Chapter One: The Discovery
Sanghelios
387 miles outside state of Vadum
Alien Crash Site
Even a mile away he was able to see the smoke rising from the crashed ships up ahead. They had been lucky this crash happened in an unpopulated area, away from the city-states. This would allow to keep a panic from rising and unwanted news from spreading. The area around was flat and barren of life, there was neither plant life nor animal life. He had no idea who it was that had entered their planet, and he had no idea why. This was what he was meant to find out. He looked through the opened side of the Phantom he was currently in as they approached the crash site, the alien ships barely resembled a ship at all. The entry to their planet had taken its toll and he knew they would be unable to use them again. Several Sangheili surrounded these ships as they analyzed the remains to gather any knowledge they could, but he saw nothing of an alien species.
The Phantom touched down on the brown earth beneath, and the ship's engine hummed to a stop as it shut off. Already his arrival was noticed and several other Sangheili made their way over to him. Two maroon Major Sangheili and a golden Zealot whom he all recognized. Each of them saluted the white armored Sangheili as he stepped from the Phantom to the ground, a fist to their chest, and received the same salute in return.
"Report," the white Sangheili that had emerged from the ship spoke with authority. It was the Zealot who answered.
"At your request commander, we contacted surveillance and managed to access what happened with these alien crafts. It appeared they had been under siege by a larger group of aliens and seemed to be fleeing when they crashed here. Their jump was too close to our planet and before we were able to contact our own fleet these two smaller ships entered our atmosphere while the larger group fled. Only two aliens were present and found. Their reasons are yet unknown and the aliens are unidentified. They are both unconscious and cannot be questioned at this time due to their condition."
The white Sangheili nodded as he processed this information. He looked around the area where he had earlier seen a structure which he knew had to be where the aliens were being kept.
"Are they being given medical attention?" he asked.
"Affirmative, we received orders that they were to be brought back to consciousness in order to be questioned."
"Good," he said, nodding his head once more. It was the logical course of action to take. They could not be allowed to die without first receiving questions on what had happened, and why they were here. One could never be too sure if this had been an accident, a mere outcome of these alien escaping from a bigger threat and landing here on their home planet, or if it had been purposely done, and if that was the case, they needed to know why. Many questions swirled in his head as he looked towards the raised structure. He knew his answers would remain unanswered until they regained consciousness, and he wondered how long that would take. Surely a crash that had made such damage to the ships also had to have caused a great deal to its pilots.
"Is that where they are being kept?" he asked, motioning to the structure.
"Affirmative," one of the Majors replied.
"I do not see why we simply do not kill them and get this done with," the other Major commented. The other Sangheili looked at him oddly, but with a hint of consideration at his words.
"No," the commander said, "Then we would be no better than savages. We must handle this better than we have in the past."
"Without another word he begun to walk towards the structure, and the Sangheili followed. There was one guard standing outside, though it seemed almost unnecessary as the area around was populated only by other Sangheili, and they were of no threat. Still, he knew it to be safety precautions as there might still be someone who might simply decide to kill the aliens, specially when many Sangheili might share the same mentality as the Major had shown earlier with his comment.
Before he was able to enter however, a Sangheili exited the structure. He looked towards the approaching group of Sangheili and made his way towards them.
They stopped short of each other as the new blue armored Sangheili saluted towards the group.
"Commander, I have been placed in charge of the recuperation of the aliens until further notice. I am afraid they remain unconscious."
"What is their physical condition?" he asked.
"One appears to be in worse critical condition than the other. The less injured one suffered only from a few broken bones and mild head trauma but no open injuries. The second has several open gashes from the metal of the ship when it crashed, as well as broken bones. I'm afraid I do not know what alien species they are, as far as I am aware of, we have never before encountered them."
"I see, thank y—" he stopped mid sentence as he heard a groan in his head. It was foreign, a feeling that it shouldn't belong there and did not belong to him. He looked to see similar looks of confusion with the Sangheili around him.
He had no time to further contemplate the noise however, as a moment later another Sangheili emerged from the structure.
"One has awoken!" he cried.
"It is time to get some answers..." the White Sangheili muttered as he made his way towards the structure, the rest close behind. Once he entered it he was met with a sight he had never seen before. This alien was in fact one he had not encountered.
He stood on a long body supported by four legs with hooves at the end, a torso that resembled that of a human torso with similar arms as well only the hands contained more fingers than that was seen on a human, it had a tail with a blade shaped end that seemed sharp enough to remove a limb and cause quite a damage if they so intended. Its head was oval with two almond shaped eyes as well as two more eyes atop of stalk like limbs that protruded from the top of the head, a large nose with several slits in the middle, and most surprising of all, no mouth of any kind at all.
The alien seemed to be struggling to rise to its feet and immediately the Sangheili surrounded him and aimed their plasma rifles and carbines at the struggling creature. The white Sangheili did not fear it however, this creature was weak and helpless. I could not hope be able to attack someone and survive, there was simply nowhere to run.
(I... I must speak to your commanding officer...)
Once more that feeling in his mind entered, but this time he was sure it came from this alien in front of him. He stood in front of the alien.
"I'm in charge here," he spoke and he saw as the alien looked towards him, but its stalk eyes looked all around him. It was still unable to completely stand, its hind legs were on the ground, only his front were managing to barely lift its body, giving an impression that the alien was kneeling, or sitting on its behind.
(Who are you?) the alien asked. The white Sangheili straightened up to its full height and raised its head higher, giving him a towering look over the alien.
"I'm afraid I will be asking the questions here," he answered. The alien seemed to dart its main eyes left and right, only to stop back at the white armored Sangheili in front of him, recognizing a warning sign when he saw one, as well as taking into account the numerous weapons aimed at him.
(Very well... it is only fair. I am in no position to make demands it seems,) he replied.
"That is correct, now who and what are you?" he knew he needed to know all he could immediately, the alien could still die without offering any information and information was what they needed. He could not afford to wait any longer to ask questions.
(My name is Aximili-Esgarrouth-Isthill. I am a warrior. You may simply call me Aximili if you wish.)
"Aximili then. Now lets get to the point.. Did you crash here by accident, or with a purpose?"
Aximili seemed to chuckle.
(You could say it was. . .both. I did not intend to crash, but I did come here on purpose.)
The Sangheili frowned. He did not like the sound of this.
"And what is that purpose?"
(I seek help.)
"Help with what?" he was almost afraid to ask. An idea was beginning to form in his head.
(Your help in a war that seems to never end,) the Sangheili frowned. This was more than he had thought would occur today when he first glanced at the suns in the sky. He waited for Aximili to continue.
(A war between the Yeerks, and us, the Andalites,) the shock that spread through the Sangheili around him was not hidden from the Andalite at the news, and Aximili felt almost amused and the shocked faces of the Sangheili.
Andalite! How could it be an Andalite was the one to have entered their planet? It had been a long time since he remembered talk of the Andalites from his forefathers. The recent wars that they had pertained in taking all of their time and concentration. The Andalites were considered one of the most advanced scientific civilizations. They were widely known throughout the universe. A war, yes he recalled that the Andalites had long been involved in a war. He was not aware of the specifics but he figured the Andalites had everything under control. It appeared he was wrong, and his theory was beginning to be proved correct.
But why did they need help? Surely they were more advanced than themselves in every field. They were said to have been around longer. If he recalled correctly one of the first encounters they had with the Andalites were before the Sangheili had even managed to discover space travel. And even that was such a long time ago that rarely did someone remember.
Surely, if the matter had still not been settled, these Yeerks had to be quite a threat.
"A war. You ask for an alliance?"
(That is correct...)
"I have heard of this war. I had thought you Andalites had everything under control," he suddenly had the urge to pace, but resisted it as he gave his full attention to the Andalite in front of him.
(For a moment we did. Somehow the Yeerks managed to come back, even stronger than before, they are gaining numbers, and we are unable to keep up. Without help, we might be overwhelmed, and that simply cannot be allowed to happen.)
What the Andalite said was indeed true. If the Yeerks conquered the Andalites, they would gain everything they had, and if rumors were correct, they would have beaten one of the strongest civilizations there were, and obtain much of their advanced technology.
"Why is it so important the Yeerks lose?"
(The Yeerks are a parasitic race,) Aximili did not miss the way the Sangheili seemed to go rigid at the sound of the word.
(Their sole goal is to take over every species in the universe. They have already succeeded in taking over several worlds, and they will not stop. By themselves the Yeerks are no bigger than my smallest finger,) he raised his finger to demonstrate, (but it seems that the best way for you to understand is to see.)
The Andalite closed its eyes and immediately a picture entered the mind of the Sangheili present in the room. The creature was gray and green, and seemed almost like a creature that belonged in the water. They had what looked like antennas and fins. After a moment the picture disappeared.
The Sangheili were somewhat relieved however, for a moment they thought this parasitic race might somehow be the Flood that they themselves had fought and thought they had finally stopped, but it was not.
(They take over a body by fusing with a hosts brain. Once they enter the body, usually by an ear canal, they locate the brain an flatten themselves against it, sinking into its crevices. The host soon looses its ability to control its body, its memories and thoughts are fully known by the Yeerk inside. In short, the Yeerk has complete control. And most dangerous of all, the Yeerk is able to act exactly like its host, making it virtually impossible for the Yeerk infested host to be recognized as being infested. Once a host is infected, they are known to us as Controllers.)
"I assume they were the ones pursuing you?" he asked, recalling the situation he was described.
(How did you know?) Aximili exclaimed, as if surprised. The Sangheili scoffed.
"We may not be as advanced as you, but we do have technology," he replied and the Andalite chuckled.
(Forgive me, I did not mean to offend.)
For a moment there was silence as as the Sangheili processed this information. These Yeerks did not seem as dangerous as the Flood, after all the Flood was an overwhelming and swift attack on a planet. The Yeerks seemed to possess the ability to take over from the inside. The host was not killed in the process, but they could walk among them without anyone knowing they were the enemy. It was quite dangerous as well. They seemed to also posses an army, seen by the way they had directly taken on these Andalites. They were completely different from the Flood, but did they pose as an equal threat?
Aximili knew he was contemplating the idea, but he knew he had to do all he could to get help.
(Our arrogance has kept us from forming an alliance with anyone, but I know we desperately need your help, even as I ask for your help my people are not aware of it, and if they did, they might not approve.)
"Then why go against your people?" the Sangheili asked. The Andalite arrogance was well known, many admired them but just as many disliked them for of it.
(Indeed I took a great risk in coming here, but I know that if I attain your help, it will be a turning point in the war, as well as the fate of countless of races. We would have a greater chance. I am merely attempting to show them what I believe is the the right path. . .)
The white Sangheili in front of him sighed, those words sounding strangely familiar to his ears.
"I'm afraid it is not up to me to deliver an answer on the matter. That would all depend on our council... however I think it is reasonable enough to arrange a meeting for your proposition..."
Aximili felt as if a load had been removed from him. It was not an affirmative, but this Sangheili's actions brought him a small sliver of hope. He was attempting to give him the chance.
"Commander!" another Sangheili spoke up, "Is that wise?"
The commander knew exactly what he was thinking. After all, Andalites had been known to attempt to wipe out entire species in order to stop these Yeerks, which had all to clearly failed. How could they not be expected to try the same with the Sangheili? Yes this was madness, but something made him consider this mad idea. Something he could not ignore.
There was a suffocating silence as the Sangheili waited for the answer.
"My name is Thel 'Vadam," the white Sangheili revealed, "I was once known as The Arbiter in times of war. We too had to fight against a parasitic species, as well as our own people. Without help, we would never have been able to win the war. If there is yet another parasitic race out there, it would be in my sense of duty to help end their spread of the universe. The least I can do is have the council hear you out."
Aximili absorbed every word, and stored it for future reference. This was something about the Sangheili that he might be able to use for his advantage in gaining help.
(Your words are kind, and give me hope that we too might soon end this war. It would be an honor to someday fight alongside you Thel 'Vadam,) Thel could not help but feel a sense of pride swell in his chest at the Andalite's words.
"We shall see about that Aximili, but first we must receive an answer."
At that moment a pained groan was heard in the head of those occupying the room, and they turned to the only other thought speaking alien in the room.
Alfar writhed on his side, his eyes all closed.
(Alfar... can you hear me?) Aximili asked.
(Prince... Aximili...) another groan escaped Alfar before he went still.
(Alfar!) Aximili quickly tried to stand, but the pain in his hind leg prevented him from doing so as he could only groan in pain.
Thel turned towards the medic that was now at the unconscious Andalite's side.
"Will he be alright?" he asked.
"I believe so. He is still alive, but must be feeling too much pain for his body to remain conscious. If he is expected to be kept stable he should be moved to a medical facility."
Thel nodded and looked to where Aximili stood, looking at his comrade with masked worry.
"I will ask the Kaidon(1) for permission to take him inland as well as yourself until you may recuperate from your injuries."
(Thank you, you show us much kindness,) in truth Aximili was surprised, for he knew that the Sangheili were often a violent race, who thrived on fighting for blood and honor, but this one was different, he seemed almost too kind, as if he had been touched by something that changed his nature.
"Are you royalty Aximili?" Thel asked, recalling how his comrade had called him Prince.
(No, Prince is a rank for warriors,) he answered, shaken from his previous thoughts.
"How high a rank?"
(It is the third highest military rank, just below a captain of a fleet and a War-Prince,) he replied. Thel nodded. Good, he thought, this would gain respect among his people, and would give him an edge.
"Impressive, now if you'll excuse me, I must contact the Kaidon to arrange your stay," Thel nodded towards the guards.
"Make sure he doesn't try anything. If he does, do not hesitate to kill him. I'm sure you understand we cannot trust you as of yet Aximili."
(Of course, I understand completely.)
"Very well, by the way, your way of speaking is impressive," pausing at the doorway for a second before he walked out. At this the Andalite chuckled.
(Well, when you don't have a mouth, evolution must occur somehow,) the tone Aximili used caused Thel to chuckle as well as he stood outside the structure. He could really learn to like this Andalite.
Thel began to walk back to the Phantom. Him doing this felt almost surreal. He had never thought an Andalite warrior would crash land on his home planet, and that he would be the one to first speak to him. And now he was to ask to arrange a meeting with the Ultimate Council. He shook his head. This was going to be a long day.
He stepped into the Phantom, where the pilot was still waiting.
"Brik'je, connect with Kaidon Rtas 'Vadum on screen," he ordered.
"Yes commander," he replied as he did as was told. In a few moments a screen with the face of his old comrade filled the screen. Rtas had been made Kaidon while order was restored in the home world between the Separatists and Loyalists. Even in the home world they had been split to those loyal to the Covenant and those who no longer believed their words. After the war ended however, and the Covenant fell apart, most Loyalists had no choice but to disown the Covenant and join with the Separatists. Now they were no longer Covenant, merely Sangheili. This allowed them to concentrate on their planet rather than travel space on a Great Journey that never existed and enslaving other species in the name of such a journey. Still, there was tension with former Covenant alliances that were being worked on.
"Thel, have you accomplished in finding out who crashed?" Rtas immediately cut to the chase.
"I have. I assume you were informed of the situation that caused the ships to crash?" Thel asked, referring to the small battle that took place outside their atmosphere.
"Yes, I viewed the surveillance feed."
"Well it appears we have been honored with the presence of two Andalites," Thel noticed the frown that etched itself into the councilor's features.
"Andalites?"
"Yes, and you are not going to believe why they came here," Thel said.
"Surprise me, old friend," Rtas replied with ease.
"They want to form an alliance in their war against the race known as Yeerks."
"A what? An alliance. . . I recall long ago of out forefathers mentioned an Andalite war, but I thought everything was under control, or over by now," Rtas seemed to lean in closer to the screen.
"I thought as much too, but apparently the Yeerks are a bigger threat than they are given credit for, specially if even Andalites have been unable to defeat them. They have been around longer than us after all."
"What do you intend to do on the matter?"
"I was hoping you could arrange a meeting with the Ultimate Council, and decide on the course of action to take," he replied. Rtas looked at his friend for a moment. The Ultimate Council was comprised of every Kaidon in the city-states of Sanghelios. It only ever gathered for the most important of all matters, then again, Andalites asking for an alliances was quite a large matter indeed.
"Very well, but first, I am curious to hear your personal opinion on the matter."
He knew that the opinion of the previous Arbiter would have a great influence on the council.
There was a moment of silence as Thel looked to the side for a moment, before looking back at the screen.
"I would like to aid the Andalites. They are a strong race and it would be an honor to fight by their side to defeat yet another parasitic race that pose a threat to us."
"They are parasitic?" Rtas seemed surprised at these news, and suddenly understood why Thel had decided that the Andalites were worth at least hearing out. After all, they could relate to fighting against the spread of a parasitic race, and deep inside even himself an instant dislike of the Yeerks formed.
"I see, very well then Thel, is there anything else?"
"Yes actually, the Andalites were heavily injured during their crash. I would like permission to move them inland into the city state to a medical facility."
"That is taking a great risk Thel. Having an Andalite inside the city state will cause an uproar and news and rumors will surely spread. Not to mention I am still doubtful of the Andalites."
"I am aware. In their injured state they pose no threat. They desperately need medical attention if they are expected to survive. One in particular is in critical condition. He could die."
Rtas frowned further. It appeared the former Arbiter had grown soft. Once he would have probably simply killed the Andalites on the spot, but now here he was worrying that one might die. It must have been all that interaction with those emotional Humans.
"Alright Thel, I will allow it, but they fall under your responsibility. You are responsible for anything that might happen."
Then again, maybe he was growing soft as well.
"I understand and accept full responsibility of the Andalites."
"Very well. Good luck my brother. I will contact you when I receive a confirmation."
"Thank you my friend," with their farewells the screen went blank. Just as Thel turned around, ready to walk out of the Phantom, the voice of the Brik'je stopped him.
"Commander," he said.
"Yes Brik'je?" he said as he turned towards the blue Minor Sangheili.
"Are we really going into war once more?"
Thel stopped at this, a new thought entering his mind. He looked out to the land where many Sangheili patrolled about. With a new realization he grabbed the plasma rifle at his side, hopped outside of the Phantom, pointed the weapon towards the sky, and fired three shots. Instantly the Sangheili turned towards the sound and some even pulled out their weapons in response. When they saw Thel, weapons still pointed upwards, they visibly relaxed.
"Gather my brothers! I have news to share with you!" there were only about a dozen Sangheili, and at the command, they walked towards the once Arbiter to hear what he was to say. When Thel saw that they were all gathered in front of him and listening to him, he spoke.
"My brothers, today you are here to witness something that could change your lives forever. We have been visited by a race that only few of us have ever come in contact with. The Andalites."
Shock spread through the group, some even mumbled among themselves at the news.
"The Andalites have come to our planet with a request." he paused.
"Help," he finally said, "Help in ending a war that has long gone on. A war against a parasitic race known as the Yeerks. A race that will no doubt sooner or later attempt at conquering us as well. If we are to accept, it would mean we would once more enter into war. We would once more risk our lives and put an end to others. I have already asked to have the Ultimate Council meet on this matter, but first, I would like to know what you think on this matter. We are no longer part of the Covenant, who lied to us and manipulated us for their own selfish gain. This is why, as your brother, I would like to know your own thoughts."
There was silence as the Sangheili looked around. Others seemed to be pondering the news seriously. The silence continued until one Sangheili stepped forward. He was a Major, and from the looks of it, seemed quite young.
"I was too young to participate in the Human-Covenant War. I was not able to fight alongside our many brothers that died fighting for each other and what they believed in. But I have heard countless stories of the battles. Hearing such stories makes my own blood pump and sing. I have been raised for the purpose of combat and honor. If there is still a threat out there for us, it would be in my sense of duty to put an end to any danger for my brothers and sisters. I would like to aid in such a fight, for freedom, the thrill of battle, for my fathers, and for honor!"
The voice of the Major had gradually risen in volume, until the very end where he let loose a roar as well as raising a fist into the sky. This roar was then increased tenfold as the rest of the Sangheili joined in with their own mighty roars and fists at the sound of such powerful words.
Thel raised his head in pride as he heard this young warrior speak such wise and courageous words.
"Well said my brother," he said as he looked at him with admiring eyes once the roars died down. He could see why this Sangheili was already a Major despite his young age and inexperience, "What is your name?"
The Major looked back at him.
"I am Káráf 'Mortum," he said, and Thel already knew this would be a name he would remember.
Aximili could not help but smile in his Andalite way. How could he not after hearing what had occurred just outside the structure he was in. He had been lucky alright to have landed where he did, and to have Thel 'Vadam as the person he was able to talk to. Now he was almost positive that his plan would work out. As long as the inspiration seen in the group of Sangheili spread to everyone else, there seemed to be hope still.
He had been lucky alright. Maybe too lucky...
1) Kaidon: Leader of a City State in Sanghelios
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