Epilogue

Tom was in his room trying to do his homework when his new computer rang. He clicked and immediately, David's face appeared on the screen.

Hello, Thevenin, how are you?

Very well, and you?

Impeccable. I don't want to upset you, but you can't know how nice it is to finally be alone in one's head.

I will know next week. Thevenin replied.

You still haven't found another host to replace David?

No. I am truly sorry, but the president of the Yeerk Republic must be exemplary. David is a much more pleasant host since he knows his parents are well and that he will soon be able to reunite with them. He even agreed to become a Nothlit. However, I must release him before we are once again accused of keeping hosts against their will.

This agreement with the empire will have at least one advantage, he said darkly.

It is no longer the empire now, but the Yeerk federation.

The name has changed, but the practices are the same. And I persist in saying that you should not have listened to Jera456 and demanded that we be able to verify that the millions of human slaves they have kept are indeed irretrievable zombies.

Peace always rests on a mix of trust, hypocrisies, and compromises. I promise to bring this up again in the future, but for now, having achieved the repatriation of hundreds of thousands of humans is already good. Even the Andalites have accepted that the Yeerks could not immediately free all the involuntary hosts. Besides, we also needed time.

In the future, they will have truly become zombies.

I'm sorry. Are you still sure you agree to host me?

It's okay, I understand. Don't worry. You know I enjoy being with you.

I also know how much you appreciate having a bit of freedom.

Tom shrugged.

You can't do anything about it. Already, it's a huge relief to know that I can refuse and regain total freedom at any time.

Thank you. But if I called you, it’s to ask you for a favor.

In addition to lending you my body for an unlimited duration. Even for an alien who came to conquer the Earth, you're starting to be a seriously intrusive friend. Joked Tom.

It's about Timmy. Could your family host him?

Why? I thought he loved his new life.

That's an understatement. It's downright hysterical to live on a spaceship. His new Yeerk is full of praise for him. In addition to his small body, perfect for sneaking through the ship's corridors, he says he shows a passion for everything related to space and ships that he has never found in any Yeerk. I have never seen Timmy so happy.

So why do you want him to come live at my place?

Believe me, I don't want it. I would dream of him staying next to me forever. But I worry about him. He keeps running away from humans. And to be honest, I'm not really sure I want him to be around those who have decided to remain the slaves of their Yeerk. Let's say they are all original people.

Addicts and murderers, you mean. Tom cut in.

You're exaggerating. Most are not like that.

Many are.

You let your hatred of the voluntary hosts override your reason, Tom. In any case, they are all adults. At the insistence of human governments, we had to refuse all minors who wanted to remain slaves to their Yeerk. And he needs to see other children. At least, I think so. What do you think?

I think you are right. And he would also need a good therapist. But why do you want him to come to our house? Why don't you find him a loving family like for the other slave children who had violent parents?

A loving family that jokes. Most only love the money they are paid to take care of them. And many complain of being harassed at their school because they were voluntary hosts. And unlike Timmy, none have a senator uncle eager to get rid of them to collect the inheritance and influential enough to obtain an exemption. If only I could convince humans to lower the age of consent to 16. But my political problems are not your concern. I don't want Timmy to go through that, and I think your parents would be happy to welcome him after you leave for college. And since you are war heroes, people won't dare to bother him.

Well, that is to say, I no longer go to university.

What are you talking about?

I missed the exam.

Oh! It's just that. Tell me the university you wanted to go to and I would persuade its president to make an exception. Besides, I think it would be better if Jack did it. He is more liked by humans than I am.

I don't want any favoritism. And anyway, you didn't understand what I meant. I really messed it up. I was unable to answer most of the questions. And now I've been struggling for an hour, like it's not possible on sophomore exercises. I don't even know why I'm insisting? I'll never reach the level.

I'm sorry, Tom. All this is my fault, I should have (…)

But Tom interrupted him.

It's the fault of Temrash114 and the empire. But certainly not yours. If I still have enough brainpower to hold a pen, it's entirely thanks to you.

That didn't seem to convince Thévenin, so he continued. It was still ironic that it was up to him to console his Yeerk because he had failed his university entrance exam.

And then I'm not so much to be pitied. With all the money I made selling my story to journalists, I'm safe for a while. In fact, Dad told me that he was contacted to make it into a movie. If that materializes, I'll never have money problems again. And if it doesn't, at worst, I'll be supported by Jack. It's not just one movie being prepared about him, but dozens.

You humans, you are too obsessed with money. It is not enough to fill a life.

It fills the fridge, which is already not bad. And then I didn't want to talk to you about it, but anyway, I didn't really feel like going to university. After everything we've been through, I can't become a student like the others again. And I'm not the only one. For some time now, I've been going to a support group of formerHost like me. Many struggle to return to a normal life. They are in the process of setting up an association to help former hosts recover. I would like to get involved.

As long as you are thriving, that's what matters. And your association might be able to help me solve Timmy's problem.

Tom looked sorry.

Alas, I think it's a bad idea. They are all involuntary hosts. And you know what most think of volunteers. In fact, I think you won't find any place on earth that will welcome a volunteer. For now, it's better for him to stay in orbit with the other traitor (...), volunteer.

I see. Thevenin said sadly before ending the communication.

oOoOoOo

What do you think about a Yeerk searching through its host's memory? I asked

I find it wonderful. (...)

Next. I shouted for the umpteenth time since this morning.

But wait, I'm not finished.

I said next.

The Hork-Bajir positioned along the room gently grabbed the guest and pushed him towards the exit. During the interval before the next candidate entered, Thévenin murmured to me:

(I know that I was the one who suggested this test, but if this continues we won't find anyone. Couldn't you be a little less demanding, please?)

Sorry Tom, but as the president of the Yeerk Republic, I must be particularly selective in choosing my hosts. I want someone at least somewhat sincere and in tune with my tastes.

During their mental discussion, a white man built like a brick wall took a seat in the chair opposite Thévenin. He seemed particularly uncomfortable.

What do you think about a Yeerk searching through its host's memory? I asked.

Huh, what?

I repeat, what do you think about the fact that a Yeerk searches the memory of its host?

Well, I don't know. I find it rather disturbing. Personally, I really wouldn't like that. It almost looks like rape.

(Quite the first candidate to respond sincerely)

Why do you want to become my host? Thévenin looked at his form and displayed a surprised expression: Mr. Amadou Diallo? Weren't you supposed to be black?

Oh, I think I made a mistake, I'm actually going to leave.

Stay, please. You are not, Mr. Diallo, are you?

At his words, the Hork-Bajir guards blocked the exit.

Tell them to let me out.

I will do it when you have told me how you infiltrated among the candidates and why.

For the infiltration, it's not difficult. I went in and sat in the waiting room like everyone else.

And the why?

Let me out. You have no right to hold me here against my will.

If you care so much about us following the law, I can call the human police and file a complaint against you.

Upon hearing that, he turns pale and sits back down.

No, it's fine. I'll tell you. I am a journalist and I wanted to write an article.

Show me your press card?

What?

Your press card.

I never take her for undercover investigations. Too much risk of being spotted.

If you insist, I can also infest you by force and get the answers to my questions myself.

You do not have the right, since the end of the war (…)

I don't have the impression that you have a good relationship with the police, Mr. Diallo. Or whatever your real name is. Answer my questions honestly, and I promise that whatever your motivations were for coming here, you will be free to leave.

The promise of a Yeerk, what is it worth? As soon as I have answered your questions, I will be taken to your mothership to serve as a slave to one of your slugs.

If it really was my goal, I wouldn't bother questioning you. Do you know who I am?

Now yes, I recognize you. You are the president of the Yeerk Republic. What are you doing in this shabby hotel?

Am I receiving candidates to be my new host?

Are there really people who volunteer for that?

Of course. It must be said that the salary is excellent, the holidays frequent, the health insurance (...)

Even for a million euros, I would not want to do that. No offense intended.

There is no harm. We yeerks do not have the same notion as humans of what is offensive. It must be related to our parasitic nature which forces us to form relationships where sincerity and tolerance of different viewpoints prevail.

No need to advertise to me, I'm not a candidate.

Now that I have satisfied your curiosity, could you satisfy mine? Otherwise, I will call the police and resume the hearings.

It's okay, it's okay. I'll tell you the truth. I came in here to escape a police patrol.

Why is he looking for you?

He accuses me of having killed my wife and my two children. But it wasn't me. They were already dead when I got home that day. I swear to you that I am innocent, don't hand me over to them. Not before I have found the real murderer.

I have already given you my word to let you go, Mr. Diallo, do you like nature?

(What are you crazy?) Tom asked me, understanding where I was going with it.

Definitely, but that has nothing to do with my decision, I replied to him.

"Pardon?" exclaimed the fugitive.

I asked you if you liked nature.

I confess to you that I am wanted for murder and that's all it inspires in you? Asked the fugitive.

Yes. Now, Mr. Diallo, please answer my question.

Call me Damien. Well, yes, I love it. I became a forest ranger precisely to avoid spending my life behind a desk. But actually, it involves a lot of paperwork.

Last question. What do you think about that?

Thévenin took a photo out of his room on the mothership.

Don't tell me you're really considering making him your new host?

(Why not? He seems perfect. And it's not like we're overwhelmed with serious applications. At least he won't resign after a month to go write a book about the scandalous secrets of the Yeerk)

Well, that is to say that, that I am epileptic then (…).

Don't worry. Yeerk medicine can treat this kind of minor handicap. Besides that, what do you think?

Well, you know me and modern art. I suppose it's beautiful in a certain sense.

"Even upside down, it's still ugly. At a stretch, if you turn your back on it," commented Tom.

You are hired. Your price will be mine.

Excuse me. I remind you that I am not a candidate.

You are the first human to understand Yeerk art. I cannot let such a gem pass by. If you allow me to search your memory, I will verify that you are indeed innocent. And I will have your case reopened. In any case, according to the treaty binding our two species, citizens of the Yeerk Republic benefit from amnesty for crimes committed before their integration into the Republic.

Wasn't it for the crimes committed by the Yeerk under the empire? he asked.

The treaty specifies no such thing.

And if I refuse your proposal?

As promised, you are free to leave.

With a gesture from Thévenin, the guards stepped aside to let him pass.

If it can reassure you, whatever I discover in your mind, I won't blame you. I've killed far more humans than you anyway.

Needless to say, this last word did not reassure Damien, who seriously wondered if he should rather go to the police.

oOoOoOo

Tom! You made a mistake, Damien's vacation is next week.

Me too, I am happy to see you Thévenin.

Excuse me. You can't imagine how much this job stresses me out.

I have a little idea. I'm the one who regularly gets a nerd ball in my head. I'd tell you to send all those genocidal idiots you call your colleagues packing, but you'll say I'm being speciesist again. If (...)

If you had known, you would never have introduced me to your vegan girlfriend, I know. How is Julie?

Very well. But she refuses to make love to me until you come in person to apologize for having watched my memories of our first time.

I smile.

You know the schedule of the president of the Yeerk Republic is very busy. I would try to find a slot in six months.

Don't be mean.

Okay, I will make an effort to fit it in next month.

Seeing his defeated look, I couldn't help but laugh.

Okay, I'll send him a message this evening. Was there anything else?

Yes. Look what we found while cleaning at mom's.

I got up and approached to examine the inside of the cage that Tom had been holding since his arrival in my office.

Magnificent specimens of Felis silvestris catus. But why did you bring it here?

I plan to give it to Timmy.

There, you offend me. Timmy already receives all the food he needs.

Tom looked at me puzzled before bursting into laughter.

But no, it's not to eat it. It's so that it keeps him company. That way, he'll look less crazy when he talks to himself.

Timmy doesn't talk to himself. He talks to his Yeerk.

Thevenin, I have already seen him do it during his rest periods. I know he looks happy, but he really needs to see a competent psychologist. And children his age. If it continues, he will become as crazy as the other slaves.

Do not call them that. From now on, they are citizens of the Yeerk Republic like the others.

Sorry, it slipped out. But admit that I'm right.

Yes, I know. But since the last time we talked about it, the situation has only gotten worse. Besides, I have to thank your cursed association for helping the victims of the Yeerks for that.

You're exaggerating. They're just telling what happened to them.

Open your eyes. It is a real smear campaign against the Yeerks.

Read the court order again. There can be no defamation if the facts are proven. How can you sue them to stop them from speaking? Especially after everything you did to them?

Is it you who is asking or the association?

Both.

Humps! It's complicated. You don't realize how fragile things are here. Many Yeerks are unhappy with my policy. If I don't show more firmness, I will lose power.

I didn't know you were the kind of yeerk to sacrifice your integrity to maintain a position.

Things are not that simple. If I lose power before the republic has had time to take root, things could quickly deteriorate.

He then adopted an attitude I knew by heart. He wanted to tell me something but hesitated.

What? What's wrong, Tom? What do you want to tell me?

I shouldn't tell you. In fact, I'm not even supposed to know about it. You see, most of the members of the association don't trust me. Many think I don't belong among them and without my generous donations (...)

Stop beating around the bush.

The association wants to lead a campaign to demand that the republic compensate the former victims of the empire.

Huh, are they sick?

No. And they are right.

Sorry? But whose side are you on in the end? The republic owes them nothing.

Thévenin, it’s not against you. Nor even against the Yeerks. But they have no other choice. I'm fine, but after their liberation, most found themselveswith their lives shattered. Many are still unable to work and have no income. And I am not even talking about their need for care. The association helps them by offering psychological support, but it is insufficient.

The agreements made with your leaders are very clear. It is up to humans to take care of their own. Attack your own politicians.

Human governments do not have the financial means to meet their expenses. Meanwhile, the Yeerk republic is amassing billions by selling to Earth's industrialists the materials harvested in the asteroid belt.

Who told you such stupidity? It is your nations and your big industrialists who are gorging themselves. Half of the minerals are sold at cost price and on the rest, the USA takes 90% of the profits. Just last month, that amounted to 100 billion dollars. Of course, they are supposed to pay their share to other countries on the planet, but it remains a significant sum. We barely have enough left to cover our expenses. These treaties are so advantageous for you that my opponents accuse me of having made the republic a vassal of the humans.

Okay, I believe you. Still, the Yeerks have a moral obligation to fix their mistakes.

And I tell you that we cannot afford it. If we had to face such expenses, I would have to denounce the agreements of (...) You know what Tom? How about appearing on CNN tonight?

Frankly, no. I already have enough media exposure for my liking. And besides, I'd like to know what you have in mind first.

It's simple. I will make a speech to indicate that the Yeerks are outraged by the way humans treat their former hosts and declare that as long as they have not been properly taken care of, we will deduct from our taxes ourselves to reimburse their care and pay them a subsistence income. This should restore the Yeerks' image with the general public, undercut the association, and boost my popularity among the Yeerks. Many still consider the former hosts as the property of the Yeerks and will see in this act an elegant move to recover some of the money extorted by humans.

Are you aware that you're going to make a lot of enemies on earth? Jera456 will not appreciate it.

Since when am I the kind of Yeerk to care about that?

I knew that politics hadn't completely softened you. You have my full support. But couldn't you use Damien instead? After all, it's his turn to serve as your host.

I like Damien a lot, but my communication advisors very rightly pointed out that it would be better to avoid the President of the Republic yeerk appearing as a repeat murderer. It would send the wrong message.

How much do you pay them again for this kind of advice?

They also told me that your face inspires the sympathy of the female public.

You know what? Give them a raise.

Tom, you know that I would really like to keep my promise to give you back your freedom.

It's fine. You've already done a lot. I'm just complaining for the sake of it, but I'm satisfied. Let's go preserve peace in the world.

And that is what they did. Crisis after crisis. Difficulty after difficulty, they remained united and embodied throughout their lives the possibility of peaceful cooperation between the Yeerk and humans. Little by little, they filled the gap.That hatred had spawned between the two species and contributed to a fairer world.

Timmy definitely went crazy. It was necessary for him to barely become an adult, steal a new generation Yeerk ship, and set off to explore the galaxy alone. At 113 years old, feeling life slowly leaving him, he toasted one last time with a two-headed lizard while watching the second moon set in a diamond ocean, thinking that he wasn't the sanest of men, but certainly the happiest.

Jack, Marco, Rachel, Cassie, and Tobias recovered from their trauma and never again got involved in war or politics. However, they had great and beautiful careers in the fields of their choice and were celebrated throughout their lives as great heroes by all of humanity. They passed away peacefully surrounded by love.

Jera456 managed to convince Trista171 and Racane263 to give him one last chance by swearing on what he held most dear that he would never hide anything from them again. Unfortunately, Jera456 died a few months later during an orgy that went a little too far. The most embarrassing part was that he was not with Trista171 and Racane263 when it happened. However, they gladly agreed to take care of the 44 larvae that resulted from this union.

Aximili became an influential prince and his fame quickly surpassed that of his brother. Although in the evening Andalites preferred to tell their children stories of his older brother, the Yeerk killer, once adults, they admired more the one who had managed to establish lasting peace between the different races of the galaxy.

You don't believe it? That's normal, it's fiction. But in these increasingly troubled times, let's take inspiration from it. If the Yeerks and humans could eventually forgive each other to the point of living in peace, then maybe we can too.

OooOoOo

Author's note: Thank you for reading until the end. Don't forget to leave a small review to tell me what you thought about it.

In this story, some iconic lines from Stargate, the 2010 series Spartacus, and Avengers are slipped in. Will you be able to find them?

Author's note 2: I don't know if I succeeded, but I tried to make many points of the plotYou are a professional translator. Directly translate this text into English, without adding anything:political issue is subject to interpretation. So I would like to give my vision of the story's outcome. If you understood something else, then all the better, it means I succeeded. For me, what happens at the end of the story is not that Thévenin takes power and becomes a benevolent dictator who brings peace to the world despite the natural stupidity and wickedness of the Yeerk people because he is a great leader full of compassion for the poor humans. For me, Thévenin is just a figurehead used by Jera to get the reluctant Yeerk to accept the new institutions created by Jera. These new institutions are dominated by Jera and the Yeerks who support him, and thus they are the ones in power. If humans fare well in this version, it is not because the Yeerks or their leaders become virtuous, but because to achieve their goals, they need to get along with humans. To be convinced of this, one only needs to see the difference in treatment with the Hork-Bajir. Despite Thévenin's good intentions towards them, they remain slaves. To obtain their liberation and not be...Considered more as animals, they will have to fight. Politely asking and patiently waiting for the Yeerks to release them will not be enough.

I also have a project to create a sequel set years later (without involving any of the characters from this fanfic) that will address this issue. In this fanfic, the Hork-Bajir will have to free themselves from the Yeerks but also from humans (just because one has been a victim doesn't mean one cannot become a perpetrator). However, this will only be a secondary element (the hero being a human, he will not be directly involved and will see all this from an external and not necessarily benevolent perspective).