I hesitantly entered the wide ear canal. I was terribly nervous, although I had no doubts about my ability to control the Hork- Bajir. I just didn't know what to expect.

(I am Aftran 942 of the Hett Simplat pool.) I said once I had made the nessecary connections with my new host's mind. (What is your name?)

(Get out of my head.)

I sighed mentally. She was never going to stop hating me. She probably thought I was trying to trick her. (What's wrong with asking what your name is?) I asked.

(My name is Jaolin Kantak. Remember it, Yeerk. You won't hear it again.)

It seemed that this Hork- Bajir had picked up a better grasp of language and grammar than I'd expected. That probably came from her other Yeerk masters and the involuntary humans. (Notice, Jaolin, that I call you Jaolin, not Hork- Bajir. Kindly call me Aftran, not Yeerk.)

(I didn't ask to be infested.)

(I didn't ask to infest you! If there was some other way of not being blind and helpless, I'd take it! Do you think I enjoy doing this?!) I erupted.

Jaolin was silent for a moment. I hadn't looked at her memories yet, but she obviously had hated all her previous Yeerks.

(Sorry...Aftran.) She murmered.

(I'm sorry too.) I replied.

(For what?)

(For everything.) I replied. I then had to go to Sub- Visser 19's office again, for briefing on my new duties.

"Ah, Aftran," the Sub- Visser said when I entered. "Your first assignment will be to Visser Three's personal guard."

I must have looked terrified. The Sub- Visser frowned. "I would expect you look a bit more enthusiastic than that! It is a high honour."

"Apologies, Sub- Visser. I am frightened because it is such a high honour."

"It is because you are responsible and hard working. The Visser is waiting for you in the Blade ship, which is in Ship bay 1. Do not be late."

Little bit of a cliffhanger there! That's to get more people to review. In number 19 Aftran says she once served in Visser Three's personal guard, when she is talking to Cassie.

You should know by now, I update my stories quickly if enough people want me to. So it's all down to you now!