VI. Human Philosophy (Ax)
During #54: The Beginning.

‹Is there a purpose for this object in the kitchen? It appears to be a primitive-looking communication device that would be better placed in–›

"Ax-man, that's a coffee machine. I. Need. Coffee. And coffee comes from the kitchen."

‹Ahh, coffee. Like Starbucks?›

"Yes, coffee like Starbucks kinda coffee, but no, the coffee is not like Starbucks."

‹I am confused.›

"Ax," said Marco, seriously. "My coffee is superior quality cacao beans, way better than the consumerised Starbucks versions. You have to learn the difference if you're going to get your Andalite homies high on caffeine."

I was in Marco's sprawling residence (I have read many newspaper articles that have referred to it as such), on a "regular hang out" with him. We had just finished his entire Xbox game series, to which I had disdainfully commented on the ease at which one could get through the levels through a few manipulations. Marco had insisted that I played by the rudimentary way (without what he called "cheat codes" – they weren't cheating methods!) and thus it had taken longer than usual.

‹You are extremely free today,› I said. ‹Usually you're involved with reading a lot of documents.›

"Scripts, Ax-man, scripts. I'm a bit tired from reading through all those guest starring offers. I want a lead role in that new crime investigation show. I could totally be a suave forensics dude."

‹Or you would be lamenting the fact that I've beaten you yet again after your countless attempts to master the Xbox games.›

"I'm trying, okay? I'm still trying – Ax, what's wrong with me sitting on this chair and just trying to chill? Must you try and insert activities into my schedule for me to look like a useful person? I'm being extremely productive; mind you, as I speak, millions are rolling into my bank account from all those sponsorship deals and past acting credits..."

'Chilling' is an activity that I quite enjoy as well, as it can relax the mind and body. But with the wrinkles on Marco's forehead, I could clearly tell that he was not 'chilling' at all. So I raised my eyebrow (after much practice before) at him.

"What?"

‹You are not relaxed. Therefore, you are not chilling.›

"Don't give me the I am, therefore I am not, or some similar kind of stupid philosophy, Ax."

‹I think, therefore I am, by Rene Descartes.›

Marco narrowed his eyes at me.

‹What are you thinking about?›

It took a long while before Marco closed his eyes and leaned back on his armchair again. "You're going back to the Andalite homeworld tomorrow, Ax. You won't be back on Earth till goodness knows when 'cos you'll be out busting other alien asses in the galaxy. Right now, just enjoy chilling as a human."

‹I myself find it hard to 'chill' when there are so many things on my mind.›

"What's bothering you?"

‹I have not seen Tobias for a long while.›

"Probably won't for a really long while." Marco opened his eyes. "Unless a miracle happens."

‹Prince Jake – is he alright?›

"Still tormented over whether he did the right thing. Can't knock any sense into that brain of his."

‹Cassie is doing well with the Hork-Bajir.›

"Yes. You're talking in riddles today, Ax-man. You okay?"

‹Are you happy, Marco?›

There was a slight hesitation before he answered. "As happy as I could possibly be."

‹We have fought well. We should have no regrets.›

"Try telling that to the dude who gave the call to kill seventeen thousand Yeerks and I'm sure he'll agree with you wholeheartedly."

‹Nobody comes out of war completely unscathed. Even you, Marco. We must remember Rachel for her courage and strength, not berate ourselves over painful decisions. We must celebrate the freedom of billions of humans on Earth than bemoan the lost chance to convert and redeem the oppressors.›

Marco smirked. "Andalite philosophy. All that stuff about honour."

He put his hands behind his head. "Well, I don't know about you, Ax-man. But Rachel was more than a friend and warrior to some of us, and losing her was more than a sacrifice."

His voice was slightly trembling as he continued. "Let us humans have our own regrets, Ax, even if you Andalites choose to cast away yours. Sometimes it's the regrets we have that make us choose our path in life."

He paused. "Wow, I didn't just say all that. Could use it in my next talkshow appearance. I'd get a Chicken Soup book to myself."

Marco was right, of course. To regret is an embarrassment for an Andalite warrior. There were countless moments in this war when I should have done things a different way. For one, I never trusted my human friends enough and placed allegiance with my race which had turned on the humans. If I had to choose... now that everything was over, it was clear that I had made the right choice. But had I been given a real option, I might have chosen differently. So many things could have happened differently. Sometimes I was disgusted with my friends' behaviour, especially Prince Jake. His wallowing was incredibly unbecoming of a Prince.

But what Marco said made me realise: these humans may be bogged down by their emotions, relationships and conscience, but it is those very things that make them unique, and it is what gives them courage in life. Unbeknownst to them, it is their greatest failing and strength against the rest of the galaxy.

‹I think I can chill now.›

"That's great, Ax. You know, I'm totally not being soppy, but I'm going to miss you, your aphorisms and all."

‹So will I, Marco.›

"By the way, I've helped you order an Andalite ship full of Cinnabons. That enough?"

‹Yes, that is enough, Marco. Thank you.›