Animorphs: Galactic War
11: Hunter's Gambit
The Tailstrike
Everyone was looking at Malarnex with a look of shock and horror.
"Please tell me he didn't just say what I thought he said!" Marco finally said.
Then I'll say it again, Malarnex sighed. The Chelraks want us to intervene against you. They've sent a delegation to meet with the Elders to try and persuade them into the war.
Jake then asked the 64 million-dollar question. "Have the Elders agreed to this yet?"
No. They want more than the Chelraks are offering to pay, Malarnex snorted in contempt at the Elders' mercenary thinking.
"What are they offering?" Tom asked.
Dominion over a quarter of the galaxy once they've conquered it.
But that's not enough? Ax asked in amazement.
They're simply playing for time, Malarnex explained. The Elders know that the longer they wait, the more valuable their aid becomes. Now that you've destroyed the Pulsar the Chelraks will be even more desperate to bring us in.
Rachel looked over at Ralgha. "Why didn't you tell us about this?"
"Probably because I didn't know," he snapped. "It's the first I've heard of it."
I think that this has been kept a secret from most regular Chelrak forces, Malarnex said. All the Chelraks I've seen are high-ranking officers and Special Forces. The leader of the troopers is called Durok.
"Durok!" Ralgha spat in disgust. "He's leader of the Emperor's Elite Guard. All of them are utter fanatics."
No potential traitors then, Galuit deduced. Slaar must be paranoid since he was betrayed on Andromeda. He must be trying to keep it as much of a secret as possible so we didn't get to get to hear of it from Ralgha's movement.
Pity the fool didn't know that we have contacts with the Predators now! Alloran laughed. Do we have any allies amongst you?
More than you'd think, Malarnex went on. Most of my fellow Tribe leaders are against this. We are hunters after all, not mercenary slime! If we fight a war we should do it for our own reasons and for ourselves!
"It's great saying that," Hannah broke in. "But will they stop the Elders doing this?"
Malarnex snorted. On their own, no. This is the first time the Elders have been so much at odds with the tribal leaders. We've never opposed them at all in the past. Such an idea is considered unthinkable.
"So if the Elders go ahead with their alliance then your people will still go with it?" Jake asked.
I'm afraid so. Once the Elders give the order there will be no stopping it.
"So what do you want us to…" Justin started to ask when the realisation hit him. "You can't mean…"
I do. There is only one option left: assassinate the Elders!
Chelrak Command Ship
"Good news, Emperor," Izlyr reported. "Our negotiating team reports that the Predator Elders are reacting favourably to our new proposals. We've had to offer them half the galaxy now, but chances are they'll join us."
"Excellent!" Slaar was most pleased. At the moment, the war with the Andalites was a messy stalemate. With the Predators on their side nothing would be beyond their reach. He'd had to make a lot of concessions to get them on his side but the end result, the extinction of the Andalites and the humans, would be worth it. An unpleasant smile spread across his face. He couldn't wait to see the faces of those human morphers when they discovered his new allies!
The Tailstrike
"You can't be serious!" Cassie exclaimed.
Malarnex rolled his eyes. Would I be standing here if I weren't?
Cassie couldn't believe it. "We're fighters, not terrorists! We can't do this!"
Oh? Then you have a problem. Malarnex snorted. When my people enter the war and start hunting you, what will you do then? Talk to them calmly and rationally?! You have a simple choice. You can either help me and stop this alliance or hold back and die along with your respective races.
"Are you certain there's no other way?" Jake asked.
There isn't, Jake. Most of my people will not oppose the Elders. We are the only ones that will. Once they give the orders all will be lost, so we must ensure that they never give those orders, ever. Besides, I'd hate to be forced to hunt seven of the best warriors my Tribe has!
Malarnex then withdrew to his ship.
"What did he mean by that?" Hannah asked.
Jake pulled off his T-shirt to show the tribal mark burned into his right arm. "He gave us these when we met before on Earth."
"You mean he forced them on us!" Rachel corrected. She looked at Tom, Justin and Hannah. "You'd best be careful on this one. He might try and do the same to you once we're done!"
"We're not thinking of doing this, are we?" Cassie asked in horror.
"Have you got a better idea?" Ryan's tone indicated impatience, which wasn't unusual for him.
Do you think we should do this, War-Prince? Ax looked over at Galuit.
Galuit looked uncomfortable. It is your choice whether you pursue this or not. But I will tell you this. The High Command has issued termination warrants for the Elders and ordered me to send another team in your place if you refuse. We simply can not afford to have the Predators join our enemies. We're barely holding our own as it is.
Jake nodded. He'd expected no less. "Alright. Let's vote."
"I can't believe you're considering this!" Cassie exclaimed.
"I don't like it any more than you do, Cassie," Jake said. "But this is war! Right now we don't have anything better and I'd rather see those Elders dead than millions of others who'll die if they join the war against us!"
"Jake's right, Cassie," Rachel added. "They haven't just sold their own race out but they've sold us and the galaxy out as well! That can't go unanswered."
"And no one knows the Predators and their world better than we do," Marco said. "So we've got the best chance of pulling it off than any other team. I hate to say this but I say we do it too."
So do I, Tobias broke in. We kill the Elders and we save millions, if not billions, of innocent lives. I don't know about you but I'd call that a real deal.
In the end, Cassie was the only one who voted against. "I'm sorry, Jake. But I don't think I can do this!"
"That's ok, Cassie," Jake said. "You can stay here. If it makes you feel any better, I don't want to do this either. But you know we've no choice."
Cassie nodded sadly.
Malarnex's ship
We'll be at my homeworld in a few hours, Malarnex explained. "We'll be meeting another group of my people there and co-ordinate our plan with them.
"What's the plan? I take it we have one?" Rachel asked.
We do, but we'll work out the details once we get there. Your new friend has volunteered to assist us, Malarnex pointed at Ralgha who stood in a corner checking his disruptor. We must try and make this as covert as possible but at the end of the day the Elders must die regardless of cost. Failure is not an option, because we all know what that would mean.
Do you really think we can pull this off, Jake? Tobias asked as Malarnex left for the bridge.
"I hope so, Tobias," Jake said. "I don't even want to think about what might happen if we don't!"
"I know how Cassie feels though," Tom said seriously. "Why is it that I feel like a bad guy this time?"
Jake knew what Tom meant. Fighting a war was one thing, but becoming an assassin and having to kill someone in cold blood? That was something else again, even if that someone was an enemy. Jake wondered if Grandpa G had to do anything like this when he'd fought the Nazis.
"I don't want to have to do this," Jake eventually said. "But the truth is that we do. Let's just try and think how we're going to do it and not worry too much about anything else, ok?"
Everyone nodded as Ralgha broke in. "That worked for me. Just do it and worry about the rest later. It was the only way I managed to turn traitor for you."
With that, they all settled down to wait.
Predator homeworld: 3 hours later
As soon as they'd landed the Animorphs had morphed to flies and allowed Malarnex and five other Predators to 'carry' them in undetected. Ralgha was able to calmly walk in as, to a Predator; he looked like any other Chelrak. Now they were hidden in a small building inside the Predators' main underground city.
Malarnex was pacing up and down as they demorphed.
They should have been here by now.
"Who's they?" Justin asked in concern.
He means us!
Everyone whirled round to see five more Predators decloaking behind them. They looked identical to Malarnex's group except they had a large 'X' shape on their masks instead of a thunderbolt. Their leader, wearing a gold mask, stepped forward.
Darnexvar, Malarnex muttered. So you were serious after all.
So, Malarnex, have you reached your decision on my offer?
Yes, Malarnex growled.
"Call me paranoid," Rachel whispered to Tom and Jake. "But I don't think they like each other!"
You'd be right, Malarnex said. On any other day we'd be glad to see each other dead!
Rachel winced. She'd forgotten how good Predator hearing was.
I'll happily kill you another day, Malarnex, Darnexvar sneered. But today we work together to kill the Elders, agreed?
Fine, Malarnex said.
Good. Then everything is in place. We'll meet you and your human friends at the ambush point.
Darnexvar and his group cloaked themselves and went out the back way.
Having to trust him… Malarnex muttered. When did we ever get so desperate?
Justin had a very bad feeling about this. "Who were those?"
That was Darnexvar. He's the leader of the Valron Tribe and unfortunately the only one who would join us in our plan.
Jake rolled his eyes. "Great, a rival tribe. I take it Darnexvar hates us too!"
My Fenris Tribe and his Valron Tribe have been rivals for centuries. I don't think Darnexvar hates you, though. He was most impressed with your fight in the training zone when you were last here. If anything he hates me even more for recruiting you into my tribe first!
"So what do we have to do? What's the plan?" Rachel asked impatiently.
According to my agents, the Elders have almost reached a final agreement with the Chelraks. They'll announce the declaration of war to the rest of my people tonight.
"Most of your people don't know about this either?" Ryan couldn't believe it.
Not yet. The negotiations are being conducted at a small base on the surface so as not to draw attention. The Elders won't reveal their plans until they're certain of a deal. That will be their undoing!
Malarnex pulled out a map and laid it on a nearby table.
According to the information we have, the Elders will be travelling back to the capital soon to announce their deal. We will ensure that they never do. This is their route back…
"That gorge…" Ryan saw it at once. The road back passed through a narrow gorge. It was practically a bottleneck.
Yes. That is where we will hit them. They'll only have a small guard force with them and hopefully it will not be too difficult. The Chelraks may prove more of a problem however.
What do you mean? Ax asked.
They are well aware that the Elders are the only ones in favour of this alliance. They don't know of our plan but they are suspicious.
"You think they might try and protect the Elders?" Marco asked.
Not immediately. The Chelraks have been ordered to escort their own negotiating team to their ships first as one of the Emperor's inner circle is among them. However, we suspect they will try and provide additional security for the Elders once that's done. This must be prevented.
That's our job? Tobias broke in.
Yes. You will not have to take part in the assassination yourselves if it makes you feel any better. That will be my job. You, your force and Darnexva's warriors must slow down Durok's forces in any way you can. Try and make it look as if the Chelrak officials are the real targets. It doesn't matter how you do it but they must not reach the gorge before our work is complete.
"I'll go with you," Ralgha volunteered. "I wouldn't mind seeing Durok take a fall!"
"Alright," Jake said.
"Let's do it!" Rachel grinned.
Predator/Chelrak negotiating base
Commander Durok had never been so bored in his life. He had been forced to stay on one of the most miserable planets in the galaxy watching the same pathetic things being discussed over and over. He understood the importance of this plan but that didn't justify assigning him and his Elite Guard to this trivial assignment. Durok couldn't understand why the Emperor had done that. Still, it wouldn't be long before this was all over.
One of his troopers came over to him. "Commander Izlyr is on the long range communicator."
"I'm coming." Durok was happy for the distraction. He wasn't so happy when Izlyr spoke to him over the communicator.
"Durok, we may have a problem. The Emperor seems to think that the Andalites have learned of our plan. Put your forces on full alert!"
"I doubt they could do anything now, Commander," Durok replied. "But even if they do, you needn't worry. Our negotiators will make it home safely. I will see to that, even if it kills me!"
"See that they do. We've taken enough losses of late. I'll see you on the Command Ship soon."
Durok started to walk back to the negotiating room. He had some preparations to make before their return trip.
Forest road: 2 hours later
The Animorphs and the Valron Predators were waiting impatiently for the Chelraks to pass through one of the few forests the surface of the planet had. Tobias was flying over the trees watching out for them. The others were concealed amongst the trees and the freezing fog that always hung on the planet's surface.
"Are you sure the Chelraks will come down this way?" Marco asked for about the fifth time.
We're positive! Darnexva snapped. Are you certain you're capable of doing this? You don't seem to be fully prepared.
"It's just the waiting," Jake said.
"And the cold!" Hannah and Justin said together as they shivered.
If it's any consolation we don't like the cold either, Darnexva said. It's why we now live below the surface.
They're coming! Tobias broke in as he flew down to them. Bad news. They've got more ordnance than we thought!
"What have they got?" Tom asked.
3 of those Hydra tanks, an APC and some buggies.
"Buggies?" Rachel seemed confused. "What are those for?"
"A fast escort force," Ralgha explained. "My guess is that the negotiators are in the APC. If they encounter any trouble the tanks will turn to deal with it whilst the APC speeds away with the buggies escorting it."
"Damn it!" Jake said. "I don't think we can take on those without some help."
We'll handle them then, Darnexva said eagerly. You move your team further down. We'll attack the tanks and force the buggies and car down to you, then you attack.
"How will we know when to attack if we're so far down?" Marco asked.
Trust me, Darnexva chuckled. You'll know. Remember, Jake, our goal is just to confuse and delay them until Malarnex can do his work. I have only 5 men. If they find out just how small we actually are, they will annihilate us. Do not let that happen. I don't want to lose you, even if you are an enemy of my tribe!
Jake nodded and they all morphed to birds and flew away from the approaching convoy. Darnexva then signalled to one of his men, who raised a large missile weapon and aimed it at the front of the convoy…
Chelrak convoy
Durok stared in shock as the Hydra tank at the front of the convoy became a huge fireball. His shock didn't last long however as he lurched for the communicator of the buggy he was riding in.
"Durok to all vehicles. Protect the team at all costs and get to the evac point anyway you can!"
With that, the negotiating team's APC accelerated away at full power. The buggies accelerated along with it and kept pace. The Hydras stayed and covered their flank; firing plasma bursts into the trees. Darnexva and his team, however, were already long gone. Their first job was complete as the convoy had left its armoured support behind. The next part was up to Jake and the Animorphs…
Further down the road, they heard the explosion.
I'm guessing that was the signal, Marco muttered as he started to demorph.
Tobias flew back to check. Seconds later he reported in. They're coming. They've left the tanks behind but the buggies could still be a problem.
"Maybe not," Everyone turned to see Ralgha emerging from the trees. "Darnexva told me you'd be coming this way. Fortunately the Predators seem to have a lot of these."
He pulled off a backpack that he had been carrying, attached it to a large tree and quickly got back into cover.
"Here's the next plan…"
Chelrak convoy
Durok seethed with anger as he rode in his buggy. Izlyr's suspicions had been correct: somehow the Andalites had heard of the alliance plan and were trying to terminate it. How they'd got onto the surface of the planet without being detected and destroyed was a mystery. His eyes narrowed as he considered this point. Maybe the Predators weren't such reliable allies as he'd been led to believe. He was suddenly jerked back to the present by the sound of a large explosion from up ahead. A large tree had fallen across the road and the 2 lead buggies had to swerve off the road to avoid slamming into it. As soon as the convoy stopped several birds of prey swooped down on the Chelrak drivers, raking them with their talons. "Morphers! Open fire!"
All the Chelrak troopers fired disruptor bolts from the buggies and their rifles.
Rachel, Tom! NOW! Jake ordered as he flew back into the trees ahead of a rain of green fire.
As soon as Jake and the others were clear, Rachel and Tom ran up behind the last buggy in their strongest morphs. The Chelrak drivers barely had time to scream as their buggy was flipped end over end by a Predator and a bear and ended upside down on the road. By the time Durok and the others turned around they were running back into the trees and out of range.
Hah hah! I love doing that! Rachel high-fived Tom as they finished demorphing.
"Let's get back to Jake and the others," Tom said.
They quickly morphed to birds again and flew to their meeting point.
Back at the convoy, an enraged Durok was berating his men.
"You cross-eyed morons! All that firepower and you can't even hit one target!"
Durok quickly had the Chelraks put the buggy back on its right side again and then weighed his options.
"We can't blast through that tree?" he asked hopefully.
"We could but then we couldn't blast anything else," a trooper said apologetically. "We'd drain our power packs dry."
Durok cursed. They couldn't turn around as this was the only route available. "We'll just have to wait for the Hydras to catch up and have them clear the way! While we wait surround the APC and protect it with your lives or I'll kill you myself!"
"Shouldn't we go in there after them?" another trooper suggested.
"No, that's what they want, you idiot! If you go after them who'll protect our team?" Durok snarled. As much as he wanted to hunt down his attackers, Durok knew that it would not be wise.
The Chelraks' 'lightning fast' retreat had been slowed to a slogging crawl.
In the forest
The Animorphs and Predators met up in the trees five minutes later.
How did you fare? Darnexva asked.
"Couldn't be better!" Ryan grinned. "The road's blocked and I don't think they've any explosives. They'll have to wait for the tanks to catch up, assuming you left any!"
We did, Darnexva said grudgingly. We had to withdraw after they started firing plasma shots into the trees. It'll take them some time to clear the road though. Long enough for us to set another ambush if it's needed. Malarnex should be in position soon.
"Let's move!" Jake said. He had felt a rush of pleasure when he hurt the Chelraks. After being tortured by them, he was ready to return the favour with interest!
The gorge: 5 miles away
Malarnex and his troops were now ready for the kill and had been for some time. He hoped that things were going smoothly for Jake and Darnexva. The future of his race depended on this. He looked up as Tchindor, his best warrior and second in command, approached.
Everything's ready. All we need now are those aged degenerates!
Malarnex grunted agreement. He had been surprised by the amount of support he had amongst the warriors, both of his and the other tribes. They certainly loved to fight and to kill but they would not act as lackeys for another race. 20 minutes later the word came through.
They're here!
Malarnex coldly watched the small row of vehicles entering the gorge.
Sloppy. Only a few light vehicles and guards. They deserve to die for that alone!
Remember. No prisoners and no survivors! He turned to Tchindor. Detonate!
Tchindor pressed the detonator in his hand and exploded the landmines they had placed in the gorge, destroying the lead and back vehicles and trapping the rest.
ATTACK!
With that, 20 Fenris Predators flew out of the hiding places and opened fire. Disruptor bolts and grenades flew into vehicles and Predator guards alike. Trapped, caught by surprise and immobilised, the Elders and their guards never stood a chance. 2 minutes later it was all over.
Any losses? Malarnex asked.
Not on our side, Tchindor gloated. What happens now?
I have much more work to do now, Malarnex replied. This was only a beginning.
In the forest: 30 minutes later
Darnexva and the Animorphs were preparing to ambush the Chelraks again when Darnexva received a message on his wrist terminal.
What is it? Ax asked.
Mission accomplished! Malarnex and his tribe did something right for once! Darnexva sneered. He wants me to get you to his ship and then off the planet.
"What about the Chelraks?" Rachel asked, sounding disappointed.
"There's no need now," Tom said. "With the Elders gone the alliance is dead, right?"
Correct, Darnexva said. It's time you returned to your fleet. You have won much here today!
With that, Darnexva's troops hurried the Animorphs toward Malarnex's ship.
I'm glad you didn't give in to temptation.
Darnexva turned to see Malarnex standing behind him.
I was tempted to kill them once or twice, Darnexva said. They are members of your tribe after all. But we did have an agreement.
Good to see that your tribe has some intelligence! Malarnex goaded.
Is that a challenge?! Darnexva drew his wrist blades with a snarl.
Save it for our successors, Malarnex said calmly. We have higher responsibilities now.
Perhaps. But I will still hate you until the day I am killed!
I wouldn't have it any other way! Malarnex chuckled.
The Tailstrike: 3 days later
Although they had escaped the planet with no losses, the Animorphs and the Andalites didn't feel secure. Darnexva had rushed them off the planet before they could see Malarnex and make certain the Elders were dead. The Chelrak team had also escaped the planet, which didn't feel good either.
War-Prince! 3 Predator ships approaching!
Shields up! Galuit ordered quickly.
There's a transmission coming in. The officer couldn't believe what he was reading. It says the new Elders are aboard. They're requesting permission to board.
Granted. Galuit was confused. What did this mean? Aximili! I suggest you meet me at the airlock. We have some 'guests' coming aboard.
Soon everyone was down at the airlock waiting impatiently.
"Any idea if this is good or bad?" Justin asked worriedly.
None. But the fact they didn't attack us is good, I think, Alloran said.
The airlock opened and several Predators wearing ornate robes boarded.
Malarnex and Darnexva boarded last. They also wore robes instead of their usual warrior gear.
"You're the new Elders?!" Jake couldn't believe it.
I forgot to mention that, in the event of any deaths, the Elders are always chosen from among the current tribe leaders! Malarnex said.
"How convenient," Cassie muttered cynically.
Yes. For you and us, Darnexva said. He turned to Galuit. We need a meeting with your leaders as soon as possible.
For what? Galuit asked with suspicion.
Malarnex then broke in. Well, since our former Elders were killed with Chelrak disruptors and weapons for refusing their offer of an alliance, they're not the most popular race on my world right now. In fact, most of our people are screaming for revenge!
"They actually bought that crap?" Tom asked in disbelief.
It doesn't matter what they believe. WE are the Elders now, Darnexva grinned. And we are requesting an alliance to end the Chelrak menace!
Chelrak Command Ship
"HOW COULD THIS HAVE HAPPENED?!" Slaar roared for about the tenth time.
"We're not certain, Emperor," Durok replied, feeling rather queasy. "The Predators have accused us of assassinating their Elders and have joined with the Andalites in retaliation. I doubt if there's any truth to the claim, but that seems to make little difference."
Durok knew he was on very thin ice. Slaar had brutally executed the whole negotiating team when he first heard the news.
"Get out!" Slaar snapped. Durok fled the room quickly, amazed that he was still alive.
Izlyr came in looking grim. "3 of our bases have been overrun. The Predators' defection has turned the war against us badly."
"Tell me something I don't know!" Slaar snapped.
"It is the consensus of the inner circle that the Iron Fist is our only chance for victory."
Slaar's head whipped round. "Saavek has it ready?"
"Theoretically," Izlyr said. "He'll need another week to make certain."
Slaar considered. "Fine. Throw every trooper and cyborg we have at the enemy. Hold them up in anyway possible. You and Tyranous will leave for Earth again to recruit more of the human filth for cyborg conversion. Do not reveal your destination to your troops until you get there. If there are any more traitors they must not learn of your mission. Do not fail, Izlyr. The future of our race depends on it!"
"At once, Emperor!"
Slaar screwed up his fists in rage as Izlyr left. He would succeed, even if he had to burn the whole galaxy to do it…
TO BE CONTINUED…
Author's note: Sorry it's been so long again. I've had really bad writer's block, too much work and too much Tiberian Sun. I'll try and write faster!