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.