Quillian: Thanks for the review. What exactly are you wondering about my other fics? If you're wondering when they'll be updated, my bio has info on approximately when you can expect the next chapter and why I'm not updating (if I'm not!) For several, I ask for suggestions. If you can give me as many suggestions as possible, I am more likely to update. Plus you'll like the chapter more, because it's where you wanted the fic to go.
Edriss: I'm glad you're enjoying it so far. When are you going to update the Hell Of Forty? Not to nag at you, I'm just wondering :) Thanks for reviewing!
Sinister Shadow: Thank you for reviewing, especially since you betad it as well.
Anifan1: Thanks. Your approval means a lot, especially since this isn't your favourite kind of fic. I'm really pleased you like it, and I hope you'll carry on reading.
Voodooqueen126: When am I going to continue with the Homecoming, you ask? A list of my stories with expected update times, current status etc is up. But really it depends on you, the readers. It's very well saying update soon, but why not try and tell me some of your ideas. This is brilliant: it means I can update, good for you and for me, it means that I get to write something I perhaps hadn't considered before and you have influence on the story. The clearer it is the more likely I am to do it, so make sure I understand. And ask any other readers you know to do the same, please! I need all the help I can get!
Thank you for the review!
Author Note: A huge thank you to everyone that reviewed. But there were an awful lot more of you, judging by the hit count (and making allowance for accidental hits and multiple visits by the same people) who didn't. Please review. I accept anonymous reviews.
I will dedicate each chapter to one reviewer, depending on who I think deserves it most. These can be for length or helpfulness of review, or, in the case of this chapter's dedication, to someone who's reading it even though I know that it isn't their favourite type of fic. I will also recognise those loyal people who review every single chapter, all the time, even if all they're saying is 'well done'.
Anyway, today's dedication goes to Anifan1. This is because I know that this isn't her favourite type of fic, but she has read and reviewed it anyway. It's also because she's a brilliant beta-reader for my other Animorph fics.
Enjoy the chapter! And for those of you who don't: REVIEW!
A tall Hork-Bajir male, Sub-Visser 20, entered my quarters and stood at attention.
"Welcome, sub-visser," I said formally. The highest-ranking Yeerk always speaks first.
"Visser One," he said, humbly. For ease of reading this account, I have translated the mix of languages that his host naturally spoke. "May the Kandrona shine and strengthen you."
"And you, sub-visser." I indicated for him to walk over to the hologram of the Anati world.
The sub-visser looked at it thoughtfully. I eventually began to grow tired of waiting.
"Well? What is your opinion on the situation?"
"The geography of the system seems to be in our favour. Placing Dracon cannon on each moon should allow us full 360 degree range around the planet in question, Visser. It should be possible at little comparative expense to camouflage these cannon from eyesight and most known scanning techniques up to a distance of…"
I cut him off. "Thank you, sub-visser. I had understood this much myself. I wish to discuss tactical plans for battle situations. We arrive tomorrow, and I must be able to take immediate and full charge of Yeerk forces on the planet and its moons. I want every Yeerk to know their place and their action station. I do not want to waste time. Is that clear?"
"Y- yes, Visser. Perfectly so, Visser One."
"Good. Now. How would you suggest we place our forces?" I called up statistics on the resources available to us, as well as their current spread across the system.
"I would suggest placing fighters on the moons, so if the Andalites should happen to get through the cannon then we can go after them. I would think placing our main fleet on the planet surface a beneficial manoeuvre."
I turned and paced away from him. "I agree with your suggestion for the fighters. But do you not think it may be beneficial to have a portion of the fleet shielded in orbit around the system, so as not to waste time taking off and leaving the atmosphere?"
"Yes, indeed Visser, an excellent suggestion."
I turned back towards him. "You are just out of one of those theory courses, aren't you?"
"Indeed, Visser. Battle tactical theory."
"Now. In your classroom I'm sure it seemed wonderful to save on fuel by keeping all your ships landed. But this is reality, sub-visser. I cannot afford to waste a moment when the Andalites attack. I need to blast their ships from the sky before they can inflict any significant damage. I want it fast. I want it efficient. I want every Yeerk to pull their weight and I want to win this battle. The Anati system, I am told, has plenty of resources. Fuel is of little concern."
"Yes, Visser. I can see my knowledge is nothing in comparison to your expertise and vast experience."
I shook my head. "You do not need to flatter me, Sub-visser. It will get you nowhere. I need you to command. I need loyal lieutenants, not simpering advisors. Are you willing to do as I bid?"
No choice in his answer, really. To say no was to admit to treason. But I watched him carefully for any sign he was insincere.
"Of course, Visser. I would be honoured."
He looked me straight in the eyes. No wavering, no hesitation. Honesty in every syllable.
"Very well. You are dismissed. Go and rest, for you will have little time to do so once we reach the system."
"Yes, Visser. Thank you, Visser."
He saluted and left.
(Very good, Edriss,) Eva said. (You've successfully made him feel worthless. Now what?)
(Do not be a fool, Eva. His advice was of no use to me.)
(I think he has done very well to rise to his present position.)
That made me think. (Indeed. Too well. Would you not agree?)
(Perhaps…)
(A sub-visser. Only just out of the teen numbers, as well. And only just out of schooling. No practical experience. Little theoretical knowledge. I wonder who promoted him when he has done so little to deserve it. In fact, I would not say it was impossible that he has not attended more than a few lessons of 'tactical theology', as he puts it. I do not trust him.)
(He seems honest.)
(I live inside your head, Eva, and yet you never suspected a thing about my 'family'. No, Eva. You can be too trusting. Things are rarely as they seem. I shall be very cautious. Perhaps he is some spy of Visser Three's or… or even the Council's. They must not know my current state of emotions.)
(They shall not discover it from me. Well, willingly, anyway.) She paused. (And you know that I speak the truth.)
(Thank you. It is helpful to… to have…)
(Someone to confide in?)
(Yes,) I admitted. (Precisely. The emotional support is much needed and appreciated.) I spoke as calmly as I could under the assault of alternating amazement and gratitude at Eva's sentiments and behaviour towards me.
(Perhaps you could return the favour.)
(I will help you as much as possible,) I agreed, and I truly meant it. (If I knew how to.)
(The kindness you are showing me at the moment is enough. It is a welcome change. I never thought you would wish to befriend me.)
(I am sorry about how I used to speak to you. It was wrong of me to be hurtful just to conceal my own mistake.)
(Mistake? Do you really consider your children a mistake?)
I couldn't answer her. (I'm trying to concentrate, Eva,) I said, in a tone that indicated the conversation was over. We might be on more friendly terms, but I didn't want Eva to feel she had the upper hand and attempt to manipulate me. I wanted to be in charge, but that didn't mean I needed to be arrogant or cruel.
We fell silent, and I went back to puzzling over the holograms, statistics and charts and forming battle plans.
The next day, we arrived in the Anati system.
The planet in question was slightly warmer than Earth, although still adequate for human bodies. It seemed to be a mainly land planet, having small seas but none of the huge expanses of water that characterised earth. The land, seen from space, was mainly a mixture of brown, orange and yellow. Some green spots, but again not as much as Earth.
(It looks…) Eva began.
(Nothing like earth,) I said. (I hope you will be able to cope with the climate.)
(It seems to be mostly desert and grassland,) she said. (I wonder what the Anati are like.)
(You'll find out soon enough, Eva,) I replied.
We both would find out soon enough. If I had the right Yeerks, the right resources, the right geography, I would win the battle and live. If I lost, I would die. Quick, by the Andalites themselves, or slow by Kandrona execution at the hands of Visser Three.
I remembered having this feeling before, as I approached Earth in my stolen ship.
I only hoped I didn't have the same problems with this planet.
A final reminder: PLEASE REMEMBER TO REVIEW.