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.