Escape from the Yeerk capital

On this sad day, I am not addressing you as Visser-One, but as a simple Yeerk traumatized by the incomprehensible crime that the traitors allied with the Andalites dared to commit. With the help of my opponents, a group of humans endowed by the Andalites with morphing technology infiltrated the imperial palace and brutally assassinated the entire imperial family, including the imperial larvae. The proof is made, if necessary, that these so-called defenders of peace have not only seceded from the empire but also from our race. We must make them pay for this heinous act and ensure that they never attempt such an atrocity again. That is why I am announcing a great purge against seditious movements and that starting tomorrow, I will personally lead a great fleet to quell the revolt of the outer colonies, starting with the one from which the terrorists originate: Earth. But as I told you in the introduction, if I spoke today it is not only to talk to you about the measures I will take as Visser. My primary goal was to share and soothe the pain and fear we all feel on this day. I know that this unending succession of disasters, which in a very short time has shaken our world, may have caused anxiety for many of you. However, I can reassure you today. These disasters are not an end, but a beginning. The beginning of a phase of rebirth for the empire from which it will emerge stronger than ever. Indeed, as dramatic as the events are, we must now think about what comes next. During my absence, the senate will begin to debate a series of reforms to make our empire stronger and the choice of a new emperor. In the meantime, I will ensure the interim under the position of First Consul of the Yeerk Empire.

From that moment, I stopped listening to Visser-one's speech. After the debacle, we had been quickly captured and locked in cages reserved for Andalites, similar to the one where David had spent so much time. It was a transparent cube several centimeters thick made of a material as hard as steel. Once closed, the cage seemed to have no opening to the outside, which caused an overwhelming fear of suffocation in human hosts (and a multiplied feeling of confinement compared to human prisons). But it was just an illusion. The walls were actually pierced with multiple holes one nanometer in diameter, allowing air (and various anesthetics administered to prisoners before opening their cage) to pass through, while preventing an Andalite from escaping by taking the form of an extremely small animal. The only form of life small enough to pass through these holes would be a bacterium, but at that size, crossing the 5 centimeters of the cage's thickness would take more than two hours (assuming one could move in a straight line in that form).

The only thing that kept Jack, Marco, and Cassie from going crazy in their cubes was the messages Rachel and Tobias regularly sent us to assure us they would come to free us as soon as an opportunity arose. By sign, Jack had tried to discreetly tell them to take their time without knowing if they could see or understand his signs. They too must not fall into a trap. I wished he had refrained from giving that order, but it was totally impossible for us to communicate. For the moment, Visser-One and his escort were content to transport our cages from one end of the palace to the other to display us still covered in the emperor's blood to as many cameras and witnesses as possible. Thus, for all the Yeerks of the empire, our guilt would be an indisputable certainty.

After a few hours of this regime, what I feared happened. The journalists, investigator, diplomat, and other high-ranking Yeerk gradually disappeared. Only Visser-One and his soldiers remained in the palace. Our cages were then moved to a sinister room covered with multicolored bloodstains and tools whose use was unmistakable, where we remained alone for a few moments. However, it was not an executioner who entered the room, but Visser-One himself:

So, the son of my host is one of those humans possessing the morphing power who caused so much harm to that incompetent Esplin9466 (that was the birth name of Visser-12). That day on Earth, you took the risk of coming to see me knowing who I was. Why did you do that?

Go fuck yourself. Marco replied, spitting in his direction.

What are these manners, young man? Your mother didn't raise you like that. Visser-one taunted before bursting into laughter. Then he became serious again:

And if I suggested freeing your mother, what would you say?

I would say it's a lie. It embarrassed Marco.

You are wrong, my offer is completely sincere. However, it is not free. If you agree to replace your mother as my new host, then I will release her. She will be able to live on a planet of the empire of her choice without ever having a Yeerk in her head.

I'd rather die than give the Yeerks hosts with the power to morph. Jack replied in his place.

Oh, but you will not have that choice. She pointed to a kind of projector that was just above our cages:

You undoubtedly thought it was just a simple decorative element, but it is actually a cutting-edge Yeerk invention: a demorphing ray. If you attempt anything, it will automatically activate and prevent you from transforming. Thanks to you, we have been able to prove its effectiveness, and it will soon be deployed on all battlefields. They do not know it yet, but the Andalites will lose one of their best assets in this conflict. The annoying ability their soldiers have to heal from any wound in seconds or to suddenly take the form of a monster several meters tall after bypassing our lines in the form of a microscopic insect. Admit it. From now on, you are completely powerless against us. Your only choice is to submit voluntarily. And soon, that will be the case for the entire galaxy. Including its arrogant Andalites.

Even with this technology, the empire has no chance against the Andalites. The only reason we were on equal footing with them is because they allowed it. If their leaders hadn't provided ships and information to Visser-12... I began to say, but Visser-One interrupted me:

Do not tell me you believe in that stupid conspiracy theory. The Andalite government never helped Visser-12. It was always a few isolated Andalites that Visser-12 managed to convince to help him temporarily. Visser-12 was incompetent and a bastard, but I must admit it's no coincidence that he is the only Yeerk to have ever succeeded in infesting an Andalite. He was literally passionate about Andalites and their civilization. In fact, in a way, he loved them. Perhaps more than the Yeerks. Even taking control of a genuine Andalite wasn't enough to satisfy his passion for those damned horses. He continued to divert colossal resources at the slightest rumor promising him to get his hands on an object or a piece of information about the Andalites. You would see the Aladdin's cave he had gathered in his former domain in the capital. But anyway, I digress. In his insane quest, he sometimes stumbled upon... interesting things, let's say. Means of pressure, trade, and even sometimes helping an Andalite in a bad spot far from his lines. Of course, there was not the slightest trace of kindness or pity in his actions. Visser-12 was the only Yeerk in the entire empire capable of understanding the absurd Andalite mentality enough to manipulate them and convince them to betray their race. At the same time, it's not so surprising. A race capable of waging war for honor could only be understood by someone as crazy as Visser-12. What a joy that you killed him. I can't believe that idiot managed to hinder my plans for so long. But I've talked enough. It's your turn now. I have stirred up the empire's anger so much that I will have to torture and execute some of you. But if you show cooperation, then I might turn some of you into hosts. Tell me how you penetrated the capital's defenses?Where is your ship located?

Upon seeing that he was captured, he had already left. Cassie lied hastily.

Interesting. So you will be spared. Too bad, I would have liked to know what it was like to have a male host. Unless one of you tells me where your accomplices are. And there's no use denying it. The videos of your intervention against the security forces of the underworld that allowed us todetect your presence, shows that you are at least 5. Anyway, as soon as I have infested you, I will know.

Go die. They all shouted in unison.

Marco knows that your mother wants you to speak so that you will be spared. I already find it very selfish of you to have refused to sacrifice yourself to save her.

For the first time, I broke my silence:

Why are you doing this? What is it for you? If you want us as hosts, just take us. And if you want information, just look for it in our heads.

Do I not have the right to have fun? replied Visser-one with a smile that gave the impression of a child caught in the act.

Unlike most screwdrivers, you do not have a reputation for being sadistic. I replied without hiding my disappointment at seeing once again my illusions about the empire shattered.

What can a human possibly know about my reputation? she said, suddenly curious.

What I believe is that the anti-morph ray prevents you from infesting us. And as soon as you deactivate it, you know we will become Nothlits. Jack then declared.

Immediately, I cried out inwardly: "But of course" while anger distorted Marco's mother's face.

Very well, I ask you one last time. Agree to voluntarily become my host or you will die. For you, there is no other way out. Unlike Visser-12, I am not obsessed with Andalites to the point of taking reckless risks to make you my hosts.

I accept, but only if you release my friends and my mother.

I turned around violently. To my great astonishment, Marco looked perfectly serious. More serious than he had ever been.

What, but what's gotten into you? You can't do that. Shouted Jack.

What other choice do we have left? At least you will be able to live. Marco replied sadly.

You're not really going to believe the promises of a Yeerk? Retorted Jack, who couldn't believe the betrayal of his best friend.

Marco gave me an ironic look that Jack did not miss.

I don't see why you should be the only one to trust the Yeerks. Where are the promised host liberations by Jera and Thevenin?

You traitor. You know what's going to happen to ... yelled Jack.

Frankly, who cares. Don't you understand? The Yeerks have won. Might as well save what can be saved. Marco interrupted him before he accidentally revealed the existence of Rachel and Tobias.

(He is right. He has always been the smartest of the group. The most unpleasant, but the smartest) commented David in my head.

Jack was about to reply violently, but Visser-one raised his hand and then a violent pain paralyzed us all (except Marco) and prevented us from emitting anything other than screams.

Stop that immediately or I will change my mind. Shouted Marco.

Visser-One lowered her hand and immediately the pain subsided. Then Visser-One explained to Marco:

Unlike the traitors who run this so-called Yeerk republic, I always keep my promises. And I want to reassure you that unlike most Yeerks, I have enormous respect for hosts. I think that one of the mostOne of the great mistakes of the empire was going too far down the path of parasitism. Before the arrival of the Andalites on our world, the Yeerk clans that thrived the most were those that had the most symbiotic relationship with their Gedd hosts. And this is no coincidence. Ignoring the rights of hosts is very effective in the short term for acquiring hosts in large quantities, but in the long term, this policy drives other races into the arms of the Andalites and causes costly revolts among enslaved species. Not to mention that it deprives us of potential allies. Know that I would treat you well. But despite all my goodwill, I could not spare your friends. The Yeerks would not understand if I released the emperor's murderers.

You are the new Yeerk emperor, right? You can do anything.

She smiles.

You are clever. We should get along well. But know that I cannot reasonably abuse a power that I do not yet possess.

He remained silent for a few seconds. Then he lowered his eyes and said in a very small voice:

Save at least my mother.

I promise you. And I also promise you that nothing will happen to your father or your friends' families. As for your friends, I can't save their lives, but I can at least spare them torture and offer them a quick death.

Okay. He said soberly.

No! Shouted Jack and Cassie. I remained silent, resigned to my fate, trying to understand what could have caused such a turnaround in Marco. I secretly hoped that Visser-One would keep his promise and that Tom would no longer have to endure the infestation. After all, it was true that he had a reputation for keeping his promises and having a lot of respect for the hosts.

(Why don't you admit to being a Yeerk to Visser-One. That way I could also survive and negotiate freedom for my parents) David asked me in my head.

At first, I rejected his proposal, but on reflection, he was not entirely wrong. I was about to speak when Visser-One ordered us to be silent, clearly threatening us with new tortures. Then she called about ten Hork-Bajir guards who took aim along the wall. Then she pressed a button and Marco's cage opened.

Advance slowly, up to the area outside the anti-morphing range. But be careful. At the slightest suspicious move on your part, the guards will shoot you down.

He slowly came out of the cage, did some stretching exercises, then some more stretching exercises. Then he examined the room for a long time.

Young man, I am starting to lose patience. Barked Visser-one.

I don't have the right to a last wish? To a last meal?

You are not on Earth and you are not a condemned man. Snapped Visser-One.

His patience and sense of humor were no more developed than that of the other Visser. I noted to myself that Marco was probably the worst possible host for a Yeerk like him. It was a small consolation.

You really know Earth culture well. Marco tried to compliment him.

Keep trying to buy time and I will reconsider the terms of my generous offer. Nothing obliges me to promise the safety of their family. She stated maliciously, pointing at us.

To the great satisfaction of the screw, it began to move forward. Then when it was just above the ball emitting the anti-morphing rays, it suddenly raised its arm and a violent explosion occurred.

For a few seconds, I completely lost the use of my senses. When I came to my senses, I had a hard time understanding what was happening. One of the walls of the room had been smashed by an elephant on which the remaining Hork-Bajir were firing heavily. There was no sign of Visser-One. He must have fled. I looked at the ground. Jack was crying and shouting "morph" in front of Marco's lifeless body, which was losing a worrying amount of blood.

"Jack! But how did he get out of his cage," I wondered. Then I noticed that the anti-morph device lay destroyed on the ground and that Tobias was attacking my cage in his Hork-Bajir form. For the moment he had only managed to make a very small hole, but by morphing into a cockroach, it would be enough to allow me to get out. When I was finally free, I heard Jack's voice screaming in thought:

Transform yourself into a bird as quickly as possible and let's get out of here.

I complied without hesitation and just as I was about to take off towards the soft light, I saw about twenty Hork-Bajir enter the room and start shooting at us. Their shots grazed my feathers to the point of scorching them, but fortunately, none hit me.

We're not out of the woods yet, they're going to launch ships in pursuit of us now. I indicated to them.

Separate into groups of two and try to zigzag between the buildings to lose them. No one stays isolated. And don't forget, if we get separated, we meet at the ship. Our new objective is to return to the ship to escape and warn Earth of the invasion. Ordered Jack

<And Marco?> Cassie asked with concern.

I am fine. I am a flea on Jack's back. But when I return to human form, I will need intensive care. I am afraid that sucking Jack's blood will not make up for the blood I have lost.

Hey! No biting me, you filthy parasite. And the next time you pull a shady trick like this, I'll let you die. Damn, I really thought you were sincere.

It was the fearless leader's goal.

"How did you get that grenade?" Tobias asked.

I didn't know it was a grenade before throwing it. I just snatched it from the Hork-Bajir who locked me in the cage, thinking I was immobilized by their anti-morph ray. I'm not telling you where I hid it, it's indecent.

"In any case, well played," I complimented him.

For once, I agree with Thévenin. My god, I congratulate Marco. Has the world gone mad? Rachel laughed.

"That's my line," complained Marco.

Stop messing around and focus. Here come the bug ships, Jack ordered, trying to hide his amusement at hearing the antics his friends were doing to relieve their stress.

It was undoubtedly due to habit and extremely favorable terrain, but we did not have much trouble evading the bug ships' fire and losing them in the maze of construction. Thus, it was during a smooth journey that we approached the area where the ship was located.

You're going to hate me for saying this, but don't you think it was too simple? shared Cassie.

<Simple? I almost died!> Marco protested.

She is right. The sky should be teeming with ships and the city's defenses should be taking down any flying animal. It reeks of a trap, I declared.

Apart from rushing towards the ship, what are our options? Marco needs urgent care and the two-hour limit is almost exceeded, asked Jack.

I think it's a good plan. Visser-one can't know that it is invisible. Nor that it is also fast. Even if he watches us and is ready to stop us, by the time he realizes where we have disappeared to, we will already be far away. I asserted.

Perfect. As soon as we're inside, you head straight to the command post and try to make the ship understand that it must take off as quickly as possible. I'll look for the infirmary for Marco. And no dying allowed.

I feel discriminated against by this order, but I will make an effort to obey. Joked Marco to lighten the mood. The last time we rushed into a Visser-One trap, things did not go well.

We approached the area where the entrance to the ship was supposed to be, but were surprised to find only emptiness. Immediately, the gigantic permalite ship appeared a kilometer away, and a cheerful voice was heard in our heads.

Sorry dear guest, but I had to disobey your requests to avoid a collision with the fleet surrounding you. But don't worry. I have room for everyone and your friends are welcome. Said the ship before ostentatiously opening a gigantic door leading to the ship's holds.

I swore. Immediately, the fleet the permalite ship was talking about deactivated its cloaking devices. We were surrounded by about ten ships of all types (mainly bombers and landing ships). A hundred bug ships emerged from the holds of these ships while a troop carrier landed on the permalite ship. Some of the soldiers entered the ship to take control while another part lined up on the docks and prepared to shoot at us if we tried to enter.

Damn ship. We need to escape and find a plan, I shouted.

No! We cannot abandon the permalite ship to the Yeerks. Imagine what they could do with such technology? Cassie objected.

If we abandon the ship, we're dead. Let's charge and fight to the end. Rachel supported.

"It's if we rush in without thinking that we're dead," I fumed, doing a loop to dodge a bug ship's shot. I wouldn't last long like this.

Rush all onto the ship. Dodge the shots from the bug ship, but just focus on charging at the soldiers as fast as possible, ordered Jack.

What but it’s… I began to protest.

Thévenin, it's an order...

A part of me wanted to argue, but the habit of obeying orders took over. I rushed with all my might and very quickly we were within firing range of the soldiers deployed on the dock. When they took aim, I thought my last hour had come. Then they were paralyzed by an intense blue light.

What a shame to spoil such a beautiful day with an argument. Unfortunately, we must ask you to leave. But we hope you will return soon to play with us. Echoed in our heads the childish voice of the ship. A few seconds later, all the Yeerk soldiers who had entered the ship were gently deposited on the planet's surface by a mysterious force, while we ourselves entered the ship effortlessly.

My permalio. You are seriously injured. It's not very fun, but I have to remove your disguise and put you in a regenerative stasis. Do you accept? Reasoned the ship's voice in our heads again.

"This is the most amusing proposal I've been offered in a long time," Marco replied joyfully.

We saw with relief a blue spark surrounding a chip on Jack's back that grew to become Marco. He seemed unconscious and levitated inside the ship. I then noticed that his face was disfigured. Even with Yeerk technology, I wasn't sure it was repairable. I hoped Permalite technology was capable of it.

But I didn't have time to dwell on his considerations when I saw another transporter approaching.

Vessel, close your doors and take off now. I shouted.

Are you sure? But the other guests haven't returned yet. Resisted the ship.

Vessel, it's an order. Jack insisted.

Okay, fine. You're really not funny.

Before the transporter could enter, the dock door closed and we were plunged into complete darkness. We finished demorphing and ran to the room with the large bay window. We could then see the permalite ship remain motionless while all the surrounding ships fired at it. It was a spectacle as magnificent as it was frightening. Especially if, like me, you thought of the many Yeerks who must have died after missed shots hit the numerous surrounding structures. Visser-One really wanted to stop us.

Vessel, you have been ordered to take off. Rachel reminded.

I can't do that without bumping into them, I tried to avoid them, but they follow me.

All of a sudden, the ship was shaken.

The number of ships firing at us synchronously has just doubled. If it doubles again, my shields won't hold. I did try to ask them to stop. They might be your friends, maybe they'll listen to you if you ask them to stop.

You can't immobilize them without killing them, Cassie asked desperately.

I could stop their generators, but at this height it would be like killing them.

You can stop them and turn them back on just before it crashes. I suggested.

There is a 0.01% chance that I will miss my maneuver and cause someone's death. My programming forbids me from risking the life of a sentient being.

I didn't waste time trying to argue with this completely crazy machine and desperately searched for a solution. But all my thoughts led me to the same point: we were trapped. The ship was going to be destroyed and us with it.

oOoOoOo

Two weeks later, Visser-One watched with satisfaction the images of the explosion of the permalite ship. The images taken from every possible angle left no doubt. No one could have escaped. So why hadn't he still found the bodies? Visser-One convinced himself that they had simply been incinerated, like many parts of the unknown ship (nevertheless, the few intact debris would give decades of work to the Yeerk researchers). He carefully looked at each image one last time to dispel any doubt from his mind, but he failed.

Too bad, he said to himself. Then he confidently stepped onto his personal sphere ship and sent the departure signal. In a week, his invasion fleet would emerge from zero space somewhere in the solar system.

The earth would not taunt the empire for much longer.