I had returned to the dome. I had nothing else to do. We were still a few days from the Kelbrid home world, but the repairs would take a day or two. Zamir found me sometime later, still elated from battle. He said that had I been a warrior my stunt on the bridge would have probably led to a promotion. He also joked about his little sister stealing his glory.

I kicked lightly at the grass under a therant tree I liked to feed near. This therant tree was in its leuritic phase. The golden flowers just beginning to bloom. It made the grass around the tree much sweeter.

((I only did what anyone else would. I spoke out of turn, though. Everyone on this ship keeps staring at me as if I am going to sprout another head.)) I said, annoyed.

Zamir said goodbye and clopped off across the grass to meet Zoran, who had come to feed with me. Zoran trotted over, leaning gently against the therant tree.

((That was incredible. How did you know?)) Zoran said.

((Any scientist would have been able to figure it out.)) I shook my head and trotted across the grass, absorbing the nutrients. Zoran followed me, hurrying to keep up.

Why was everyone making this out to be more than it was? Any scientist would have been able to find those ships. Well, most anyway. Perhaps they needed better-trained warriors aboard the battle bridge. I had once pictured myself serving aboard a dome ship bridge. But now I just wanted to go home.

((Prince Artanis did not believe so. He is beside himself. He won't shut up about it. Captain Feyorn is considering requesting a warrior trained specifically in the sciences permanently aboard the bridge.)) He laughed.

His expression turned hard as we ran.

((Inara, Captain Feyorn has informed me that the Orthelya will rendezvous with the Valorblade in two days.))

That was Zoran's ship. Perhaps they had changed their mind and had sent someone to retrieve me. My stunt on the bridge must have upset them worse than I thought.

I slowed to a gentle trot beside the small lake. I dipped a hoof into it to drink.

((Your ship? Why?)) I asked. ((Zamir said my father was coming.))

He just shook his head.


I was ordered to work with Prince Artanis over the next few days. We dug through every inch of the Mak computer and barely found anything of interest. The files were heavily protected, but any Andalite child could break through their primitive security measures.

((Sir. We have a ship transitioning from zero-space approximately two light years away.)) A warrior announced.

((Visual.)) The Captain said. ((Magnify.))

A ship appeared on the holographic viewer. It was hard to see from this distance.

((Magnification optimum.)) He ordered.

Then it appeared, my hearts leapt.

It was an Andalite ship. A Dauntless class. The ship consisted of the main portion being an elongated oval. It was much longer than the three swept back engines. A heavily powered main shredder arced overhead, looking like a graceful Andalite tail poised to strike.

She was a fast ship, with great beauty. Even I could see how perfectly crafted she was, even though I was no expert on ship design. That was my father's expertise. If the war ended in his lifetime he would go back to his peacetime occupation of designing ships and other crafts. He had designed and helped build the ship for Zoran.

((It is the Orthelya Captain. She is requesting visual communications.))

((Display.)) The captain said simply.

Ajaht's face appeared as a hologram in the center of the room.

((Captain Feyorn.)) Ajaht bowed respectfully, at least that is what it looked like. ((Requesting permission to dock.))

((Granted. Docking bay six.)) Captain Feyorn said. Then he added.

Ajaht nodded, then the viewer cut out, showing the vast emptiness of space.

((Prince Zoran, please greet the warrior in docking bay six. Inara-Nahele-Darath. You are dismissed.)) Captain Feyorn commanded.

I turned to leave but Artanis placed a hand on my arm.

((Perhaps you would like to spar with me this evening. I am afraid I am out of practice and I hear you enjoy it.)) Artanis offered.

I smiled at him. ((I would like that.))

I turned and I followed Zoran out of the bridge. Warriors seemed to rush past me, but with Zoran, they respectfully stepped aside.

I understood. Zoran seemed to radiate confidence. His stride was focused and unwavering. I had to make an effort to keep up.

((How are you liking working with Prince Artanis?)) He asked me.

I answered him truthfully.

((He is very kind. Even though I felt he resented my help at first.)) I offered. ((It is a welcome change. I needed the distraction.))

Zoran nodded, a strange expression on his face.

((I can understand, this situation is very unusual. He is not used to...)) He cut himself off and we finished the walk in silence.

Not used to a female knowing more than he did. I knew he felt that way. Most males would. However, he seemed comfortable working with me now. I enjoyed it as well.

Ajaht was waiting by the hatch to the Orthelya with my father when we entered. He turned his main eyes to Zoran and immediately bowed.

((Not a scratch. I promise.)) Ajaht said to Zoran.

Zoran laughed.

((Thank you for taking such good care of her.)) Zoran said to Ajaht.

((Father!)) I cried and ran forward, embracing him. He wrapped his arms around me, laying his cheek against my forehead.

((Maiya.)) He whispered quietly.

It was his nickname for me. It was Andalite for "Star of my heart."

Ajaht clopped over to Zoran, and for a moment their tail blades met, arcing over their shoulders. He turned to me as I stepped back.

((I am glad to see that you are well, Inara.)) Ajaht said, taking my hand in his.

Zoran bowed to my father as I watched him clop forward, a serious expression on his face as he stopped in front of Zoran. ((No, you do not bow to me.))

He did something incredible then. Father bowed respectfully in front of Zoran, placing his tail blade at his own throat. My eyes widened in shock, almost as wide as Zoran's.

((Upon my honor, I am indebted to you. You have my loyalty, my blade, and my life.))

The ritual was complete. Zoran stood shocked as my father lowered his tail. No one dared to move. The ritual of sacrifice was almost unheard of.

((Word has reached me of what you have done. If there is any way I can ever repay you, name it, and it will be so.))

He stood and took my hand then, placing it in Zoran's. I couldn't help but return Zoran's smile.

Zoran nodded thoughtfully. ((It would dishonor me, my prince, to ask for any more than you have given me.))


We clopped down the main shaft of the ship.

We were led into a small meeting room located by the battle bridge. Father left us there, heading off towards the bridge.

((What is this about? I thought Inara was to be returned home.)) Zoran said, puzzled.

((I wish to remain here, for now, I know I can help and you may need me. I have studied the Mak database extensively.)) I said firmly.

((You have already helped, more than you know. Inara, you must understand. I only wish for your safety. It's not that I think you are incapable, I know how strong you are. However, If the Yeerks were to capture you...They would soon have technological capabilities to rival our own.)) He explained.

I just nodded. I knew he was right, and that I would have to leave the ship soon. I would miss them terribly.

((You should never underestimate the power of one female.)) Ajaht said, surprising me.

In the center of the room was a large holographic display. Various small plants decorated the edges of the room that were not covered in computers, as well as a small fountain in one corner.

Ajaht began to pace along the blue-green grass.

((Inara is to remain here, at least for now.)) He stated plainly.

Zamir entered then, Zoran and went to stand by Ajaht.

Zoran had started to protest, but Ajaht held up one hand.

He looked at us all very seriously. ((What we are about to discuss will not leave this room. This is a level seven situation.))

Level seven? That was the council's clearance level.

Zamir straightened and Zoran just nodded. I felt unsure if I should be here. I shifted uncomfortably.

((The council and I have agreed that the situation with the new Yeerk breed is too dire to ignore. We must act before this new plague is released upon us.))

Zoran nodded again. ((Agreed. We cannot afford to let the Yeerk filth spread. What is our mission?))

Ajaht turned his main eyes to me. ((Our mission is to locate the facility and destroy it. Inara, our people need you as well. You know your Faella project better than anyone. The council would like to know if it would be possible to alter it to react with these new Yeerks?))

Was the council asking for my help? It was ludicrous. I almost laughed.

((If I can get a sample of the DNA, it would be possible. However, altering it would take too much time. A broader based design could work, however.))

His eyes narrowed. ((Explain.))

I explained to him how to alter the units. I would bet half my tail that Zamir's eyes glazed over during my explanation.

((How long would the alteration take?))

((If I am to create the units from the basics? A month.)) I said heavily.

((I have brought a collection of units from the home world.)) He said.

That would make things much easier.

((Begin the alteration immediately. We leave when you are finished.))

((It should only take a day or two if I have my equipment.)) I corrected.

I nodded. I did not want to go anywhere near a Yeerk again. But I would do anything in my power to hurt the Yeerks.

((Ajaht, you can't be serious. This is a warrior's mission. Inara should remain here.)) Zamir said.

I shot him a poisonous look. ((I am going.))

((Absolutely not!)) Zoran said firmly.

I turned my main eyes to Zoran and clopped over to stand in front of him.

((I did not realize you know more about my research than I do. I suppose if something goes wrong you will know how to fix it? I also didn't realize you were a class six biochemist. How fortunate for us.)) I said icily.

((Ajaht is almost a class five. I am sure he can handle..))

I turned and left then, heading back to the dome. Zoran followed me. I was furious. I didn't like others deciding things for me.

Artanis greeted us as we entered the dome. He smiled brightly and bowed to Zoran. Zoran glared at him and I noticed a subtle exchange between the two of them. Artanis's nostrils flared and he pushed past us into the ship.

((Artanis!)) I called after him, then rounded on Zoran. ((What was that about?)) I said, my tail twitching.

I knew he had said something to him.

((Inara, please do not be upset with me. I am just trying to protect you.))

((Is this how it is going to be? I am not content to stand in some gilded cage.)) I said angrily.

I pushed past him, moving towards the exit. He stood there a moment, a look of defeat on his face. My anger ebbed away immediately.

I sighed and turned, walking back to him.

((You must understand me. You know me better than anyone. I can handle myself. I am going. I will, however, promise to be careful.)) I said softly.

He reached for my hand and squeezed it gently.

((I will try to be less protective. Try to understand, it is in my nature. Just as it is in your nature to be a magnet for trouble.)) He said, sighing.

I was sent to the lab on board the Valorblade. It was very small and didn't have half the capabilities my lab at home did. It didn't look as if it had even been used before now. They were clearly not equipped to deal with situations such as these.

There were two other Andalites in the lab. By now I was used to being ignored or either gawked at aboard the Valorblade. This was something new entirely.

The first warrior, whose name was Aiire, ignored me completely. He alternated looks of amusement or disgust like I was something stuck to the bottom of his hoof. I couldn't understand why someone would hate me so quickly.

The second warrior was Ajaht, and he seemed pleased to work with me, and genuinely interested in my work. I had always liked Ajaht. He treated me with respect and as an equal.

I would work mostly with Ajaht that day, even though he was very intelligent, I still had to explain some of the more advanced parts of my research. But he learned very quickly and smiled a lot.

((This is very impressive work.)) Ajaht said. ((So this is all that protects us from infestation. Fascinating.)) He held up the small injector.

Aiire snorted, keeping his eyes on the computer.

((You should not be here. This is a vessel for warriors, not a delicate female. You might hurt that pretty face of yours.))

Ajaht shot him a nasty look. I ignored him. I didn't have time for this.

((How exactly does it work? I have always been curious.)) Ajaht asked.

I suppose it wouldn't hurt to tell him.

I took the injector from him carefully and smiled.

((These micro-bionic units are placed on the cerebral cortex. They are programmed to attack a certain DNA strand. I programmed them to attack Yeerk DNA. If a Yeerk enters one of us, the units will activate, destroying their cells from the inside out.))

It would be quite painful, but quick. I decided not to mention that.


We had altered the units to a simpler level within half a day. Ajaht was extremely helpful. I wished I had him to help back at the University. The units would now attack Yeerk DNA at a more basic level.

The door to the lab trilled, and Zoran stuck his upper torso in.

((Inara?)) He said politely. ((I expected you twenty minutes ago.))

Aiire stood at attention.

((At ease.)) Zoran ordered.

He relaxed about three hairs.

I quickly handed the data pad off to Ajaht, who was frowning at me.

((I am sorry.)) I said, clopping out after Zoran. ((I was distracted.))

Zoran sent Ajaht a curious look as I moved past him out into the corridor.

I had promised to feed with Zoran, but I had gotten so caught up with the work.

((How is your work coming?)) Zoran asked as we ran across the grassy dome floor.

My stalk eyes met his. ((We have finished what you requested. It is ready. I could not have done it so quickly without Ajaht. He has been invaluable.))

It felt good to run. If I did not look up, I could almost swear we were on the home world. We stopped to drink at the small lake.

((Yes, he seems to enjoy working with you as well.)) Zoran said.

I smiled. ((That was nice of him to say, no one else seems to think I can do anything around here.))

Zoran shook his head. ((He didn't say anything. it is obvious by the way he watches you.))

I laughed and removed my hoof from the water. Ajaht was friendly, yes. But I had never noticed anything more. I was with Zoran anyway.

((Zoran-Istfal-Valad. Are you jealous?)) I said teasingly.

He turned his eyes away for a moment then back to mine, confirming my suspicion.

((I may be a Prince, Inara. But I am a male first.)) He began.

((I wanted to ask you something. Would it be possible to transfer the units into a projectile form? And would it affect a controller in the same way?))

I was puzzled.

((In theory yes. I had been attempting to do so before...)) I said. ((Before...))

I shook my head and Zoran nodded. He knew before was when my father was a controller. Even now it was difficult to think about.

((Do it. It is imperative that you ascertain a way to convert the units into a projectile form. Reveal no more than you must to anyone.))

He paused, taking my arm and leading me over to a cluster of trees.

((There is something else.)) He paused for a moment, seeming unsure. ((The council has requested a Xiathus virus for this mission, would you be able to cultivate one here?))

I had once been developing viruses for a brief time with Estrid for the council, and for a while it seemed justified. With her help I had developed a deadly prion virus I called Xiathus. My hatred for the Yeerks had fueled my ambition. But I couldn't condone killing in that way anymore. I had decided to move into a more honorable profession and I had destroyed all traces of my virus and its research over a year ago.

I looked at him with shock and anger. ((Why? I told you I never wanted to work with that virus again...))

He turned his eyes down to the grass. ((It is confidential. I have my orders. Inara, it is important.))

Always the loyal warrior. I respected him more for it, but lately, it frustrated me.

((It would take months to create that virus. And I would need my lab since I had all traces of it destroyed. The facility here does not have the required equipment.)) I said.

Zoran's expression hardened. ((No Inara, some of the virus was salvaged and put into stasis until it might be needed. It was classified as Apex level weapons intelligence and kept secret. Your father has had it sent here.))

((You knew?)) I asked him. ((My father knew?))

He said nothing. He had never mentioned anything. It hurt immensely.

((I can't believe you kept this from me. Did you know the entire time?)) I said. I tried to keep my expression even, as I clopped away.

He looked guiltily at me and followed.

I ignored Zoran as he approached, cautiously. ((Inara...Wait. I'm sorry.)) He placed a hand gently on my arm. I shrugged him off and turned to face him.

((You knew!)) I said angrily. ((You knew and you didn't tell me! Did you steal the virus yourself when I was disposing of it? Or did you order someone else to do it for you?))

((You know I could not say anything. I was under...)) He started.

((Orders! Yes, I know! Orders before anything else.)) I was angry, I felt lost, and my hearts ached. ((Why would you keep this from me? What else are you keeping from me? How long have you been lying to me?))

I began to pace. My tail was twitching involuntarily. How could he do this to me? Creating that virus was the worst thing I had ever done. He knew how I felt about it. I felt betrayed.

The virus would break down specific DNA at a cellular level, similar to my Faella. However, it would be done more slowly, and it was very painful. It could take many hours for a creature to die. It was cruel. I had created it out of anger, I had been a fool.

I knew I had to do this, it was my fault the virus even existed in the first place. If the council had requested it, there must be a reason.

((Alright. I... I will do it.)) I said quietly.

((Thank you.)) Zoran said kindly.

His eyes warmed and he reached to place a hand on my arm.

((Do not touch me.))

I stepped away and galloped towards the main shaft, not looking back. I didn't want to look at him. I couldn't see the pain I knew was on his face. I knew it was the same pain I felt in my hearts. I wondered what else he was keeping from me.