A/N: Okay guys, this is it. This is the final full chapter of The Traitor. This is a longer chapter than you've been getting lately, so lucky you. :) There will be an epilogue, which will be posted at the end of the weekend. So don't go away yet!
Usual thanks goes to my reviewers. You make my world go round. :) Enjoy!
Chapter Twenty-Four
"Freedom can't be given. It must be taken and held and defended.
Our freedom has to be our own creation." -Toby Hamee
For a moment all of us stood motionless. Jennor was looking at Erean's fallen body in shock. Agrath had a small smirk on her face. I heard a high-pitched ringing in my ears, interrupted only by the loud thumping of my hearts. The grass beneath my hooves began to turn black with Erean's blood.
I looked at her still body. It wasn't too far of a stretch to imagine my sister Tammy lying there. Or to imagine me lying there. This entire situation – the frantic battle, the accidental murder – it all seemed far too familiar. Feeling light-headed I took a shaky step away from her body.
"Terenia." It was the gruff voice of Agrath which broke me out of my trance. Her massive Hork-Bajir hand closed over my small upper arm and she pulled me out of Jennor's earshot. "Do not react foolishly, Terenia. Her death is meaningless. The Andalite's claims are meaningless."
Jennor's claims. That the Andalite's were planning to blow up Earth. Were they meaningless? Surely it was no different that writing them off to slavery. Surely I didn't care enough about the humans to…
(No. It isn't meaningless.) I said, speaking slowly as I tried to process everything. (I have to stop the Andalites.)
"Fool." Agrath snorted, looking at me with contempt. "Didn't it occur to you that she might me lying?"
I hesitated. I hadn't thought about that. In hindsight, blowing up an entire planet did seem like a bit much – even for the Andalites. On the other hand, they were Andalites. I knew very well what they had done on the Hork-Bajir world. Was this really any different – besides taking a few million more casualties?
(Lying or no, I have to try. The last thing we need is for Earth to become bits of nothing.) I tried to pull away from Agrath, but she tightened her grip.
"Just kill the Andalite filth so that we can go. There is very likely a battle going on in orbit. Your ship needs you. Visser One may need you."
(If the Andalites blow up Earth, then how many potential hosts will we lose? How many fellow Yeerks? This isn't about me being sentimental,) I hissed back in a half-lie, (My best interest is in the Empire.)
I could tell that Agrath didn't believe me, but she also knew that I had a point. If Earth was destroyed then our forces would be gutted.
"I'm coming with you." She said. I glanced back to where Jennor stood. She was glaring at the two of us, and seemed to be considering whether or not she should interrupt.
(No.) I pulled away and this time she let me go. (This is between me and Jennor.)
Again, Agrath snorted. "You let your emotions control you far too much. Just kill the filth."
(First we have to save Earth. Then I'll deal with Jennor.) I gave her what I hoped was a reassuring smile. (Go back to our ship. As you said, they need us. For now, you can command them. Do not worry. I will return, I promise.)
I turned and trotted back to Jennor. Without a word to one another we entered her fighter, leaving Agrath alone with Erean's body.
As we rose from the Earth's surface, Jennor and I were indignantly silent. I had imagined many times what I would say to her, should the opportunity arise. But now that we were finally together again, words didn't seem to come. Bitterness seemed to fill the air in between us. It wasn't until I could see Earth beneath me, whole and complete once more, that I spoke.
(So what glorious plan do you have to save the day this time, Jennor?) I kept my voice as even as possible. Agrath was right – I couldn't let emotions get in the way of my goal. After we saved Earth from being turned into bits of dust, then I could think about vengeance.
(We bargain. A trade.) Jennor responded stiffly. She didn't look at me. She was focusing all four eyes on the computer controls. It would be so easy for me to just swing my tail and…
(A trade?) I asked, shaking myself mentally. (What in the world do you have to trade them?)
She chose not to answer directly. Instead she told me the full situation.
(We have two Dome Ships in orbit, the Elfangor and the Nebula. Visser One -) She said his name with a sneer (- has a Pool Ship and Blade Ship at his command. He is currently believed to be operating on the Pool Ship. There is a resistance force on Earth, rumored to be morph-capable humans.)
(Morphing humans?) I asked, surprised. (How?)
She shrugged. (The rumor is that Elfangor's younger brother, an aristh, was stranded on Earth and gave the power to them years ago.)
(But this resistance, obviously they failed. Otherwise you wouldn't be trying to turn Earth into a pile of gravel.) It was kind of strange. We were talking conversationally about the fate of an entire planet. Not just whether or not they would fall victim to the Yeerks, but whether or not it would cease to exist. The tone we were using, though, made it seem less urgent. I almost felt as if we were back on the Homeworld, trotting side by side and imagining the different wondrous battles we would fight together.
(Yes, I suppose it did fail.) Jennor agreed. (Pity. But regardless, we can't blow up Earth. We are Andalites. We do not destroy planets.)
(I am not an Andalite.) I said, reminding both of us. (I am doing this because if your people destroy Earth, the Yeerks are screwed. For lack of a better word.)
(Regardless.) She looked irritated, (Andalites are not mass murderers. We do not commit genocide. Even if it is to save a race. We will defeat the Yeerks another way.)
(Right.) I snorted. (And then you'll be the one with a Dome Ship named after you, I suppose?)
She ignored my insults. Instead she turned back to the computer. I sighed heavily. I still had no idea what Jennor's plan was. If it worked, however, it wasn't Jennor who would be the hero.
If I managed to salvage millions, maybe billions of hosts from extinction my loyalty would never be questioned again. I would have saved the Yeerk Empire! Ensured the final defeat of Earth! If the Andalite's were considering such a destructive plan, then that meant they knew they had lost. For once in my life, I would be the hero.
(War-Princess Jennor.) The strange voice made me jump. I had been lost in thought. Let my guard down. Stupid. Jennor had called up a transmission. The Andalite on-screen was older, with a rough battle-scarred face. He was looking at her distastefully. He didn't seem to notice me.
(Tactical Officer Rendrin.) Jennor said respectfully, using her best "submissive underling" voice. I rolled my eyes.
(What are you doing off duty?) He was obviously suspicious. (Return to your command at once!)
(With all due respect, sir.) She hesitated. I imagined that this was a difficult moment for her. She was actually going against Andalite order's willingly, without anyone else coercing her into it. (I left because I was one of the Andalite's informed of the current plan of "saving" Earth, as were you. I will not allow it.)
The T.O.'s eyes narrowed dangerously. (You will not allow it, Jennor? May I remind you that you were not asked your opinion in the matter? You were given orders. You will follow your orders.)
(I respectfully request that you put me through to Captain Geroth.) She continued.
(Captain Geroth?) I asked Jennor incredulously in private thought-speak. (They made that oaf a Captain?)
(Impossible.) Rendrin was saying, (He is currently convening with Captain-Prince Asculan regarding the situation of Earth. He cannot be interrupted.)
(Trust me.) Jennor said tersely. (He will want to be interrupted for this.)
Rendrin looked skeptical, but I guess he figured that if she upset Geroth it would be her tail, not his. The transmission went out for a minute, the hologram disappearing. I could tell that the line was still open, however. He was getting Geroth.
(Jennor, why don't you just tell me what you – oh no. No.) It had hit me suddenly, and I felt sick with my own stupidity. (No no no! Jennor!)
The hologram switched back on. Once again, Jennor was defiantly looking away from me. Although this time she was smart enough to keep one stalk eye on my tail. My tail which was twitching with shock and horror and a surging anger which was slowly threatening to boil over.
(War-Princess Jennor. This had better be good.) Geroth didn't look as if he had lightened up much since I had seen him last. If anything, he seemed more severe. And extremely agitated on top of it all.
(Captain Geroth. I am here to offer a trade.) Jennor began. My head was swimming. I had been tricked! Trapped! Agrath was right; I should have killed her when I had the chance! But I couldn't move. I stood there, feeling as if my hooves had taken root. In my head Rekora was laughing. Laughing at me.
(A trade? Do not waste my time, Jennor.) His voice had a dangerous edge. I should attack now, shouldn't I? But no, I couldn't move. Couldn't even twitch my tail until she sealed the deal.
(I cannot allow you to blow up Earth. If you agree not to go forward in the plans I will give you something very valuable in return.)
(What could you possibly have that I would want?) Geroth scoffed. I felt my hands shaking. I balled them into fists, urging myself to remain in control of my host's body. Rekora was using my weakness as an excuse to thrash violently against my control.
(Computer, widen transmission hologram.) Jennor said. Her voice had lost the shaky nervousness it had when she began. When she spoke next it was confidently, almost as if she were presenting a prize on some old game show. I saw Geroth's eyes go wide when he saw my quivering and livid body. (I have Terenia-Rerin-Shamtul, traitor to the Andalite's.)
(NO!) I shouted. The sound of my own name broke the glue holding my hooves to the ship's floor. I shoved Rekora's pitiful screams aside in my head. My tail blade flashed as I moved towards her. A slash appeared in her upper arm. Blue-black blood seeped out. She had not moved to defend herself.
(Do you accept my bargain?) Jennor asked, purposefully ignoring my cried. I noticed a hint of…was that sorrow? in her eyes. Geroth hesitated. I did not.
I lept forward, muscles coiled. I had been foolish to wait this long, now I had to undo my mistake. It was time for Jennor to die.
(You filthy, disgusting, ass-kissing Andalite!) I hissed, as I whipped my tail forward. This time she did block my blow, her much larger tail blade pushing mine aside harmlessly.
(Terenia, cease your attack.) It was Geroth, his voice icily smooth. (I have our main shredders aimed at Jennor's fighter. If you so much as twitch that stolen tail of yours I will destroy you both.)
I hesitated. I knew that he wasn't lying. Geroth was not beyond killing his own to get ahead. Heck, he wasn't beyond killing a whole planet.
(Jennor, I congratulate you on your success in capturing a highly wanted Yeerk. You will no doubt be properly rewarded.) Geroth said, while I glared daggers at the both of them. (However, your bargain is in vain.)
(You don't get Terenia if you don't agree!) Jennor cried indignantly. (Andalite's are not planet-destroyers!)
(I appreciate your morality,) Geroth continued, obviously not appreciating it at all, (But it is unnecessary. We have already agreed to cease fire on Earth.)
(What!?) Both Jennor and I cried at the same time. They weren't destroying Earth? The Yeerks had won? I felt a tiny crack of relief edging its way through my anger and helplessness.
(It seems as if we underestimated the resistance force on Earth. They single-handedly captured the Pool Ship and disposed of Visser One.)
My hearts stopped beating for about ten seconds. When they started up again Geroth was smirking at me, waiting for my response. Jennor was looking shocked and confused. My brain was operating as if through a thick fog.
The Pool Ship captured? Visser One's massive, impenetrable Pool Ship? It was impossible! And Visser One…
(Visser One…he is…) I hesitated. I had never exactly been best friends with the Visser, but everything I had in the Yeerk Empire I had received from him. He had been my mentor, in a strange and twisted way.
(Visser One is, regrettably, alive.) Geroth responded. (He has left his host body, and will be held for trial.)
I felt a brief flicker of relief pass through me, before the severity of the situation came back to me. If Visser One was captured, if the Pool Ship had been taken…
(The war?) I asked, afraid of the answer.
(The war is over.) Geroth said, giving me a sickeningly superior grin. (You have lost.)
There was a deathly silence in the cabin. I felt as if someone had wrapped a vice around my chest and was squeezing. My breath came out in ragged gasps. Earth was lost. The Yeerk Empire was gutted. Everything would fall now, like so many dominoes. I couldn't even warn them. Agrath and my crew would be helpless as the Andalite's swooped in on them.
(Jennor, bring me the captive so that we can dispose of her as is necessary. I believe aristh Rekora is long overdue a welcome home.) Geroth shut off the hologram, leaving the two of us alone. We stared at one another. My chest was heaving, my tail twitching jerkily. I felt as if I were about to faint. Jennor watched me cautiously. She knew that this would be our last stand, here in this small Andalite fighter. There was a hint of fear in her eyes, and also something much much worse. Pity.
(Terenia-) She began.
(No.) I cut her off in a low growl. (No. Do not speak to me Jennor. I do not want to hear another word from that filthy Andalite mind of yours.)
(Terenia!) She tried again.
(I said SHUT UP!) I cried, lashing my tail at her. She parried my blow easily. I slashed again! She was bigger than me, stronger too. But I was quicker, nimbler. I darted in and slashed at her exposed flank. A hit! A bloody line was drawn across her side and she cried out in pain.
(Take that, filth!) I cried. I swung again and again. Again and again Jennor pushed me back. But she was tiring, and I was running on pure rage and adrenaline. Right then, at that moment, I was the last Yeerk making her last stand against the last Andalite enemy. All of the trickery, all of the arrogance, all of the pain and confusion. In a blind rage it was all being directed towards Jennor.
I stumbled! Distracted by my own rage, Rekora had risen up! Suddenly I was not fighting one Andalite, but two. Jennor was blocking and parrying, Rekora was mentally thrashing against her restraints. It took about a minute for me to stumble without Rekora's help, out of pure exhaustion.
I vaguely noticed that despite my fatigue I only had superficial cuts. Jennor had not attacked me in full force, just enough to keep me away. That fact only made me angrier, but it was a burnt out kind of anger. Hollow. I could fight Jennor or Rekora, not both. With all the strength I had, I put a sudden halt to Rekora's battle.
Panting, I realized I had fallen to my knees. I struggled to get up, but a wave of exhaustion swept through my aching muscles. Jennor stood over me. From this angle she looked less like a young War-Princess and more like a blue steel giant.
(Just get it over with.) I spat. (Just kill me. You know if you take me to Geroth he'll take the glory for himself. Kill me now.)
Jennor looked upset. She was torn. She knew that if she turned me over to Geroth her hands would be clean of the situation. I would die, and Rekora would be free. If she killed me now, however, she would be able to defend her honor and uphold the promise she had made. But Rekora would die too.
(Just KILL ME!) I cried. I couldn't fight anymore. I was too tired, too sore, too beaten down. My entire world was crumbling down around my ears, and I just wanted it to stop.
Jennor poised her tail for the killing blow. She had to defend her honor. Her Andalite pride would not allow her any other choice.
(Terenia…you're my shorm.) Jennor said. She seemed almost to be pleading. I ignored her, closing my main eyes and trying to steady my breathing. In my mind, Rekora was crying out for her freedom. Freedom that was not as reachable as it had been moments ago. Freedom that would only come in death.
I tensed up, preparing. Yes, that sort of freedom would be a relief after this life. Freedom from humans and Andalites and Yeerks. Freedom from wars and hosts. Freedom from decisions.
(Terenia I…I can't.) She hesitated still. I felt sick. Now she was even turning back on the promises she had made to herself. She had vowed to kill me. And now, when I was lying in front of her defenseless and beaten, she was hesitating.
(NO!) I cried. I wasn't going to let this opportunity slip by. I wasn't going to lose my chance for freedom! We fought, Jennor was stronger. Fair and square. So just end it! I slashed my tail at her, point blank. She had two choices, block the assault or deliver her own deadly blow.
I watched through stolen eyes as Jennor's tail came slashing down, slicing the air so fast it crackled. A blue and white blur rushing towards me.
And my world went dark.