The Decision

  CHAPTER 12

  8I am Aristh Aximili-Esgarrouth- Isthill,"; I said. 8Prince Elfangor's little brother?"; one of the Andalites blurted. 8allyes. I am Elfangor's brother."; I sighed a little at that. I know it's ridiculous, but as much as I loved and admired Elfangor, it did get annoying always being called "Elfangor's little brother." They were three Andalite warriors. You could tell they were warriors by the way they carried themselves. By the way they managed to look totally straight and stiff, and yet had just a little bit of a casual slouch in their hind legs. That, plus the fact that each had a military-issue Shredder weapon and extra power cells slung on a bandolier. 8I am Samilin-Corrath-Gahar, captain of this ship,"; the oldest of them said. 8My tactical officer Hareli-Frodlin-Sirinial, and our ship's physician, Doctor Coaldwin-Ashul-Tahaylik. Now what in yaolin are you doing drifting around in Zero-space with five aliens?"; 8Did you save them? Are they safe? The aliens, I mean?"; Doctor Coaldwin answered. 8allyes, they are quite well. But what unusual physiology! Four of them are clearly bipedal but lack any sort of tail. They walk on two legs and manage to do so without having a tail for balance. Quite fascinating. The remaining alien is evidently designed for flight and--"; 8allyes, thank you, Doctor,"; Captain Samilin interrupted. 8The question for the aristh is what was he doing in Zero-space in the company of these ... these fascinating aliens."; I climbed to my feet. I felt shaky, but I couldn't just lie there. 8Captain, I was in morph. In a very small morph. Then I heard a popping sound and suddenly I was in Z-space."; 8What? You are the extruded mass from a low-mass morph? It's impossible!"; the doctor cried, his eyes bright with excitement. 8I mean, it's not impossible, perhaps, but it's never happened. This will annihilate every existing theory of morph mass displacement. This will be a scientific breakthrough of--"; 8allyes, no doubt,"; the captain interrupted again, sounding more testy. 8But as fascinating as it is scientifically, I have a bigger question. We know how you came to be floating in Zero-space, Aristh Aximili, but how did these aliens arrive here, since only Andalites possess the morphing power?"; It was a direct question from a superior officer. A very superior officer. A ship's captain is lord and master of his ship. An aristh is basically something a ship's captain might scrape off his hoof. Even though the captain's tone was very accusatory, I had this sudden urge to start laughing. It was sheer relief. First, because my friends were well. But also because I was back among Andalites. They looked like me. They spoke like me. They moved like me. I wanted to laugh and to be sad. 8Answer the captain's question!"; the tactical officer roared, speaking up for the first time. As the number two officer, tactical officers are the ship disciplinarians. 8Sorry, sir,"; I said. 8It's just that I haven't seen a fellow Andalite in a very long time. And I thought I might never ... that I might be stuck on Earth for the rest of my life."; The T.o.'s fierce expression softened. But not much. The captain nodded and said, 8Just give me your report, Aristh."; But he said it nicely. 8allyes, Captain. I have been marooned on Earth for approximately point seven standard Andalite years. I believe I am the only survivor following a battle between the Dome ship where I served and a Yeerk Pool ship. The Pool ship was assisted by a concealed Blade ship belonging to Visser Three."; The T.o. made a sneering, disgusted sound. 8The Dome was separated prior to battle and ... I was in the dome. It wasn't by choice. I was ordered to the dome."; I felt foolish defending my actions. But I didn't want it to look like I was some kind of coward. 8Anyway, the dome fell from orbit and crashed in one of Earth's oceans. I was down there underwater for several Earth weeks, until the humans came to rescue me." 8The same humans who are now in sick bay?"; the doctor asked. 8allyes."; 8They used some human diving craft?"; the T.o. asked. 8ationo. They morphed into aquatic animals and rescued me."; The captain showed no expression except a wary tightening around his main eyes. 8They morphed. And where exactly did they acquire the ability to morph?"; This was going to be hard. Some time ago I had managed to make contact with the Andalite command. They had basically told me to take the blame for giving humans morphing ability. They didn't want to blacken Elfangor's reputation as a hero. Giving away morphing technology is a major crime. What should I say? Should I lie to the captain? It seemed impossible. But I had orders from much higher sources. 8I did, sir. I gave them morphing capability."; The captain just looked at me. 8I see. You are not a good liar, Aristh Aximili."; My hearts skipped a few beats. 8Sir?"; The T.o. sighed. 8ally young fool, if you gave the morphing power to the humans, how did they manage to already be in morph the first time you saw them? Obviously, they were already capable of morphing by the time they discovered you."; What could I say? I hadn't exactly had time to prepare a good story. I was supposed to be a mosquito a few billion miles away. Now I looked like a liar and an idiot. I said nothing, just tried to stand at attention. 8Doctor, thank you,"; the captain said, dismissing the doctor. 8Perhaps you'd like to go check on your "humans." And see if you can't analyze this Zero-space problem young Aximili has discovered."; The doctor left. The captain leaned close. 8.Aristh Aximili, I'd like to know why you're lying to me."; 8I would never lie unless ..."; 8Unless what, you insignificant aristh!"; the T.o. cried. 8ally are addressing a ship's captain!"; I nodded. 8allyes. I know."; The T.o. started to yell again, but the captain cut him short with a raised hand. 8.Aristh, have you at any time made contact with the home world during your time on Earth?"; 8allyes, Captain,"; I said, practically collapsing with relief. Captain Samilin got it. He understood. 8And were you given orders at that time?"; 8allyes, Captain."; He looked as if he might ask more, but he didn't. He looked at me for a long time. Then in a much gentler voice he said, 8What happened to Elfangor?"; 8He was killed. By Visser Three. On the planet surface."; The captain nodded. The T.o. looked shocked. 8Prince Elfangor did this?"; the T.o. asked in an awed voice. 8Prince Elfangor broke the law of Seerow's Kindness?"; 8That speculation will never leave this room,"; the captain said harshly. 8It was Aristh Aximili who foolishly gave the morphing power to the humans. But between us, I'll say this. I served under Prince Elfangor. I was his T.o. at one time. And anytime Elfangor did something, it was for a good reason."; He looked right at me and said, 8Elfangor was my friend as well as my prince. I'll believe he broke the rules. I'll never believe he did wrong.";

  CHAPTER 13

  "Hey, I have a question," Marco said, raising his hand and waving it around in the air with a sense of urgency. 8What question?"; I asked him. "Where, where, where ... WHERE ARE WE?" 8We are in the sick bay of the Andalite assault ship Ascalin."; I tried not to sound too happy about that fact. I knew my human friends would be devastated at learning they were marooned far from Earth. "Ascalin? Isn't Ascalin that new salad green?" Rachel wondered. 8We have just come out of Zero-space and are now moving at top space-normal speed toward planet Leera."; "Leera? Where the psychic frogs are from?" Cassie said. "The creatures who the Yeerks were going to use those mutated sharks on?" 8allyes."; As we already knew, the Yeerks were having difficulties invading Leera in their usual style. The Leerans' psychic abilities make them able to detect the presence of a Yeerk in another Leeran's head. The Yeerks were going to alter hammerhead sharks to make them suitable for Yeerk infestation, and then use those shark-Controllers as shock troops in the oceans of Leera. "But we busted up that plan back on Earth," Marco said impatiently. "I was there, remember? I know this part. What I meant was, how did we end up here? One minute I'm a mosquito, then bim, bam, boom I'm my cute, lovable self again, only I'm looking up at some Andalite who's asking whether I ever had a tail! I almost peed myself. I thought he was Visser Three!" 8It seems our extruded mass was swept up in the wake of a passing ship. Everyone is very surprised and excited. We have made a scientific breakthrough."; "Oh, good, I feel better already," Rachel said, using a tone humans call "sarcasm." "So how do we get back?" Prince Jake asked. 8ationo one knows. The doctor and the other scientists on board are working on the theory. There may be a snapback effect. But they don't know. And we are about to land on Leera. This is an assault ship, which means it carries a large number
of surface attack craft. It is no longer a secret Yeerk invasion of Leera. It has become a major, open battle. They have four Pool ships in orbit and two Blade ships. Hundreds of Bug fighters. We have less than a third of their forces."; "So let me get this straight," Rachel said. "Suddenly we're a bazillion miles from home and we're about to get dragged into a serious shooting war where the good guys are outnumbered three to one?" 8allyes,"; I said. "Cool," Rachel said. "What can we do to help?" "Oh, even for you, Rachel, that is just sick," Marco said. 8ally can do nothing,"; I said. 8I told you the kafit bird morph that Visser Three used is from my home planet. That means our side may be infiltrated by Yeerks or their allies. We can't trust your secret to anyone. If you do get back to Earth somehow, you won't survive if the Yeerks find out who you are."; Cassie tilted her head and looked at me with a sad sort of smile. "If you get back to Earth? Meaning you won't be going back with us?" I wished I hadn't used those words. My head was too full of problems and complications and every kind of emotion. I didn't really want to think about being separated from my human friends. Rachel looked disgruntled. "I have news for you, Ax. If there's some Yeerk butt-kicking being done today, I'm in on it." 8We have to follow the captain's orders,"; I said. "Says who?" Marco asked. I was beginning to feel still more troubling emotions. Something bordering on panic now. And, strangely enough, guilt. 8I am just a lowly aristh. Like a human cadet. I have to follow orders."; I looked pleadingly at Prince Jake. 8ally have to understand. You are no longer my prince, now that I am back among my own people."; They all looked at me. It wasn't a nice look. Prince Jake tried not to seem bothered. But although I am no expert on human facial expressions, I believe my statement did cause him concern. 8Maybe you need to think about who your people are now,"; Tobias said in a private whisper that no one else heard. 8I'm not you, Tobias. I'm not a nothlit. I'm not one species trapped in the body of another."; 8ationo. But I don't think you're just a lowly aristh anymore, either. And whether you like it or not, you're one of us."; I didn't answer him. He was wrong. Instead I said, as gently as I could, 8The captain has ordered that until the situation is stable, you must all remain here. In this room. Please do not attempt to move about the ship.";

  CHAPTER 14

  The Ascalin raced, engines wide-open, toward planet Leera. I watched from the bridge. For some reason the captain had called me there and seemed to want to keep me close by. Maybe he was worried about me being too close to the humans. I don't know. I just know that an aristh doesn't usually stay on the bridge. It was small, as battle bridges go. None of the wide-open spaces of a Dome ship bridge. There was good, hardy grass underfoot, though. And the latest in sensors and computers ringed the circular space, watched by half a dozen intensely focused warriors. It was an honor to be there. It was exciting. So why did I keep picturing my human friends sitting in the little room off the sick bay? A tall, holographic display shimmered in the middle of the room. It showed the planet and the ships in nearby space. Yeerk ships in red, our ships in blue. There was a lot more red than blue. By focusing my mind, I could see one of the new thought-speak displays. It transmits data directly to your brain. Very "cutting edge," as Marco would say. I decided that I had no reason to feel guilty. I had been united with the humans when we were on Earth. That made sense. But now I was back among my own people. My true place was here. On the thought-speak display I called up a detailed map of the situation on the ground. Planet Leera was ninety-two percent covered by water. Eight percent land in a few scattered islands and one continent. The land battle would take place on the continent. Neither we nor the Yeerks had much capability underwater where the Leerans built their cities. I could see several Leeran cities, usually built within forty or fifty miles of the continent or one of the islands. Whoever--Yeerk or Andalite--ended up controlling the continent would effectively control the planet. 8What do you think of the tactical situation, Aristh Aximili?"; the T.o. asked me. It startled me. He sounded almost friendly. 8I'm not an expert on--"; 8I did not suppose you were,"; he snapped. 8I asked for an evaluation."; 8allyes, sir. The Yeerks are strong in orbit above the planet. I would say the odds favor them. But they don't want the battle to take place up here. Even if they beat us, they might be too badly damaged to be able to invade and hold the continent below from Leeran counterattack."; 8I see. If they fear the Leerans on the surface, why take the risk of engaging us and the Leerans together on the surface?"; I was out of things to say. Of course, the T.o. was right! I must sound like an idiot. The T.o. turned one stalk eye to look at me. 8Because, Aristh Aximili, the Yeerks understand that different species do not fight well together. We have one way of doing things. The Leerans a very different way. The Yeerks are united under one command; we and the Leer ans are not."; I noticed the captain looking thoughtfully at me and at his T.o. He seemed displeased. 8There's a lesson there, Aristh,"; the T.o. said. 8We Andalites are strongest when we fight alone."; 8allyes, sir."; I knew what he meant. He was talking about the humans. And I really should just keep quiet. 8And yet, with all due respect, it was my human friends and I who destroyed the Yeerks' attempt to create a species of ocean-going shock troops for use here on Leera. If the Yeerks had succeeded in that plan, the situation here today would be impossible."; The T.o. looked angry. I didn't regret having spoken up, but I was waiting for him to-- 8Dracon flashes!"; a warrior at a sensor station called out. 8We have Dracon flashes at the north end of the continent. Now Shredder flashes. The battle has begun."; An instant later, a holographic Andalite head appeared in midair before us. 8Force Commander Prince Galuit-Enilon-Esgarrouth,"; the T.o. said. 8Attention!"; No one stood at attention except me. They all had things to do. You don't actually stand at attention if you're doing something. In a calm thought-speak voice the holographic head said, 8The action has begun on the continent. There are heavy Yeerk forces. Carry out plan seven four. To our Leeran allies: May your great god Cha-Ma-Mib smile on you this day. And to all Andalite warriors: The People expect that every warrior shall do his duty."; The Ascalin decelerated, slowing as it dropped into the thick, humid atmosphere of Leera. 8Sir, what is my battle station?"; I asked the T.o. He laughed the grim laugh of a warrior going into battle. 8For the bold aristh who made all this possible? You'd better stick with me."; He and the captain exchanged a glance and a laugh. I didn't know whether to be embarrassed or proud. Mostly, I was just scared. The continent loomed larger and larger. Most of it was lush and green, primarily jungle. Green like Earth's forests and jungles, but with wide swaths of some brilliant yellow vegetation, too. The northern end of the continent was less fertile, more barren, probably colder. It was in one valley there that the battle was underway. 8Visual,"; the captain ordered. 8Magnification optimum."; The hologram that had showed space now switched to a startlingly real picture of the valley. I could see Yeerk forces, mostly Hork-Bajir with a reserve of Taxxons and a scattering of Gedds, dug in on high ground around the west rim of the valley. They had erected massive force fields covering their back, thus forcing our forces and the Leerans to come at them head-on. Our ground skimmers were racing across rock and through scattered trees, firing and being fired upon. A force of Leerans was on foot, scrabbling over the rocks almost unprotected to assault the Yeerks. 8ally see why the Yeerks chose to fight here?"; Captain Samilin said. 8As the T.o. was saying, different species under different commands cannot function well together. You see? We waste our forces protecting the Leerans from being mowed down. And as a result, we are weak."; 8The Ascalin will turn that around,"; the T.o. said confidently. 8Landing approach,"; a warrior called out. Then ... 8Captain! Malfunction in the ground-approach guidance system!"; The captain looked perfectly calm. The T.o. swung his face toward the warrior who'd spoken. 8What?!"; he roared. 8Sir, the controls are frozen. I've been locked out. Attempting to override. Override failing!"; The T.o. leaped to the console. His fingers flew across the fields and resonators. I saw his concentration as he made the mind-link with the system. Then, with absolute horror on his face, he turned to the captain. 8Captain! We are on
approach to land behind Yeerk lines. We won't have a prayer!"; The captain walked calmly over to his T.o. And then ... FWAPP! The captain whipped his tail blade like lightning. The blade hit the T.o. at the base of his tail. T.o. Hareli's tail fell to the deck and twitched. Every warrior on the bridge froze, staring at the impossible sight. The captain drew his Shredder and fired. TSEEEWW! TSEEEWW! Warriors fell to the deck, stunned unconscious. The air crackled with heat. Static electricity sizzled and danced in blue flame across bodies and equipment alike. Only the bleeding, horrified T.o. was left conscious. A deliberate insult: He was no longer dangerous. 8Ah, my good aristh,"; the captain said, holding the Shredder on me and taking the T.o.'s Shredder. 8I don't want to take the chance of injuring you. Visser Four would be very upset if I injured the creatures who have been causing Visser Three such trouble on Earth. Vissers Three and Four are such close friends. Just remain calm. It will all be over in a moment. And you will all be ... guests ... of the Yeerk Empire.";