#29 – Beginnings

Excerpt from the Earth Journal of Aximili-Esgarrouth-Isthill

I have been in the company of my human friends for three Earth weeks now, and I can say with complete honesty that they – and human beings in general - are still a mystery to me. Perhaps they always will be; perhaps humans and Andalites are simply too far apart evolutionarily to ever really understand each other.

My emotions on the subject of humans are strangely mixed. I pity them and admire them in equal parts. Andalites are an extremely logical race – we try to create situations to suit us. A good example of this is our Dome Ships – even though space travel is necessary, we try to amend the situation to make us comfortable. We bring our homes with us.

Humans are the opposite. They adjust and invent to suit the situation. Not only did they invent a piece of furniture called a chair to rest on, since they only have two legs, they also further improved upon the design. Some chairs roll on wheels, so a human can move without changing their position. Even more, there are chairs with larger wheels to help disabled humans move more freely. Humans refuse to let circumstance dictate their actions – they are a very willful species.

This determination and desire to conquer worries me a bit. Humans are technologically behind the advanced races of the universe, but they learn very quickly. Much faster than Yeerks, and even faster than we Andalites. I suppose it is lucky the Yeerks came upon this planet in this early stage of its development – I do not know for sure, but I think it's possible the humans could have been a great threat to the peace of their galaxy and the entire universe in a relatively short period of time.

When my people come and save the humans, I believe this ability to learn quickly will serve them – and us – well. They will understand that conquering other races is immoral after they themselves must be saved from a conquering race like the Yeerks. With we Andalites there to help mold their growth into a space-faring people, I believe they will be great allies. I do not pretend to understand the humans' interplanetary system of government and the division they have in place against each other, but it seems to me they have never had something strong enough to unite them. I believe having a common enemy in the Yeerks will unite them.

Will they be able to live in peace with the galaxy and with Andalites without a clear and present danger? I cannot say for sure. But, like I said, humans learn quickly. And as violent and aggressive as they can be, they can also be very compassionate. Humans see the merit in logic, and they are slowly integrating the concept into their governments, but they are still a highly emotional people. This is both an advantage and disadvantage.

The most important question for me to answer upon my union with the five human freedom fighters was this – are humans able to be saved? After spending time in their company, I think the answer is yes.

The next question I had to answer was: are humans worth saving? Is their continued existence beneficial to the peaceful species of the universe?

This question is harder. There are many variables, many unknowns. Saving them and elevating them into a galactic presence will be risky. It could backfire, just as Seerow's kindness to the Yeerks backfired. Our most absolute law was formed out of Seerow's mistake – we Andalites do not believe in making the same mistake twice.

Saving the humans would not be making the same mistake, in my eyes. It may turn out to be a completely different mistake, but it will not be the same as the Yeerks. And so the answer to my second question is yes, the humans are worth saving. They are an acceptable risk to this galaxy, while the Yeerks are not.

That answer is the one I need to know my duty. Because I am able to answer that question in the affirmative, I will fight for them. I will fight for the humans and I will fight for my own people, and I will fight to avenge Elfangor.

Good or evil? Perhaps that would be an easier question to ask about the humans, in determining whether or not to save them. I cannot answer it, though. Are they evil? No. They do atrocious things to each other, but in every instance I have seen, it is mostly out of ignorance. I see sickness and ignorance and desperation, but I have not seen any examples of pure evil. If they are there, the humans keep them a close secret.

Are they good? I don't believe that, either. Many of their intentions are good, but good intentions have never been of any use to this galaxy or any other. It is action that counts.

Humans are not good, nor are they evil. They are simply emotional creatures. So why would I save them from the Yeerks? Why would I not stand aside and let the two races tear each other to pieces?

Because humans are capable of great love. And, in my opinion, the galaxy needs more of that.

A/N – I know it's a little introspective for Ax's character…but this was allegedly written by him before he shared his race's knowledge with the Animorphs. He hadn't completely opened to them, and I'm assuming that the time before he did was a lonely and introspective time. Anyway, it's just a fanfic. Don't take it too seriously ;)