Stolen
Jake stared for about a few extra seconds. Then the thought hit him; he might actually have to do something instead of just standing there.
He bent down, turned the woman's face upwards. She was unconscious by then, and wouldn't be telling him any more for some time. But he felt that he needed to find out who she was.
Her face was scorched by half-healed burns, and her hair didn't give the impression of having been looked after, but he recognized her anyway. The features were very similar to Rachel's, very similar to Jordan's and Sara's, and there was only one person with those DNA:s combined.
He looked up at the Time Matrix, wondering if he dared use it. Looking around and feeling a sudden stab of fear - it was the Yeerks' planet now, after all - he decided to risk it.
"Come on," he said to Larynia, knowing that she couldn't hear him. He lifted her up, trying to find some way to carry her with only one arm, and finally settled for letting her feet drag on the ground - he wasn't going to walk far anyway. Only a meter, if even that.
Now for somewhere safe. Maybe not sometime safe - he didn't want to risk playing with time without a good reason - but at least some place the Yeerks wouldn't look for them.
He placed a hand on the Time Matrix. The surface quivered, his hand tingled, and when he focused things went blurry for just a moment as the Time Matrix moved them to another place.
Jake looked around, almost seeing the familiar scene through the darkness. Once, it had been a peaceful and joyful place. Now it was deserted and silent.
The underground cave where the Chee had lived. The Yeerks had raided it a couple of months before the defeat, but - after sealing all the entrances - hadn't visited it since. The surviving Chee had gone out to live with the resistance, but Jake knew that there was still a few useful things in the sealed cave. The air was a bit stale, but not that bad. The caves under Visser One's future base had been far worse. The Chee must have had some type of ventilation system that still worked.
For the moment, he was in the small room, the basement-elevator, that was all that was left of Erek's house. He left Larynia and the Time Matrix there, and began looking for a flashlight or something to start a fire with.
Then he remembered where he was, and smiled.
"Lights," he said, and the lights switched on. He was surprised that the system was still working, but he wasn't going to complain.
The Chee that had fled had told him that they had gathered various supplies down in the cave, just in case the resistance needed them some time. Jake also knew that the Yeerks, when they raided the cave, didn't see any need to worry about those supplies. Unfortunately, the operation of getting to the supplies - deep underground - had been too extensive for the resistance to even consider. The sealed entrances were in the center of Yeerk territory.
But with the Time Matrix, there was no need for entrances.
He left the basement-elevator and started searching for the supplies. He found them in the edge of the cave, stacked neatly.
Canned food. Medical supplies. Blankets. Clothes. And more. And more again.
This place was a treasure! He could have fed the entire army for months on this! He could have built up the its morale by just mentioning it!
His stomach interrupted his surprised thoughts by a large rumble, and suddenly he realized that he hadn't eaten anything worth mentioning for a very long time. He hadn't eaten after he'd arrived to this time, and not for more than a day before the trip with the Time Matrix from his own time.
He didn't bother searching through the stacks of food for anything special, and instead was hungry enough to just grab what was lying on top. He also took the medical supplies, a few blankets, a portable kitchen, and - after a short hesitation - some of the clean clothes.
He was still wearing the uniform that he had worn when Reith had been in his head, although by then it was little more than dirty rags, and he would be more than happy to get rid of it. Larynia's clothes must have been something she had found somewhere. Not a single garment was burnt, as her skin was, except for around that fresh wound on her back. But none of it looked new, and she definitely hadn't consulted a fashion expert when choosing them.
Rachel would have fallen over with chock, Jake thought with a smile.
After preparing some food - using the portable kitchen he had found - and gobbling it down without any table manners whatsoever, he started looking over the burn on Larynia's back. He used his highly limited medical skills - that he had mainly thanks to Cassie's parents - and the instructions in the first aid kit.
He had seen enough dracon wounds to know that she would survive it. Be back on her feet in a day or two. His main problem was that by then, she was way over the two hour limit.
Maybe she'd already been a nothlit when it happened. Otherwise she would surely have demorphed to rid herself of the wound. She wouldn't have wanted to become a nothlit. He knew that, because Larynia was very fond of her tail. That wasn't something she would give up without a fight.
It was hard to tell time in the cave, but Jake knew it had been a few hours. He had just looked over Larynia's wound again, and was skimming through a book he had found, when she woke up.
He smiled. "Hi."
She nodded and closed her eyes. Then opened them. Prince Jake… she said. The Time Matrix?
"It's here. Safe."
Aximili… he's dead, right?
Jake was surprised that she knew, but confirmed it. "How did you know?"
I… asked the Time Matrix to find him. It couldn't. It only found the younger him, but appearing in the Yeerk Pool complex seemed a bad idea.
"So you sent it to me instead," Jake finished. "Yeah, Ax is dead. He tried to take on the Visser in Hork-Bajir morph, and that wasn't the smartest thing he's done."
Prince Jake… there is another thing you need to know. Andalite traitors… Karmil-Menathar-Tefil, tactical officer on the River's Promise. And more importantly… Athol-Darilan-Jemili.
"Who is he?"
The War Council's second most important member.
Jake made a face. "Don't worry. Rest first. We've got all the time in the world to deal with them later, thanks to the Time Matrix."
Larynia asked for something to drink, and after having drunk a glass of water she fell asleep.
Jake suddenly had something important to do. He was going to use the Time Matrix to fetch Rachel and Tobias.
But not from then. He wasn't sure if they were still alive at that time, and if they were… if they were still free. So he decided to look for them a little earlier on the previous day… about dawn.
Jake gave Larynia a glance, decided that she'd be fine alone for a few moments, and approached the Time Matrix.
…"Safe might be somewhere the Yeerks wouldn't be looking for us," Tobias said finally. "Somewhere they don't expect us. Somewhere they think is safe."
They exchanged a glance. Dawn was coming, and they could see with their own human eyes again. An advantage for them, but also a disadvantage; it meant that the Yeerks could also see them.
"Yeerk pool," Rachel said.
"Yep."
"Somehow, I think I've got a better idea," a voice laughed.
A shimmer, as if someone was bending the air and it didn't want to be bent, and there stood the Time Matrix and Jake.
Rachel's mouth was wide open, but then she got to her feet, pulling Tobias up next to her. "Fine. Now let's get out of here."
"What? No greetings? No 'Hi Jake, so you're still alive too'? No happy faces, no hugs? No surprised 'is that the Time Matrix'? Why not?"
TSEEEW!
The Time Matrix was hit by a dracon beam. Fortunately, the Time Matrix is indestructible and all that happened was that it glared bright red for a moment or so. Jake took a step back to avoid being burnt as the surface heated up. He watched it with some worry before it cooled down again with an almost arrogant sizzling.
"That's why," Tobias said. "Yeerks are all over this place for the moment. Now let's leave."
Jake nodded gravely, took Rachel's hand, made sure she took Tobias's, and placed the other on the Time Matrix. A brief moment of concentration and the three were all back in the elevator-basement.
Tobias glanced over the room, and sat down heavily on the floor. "Erek's basement. I trust we're safe here?"
"Yep," Jake agreed. "We and Larynia."
Rachel had already noticed the corner where Larynia was sleeping on a few blankets. But she had also noticed the portable kitchen, and the food. Without asking first, she rummaged through what food there was, picked something, and began eating.
"Hungry?" Jake guessed.
"I could eat an elephant," Rachel confirmed, mouth full of food.
Tobias did the same and began eating. Only when he had gulped down a few chunks did he ask; "Where's Ax?"
"Dead," Jake said monotonously.
"Oh," Tobias said, maybe wishing he hadn't asked. He glanced at the food in his hand, and placed it down again.
There was a short moment of silence, and Jake turned his gaze to the Time Matrix to avoid having to meet their questioning glances.
"How did you get the Time Matrix?" Rachel wondered, also looking at the sphere. "Didn't Marco hide it?"
"I didn't get it, Larynia did," Jake said. "Don't ask me how. I was walking away from the Yeerk pool, just walking, and there she was… with the Time Matrix and that wound on her back."
Rachel nodded, chewing enthusiastically at the same time. "You don't know what happened?"
"I haven't asked, she hasn't told me. She only warned me about two Andalite traitors. It might be important. At least one of them."
"Who?" Tobias wondered.
"Athol-something-something, a War Council member."
"Ouch."
"That's what I thought, too," Jake said, nodding.
"Well, we have shelter, and food to last a year or longer," Tobias said. "And since this place is pretty safe - not to say totally safe - we could just stay here." He sighed. "But I can't know everything and do nothing. My conscience is killing me as it is."
Rachel nodded, grinning in that perfect Rachel-way. "We've been down here a week, getting back into shape. I'm not hungry, I'm not tired, or thirsty any longer, and that means I'm officially ready to kick some serious Yeerk butt."
In this case, Andalite butt, Larynia corrected helpfully. She was sitting cross-legged on the floor, the only one not leaning against a wall. The shredder wound on her back might have healed partly, but it was still very sore. Otherwise I can agree to that, Rachel. Let's kick som butt. And we'll start with Athol's.
Jake nodded, his arms crossed. He was looking at the Time Matrix. "We could break the pyramid of traitors from the base," he said slowly. "But that might take months, or even years. We don't have that time - we can get that time, but why all the extra work? We'll shatter it from the top. Athol is the most likely target. Larynia? What do you know about him?"
The former Andalite sighed. Females aren't taught much about the War Council, she said bitterly. Because of security reasons this and that only warriors know how it all works. I know their names and what area they are in charge of. With a smirk, she admitted smugly; And that's only because I convinced my brother Nemsar that he had better tell me. He might be bigger, but I was faster.
Rachel peered at her. "I thought your brother was called Merin?"
I have two. Nemsar is the oldest.
"And on the subject, where's Merin now?" Tobias asked.
I don't know, Larynia said. When I left the Yeerk Mother ship three of the traitors were locked into the pool's control room. My brother was up on the main bridge, with a few warriors.
"Loyal ones?"
I don't know. But I know that Karmil, the TO on the River's Promise - the Dome Ship we talked to before - is a traitor as well. He's in contact with Athol and he should know which and who of the warriors on his ship are traitors.
Tobias nodded. "Sounds right. So what's the plan, Jake?"
"The problem is, we have no evidence." Jake rubbed his temples. "Except Larynia's word. And Andalites aren't known for being a trusting bunch. And the War Council… we should have worked harder on keeping Marco alive. He knew how to deal with that group."
There was a flash of pain across Larynia's face. Rachel glanced at her, but only smiled encouragingly before she returned her attention to Jake.
"We'll have to try the 'my way or the highway' method," Jake decided. "Which means, we bust in with the Time Matrix, start waving some shredders around the place and get them to listen. If they believe us, they'll take care of Athol for us. If they don't, we'll turn him into a neat pile of ashes and leave."
The War Council has very high security.
"That's why we're not using the main entrance," Rachel grinned. "And a guard or two… no problem."
Try a guard or two hundred.
Rachel's eyes began glittering.
Larynia rolled her eyes. Jake? If she is supposed to be human, someone did a very bad job on her.
Tobias smiled, but the smile was gone instantly - replaced by an innocent expression - as Rachel glared at him.
What about Karmil? Larynia asked.
"He'd be the person to pump information from," Tobias pointed out.
Jake nodded. "We take care of Karmil on the way. I'm sure we can convince Jaruili. He's pretty decent."
"For an Andalite," Rachel muttered.
And my brother?
Jake smiled. "We've got an awful lot to do, huh? Don't worry. We'll pick up your brother as well. If he'll help with the War Council problem." He stood up. "There's no reason to stay here any longer. Larynia? How's your back?"
Been better, been worse, she replied indifferently. Don't worry about it.
"Then you operate the Time Matrix. You know it best. Can you handle that?"
Yes, my Prince.
"Don't call me Prince."
Larynia threw what remained of her hair over her shoulder. Why not?
Jake blinked, surprised, and opened his mouth… only to close it again. He glared accusingly at her. "Ax never asked that."
She smiled smugly as she stood up. I thought not.
Jake sighed. And said; "First stop, we pick up Merin at the bridge of the Mother Ship. And make sure there are no traitors left there. Karmil and Jaruili had them handpicked, huh?"
Larynia nodded.
"That doesn't necessarily mean the ones Karmil picked are traitors," Rachel pointed out. "If they were, and it was revealed, it would too obviously point a finger directly at him. He wouldn't risk that."
"How about bait?" Tobias suggested. "If Larynia comes to the bridge - seemingly alone - with the Time Matrix the rest of the traitors will know something's wrong. They might jump to conclusions and panic."
They're still Andalites, Larynia pointed out lowly. They won't panic.
Rachel shook her head, agreeing with Tobias. "They'll do something. And when they do, we'll stomp them."
"Classic Rachel plan," Jake said. "It's worth a shot. Larynia, we'll be in fly morph. Keep an eye on the Andalites when you appear, and see how they react. As soon as you've taken a glance on the scene, we demorph and have a talk to Merin."
No problemo, Rachel said. Larynia? Don't forget to include us in your thought-speech.
Larynia nodded, and just after Rachel shrunk down to fly size. Tobias followed quickly, growing gossamer wings and compound eyes.
And Larynia? Jake added before his features were too much fly. If there's trouble, we don't need any heroes. Then you get us all out of there. Instantly.
Larynia shrugged. Jake's face looked slightly worried as his eyes reversed to compound eyes and his face melted to the highly disturbing face of a fly.
Larynia waited until all three flies had landed safely on her arm. Then she stretched out for the Time Matrix with a sigh and gave the order.
*1:48:00 REMAINING*
Larynia felt the familiar tremble in her fingertips as the Time Matrix moved her and the three flies.
Then her brother's voice; Larynia! What happened? Did something go wrong?
Larynia took a look at the warriors around her and registered their expressions. Most were surprised, as Merin, but one of them… she didn't know his name, but she made a note of who he was.
She turned to her brother, smiling. No, she said. Nothing's wrong.
Three flies landed on the floor and began demorphing. There were a few thought-speech cries of alarm from the warriors, but Larynia calmed them quickly.
How many? Jake asked privately before he went back to normal speech.
One, Larynia replied.
Merin kept a stalk-eye on the demorphers as he asked his next question; Where are Cerili, Gerid, and Tarul? And the others?
Larynia didn't answer his questions. She waited until her human friends had completed their demorphs and introduced them, one by one. Merin could identify them from the memories she had transferred to him, but the others could not.
Merin nodded acceptingly at Jake - introduced as 'Prince Jake' - and again asked what had happened.
Larynia sighed. She walked up to her brother, placed a hand on his forehead and again transferred a few memories. When she removed her hand again she grimaced and said; It's easier than explaining.
Merin hid the worry on his face. I've had no suspected traitors here on the bridge, he said privately, including Larynia's three friends. Everyone has followed orders.
"Good," Jake said. Tobias stood further back, guarding the Time Matrix, and Rachel was busy investigating the area. "But we can't risk leaving any here."
Merin looked grim. Who is down in the pool's control room?
You know that. Cerili, Gerid and two others. All of them turned against me. Tarul was killed.
He was a good warrior, Merin said lowly. But all the ones down there are traitors?
Larynia nodded.
Jake had been listening to the conversation, and now he leaned his head to the side and said; "What are you planning, Merin?"
We can make this ship self-destruct.
Rachel looked up from the weapons station she had been admiring. Slowly a smile formed, and she turned to Larynia. "I like him."
Merin's stalk-eye flickered towards her and then back to circling around the other Andalites.
Prince Jake? Larynia wondered.
"It is a way out," Tobias said. "But it destroys the chance to peeking into Yeerk plans. Are there any registered in the database?"
A number, yes, Merin said. Some really useful. If the ship is destroyed… well. I think this… this traitor problem is more important. And we cannot risk leaving the ship in traitors' hands.
"I think it's a great idea," Rachel said, rubbing her hands. "A big boom. Just too bad I can't watch."
Merin glanced at Jake.
Jake nodded. "Do it."
"Don't forget to seal the evacuation shuttles," Rachel added.
Merin confirmed that with a nod and began giving out his own orders, swiftly followed by every Andalite.
Except one. The one Larynia had noted when she arrived.
He was called Tanlorin, and he hesitated. Self-destruct, Merin? he said. These… humans. Are you sure..?
Jake tensed. Merin glared at Tanlorin, eyes narrowed. Are you questioning my authority, Tanlorin?
No, Tanlorin said quickly. Captain Jaruili put you in charge. I respect that. What I am questioning, is your judgment.
The other warriors swiveled stalk-eyes to watch, at the same time giving the computers orders. Rachel stepped over to stand next to one of them, and made sure the right orders were being punched in.
Tobias turned towards Tanlorin. His stare was almost as hard as when he had been a hawk. "Tanlorin, do you know why Jake, Rachel and I are here?"
Tanlorin hesitated. But then straightened, arrogant, as the Andalite he was. No.
"We're here because we know there are traitors on this ship."
Tanlorin didn't blink. If anything, he straightened even more, lifting his tail proudly. A few of the other warriors turned stalks towards Tobias, only to swivel them to Larynia and then to Merin.
"We don't know who here is a traitor," Tobias continued. "But we are pretty sure at least one of you stand on the Yeerk side." His eyes narrowed. "The side that doesn't want this ship destroyed."
Tanlorin shifted his weight to another set of hooves.
"So far we have no consistent proof," Jake said. "But disobey an order, and…" he made a cut-throat movement with his hand.
Shall we continue? Merin asked Tanlorin calmly.
Tanlorin nodded, seeing that - traitor or not - he and his opinions were backed into a corner.
We will let captain Jaruili judge him later, Merin said privately to his sister and the three humans. As well as TO Karmil. Then we have more evidence.
Jake agreed but sent a 'keep an eye on him'-glance to Rachel, who nodded.
Then a computer voice spoke. "Warning. This ship will self-destruct in one minute. Immediate evacuation is recommended."
Merin motioned to his warriors to gather around the Time Matrix. Including Tanlorin. Rachel took a place next to him. They all joined hands and Jake and Merin gave the all-clear.
Larynia reached for the surface.
"Warning. This ship will self-destruct in half a minute. Immediate evacuation is recommended."
Tanlorin broke the circle, and his tail-blade flashed forwards - much faster than Larynia's hand.
The Time Matrix shimmered and was gone.
Tanlorin with it.
_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _
Author's note;
*smug smile* See? I told you I'd get them into trouble. And if that isn't trouble, I think my dictonary is a bit different from yours...
Wonder how they'll get out of this one? Hm.... *cough* oh, well. I'll think of something. Hopefully.
Like the long-awaited Yeerk victory! YEAH! [[ehm, Blue Dragon is having a strict discussion with herself for the moment, please excuse her until she has learned not to blurt out which side she is on publically.]]
[[She'll have to explain this to Visser One, you know, so don't await the next chapter any time soon... if at all. Review, and please send in a good word to V1 for her...]]
Jake stared for about a few extra seconds. Then the thought hit him; he might actually have to do something instead of just standing there.
He bent down, turned the woman's face upwards. She was unconscious by then, and wouldn't be telling him any more for some time. But he felt that he needed to find out who she was.
Her face was scorched by half-healed burns, and her hair didn't give the impression of having been looked after, but he recognized her anyway. The features were very similar to Rachel's, very similar to Jordan's and Sara's, and there was only one person with those DNA:s combined.
He looked up at the Time Matrix, wondering if he dared use it. Looking around and feeling a sudden stab of fear - it was the Yeerks' planet now, after all - he decided to risk it.
"Come on," he said to Larynia, knowing that she couldn't hear him. He lifted her up, trying to find some way to carry her with only one arm, and finally settled for letting her feet drag on the ground - he wasn't going to walk far anyway. Only a meter, if even that.
Now for somewhere safe. Maybe not sometime safe - he didn't want to risk playing with time without a good reason - but at least some place the Yeerks wouldn't look for them.
He placed a hand on the Time Matrix. The surface quivered, his hand tingled, and when he focused things went blurry for just a moment as the Time Matrix moved them to another place.
Jake looked around, almost seeing the familiar scene through the darkness. Once, it had been a peaceful and joyful place. Now it was deserted and silent.
The underground cave where the Chee had lived. The Yeerks had raided it a couple of months before the defeat, but - after sealing all the entrances - hadn't visited it since. The surviving Chee had gone out to live with the resistance, but Jake knew that there was still a few useful things in the sealed cave. The air was a bit stale, but not that bad. The caves under Visser One's future base had been far worse. The Chee must have had some type of ventilation system that still worked.
For the moment, he was in the small room, the basement-elevator, that was all that was left of Erek's house. He left Larynia and the Time Matrix there, and began looking for a flashlight or something to start a fire with.
Then he remembered where he was, and smiled.
"Lights," he said, and the lights switched on. He was surprised that the system was still working, but he wasn't going to complain.
The Chee that had fled had told him that they had gathered various supplies down in the cave, just in case the resistance needed them some time. Jake also knew that the Yeerks, when they raided the cave, didn't see any need to worry about those supplies. Unfortunately, the operation of getting to the supplies - deep underground - had been too extensive for the resistance to even consider. The sealed entrances were in the center of Yeerk territory.
But with the Time Matrix, there was no need for entrances.
He left the basement-elevator and started searching for the supplies. He found them in the edge of the cave, stacked neatly.
Canned food. Medical supplies. Blankets. Clothes. And more. And more again.
This place was a treasure! He could have fed the entire army for months on this! He could have built up the its morale by just mentioning it!
His stomach interrupted his surprised thoughts by a large rumble, and suddenly he realized that he hadn't eaten anything worth mentioning for a very long time. He hadn't eaten after he'd arrived to this time, and not for more than a day before the trip with the Time Matrix from his own time.
He didn't bother searching through the stacks of food for anything special, and instead was hungry enough to just grab what was lying on top. He also took the medical supplies, a few blankets, a portable kitchen, and - after a short hesitation - some of the clean clothes.
He was still wearing the uniform that he had worn when Reith had been in his head, although by then it was little more than dirty rags, and he would be more than happy to get rid of it. Larynia's clothes must have been something she had found somewhere. Not a single garment was burnt, as her skin was, except for around that fresh wound on her back. But none of it looked new, and she definitely hadn't consulted a fashion expert when choosing them.
Rachel would have fallen over with chock, Jake thought with a smile.
After preparing some food - using the portable kitchen he had found - and gobbling it down without any table manners whatsoever, he started looking over the burn on Larynia's back. He used his highly limited medical skills - that he had mainly thanks to Cassie's parents - and the instructions in the first aid kit.
He had seen enough dracon wounds to know that she would survive it. Be back on her feet in a day or two. His main problem was that by then, she was way over the two hour limit.
Maybe she'd already been a nothlit when it happened. Otherwise she would surely have demorphed to rid herself of the wound. She wouldn't have wanted to become a nothlit. He knew that, because Larynia was very fond of her tail. That wasn't something she would give up without a fight.
It was hard to tell time in the cave, but Jake knew it had been a few hours. He had just looked over Larynia's wound again, and was skimming through a book he had found, when she woke up.
He smiled. "Hi."
She nodded and closed her eyes. Then opened them. Prince Jake… she said. The Time Matrix?
"It's here. Safe."
Aximili… he's dead, right?
Jake was surprised that she knew, but confirmed it. "How did you know?"
I… asked the Time Matrix to find him. It couldn't. It only found the younger him, but appearing in the Yeerk Pool complex seemed a bad idea.
"So you sent it to me instead," Jake finished. "Yeah, Ax is dead. He tried to take on the Visser in Hork-Bajir morph, and that wasn't the smartest thing he's done."
Prince Jake… there is another thing you need to know. Andalite traitors… Karmil-Menathar-Tefil, tactical officer on the River's Promise. And more importantly… Athol-Darilan-Jemili.
"Who is he?"
The War Council's second most important member.
Jake made a face. "Don't worry. Rest first. We've got all the time in the world to deal with them later, thanks to the Time Matrix."
Larynia asked for something to drink, and after having drunk a glass of water she fell asleep.
Jake suddenly had something important to do. He was going to use the Time Matrix to fetch Rachel and Tobias.
But not from then. He wasn't sure if they were still alive at that time, and if they were… if they were still free. So he decided to look for them a little earlier on the previous day… about dawn.
Jake gave Larynia a glance, decided that she'd be fine alone for a few moments, and approached the Time Matrix.
…"Safe might be somewhere the Yeerks wouldn't be looking for us," Tobias said finally. "Somewhere they don't expect us. Somewhere they think is safe."
They exchanged a glance. Dawn was coming, and they could see with their own human eyes again. An advantage for them, but also a disadvantage; it meant that the Yeerks could also see them.
"Yeerk pool," Rachel said.
"Yep."
"Somehow, I think I've got a better idea," a voice laughed.
A shimmer, as if someone was bending the air and it didn't want to be bent, and there stood the Time Matrix and Jake.
Rachel's mouth was wide open, but then she got to her feet, pulling Tobias up next to her. "Fine. Now let's get out of here."
"What? No greetings? No 'Hi Jake, so you're still alive too'? No happy faces, no hugs? No surprised 'is that the Time Matrix'? Why not?"
TSEEEW!
The Time Matrix was hit by a dracon beam. Fortunately, the Time Matrix is indestructible and all that happened was that it glared bright red for a moment or so. Jake took a step back to avoid being burnt as the surface heated up. He watched it with some worry before it cooled down again with an almost arrogant sizzling.
"That's why," Tobias said. "Yeerks are all over this place for the moment. Now let's leave."
Jake nodded gravely, took Rachel's hand, made sure she took Tobias's, and placed the other on the Time Matrix. A brief moment of concentration and the three were all back in the elevator-basement.
Tobias glanced over the room, and sat down heavily on the floor. "Erek's basement. I trust we're safe here?"
"Yep," Jake agreed. "We and Larynia."
Rachel had already noticed the corner where Larynia was sleeping on a few blankets. But she had also noticed the portable kitchen, and the food. Without asking first, she rummaged through what food there was, picked something, and began eating.
"Hungry?" Jake guessed.
"I could eat an elephant," Rachel confirmed, mouth full of food.
Tobias did the same and began eating. Only when he had gulped down a few chunks did he ask; "Where's Ax?"
"Dead," Jake said monotonously.
"Oh," Tobias said, maybe wishing he hadn't asked. He glanced at the food in his hand, and placed it down again.
There was a short moment of silence, and Jake turned his gaze to the Time Matrix to avoid having to meet their questioning glances.
"How did you get the Time Matrix?" Rachel wondered, also looking at the sphere. "Didn't Marco hide it?"
"I didn't get it, Larynia did," Jake said. "Don't ask me how. I was walking away from the Yeerk pool, just walking, and there she was… with the Time Matrix and that wound on her back."
Rachel nodded, chewing enthusiastically at the same time. "You don't know what happened?"
"I haven't asked, she hasn't told me. She only warned me about two Andalite traitors. It might be important. At least one of them."
"Who?" Tobias wondered.
"Athol-something-something, a War Council member."
"Ouch."
"That's what I thought, too," Jake said, nodding.
"Well, we have shelter, and food to last a year or longer," Tobias said. "And since this place is pretty safe - not to say totally safe - we could just stay here." He sighed. "But I can't know everything and do nothing. My conscience is killing me as it is."
Rachel nodded, grinning in that perfect Rachel-way. "We've been down here a week, getting back into shape. I'm not hungry, I'm not tired, or thirsty any longer, and that means I'm officially ready to kick some serious Yeerk butt."
In this case, Andalite butt, Larynia corrected helpfully. She was sitting cross-legged on the floor, the only one not leaning against a wall. The shredder wound on her back might have healed partly, but it was still very sore. Otherwise I can agree to that, Rachel. Let's kick som butt. And we'll start with Athol's.
Jake nodded, his arms crossed. He was looking at the Time Matrix. "We could break the pyramid of traitors from the base," he said slowly. "But that might take months, or even years. We don't have that time - we can get that time, but why all the extra work? We'll shatter it from the top. Athol is the most likely target. Larynia? What do you know about him?"
The former Andalite sighed. Females aren't taught much about the War Council, she said bitterly. Because of security reasons this and that only warriors know how it all works. I know their names and what area they are in charge of. With a smirk, she admitted smugly; And that's only because I convinced my brother Nemsar that he had better tell me. He might be bigger, but I was faster.
Rachel peered at her. "I thought your brother was called Merin?"
I have two. Nemsar is the oldest.
"And on the subject, where's Merin now?" Tobias asked.
I don't know, Larynia said. When I left the Yeerk Mother ship three of the traitors were locked into the pool's control room. My brother was up on the main bridge, with a few warriors.
"Loyal ones?"
I don't know. But I know that Karmil, the TO on the River's Promise - the Dome Ship we talked to before - is a traitor as well. He's in contact with Athol and he should know which and who of the warriors on his ship are traitors.
Tobias nodded. "Sounds right. So what's the plan, Jake?"
"The problem is, we have no evidence." Jake rubbed his temples. "Except Larynia's word. And Andalites aren't known for being a trusting bunch. And the War Council… we should have worked harder on keeping Marco alive. He knew how to deal with that group."
There was a flash of pain across Larynia's face. Rachel glanced at her, but only smiled encouragingly before she returned her attention to Jake.
"We'll have to try the 'my way or the highway' method," Jake decided. "Which means, we bust in with the Time Matrix, start waving some shredders around the place and get them to listen. If they believe us, they'll take care of Athol for us. If they don't, we'll turn him into a neat pile of ashes and leave."
The War Council has very high security.
"That's why we're not using the main entrance," Rachel grinned. "And a guard or two… no problem."
Try a guard or two hundred.
Rachel's eyes began glittering.
Larynia rolled her eyes. Jake? If she is supposed to be human, someone did a very bad job on her.
Tobias smiled, but the smile was gone instantly - replaced by an innocent expression - as Rachel glared at him.
What about Karmil? Larynia asked.
"He'd be the person to pump information from," Tobias pointed out.
Jake nodded. "We take care of Karmil on the way. I'm sure we can convince Jaruili. He's pretty decent."
"For an Andalite," Rachel muttered.
And my brother?
Jake smiled. "We've got an awful lot to do, huh? Don't worry. We'll pick up your brother as well. If he'll help with the War Council problem." He stood up. "There's no reason to stay here any longer. Larynia? How's your back?"
Been better, been worse, she replied indifferently. Don't worry about it.
"Then you operate the Time Matrix. You know it best. Can you handle that?"
Yes, my Prince.
"Don't call me Prince."
Larynia threw what remained of her hair over her shoulder. Why not?
Jake blinked, surprised, and opened his mouth… only to close it again. He glared accusingly at her. "Ax never asked that."
She smiled smugly as she stood up. I thought not.
Jake sighed. And said; "First stop, we pick up Merin at the bridge of the Mother Ship. And make sure there are no traitors left there. Karmil and Jaruili had them handpicked, huh?"
Larynia nodded.
"That doesn't necessarily mean the ones Karmil picked are traitors," Rachel pointed out. "If they were, and it was revealed, it would too obviously point a finger directly at him. He wouldn't risk that."
"How about bait?" Tobias suggested. "If Larynia comes to the bridge - seemingly alone - with the Time Matrix the rest of the traitors will know something's wrong. They might jump to conclusions and panic."
They're still Andalites, Larynia pointed out lowly. They won't panic.
Rachel shook her head, agreeing with Tobias. "They'll do something. And when they do, we'll stomp them."
"Classic Rachel plan," Jake said. "It's worth a shot. Larynia, we'll be in fly morph. Keep an eye on the Andalites when you appear, and see how they react. As soon as you've taken a glance on the scene, we demorph and have a talk to Merin."
No problemo, Rachel said. Larynia? Don't forget to include us in your thought-speech.
Larynia nodded, and just after Rachel shrunk down to fly size. Tobias followed quickly, growing gossamer wings and compound eyes.
And Larynia? Jake added before his features were too much fly. If there's trouble, we don't need any heroes. Then you get us all out of there. Instantly.
Larynia shrugged. Jake's face looked slightly worried as his eyes reversed to compound eyes and his face melted to the highly disturbing face of a fly.
Larynia waited until all three flies had landed safely on her arm. Then she stretched out for the Time Matrix with a sigh and gave the order.
*1:48:00 REMAINING*
Larynia felt the familiar tremble in her fingertips as the Time Matrix moved her and the three flies.
Then her brother's voice; Larynia! What happened? Did something go wrong?
Larynia took a look at the warriors around her and registered their expressions. Most were surprised, as Merin, but one of them… she didn't know his name, but she made a note of who he was.
She turned to her brother, smiling. No, she said. Nothing's wrong.
Three flies landed on the floor and began demorphing. There were a few thought-speech cries of alarm from the warriors, but Larynia calmed them quickly.
How many? Jake asked privately before he went back to normal speech.
One, Larynia replied.
Merin kept a stalk-eye on the demorphers as he asked his next question; Where are Cerili, Gerid, and Tarul? And the others?
Larynia didn't answer his questions. She waited until her human friends had completed their demorphs and introduced them, one by one. Merin could identify them from the memories she had transferred to him, but the others could not.
Merin nodded acceptingly at Jake - introduced as 'Prince Jake' - and again asked what had happened.
Larynia sighed. She walked up to her brother, placed a hand on his forehead and again transferred a few memories. When she removed her hand again she grimaced and said; It's easier than explaining.
Merin hid the worry on his face. I've had no suspected traitors here on the bridge, he said privately, including Larynia's three friends. Everyone has followed orders.
"Good," Jake said. Tobias stood further back, guarding the Time Matrix, and Rachel was busy investigating the area. "But we can't risk leaving any here."
Merin looked grim. Who is down in the pool's control room?
You know that. Cerili, Gerid and two others. All of them turned against me. Tarul was killed.
He was a good warrior, Merin said lowly. But all the ones down there are traitors?
Larynia nodded.
Jake had been listening to the conversation, and now he leaned his head to the side and said; "What are you planning, Merin?"
We can make this ship self-destruct.
Rachel looked up from the weapons station she had been admiring. Slowly a smile formed, and she turned to Larynia. "I like him."
Merin's stalk-eye flickered towards her and then back to circling around the other Andalites.
Prince Jake? Larynia wondered.
"It is a way out," Tobias said. "But it destroys the chance to peeking into Yeerk plans. Are there any registered in the database?"
A number, yes, Merin said. Some really useful. If the ship is destroyed… well. I think this… this traitor problem is more important. And we cannot risk leaving the ship in traitors' hands.
"I think it's a great idea," Rachel said, rubbing her hands. "A big boom. Just too bad I can't watch."
Merin glanced at Jake.
Jake nodded. "Do it."
"Don't forget to seal the evacuation shuttles," Rachel added.
Merin confirmed that with a nod and began giving out his own orders, swiftly followed by every Andalite.
Except one. The one Larynia had noted when she arrived.
He was called Tanlorin, and he hesitated. Self-destruct, Merin? he said. These… humans. Are you sure..?
Jake tensed. Merin glared at Tanlorin, eyes narrowed. Are you questioning my authority, Tanlorin?
No, Tanlorin said quickly. Captain Jaruili put you in charge. I respect that. What I am questioning, is your judgment.
The other warriors swiveled stalk-eyes to watch, at the same time giving the computers orders. Rachel stepped over to stand next to one of them, and made sure the right orders were being punched in.
Tobias turned towards Tanlorin. His stare was almost as hard as when he had been a hawk. "Tanlorin, do you know why Jake, Rachel and I are here?"
Tanlorin hesitated. But then straightened, arrogant, as the Andalite he was. No.
"We're here because we know there are traitors on this ship."
Tanlorin didn't blink. If anything, he straightened even more, lifting his tail proudly. A few of the other warriors turned stalks towards Tobias, only to swivel them to Larynia and then to Merin.
"We don't know who here is a traitor," Tobias continued. "But we are pretty sure at least one of you stand on the Yeerk side." His eyes narrowed. "The side that doesn't want this ship destroyed."
Tanlorin shifted his weight to another set of hooves.
"So far we have no consistent proof," Jake said. "But disobey an order, and…" he made a cut-throat movement with his hand.
Shall we continue? Merin asked Tanlorin calmly.
Tanlorin nodded, seeing that - traitor or not - he and his opinions were backed into a corner.
We will let captain Jaruili judge him later, Merin said privately to his sister and the three humans. As well as TO Karmil. Then we have more evidence.
Jake agreed but sent a 'keep an eye on him'-glance to Rachel, who nodded.
Then a computer voice spoke. "Warning. This ship will self-destruct in one minute. Immediate evacuation is recommended."
Merin motioned to his warriors to gather around the Time Matrix. Including Tanlorin. Rachel took a place next to him. They all joined hands and Jake and Merin gave the all-clear.
Larynia reached for the surface.
"Warning. This ship will self-destruct in half a minute. Immediate evacuation is recommended."
Tanlorin broke the circle, and his tail-blade flashed forwards - much faster than Larynia's hand.
The Time Matrix shimmered and was gone.
Tanlorin with it.
_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _
Author's note;
*smug smile* See? I told you I'd get them into trouble. And if that isn't trouble, I think my dictonary is a bit different from yours...
Wonder how they'll get out of this one? Hm.... *cough* oh, well. I'll think of something. Hopefully.
Like the long-awaited Yeerk victory! YEAH! [[ehm, Blue Dragon is having a strict discussion with herself for the moment, please excuse her until she has learned not to blurt out which side she is on publically.]]
[[She'll have to explain this to Visser One, you know, so don't await the next chapter any time soon... if at all. Review, and please send in a good word to V1 for her...]]
