Hello hello again! bah, I apologise for such a long gap. Hopefully the next one won't take so long, but I've been getting carried away with revision and am near collapse from tiredness so there is the (poor) excuse. Anyway, this chapter is dedicated the very wonderful AniJen21 who gave me a kick and made me write this and have a far more pleasant evening than revision could ever have provided. Thank you :) I hope you like it.
Chapter 17
My single heart was hammering out of control. Visser Three was down! Instantly Kipsing unchained Medrar. Medrar was now fully demorphed back to his Andalite self, and without hesitation he stepped forward and placed a hand against the soft blue and tan fur on my unconscious husband's chest. Under his touch I could see it rising up and down gently as he acquired the Visser. Only it wasn't the Visser's DNA he was absorbing.
It was Alloran's.
My mate.
I had chosen Medrar for this job because his quiet seriousness had led me to trust him more than the other Arisths. Arbat, Kipsing and Tirdellan still needed to play their parts as my captors, and I still had the role of an Andalite prisoner. We would be exactly as we had been when we walked into the office, except for one difference.
Visser Three and Medrar were going to switch roles.
"Hurry," I said urgently. "Give him the unschweet." An unschweet is an Andalite ritual whereby an Andalite warrior's fur is cut back by another Andalite's tail. It is used in Andalite society to signify shame – once the fur has grown back then the shame is erased. The unschweet does not alter an Andalite beyond recognition, at least to another Andalite. We could only hope that to Yeerks one Andalite looked much like another, and a rudimentary furcut would be enough to deceive them.
Arbat kept a close eye on the doorway whilst Kipsing peered out of the window.
"Hurry," he hissed, repeating me. "They're beginning to congregate outside." I didn't dare imagine the crowds of curious Yeerks forming, eager to see the captured Andalites. As I watched Medrar bent down, and with great care delivered the unschweet. His tail zipped, faster than the eye could follow, over Visser Three's chest and sides, exposing the darker fur underneath.
"Alter his face," Arbat said coldly. I stared in horror at him.
"What?" Arbat shrugged, perfectly calm.
"The Yeerks will know their Visser's face. Cut it." It was horrible, hearing him speak so easily about mutilating his own brother, but to Arbat it was not Alloran in front of us. It was a Yeerk Visser, dangerous and hostile. I suppose that's why he was an Apex level adviser. He was able to detach himself from emotions and perform the task at hand, competently and coldly. Deep down it chilled me to think that I had once nearly become his mate. Medrar glanced at me for confirmation, and I felt Tirdellan stiffen beside me in anticipation. Feeling disgusted with myself, I motioned for Medrar to continue, and his tail snapped, slashing a light cut across Alloran's left cheek. Another movement, incredibly fast, and Alloran was missing a chunk under his right eye. He certainly looked different. I could only hope that this horror would not be in vain.
And then Medrar started the morph. I had never before seen one Andalite morph into another, and watched, fascinated. It was a very subtle transformation, as Medrar bulked up and broadened out. It was hard to put your finger on the changes until you saw them, but now his shoulders had broadened, and his tail stretched and his hooves expanded, and suddenly he was no longer an aristh but...
My husband.
Looking very pleased with himself.
My knees wobbled as my Alloran beamed that smug, contented smile which he always wore after he'd coaxed a particularly satisfied moan from me.
"Wipe that self-satisfied smirk off your face and try looking more like a Yeerk Visser," Kipsing snapped, unnecessarily nastily. I sighed as Medrar deflated. The last thing he needed was to look cowed.
"Medrar, you are the arrogant subjugator of Earth," I said, more gentle than the impatient assassin. "Please make us believe it." Under Arbat's instructions the aristh squared his shoulders and slid his weight to his hindquarters. Arbat stepped up to him and used his human hands to manipulate Medrar into the correct pose, snapping his chin up with a flick of the fingers and lifting his tail.
I am ready, Jahar, Medrar said, flexing his extended tail. I wasn't, but there was no time like the present. I reached out for Tirdellan's hand and gave it a squeeze. She was visibly shaking.
Bravery, love. Then I turned back to Medrar. Do it now.
Guards!! Medrar bawled. I fought the urge to raise my hand to my head, reeling from his thought speak shout. There was a scrabbling sound and the door to the office burst open. Two Hork Bajir fought to be the first to enter, and then one succeeded, roughly elbowing the other aside, and raced to Medrar. He halted, confused, when he saw the real Visser Three on the floor, and I thought for a second the deception would fail, but then he turned to Medrar again.
"Hakk Visser called?"
Yes, how well of you to notice, Medrar sneered, a perfect Yeerk Visser. He gestured imperiously at me and the real Visser Three. I will interrogate the Andalites in the comfort of my own Blade ship. Get these scum loaded onto a Bug fighter immediately. Enliss will pilot it and I will go too to prevent them escaping.
The guard snapped off a salute. "Yes Visser."
Now! Medrar roared. The guard danced awkwardly for a second, and then turned and grabbed the end of my chains, elbowing Kipsing and Tirdellan aside. He gave a yank which pulled me to my knees and dragged me out of the office. I slid painfully behind him, unable to regain my feet.
Mother! Tirdellan whispered.
Follow at a distance and make sure you all board the fighter, I ordered. I fought the urge to add a whimper of pain. My guard stopped to pass Medrar's commands onto the other Hork Bajir hanging around outside the office, and some ambled in to take care of the other 'bandit', Visser Three. From inside the office Medrar's thought speak boomed.
Bind this one carefully fools! He has already tried to escape. I used the brief respite to climb back to my feet, but was nearly whisked off them again as we set off briskly towards the Bug fighters assembled in a side cavern, hollowed out from the rock like the rest of the pool. Medrar sauntered behind, flanked by two genuine human controllers, with Arbat, Kipsing and Tirdellan sticking close to him. Behind them I saw four Hork Bajir dragging Visser Three on his side. They had wrapped Medrar's chains around him, and tucked his tail in so that it was trussed up very tightly. That made me smile grimly. Even an unconscious Andalite was enough to frighten a Yeerk.
Make sure that one is chained securely. Medrar ordered again, motioning back at Visser Three. I will not be pleased if he escapes. A collective shudder ran through the Hork Bajir, and for a strange second I pitied them, enslaved to their violent Visser's will. Their own bodies were formidable, but compared to an Andalite they were nothing. At his whim, at his mercurial displeasure their heads would roll.
The Bug fighters sat in their cradles, giant insects squatting above us with their menacing weapon shafts extended forwards. Hanging from their bellies were cables connecting them to the terminals beside them, recharging their coolant and saline levels, and pumping away waste. My Hork Bajir dragged me to one which loomed over two Taxxons, busily scrabbling their clawed 'hands' over the terminal. The Hork Bajir growled something, and they shrieked a reply. I suppose it must have been Galard, but I couldn't make much sense of what they said.
Medrar had reached us now and he gestured grandly at the fighter.
Is this one ready to depart? The Hork Bajir hesitated and motioned to the Taxxon.
"Garsh say five minutes, Hak Visser," he apologised. Medrar fumed impressively.
Is it too much to ask that when I require a Bug fighter one will be ready? he inquired silkily. Out of the corner of my eye I saw Arbat's brow furrow as he concentrated, and I realised he was feeding Medrar the words. Kipsing stepped up, next to Medrar, lifting his Dracon beam. My Hork Bajir stepped back, and I could feel the fear radiating from him. He was not happy about being the one to tell the Visser bad news.
"No other Bug fighters ready," he muttered. "Five minutes." For a second I thought Medrar really would carry the act to its finale and dispatch the Hork Bajir there and then. He certainly twitched Alloran's tail menacingly, but then his expression cleared, and he waved a many fingered hand magnanimously.
Fortunately for you today has been a good day for me, with the capture of these scum. Just see that the fighter takes off within five minutes. He turned dismissively from the Hork Bajir and swaggered up into the Bug fighter. Tirdellan stepped forward at a thought speak word from me, taking the end of my chains from the Hork Bajir, who was only too glad to hand me over. My daughter pulled me up the ramp as I resisted realistically and spat abuse at the Hork Bajir. They laughed at me for my pains. Kipsing and Arbat followed, dragging the real Visser up the ramp to the Bug fighter's entrance. A dribbled trail of dark Andalite blood stained the metal behind him as his mutilated cheek scraped across the floor. I longed to cross to him and hold him in my arms, but quashed the weakness within me mercilessly. One of the other Hork Bajir attempted to follow us into the fighter but Kipsing warned him off with his Dracon beam. The Hork Bajir stepped back, accepting the decision, and really I was surprised he had thought he would have fit in it with all of us too.
A Bug fighter is made to carry the standard compliment of a Taxxon pilot and a Hork Bajir warrior. The Earth ones were slightly larger than ones I had seen on holofilms – modified no doubt to also take a human controller. Still, it was a terrible squash with Medrar and the Visser taking up a large amount of space in their Andalite forms, and then four humans. It was just as well none of the other Yeerks had tried to come with us; Medrar was no longer pretending to be the arrogant Visser and had instead taken his position at the controls, something a Yeerk general would never do. After all, when one has an army of pilots why fly yourself?
Computer, close main doors, Arbat snapped, and there was a soft woosh as the doors slid shut. We were cut off from the terrible noises of the Yeerk pool, instantly cocooned in the deceptive safety of the Bug fighter, the only sound our breath coming fast.
How long until I can demorph? Tirdellan asked fidgeting. It's been an hour now.
We're all capable of keeping the time, Kipsing retorted. I sighed and struggled with my chains. They were chafing my wrists, the cold metal rubbing sorely.
There won't be room for six Andalites in here. We'll have to stay human. Can someone unchain me please? Kipsing stepped forwards to help, but Arbat bypassed him, unknotting the chains and unwinding them from me. For a second his hands hesitated, resting on my arms, but it was over in a brief moment. Once he had finished he turned away wordlessly, back to staring out of the main screens at the Yeerks gathered around our ship.
If that Taxxon was telling the truth we should be cleared to leave in exactly 75 seconds, Medrar commented. He had demorphed obligingly back to his smaller form, allowing us a little extra space. Arbat nodded absently, caressing the strange controls shaped for Taxxon hands whilst his eyes remained on the main screen. Rubbing my wrists I turned to my daughter.
I wouldn't do that if I were you, Kipsing snapped, as she knelt down and reached a tentative hand to the unconscious Visser's face. He lay like a macabre gift, tightly trussed, at the back of the cockpit. Tirdellan shot Kipsing a look of anger and did not withdraw her hand.
It is safe whilst he is unconscious.
Just be sure he hasn't woken up then, Kipsing replied. My daughter ignored him deliberately and gently stroked the Visser's temples. I groaned and rubbed my own temples. The angry tension between Tirdellan and the assassin was an aggravating nuisance, and sooner or later I knew I'd have to deal with it, if they did not. The prospect did not enchant me.
Jahar, are you well? Kipsing asked, seeing my movement. I laughed shortly.
I will be better when we are away. What is the delay?
Nothing. We have just been given clearance! Medrar announced excitedly. On the main computer screen a red light flipped to green, and with a hum the Bug fighter powered into life.
Finally! Arbat said. He gestured at the viewing screen, pointing towards a circle of daylight in the roof of the cavern before us and to our right. Aim for that.
Can you pilot? Kipsing asked, and I suddenly realised that I had not thought to check that with Medrar before he assumed the controls. A lot had happened on this journey whilst I had sat aside and watched.
Some leader you are, Jahar, I sneered at myself.
I can fly perfectly competently, Medrar said, unfazed by Kipsing's gaze. Gently he lifted us out of the cradle and with a soft lurch we angled forwards and up, towards the hole in the ceiling.
Towards freedom.
Arbat powered up the fighter's shields, hiding it from any watching humans. Also from any watching Yeerks, we hoped. As we neared the aperture I thought that Medrar had miscalculated, and indeed Arbat had to lean over and give the controls a small nudge, but we passed through the small opening perfectly, emerging into the dazzling evening sunlight which flooded the viewing panel.
We're out, Medrar hissed. I felt his elation coursing through my own veins. We were out. We'd done it!
We're out father, Tirdellan whispered quietly, still squatting down and stroking the Visser's bloody cheek. Uncharacteristically Kipsing allowed the opportunity for a retort to slip by, and I was grateful.
We turned immediately from the flight path the computer had assigned to us, and several lights flashed as the fighter inquired in an alarmed tone if we had meant to change direction.
Confirm course alteration, Medrar said clearly, and the computer calmed down again, accepting our altered course. I imagined large scale panic hitting the Blade ship when we failed to materialise, when the Yeerks realised that their Visser had vanished beyond their reach. They'd come looking for us, and I didn't doubt that there would be some sort of homing device linked to our fighter's computer. We'd have to ditch it as soon as possible. Perhaps that would provide a job for Lortif and Farling.
Arbat scanned the construction site for any wandering humans, and once he had confirmed it was clear we landed. Lortif and Farling had come out of The Jahar to meet us, waving us down. Medrar gave a giddy giggle as he landed the fighter expertly on the uneven concrete, and the main doors slid open. Tirdellan and I leapt out, grateful for the air, and we both began our dimorph immediately. Arbat and Kipsing remained more restrained, dragging the Visser out whilst they retained their powerful human forearms. Farling goggled at him as he was rolled from the main doors onto the rough ground.
You actually succeeded? That is Visser Three?
Of course it is, Kipsing laughed. And he is not going to be a happy Yeerk when he wakes up. Lortif laughed, and Farling too, and I joined them, giddy with the surprise that we had actually succeeded. Somehow we'd walked into the Yeerk pool and kidnapped Visser Three.
Impossible.
Still, all was not well, as Tirdellan stalked by Kipsing and onto The Jahar in a distinct huff. He sent a private comment after her – I don't know what he said but I saw her stiffen and turn her eyes to him before she could control herself, and he snorted softly.
Arbat motioned to the prone body of my husband.
Arisths, get this onto the ship and install it in Storage Room 5. Farling and Lortif snapped off salutes, clearly still impressed by our success, and Medrar joined them in dragging my poor battered Alloran onto The Jahar by his chains. It does not bother you to see my brother hauled around like a piece of meat? Arbat inquired privately to me. I turned to him, but he was demorphing and checking the outside of the Bug fighter for homing devices.
It hurts more than you can imagine, I said, instantly annoyed.
So I can see, he snorted, still keeping his back to me. Angrily I left him and attempted to follow the Arisths onto the ship. Kisping slunk after me, sticking to me like a shadow.
An annoying shadow.
I will see that he is securely chained and guard him, the assassin said. I pushed him aside irritably.
Thank you but I will do so myself.
Jahar. His hand touched my arm and I pulled away, startled by his presumptuous contact. I promised my mother I would keep you safe, Kipsing continued. Even from yourself. That is not your husband.
I know that very well thank you, I replied coldly, furious at his arrogance, but Kipsing did not back down.
Let me see to it, he said coolly. You'll be safest if you stay away. A part of me wanted to agree, didn't want the arduous trial of guarding the Visser as he screamed at me with my husband's voice, but something deep inside recoiled at the idea of entrusting Alloran to this cold, sadistic assassin. Would he remember that my husband lived in Visser Three too? Or would he take the opportunity to torment the Yeerk, hurting my mate in the process?
Kipsing, I would not trust my enemy to your charge, let alone my husband, I said, more brutally than I had meant to. He recoiled and his face tensed, fierce anger controlled with difficulty.
Forgive me, Jahar, he said with difficulty. But I have a promise to keep. Choose someone else to watch the slug if you want, but I will not let you near him.
Medrar, I began, but even as I said it I could see that it would not work. The Visser, the Yeerk in Alloran's head, was too dangerous to trust to the Arisths when conscious. As I slumped in indecision Arbat trotted up.
Jahar, will you come with me? he asked. I must speak with you. Internally I groaned, wanting nothing more than to be rid of the lot of them, but turned to him to reply.
Yes! Yes, all right. I will come with you, and Kipsing will guard Alloran, the Visser, whoever! See that he is chained securely. And Lortif and Farling will dispose of the Bug fighter a safe distance from here, as its residue will be picked up in Yeerk scans.
I will see that they receive your orders, Kipsing said gravely. He turned from me and trotted into The Jahar.
My orders, I repeated bitterly. Who am I fooling? You won't listen to me at all, Arbat, and he'll only listen when he wants and I can't even control my own family.
There is a reason females aren't War Princes, Arbat said calmly, and I couldn't even care enough to rise to the implications of his words.
I want to go home, Arbat. I've had enough. I want to go home and be with Alloran and be happy again. I am sick of being miserable, and ever since I've tried to do something about it I've been more miserable than before.
Well, Visser Three will be dead within three days and then all will be paradise, Arbat said, ironically, I felt. He glanced up at the dimming sky. It's going to be a beautiful evening. Will you morph human and accompany me for a walk?
What? I asked, confused and very very tired.
So that we can talk, he replied, his eyes unreadable. Walk with me Jahar, and we will talk.