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.

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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.

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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.

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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.