Animorphs: Galactic War
4: Hunter's World
Dome Ship Tailblade: Saturn's orbit
Galuit's Dome Ship, the Tailblade, was still in stationary orbit around Saturn whilst the Andalites and their Animorph allies considered their next move. Repairs to the ship were now complete and Galuit was keen to get underway again. He had therefore called a meeting in the Dome to decide what they should do next.
I do not think the Chelraks will be actively looking to engage us for a while, Alloran was saying. They probably think we will not be a problem until we get over the shock of seeing them alive and them declaring war on us.
"So we don't have to fight them for a while, then?" Marco asked hopefully.
No, probably not, Warrior Marco.
Marco rolled his eyes. He was starting to understand how Jake felt, as were all the other Animorphs who had also gained the title of Warrior. Jake was still 'Prince Jake' as he was considered the humans' Prince. Justin and Tom were only considered as Arisths, since they hadn't fought in any major battles yet.
Engineering has finished analysing that weapon the Chelraks used on our shields, Ax was saying. It appears to be an ion pulse cannon. It saturated our ship with charged particles, which overloaded our shield systems. Unfortunately they've been unable to develop any countermeasures to it as yet.
What of their main beam weapons? Galuit asked.
They do not seem to have much advantage there, War-Prince. There seems to be little difference between their disruptors and our shredders. The only reason we lost that battle was that their shields were still working. Ax replied.
"So if we're going to win, we need to find a way of beating this ion cannon, right?" Jake said.
Yes, Prince Jake, Ax went on. Unfortunately our scientists and engineers are not confident of finding a defence against it at the moment. They don't have enough information to go on. Without a schematic or a working model of the weapon, they can't go much further. Not on guesses and suppositions, anyway.
Galuit grimaced. Then we must avoid the Chelraks until we can surmount this problem. Any battle with them will be futile until we do!
Our other allies will be of no help in this matter, Alloran said in despair. If we don't have this technology there's no chance the Hork-Bajir or the humans will have it either.
A sudden thought struck Jake. "I know one race that might!" he quickly blurted out.
"You do?" Rachel said in surprise.
Jake's face fell. "Oh, forget it! It's probably too risky."
Galuit broke in. Prince Jake, risk of loss is definitely better than certain loss. Tell us what you had in mind. Who is this race? Will they help us or join with us?
Jake sighed. "We've encountered them twice already. They're not really friends and I don't think you'd want them to be. They gave us these the last time we met."
With that Jake pulled off his shirt and showed them his right arm, where the thunderbolt insignia was still burned in.
Marco caught on fast. "Oh no, you can't mean…!"
"The Predators? Oh man!" Ryan moaned.
The look of hope on Galuit's face evaporated. Those creatures help no one. Let alone us! And no one who's gone to their world has returned! he sighed.
"Does that mean we don't even try?" As usual, Rachel was all fired up and ready to fight.
Your courage is commendable, Warrior Rachel, Galuit said. But in this case, it is useless. To my knowledge, no non-Predator has even got into orbit of the Predator homeworld, let alone landed on it.
The Yeerks tried to invade with two whole fleets, Alloran added. They were destroyed before they got into orbit. What chance does one ship have?
"Those ships didn't have anyone with these marks aboard and they didn't know any of the Predator leaders," Jake said.
True, Prince Jake, Ax said. But being marked may not automatically mean you will be allowed onto their world.
"Do you think Malarnex will help us if we show up?" Cassie asked. "With the way he marked us he might not want to see us."
"We have to try, Cassie," Jake said. "The only other option is to face the Chelraks with no shields on our ships."
Galuit sighed. His choice was made easier by the fact that he simply didn't have any. Bridge, set course for the Predator homeworld!
The…Predator homeworld? Did I hear that correctly, War-Prince? a nervous reply came from the bridge.
You did. Now get this ship moving!
Jake's quarters on the Tailstrike
Jake sat alone in the room he shared with Tom and Justin. It was spacious; there was more than enough room for the three of them. After all, it had been designed for Andalites, not humans. Unfortunately, this also meant they hadn't gone overboard on furniture. In fact, before their parents had made some improvisations the furniture had been non-existent! Now they had some beds and blankets but that was about all.
"Hey midget."
Jake looked up as Tom and Justin came in.
"What's up?" Jake asked.
"We're not sure. That's what we came to talk to you about," Tom said.
"I can't wait to meet these Predator guys!" Justin said.
Tom snorted. "You'll be taking that back by the end of our visit, Justin, I'm sure of that! Have you any plan or any idea what's going to happen when we get to this homeworld?"
Jake looked a little sheepish. "I've no idea, Tom. A lot of it is just hope. As Alloran said, they might blast us out of the sky before we even try to talk with them. Even if we do land we might not get a good reception either."
Tom nodded. He had only met one Predator, Malarnex, briefly but that was enough for him to know that they were not the most trusting or friendliest race in the galaxy.
Jake sat down on his bed. "I guess there's not much we can do until we come out of Zero-Space again."
"It's crazy, midget," Tom said. "I mean you're a Prince and I'm just an Aristh or whatever they call it. What's wrong with this picture?"
Jake chuckled. "It's just experience, Tom. I've just been doing this for longer than you have. You'll get used to it, trust me."
"Yeah. If I get any more morphs to get used to."
Although Tom and Justin were now Animorphs they still had a few problems. The main one was a lack of morphs. They only had one apiece and that was Tobias's hawk morph (which was, of course, Tobias's 'natural' form). There weren't any other animals on board to acquire and the Andalites were somewhat reluctant to let two human Arisths acquire any of them. Ryan had only acquired Ax under the most dire of circumstances and, although it was now one of his main morphs, he did have some regrets about acquiring one of his friends without permission. Therefore, until they landed somewhere, they were limited to hawk morph.
The other problem was the classic one of control. Justin had totally lost it on his first flight and he had ended up coming down in the Dome's lake! Marco and Rachel couldn't keep themselves from laughing their heads off when a completely drenched human Justin had waded out. Even Alloran had trouble keeping a straight face.
Having problems with your navigation, Aristh Justin? Or did you consider the lake a soft landing zone?
Justin had just snorted in disgust and walked off.
"Are you sure you want us in on this, midget?" Tom finally asked, jerking Jake back to the present. "We might not be able to do much down there."
"You won't be able to do anything up here," Jake countered. "Besides the only way you're going to acquire morphs or experience is to go with us."
Tom sighed. He had not been looking forward to this. "Ok midget, I just hope it goes ok…"
Bridge of the Tailstrike: 3 hours later
Everyone was on edge as the ship came out of Zero-Space near the Predator homeworld. According to the sensors, it was not the most pleasant of worlds. It had a good atmosphere but that seemed to be about all. The surface consisted mostly of barren rock and high mountains.
"How can the Predators live on that?" Marco asked in amazement.
I don't know, Galuit replied. But then there is much about the Predators that is unknown to us.
"We'd better send a message to them before they decide to do something," Jake suggested.
What should we send? Galuit asked.
"Tell them the human morphers are aboard and tell them we want to see Malarnex. Hopefully that should be enough."
A bridge controller sent the message to the surface. Message sent. War-Prince, we are receiving a transmission from the planet.
Put it on! Galuit ordered.
Andalite ship! You are to land at these co-ordinates. If you deviate from the planned course by one inch or you have deceived us then consider yourselves trophies!
"They've not changed much, have they?" Cassie snorted.
The Andalites carefully navigated the ship down to the surface. Once they had landed, Jake and the Animorphs left the bridge and went down towards the exit ramp. Their parents nervously tagged along behind.
"Get ready!" Jake ordered as the ramp started to open.
All the Animorphs and Ax assumed battle readiness.
"Is that necessary?" Jake's dad was asking when the ramp went down and 12 Predators came into view. "Sorry I asked!" he gulped.
Jake soon recognised Malarnex. He wore his ceremonial gold armour that had spikes protruding from his shoulders and forearms.
Malarnex smiled under his mask. Prince Jake! I knew I'd see you again but I never thought it would be this soon. Got bored with hunting Yeerks, did you?
"Sorry Malarnex," Jake replied curtly. "But we didn't come here to hunt anyone or anything."
Then what did you come for? another Predator sneered. To die?
He began to advance on the group. However, Rachel then morphed to bear and grabbed him by the throat.
No, did you? she snarled, tightening her grip.
Malarnex chuckled. I warned you, Gashyrr, that they were not to be taken lightly!
Rachel threw Gashyrr to the floor. He picked himself up and stood back, glaring at the Animorphs with malice.
"We need help," Jake quickly went on. "We're at war with the Chelraks now. We thought you might know about some of the weapons they're using."
Malarnex felt as if he'd had a blade rammed through his stomach. The other Predators seemed shocked too.
"Did I say something wrong?" Jake asked.
Malarnex recovered quickly. No, it's all right. I haven't the authority to help you outright, however. I must discuss this with the Elders and convince them to help you. It won't be easy; they do not like off-worlders. But since you're blooded I think it can be done. Follow me.
Jake turned to his parents. "We'll be back soon, I promise."
With that, the Animorphs followed Malarnex and his group off the ship.
The surface of the planet was, to say the least, unappealing. It consisted entirely of grey, barren rock. There was no vegetation or plant life of any kind. There were some mountains here and there, but that was all. A thick bank of chilling fog hung in the air.
"Nice," Marco muttered as he walked.
You won't have to endure it for much longer, I assure you, Malarnex said as they reached what looked like a cave at the base of a cliff. As they went inside, it soon became apparent that it wasn't a cave at all. They had stepped into a large elevator. Malarnex touched a button and it began to descend.
Malarnex then noticed Tom and Justin. New blood, Jake? I hope they can hunt as well as you can.
"Yeah, they can. But don't even think of marking them like you did us!" Rachel snapped.
Malarnex seemed unfazed. If I hadn't blooded you, you would not be here now. It still took all of my skills to persuade my brothers not to destroy you while you were in orbit. Be very careful what you say and do here! Most of my people do not appreciate off-worlders and they do not tolerate a slight.
Jake gave Rachel a hard look as Malarnex finished. She knew what they were saying. Shut up before you get us all killed!
The elevator reached the bottom and they all got out. The Animorphs couldn't believe what awaited them there.
It was like the Andalites' dome only it was much, much bigger and it housed a city instead of a park. The city didn't look much different from a human one from a distance. However, once you got down to street level, the difference was obvious. There were Predators everywhere; most of them dressed in armour and warrior outfits. Most of them were either stuffing themselves with meat (or what looked like meat!) or were smashing the hell out of each other in one-on-one fistfights. The Animorphs were getting a lot of looks as they went by.
"I take it most of them haven't seen many humans then?" Rachel asked.
The only time most of them have seen a human is when they're slicing one in two, Malarnex replied with no trace of humour.
Soon they were approaching another building. This one was golden coloured and looked slightly more important than the rest. They were quickly ushered inside into a chamber where six more Predators sat. These all wore ornate robes and looked older than the ones on the street.
So Malarnex, this is the group you told us about, one said. He looked at them all carefully. They look young and untried to me.
Appearances are deceptive in this case, Elder, Malarnex said. He then switched to private thought speak and spoke quickly to Jake. I would morph now if I were you, and make it something powerful!
Jake nodded and morphed to tiger quickly. The rest of the Animorphs morphed into their battle morphs too.
The Elder didn't look very fazed. Impressive power. But can they do anything with it?
Malarnex had guessed this would happen and knew what they wanted him to suggest. Should I take them to the training area for a demonstration?
An excellent idea, Malarnex. Take them there now.
As you wish. Malarnex herded the Animorphs out before any of them could say a word.
"What the hell was that all about? What did we just get into?" Ryan asked worriedly.
The Elders need to see you fight before they will be convinced to help you. As good as my word about you is, it is not enough. They require positive proof. You can give that to them by fighting in the training area.
Jake sighed. He knew that this would not be easy. "Lead on."
Predator training area
The Predators' training area was just outside of the domed city. Actually, the area consisted of several other domes of similar size. One contained what appeared to be a sun-scorched desert; another one contained a large section of jungle, another one a swamp and so on. There were about ten in all.
Ax was amazed. I didn't know the Predators had this capability!
Why must you always consider us primitives, Andalite? Malarnex sounded annoyed. They weren't that difficult to build. The real challenge was getting some inhabitants for them.
"Inhabitants?" Cassie had a feeling she wasn't going to like this. She was right.
Sometimes we capture creatures on our hunts instead of killing them. When we do, we bring them back here and release them into the domes. After all, what better training is there than the real thing?
"So what do we have to do?" Jake quickly asked before Cassie could start one of her animal rights speeches.
Simple. Each dome has two ways in and out. You enter one and make your way through it to the other side. The challenge will be to survive whatever you may encounter.
"Which dome do we have to go through?" Marco asked.
That we leave to you. Pick one. Malarnex then stood back allowing the Animorphs to huddle together.
"Ok, fearless leader. Which should we go for?" Marco asked. "Whatever we do, we do not take the arctic one, right? I still get the chills thinking of
that from last time!"
"Why don't we take that one?" Jake asked, pointing to the jungle dome. "We've been in jungle before and maybe you two can get some more morphs there."
Tom nodded. "Fine by me."
Justin sighed. "I suppose so." Both of them were very nervous by this time, as neither had fought for real yet.
Good choice, Malarnex said. I've gone through that one several times myself. He led them to the entrance to the jungle dome. From now on, you are on your own. There are no set rules, so use whatever means necessary to survive. Also expect nothing. The Elders can send whatever or whoever they please into the dome to challenge you, depending on their mood, so be prepared. I'll see you on the other side.
With that, the dome's entrance opened and they all stepped through. Dense jungle was spread out before them in all directions.
I'll watch out from the air, Tobias said as he lifted off from Rachel's shoulder.
"Let's get this over with, midget," Tom said nervously.
Jake nodded and the Animorphs advanced into the jungle.
Jungle dome: two hours later
"Man, it'll take us days to get through at this rate!" Marco muttered. The jungle was extremely dense and made walking difficult.
I still can't see the end of it either, Tobias reported from overhead.
"I thought they said this would be challenging," Rachel snorted. "We haven't had to fight once yet!"
"Be careful what you wish for, Rachel," Cassie warned. "You might just get it!"
"Knowing the Predators, we will get it," Jake added. "So stay sharp!"
Hold that thought, guys! You've got some company coming in, Tobias said.
What is it? Ax asked. Tobias didn't have time to answer as two jaguars burst from the foliage.
"Oh m-man!" Justin was shaking in terror already.
"Spread out!" Jake ordered. "Get on both sides of them!"
They did so quickly. The jaguars were coldly observing them, wondering who they were and what they were doing in their territory.
"What's the plan, fearless leader?" Marco asked.
"Simple. It's this!" With that Jake reached out and touched one of the jaguars, which froze up as Jake started to acquire its DNA.
Justin quickly did the same to the other jaguar and achieved the same result.
"What now?" Cassie asked.
"We all acquire them then we run," Jake said. "Just like last time. Oh sorry, you all forgot the last time." For some odd reason, Jake was the only one who remembered the Sario Rip incident and the visit to the Amazon Basin.
Once they had all acquired the jaguars they morphed to jaguar form and ran like the wind.
Elders' building
What the Animorphs were unaware of was that the Predators were watching their every move, thanks to the cloaked spy probes that were floating throughout the Jungle dome. Already the Elders seemed disappointed.
You call these worthy warriors, Malarnex? the head Elder snorted. They couldn't even kill them!
Humans have different values from ours, Elder, Malarnex explained calmly. They usually do not fight unless they are forced to. Besides, the objective is merely to cross the zone alive, not to kill everything they encounter. They also have a new morph in their arsenal and they are still alive. From our perspective, I would call that a defeat.
The Elder muttered a curse. Despatch the drones! They can't acquire them. They will not survive them either!
I wouldn't lay any bets on that, Elder. Although he had spoken in support of the Elders, Malarnex was secretly hoping the Animorphs would win through. He knew it would embarrass the Elders if they did, but that was a price he was willing to pay, as it would show that his judgement in blooding the Animorphs wasn't flawed.
Jungle Dome
The Animorphs were now moving faster as they had stayed with the jaguar morph.
Wow! I love this! Justin was running like the wind ahead of everyone else.
Keep control, Justin! Jake snapped. We're not out of this yet.
Any idea what they'll send next, midget? Tom asked.
None. These are Predators we're dealing with. They could send anything.
Uh guys! Marco broke in worriedly.
They looked up ahead and saw them. There were eight, all over six feet tall, faceless, designed in humanoid shape and all metal. What worried the Animorphs, though, were the large rifles they were holding.
Cover! Jake snapped as the androids opened fire.
All of them dived into a ditch but Justin wasn't quite fast enough and caught a green bolt on his back legs. He fell into the ditch with a scream, his rear end smoking.
Justin, demorph! Cassie ordered.
In the end they all demorphed to give themselves more options.
"Does it always hurt that much?" Justin moaned.
"Often it's worse than that!" Rachel said.
"Man, first big cats and now tin men? What the hell is this?" Ryan snapped.
Simple, they're forcing us to fight, we can't acquire androids, Ax said.
Marco risked a quick look over the edge of the ditch. The androids were slowly advancing on them, firing all the while. He grinned.
"What's so funny, Marco?" Rachel snapped.
"Morph and follow me, Xena. You'll soon find out!"
With that, Marco morphed to his bird form and flew out of the ditch. Rachel morphed was soon close behind him. A few shots were aimed in their direction but all missed.
"Where are they going?" Ryan asked.
"Don't ask me!" Jake said. "We've got to get out of here!"
"They'll cut us down before we run ten feet!" Cassie wailed.
The androids had almost reached the top of the ditch by this time. They were advancing confidently with their guns fully charged when there was a sickening crunch from behind them. They whirled round to see Rachel. The big brown grizzly version of Rachel holding a dismembered android in her paws. Marco, in gorilla morph, quickly ran in and smashed another android with his fists. The others started to bring their guns around but were then attacked from the ditch by two Andalites, two jaguars, a wolf and a tiger. Within a few minutes all that was left of the androids was scrap metal.
Elders' building
The Elders were incredulous at the drones' defeat. The conversation had degenerated as everyone started talking at once.
How could this happen…?
I don't believe this! They're actually going to win…!
Malarnex looked at his squabbling leaders with amazement and disdain.
These are supposed to be our Elders? A bunch of squabbling presumptuous cretins? Didn't they read the report I sent them about these humans?
I don't know why you're so surprised, Elders. If they destroyed a Queen and a hive of the deadliest prey yet known why would they be threatened by a few androids? Malarnex smiled under his mask as he said this.
The Head Elder eventually found his voice. It doesn't matter! All they've gone through so far was merely to test them! When they reach the sight of their goal, they will fall by our hands!
How? Malarnex didn't bother to hide his scepticism.
Simple. One of our warriors, Gashyrr, is stationed there. He requested this assignment himself.
Malarnex rolled his eyes in disbelief. Gashyrr, in his opinion, was not a good warrior. He let his emotions and his arrogance get the better of him once too often. His display at the Andalite ship was ample proof of that. He glanced round at the Elders again. It seemed that problem wasn't limited to Gashyrr. The Elders had simply assumed the Animorphs would be easy kills and no challenge at all. That fact was sorely evident in their choice of warrior: Gashyrr wasn't even fully blooded yet. They were supposed to be the best of the best of his race and yet they had already made the classic mistake of hunting: underestimating the prey. Even if they had sent one of the best of his race instead of Gashyrr, Malarnex wouldn't have favoured him.
One of us against all of them? Gashyrr should have performed ritual suicide and not bothered to go!
He was glad he hadn't had to take any of the Elders on a hunt. To his mind, they wouldn't have lasted five minutes.
Jungle Dome exit
It looks like the way out up ahead, guys! Tobias said happily.
"That wasn't too bad," Tom added.
"That's what worries me!" Jake said. "It was a little too easy for my taste."
As Jake spoke he was looking round carefully as they were emerging from the jungle, checking carefully for a trap or anything out of place. He saw it at the exit door: a shimmering, rippling effect.
"I knew it! Get down!" Jake barely had time to finish before a blue bolt flew at them. It missed Tom by mere inches.
All the Animorphs scattered, trying to find cover.
I'll try and keep my eyes on him, Tobias said. But you've got to find a way of knocking out that camouflage of his. He's even more difficult to see in here!
Easier said than done! Jake felt mired in despair. They'd only killed one Predator and he had lost a lot of power when they finally confronted him. This one was in his element and was still at full power!
Prince Jake! Jake whirled round to see Ax and Tom next to him. We may have a plan, but someone must draw him out into the open!
I'm on it! Justin was back in his jaguar form and was already leaping out into the open.
Shit! That kid has a death wish! Tobias muttered from overhead. Then he saw the shimmering effect on a tree branch. Justin! He's in a tree to your left!
Gasyhrr leapt from the tree with his spear raised. Justin just noticed in time and jumped away just as the spear tip came down where his head had been two seconds ago. Gashyrr had, however, made a critical mistake. He had exposed himself. Before he could jump away into the trees again, Ax was galloping forward toward him at full speed with Tom on his back. Tom reached out and grabbed hold of Gashyrr before he could leap away. The cloaking device gave him no protection against Tom's morphing power. He froze up as Tom started to acquire him.
"Midget! Get ready to hit him with all you've got! This won't last long!" Tom warned.
He won't either! Rachel snarled. She was coming up fast in bear morph.
Tom leaped aside as he finished his acquiring. "NOW!"
Gashyrr had regained his senses but he realised it was too late. He was surrounded and pinned down by some very angry Animorphs! Two minutes later it was all over. Despite his strength and power, Gashyrr had had no hope at all trying to fight two Andalites, a jaguar, a wolf, a tiger, a gorilla and a bear all at once. He soon lay in a bleeding heap on the floor breathing heavily.
Excellent! It worked perfectly, Ax said proudly.
Good plan, Ax! Marco said. We whipped him!
Actually it was mostly Tom's idea, Ax conceded.
A sudden roar from behind made them all whirl round to see another Predator. This one lacked a mask or any weapons.
Round two! Rachel said with relish. She started to advance on the newcomer.
Hey hold up, it's me!
Tom?! Is that you? Jake asked in amazement.
Yeah. This morph is amazing! It's the Bomb!! You've got to try this vision! It makes a hawk's seem pathetic!
I heard that! Tobias landed nearby and gave Tom a nasty look.
Sorry Tobias, but you have to see this to believe it! Tom said as he started to demorph. The others followed suit.
Gashyrr looked up at them from the floor. What are you waiting for? Finish it!
"We don't kill anyone who's defenceless!" Cassie exclaimed.
I've lost face! At least give me an honourable death! Gashyrr snarled.
That will not be necessary, Gashyrr. Everyone looked round to see Malarnex standing at the exit. This was a battle that you should never have fought in the first place and you had no chance of winning. You should have never have challenged six blooded warriors as you are not fully blooded yourself yet! There is no dishonour here.
But Leader… Gashyrr started to gasp.
You question me? Malarnex snarled.
Gashyrr said nothing more. Two more Predators came and lifted him up.
Get him to the healers, Malarnex ordered. Congratulations, Jake! You prevailed, although I never had any doubts!
"Thanks, I think," Jake snorted. He had had more than enough for one day.
We'll return to your ship. I'll give you all that you want there. After all, you've earned it!
The Tailstrike: one hour later
I have a confession to make, Malarnex said. In fact, my whole race does. It was us that provided the Chelraks with most of their weapons.
You did!? Galuit said in amazement. I thought Predators didn't give anything to off-worlders, let alone any technology.
We don't as a rule. But the Elders decided to make an exception in this case. They wanted to start establishing relations with some other races and we'd heard about what happened to the Chelrak homeworld. We hated the Yeerks as much as the Chelraks did so we decided to tip the balance of power. We assumed the weapons were going to be used on the Yeerks alone. We had no idea they had a grudge against you as well.
What did you give them? Alloran asked.
Disruptors and ion cannons mostly, Malarnex revealed. Fortunately the Elders weren't willing to give them too much. As compensation, we will give you the ion cannon schematics and countermeasures. Hopefully, it should restore the balance before the Chelraks become the new Yeerks!
Alloran was sceptical. You'd give up such a secret so freely?
Whatever you think of us we do have honour! Besides it'll take more than one of our secrets for you to be our equals!
Alloran and Galuit gave Malarnex evil looks as he walked out.
"Predators! They'll never change, will they?" Cassie asked despairingly.
Jake shook his head. "No. They may be arrogant but they have a lot of power to back it up, and they like what they are. We'll just have to make sure we don't end up like them."
Ax then reported in from the engine room. War-Prince! The modifications to our shields are complete. We can leave anytime.
Good! The sooner the better! Galuit muttered and started heading for the bridge.
"This is one place I don't want to come back to again!" Justin added. "You were right earlier, Tom. I take back what I said earlier. Those things give me the chills!"
Everyone broke up in giggles as they walked to the Dome to recover.
On the bridge, Galuit was receiving an update from the front line.
War-Prince, the Chelraks have begun a full assault on the Yeerk homeworld. It looks bad. They say they're using neutronium weapons!
Galuit cursed mentally. The Chelraks had cut through the Yeerks sooner than he had wanted. With the Yeerks now effectively beaten, the Chelraks could now concentrate all their forces on the Andalites.
Move us to the nearest Andalite fleet. We must confer with the High Command and give them the new technology. I only hope we can fit it on all of our ships in time.
With that, Galuit left for the dome to fill his troops and the Animorphs in. They would have to go to war sooner than they had hoped. He only hoped that his people and the Animorphs were ready…
TO BE CONTINUED…