Chapter 1: Aximili

My name is Aximili-Esgarrouth-Isthill, and I am an alien.

Almost any Andalite will never have heard that name, except perhaps those who study my elder brother's, Elfangor's, family. It is not uncommon for that to happen... though I shall likely never be free of the title "Elfangor's Little Brother". Even the humans I battle alongside with say his name with reverence, though I believe they respect me as I am despite my relation to him. Tobias, my shorm and nephew, is Elfangor's son and the closest of the Animorphs to my brother and myself.

That battle, that war, is the reason I am here with these humans, and the reason we can do the things we can do. We use an Andalite technology called morphing, which allows us to take the form of any animal we can touch. With those morphs, we fight the Yeerks-a race of parasitic, slug-like creatures that take over other beings' minds and bodies. The Yeerks have enslaved dozens of species: the Gedds, the pacifistic but naturally lethal Hork-Bajir, the Nahara, the Taxxons... Now, humanity was next on the list. Human-Controllers are the newest conquests of the Yeerks.

I am not sure if my human companions fully understand how useful the human form can be to a Yeerk. It is completely true that humans are very weak in comparison to other races. The fact that they have two legs and no tail is certainly one of their weaknesses. I have experience in that regard. Humans have few natural defenses, as well; by comparison, their skin is not very durable, they have no claws or natural weapons of any kind, and their senses are severely limited when compared to Andalite stalk eyes or Leeran telepathy. (This excludes the wonders of taste, of course.)

However, in spite of their problems, humans have had enormous success in many other areas. Like Andalites, humans have arms and hands capable of fine detail work, yet those very appendages are notably stronger than similar examples from other races. And, while their senses aren't the very best in the galaxy, they're certainly not the worst either.

The most troubling thing about humans is their adaptability, as single people and as large groups. In only 66 years, they went from their first powered flight to landing on their moon. In less than a half century, they progressed from finding radioactivity to exploding the first atomic weapon. Who knows where they will be in fifty years, a century, more? I don't doubt that their technology will one day equal, or perhaps rival, our own.

I was discussing this very subject with two of my six human friends, Marco and Zeke, toward the end of a meeting. Although I am closest to Tobias, because he is my shorm, I frequently find that Zeke is more interesting for discussions. I do not have as much friendly affection for Zeke, but I respect the both of them equally.

〈Marco,〉 I said, 〈I do not know if you really understand how much the Yeerks want your race.〉

He replied, using the usual human mouth-sounds, "I honestly don't see what's so great about humans. From what you've said, we're pretty backward technologically, we're not nearly as hardy as the Hork-Bajir, and there are more intelligent species out there."

〈Technology, intelligence, and endurance are not the only things the Yeerks seek. Humans mix different qualities in an...unusual way.〉

"What do you mean, unusual way?" asked Zeke. "Really, there are not many huge differences between, say, the Andalite upper body and a human's."

Knowing that Zeke was of slight build for most human males, I asked, 〈Zeke, hold up your arm.〉

He looked confused, but did it anyway. I placed my arm next to his, to show the differences. A dawning of realization came to his face.

〈Now I think you understand a little better. Andalites may have tails and stronger legs, but you human arms and hands are better in several ways. You are stronger, and can still perform detail tasks.〉

"So we're Ah-nuld vith artsy haaands?" asked Marco, in what I believe was humor. I believe this "Ah-nuld" is a human in popular culture with a famously large amount of muscle, though this could also be an example of sarcasm.

〈It's not just that. You're ideal for what the Yeerks want. Easily controlled, with a wide variety of talents and skills.〉

"And we breed quickly, don't we, Ax?" came Zeke's astute response.

〈Well...I can't say for sure, but I know that you have a faster reproduction cycle than Andalites do. Of course, we are aware of the Yeerks, and your race is not.〉

"Great," said Marco, rolling his eyes and pursing his lips. This is usually a sign of annoyance. "So we're like little ignorant rabbits for the Yeerks. Just great."

With that, he checked his watch. Humans do not have an internal timekeeping system like we do, so much of their lives are spent either waiting for time to pass or rushing to catch up. By the look on his face, I could tell that Marco was not happy about the time. He also did not seem to want to continue the line of thought much further. Zeke, on the other hand, was very interested in the subject.

"What other things do you think the Yeerks see in us, Ax? I mean, a lot of our talents are more or less useless to them. Art, poetry, wisdom..." he trailed off, waiting for a reply.

〈These things you mention are products of other gifts that the Yeerks desire. Your race is better at deception than most, and many of you exhibit diplomatic natures beyond what the Yeerks have. Your form is more attractive and easier to work with than other humanoid races they have enslaved, like the Gedds.〉

Marco gave Zeke a stare. I am not exactly sure what it meant, but it caused Zeke to stop questioning. The meeting had more or less run down, and it seemed that Marco was preoccupied about something.

"Jake, when are we going to wrap this up?" he asked, sounding impatient. "It's not like I've got all day to jab about new info, 'specially when we're not on a mission or anything."

Prince Jake put on a scowl-though I believe it was playful-and then laughed. "Alright, Marco, who is it this time?"

"What ever gave you that idea?" countered his shorter, dark-haired friend.

"You get impatient like this for three reasons. Either your dad's promised to take you somewhere, or you've got money, or you've got a date."

Rachel, Prince Jake's cousin, took over. "Your dad's working late all week because of that eclipse coming up next week, which you've done nothing but complain about. Believe me, I've noticed." She stuck out her tongue at Marco. This is another unusual human method of communication, of which I am not exactly certain what it means. It may be used to emphasize something, because it is usually used when someone is very unhappy or very happy.

Tobias joined in, in his thought-speak voice. 〈Plus, you haven't been fiddling with your wallet. You always do that when you've got cash burning a hole in your pocket.〉 I reminded myself to ask about this reaction later.

Marco rolled his eyes again, throwing up his hands in mock defeat. "So you've caught me. Yeah, yeah, I've got a date. So what?"

I sensed that the situation was getting mildly tense. I felt very powerless and confused, however, as I have yet to learn much about this thing called a "date." It appears to be a component of the human mating rituals, but I have heard it used in both romantic and chaste situations. "Dating" is one of those issues I am uncomfortable to ask about, partly because I do not wish to discuss Andalite...mating rituals. But perhaps my shorm, Tobias, could tell me more about this.

That would have to wait, however. My human friends seemed to be enjoying this discussion with Marco almost as much as he wasn't. Almost.

"Aw, c'mon guys, gimme a break. I'm trying to have a normal life here, or as much of one as I can when I'm friends with the Bird-Boy and a blue deer-slash-scorpion-slash-teenager from outer space."

"That still doesn't tell us who the lucky lady is, Marco," said Zeke. "I mean, you'd think you'd want to show off instead of hiding it."

Cassie looked surprised; Zeke made use of a gift that was normally hers, to say just the right thing at just the right time. However, she quickly followed behind Zeke's comment. "You know, Zeke's right. Besides, we're just jealous of you anyway." She gave Prince Jake a fleeting look, which he met briefly.

Prince Jake and Cassie are, as Marco sometimes says, 'an item.' They share an obvious attraction to one another, but as with many human behaviors, it is difficult to be absolutely certain. When I spent time pretending to be Prince Jake, so that the Yeerk that took control of him could not reveal our secret, the bond between Cassie and Prince Jake seemed obvious to his parents.

"Her name's Leila," Marco mumbled, as his face began to turn slightly pink. He glanced at his watch again. "Oh, shit, if I don't go now I'll be late!"

With that, Marco dashed off, grabbed his two-wheeled locomotive device, called a "bicycle," and headed for home. His desperation was actually quite comical, and we all heartily laughed at the situation and timing of his departure. As the meeting was essentially over, we began to disperse. Tobias remained behind to speak with Cassie for a moment, while I made my exit.

〈Hey, Ax-man,〉 Tobias called as I galloped home to my scoop in the forest. 〈Wait up a second.〉

〈It will take more than a single Earth second for you to catch up to me, Tobias.〉

Tobias' thought-spoken laugh warmed my hearts. 〈It's an expression, Ax. Or were you making a joke?〉

〈I was attempting Earth humor. I was apparently successful, as well.〉

〈So, what do you have planned for the day?〉

I thought for a moment. 〈Not much. It is not usual for us to have a 'free' day like this, and I think I would like to take advantage of the time we have today.〉

〈Oh, hey, that reminds me,〉 Tobias added. 〈Zeke said you were interested in Earth religions, so we pooled some book money together and got you some stuff. He's keeping it at his house until you come get it.〉

〈I would enjoy some flying today. And reading. Your Earth religions are very interesting, especially...Chistianity?〉

Tobias suppressed a chuckle, but I could hear it in his voice. 〈I think you mean Christianity, Ax-man. What do you think is interesting about it?〉

〈The principles of self-sacrifice,〉 I answered, as I began to morph into my harrier form. 〈Many of its philosophical premises seem very logical. I am not entirely sure about some of its mythological and ritual aspects, but it is very interesting nonetheless. Certain rules in it do not make sense, though.〉

〈What do you mean, certain rules?〉 Tobias asked, now interested as well. 〈Are there major differences from your culture?〉

〈Yes. Having read the Bible that Zeke gave me, I have discovered several points of disagreement. Not all of them are ones I personally disagree with, such as equality for women and treating the poor and hurt with kindness. Others, such as the inhibition against homosexuality, I do not understand.〉

Tobias sounded taken aback. 〈Wait, you mean it's okay to be homosexual among Andalites?〉

〈Well...it is a complicated issue. I am sure you understand why. But, more or less, homosexuality is...tolerated. There are of course those who harbor old prejudices, but since there are very few homosexual Andalites, there is very little impact on society.〉 I felt badly, telling a lie of omission to my shorm, but I did not wish to discuss the matter any further.

〈You people are very strange. You don't like invalids, but you don't mind gays. Hmm.〉

〈What is this word, 'gay,' Tobias? I have heard it used before, but do not understand it. The dictionary told me it meant 'happy,' but I do not think it is always used in that context.〉

〈Oh, um, well,〉 Tobias stammered, 〈it's basically a slang word for homosexuals. Usually men, but it can mean women too. It can be offensive, but usually it's not.〉

〈I see. When we finish this trip, Tobias, I would like to ask you some questions about human courtship habits. I know very little about this...'dating' Marco spoke of.〉

〈Oh, boy. That'll be fun,〉 said Tobias, in what sounded like a sarcastic tone. Too much of human language is based on the tone in which something is said, I believe, but it also carries many beautiful and mysterious things that are difficult to express in thought-speak.

After about an hour of flying, catching thermals, and enjoying ourselves, Tobias and I returned to my scoop. I demorphed and grazed for a short while. As I was getting a drink from a nearby stream, Tobias walked out of the bushes in human morph. He had placed street clothing over his morphing outfit. I do not know why humans feel they must wear clothes when, for at least half the year, it is warm enough for them to go without them. In any event, it is necessary to wear them in public so as to not draw attention.

According to Cassie, Tobias and I have good-looking clothes. I believe she used the word 'cute.' I do not fully understand the definition of this word, but it appears to mean attractive, innocent, or seductive, depending (as is usual) on context and tone. This is because people can be cute; small, young animals can be cute; and inanimate objects can be cute. Perhaps, one day, I will write a book on the nuances of human mouth-sounds. It would prove invaluable to my fellow Andalites, I believe.

〈You look very good in those clothes, Tobias,〉 I said. 〈Would it be appropriate for me to call you 'cute?'〉

Tobias' eyes grew wide. "Um, Ax, unless you're attracted to me, you probably shouldn't say that. In fact, you should only say that about girls, or...little kids. Or guys you're attracted to, if that's what your into."

〈I see. Why is there such a complicated system like this, Tobias?〉

"Beats me." He shrugged. "I think it's just the way people are. So, you gonna get ready so we can visit Zeke? I mean, I've only got about an hour and forty-five minutes.."

〈You have approximately one hour, fifty six minutes, and twenty-two seconds.〉

"Not Earth hours, minutes, or seconds?" he asked, smiling.

I hadn't thought to add that that time. Marco is always joking about how I say "Earth minutes" whenever I provide timekeeping for the group. It is somewhat silly, I suppose, given that we have different words for "minutes" and "hours" and "seconds" among the Andalites. It just seemed natural to say it that way before. Perhaps I will change now.

〈Not this time,〉 I said, as I neared completion of my human morph. Then my mouth and vocal chords formed, so I had to speak. "Perhaps next time. Haps. Erhaps. Ex-tuh." I dressed myself, hoping that this time I would get it all right.

As I left the trees, Tobias put his hand to his mouth. I believe he was suppressing laughter. "Oh, Ax. You tried. Come here, let's get that fixed."

I made a mental note to remember that socks go on the feet, not on the hands...and that pants are put on with the legs going down, not up.

«·» «·» «·»

The trip to Zeke's residence was a short one. Using some of the money we had collected over the past few months, Tobias and I rode a bus into the near vicinity, and walked the rest of the way. Again, Tobias and I made 'small talk' as we wound our way through city streets, both to occupy ourselves and to appear normal.

I looked up and saw that we had reached Ezekiel's dwelling place. It was a nice home, for a human. Slightly smaller than Marco's new house or Prince Jake's, but large enough to be of good quality. We walked over to the door and Tobias pressed a small button on the wall next to the door handle.

Suddenly, a series of noises began playing some form of musical pattern. I became wary, but, remembering my experience with the bell while visiting the school with Prince Jake, I tried to hide my alarm.

"It's okay, Ax," Tobias whispered. "It's called a doorbell. People ring it to let the owners know they have guests."

"Oh," I replied, equally softly. "That makes sense. Ense. If I lived in a house instead of a scoop, sck-ooop, I would want a doorbell too. Tew."

The door opened, and a slightly disheveled-looking Zeke came through the opened door. "Oh, hey guys. Been expecting you," he said, also in a quiet manner. He then turned around and said, "Hey, Mom, those friends I told you about are here. Do you mind if we go up to my room for a little while?"

An adult female voice called back, "Sure thing, dear. If you want anything, just check the fridge or the pantry."

We went up the stairs to the second floor, to Zeke's bedroom. He opened the door and ushered us in.

"Alright, here you go," he said, taking a few books off of a nearby shelf. "Found these online, they're pretty good ones too. If you have any questions, Ax, please feel free to ask."

Tobias glanced about the room. "Hey, Zeke, I think this is the first time I've ever been to your house. It's nice."

Zeke smiled in his usual gentle way, one that seemed almost sad. "Yeah, I'm pretty sure none of the Animorphs have been to my house before. I only moved here a few months before...we met Ax's brother."

For just a moment, I felt very proud that Zeke called Elfangor my brother, not the other way around. I then realized that this was, at least in part, coded language, so that if his parents or younger sister overheard, they would not suspect. We cannot trust anyone, because the possibility that they are a Controller-or could become a Controller-is too terrible to even consider.

"Maybe we should, ould, visit more often. Oft. Tententen."

"I'd like that," said Zeke, smiling more widely. "I enjoy our conversations."

Tobias looked at me pensively. "How much longer do we have, Ax?"

"You have fifty-three Earth minutes," I replied, smiling also. "I have fifty-seven."

"You guys should probably get going, then," said Zeke, with a small exhalation of air. "I should probably study up for math and history, since finals week is coming up."

"What?" I asked, curious. "What do you mean by a week of finality? Ity. Tea."

Zeke laughed, and replied. "It's a week of tests. When you were in school, did you have a major test at the end of a school year that covered everything you learned?"

"Not exactly. Actly. Zactly. I do remember large exams, especially before I became an aristh, though they were less comprehensive than that. They focused on essentials, shulls, and more on remembering the important things. Zzzz." I enjoy the feeling of a good 'z' sound. It tickles the nose.

"Oh, I see. You get taught all the important things, but focus mainly on the things you really need to know," said Zeke, sliding into his analytical mode. He checked his watch, "Oh, hey, you guys should really get going. Unless you want to demorph here, which I doubt."

"Yeah, we should head out to the bus. See you later, Zeke!" Tobias said, as we walked to the door. I wished him a goodbye as well, and we parted.