears, we encountered no difficulties. Better yet, luck seemed to be on our side for once.

We had barely begun spying on the premises when a large poster in the servants' break room informed us that starting at 9 PM tonight, Visser-one would lock himself alone in the east wing to rest and did not wish to be disturbed under any circumstances. This was quite unusual behavior for a visser. Usually, they spent their free time at parties where a whole cohort of admirers gathered to praise their exploits in the hope of obtaining various privileges. The smartest vissers (of which Visser-one was undeniably a part) were not fooled and politely rejected these solicitations, instead using their evenings to develop their network and forge useful alliances with powerful yeerks. But most drowned in compliments and ended up convincing themselves of the exceptional nature of their quality.

It was with confidence that we headed towards his quarters in the form of cockroaches. Our plan was simple. Knock out Visser-One by surprise before he could raise the alarm. Then, I would take on the appearance of his host (for ethical reasons that I had trouble understanding, the Animorphs forbade themselves from acquiring conscious beings without their consent, but they concluded that Marco could decide on behalf of his mother). Next, we would put Visser-One in a bag, and the other Animorphs would take on the appearance of Hork-Bajir guards. Thus, we could pass ourselves off as Visser-One accompanied by his escort and requisition one of the shuttles that were stationed in the gardens to return to the Pemalite ship. If everything went as planned, we would be back on Earth before the disappearance of Visser-One was discovered.

Maybe I could even take the opportunity to access Visser-One's terminal and make a copy of its data. In addition to the obvious military utility, we might have the chance to discover what David's parents were.become. If they were still alive, once back, we could try to mount a rescue mission.

Despite the cockroach's limited senses, we quickly found the only occupied room in this wing of the palace. I glanced through the ventilation grille and my heart skipped a beat. The room was plunged into darkness except for a computer screen on which the sole occupant of the room was typing: Visser-one.

"Jackpot," I exclaimed in thought, taking care to be heard only by my teammates. The thought-speak of the Andalites was definitely convenient. What a shame we had to be in morph to use it.

"Let's go," exclaimed Marco, just as enthusiastic as I was.

"Let's go," replied Rachel.

The situation is ideal, but let's remain cautious and patient. We must first surround her to be sure she cannot escape and ensure she has no way to raise the alarm before launching the assault. Said Jack before starting to leave.

"Wait," said Cassie.

<What?> Everyone asked in unison.

Don't you think it's too simple? That there are a lot of coincidences that go in our favor.

I am the first to say that when Rachel says let's go, you should run in the opposite direction. But we are not going to back down at the last moment, just because you have a hunch. Objected Marco with more impatience than he had ever shown.

We should at least take some time to think about it and examine the room. Besides, don't you find there's a strange smell? protested Cassie calmly.

Now that she said it, it was true that the cockroach's senses detected the presence of a fragrance that was not found in the rest of the palace. Despite my efforts, I could not identify it.

Maybe it's just the smell of Visser-one. Maybe my mother has... Well, maybe that's what a cockroach smells when a woman has her period.

Marco, it's okay, you can say the word rule. On Earth, we often took this form and I never felt that. It's something else. Something we've never encountered. Objected Rachel to defend her best friend (although it was clear she was eager to take action).

We are not going to give up because of a smell. Marco replied

No, but maybe we can sit down and think for 5 minutes, Cassie objected.

Think about what? We have a golden opportunity and if we wait too long it might slip away. What do we do if Visser-one decides to leave the palace in secret? Marco retorted passionately.

As usual in this situation, Jack intervened to decide:

Marco is right. We will never have a more perfect opportunity. We have to give it a try. But be careful. Tobias and Rachel, you will stay in the air duct and intervene only if necessary.

This seemed to satisfy Cassie, but much less Rachel, who found it difficult to stay away from the fights. However, it was a logical choice that she had to approve. She was the best warrior of the group and the one whose transformations were the most destructive. Therefore, the least useful for a mission involving capturing the target alive. And on the contrary, thebetter positioned to come to our aid in case of trouble. And Tobias and Rachel tended to lose their cool when the other was captured or in mortal danger. So Jack made sure to put them in the same group as much as possible when he had to split up during a mission (not to mention that he himself preferred to have Cassie by his side)

We cautiously exited the air duct and slid along the wall to reach the floor. Still not spotting any traps, we split up, running as fast as possible to opposite sides of the room. In the middle of the path, I felt something strange on my legs and asked the others mentally:

There is a strange liquid on the ground.

Barely had I uttered this sentence when a flash of lightning dazzled the room and I felt intense pain. My legs fused and my rib cage gradually expanded until it exploded. I thought I was dead, but reality revealed something far more terrible. Under the mocking smile of Visser-One and the shrill wail of an alarm that soon attracted an army of Hork-Bajir controllers, I was returning to my original form.

Help, stop them. They have killed the emperor. Hurla Visser-one in Galard.

I looked at the ground. The strange liquid I had stepped in was actually blood flowing from the emperor yeerk's savagely mutilated host.

Cassie was wrong. It was not a trap, but a plot. I tried to transform back, but I was unable to. I glanced around and saw that Jack, Marco, and Cassie were in the same situation as me.

Escape from the Yeerk capital

On this sad day, I am not addressing you as Visser-One, but as a simple Yeerk traumatized by the incomprehensible crime that the traitors allied with the Andalites dared to commit. With the help of my opponents, a group of humans endowed by the Andalites with morphing technology infiltrated the imperial palace and brutally assassinated the entire imperial family, including the imperial larvae. The proof is made, if necessary, that these so-called defenders of peace have not only seceded from the empire but also from our race. We must make them pay for this heinous act and ensure that they never attempt such an atrocity again. That is why I am announcing a great purge against seditious movements and that starting tomorrow, I will personally lead a great fleet to quell the revolt of the outer colonies, starting with the one from which the terrorists originate: Earth. But as I told you in the introduction, if I spoke today it is not only to talk to you about the measures I will take as Visser. My primary goal was to share and soothe the pain and fear we all feel on this day. I know that this unending succession of disasters, which in a very short time has shaken our world, may have caused anxiety for many of you. However, I can reassure you today. These disasters are not an end, but a beginning. The beginning of a phase of rebirth for the empire from which it will emerge stronger than ever. Indeed, as dramatic as the events are, we must now think about what comes next. During my absence, the senate will begin to debate a series of reforms to make our empire stronger and the choice of a new emperor. In the meantime, I will ensure the interim under the position of First Consul of the Yeerk Empire.

From that moment, I stopped listening to Visser-one's speech. After the debacle, we had been quickly captured and locked in cages reserved for Andalites, similar to the one where David had spent so much time. It was a transparent cube several centimeters thick made of a material as hard as steel. Once closed, the cage seemed to have no opening to the outside, which caused an overwhelming fear of suffocation in human hosts (and a multiplied feeling of confinement compared to human prisons). But it was just an illusion. The walls were actually pierced with multiple holes one nanometer in diameter, allowing air (and various anesthetics administered to prisoners before opening their cage) to pass through, while preventing an Andalite from escaping by taking the form of an extremely small animal. The only form of life small enough to pass through these holes would be a bacterium, but at that size, crossing the 5 centimeters of the cage's thickness would take more than two hours (assuming one could move in a straight line in that form).

The only thing that kept Jack, Marco, and Cassie from going crazy in their cubes was the messages Rachel and Tobias regularly sent us to assure us they would come to free us as soon as an opportunity arose. By sign, Jack had tried to discreetly tell them to take their time without knowing if they could see or understand his signs. They too must not fall into a trap. I wished he had refrained from giving that order, but it was totally impossible for us to communicate. For the moment, Visser-One and his escort were content to transport our cages from one end of the palace to the other to display us still covered in the emperor's blood to as many cameras and witnesses as possible. Thus, for all the Yeerks of the empire, our guilt would be an indisputable certainty.

After a few hours of this regime, what I feared happened. The journalists, investigator, diplomat, and other high-ranking Yeerk gradually disappeared. Only Visser-One and his soldiers remained in the palace. Our cages were then moved to a sinister room covered with multicolored bloodstains and tools whose use was unmistakable, where we remained alone for a few moments. However, it was not an executioner who entered the room, but Visser-One himself:

So, the son of my host is one of those humans possessing the morphing power who caused so much harm to that incompetent Esplin9466 (that was the birth name of Visser-12). That day on Earth, you took the risk of coming to see me knowing who I was. Why did you do that?

Go fuck yourself. Marco replied, spitting in his direction.

What are these manners, young man? Your mother didn't raise you like that. Visser-one taunted before bursting into laughter. Then he became serious again:

And if I suggested freeing your mother, what would you say?

I would say it's a lie. It embarrassed Marco.

You are wrong, my offer is completely sincere. However, it is not free. If you agree to replace your mother as my new host, then I will release her. She will be able to live on a planet of the empire of her choice without ever having a Yeerk in her head.

I'd rather die than give the Yeerks hosts with the power to morph. Jack replied in his place.

Oh, but you will not have that choice. She pointed to a kind of projector that was just above our cages:

You undoubtedly thought it was just a simple decorative element, but it is actually a cutting-edge Yeerk invention: a demorphing ray. If you attempt anything, it will automatically activate and prevent you from transforming. Thanks to you, we have been able to prove its effectiveness, and it will soon be deployed on all battlefields. They do not know it yet, but the Andalites will lose one of their best assets in this conflict. The annoying ability their soldiers have to heal from any wound in seconds or to suddenly take the form of a monster several meters tall after bypassing our lines in the form of a microscopic insect. Admit it. From now on, you are completely powerless against us. Your only choice is to submit voluntarily. And soon, that will be the case for the entire galaxy. Including its arrogant Andalites.

Even with this technology, the empire has no chance against the Andalites. The only reason we were on equal footing with them is because they allowed it. If their leaders hadn't provided ships and information to Visser-12... I began to say, but Visser-One interrupted me:

Do not tell me you believe in that stupid conspiracy theory. The Andalite government never helped Visser-12. It was always a few isolated Andalites that Visser-12 managed to convince to help him temporarily. Visser-12 was incompetent and a bastard, but I must admit it's no coincidence that he is the only Yeerk to have ever succeeded in infesting an Andalite. He was literally passionate about Andalites and their civilization. In fact, in a way, he loved them. Perhaps more than the Yeerks. Even taking control of a genuine Andalite wasn't enough to satisfy his passion for those damned horses. He continued to divert colossal resources at the slightest rumor promising him to get his hands on an object or a piece of information about the Andalites. You would see the Aladdin's cave he had gathered in his former domain in the capital. But anyway, I digress. In his insane quest, he sometimes stumbled upon... interesting things, let's say. Means of pressure, trade, and even sometimes helping an Andalite in a bad spot far from his lines. Of course, there was not the slightest trace of kindness or pity in his actions. Visser-12 was the only Yeerk in the entire empire capable of understanding the absurd Andalite mentality enough to manipulate them and convince them to betray their race. At the same time, it's not so surprising. A race capable of waging war for honor could only be understood by someone as crazy as Visser-12. What a joy that you killed him. I can't believe that idiot managed to hinder my plans for so long. But I've talked enough. It's your turn now. I have stirred up the empire's anger so much that I will have to torture and execute some of you. But if you show cooperation, then I might turn some of you into hosts. Tell me how you penetrated the capital's defenses?Where is your ship located?

Upon seeing that he was captured, he had already left. Cassie lied hastily.

Interesting. So you will be spared. Too bad, I would have liked to know what it was like to have a male host. Unless one of you tells me where your accomplices are. And there's no use denying it. The videos of your intervention against the security forces of the underworld that allowed us todetect your presence, shows that you are at least 5. Anyway, as soon as I have infested you, I will know.

Go die. They all shouted in unison.

Marco knows that your mother wants you to speak so that you will be spared. I already find it very selfish of you to have refused to sacrifice yourself to save her.

For the first time, I broke my silence:

Why are you doing this? What is it for you? If you want us as hosts, just take us. And if you want information, just look for it in our heads.

Do I not have the right to have fun? replied Visser-one with a smile that gave the impression of a child caught in the act.

Unlike most screwdrivers, you do not have a reputation for being sadistic. I replied without hiding my disappointment at seeing once again my illusions about the empire shattered.

What can a human possibly know about my reputation? she said, suddenly curious.

What I believe is that the anti-morph ray prevents you from infesting us. And as soon as you deactivate it, you know we will become Nothlits. Jack then declared.

Immediately, I cried out inwardly: "But of course" while anger distorted Marco's mother's face.

Very well, I ask you one last time. Agree to voluntarily become my host or you will die. For you, there is no other way out. Unlike Visser-12, I am not obsessed with Andalites to the point of taking reckless risks to make you my hosts.

I accept, but only if you release my friends and my mother.

I turned around violently. To my great astonishment, Marco looked perfectly serious. More serious than he had ever been.

What, but what's gotten into you? You can't do that. Shouted Jack.

What other choice do we have left? At least you will be able to live. Marco replied sadly.

You're not really going to believe the promises of a Yeerk? Retorted Jack, who couldn't believe the betrayal of his best friend.

Marco gave me an ironic look that Jack did not miss.

I don't see why you should be the only one to trust the Yeerks. Where are the promised host liberations by Jera and Thevenin?

You traitor. You know what's going to happen to ... yelled Jack.

Frankly, who cares. Don't you understand? The Yeerks have won. Might as well save what can be saved. Marco interrupted him before he accidentally revealed the existence of Rachel and Tobias.

(He is right. He has always been the smartest of the group. The most unpleasant, but the smartest) commented David in my head.

Jack was about to reply violently, but Visser-one raised his hand and then a violent pain paralyzed us all (except Marco) and prevented us from emitting anything other than screams.

Stop that immediately or I will change my mind. Shouted Marco.

Visser-One lowered her hand and immediately the pain subsided. Then Visser-One explained to Marco:

Unlike the traitors who run this so-called Yeerk republic, I always keep my promises. And I want to reassure you that unlike most Yeerks, I have enormous respect for hosts. I think that one of the mostOne of the great mistakes of the empire was going too far down the path of parasitism. Before the arrival of the Andalites on our world, the Yeerk clans that thrived the most were those that had the most symbiotic relationship with their Gedd hosts. And this is no coincidence. Ignoring the rights of hosts is very effective in the short term for acquiring hosts in large quantities, but in the long term, this policy drives other races into the arms of the Andalites and causes costly revolts among enslaved species. Not to mention that it deprives us of potential allies. Know that I would treat you well. But despite all my goodwill, I could not spare your friends. The Yeerks would not understand if I released the emperor's murderers.

You are the new Yeerk emperor, right? You can do anything.

She smiles.

You are clever. We should get along well. But know that I cannot reasonably abuse a power that I do not yet possess.

He remained silent for a few seconds. Then he lowered his eyes and said in a very small voice:

Save at least my mother.

I promise you. And I also promise you that nothing will happen to your father or your friends' families. As for your friends, I can't save their lives, but I can at least spare them torture and offer them a quick death.

Okay. He said soberly.

No! Shouted Jack and Cassie. I remained silent, resigned to my fate, trying to understand what could have caused such a turnaround in Marco. I secretly hoped that Visser-One would keep his promise and that Tom would no longer have to endure the infestation. After all, it was true that he had a reputation for keeping his promises and having a lot of respect for the hosts.

(Why don't you admit to being a Yeerk to Visser-One. That way I could also survive and negotiate freedom for my parents) David asked me in my head.

At first, I rejected his proposal, but on reflection, he was not entirely wrong. I was about to speak when Visser-One ordered us to be silent, clearly threatening us with new tortures. Then she called about ten Hork-Bajir guards who took aim along the wall. Then she pressed a button and Marco's cage opened.

Advance slowly, up to the area outside the anti-morphing range. But be careful. At the slightest suspicious move on your part, the guards will shoot you down.

He slowly came out of the cage, did some stretching exercises, then some more stretching exercises. Then he examined the room for a long time.

Young man, I am starting to lose patience. Barked Visser-one.

I don't have the right to a last wish? To a last meal?

You are not on Earth and you are not a condemned man. Snapped Visser-One.

His patience and sense of humor were no more developed than that of the other Visser. I noted to myself that Marco was probably the worst possible host for a Yeerk like him. It was a small consolation.

You really know Earth culture well. Marco tried to compliment him.

Keep trying to buy time and I will reconsider the terms of my generous offer. Nothing obliges me to promise the safety of their family. She stated maliciously, pointing at us.

To the great satisfaction of the screw, it began to move forward. Then when it was just above the ball emitting the anti-morphing rays, it suddenly raised its arm and a violent explosion occurred.

For a few seconds, I completely lost the use of my senses. When I came to my senses, I had a hard time understanding what was happening. One of the walls of the room had been smashed by an elephant on which the remaining Hork-Bajir were firing heavily. There was no sign of Visser-One. He must have fled. I looked at the ground. Jack was crying and shouting "morph" in front of Marco's lifeless body, which was losing a worrying amount of blood.

"Jack! But how did he get out of his cage," I wondered. Then I noticed that the anti-morph device lay destroyed on the ground and that Tobias was attacking my cage in his Hork-Bajir form. For the moment he had only managed to make a very small hole, but by morphing into a cockroach, it would be enough to allow me to get out. When I was finally free, I heard Jack's voice screaming in thought:

Transform yourself into a bird as quickly as possible and let's get out of here.

I complied without hesitation and just as I was about to take off towards the soft light, I saw about twenty Hork-Bajir enter the room and start shooting at us. Their shots grazed my feathers to the point of scorching them, but fortunately, none hit me.

We're not out of the woods yet, they're going to launch ships in pursuit of us now. I indicated to them.

Separate into groups of two and try to zigzag between the buildings to lose them. No one stays isolated. And don't forget, if we get separated, we meet at the ship. Our new objective is to return to the ship to escape and warn Earth of the invasion. Ordered Jack

<And Marco?> Cassie asked with concern.

I am fine. I am a flea on Jack's back. But when I return to human form, I will need intensive care. I am afraid that sucking Jack's blood will not make up for the blood I have lost.

Hey! No biting me, you filthy parasite. And the next time you pull a shady trick like this, I'll let you die. Damn, I really thought you were sincere.

It was the fearless leader's goal.

"How did you get that grenade?" Tobias asked.

I didn't know it was a grenade before throwing it. I just snatched it from the Hork-Bajir who locked me in the cage, thinking I was immobilized by their anti-morph ray. I'm not telling you where I hid it, it's indecent.

"In any case, well played," I complimented him.

For once, I agree with Thévenin. My god, I congratulate Marco. Has the world gone mad? Rachel laughed.

"That's my line," complained Marco.

Stop messing around and focus. Here come the bug ships, Jack ordered, trying to hide his amusement at hearing the antics his friends were doing to relieve their stress.

It was undoubtedly due to habit and extremely favorable terrain, but we did not have much trouble evading the bug ships' fire and losing them in the maze of construction. Thus, it was during a smooth journey that we approached the area where the ship was located.

You're going to hate me for saying this, but don't you think it was too simple? shared Cassie.

<Simple? I almost died!> Marco protested.

She is right. The sky should be teeming with ships and the city's defenses should be taking down any flying animal. It reeks of a trap, I declared.

Apart from rushing towards the ship, what are our options? Marco needs urgent care and the two-hour limit is almost exceeded, asked Jack.

I think it's a good plan. Visser-one can't know that it is invisible. Nor that it is also fast. Even if he watches us and is ready to stop us, by the time he realizes where we have disappeared to, we will already be far away. I asserted.

Perfect. As soon as we're inside, you head straight to the command post and try to make the ship understand that it must take off as quickly as possible. I'll look for the infirmary for Marco. And no dying allowed.

I feel discriminated against by this order, but I will make an effort to obey. Joked Marco to lighten the mood. The last time we rushed into a Visser-One trap, things did not go well.

We approached the area where the entrance to the ship was supposed to be, but were surprised to find only emptiness. Immediately, the gigantic permalite ship appeared a kilometer away, and a cheerful voice was heard in our heads.

Sorry dear guest, but I had to disobey your requests to avoid a collision with the fleet surrounding you. But don't worry. I have room for everyone and your friends are welcome. Said the ship before ostentatiously opening a gigantic door leading to the ship's holds.

I swore. Immediately, the fleet the permalite ship was talking about deactivated its cloaking devices. We were surrounded by about ten ships of all types (mainly bombers and landing ships). A hundred bug ships emerged from the holds of these ships while a troop carrier landed on the permalite ship. Some of the soldiers entered the ship to take control while another part lined up on the docks and prepared to shoot at us if we tried to enter.

Damn ship. We need to escape and find a plan, I shouted.

No! We cannot abandon the permalite ship to the Yeerks. Imagine what they could do with such technology? Cassie objected.

If we abandon the ship, we're dead. Let's charge and fight to the end. Rachel supported.

"It's if we rush in without thinking that we're dead," I fumed, doing a loop to dodge a bug ship's shot. I wouldn't last long like this.

Rush all onto the ship. Dodge the shots from the bug ship, but just focus on charging at the soldiers as fast as possible, ordered Jack.

What but it’s… I began to protest.

Thévenin, it's an order...

A part of me wanted to argue, but the habit of obeying orders took over. I rushed with all my might and very quickly we were within firing range of the soldiers deployed on the dock. When they took aim, I thought my last hour had come. Then they were paralyzed by an intense blue light.

What a shame to spoil such a beautiful day with an argument. Unfortunately, we must ask you to leave. But we hope you will return soon to play with us. Echoed in our heads the childish voice of the ship. A few seconds later, all the Yeerk soldiers who had entered the ship were gently deposited on the planet's surface by a mysterious force, while we ourselves entered the ship effortlessly.

My permalio. You are seriously injured. It's not very fun, but I have to remove your disguise and put you in a regenerative stasis. Do you accept? Reasoned the ship's voice in our heads again.

"This is the most amusing proposal I've been offered in a long time," Marco replied joyfully.

We saw with relief a blue spark surrounding a chip on Jack's back that grew to become Marco. He seemed unconscious and levitated inside the ship. I then noticed that his face was disfigured. Even with Yeerk technology, I wasn't sure it was repairable. I hoped Permalite technology was capable of it.

But I didn't have time to dwell on his considerations when I saw another transporter approaching.

Vessel, close your doors and take off now. I shouted.

Are you sure? But the other guests haven't returned yet. Resisted the ship.

Vessel, it's an order. Jack insisted.

Okay, fine. You're really not funny.

Before the transporter could enter, the dock door closed and we were plunged into complete darkness. We finished demorphing and ran to the room with the large bay window. We could then see the permalite ship remain motionless while all the surrounding ships fired at it. It was a spectacle as magnificent as it was frightening. Especially if, like me, you thought of the many Yeerks who must have died after missed shots hit the numerous surrounding structures. Visser-One really wanted to stop us.

Vessel, you have been ordered to take off. Rachel reminded.

I can't do that without bumping into them, I tried to avoid them, but they follow me.

All of a sudden, the ship was shaken.

The number of ships firing at us synchronously has just doubled. If it doubles again, my shields won't hold. I did try to ask them to stop. They might be your friends, maybe they'll listen to you if you ask them to stop.

You can't immobilize them without killing them, Cassie asked desperately.

I could stop their generators, but at this height it would be like killing them.

You can stop them and turn them back on just before it crashes. I suggested.

There is a 0.01% chance that I will miss my maneuver and cause someone's death. My programming forbids me from risking the life of a sentient being.

I didn't waste time trying to argue with this completely crazy machine and desperately searched for a solution. But all my thoughts led me to the same point: we were trapped. The ship was going to be destroyed and us with it.

oOoOoOo

Two weeks later, Visser-One watched with satisfaction the images of the explosion of the permalite ship. The images taken from every possible angle left no doubt. No one could have escaped. So why hadn't he still found the bodies? Visser-One convinced himself that they had simply been incinerated, like many parts of the unknown ship (nevertheless, the few intact debris would give decades of work to the Yeerk researchers). He carefully looked at each image one last time to dispel any doubt from his mind, but he failed.

Too bad, he said to himself. Then he confidently stepped onto his personal sphere ship and sent the departure signal. In a week, his invasion fleet would emerge from zero space somewhere in the solar system.

The earth would not taunt the empire for much longer.

Surviving in enemy territories

A few days earlier.

You didn't find anything more. I must inform you that I am sick. Exclaimed Marco upon seeing us return with a very insufficient amount of food from our supply expedition.

It had been a few days since we narrowly escaped from the permalite ship. At the last moment, the ship had forcibly transported us into an escape pod. Thanks to the extremely advanced camouflage technology of the permalite, our escape had not been detected. But we were now stuck on the yeerk capital planet.

Moreover, we quickly noticed that Marco's injuries had not yet had time to heal completely. With time, he would recover, but his face was permanently disfigured. When he saw himself in a mirror, he initially recoiled. Then he tried to make a joke about a comic book character named Two-Face, which made no one laugh (that was normal with Marco's jokes). Afterwards, he insisted that everything was fine, but even if we didn't talk about it, we all saw his forced smile. In the meantime, his condition completely forbade him from using the morph power again. If he transformed, he would risk reopening his wounds, and this time, we would not be able to heal him.

He therefore had to lie down all day in our hideout while we went out on expeditions in search of food or information (we had to find a way to stop Visser-one and return to Earth).

I still didn't know whether to scold him for playing with a grenade or congratulate him for saving our lives. I was beginning to understand the behavior of the sergeant who raised me. How unfair I found him at the time. But today I understood that he chose to prioritize our safety over our well-being. He did what he could.

Marco, stop complaining or I'll tear off the other side of your face. Exploded Rachel.

How dare you attack a weak and defenseless man? Please Jack, protect me from this fury. Marco joked.

Marco, that's enough. Said Jack wearily. None of them were used to enduring the lack of food, and the situation was exacerbating everyone.

In the slums where we had taken refuge, there was little edible food for humans. When I think that they dared to claim to be omnivores, while the only thing suitable for them was taxxon meat (and moreover, it had to be cooked and they needed assurance that it wasn't human meat). Of course, since we didn't know any established yeerks who could help us, we were forced to steal everything. For our outings, the power of morphing was very useful. Even essential, since we had learned from our first visit that it was out of the question to wander around in human form... However, it had its limits. The managers of the local food depots were becoming more and more suspicious when they saw a group of hork-bajir approaching their premises (especially knowing that hork-bajir feed exclusively on tree bark).

I was about to feed myself when I saw a suspicious shadow slip by quickly. My soldier's reflexes took over. I got into a combat position and drew the weapon I had managed to steal two days ago.

Who's there? I shouted

I had the unpleasant sensation of feeling the blade of a Hork-Bajir against my neck. A quick glance around me and I understood that the other Animorphs had just been immobilized by Gedd armed with knives that seemed familiar to me.

—Well, well, look who we have here. I thought I had warned you about what would happen if I found you on my territory. But first, you are going to return the guest food you stole from us.Ask the Hork-Bajir controller who had immobilized me.

— What do you plan to do with it? Your hosts are vegetarians.I replied, noticing with annoyance that he had managed to slip behind me without me noticing anything. How could he have done that? I wondered.

Surprising. I would have thought you would start by denying being the thieves. Too bad, making you confess could have been fun.

He paused to let his accomplices snicker wickedly.

Thevenin, what do they want? Jack asked angrily.

I don't know yet. Don't do anything for now. I replied to him.

Then the leader of the gang resumed:

Know that our motivations do not concern you. Just tell us where she is.

In your opinion? What do people who steal food do? We ate it.

— Such a large quantity? Exclaimed the gang leader in surprise.

— There weren't that many.Was I minimizing

You deserve for me to slit your throat. Do you know how hard life is here?

It's just food for guests.I reminded him.

No matter. His deposits are on my territory. I'm the only one who can extort them.

I thought they were paying us to protect them, boss.The gedd intervened, threatening Rachel with his knife (she was making a visible effort not to send him flying with a kick).

The leader of the gang let out a huge sigh and then replied:

Eril841, stop doing that thing with your mouth.

What, speak? Asked the gedd penault.

No, breathe. You can't imagine how much it annoys me.

Le gedd lowered his eyes as his leader turned his attention back to me.

We can see that you've never experienced hardship. Well, how about you start by explaining what Andalites are doing here?He asked.

Andalites? What makes you think we are andalites?

Don't play dumb with me. We followed some Hork-Bajir to this hideout. Unless he's hiding in your pants. I'm a former member of the elite commandos. Your little tricks won't work on me.He retorted while pressing his blade harder against my neck.

Why would Andalites have stolen meat?Was I trying to defend myself (everyone knows that Andalites graze on grass)

Why would Andalites come to the Yeerk capital?He replied.

You see? For you too it doesn't make any sense.I replied defiantly.

He laughed. Then he threatened:

You're a real joker, you are. I wonder if you'll still be laughing once I've gutted your friends.

He gestured to another gedd who brought his knife closer to Rachel. I shouted hastily:

If we really are Andalites, then you know that playing with my friends is not the best way to live long.

The gedd paused his action and gave an inquisitive look to his leader.

I thought you weren't Andalites?Demanded the boss, convinced that he had pushed me to make a mistake.

We are not there yet, but that doesn't mean we are defenseless. However, we would prefer to avoid fighting because of the injuries to one of ours. On the other hand, we can compensate you for the meat. In fact, if you help us, we could make you one of the most powerful yeerks in the capital.

Your babbling started well. But don't you think the last part is a bit exaggerated? What could have such value in this cupboard?

The cubbyhole.I replied. Then I shouted :

Capsule, I'm hungry.

Immediately, a light fell from the ceiling and I was able to feed on Kandrona at will without even leaving my host. After our landing, I had the very pleasant surprise of finding out that the ship had integrated this feature into the escape pod. We were all considerably relieved to understand that I wouldn't need to release David from my control every 3 days.

Our attackers were so astonished that the Hork-Bajir released my neck without noticing.

So, do we have a deal?I asked

You are definitely not Andalites.He replied.

Then he took a few minutes to think before answering:

Ok, we have a deal.

Then he ordered his underlings to release my companions.

What did you tell them? Jack immediately asked me.

In summary, we were going to give them the remains of the permalite escape capsule if they helped us infiltrate Visser-one's ship. Or rather, that's what I hope to negotiate.

Are you sure about your move? What makes you think they won't just kill us as soon as we give them what they want? Or betray us?

I don't have the impression that they are on good terms with the authorities. Otherwise, their initial plan was indeed to kill us, but I made them believe that you were dangerous. So try to look as threatening as possible.

As soon as they see Marco eat, they will be terrified. Commented Rachel.

Speaking of which, could you ask them if they have anything to eat? Marco asked.

But you only think about your stomach. Complained Rachel.

You could maybe offer to give them a large sum of money once we're back home? You know, so they have an interest in us getting back home. Asked Jack, who had remained serious despite this exchange between his cousin and his best friend.

The Yeerks do not know the concept of money. Like most races in the galaxy, by the way. I replied.

They all seemed extremely surprised.

How do you pay for what you need? Cassie asked.

We don't pay. We just take. What's the point of exchanging pieces of paper or bits on a hard drive? Besides, I'm really interested in the answer, because I've never really understood the point of this ritual. I explained to them.

But how do you know who is entitled to what? And what do you do when there isn't enough of something for everyone? Cassie insisted.

Just like at home. High-ranking Yeerks order their subordinates to produce as much as possible, then they appropriate the production and use it to maintain their power by redistributing it to their subordinates or to acquire new means of production. However, with us, the rank of a Yeerk is not materialized by the money they possess, but by the rank assigned to them by the imperial administration. Means of production are not purchased they are obtained by imperial decree or on the order of a Visser. And unlike money, these are obtained by merit and not by inheritance.

However, you have an emperor, and I thought you said that you and your brothers were destined from birth to be soldiers, asked Cassie.

Besides, Tom says that for you, the Yeerks who chased after promotions are idiots, and that's why you didn't report us at the start, Jack intervened.

I didn't know what to answer (Author's note: If he had read Bourdieu, he would know what to answer), so like any politician feeling cornered by a voter's questions, I changed the subject.

Yes, well, at home, there is no one who dies of hunger. To maintain their rank, a yeerk must distribute the production as much as possible, whereas with you, it's necessary to save as much money as possible. And to save, there must necessarily be debts and therefore people who end up having less than nothing while others have everything.

What? She exclaimed incredulously.

Well yes. To save, you have to sell more than you buy. This is only possible if some buy more than they sell. The expenses of some are necessarily the income of others. Thus, the assets of some are necessarily the debts of others. I explained to him.

Yes, but here, we are free. If I understand correctly, where you are, to get the slightest piece of bread, you have to beg your superior. Argued Cassie.

It is considered a due and the superior has an interest in giving this piece of bread to maintain their power. And in your country, only the minority who save find themselves free. The rest find themselves in a position of begging worse.That of the worst-placed Yeerk. You have the illusion that your system allows a majority to be free because you are fortunate to live in the West. Otherwise, you would know that your freedom is the counterpart of the enslavement of others.

Yes, okay, stop both of you. This is not the time. Our guests are getting impatient and I still don't know how to speak Galard. Do we agree that both systems are completely rotten and that we should find something else? Jack interjected.

Yes, I agree. She said reluctantly.

Alright too. But still, the Yeerk system is superior. I let out, annoyed by this discussion.

No, it's the humans'.

Jack did a facepalm.

oOoOoOo

Author's note: I hesitated a lot before adding this last passage.

When, unbeknownst to me, my characters decided to visit the heart of the Yeerk empire, I was very annoyed. It wasn't what I had originally planned, but that's where the writing led me. As an author, I love those moments when my story escapes me and my characters seem to live their own lives in my head (my therapist is adamant that I'm not crazy, just original). But the problem is that in the original novels, not much is known about the planets controlled by the Yeerks. So I spent some time inventing a Yeerk society that seems coherent with the few clues given in the original books.

But when I finally wrote its last 3 chapters, I had no opportunity to include what I had invented in my story. I realized that logic forces the animorphs to make a quick stop on the planet, keeping their eyes down as much as possible to avoid being noticed. As a result, they neither visit nor discover anything about the Yeerk society. And everything I had imagined was therefore perfectly useless. But at the same time, I found it really unfortunate (and disappointing for the reader) that the characters wander an alien planet and discover nothing even slightly exotic. So, with much hesitation, I decided to add this passage, a bit forcefully, to fill this gap.

I would like to have your opinion in a review. Is this a useful addition or not? No, it's not a trick to get more reviews (damn, they foiled my plan).

Last battle

After many efforts, we finally managed to sneak into Visser-One's meeting room. Even with the help of the criminals from the slums, discreetly boarding the fleet bound for Earth had been an achievement. But sneaking into the Visser's meeting room was nothing short of a miracle, given the numerous devices meant to protect him from potential spies. Since our escape (which we barely survived thanks to the camouflage capabilities of a permalite ship's escape pod), Visser-One had become paranoid that other enemies with morphing technology might reach him (to spy on or kill him).

However, if we wanted to develop a plan with any chance of preventing the invasion, we absolutely needed information. We continued to move forward blindly when we very distinctly heard the voice of Visser-One:

This is where his strange choice to build only one orbital defense cannon near the planet's North Pole made sense. Normally, this cannon would have been incapable of posing any threat to an Andalite fleet. But Visser-12 planned to reveal to the Andalite the location of the Earth invasion HQ. He relied on the Andalites' arrogance to make them believe they had obtained the information solely through their own skills. Thus, detecting no significant defense apart from an isolated cannon in the middle of Alaska, the Andalites would rush towards the HQ, congratulating themselves on their enemy's apparent incompetence, unaware that they were signing their own downfall. A single cannon is incapable of causing any harm to a ship at the edge of its range, as by the time it is ready to fire, the ship would have already landed. But here, the Andalite ships would position themselves directly in front of the cannon's line of sight, which would have been exceptionally aimed in advance at this region of the sky. As soon as the cannon began firing, Esplin9466's fleet would emerge from its hiding place on the other side of the moon and attack the Andalite fleet head-on. By letting Esplin9466 decide their objective and thus their trajectory, the Andalites would have handed him victory.

In summary, in the event of an attack on Earth by the Andalites, Visser-12 planned to hide behind its allies to shoot down the Andalite ships with the power of its battle-ax ship and its single orbital cannon. A plan as brilliant as it is vicious. Definitely worthy of the late Visser-12.

Your tongue slipped. You meant to say Esplin9466. Replied Visser-One in a harsh voice.

It is true that you obtained his demotion posthumously.

visser-4, I have chosen you to assist me because I recognize your competence. But I must point out that your excessive loyalty to a dead person is disturbing.

If there is one thing the Yeerks do not have in excess, it is loyalty. If we spent as much time fighting the Andalites as we do fighting among ourselves, we would have won this war a long time ago, replied Visser Four calmly.

I am aware of it and it is to put an end to this deplorable situation that I resolved to take power a long time ago. Once I return, crowned with glory from this expedition, I fully intend to restore some order in the empire. Visser-one flared up.

I want to believe in you, Visser-one, but to achieve this goal, you will need as much strength as diplomacy. The respect owed to the dead costs nothing and can pay off greatly. The struggles between vissers are not only based on the thirst for power but also on decades of enmity born from these rivalries. You cannot expect your subordinates to make the effort to set aside their differences if you refrain from setting a good example.

As usual, your words are as annoying as they are wise. I will think about it. Now let's refocus on the subject of this meeting. That cockroach Jerra456 had minions spread throughout the empire. Despite our successive purges, I'm sure he still has a few who must have conveyed our invasion plan to him, replied Visser-One, calm again.

It must be said that you did not try to be discreet.

It is necessary that those who doubt the empire know that we will crush the center of the rebellion, Visser-one assured irritably.

We still need to crush them. If you had waited just one more week, as I asked you, we would have gathered a sufficient fleet to ensure victory. With the little strength we have, our chances of defeat are not negligible.

I have waited long enough. The emotion caused by the emperor's death is already beginning to dissipate. We cannot eternally fuel our propaganda with images of mourning and funeral ceremonies. To establish my power, I need a quick victory. In any case, even if we had one more year, I doubt the Andalites would have allowed us to assemble much more strength. Their assaults are becoming increasingly intense.

This time, it is your words that contain a certain wisdom. Knowing you, I imagine that you have a plan to ensure our victory, despite our very slight numerical advantage, conceded Visser-4.

It is to find one that I had you come. But let me finish explaining the situation to you. So Jera456 and Thevenin789 probably know we are coming and approximately when we will be there. Our chances of surprising them are therefore slim. But the reverse is also true. I know Jera456 and he has no military skills. And I doubt that a competent officer of the empire would have agreed to help this childish rebellion. As for this Thevenin789, his service record is impressive, but he is just a simple soldier. The fact that he was never able to rise in the hierarchy or that I had never heard of him before he took the head of this Yeerk Republic of Helios shows that he has no strategic sense. It is therefore very likely that they will resume Visser-12's plan without asking any questions. We can therefore predict their reactions and the disposition of their forces. Visser-One explained with visible excitement.

If it's true, then we have already won this conflict. I propose to ...

But screw- was interrupted by a shrill alarm.

What does this mean Visser-One? Asked Visser-Four.

Nothing, it's just a signal indicating that a biological scan is about to be launched and that I need to evacuate my guests.

Is it really necessary? We were in the middle of a discussion.

Yes, we cannot take the risk of being spied on by morphers. And you should leave quickly if you don't want to end up charred.

It's pure and simple paranoia, complained Visser-4.

But I didn't hear Visser-one's response. As soon as the alarm sounded, we fled to the area of the ship where the slaves' cages were piled up while their Yeerks fed in the ship's pool. The other Animorphs resumed their place among the human slaves, while I resumed mine among the Hork-Bajir guards. The more I worked with them, the more I felt like I was regressing. Here I was again, a pool guard in the body of a host who hated me. I stopped my digressions and focused on my task: making sure no one noticed there were 5 slaves who were never used as hosts. I had nothing to fear from the other slaves. Most had been reduced to a zombie state long ago, and the others simply cried or wept continuously during their rare hours of freedom. My concern was the other guards.

Only 5 more days to hold on, I told myself to muster some courage. But only 5 more days until what? Until we could witness the invasion of the earth and the death of everyone we loved. What I had heard in that meeting room had depressed me. David might have been right. Maybe we had no chance. What had gotten into me to give in to Tom's encouragements? I should never have embarked on this path. Well, now it was too late, and our only chance was to see it through to the end.

oOoOoOo

The days had passed and we had finally emerged from zero space. A frenetic activity then seized the ship, which had been lethargic until then. The Yeerks all emerged from the pool to join their designated hosts and prepare for battle. I didn't dare express it out loud for fear of offending my human companions, but this atmosphere of excitement where everyone was panicking in a seemingly totally anarchic way brought up old memories of the few Yeerks I had been close to (mainly the other members of my clutch).

When I had mentioned those moments with them, my human friends looked at me with pity, and Marco commented that I had had a terrible life. And in a way, they were right. But despite everything, I cherished those memories and reliving them brought me an irrepressible joy tinged with nostalgia. However, I doubt they would have tolerated me expressing any form of joy upon seeing Visser-One's army preparing to invade Earth. Anyway, once the rare joyful moments of my life finished flashing before my eyes, I felt the same horror as they did. Now, all the people I cared about were on Earth. Humans would never consider me as one of their own, but I cared about them more than most Yeerks. We absolutely had to thwart Visser-One's plans.

Unfortunately, it was going to be difficult. Despite all our efforts, we hadn't had any other opportunities to spy on the ship's officers, let alone Visser-one. The drastic security measures taken by Visser-one (despite the discontent it would cause among her troops) had borne fruit. We knew nothing of her plan. However, we could no longer wait. We had therefore agreed that as soon as the ship exited zero space, we would take advantage of the confusion that always accompanied entry into an enemy system to infiltrate the reactor room. Once inside, we would wait for the ship to engage in combat with the Jera456 fleet to destroy it and thus give it a considerable advantage. This time, it was a completely suicidal plan. After such an act, there was little chance that we would manage to escape unscathed. Nevertheless, despite their young age, they impressed me by accepting this probable sacrifice with resignation. Many Yeerks would not have been capable of such determination.

We reached our goal without major difficulty (except for the two guards occupying human hosts that we had to dispose of using the nearest airlock). We hid in a now-deserted break room located right next to the reactors. It was normally intended for the many technicians and engineers who took turns pampering the antimatter reactors. But for the next few hours, they would all be at their posts, ready to intervene. During a battle, it was not uncommon for theReactors are pushed beyond their limits. The break room contained a small porthole from which we could observe Jupiter and its moons. Humans were really lucky. They did not realize how splendid their system was. If it survived the war, their system would become a top tourist destination for all species in the galaxy. I thought about the advantages the Yeerk Republic of Helios could gain by properly exploiting its natural wonders. Tom was right. In a very short time, Jera456 had managed to turn me into a real politician.

Then the splendor of the celestial bodies gave way to a dark night stained with the whitish trails left by the Milky Way on its path. And after barely 3 hours, a tiny blue ball appeared and grew larger and larger until it filled a tenth of the visible space. And still no trace of Jera456's army. But what the hell was he doing? Had that coward fled after all? Then Visser-one's words resurfaced in my mind and I understood. I shouted that we needed to leave this ship urgently or find a communicator, but it was too late. A violent jolt shook the ship.

Through the porthole, I saw the entire fleet fire synchronously at the moon. The unthinkable happened: the moon disintegrated and turned into a vast field of asteroids of all sizes orbiting chaotically around the planet and smashing to pieces the Jera456 fleet, which had hidden behind it in the hope of surprising the Visser-one fleet when it charged at the HQ, hoping to take advantage of the lack of defense to win this war quickly. Jera456 had positioned its fleet where Visser-12 had planned to station, in case an Andalite invasion challenged its earthly stronghold.

I had only just understood that this was why we hadn't seen his fleet yet. I had then realized that Visser-One had anticipated this and planned to use it in some way to defeat jera456 and that he needed to be warned to change his plans or face annihilation. But I would never have anticipated such a disaster. The Animorphs joined me and watched in horror the disfigurement of the earthly sky as well as the annihilation of the Yeerk Republic fleet of Helios.

Then an image violently imposed itself in our mind. Visser-one looked down at us, standing in front of the large bay window of his chair, which offered an unobstructed view of the ongoing disaster. I understood that it was a telepathic transmission to all living beings on Earth and its nearby orbit.

Dear People of Earth. I am Visser-One: Supreme Commander of the Yeerk Empire's armies and First Consul of the Empire. And I have just crushed the forces of the Yeerk Republic of Helios. As you can all see by looking up at the sky, life on Earth will never be the same again. Those traitors, who claimed to be your saviors, broke off peace negotiations with the Empire in the worst possible way. They sent terrorists to commit unspeakable attacks at the heart of our glorious capital. Many of our innocent citizens, including the Yeerk Emperor himself, died as a result of their treachery. To put an end to this aggression and preserve the lives of my subjects, I had no choice but to urgently assemble a fleet and rush to Earth to kill the evil at its root. However, the insufficiency of the forces I was able to gather in such a short time and the treacherous strategy of those who claimed to be your saviors forced us to inflict irreversible damage to your magnificent system. Please believe that I deeply regret having to go this far and that I am aware that no excuse will ever redeem theThe wrong I have done to your species. The hosts who experienced the not-so-distant time when I led the Yeerk colony on Earth can confirm how attached I became to this planet and its inhabitants. They can also affirm that my respect was materialized by concrete actions such as focusing on the almost exclusive recruitment of voluntary hosts and imposing rules for the good treatment of even involuntary hosts. I want to reassure you that I am nothing like Visser-12. Even though I respected his military talents and unwavering loyalty to the empire, I could never accept his brutal methods. I did not come to Earth to invade you, but to put an end to the unjust attacks against my fellow citizens. However, after the terrible damage I was forced to cause, I cannot simply leave. Most of the debris from your moon will wisely remain in orbit and gradually form an asteroid belt. This change has already caused countless damages related to the alteration of water levels caused by the sudden disappearance of the tidal effect created by the moon. But I fear the worst is yet to come. A significant portion of this debris was propelled out of lunar orbit by the battles and is now heading towards Earth. Most will disintegrate in the atmosphere, but thousands of them are large enough to annihilate all life present on Earth's surface. And even the Yeerks do not have the capacity to intercept so many meteors in such a short time.

In any case, even though personally, I wish no harm to the Earth and the Earthlings, this is not the case for most Yeerk leaders. I think the accounts that the few hosts freed by the Yeerk Republic of Helios must have given you a fairly accurate idea of what awaits you in the absence of a Yeerk benevolent towards humans.

As the first consul of the empire and in order to atone for my fault towards you, I officially propose that you become the new protector of humanity. Voluntarily agree to serve as a host for my yeerks for about ten of your years and I promise that our fleet will mobilize to evacuate your citizens as quickly as possible before the catastrophe. When you have completed your service, the earth will have become habitable again and you will be able to return to live there. However, when you see what the entire yeerk empire has to offer you and that the host experience is far less terrible than what the unfortunate experience you had with that brute Visser-12 might have led you to believe, you will probably agree to stay with us voluntarily, to continue enjoying the many benefits of the empire. As a host of the empire, you could live for centuries in perfect health, never know hunger again, and obtain the leisure currently reserved for the wealthiest. And once we have won our war against the andalites, life in the empire will also mean a life far from any war. I suspect that many humans will reject my offer. And I do not intend to force them in any way to accept it. As I said, I did not come to invade the earth. However, I will not let them prevent others from choosing to join us either. My fleet will remain in orbit awaiting your response and if it is unanimously refused by all the peoples of the earth, then I will leave without insisting further. However, I must warn you that if one of your peoples accepts my proposal, then I will not tolerate you standing in the way. Each people of the earth is free to choose its destiny and I will be uncompromising on this point. If you wish to die, that is your concern, but do not condemn others.

To conclude, I would like to have a final word for my many Yeerk compatriots. I fully understand that most of you had no choice but to serve the impostors after they seized the Kandrona generators. As you know, I am a Visser as understanding as I am merciful. On the condition that you immediately lay down your arms, you will be granted amnesty for all your crimes and you will be able to regain your place within the empire, without any demotion or penalty in the continuation of your career. And I will soon make an appointment with human leaders to negotiate a landing permit in order to evacuate you. However, rest assured that I will be uncompromising towards any Yeerk who refuses to lay down their arms. The Kandrona famine will seem a mild fate compared to what I have in store for them.

Then the communication abruptly stopped. We looked at each other. We were all startled.

Tell me it's a bad dream. Said Marco with an expression of terror that his burn-ravaged face made frightening.

Visser-One lies. He will never be able to offer such benefits to humans. Liberation after ten years of service. Even the Taxxons did not get such advantageous conditions. But many humans are likely to believe it. It is a duration just long enough to be credible as a requirement, without being completely unacceptable. I commented.

No kidding, we wouldn't have guessed. So, what do we do to stop it? Exclaimed Rachel.

We all looked at each other in silence.

You're not going to tell me that you're going to give up!? She snapped.

Of course not. But for now, I have no idea. We are alone against an entire invasion fleet, I remind you. If you have an idea, we're listening. Jack snapped.

She remained silent and he eventually said:

For now, transform into a Hork-Bajir and let's get out of here. Someone might come and ask what we're doing here.

Once in the corridors in thought, I hesitantly suggested:

I have an idea, but Tom wouldn't approve of it.

At this point, go ahead, what's your idea? asked Jack.

We could seize a shuttle and head to the orbital cannon. Then we could use it to destroy Visser-one's ship.

If we do that, the entire fleet will immediately fire on us.

Yes, but with luck, before dying, we could destroy Visser-One and his flagship. Earth would be doomed, but it would allow Visser-One's opponents to regain power. Or at worst, the different factions within the empire would fight to find a successor to Visser-One. That would ensure the Andalites win the war. Earth would be doomed, but the rest of the galaxy would be saved.

They debated in private for about ten minutes. When starting this mission, they had agreed to sacrifice their lives to save the earth. But now, I was asking them to sacrifice their species to save... To save what exactly? Hypothetically, to finally put an end to the conflict that has opposed the yeerks and the andalites for so many years. To help those who had tried to enslave them. Those who had subjected their loved ones to hell and forced them to become child soldiers. Those who would soon be responsible for the enslavement of humanity and perhaps its end.

We follow your plan. But not to help the Yeerks or the Andalites. We do it to prevent other species from suffering the same fate. And a little for you and Axe.

I remained silent, deeply moved.

(You make me want to vomit with your hypocritical fine sentiments. Where was your nobility of soul when it came to protecting my parents?) David commented. For the first time, I felt anger towards him. He must have sensed it because he immediately fell silent.

oOoOoOo

At the beginning, we cautiously ventured into the ship's corridors (still in our Hork-Bajir form). But very quickly, we just charged as fast as possible. Most of the soldiers had abandoned their posts to celebrate this quick victory and toast to Visser One's health. Due to Visser One's recent paranoia crisis, little information about the battle plan had leaked, but everyone was aware of the fleet's small size and had expected a tough fight with many losses. Even in the event of success, few viewed the future optimistically. Everything had suddenly changed. The officers had tried to restore calm, but to no avail. In this chaos, it was pointless to take precautions. We easily stole a bug ship and after activating the cloaking system, we headed towards Alaska as fast as possible. We had no trouble spotting the site where the gigantic cannon, which the Animorphs had considered sabotaging not so long ago, was located.

An idea on how to take the structure. Jack asked after demorphing.

Take it by storm. Why? I am the president of the Yeerk Republic. I just need to order them to open for me.

Without wanting to offend you, they probably believe you're dead with the rest of the fleet. Anyway, after Visser-one's little speech, I'm not sure he's still loyal to you. Retorted Marco.

His words struck me like a punch. I glanced at the night sky, which with its ravaged moon now offered a most strange spectacle. I hadn't thought about it at the time, but Tom was probably alongside Jera456 on the axe-ship, to give the yeerks courage by making them believe their leader stood with them on the front line. I felt a violent pain that none of my many war wounds had managed to equal. Only the brutal death of my favorite littermate from the artillery fire ordered by Aximili's brother had shocked me similarly. Jack, who must have had similar emotions, held back his tears and refocused his thoughts on the issues at hand.

I will transform into a rhinoceros and smash the front door. Then with Tobias, I will create a diversion. As for you, transform into a cockroach and hang on to me. While we create chaos, you will enter the facility and rush to the control center. Once you have taken control, Rachel and Marco will ensure that no one enters while Thévenin uses the cannon to annihilate Visser-one. Any questions?

Yes, what is the meaning of life? What is the difference between being and non-being? Where do socks disappear to? Why didn't the Yeerks build their damn cannon in a warm place? Marco finished that neitherThe extreme cold, nor the disfigurement of his face, had not dissuaded him from trying to lighten the mood with his lame jokes.

No question. Perfect. Announced Jack, smiling at his best friend's reply. Then he took the form of a rhinoceros and charged at the weakly guarded armored door.

Try to limit the losses as much as possible. Until proven otherwise, they are on our side. I reminded them without having any illusions about the impact of my warning.

Having recently visited the facility thoroughly during its recent inauguration by the republic, I was perfectly familiar with the place, and Jack's diversion on the ground and Tobias's in the air were perfectly effective. In any case, the guards did not seem very combative. In any case, we had no trouble reaching the control room, then knocking out the Yeerks present and barricading ourselves in.

I then began to configure the cannon. During the long minutes needed for its realignment, I silently prayed for it to go faster (the guards wouldn't remain lethargic for very long). Then, after what seemed like an interminable time, the imposing Visser-one sphere ship was finally in the crosshairs. I thought that now Visser-one might very well have moved his fleet to no longer be within range of the planetary defenses installed by Visser-12. Perhaps he had taken the calculated risk of staying within firing range to show that he feared nothing. Or maybe there was something else. In turn, I had the unsettling premonition that all this had been far too easy. Had we fallen into a trap for the third time? A loud bang echoed against the door. I didn't have time to hesitate. I pressed the firing button with all my strength.

Immediately, the ground shook and an enormous noise almost pierced my eardrums. Is that why there were noise-canceling headphones hanging on the wall of the room? Humans are really fragile. In my former Hork-Bajir host, I barely flinched when cannons, even larger ones, fired while I stood beside them (or perhaps it was due to the particularly high density of Earth's atmosphere). In any case, I ignored the pain from David's body to visualize the result through the cannon's telescope and the few Yeerk surveillance satellites that hadn't been destroyed by lunar debris. The shot had bounced off the sphere ship's shields without seeming to cause them any damage. Apparently, the rumor greatly underestimated the power of the flagship's shields of Visser-One. Even an Andalite world ship would have faltered from such a direct hit. Before I could think about the next events, the main screen lit up.

By the emperor. What are you doing? I ordered you to keep a low profile and wait for my orders.

I was so stunned that I couldn't retort anything. Very quickly, without being able to stop it, tears welled up in my eyes. The screen was broadcasting the image of the new host, completely furious at Jera456 (I noted that he seemed very emaciated and sleep-deprived), with Tom in the background.

Thévenin! I knew you weren't dead. Exclaimed Tom, pushing Jera456 aside to move to the forefront.

Me too, I thought you were dead. How did you survive? I asked, overjoyed to know they were alive.

I'm going to tell Jack and Tobias to stop fighting. Marco said joyfully while opening the door.

It is rather us who should be asking you this question. And you still haven't told me what you were doing. Jera456 resumed after taking advantage of his host's strength to push Tom unceremoniously and regain control of the events.

We are trying to destroy Visser-One's flagship. I explained.

Idiot! Didn't you think that would draw the attention of his fleet to one of our only assets?

We thought everything was lost anyway.

By the empire! he shouted with visible despair.

But before he could continue, his anger turned to someone else, and he shouted without paying further attention to me:

Why is the fleet advancing? I haven't given any orders.

Immediately, the hologram of a human with a contemptuous look appeared in the center of the room where Jera456 was.

Sorry, cowardly lord. I thought the orders were to charge at Visser-one's fleet as soon as it began to enter the atmosphere. Or maybe you've found another excuse to postpone the fight?

Is it entering the atmosphere? But why?

No doubt to annihilate our brothers who had the courage to defy the Visser-One's flagship.

No matter, it's perfect. Well done, Beltra856. I knew I could count on you. Once everything is finished, you will have a medal.

The arrogant Yeerk cut off communication with a surprised look.

I do not understand what Visser-one is trying to prove by not destroying the cannon from orbit, but it's an opportunity. All ships, fire at will on the enemy fleet as soon as it descends below 700 ratchild in altitude, declared Jera456 after frantically pressing several buttons.

Then, he ignored me and ran off giving orders left and right. I turned my attention back to the image from the telescope of the cannon. The entire Republic fleet seemed to emerge from nowhere and began bombarding Visser-one's fleet, which was considerably weakened by its entry into the atmosphere. The axe-ship, in particular, with its ultra-powerful cannons, was causing impressive damage. Within minutes, half of Visser-one's fleet had been destroyed.

But very quickly the massacre changed direction. Visser-one's ships completed their atmospheric entry and positioned themselves behind Visser-one's ship, which did not seem in the least affected by all its shots and began to retaliate. The Republic fleet then concentrated all its fire on Visser-one's ship, whose shields were seriously faltering. But they still did not give way, and behind it, the rest of the fleet had reorganized and had begun to retaliate against the ships that no longer targeted them. In an emergency, I pounded the firing button of the orbital cannon. Its overpowering shot hit the flagship at the same time as the axe ship's, causing a gigantic explosion on the northern pole of the sphere ship. Visser-one's flagship was still standing, but its shields had fallen. And it was facing a fleet now larger than its own.

In a final attempt to turn the situation around, Visser-one's sphere-ship charged at the blade-ship. I heard Jera456 order the othersvessels to take care of the rest of the fleet. A duel then began between Visser-one's sphere ship and the axe ship of his former rival Visser-12 (where I guessed Tom and Jera456 were currently located). Slowly, the sphere ship approached the axe ship, which was content to fire repeatedly at it. With each shot, parts of the sphere ship disappeared. The ship had long since lost all airtightness, and it was a miracle it was still flying. But despite everything, it continued to head towards the axe ship and was about to collide with it (which, given the weakness of its defenses, would undoubtedly destroy it). When finally, answering my prayers, the cooling gauge of the cannon turned green: it was ready for another shot. Immediately, I fired for the third time and watched the sphere ship disintegrate, just a few meters before colliding with the axe ship. Jera456 didn't even take a minute to savor his victory and ordered the axe ship to assist the rest of the fleet.

With the help of these powerful ships, the battle was quickly over. The Earth was saved. No, better yet, the galaxy was saved. Not only were Visser-One and his fleet defeated, but the Yeerk Republic of Helios was still there. I had only recently become interested in political matters, but I knew that this meant the end of the empire and the beginning of an era of peace and freedom for the Yeerks.

Are you finally going to explain to me what's going on Jera456? I did see your fleet get annihilated.

Jera456 replied to me, beaming with joy (I hadn't felt him this happy in a very long time):

Did you really think I was going to implement Visser-12's odious plan? That I was going to use my own subordinates as a shield while using the capabilities of the blade ship to cover myself in glory? Of course not. I'm not that kind of yeerk. Instead, I tried to adapt Richac6487's plan: wait for the enemy to be weakened by atmospheric re-entry to strike. That's when the ches offered their help. They used their holographic technology to create a fake fleet where Visser-one had planned to hide his and to help us camouflage the real fleet. By the way, remind me to adopt a dog. No, dozens of dogs.

Basically from the start, you had the situation well in hand and we only got in your way. You were right from the beginning. We should have waited and trusted you. You are a much better leader than I am. You should take my place.

You're kidding, I hope. Did you see how that idiot, the sub-visser, treated me? You know how to command respect from the Yeerks. And if you hadn't brilliantly provoked Visser-One, he would have stayed in orbit. I wouldn't have been able to implement my plan. I would have had to let him conquer Earth or launch into a doomed assault. Without you, there wouldn't have been a victory.

Without me, there would have been no war.

You can't know that. Who's to say Visser-One wouldn't have found another excuse to invade Earth? Anyway, if you think I could do better, you're wrong. I remind you that I also approved this plan. And I'm pleased about it. Thanks to your intervention, Visser-One launched an invasion of Earth hastily and with a reduced fleet. If Visser-One hadn't wanted to exploit the opportunity you offered to the fullest, who knows if we would have been able to repel him. By the way, is it true that you killed the emperor?

Of course not. It's …

I suspected it! It's Visser-One, isn't it? And I bet that if a Yeerk infected your humans, it could prove that the republic is innocent. That would definitely discredit the pro-war camp.

Yes, but I doubt they will agree.

I accept. Said Jack.

I turned around hastily. Caught up in the events, I hadn't noticed his presence, nor that of the Yeerks from the base who were watching us, half respectful, half angry. I noticed that Jack was limping and being supported by Marco. Although upon closer inspection, it was more Jack who was supporting Marco. He had just witnessed his mother's death.

Aren't you feeling well? You forgot how it was last time. Tom immediately worried through the screen.

Don't worry, I haven't forgotten. But if it's the only way for what's left of the Yeerk empire to finally leave us in peace, then I won't hesitate. I don't want to see death anymore. Never again.

The others volunteered to take his place, but he replied:

I am the leader. I am the one who ordered us to walk into the lion's den despite Catie's warnings. It's up to me to do it.

Perfect. Perfect. Jera456 congratulated himself without noticing the turmoil in which the prospect of seeing Jack get infected a second time (even temporarily) had plunged us. Thevenin789 hands over the cannon controls to the artillery officer and orders the communications officer to connect the cannon to the targeting system of my ship. We need to deal with this space debris as quickly as possible. By the way, I'll let you announce to the Yeerks that they will have to postpone the party and leave for at least 24 hours.

I thought the Earth was lost. That the Yeerks couldn't prevent the moon's debris from reaching the Earth. Cassie asked hopefully.

Normally, that would be the case. But as soon as Visser-One fired on the moon, the Ches began calculating the trajectory of each piece of debris and how to deflect them in order to minimize the number of pieces that will fall to Earth. If we follow their plan, they claim that only 5 pieces of debris will crash on Earth and the impact will cause at most an explosion comparable to twice the Hiroshima bomb. I will transmit to the humans the collision sites predicted by the Ches. If they start the evacuation now, there should be no casualties. Speaking of which, um, Thevenin789, I don't know how to tell you ...

Seeing his hesitant tone, I expected the worst.

Come on, spill the beans. Who died?

No one. At least not to my knowledge. It's just that one of the debris is going to fall on France. Well, not exactly. It's going to fall off the coast of a city called Lille and cause a gigantic tsunami there. The experts claim that the only way to avoid it would be to let a piece of debris crash on Tokyo.

Jera456, I beg you, take my place.

Not even in your dreams, my friend. As soon as all this is over, I'm resigning.

What! That's out of the question. Come back, you bastards. I screamed at the now black screen.

He had dared to hang up on me.

Epilogue

Tom was in his room trying to do his homework when his new computer rang. He clicked and immediately, David's face appeared on the screen.

Hello, Thevenin, how are you?

Very well, and you?

Impeccable. I don't want to upset you, but you can't know how nice it is to finally be alone in one's head.

I will know next week. Thevenin replied.

You still haven't found another host to replace David?

No. I am truly sorry, but the president of the Yeerk Republic must be exemplary. David is a much more pleasant host since he knows his parents are well and that he will soon be able to reunite with them. He even agreed to become a Nothlit. However, I must release him before we are once again accused of keeping hosts against their will.

This agreement with the empire will have at least one advantage, he said darkly.

It is no longer the empire now, but the Yeerk federation.

The name has changed, but the practices are the same. And I persist in saying that you should not have listened to Jera456 and demanded that we be able to verify that the millions of human slaves they have kept are indeed irretrievable zombies.

Peace always rests on a mix of trust, hypocrisies, and compromises. I promise to bring this up again in the future, but for now, having achieved the repatriation of hundreds of thousands of humans is already good. Even the Andalites have accepted that the Yeerks could not immediately free all the involuntary hosts. Besides, we also needed time.

In the future, they will have truly become zombies.

I'm sorry. Are you still sure you agree to host me?

It's okay, I understand. Don't worry. You know I enjoy being with you.

I also know how much you appreciate having a bit of freedom.

Tom shrugged.

You can't do anything about it. Already, it's a huge relief to know that I can refuse and regain total freedom at any time.

Thank you. But if I called you, it’s to ask you for a favor.

In addition to lending you my body for an unlimited duration. Even for an alien who came to conquer the Earth, you're starting to be a seriously intrusive friend. Joked Tom.

It's about Timmy. Could your family host him?

Why? I thought he loved his new life.

That's an understatement. It's downright hysterical to live on a spaceship. His new Yeerk is full of praise for him. In addition to his small body, perfect for sneaking through the ship's corridors, he says he shows a passion for everything related to space and ships that he has never found in any Yeerk. I have never seen Timmy so happy.

So why do you want him to come live at my place?

Believe me, I don't want it. I would dream of him staying next to me forever. But I worry about him. He keeps running away from humans. And to be honest, I'm not really sure I want him to be around those who have decided to remain the slaves of their Yeerk. Let's say they are all original people.

Addicts and murderers, you mean. Tom cut in.

You're exaggerating. Most are not like that.

Many are.

You let your hatred of the voluntary hosts override your reason, Tom. In any case, they are all adults. At the insistence of human governments, we had to refuse all minors who wanted to remain slaves to their Yeerk. And he needs to see other children. At least, I think so. What do you think?

I think you are right. And he would also need a good therapist. But why do you want him to come to our house? Why don't you find him a loving family like for the other slave children who had violent parents?

A loving family that jokes. Most only love the money they are paid to take care of them. And many complain of being harassed at their school because they were voluntary hosts. And unlike Timmy, none have a senator uncle eager to get rid of them to collect the inheritance and influential enough to obtain an exemption. If only I could convince humans to lower the age of consent to 16. But my political problems are not your concern. I don't want Timmy to go through that, and I think your parents would be happy to welcome him after you leave for college. And since you are war heroes, people won't dare to bother him.

Well, that is to say, I no longer go to university.

What are you talking about?

I missed the exam.

Oh! It's just that. Tell me the university you wanted to go to and I would persuade its president to make an exception. Besides, I think it would be better if Jack did it. He is more liked by humans than I am.

I don't want any favoritism. And anyway, you didn't understand what I meant. I really messed it up. I was unable to answer most of the questions. And now I've been struggling for an hour, like it's not possible on sophomore exercises. I don't even know why I'm insisting? I'll never reach the level.

I'm sorry, Tom. All this is my fault, I should have (…)

But Tom interrupted him.

It's the fault of Temrash114 and the empire. But certainly not yours. If I still have enough brainpower to hold a pen, it's entirely thanks to you.

That didn't seem to convince Thévenin, so he continued. It was still ironic that it was up to him to console his Yeerk because he had failed his university entrance exam.

And then I'm not so much to be pitied. With all the money I made selling my story to journalists, I'm safe for a while. In fact, Dad told me that he was contacted to make it into a movie. If that materializes, I'll never have money problems again. And if it doesn't, at worst, I'll be supported by Jack. It's not just one movie being prepared about him, but dozens.

You humans, you are too obsessed with money. It is not enough to fill a life.

It fills the fridge, which is already not bad. And then I didn't want to talk to you about it, but anyway, I didn't really feel like going to university. After everything we've been through, I can't become a student like the others again. And I'm not the only one. For some time now, I've been going to a support group of formerHost like me. Many struggle to return to a normal life. They are in the process of setting up an association to help former hosts recover. I would like to get involved.

As long as you are thriving, that's what matters. And your association might be able to help me solve Timmy's problem.

Tom looked sorry.

Alas, I think it's a bad idea. They are all involuntary hosts. And you know what most think of volunteers. In fact, I think you won't find any place on earth that will welcome a volunteer. For now, it's better for him to stay in orbit with the other traitor (...), volunteer.

I see. Thevenin said sadly before ending the communication.

oOoOoOo

What do you think about a Yeerk searching through its host's memory? I asked

I find it wonderful. (...)

Next. I shouted for the umpteenth time since this morning.

But wait, I'm not finished.

I said next.

The Hork-Bajir positioned along the room gently grabbed the guest and pushed him towards the exit. During the interval before the next candidate entered, Thévenin murmured to me:

(I know that I was the one who suggested this test, but if this continues we won't find anyone. Couldn't you be a little less demanding, please?)

Sorry Tom, but as the president of the Yeerk Republic, I must be particularly selective in choosing my hosts. I want someone at least somewhat sincere and in tune with my tastes.

During their mental discussion, a white man built like a brick wall took a seat in the chair opposite Thévenin. He seemed particularly uncomfortable.

What do you think about a Yeerk searching through its host's memory? I asked.

Huh, what?

I repeat, what do you think about the fact that a Yeerk searches the memory of its host?

Well, I don't know. I find it rather disturbing. Personally, I really wouldn't like that. It almost looks like rape.

(Quite the first candidate to respond sincerely)

Why do you want to become my host? Thévenin looked at his form and displayed a surprised expression: Mr. Amadou Diallo? Weren't you supposed to be black?

Oh, I think I made a mistake, I'm actually going to leave.

Stay, please. You are not, Mr. Diallo, are you?

At his words, the Hork-Bajir guards blocked the exit.

Tell them to let me out.

I will do it when you have told me how you infiltrated among the candidates and why.

For the infiltration, it's not difficult. I went in and sat in the waiting room like everyone else.

And the why?

Let me out. You have no right to hold me here against my will.

If you care so much about us following the law, I can call the human police and file a complaint against you.

Upon hearing that, he turns pale and sits back down.

No, it's fine. I'll tell you. I am a journalist and I wanted to write an article.

Show me your press card?

What?

Your press card.

I never take her for undercover investigations. Too much risk of being spotted.

If you insist, I can also infest you by force and get the answers to my questions myself.

You do not have the right, since the end of the war (…)

I don't have the impression that you have a good relationship with the police, Mr. Diallo. Or whatever your real name is. Answer my questions honestly, and I promise that whatever your motivations were for coming here, you will be free to leave.

The promise of a Yeerk, what is it worth? As soon as I have answered your questions, I will be taken to your mothership to serve as a slave to one of your slugs.

If it really was my goal, I wouldn't bother questioning you. Do you know who I am?

Now yes, I recognize you. You are the president of the Yeerk Republic. What are you doing in this shabby hotel?

Am I receiving candidates to be my new host?

Are there really people who volunteer for that?

Of course. It must be said that the salary is excellent, the holidays frequent, the health insurance (...)

Even for a million euros, I would not want to do that. No offense intended.

There is no harm. We yeerks do not have the same notion as humans of what is offensive. It must be related to our parasitic nature which forces us to form relationships where sincerity and tolerance of different viewpoints prevail.

No need to advertise to me, I'm not a candidate.

Now that I have satisfied your curiosity, could you satisfy mine? Otherwise, I will call the police and resume the hearings.

It's okay, it's okay. I'll tell you the truth. I came in here to escape a police patrol.

Why is he looking for you?

He accuses me of having killed my wife and my two children. But it wasn't me. They were already dead when I got home that day. I swear to you that I am innocent, don't hand me over to them. Not before I have found the real murderer.

I have already given you my word to let you go, Mr. Diallo, do you like nature?

(What are you crazy?) Tom asked me, understanding where I was going with it.

Definitely, but that has nothing to do with my decision, I replied to him.

"Pardon?" exclaimed the fugitive.

I asked you if you liked nature.

I confess to you that I am wanted for murder and that's all it inspires in you? Asked the fugitive.

Yes. Now, Mr. Diallo, please answer my question.

Call me Damien. Well, yes, I love it. I became a forest ranger precisely to avoid spending my life behind a desk. But actually, it involves a lot of paperwork.

Last question. What do you think about that?

Thévenin took a photo out of his room on the mothership.

Don't tell me you're really considering making him your new host?

(Why not? He seems perfect. And it's not like we're overwhelmed with serious applications. At least he won't resign after a month to go write a book about the scandalous secrets of the Yeerk)

Well, that is to say that, that I am epileptic then (…).

Don't worry. Yeerk medicine can treat this kind of minor handicap. Besides that, what do you think?

Well, you know me and modern art. I suppose it's beautiful in a certain sense.

"Even upside down, it's still ugly. At a stretch, if you turn your back on it," commented Tom.

You are hired. Your price will be mine.

Excuse me. I remind you that I am not a candidate.

You are the first human to understand Yeerk art. I cannot let such a gem pass by. If you allow me to search your memory, I will verify that you are indeed innocent. And I will have your case reopened. In any case, according to the treaty binding our two species, citizens of the Yeerk Republic benefit from amnesty for crimes committed before their integration into the Republic.

Wasn't it for the crimes committed by the Yeerk under the empire? he asked.

The treaty specifies no such thing.

And if I refuse your proposal?

As promised, you are free to leave.

With a gesture from Thévenin, the guards stepped aside to let him pass.

If it can reassure you, whatever I discover in your mind, I won't blame you. I've killed far more humans than you anyway.

Needless to say, this last word did not reassure Damien, who seriously wondered if he should rather go to the police.

oOoOoOo

Tom! You made a mistake, Damien's vacation is next week.

Me too, I am happy to see you Thévenin.

Excuse me. You can't imagine how much this job stresses me out.

I have a little idea. I'm the one who regularly gets a nerd ball in my head. I'd tell you to send all those genocidal idiots you call your colleagues packing, but you'll say I'm being speciesist again. If (...)

If you had known, you would never have introduced me to your vegan girlfriend, I know. How is Julie?

Very well. But she refuses to make love to me until you come in person to apologize for having watched my memories of our first time.

I smile.

You know the schedule of the president of the Yeerk Republic is very busy. I would try to find a slot in six months.

Don't be mean.

Okay, I will make an effort to fit it in next month.

Seeing his defeated look, I couldn't help but laugh.

Okay, I'll send him a message this evening. Was there anything else?

Yes. Look what we found while cleaning at mom's.

I got up and approached to examine the inside of the cage that Tom had been holding since his arrival in my office.

Magnificent specimens of Felis silvestris catus. But why did you bring it here?

I plan to give it to Timmy.

There, you offend me. Timmy already receives all the food he needs.

Tom looked at me puzzled before bursting into laughter.

But no, it's not to eat it. It's so that it keeps him company. That way, he'll look less crazy when he talks to himself.

Timmy doesn't talk to himself. He talks to his Yeerk.

Thevenin, I have already seen him do it during his rest periods. I know he looks happy, but he really needs to see a competent psychologist. And children his age. If it continues, he will become as crazy as the other slaves.

Do not call them that. From now on, they are citizens of the Yeerk Republic like the others.

Sorry, it slipped out. But admit that I'm right.

Yes, I know. But since the last time we talked about it, the situation has only gotten worse. Besides, I have to thank your cursed association for helping the victims of the Yeerks for that.

You're exaggerating. They're just telling what happened to them.

Open your eyes. It is a real smear campaign against the Yeerks.

Read the court order again. There can be no defamation if the facts are proven. How can you sue them to stop them from speaking? Especially after everything you did to them?

Is it you who is asking or the association?

Both.

Humps! It's complicated. You don't realize how fragile things are here. Many Yeerks are unhappy with my policy. If I don't show more firmness, I will lose power.

I didn't know you were the kind of yeerk to sacrifice your integrity to maintain a position.

Things are not that simple. If I lose power before the republic has had time to take root, things could quickly deteriorate.

He then adopted an attitude I knew by heart. He wanted to tell me something but hesitated.

What? What's wrong, Tom? What do you want to tell me?

I shouldn't tell you. In fact, I'm not even supposed to know about it. You see, most of the members of the association don't trust me. Many think I don't belong among them and without my generous donations (...)

Stop beating around the bush.

The association wants to lead a campaign to demand that the republic compensate the former victims of the empire.

Huh, are they sick?

No. And they are right.

Sorry? But whose side are you on in the end? The republic owes them nothing.

Thévenin, it’s not against you. Nor even against the Yeerks. But they have no other choice. I'm fine, but after their liberation, most found themselveswith their lives shattered. Many are still unable to work and have no income. And I am not even talking about their need for care. The association helps them by offering psychological support, but it is insufficient.

The agreements made with your leaders are very clear. It is up to humans to take care of their own. Attack your own politicians.

Human governments do not have the financial means to meet their expenses. Meanwhile, the Yeerk republic is amassing billions by selling to Earth's industrialists the materials harvested in the asteroid belt.

Who told you such stupidity? It is your nations and your big industrialists who are gorging themselves. Half of the minerals are sold at cost price and on the rest, the USA takes 90% of the profits. Just last month, that amounted to 100 billion dollars. Of course, they are supposed to pay their share to other countries on the planet, but it remains a significant sum. We barely have enough left to cover our expenses. These treaties are so advantageous for you that my opponents accuse me of having made the republic a vassal of the humans.

Okay, I believe you. Still, the Yeerks have a moral obligation to fix their mistakes.

And I tell you that we cannot afford it. If we had to face such expenses, I would have to denounce the agreements of (...) You know what Tom? How about appearing on CNN tonight?

Frankly, no. I already have enough media exposure for my liking. And besides, I'd like to know what you have in mind first.

It's simple. I will make a speech to indicate that the Yeerks are outraged by the way humans treat their former hosts and declare that as long as they have not been properly taken care of, we will deduct from our taxes ourselves to reimburse their care and pay them a subsistence income. This should restore the Yeerks' image with the general public, undercut the association, and boost my popularity among the Yeerks. Many still consider the former hosts as the property of the Yeerks and will see in this act an elegant move to recover some of the money extorted by humans.

Are you aware that you're going to make a lot of enemies on earth? Jera456 will not appreciate it.

Since when am I the kind of Yeerk to care about that?

I knew that politics hadn't completely softened you. You have my full support. But couldn't you use Damien instead? After all, it's his turn to serve as your host.

I like Damien a lot, but my communication advisors very rightly pointed out that it would be better to avoid the President of the Republic yeerk appearing as a repeat murderer. It would send the wrong message.

How much do you pay them again for this kind of advice?

They also told me that your face inspires the sympathy of the female public.

You know what? Give them a raise.

Tom, you know that I would really like to keep my promise to give you back your freedom.

It's fine. You've already done a lot. I'm just complaining for the sake of it, but I'm satisfied. Let's go preserve peace in the world.

And that is what they did. Crisis after crisis. Difficulty after difficulty, they remained united and embodied throughout their lives the possibility of peaceful cooperation between the Yeerk and humans. Little by little, they filled the gap.That hatred had spawned between the two species and contributed to a fairer world.

Timmy definitely went crazy. It was necessary for him to barely become an adult, steal a new generation Yeerk ship, and set off to explore the galaxy alone. At 113 years old, feeling life slowly leaving him, he toasted one last time with a two-headed lizard while watching the second moon set in a diamond ocean, thinking that he wasn't the sanest of men, but certainly the happiest.

Jack, Marco, Rachel, Cassie, and Tobias recovered from their trauma and never again got involved in war or politics. However, they had great and beautiful careers in the fields of their choice and were celebrated throughout their lives as great heroes by all of humanity. They passed away peacefully surrounded by love.

Jera456 managed to convince Trista171 and Racane263 to give him one last chance by swearing on what he held most dear that he would never hide anything from them again. Unfortunately, Jera456 died a few months later during an orgy that went a little too far. The most embarrassing part was that he was not with Trista171 and Racane263 when it happened. However, they gladly agreed to take care of the 44 larvae that resulted from this union.

Aximili became an influential prince and his fame quickly surpassed that of his brother. Although in the evening Andalites preferred to tell their children stories of his older brother, the Yeerk killer, once adults, they admired more the one who had managed to establish lasting peace between the different races of the galaxy.

You don't believe it? That's normal, it's fiction. But in these increasingly troubled times, let's take inspiration from it. If the Yeerks and humans could eventually forgive each other to the point of living in peace, then maybe we can too.

OooOoOo

Author's note: Thank you for reading until the end. Don't forget to leave a small review to tell me what you thought about it.

In this story, some iconic lines from Stargate, the 2010 series Spartacus, and Avengers are slipped in. Will you be able to find them?

Author's note 2: I don't know if I succeeded, but I tried to make many points of the plotYou are a professional translator. Directly translate this text into English, without adding anything:political issue is subject to interpretation. So I would like to give my vision of the story's outcome. If you understood something else, then all the better, it means I succeeded. For me, what happens at the end of the story is not that Thévenin takes power and becomes a benevolent dictator who brings peace to the world despite the natural stupidity and wickedness of the Yeerk people because he is a great leader full of compassion for the poor humans. For me, Thévenin is just a figurehead used by Jera to get the reluctant Yeerk to accept the new institutions created by Jera. These new institutions are dominated by Jera and the Yeerks who support him, and thus they are the ones in power. If humans fare well in this version, it is not because the Yeerks or their leaders become virtuous, but because to achieve their goals, they need to get along with humans. To be convinced of this, one only needs to see the difference in treatment with the Hork-Bajir. Despite Thévenin's good intentions towards them, they remain slaves. To obtain their liberation and not be...Considered more as animals, they will have to fight. Politely asking and patiently waiting for the Yeerks to release them will not be enough.

I also have a project to create a sequel set years later (without involving any of the characters from this fanfic) that will address this issue. In this fanfic, the Hork-Bajir will have to free themselves from the Yeerks but also from humans (just because one has been a victim doesn't mean one cannot become a perpetrator). However, this will only be a secondary element (the hero being a human, he will not be directly involved and will see all this from an external and not necessarily benevolent perspective).