Movement for Peace

A few months later at the headquarters of the human resistance against the Yeerk invasion (Well actually, it's just Cassie's barn, but it sounds less cool that way)

Illim, do you know a Yeerk named Thévenin 7-8-9? Jack asked.

By reputation only. He obtained the lowest scores in history on all his aptitude tests. Despite this, Visser-3 decided to grant him a host because he is a fanatic who never questions the principles of the empire. I remember it because many higher-ranked Yeerks complained about this decision. But above all, he is probably the most sadistic Yeerk present on Earth. Moreover, now that I think about it, maybe that's why Visser-3I pity the poor human who was assigned to him. He must be suffering terribly.

He is not that sadistic.

Not so sadistic. He loves making humans suffer so much that he took the risk that my host would never be infected just for the pleasure of mocking the death of his wife and daughter. And then how could you know?

It's my brother's Yeerk. I would like you to recruit him.

Jack had spoken calmly, but something in the tone made him understand that it was an order and that he should not argue. As usual, Jack never formally ordered, but everyone had to comply with his decisions.

oOoOoOoOo

A few days later, as Thévenin had just finished feeding and regained control of Tom.

(So?) asked Tom

(So what?)

(Did nothing happen in the Yeerk pool?)

(Since when are you interested in what I do in the pool?) I asked, surprised.

(This is undoubtedly more interesting than what is happening in the cages). He said bitterly.

(I am sorry. I tried to complain so that you would have better treatment, but they just laughed in my face). I consoled him by giving him a slight mental hug.

I know. I don't blame you, so nothing unusual happened?

Non

(Are you sure?)

Now that you mention it, I didn't pay attention at the time, but a Yeerk I didn't know tried to talk to me. What was his name again? Ah yes, Illite.

(And what did he tell you) Tom asked with an excitement I didn't understand.

Nothing special. He just asked me if I didn't think it would be good for all the hosts to be volunteers.

(And what did you reply?)

(Just what we are taught at school)

(That is to say?)

I hesitated before answering, knowing that Tom was not going to appreciate it. But after all, he was the one who insisted.

(If the hosts are not willing, it is because they are too stupid to understand the opportunity they have. Our duty as Yeerk is to train them by any means necessary to bring the benefits of Yeerk civilization to their primitive species.)

Recalling this moment gave me an idea that I submitted to Tom:

Do you think it was a test from my superiors to check my loyalty? If that's the case, I might have to report him for sympathy. What do you think?

A long silence followed. A mental silence. It's 10 times more awkward than a normal silence.

Thevenin, I like you. But sometimes, I just want to slap you.

oOoOoOo

No means no, Tom.

(However, you said that if you had the choice, you would give me back my freedom. Even at the risk of your life)

(Yes, and I still think so). It would have been more accurate to say 'now, I think so.' But Tom didn't need to know that.

(But what?)

But there is a difference between freeing a hostage and joining a terrorist group. I am not a traitor Tom.

They are not terrorists. How the hell do you expect a group called 'movement for peace' to be made up of terrorists?

(That's what Visser-3 claims) I told him, thinking that this conclusive argument would definitively close the debate.

I don't give a damn about Visser-3. Can't you see that guy is a psychopath? How many times has he threatened to kill you?

He was just in a bad mood that day. It happens to everyone. And he has a lot of responsibilities. In the end, despite my flaws, he has always supported me. It's thanks to him that I was able to have a host. And besides, a Visser cannot be a psychopath. If he was appointed to this position, it must be because he is far superior to me. I am not intelligent enough to understand the reasons for his decisions. And a fortiori, it applies to you.

(What does that mean?) he asked angrily.

I noted with satisfaction that he now trusted me enough to be unpleasant with me without fearing a punishment session (Before, every time he did it, his fear was palpable).

Don't get angry, Tom. It's just that you belong to a primitive species. You don't even master space travel and you let your own die of hunger and cold in the street while you have monstrous stocks of food right next door and tons of completely empty heated buildings. I admit that the Yeerk are not perfect, but we are superior to you in every way.

All that nonsense you're saying, is it just to keep up appearances in front of the other Yeerks? Do you really believe it? Do you really think you're a superior being? Superior to me?

Me, it's not the same, I'm a backward Yeerk. I'm already lucky that the empire hasn't eliminated me to purify the species.

Thévenin. You're not an idiot. Damn, I'm sure you're better than 99% of the Yeerk. Just, couldn't you think for yourself from time to time?

Thank you, but I know I'm a fool. And thinking is already betraying.

In front of his astonishment, I added:

"To think is already to betray" is the title of the book that the sergeants in charge of educating my litter read to us to put us to sleep when I was little. It sounds austere, but it's a great book filled with good life precepts. Your species should take inspiration from it. If you want, I can try to quote some passages from memory.

"It's okay, it's fine. I believe you," he said quickly, but I could see that he didn't mean a word of it. In fact, I didn't understand the cause of the emotions he was feeling at that moment. Was it pity? I didn't dare probe further for fear that he would accuse me again of violating his privacy. Was it my fault if I heard all his thoughts and felt all his emotions?

Listen Tom, I promise not to report IIlim. But don't ask me for more.