A/N: Thanks to Elwing and Writer of Fics for your reviews. And because this is the second last chapter and you asked so nicely Writer, I'll write this chapter in first person POV even though it almost makes my brain implode every time I try. (By the way, it's Astrana's POV.) Don't blame me if it sucks. Blame my parents. Because whenever something goes wrong, that's all you have to do – blame the parents. R & R!
"So you did this to him?" Marco asked me, looking down at Lorthan who was now examining his own foot.
I shifted uncomfortably, feeling all their accusing stares burning into me. "I had to." I told them. "You don't know what he was about to do."
"And what was that?" Rachel asked judgmentally.
I sighed. I knew she didn't like me and probably never would. "He was about to betray you. All of you. He was going to give you to Visser Three to keep our people safe."
Ferbale snorted. "Like that safety would've lasted more than five seconds."
I managed to catch his eye and smiled at him. It meant so much to me to have him here right now. Having someone around who I knew would always support me gave me the courage for what I was about to suggest.
I took a deep breath and announced my idea. "I have a plan. If we can convince the council that the Yeerks are a real threat then they'd send help. All we need to do is collect some evidence to show how dangerous they are."
Jake, who had been silent the entire time suddenly turned to me and spoke. "What kind of evidence?"
"Well my brief experience as a controller will help." Ferbale interjected.
"Wait a minute. How is that evidence?" Marco asked.
I smiled at him. I would always feel differently about Marco compared to other humans, he was the one I linked my mind to, and that gave us an unbreakable bond. "We have technology for viewing memories." I explained. "I thought we could try and get to the Hork-Bajir home world to collect more data. I know at least two of the council members were part of the study on their species, and that should help to push the decision our way."
"Why do that when we have lots of Hork-Bajir right here on good ol' Earth?" Marco offered.
(Of course! The free Hork-Bajir colony!) Tobias agreed.
From what I had heard of the current state of the Hork-Bajir home world, what I saw at the colony raised my spirits enormously. All those who had been freed going about their lives, harvesting bark, raising children, building new lives for themselves. Our people had always been fond of the Hork-Bajir, even though they are gatherers and we are hunters, we are both tree-dwellers.
I was introduced to one of them, a male by the name of Jarra Hamee. A young female called Toby who was obviously one of their seers explained to him what would happen.
I laid one hand on his forehead, just above the blade there and concentrated. "Try to stay calm." I said to him as I gently entered his mind, searching for the memories that I needed.
There they were. I could see them clearly like vid screens, each showing a different picture. One caused me great pain. The Hork-Bajir world, their great forests stripped and desolate. I almost drew away from that memory, but it was needed so I took what I needed and drew away from his mind.
When I opened my eyes, I realized there were tears on my face.
"Are you alright?" Ferbale asked me concernedly.
I nodded. "It's just some of those memories were upsetting, that's all." I turned to Jarra Hamee. "I promise to do all I can to prevent the Yeerks ever doing that to any other species."
"I sincerely hope you can do that." Said Toby grimly.
I was just finishing the final pre-liftoff checks when the sensors detected a life form approaching. I glanced at the camera screen and saw that it was Marco. Leaving Ferbale to finish the checks, I went to greet the 'little one', inwardly smiling at memories of how he hated that pet name.
"I just came to wish you good luck." He told me.
"Thanks. I think we may need it." I said, thinking about how tough it is to convince the council of anything at all. Something snapped me out of my reverie. It was Marco. I could feel the anxiety radiating from him. "You know that I'm coming back. Even if the council won't help, I'll still be joining in the fight."
He nodded just as Ferbale called from inside the ship, "We're all set to go!"
"I have to go. I'll see you soon little one." I said cheekily, laughing at the look of annoyance on his face. I was still laughing as I boarded the ship.
A/N: Brain… Imploding… No… More… bleshqsh (the sound of someone's brain imploding.)
