It did not take long for the two ships to reach the building where the Yeerks were staying. They stopped above it, both ships hovering over the building. Their escorts stopped as well, unsure how to proceed. The communications relay warned them that the two ships were trying to contact them. Alloran ignored it. Instead, he walked over to the south weapons station. (Alludra, take the west weapons station. Calnen, set us to hover and take the east.)

(Do you want me to summon Warrior Sabion?) Calnen asked.

(No. Leave him to watch the Hork-bajir. I don't know how she'll feel about this. I will concentrate fire on the building. If the two fighters make any move to attack us or Acario's ship, destroy them. We will not be here long.)

(Understood,) Calnen agreed. Alludra nodded as well.

Alloran stood ready. (Fire on my mark.) He aimed the weapons at the building below him. There were many innocents inside. Aliens who had nothing to do with the Yeerks, and likely little to do with their Kelbrid overlords. This was not their fight. It was unfortunate that they would die for it. Yet Alloran had never been the type to let that stop him. Once, he had advocated destroying the entire Yeerk homeworld, after they had betrayed the Andalties and stolen off into space. Once, he had unleashed a virus on the Hork-bajir that devastated their population. Once, he had ordered a young aristh named Elfangor to destroy a transport full of unhosted, helpless Yeerks. Elfangor hadn't done it.

That was who Alloran used to be. Was he still that same Andalite? He knew, ethically, that Elfangor had been right. There was little moral justification for destroying the innocent in order to punish the guilty. It was difficult logic to justify. But war required ruthlessness. It was Seerow's Kindness that had damned the galaxy, caused the enslavement of dozens of races. Only ruthlessness such as Alloran's could undo that damage. That was the way to win.

Yet had it won? All of his ruthlessness, all of his cold, calculated decisions and where had it gotten him? More than two decades as a Yeerk host, the only Andalite-Controller in all the galaxy. It was Elfangor who had showed mercy to his enemies and kindness to those in need – it was Elfangor who had become the hero. He had escaped the trap on the Taxxon world and become renowned for his bravery, cunning, and skill. And it was Elfangor's Gift that finally broke the curse of Seerow's Kindness. It was his pity for the poor, primitive humans who were going to be enslaved by the Yeerks, the people he could not save. It was his faith in the children to whom he gave the power to morph. Elfangor's way was the one that ultimately succeeded. Alloran's had gotten him nothing.

(Stand down.)

(Father?)

(Sir?)

(You heard me,) Alloran insisted. (Power down the weapons. Calnen, get me a channel to Acario. I need him to talk down those fighters. We're going in on hoof.)

(Yes sir.)

A moment later, Acario appeared in the middle of the bridge. (Hey, Uncle Ally. Where's all the explosions? I thought we had this place scheduled for demolition.)

(Change of plans. I need you to get those fighters away from me, then dock with us. We are going in on hoof, and I will need Estrid's help.)

(If you're sure that's how you want to play it,) Acario conceded. Over a wide-band channel, he addressed the fighters. (Hey there. Sorry about the Captain there. He only speaks Hooloovoo. We are from the Hooloovoo Empire, rulers of the Hork-bajir, Ssstram, Mak, and Taxxons. We have come to apprehend a rogue and a criminal from our own empire, hiding on your planet. You may observe, but do not interfere.)

The ships did not withdraw but they did not move any closer. (I think that'll do it,) Acario answered as Estrid brought the ship in to dock with the bubble ship. (You want me down there with you?)

(No. You will stay on the ship and watch over the Hork-bajir we obtained.)

(A Hork?)

(She seems to possess some sort of precognitive ability. Estrid will be able to explain things better once Rah Jaget has been analyzed.)

(Riiiight...)

(Alludra, check your equipment, then find Sabion. I will be in the south tower, in Estrid's fighter. You two will meet us there. Calnen, remain to pilot the ship. Let's end this now.)

Estrid was eager to feel grass beneath her hooves again, though she knew she could not return to the larger ship until this mission was complete. Acario stood by the exit hatch, waiting for his chance to depart. (Hey, Estrid?)

(What is it, Acario?)

(I don't know what you're going to run into down there. Taxxons aren't dangerous, but...well, you've seen Hork-bajir. And if Prince Aximili is a Host now...well... Just...take care of yourself, alright?) He was quiet for a few moments, as though he was arguing silently with himself. Then, he shook hi shead and added, (I wouldn't want anything messing up those pretty legs of yours. Maybe I should take some images, just in case?)

(I will be in little danger,) Estrid answered. (Alloran is an extremely experienced commander, and Sabion is very talented. Thought I have not seen Alludra fight aside from the few sparring matches we have engaged in, I can assure you that she has her father's talent for warfare.)

(You don't have to tell me that,) Acario answered, rubbing the side of his head. (I think she did some permanent damage to me over the years. Just...watch out, alright? We lost track of that Howler, you don't know where he might be. He knows you were with me, though. If he gets his hands on you-)

(You seem to be under the impression I am helpless,) Estrid answered. (Shall I disabuse you of that notion with my tail?)

(There's something weird about these Howlers. I dropped part of a building on one, and he turned into this...goo. I have some with me. I figured you could take a look at it. They fight like Howlers, but they don't act like them. Not really. It's...weird. I don't get it. Something funny is going on.)

(I will be fine,) she insisted. (Have fun with your Hork-bajir.)

(Yeah. Yeah.)

Estrid pulled into the ship and set the ship to a hover. Acario reached a hand towards the interface to open the hatch. (Hey, Estrid...I just wanted to say that...these couple of days have -)

A tail pounded on the hatch. (Open this door, you lout!) Alloran shouted.

Acario shook his head, then smirked. (They've been pretty exciting. If you want a little help relaxing once you get back, I have a few activities in mind that'll help.) He opened the door and jumped out, ducking Estrid and Alloran's tails as he ran away.

(He is an idiot. I am sorry to have made you spend so much time alone with him,) Alloran apologized.

(It was not wholly unpleasant,) Estrid admitted.

(You drank something he gave you, didn't you?)

Sabion grimaced as Estrid landed the fighter. It was extremely crowded and though he did not mind being packed in with Alludra, any joy he would have derived from that was eliminated by the fact that Alloran was pressed in next to him, just as close. The old War-Prince was the closest one to the exit hatch. He would be taking point, with Sabion just behind and beside him. Alludra would take the other side and Estrid would cover the rear. It was a standard Andaltie formation.

As soon as the ship touched down, Alloran raced out of the hatch. He did not bother knocking on the door, or even opening it. He aimed his Shredder gauntlet and blew the door to pieces with a barrage of green fire. The War-Prince galloped through and was at the front desk in an instant, his tail at the throat of a bee-like creature. (A Hooloovoo. Like me. Where is he?)

"Heezzzz two levelzzzzup. Haazzzz the whole level to hizzzzelf and hizzz friendzzzzzz."

For no particular reason, Alloran batted the creature in the side of the head, knocking it out. The four of them raced down the hall and into a lift. A few moments later, they emerged on the third level of the building. Alloran greeted it with a barrage of Shredder fire.

The hallway was empty. (Perhaps you are a little overeager, father?) Alludra suggested.

(Just keep your eyes open. Sabion, shoot any doors on your side of the hallway. Alludra, you do the same. Estrid, keep focused behind us. We will advance to the end of the hallway.)

They did as they were told, Alludran and Sabion destroying the doors as they passed. Every room was the same, completely empty of life. The rooms near the lift were obviously former Taxxon lairs. Rotting piles of who-knew-what filled them, and some rooms even had holes chewed through the walls into the next rooms. Beyond that were the Hork-bajir quarters, recognizable from the gouges on the furniture. By the time they reached the final room at the end of the hall, the level looked like a warzone, in spite of the fact that the Andalites seemed to be alone.

Nevertheless, Alloran blew the door out of the wall rather than open it normally. He raised his arm to fill the room with green fire but stopped. Someone was here. The lights in the room were off, and there were no windows so it was hard to be sure of details, but it was definitely human-shaped. So shoot, part of Alloran argued. That's the point of the shooting. To kill anyone here.

But no one is here, another part of his mind argued. They're gone, you fool. This one is the only one who remains. To kill them would be foolish. You need information.

If one being was left behind, it is a trap, Alloran argued.

It is all you have.

Alloran conceded that to himself and entered the room. His Shredder was still aimed at the figure, but he did not fire. Sabion and Alludra filed in behind him, their weapons also aimed at the figure. Alludra pressed a switch on the wall, bringing up the lights. Alloran gasped, recognizing the human sitting in the middle of the room.

He was tall for a human, though he was so thin that his height was not likely to be imposing. His hair was somewhere between black and brown. He had hazel eyes, which carried no expression. There was a satisfied smirk on his face that reminded Alloran greatly of Marco. He looked to be about forty Earth years old. His clothing was Earth-casual, though he wore it formally, with his shirt tucked in.

"Alloran. It's been a while, hasn't it? I don't think you and I have spoken since my first days on the Blade ship. You've changed. Your mind used to be stronger."

(Efflit One-Three-One-Eight. You were the one behind the rebels who seized the Blade ship.)

"Of course. Do you think they would have gone through with that on their own? If nothing else, our old friend Esplin knew how to inspire terror."

(Where is Prince Aximili-Esgarrouth-Isthill?)

"You know better than that, Alloran. I never do something for free. Of course, I wouldn't be here if there wasn't something you could do for me."

Alloran snapped his tail forward, swiping it across the Controller's neck. He drew a line of blood across his throat. (How about I let you keep your head?)

"Ah... You and Esplin always were meant for each other.

Alludra took a step forward, her tail cracking the air. (Say that again.)

"The Butcher and the Abomination. They always were a fitting pair. But their methods never yield any results. Isn't that right, Estrid? Mind over might. That's your way. And it worked so well for Arbat."

Estrid fired a shot into the ceiling. (War-Prince Alloran, if you do not need this Yeerk, I would be more than happy to dispose of him for you.)

"Ah, but he does need me, and he knows it. Your friend Aximili was taken from here as soon as we sensed you in the system. You'll never find him on your own."

(We found him here,) Sabion pointed out.

"Yes, and that did not do you much good. Ah, Sabion. I have heard of you. Tell me, how does it feel to know they sent you here just because you were of no use to them? You could never have been anything but a Warrior, and now you have no war to fight."

(I have you,) Sabion answered.

"Oh please. I could take your life with a wave of my hand."

Sabion could feel the truth of his words. That was the real reason they sent him out on this mission, wasn't it? The War Council, the others... They sent him here because he was useless to them. They hoped he died out here. That was what they wanted from him. Why fight that? Everyone wanted him dead. Alloran despised him. Calnen looked down on him. Alludra felt nothing for him, Estrid ignored him, and even Acario seemed to be better liked and more useful. No one would miss him. So why bother going back?

Alludra stared at Sabion as he slowly raised his tail. He wasn't intending to strike the Yeerk, but what was he doing? The blade was angled - (SABION!) Alludra shouted. She slapped her tail against his, knocking it to the side. The force of Sabion's strike sank his blade into the metal of the floor. (What were you dong!) she demanded.

The Yeerk laughed. "The hand wave is unnecessary, of course. Oh Alloran, such wonderful friends you have found. This one's mind is even softer than yours."

(What are you talking about?) Alloran demanded. (Sabion, get hold of yourself.)

"You know what I'm talking about, Alloran. You saw what I could do firsthand while you were Esplin's slave. Now, if you are done being childish about this, we have business together."

(I don't deal with Yeerks.)

Efflit only snorted at that. "You want Prince Aximili. As it so happens, I am looking for someone as well. In this, we can help each other."

(The Allseer.)

"Yes and no. I do not know where he is – he hides well. And I could not imagine that you know, either. But you have the means to find out. I understand you recently came into possession of a Hork-bajir named Rah Jaget, capable of seeing the future."

(I have no idea what you're talking about.)

"Alloran, Alloran, your thoughts are clear as water. And even if they weren't, your large friend is completely transparent. At least your daughter and Estrid are made of tougher stuff. You should have let them come by themselves. Things might have gone better for you. I felt Rah Jaget as soon as she was transformed. I feel her above us now. Along with another one, rather recently awoken, it seems, though there are hints of it in his past. I sense a strong connection to you. Interesting. A son you did not know about? No, no...A nephew, perhaps?"

(Father, he knows far too much. Kill him now,) Alludra suggested.

"Like father, like daughter. Interesting, I think, the similarities she shares with your old master. I wonder if she'll share your fate? So many Yeerks would love a host such as her."

(Leave my daughter out of this.)

"A little late to feel protective, don't you think? My terms are simple. Send Rah Jaget down to me, and I will tell you where you can find Prince Aximili."

(Kill him,) Alludra insisted. Alloran flexed his fingers in his Shredder and centered it on the Yeerk's head.

Shoot him, part of Alloran's mind screamed.

No, don't. You need his information, another part of him argued.

He knows things he could not possibly know. He must die.

You should find out how he knows these things. What if one of your team is a spy?

That is impossible.

Then how can he know about Rah Jaget? One of them must be a traitor.

Impossible.

It could be any of them.

Not Estrid or Acario. They don't know Rah Jaget's name. Alludra is impossible, too. She is always in my sight.

Then it must be Calnen or Sabion.

Sabion is far too stupid.

You leave Calnen alone often on the bridge. He could send information to the Yeerks any time.

(Father, shoot him,) Alludra repeated.

Alloran shook himself and glared at the Yeerk. (You are a disgusting creature. Even your own kind find you perverse.)

"Said the pot to the kettle," Efflit answered. "Let's not be childish about this. Rah Jaget. You bring her to me, I give you Aximili."

(I am not about to turn over-)

"Oh, come now, Alloran. Don't pretend to some nobility you do not possess. You're simply trading a Hork-bajir for an Andalite. It is not even a remotely even exchange and you know it. We both know how much more you value your own kind. Bring Rah Jaget to me."

(Do you want us to bring her back here?)

"And risk you changing your mind and blowing this building to pieces? No, no, I would rather not risk that again. It was surprisingly difficult to dissuade you from that last time. Bring Rah Jaget to the port district, Bay Three-Eight-Seven. Come down in the fighter, just the two of you. You'll be leaving with Prince Aximili."

Alloran stared at the Yeerk for several moments. Finally, he nodded, then turned around and strode out the door. (We're going back to the ship.)

(Sir,) Estrid began.

(Never argue with me.)