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.