Animorphs: Galactic War
9: Chelrak Retribution
Chelrak Command Ship
As soon as Izlyr's task force had met up with the main Chelrak fleet he had requested a meeting with the Emperor. Izlyr couldn't understand why they had withdrawn from Earth when victory had still been possible. It was the first question he asked as he entered the bridge.
"A good question," Slaar said. "It deserves an answer. The simple truth is that it was no longer necessary."
"No longer necessary?" Izlyr said in confusion.
"Yes. Intelligence has informed me that the Earth does not have any alliance with the Andalites as we first thought. Therefore we were engaged in a battle for a strategically unimportant system. I have no doubt you would have triumphed in that battle, but the losses would have been high. That is a price we can not afford yet."
Izlyr nodded in understanding but there was one thing that troubled him. "Then where did these human morphers come from?"
"I thought you'd ask that." Slaar handed Izlyr a datapad. "We just received this from our agents on the Andalite homeworld. The entire planet just heard something of tremendous interest: Prince Elfangor's hirac delest."
"Elfangor? The prince killed in the Yeerk War? What does he have to do with this?"
"Quite a lot actually," Slaar said. "He was killed on the Earth system by Visser 3. But before he died he gave five human hatchlings morphing capability. Over the next two years these humans and one other Andalite, Elfangor's brother ironically, fought a guerrilla war against the Yeerks and ground their invasion to a halt until we ended it permanently for them."
"Unbelievable!" Izlyr said. "And the Yeerks never knew about this?"
"No!" Slaar sneered. "For all that time the Yeerks thought they were Andalites! Visser 3 may have had a lot of power but in the grand scheme he was nothing but an overrated fool. Elfangor beat him even from the grave. It's a pity he's dead."
"You feel pity for an Andalite, Emperor?" Izlyr couldn't believe it.
"Elfangor was different from most. He had more spine and resolve. He was one of the few to support our cause unlike their treacherous Council. Unfortunate that he didn't have the courage to help us as he did for the humans. It's even more unfortunate that we now have to deal with his prodigies."
Izlyr nodded. "So what do we do now, Emperor? We're in the same situation the Yeerks were in."
"Not exactly, Izlyr. We have one advantage that the Yeerks never had: We know what we're fighting. Through a…personal connection, I also know their identities." He passed Izlyr another datapad. "Pass this information to all our ships and bases. Tell them not to be fooled by their ages. They are experienced warriors and extremely dangerous and they are to be treated as such."
"Understood."
With that, Izlyr left to return to his ship. After he had gone, Slaar went back to his private quarters. Reaching into a concealed locker, he pulled out a black crystal and attached it to a small communicator.
IS IT DONE?
Slaar shuddered at the voice from the communicator. "Yes, it is done. Our entire fleet knows of them now."
DO NOT FAIL ME IN THIS MATTER, SLAAR. I WANT THEM ALL DEAD AND I WANT THEM TO SUFFER FIRST, ESPECIALLY 'PRINCE' JAKE! IF YOU CAN DO THIS, REVENGE WILL BE YOURS AND SO WILL THE GALAXY!
Slaar grinned evilly. "Consider it done!"
The Tailstrike
War-Prince Galuit, looking as grim as ever, walked into the Dome with an update for the Animorphs.
Prince Jake, I wish I could say I had good news. But it seems that not all of our battles fared as well as yours.
"What's happened now?" Jake asked in concern.
The Hork-Bajir homeworld is being threatened again and the Nahara world has fallen. We've also lost contact with our forces in the Arcturus sector, so we must assume that they have fallen as well.
"Oh man! Is anything ever going to go right?" Marco muttered.
This is the main problem, Ax broke in. We've been worn down by years of war with the Yeerks whilst the Chelraks are coming in fresh.
"We've got to start winning some soon," Ryan said. "Isn't there any way to hurt them right now?"
"I thought you'd ask that." Everyone turned to see Estro, the Yeerk-human nothlit and their newest intelligence agent. "There's one way of slowing them down but it'll be difficult."
"What is it?" Rachel asked impatiently.
Estro activated a holo-map. "We've located the main supply base for the Chelrak main force here at Andromeda Prime. It's an undersea base so it's hard to detect or to hit from space. The only real option is a stealthy ground assault."
"Will this do much to hurt them?" Jake asked sceptically.
"Directly no. However it will force them to slow their offensives down which will give us time to regroup and hit back."
"Making them defend instead of us? I like it," Ryan grinned.
"It seems almost too easy," Rachel said.
"In most circumstances it wouldn't be," Estro said. "The planet is almost entirely covered in water and the base is built on the sea floor. It can't be accessed or bombed easily. They'd have time to transmit a distress call if they detected a fleet in orbit. It's only vulnerable to a strike team that's aqua morph capable."
"Oh great!" Tom muttered. "Justin and I aren't capable of that type of morph!"
Tobias sighed. He hated water missions. I'll just have to make the best of it.
"Man! I hate being left out!" Justin grumbled.
"When do we go?" Jake asked. He still looked unconvinced, especially with some of his team out of the fight, but he didn't have a better idea to offer.
Whenever you're ready, Galuit said. Your shuttle will have a small fighter escort, since the target is behind enemy lines. That way, if you run into any trouble before you've landed at least you will have a chance. Prince Edullon will be leading them and you two will be in his wing. Galuit looked at Ax and Marco as he said this.
Jake nodded stiffly. "Fine."
"Are you ok, Jake?" Cassie asked in concern.
"I'm fine, Cassie, I'm just fine."
Andalite shuttle: 1 hour later
Cassie was worried about Jake. He hadn't been his usual self since they'd left Earth. She'd said as much to Rachel and Ryan before they'd boarded the shuttle.
"Maybe you're right, Cassie. That Howler thing did shake him up," Rachel had said. "But he still seems ok apart from that. I don't think he's going to crack up."
Cassie hadn't been so sure. "I don't know. It's not just that. I mean, he could be cracking up under the pressure. He had the whole weight of the world on his shoulders before and now he's got the weight of the galaxy!"
Ryan nodded. "We know what you mean but what can we do? We can't stop fighting now. All we can do is keep supporting him and hope he'll be ok."
Cassie had reluctantly agreed. The fact that there were only five of them on this mission didn't help. Ax and Marco were in their fighter flying escort. Tom and Justin had no aquatic morphs yet and couldn't participate. They'd not had the time to visit the Gardens back on Earth after their experience there.
"Tom and Justin weren't happy being left behind," she eventually said to Jake.
"I know," Jake said. "Truth is, Cassie, I'm glad they stayed behind."
What makes you say that? Tobias asked.
Jake frowned. "I…don't know for sure. I just have the feeling that something is off! Don't ask me why, but there's something about this that I just don't like."
"Let's hope you're wrong," Rachel said in concern.
The Andalite pilot then spoke up. Prince Jake, we're approaching Andromeda Prime!
Chelrak undersea base: Andromeda Prime
What the Animorphs didn't know was that they had already been detected. Several cloaked spy probes in orbit, purchased from the Predators, had given the Chelraks an added early warning system against any type of ship entering the system. After the Keldorian fiasco they'd learnt some hard lessons. Base Commander Zanal smiled coldly as he looked at the scanners that had detected the Animorphs' shuttle and five escort fighters.
"And I thought the Andalites were professionals. But you send out a little information about a fake supply base and they fall for it. Pathetic!" He turned to his number 2 man (or lizard!). "I want the shuttle taken intact. The fighters are all yours!"
Sub Commander Nevek nodded and activated his communicator. "All gun crews to stations!" He turned to Zanal again. "This'll be a good test for Saavek's latest toy. Let's hope it works!"
"For his sake it had better," Zanal said. "If it doesn't he'll answer to the Emperor. I don't think we'll get an opportunity like this again."
Nevek nodded and went over to the elevator that would take him to the firing station of the Chelraks' most powerful weapon yet: the Shockwave Pulsar.
Below the Command Bridge several Chelraks were powering up several large neutronium reactors. Their report came in as Nevek reached the firing station.
"Power systems at optimal levels. Reactors working at 2-speed."
"Targeting systems aligned."
The lieutenant at the firing station reported as Nevek entered. "Pulsar ready to fire, Sub-Commander. Are you sure this is going to work?"
"If Saavek's work is as good as it normally is then it should," Nevek said. "The Pulsar has more power than anything yet known. The fact that we're underwater should test it to the limit. If it works here it'll work anywhere. Open the firing port."
The lieutenant complied and a large aperture opened in the top of the sea base.
"Water pressure within tolerance levels. All stations ready! Locking on target!"
Nevek smiled. Time for the main event. "Fire when ready!"
In orbit of Andromeda Prime
Prince Edullon cursed as he checked his scanners again. For some reason they didn't seem to be getting much of a reading from the surface. Frustrated, he opened a channel to the rest of his squadron.
Escort lead to squadron…I'm having problems with my scanners. I can't seem to get much of a reading from the surface.
All of the other fighters, including Ax and Marco's reported similar problems.
Edullon checked all his instruments again. All seemed to be functioning perfectly and there didn't seem to be any enemies around. There was something about this that he just didn't like but he had no good reason to back out now.
Alright. Escort 2 and 3: fly close escort with the transport down to the surface. Everyone else, with me.
"Good luck, Jake," Marco said over his channel.
"Thanks Marco, you too," Jake replied as the shuttle entered the atmosphere.
As Marco turned back to his scanners he suddenly noticed an energy reading from the surface. "Ax, I'm getting something down there."
What is it?
"I'm not sure."
Just then the other escort fighter in orbit noticed it. My Prince, we have a high energy reading from the sur…
That was all he had time to say as a green beam, or rather a massive green pillar of light, came from the surface and disintegrated his fighter with a touch.
"Whoa! What the hell was that?" Marco spluttered.
Some kind of energy beam, came Edullon's shocked reply.
I still can't get any good readings from the surface, Ax reported. Then his voice became even more alarmed. I've lost contact with the shuttle and the other fighters!
Edullon's suspicions were now a dead certainty. It's some kind of jamming. It's a trap!
Chelrak undersea base
"A perfect shot, Sub Commander! One fighter destroyed!"
Nevek marvelled at the Pulsar's range and power. They had just destroyed a ship in space from the sea floor.
"Excellent!"
"There's still 2 fighters in orbit and 2 others and the transport are in the atmosphere. Orders?"
Nevek considered. "Target the fighters with the transport but only fire if you have a clear shot. The transport is to be taken intact. Take no chances of hitting it."
The lieutenant nodded. "Understood." He looked at his instruments to see that the power packs were charging again. "Almost ready to fire!"
Nevek reached for his communicator again. "Have the planetary Raptor squadron ready to launch. Force the enemy shuttle into the sea where our submarines will be waiting for them! Have Lieutenant Ralgha lead the recovery force. He'll be eager for revenge after Keldoria, I think."
In orbit
Edullon, Ax and Marco were looking helplessly on from orbit as another green beam was fired from the Pulsar. It was a perfect shot as it destroyed both of the other 2 escorts, who had turned toward the Pulsar to investigate it. The shuttle was now undefended and exposed.
"Ax, we have to go down and help them!" Marco said in panic.
His words were reinforced by a garbled distress call from Jake.
"Ax…under attack…they're forcing us down!"
"Hang on, Jake. We're coming!" Marco said.
Ax started descending toward the planet. Almost immediately Edullon warned him off.
Warrior Aximili! We must withdraw at once!
Ax and Marco were aghast. But my Prince is down there… Ax started to say.
I am your Prince right now, Aximili! Edullon said. We must return and report! We do not stand a chance against this weapon and we will never find them in all this jamming! I am ordering you to retreat!
Ax cursed. Understood, my Prince.
"Ax! We can't leave them behind!" Marco almost screamed.
Ax whipped his head round angrily. We will do them no good by dying, Warrior Marco!
Marco sighed in despair. He knew that Ax and Edullon were right. There was nothing they could do.
Chelrak undersea base
"Remaining fighters retreating, Base Commander."
"Let them go." Zanal had taken Nevek's place at the firing station as soon as the shuttle had been forced into the sea. He was now observing the recovery force in a submarine. Five minutes later he reported in.
"Nevek here. Recovery and capture successful."
"How many Andalites did you capture?"
"Actually none. There's only one Andalite here and he's dead. We have 4 human prisoners."
"Humans?" Zanal seemed confused for a moment. Then he realised. "Do they match any of the descriptions…"
"…That were sent to our base this morning?" Nevek finished. "Yes, they do. I think our future is looking rather promising, don't you?"
Zanal chuckled nastily. He could smell a big promotion coming his way.
The Tailstrike
Galuit, Alloran, Tom, Justin and all their parents were waiting when Ax and Marco docked. All looked downcast. Some of them were openly in tears. Marco had no idea what to say to any of them. He had just abandoned his friends on an enemy planet. He was angry, distressed and in state to offer a report. In the end Edullon did it for him.
Which cretin sent us into that trap!? I lost half the human morphers on the surface, along with 3 of my best fighters!
Marco noticed that Estro was nowhere to be seen. No doubt Galuit had hidden him somewhere for his own protection. He'd better hope that I don't find him first! Marco thought darkly.
We have some good news and bad news, Galuit said. The good news is that most of them are still alive. The bad news is that they were captured. The Chelraks are openly celebrating it over their communicators.
With that, Galuit led them up to the bridge to consider their options.
"Send us back with a full squadron!" Marco said. "We've got to get them back somehow!"
Galuit was unimpressed. It would be suicide to send any more ships to that planet. You've seen what that weapon can do. We've just finished analysing the data you brought back. That weapon could destroy this ship with one shot! Until we know more for certain, nothing goes back!
A bridge officer spoke up. War-Prince, there's a long-range transmission coming in!
Galuit was confused. Long-range? Where's it coming from?
The officer grimaced. Chelrak space.
Put it on.
Slaar's face filled the viewscreen. "Greetings Galuit. You seem to have misplaced some of your Earth allies! It was a bad error in judgement to involve them in this."
Galuit snarled. My judgement is sound, Slaar! And this war is far from over. You will live to regret this day!
"Really? Perhaps when you'll think differently when you see my latest spoils."
As they watched the picture changed to show Jake, Rachel, Cassie and Ryan all imprisoned inside a transparent bubble. It was similar to the Andalites' Dome but it was a lot smaller and was just big enough to hold all of them. Chelrak guards also surrounded it.
Slaar's picture came back. "I'm still trying to decide how I should dispose of them." His face spread into a cruel sneer. "Any suggestions?"
Tom couldn't hold himself in anymore. "If you hurt my brother I swear I'll…"
"You will what? Bore me to death?" Slaar spat in contempt. "Silence your whelp, Galuit. He does you no credit."
"Try me face to face and we'll see, reptile!" Tom spat.
"I think not," Slaar said calmly. "I will promise you this though. Once my interrogators have finished with them I will display their neatly severed heads from the walls of my palace on New Chelrak. It will serve as an inspiration to my warriors for years to come and as an example to all who would oppose us!"
Galuit quickly had two warriors remove Tom from the bridge as he howled obscenities at Slaar. You will regret this, Slaar! I can promise you that! With that, Galuit cut him off.
Marco was sobbing and holding his head in his hands. "It's all my fault! I shouldn't have left them! I…"
It's not your fault! Alloran snapped. This trap fooled us all! No one is to blame but the Chelraks and that filth they call an Emperor!
Galuit then had everyone but Alloran removed to the Dome to recover.
What do we do now?
I have no idea, Alloran snarled. I've never felt so useless! They're still being held on Andromeda Prime and we can't get to them while that new weapon is there!
Galuit nodded grimly. A stealthy approach was no option: this debacle was proof enough of that. The Chelraks had improved their early warning systems. A straight military attack was no option either: the sheer power of this weapon made that impossible too.
At the moment it seems we have no options. Until some become available we must reorganise our remaining forces. The humans, for example, will need a new Prince.
Which of them did you have in mind? Aximili? Prince Jake's brother? Alloran asked.
No. Tom is only an Aristh and is not experienced enough despite his greater age. I don't think Aximili will feel comfortable commanding humans either.
Will you tell him or shall I? Alloran asked; now knowing who Galuit had in mind.
We'll both do it. I just hope we can rescue the others before this arrangement becomes permanent!
Alloran winced. That really showed how much confidence Galuit had in his new choice. Not that Alloran blamed him for it.
Chelrak undersea base
Rachel cursed loudly as the walls of the 'bubble' sent another electric jolt through her as she tried to break through. Even in bear morph the walls would not budge. Each time she tried the jolts increased in force. Eventually she demorphed and gave up.
"It looks like I was right about this," Jake muttered. "Too late to do much now though."
"We can't just give up!" Ryan snapped. "We'll find a way out somehow. We have to!"
"Where's Tobias?" Rachel asked worriedly.
"I don't know," Jake said. All of them had been knocked out in the crash. When they'd come to they were all in the bubble and surrounded by Chelraks. There was no sign of Tobias.
"Maybe they didn't get him. Maybe he'll find some way of getting us out," Cassie said hopefully.
"I hope so," Rachel said miserably. If he doesn't, we're dead!
The Tailstrike
Galuit soon summoned Tom, Justin and Ax back to the bridge.
"Where's Marco?" Justin asked.
In sick bay, Galuit revealed. He had a…bad reaction to my decision to make him your new Prince.
"What?! You're giving up on Jake and the others just like that!?" Tom snapped.
No, I am not! Galuit said angrily. I don't like this arrangement or situation any more than you do! But we have to plan for all eventualities. I don't know when we're going to get Prince Jake back, if indeed we're ever going to get him back. At the moment we have no answer to this problem. In the meantime your new leader will need as much support as possible. To say that he didn't take his promotion well would be an understatement. For the moment just follow him as you would follow Prince Jake.
They all nodded reluctantly.
War-Prince! Another ship is approaching! It's requesting communications!
What type of ship is it? Galuit asked, somewhat confused.
The blood seemed to drain from the bridge officer's face. It's a Predator Hunter-Killer!
Put it on quickly! Galuit ordered.
All of them recognised the Predator as soon as he appeared on the viewscreen.
Malarnex! What are you doing here? Ax asked in amazement.
Right now, I am requesting permission to board, Malarnex said. Actually I'm demanding it! There are urgent matters that we must discuss…
TO BE CONTINUED…