Chronicles of Terrus Chapter 12: Aftermath part 2
I again came out of unconciousness today. I was freed again from the black oblivion. Again. This is getting annoying!
I couldn't feel the dracon beam or the ramonite pole in either of my hands. Great.
Where are the enemies? Did I kill them all? Where's the Visser? Who did those voices belong to? What happened- A flash of me firing a set to maximum dracon beam at explosives! The high energy levels caused them to go off! The fail safes didn't work. Fail safes on the hand held explosives are simple force fields and highly compact ramonite metal. They can resist impacts and beatings, even dracon fire. To a point. I was burned and bruised, my whole body's front was burned.
I stood up anyway.
"She is back, Council Member!" Council Member? I heard the rustling and charging of several weapons. I heard Eliza and Heyo give noises of relief from my right.
All my senses came back, and I noticed the situation that I was in. The first thing I noticed was the fact that the hidden ramonite door, along with the ENTIRE WALL, on the far end of the room across from me, had been completely vaporized. The edges of the jagged wall pieces were heated red, and there were black scorch marks and furrows along the floor and ceiling.
The second thing I noticed were the scattered pieces of flesh, bone, and the splattered blood all over the room. What I observed next was the two dozen Hork Bajir with dracon beams lined up in an upside down U formation infront of me. My gaze moved closer to myself again and found the table upright again, within five step distance. The holoemitters were on it.
They were activated. A Hork Bajir in gold and black armor with no helmet, a familiar Hork Bajir, and an unknown species who wore a concealing red robe with a hood. The gold Hork has to be..I don't know. The other is definitely a Council Member. The familiar Hork, Visser 25.
Standing a little way off on the right side of the table, was Desha. She had a dracon beam.
"Greetings, Terrus. I hope you are-" The Visser said in a voice laced with malice. "Don't waste my time, Visser." I spat out.
The gold armored Hork seemed to radiate delight. "She indeed is quite different! Very skilled as well! Council Member Vortim, Visser 25, I greatly wish for this one to join me in security on the Taxxon homeworld!"
Visser 25 shouted furiously "NO! I will not allow that! This Yeerk, this TRAITOR, WILL BE-"
The Council Member, Vortim, raised a hand, which stopped the Visser dead. "The Council has heard your concerns, Visser 25. Rest assured, this Yeerk will be appropriately dealt with. Leave us now, Esplin 9466. I am sure you have much to do."
Esplin 9466. So I have a name for the head of Taxxon homeworld security now. "Yes, Council Member. But I wish to know the outcome of this event!" His holographic image vanished.
I threw a glare at Dehsa and tried to get her to meet my eyes. For a split second she did, and what I saw was something I didn't expect to see. Guilt. Raw guilt and sorrow. But also, I saw the light, the spark. She was figuring out, or planning, something. Or both!
Whatever she's thinking, it's either bad for me or bad for the Visser- "Let Heyo out." She whispered.
Visser 25's furious gaze snapped from me to her, and his voice softened noticably. "He is an associate of this treasonous Yeerk, my little veleek. As is the missing Serri 481. I am sorry to say that...They will die."
Desha didn't react, and instead stared at the floor.
"Terrus 5633. Kindly tell us of the recent events that have caused these charges to be brought against you." Said Vortim.
I examined him a bit more closely. Small, smaller than me. Maybe about the size of Desha. But..no tail as far as i could see, no..the hood..Vortim isn't in a Hork-Bajir, a Taxxon, a..What IS he? With the loose fitting cloak it's impossible to determine body mass or shape! And his voice..When he spoke Galard, it was different. I don't know how but it is!
"Is this trial only for me..or for my..associates as well?" I asked carefully.
"That all depends on you, Terrus." He said amusedly. "Now, tell us what brought about these charges. You will have three days to make your case. Though, you will likely starve before then." He knows I only have about a day left!
"Thank you for making things clear, Council Member Vortim." I took a moment to gather my thoughts, and began to recite everything that had happened today, my failure to pass the training, the unlawful attack by Heyo and his minions, the fight on the training room floor and how I'd recruited Heyo, The 'test' set to the opposing teams by the Visser, my questioning the Visser afterward about Andalites (I didn't say it was my host that had informed me of them), the Vissers reaction...
"He was afraid. Afraid of failure. Afraid that Andalites HAD survived! Afraid, enraged, that I, a mere trainee, had DARED to question him. I had defied him for the good of our Empire. Something he still can't grasp." I added with a hint of anger.
"Visser 25's fear, and perhaps, incompetence, blinded him to a VERY good opportunity. For himself and the Empire."
The Council Member called visser 25 incompetent!
Visser 25 growled and his arms shook, as if he wanted to somehow cut off the head of the holographic projection of the Council Member. "Vortim 113, you may be on the Council, you may have surpassed me, YET, it is I who has far better a reputation than you! It is I who supplies the Empire YOU lord over with competent soldiers! Do not forget that!"
Vortim 113? Visser 25 was surpassed by this Yeerk? They have a history! I almost burst out laughing now that I could see that Visser 25 would fair far worse than me in this trial, perhaps even get HIMSELF executed, if I use the right weapons.
"Visser 25, it is a wonder you have succeeded in supplying these competent soldiers when you yourself are incompetent." Council Member Vortim shook with laughter at his own words and added."But of course, it is not you who trains them. It is the work of many other Yeerks. Lower in rank, yet far higher than you due to actions. Young Terrus is correct at that. This is something you have failed to recognize."
"Is this NOT a trial to decide the fate of a traitorous Yeerk? One that killed her fellow soldiers and led her own team down that path?" Visser 25 shouted angrily.
I let out a laugh this time, causing the Visser to glare, and the Council Member to dip his hood discreetly at me.
"There is no advancement without risk, Visser. Council Member, you understand this. I have not met a Yeerk yet, trainee, soldier, sub visser or visser, that has not killed fellows to advance. Yet..." I shot a glare at the Visser before saying with disgust "I HAVE met Yeerks who decide to kill, or tell others to kill, fellow Yeerks..when all those Yeerks are doing is acting for the benefit of the Empire."
Desha looked up at me on that one and I couldn't tell if she wanted me to reveal what I knew, or suspected, about Desha's team in order to punish the Visser, or if she wanted me to stay silent and not get HER in trouble.
Maybe I can do both...
The implication wasn't lost on Council Member Vortim. Unfortunately or fortunately. "Young Terrus, I would like for you to..expand upon your last statement. There can be no double meanings at this trial." It was an order phrased as a request.
But it's not. "Of course, honored Council Member. I mean only that, after the Viser was enraged about my defiance and attempted to kill me...My team and I stole weapons and equipment, and a ship, and we set out to track down Andalites from the facts and pieces we had put together from the words of the Visser, and the reports we uncovered ourselves."
I glanced at the Visser and Desha, and continued. "The Visser here sent Desha after me and my own team in a stealth modified bug fighter. I do not believe someone as loyal to him as Desha and her team were would have set out on their own as my team had done."
The Council Member only nodded. He could either be actively listening or deep in thought. "Yes...No Yeerk of the Empire would dare order his most loyal team of trainees to hunt down a different team of Yeerks who acted so courageously in order to find and eradicate a few beings who are our ultimate enemies." Visser 25 looked dead. Yes. You're on trial too.
"What happened next on this self conceived mission, young Terrus?"
"We were chased by Desha-" I started, before the Council Member cut me off. "You are referring to this, yes?"
His hologram was instantly replaced by video recordings from an unknown source. It was of our chase! But how?
"Yes. I was referring to that. Council Member, how do you-" His holographic form came back and he said amusedly "That was quite difficult to document. You are a good pilot. As is Desha."
I gave a grin and said "Well, I wasn't the one flying the ship. That was my teams pilot, Serri 481. I'd like to warn you, he will most likely come barging in at any moment now in order to 'rescue' me."
Visser 25 exploded again "THERE! YOU SEE! HER FELLOW TRAITOR, AS SHE ADMITS, WILL THRAUGHT A TRIAL HELD BY A COUNCIL MEMBER! EXECUTE HER NOW VORTIM, OR I WILL DO IT MYSELF-"
Council Member Vortim was unphased by the Vissers madness and merely said "Thank you. Yet, There are still two matters that need to be discussed. One, what happend in the mists. Two, the actions of Visser 25 and his...veleek."
The Visser is going to get himself killed! Oh what irony! Arrest ME to get me killed, and instead HE DIES!
Desha finally spoke. "I am not his veleek." she whispered, so quietly I barely heard her, even in the already silent room.
The Council Members hood moved slowly to look at her, and he said in a curious tone "Is that so? You are the one that was witnessed attempting to shoot down the ship that was occupied by young Terrus here. That is blatant treason. Far different than Terrus's actions herself."
She looked at me with those eyes, those sorrow filled eyes...Dapsen! I'll help her get out of this. If only to get her myself later on some mission somehow. "Desha was only doing what I SHOULD HAVE DONE. Following orders, Council Member."
I couldn't read anything from Council Member Vortim, but after a second of silence he said "Yes...The fool that followed another fool. We cannot blame dear Desha for the attack. To refuse her..controversial orders, would have spelt death."
Let's get this over with then."May I continue, Council Member?"
"Yes. That would be much appreciated, as there are still...gaps." He said slowly. "As I said, we went to the mists. We were following leads from the reports we gathered earlier on an Andalite assault. Two ships in that assault, two freighters, for unknown reasons, were merely shot down instead of destroyed. One of these ships crashed in the mists. Now why would our good Visser here want the two biggest ships in that little rabble, that contained the main Andalite ground force no doubt, to be only disabled?"
The Council Member was silent again. "Why indeed." Was all he said.
"Well, I don't want to point claws at anyone. So I will continue telling the events that you so generously are allowing to be told, Council Member. Now, in the mists, my team was a bit seperated, and I came upon Desha and her own team, as well as Serri 481, fighting against none other than one of our ultimate enemies. An Andalite warrior."
The Council Member was motionless, so I continued on again. "The Andalite warrior slaughtered Desha's team, almost killed all of us, but I manipulated the filthy creature by appealing to it's so called 'honor', and it allowed Serri and Desha to leave. I challenged it to a one on one fight-"
"THIS TRAITOR SPOKE TO AN ANDALITE, BY HER OWN ADMITTANCE! SHE MADE A DEAL WITH IT!" The Visser yelled in fury.
"If these outbursts continue, Visser 25, I will have you forced into silence." The Council Member stated with a hint of anger, before saying with mild amusement. "The Council maintains the same position on that particular matter as it did those years ago concerning Esplin 9466 and the Andalite named Aldrea. Any charges of treason regarding the Andalite race, in this instance, are cleared of young Terrus."
"Thank you Council Member." I said with a daring grin. He's been on my side this whole trial. He just showed his hand by clearing me of the most severe charges!
"Please continue, young Terrus." He ordered.
"As you will it, Council Member Vortim." I replied. I won't die, not today. "Where was I? Oh yes, I fought the Andalite. I tricked it by using it's own arrogant nature against itself in order to make it morph into a Hork-Bajir. Elfan- It was a young Andalite. But still something to be feared. Something to be reckoned with. We fought and I bested it. I killed it. It was blinded by it's own pride and arrogance, as all Andalites are."
"After your return to the base, our dear misguided Desha brought all of this to attention." Vortim said. "However, Viser 25 had attempted to have you and your..team..executed before this trial." He waved an arm at the carnage around us.
"Both correct, Council Member." I agreed quickly. Visser 25's holoemitter shut down. Good riddence to you, Visser.
"You fought..almost perfectly. Your impatience and blood lust gets the better of you, young Terrus." Vortim said in amusement.
"Yes." I said dully. I know this already!
"I will discuss all of this with the rest of the Council, and we will reach a decision within a day. I suggest you visit the Pool."
Anger welled up in me again. "Council Member, my team-" "Will be released. And these guards, along with every Yeerk in this facility will stay out of your way." He finished with a laugh. In this facility...Bad word choice or..is he HERE?
"Thank you." I said as the guards filed out into the hallway and the forcefields were deactivated, releasing Liz and Heyo.
I remained standing where I was, even as my friends came to stand beside me. "Council Member Vortim, I would like to make a request." Again, I couldn't read anything from him. "Ask." He said simply.
I glanced at Desha. "I want her freed of all charges, if any are against her. She would make a valuable addition to my team in our service to the Empire." Desha looked at me and I saw a small smile cross her face. She knew as well as I did that neither of us had any intention of being on the same team.
I waited several painful seconds before the Council Member replied "It is done." "Terrus, we should go..." Eliza said hesitantly. "Not just yet Eliza. Wait, Council Member, I wish to make an additional request." Council Member Vortim was silent before saying slowly "If it will benefit you and your..team, then it will benefit our great Empire. So, I will grant your request, whatever it may be."
"Our cargo class bug fighter. I want upgraded weapons, shields, thrusters, Kelbrid missles too. If possible. We could settle for missles that the Xandar inhabitants make though. Also, a new under turret." Heyo nudged me and I glared at him. "What Heyo?"
"Ask for more chairs please. I wasn't very fond of being thrown around during evasive manuevers." He said with a growl.
"What he said, Council Member." I said cheerfully. "That will also be done, young Terrus." Vortim answered in amusement.
His holo-emitter deactivated.
Heyo patted me on the shoulder and laughed. "Thanks. Not just for saving your life and ours from starvation and torture. Thank you, Terrus...What you did for Desha..."
"If you dare try to hug me I'll slice your head off. But you're welcome you darkap." I told him with a big grin as Eliza did give me a hug, being careful of the blades. "Eliza, you don't even need to hug me. I know you're grateful."
"Terrus, Eliza, Heyo..." She said to us in that soft almost a whisper voice she had. She stood there uncertainly before moving closer. "Thank you Terrus." She held out a hand and I took it briefly before letting go. Desha stood there staring at me for a second before she took in a breath and then hugged me faster than I could react.
"Get off me you little darkap," I said with a laugh as I pushed her off me. "Yes I saved everyone I'm a big hero. Get over it. We're going to the Pool now like the Council Member suggested."
Desha gave another of her rare smiles and said slowly "No...You and your team are." I glared at her suspiciously and asked "Don't you only have a day left like we do? What do you think you could possibly do?" She just stared, then gave a smile and went off into the hallway. Fine. Bye for now, Desha. "I hate that Yeerk."
"Well, I like her." Heyo said quietly.
"WHAT? I thought you hated and feared her!" I exclaimed in surprise and confusion. "Not anymore." He said firmly.
This darkap makes no sense at all! "You said she was like eight of me, you hate her-" "I DON'T!" He shouted at me angrily. "Terrus, stop. Please. If Heyo likes Desha that's fine!" Eliza said sharply, as if I had offended HER as well somehow.. "Sorry Heyo." I told him, working around the words, as if I were a grub again and just learning Galard. He ignored me and pushed me sideways as he went out into the hall, the way Desha had gone, leaving Eliza and I alone in the room.
"Sorry..." I said again, meaning it this time. Eliza smiled at me and said "It's okay, you just weren't really thinking straight, like you almost always never do!" I couldn't help but smile at that. "I'm sorry, Eliza. I didn't mean anything about you and-" It hit me at the exact same time it did Eliza. "Serri!" We exclaimed at the same time. "He was supposed to rescue me wasn't he? Not that I ever need saving!" I said angrily. She gave me a smile and said "That was the hope, yes...Let's go then. We might find him wandering the halls!"
"Wait, I need to grab something first." I told her quickly as I looked around the room for... Yes! I grinned as I retrieved the bloody, gore streaked and slightly burnt ramonite pole from beneath the table, and walked back to Eliza, carressing it with my claws. She burst out laughing, causing me to laugh as well.
"Now we can go." I said with a grin.