Heya! Ok, it's been a while, but this was hard to write :( So, this chapter is another one set in the past, but a bit of time has gone by (as you will see). Please, as always, let me know what you think. Thanks so much to everyone who's stuck with me so far! *happy author dance*

Spoiler! don't read if you don't want to know!
This chapter kind of works around the first Aldrea chapter of The Hork Bajir Chronicles - when Alloran goes off scene he is going to the interview Aldrea sees him have with Seerow

Chapter 12

The Yeerk sky was streaked green and yellow. Jahar looked up at it and sighed in her hearts.

Come, let's go back to the Andalite-Yeerk Peace and Cooperation Center, she called to Aldrea. The company of the younger female was one of the few pleasures this planet offered. No grass underfoot. Little water, save the sludgy mess in the great Yeerk pools. Acid rain which forced Andalites to shelter at night.

Jahar did not like this planet.

But she never said a word to Alloran. Her new husband was climbing the career ladder fast, and when he had been offered the position of second in command during the Andalite-Yeerk peace negotiations they had both rejoiced. The Andalites had discovered no other truly sentient race like the Yeerks; it was a great honour for Alloran to act as a diplomat for the Andalite race. And she had insisted that she came too, horrified at the thought that after a bare season's marriage he would leave her for such a long time.

When Alloran was occupied with his duties it was Aldrea's company which kept Jahar sane. Seerow's daughter was the only other female Andalite on the base, and they had formed a greater friendship through their mutual loneliness. As they galloped over the hard ground Jahar examined Aldrea and felt a stab of pity for her. She was just reaching adulthood, but the only Andalite her age for light years was her brother. Besides, it was a brave warrior who spoke to the daughter of the honoured Seerow. His novel negotiations with the Yeerks commanded limited respect, but his position and military connections silenced any protests.

What do you think of Yeerks? Aldrea asked, as they reached the Eastern edge of the main Yeerk pool, the Sulp Niar. As Jahar watched a Gedd kneeled and its head was lowered by another beneath the dark surface. She shivered.

Intellectually they have demonstrated great capacity and potential, she reeled off automatically. Aldrea laughed, the bitter laugh of a lonely child.

You sound like my father. He can't get enough of their 'intellectual potential'. Jahar frowned.

You are less impressed? Aldrea shrugged.

Look at their bodies, she said. They are not meant to see ships and fly. They do not have hands or eyes. If we had not met them their lives would still revolve around their primitive pool festivals.

Is it so wrong that we should help a less fortunate species advance? Jahar asked diplomatically. Aldrea snorted.

Look at them, she cried, throwing her hand out and indicating a shuffling Gedd. Father says it is a form of symbiosis, but they are enslaved. How the Yeerks must loathe us! We can run! We can see everywhere. We have tails! She cracked hers over her head. How long until they want us, Jahar?

Trickles of anxiety slid through Jahar.

Where have you heard such talk? She asked cautiously. She knew where she had. From her husband, every night, as he grew less and less enamoured with the new 'friends' of the Andalites.

The warriors, Aldrea said quietly. She laughed and turned her stalk eyes to Jahar. They were nearing the compound. Can you keep a secret, Jahar? One I cannot even tell my parents?

Of course, Jahar replied seriously.

I can morph, Aldrea said. A friend of mine exposed me to the technology. I morph a Kafit bird and fly around the warriors. They don't know I'm listening to what they say. Jahar stared at her in shock and then laughed, amused.

You are full of surprises, Aldrea! Don't worry, I won't even tell Alloran. In return though, you must promise not to mention the talk of those warriors to your father. It would only upset him.

I promise, Aldrea said gravely. They had reached the compound, and she bid Jahar farewell and went to her family quarters.

Due to the acid rain the Andalites were forced to live in covered dwellings, very unlike the open scoops they were used to. Jahar always felt a claustrophobic tremor as she entered her quarters, but this time it was replaced instantly with joy.

Alloran! I didn't expect you back yet! He smiled tiredly.

Not much to do today Jahar. A meeting with the Council of Thirteen and then checking supplies. We still seem to be missing some shredders but I'm sure they will turn up. He shuddered and rubbed his temples wearily. Jahar, when did I become a politician and a quarter master? She laughed and walked over to him, reaching up and taking his face in her hands.

When you became the second most important Andalite in the army, she said proudly. He smiled again.

Ah, I knew there had to be a reason I haven't just booted up The Jahar, popped you inside and absconded. He leant into her and she could feel the exhaustion in his limbs.

Poor Alloran, working so very hard, she said quietly. How much longer? He shrugged.

It takes as long as it takes, my love.

Well at least you have me here, she said contentedly, and he laughed.

My saviour. How did I ever survive without you, love? She raised her head and met his gaze.

Alloran, I need to speak to you.

Mmmm?

She grinned, her hearts flipping as she told him. It might not just be us two much longer, dear. He stiffened, and searched her eyes imploringly, before an expression of genuine delight flooded his eyes.

Jahar! Are you sure?

Yes, she said proudly. He hugged her close.

Thank you, he said softly, and Jahar wriggled free.

Thank you? she repeated. His eyes were soft and loving.

Jahar, you have just made me the happiest Andalite in the galaxy. She sighed and cuddled close again.

Then I will join you there.

For the last time ever, they held each other in the happy knowledge that the universe was at peace, that the future was bright, that possibilities gleamed for them. A million incipient tomorrows shone brilliantly, the glow of success and love warming their hearts.

SCREEEEEEEEE!!

Jahar opened her eyes as the alarm wailed in her ears.

Alloran? Her mate mumbled sleepily and she gave him a shove. Wake up! She said it grumpily, and gave him a light swipe with the flat of her tail. His eyes flickered open.

What is this domestic abuse?

The alarm's going, and it won't stop until you go off and hold everyone's hand in security, Jahar said, cross because of her interrupted sleep. Alloran stretched in an Andalite yawn.

Probably some rodent ran across the compound sensors. Those fools in security set the things off at the least provocation. Despite his grumblings he grabbed a shredder and stroked her gently on the cheek with his hand.

Don't be too noisy coming back in. I'm trying to sleep, Jahar said tetchily. He laughed, kissing her with both hands.

Don't expect any sleep when I get back, beautiful. She smiled luxuriously.

Promises promises. Go on, you'd better go. He stroked her for another few seconds, but then turned and left.

Jahar drifted back to sleep long before his return, but he slammed back into their quarters so loudly that she jumped awake.

Alloran? With a stab of fear she saw that his eyes were wild, and he was shaking, his chest heaving. She crossed to him and timidly reached out to touch him. What's wrong love?

Prince Seerow is a fool! Alloran shouted furiously, and she took an unconscious step back at his vehemence. He let out an Andalite curse and strode away from her, pacing the confines of their living space. An addled fool who has unleashed a curse on the galaxy. Tendrils of terror slipped through Jahar's veins. She'd never seen Alloran look so angry, or so dangerously mad. The Yeerks were never interested in peace and Andalite friendship, Alloran spat. Those filthy slugs stole six ships and absconded to Zero Space. They murdered my men! Twenty four Andalites! Butchered! Slaughtered because they were under stupid stupid orders not to fire on our 'friends' the Yeerks. He came to a halt, and lowered his head and slumped, as if the entire weight of this horrible planet had descended on his shoulders. My men slaughtered whilst I slept. His voice was unbearably sad.

Jahar stepped forward and reached out to him again. This time he accepted her touch and fell to his knees.

It's not your fault, she said softly, trying desperately to keep the horror out of her voice. She had known every warrior on this station, known them as friends. Which ones had fallen? Which had survived?

It is Seerow's fault, Alloran said bitterly. But that won't prevent us all from paying for it.

Calm, she whispered, gently stroking his temples, wishing she could pour strength and reassurance into him through her fingertips. She had nothing to say which could save him from the sorrow and misery. Calm, love. It was as if all his youth, his strength, his vigour had been drained from him, as he knelt on the floor in front of her, crushed by the loss of hope.

Seven hours ago I was happy, Alloran said flatly. I was happy because we were going to bring a child into this world. Now I wish the poor thing a million miles away. Jahar gasped. It was as if he had kicked her.

Alloran, these murders are horrible. But how does it affect us? She knelt beside him, and he met her eyes with a terrible look of pity and love.

Jahar, this is war. They took a quarter of a million Yeerks with them. A quarter of a million intelligent, ruthless parasites combing the universe for slaves. They'll find them. And when they have enough soldiers they'll come for us. This is war, my love.

Jahar stood up slowly, and the knowledge that her child within her had been cursed before it was even born leant her strength. She reached down and pulled her young (he was still only young!) husband to his feet. Using her tail blade she forced his chin up, forcing his despondent eyes to meet her gaze.

Then fight it! she snarled. Fight this war! Fight for our children, and wipe the universe clean of every single vile slug!

A look of dementia to match her own flowed into Alloran's green eyes. They sparkled with liquid madness.

I will fight, he hissed. He took her hand, pulling her close. For us, Jahar. I will do whatever it takes to rid ourselves of them. For our children. For you.