Chronicles of an Andalite Spy.

[Chad32]

I want to do a fanfic too!   If enough people like this, I'll do another chapter. I don't mind if you comment via PM, or post in this thread. I'd rather not wade through comments of other people's stuff in the sticky thread to see if anyone comments on mine. To each his own, though.

CoaAS: Book One - The Beginning

Chapter One

My name is Claxter Karmesh Sinopul.

I hope that when the war is over, many people will enjoy reading my journal. It is a way for me to cover my identity, but still let people know that I existed. You see, the whole point of being a spy is that no one really knows you're there. Unfortunately, this means that we don't always get the credit we deserve. That is why I'm writing this journal. I want everyone to know what I did, and that I helped end this war, without letting my enemies know.

I am a spy who uses morphing technology to infiltrate and monitor enemy activities. All Andalite military personnel has morphing ability, but they don't all use it on a regular basis. Right now I'm in a Yeerk complex in Hork-Bajir form listening to roll call. The controller I was posing as is currently tied up in a supply closet. He won't be found until long after I'm done.

I was currently standing in a group of rather new recruits, and right next to someone who seemed excited that someone felt he was responsible enough to hold an armed dracon rifle. He kept on about how great it was they gave him a Hork-Bajir host and his own weapon. I played along by mimicking his stupid grinning and babbling.

Just then, everyone was fully assembled and Visser 25 was calling the room to order. One Visser, two Subvissers, five hundred elite warriors, and one thousand recruits. That's how many soldiers were here, not counting nonmilitary personnel.

It was a simple get-in-and-get-out mission. Almost boring. I stood at attention in the far back row with the recruits, behind the elite soldiers, until my name was called. It doesn't always end as one would expect, though. Eventually the got to the recruits, but someone else was missing. I had only knocked out one controller, so this one missing recruit gave me an uneasy feeling. Like a little tickling in the back of my mind that said some slacker might blow my plan.

Some Hork-Bajir controller with a bandage on his arm walked up the a Subvisser and whispered in his ear. I didn't like the look of that at all. Someone got hurt and needed a bandage? Of course someone would have to go get one. Out of the supply closet. I began slowly, and quietly, backing out of the room using the large crowd of armed controllers as cover by the time the Visser got word and started calling out for the guy that I was supposed to be.

I was sprinting down the hallway and demorphing by the time the alarm sounded. I ducked into an empty room and began changing my already demorphed parts while the rest of me was still demorphing. By now you probably realise I'm an estreen. Someone who is gifted with a natural control over morphing. It really helps spy work, which is why most estreens in the military get assigned work as spies.

There really are too many variables in missions. Too many things to go wrong to actually compensate for everything. When something happens, you just have to go with the flow. Which is why I am now in the form of a small reptile with the ability to change the color and texture of its skin to match its surroundings.

The reptile was three feet long, with suction cups on its four legs and two tails. Its eyes were right on top of its head, so as I glued myself to the ceiling I was looking straight at the floor. The animal could feel heavy vibrations as soldiers entered the room, and its instincts told it to remain completely still. That was a good idea.

"The Visser believes there is an Andalite here." One soldier said. It was one elite soldier and three recruits. Most likely, they were paired into groups like this for search parties.

"I was standing right next to it." My babbling friend from before said, shakily. "I couldn't tell."

"It's alright. No one will blame you. Let's just find it and kill it."

"This area seems clear, sir. We've checked the entire room from front to back." Another one said.

"Let's go then. We need to find it quickly!"

***

I guess it started about a year ago. I was drafted into the military a few years after the war started with my shorm, Foosal. We were excited, scared, and almost every emotion in between when we arrived on the Dome Ship Liberator after saying goodbye to almost everyone we knew. We stuck to each other like conjoined twins for the first few hours as we went through orientation, the tour, and the other stuff that just melded into one big blur.

Afterwards came the tests the Princes give to assess physical health and skill level. I did well in morphing, which was something the military was newly implementing in the war effort. The whole idea was still very new, but the higher ups knew our people needed any edge we could get against the Yeerks. Foosal was good with computer control, and was less claustrophobic than many new recruits.

So that's how we were assigned: A pilot and a spy. At first we were dismayed that we were assigned completely different tasks, but there was a silver lining. We were both assigned to Prince Mutaro. That Andalite had the look of someone you want to make proud of you. He walked confidently, and spoke like he knew every answer to every question in the cosmos. He makes you feel like you're not going to be one of those recruits who dies in the very first battle they go into. That, of course, is the biggest fear of any new recruit.

<So what do I have before me? Two raw recruits, ready to be molded into legends?>

<Preferably living legends, sir.> Foosal said.

<Very much alive, yes.> I said.

<You must not fear death, nor must you throw away your lives, foolishly. I have two warriors under me who will train the two of you personally, but all four of you will report to me.>

We walked to the dome area of the ship as he talked to us, and when we arrived we met our instructors. They were both skilled at the duties in which we would train until we were promoted to warriors.

I spent a lot of time in the dome, morphing animals while being supervised by my instructor. I got used to the instincts of the creatures, and had fun using their powers. Foosal spent much of his time in the docking bay, as well as flying just outside the ship in a fighter with his instructor. We met during our breaks to talk about all we did. There were rough parts and mistakes, but there was also fun times and successes too.

Finally the Domeship reached its first destination. We were just outside the orbit of a small planet the Yeerks were using. It had no sentient life on it, but the Yeerks were using it for resources, and as a checkpoint. Ships going to and from more strategic locations would sometimes stop here to refuel, so securing this planet would slow down troop progress.

There were two pool ships in orbit, and several major ground bases, but no bladeships. By the time the Domeship got there, we had both been promoted to Warriors, and Foosal felt ready to do some real action. However, Prince Mutaro put him on standby while the more experienced warriors into full scale battle. Some of the Princes, including Mutaro, led their Warriors down to the planet under the cover of the Domeship and fighters. The first strike was a distraction.

We made landfall in a secluded place, and began preparing a ground base for future operations. Once the defenses were up, several spies were sent out to infiltrate nearby enemy bases to gather information.

***

So here I am, hiding on the ceiling as a lizard, trying to figure out how to get out and tell Prince Mutaro I know which Visser we're dealing with. I didn't know anything about Visser 25, but perhaps someone did. It could help to know that. Foosal had flown me in a fighter to a nearby spot before I started the mission. I had to get out and get back to the fighter alive, then count on Foosal to get us back to base.

I crawled long the ceiling until I got to the door, then got along the wall and continued forward. My lizard's sense of touch was acute, so it could feel the slightest vibration. Any time I felt someone come, I would stop and watch them leave with the eyes on the top of my head. I moved slowly enough so that my skin could change along with the different textures of the wall.

After a few minutes, the frantic search parties stopped running around. That may have made me feel better, but I knew they wouldn't give up this quickly. Then I heard a new vibration. Instead of steps, it was a constant tremor. I turned my eyes around, until I saw it come around the corner. A Taxxon!

Taxxons have much better senses of smell. I doubted my lizard could hide from such a sense of smell. They had obviously released Taxxons into the hallways to thoroughly search the place. Whether this Taxxon actually had a Yeerk in his head or not didn't really matter. I'd be lunch if I was caught.

It didn't take long before it figured out where I was, and the chase was on! It screamed in that hissing, screeching noise Taxxons make as we ran around the corner. My camouflage was still working as I ran under the legs of a Hork-Bajir, and it noticed the rampaging Taxxon without noticing me as it collided with him.

I escaped and found a table with handheld dracon weapons on it, so I demorphed and took them. I wasn't adept at firearms, but I did have basic training. I took the Hork-Bajir and Taxxon by surprise as they tried to regroup and come after me. I raced down the hall on high alert, with my stalk eyes aimed back to keep anyone from attacking from behind.

The noise of dracon fire, coming from me or the enemy, attracted attention, and eventually left me cornered in a room. This room had a window, so I blasted it open after blasting the door control. I morphed a bird, flew out the window, and called Foosal for pickup.

<You're late!>

<I know! Just start the engines and let's move!>

As we began taking off, three bug fighters came to engage us. Foosal boosted the compensators as we strapped in the safety cables to keep us from sliding around the floor. I got down to rest, as all that morphing wore me out.

Foosal already had a plan in action. He led the bug fighters around a mountain, and did a quick calculation of what they would do and where they would be. He shot a beam at full power right through the top of the mountain, and hit a fighter trying to come from above. He then hit blasted away in reverse just as the fighters were turning in to flank him from both sides. Two shots at their sides, and the enemies were down.

<How was that for trick flying?>

<That was great! Let's get back.>

We returned to tell Prince Mutaro what we learned. We knew how many troops were at that base, and the identities of a few important enemies. Later I found out a few of the more experienced spies never returned. It made me feel lucky that I had survived, but it also put a greater burden on me to do well.

Prince Mutaro received much of the credit for what I did, but that's the career of a spy. His gratitude and praise are well received, but I also hope this journal serves as a reminder that I was out there. Doing my part to end the war. As I close my eyes to sleep, I wonder what the next mission will bring.

[Essam 293]

This is very well written. I like how you paced the chapter and took your time to fully explain the back story, and develop your characters as well.

I can't wait to read more. Great work!

[esplin]

i liked it alot, very well done

[Chad32]

Thats for the support. I now give you my next chapter. I plan to do something a little more casual in the next chapter.

Book One: Chapter Two

Near the ground base was a small lake that supplied us with water. The enemy had recently erected a small outpost on the other side of it to try to keep us from using it. Several Andalites patrolled the lake on water skimmers, including Foosal. At the head of the skimmer was a shield that protected from wind and dracon fire, and a control console. The pilot stood on a circular pad with rails going from the front to back, as well as ankle clasps to keep the pilot from being jostled too much. The back had a weapon that arced overhead, that could turn forty five degrees left or right of the front.

There had been battles on land and air, but now we were fighting on the water. Prince Mutaro was in charge of lake patrol, and was in contact with Fasool through the computer. He had access to images from space that gave a bird's eye view of the lake.

The only really dangerous predator of this lake had been what we named the Ram Fish. It was a large fish that had a thick skull, which it used to ram land mammals that spent much of their time in the water. It would then pull the stunned animal below the water and devour it. They relocated it, but I got Prince Mutaro to let me aquire it before they dropped it off in another lake.

So there I was, patrolling the depths of the lake while ten water skimmers coasted around the surface. I was not in direct contact with Prince Mutaro, but could be relayed orders through thought speak from any other Andalite on the lake.

Soon enough, an attack came. Thought speak orders were given, and the skimmers took off! I swam below, until I got to where the action was, then hammered an enemy skimmer. Yeerk skimmers aren't vastly different from Andalite skimmers, but their bottms are different enough. The skimmer and Taxxon pilot went flying, and I dragged the skimmer down when it landed upside down.

The battle raged on for a few minutes before I got word from Fasool.

<Claxter! Prince Mutaro says this attack is a distraction! Head east and look for a cargo ship heading for an island!>

An island? If they put weapons on the islands, they would effectively control the lake. We had not done this because it was still early, but the Yeerks were ahead of us. I raced east, scanning the surface for the wake of a large vessel. I found it and built up speed for a charge. A full force hit shook the ship, but only dented the hull. I came around for another hit, and made a larger dent.

By the time I started coming around for a third strike, a group of Taxxons hit the water. They wielded forearms meant for use under water that shot spikes. The Taxxons began firing, but most of the spikes just scratched my skull. I ignored them because I had precious little time, and finally punched a hole in the bottom hull.

That slowed the ship down, but it was still going. I was being relentlessly bombarded with fire, and had to retreat to partially demorph the wounds away. The ship had almost made it to the island, and I had to think quickly. I needed to destroy the control system! I dove down and came up to leap past the surface of the water. I crashed through the left hatch and crushed the Taxxon pilot within.

As I wiggled through to the other side, my body smashed several control panels, and I bit open the other hatch. Once I wiggle free, though, every Taxxon fired at me from all angles! I fell into the water, badly wounded from dozens of puncture wounds in my tail, and was unable to move!

I needed to demorph immediately, or I would die, but some Taxxons grabbed nets and caught me in them. They hooked a cable from the nets to a crane on the ship, and pulled me out onto the top. I was soaking wet, covered in fish blood, and exhausted from all I had been through. I feared I was now a prisoner of creatures that had an insatiable hunger for fresh meat.

The ship itself was dead. I could no longer hear the sound of water pumping in, which meant that crisis was averted, but the front was a smoking blaze and inoperable. The Taxxons hissed and squealed angrily as the Yeerks in their heads tried to keep their bloodthirst under control and possibly interrogate me. I understood nothing, so I had no answers. I did notice they weren't aiming any firearms at me. Maybe they dumped all their ammunition in the previous attack.

A beam of energy shot above me, and the arm of the crane was sliced through! Foosal had come to my aid, and jumped on the ship with the Taxxons were trying to figure out what was going on. Back to back we stood, surrounded by bloodthirsty enemies.

<Let's put tail into them, my shorm!>

<Indeed, this will be our first real tail fight.>

Taxxons are good for a number of things, but combat is not their strong suit. However, the scent of blood and the knowledge that I was tiring drove them forward. My tail arced above me, and sliced one open. It tried to run me down, but I managed to side step it.

The blood made the surface slippery for Foosal and me, but we struck again and again. One Taxxon got off a lucky bite, but Foosal shrugged it off. We were tough warriors now, so we had to put a little pain aside in times of battle.

At some point the Taxxons began attacking each other in their maddening efforts to feed. We took that opportunity to escape on the skimmer. I took a medkit out and patched up my shorm and myself, as I had no energy to morph and he was too busy piloting.

***

<I congradulate you both on your recent victory.> Prince Mutaro said after we returned.

The cargo ship had been confiscated, and the battle had been won. We thanked the Prince as we relaxed in a grassy field just outside our compound.

<With our new weapons, we can do what the Yeerks were trying to do. We didn't have enough spare guns before, but every day we survive here is a day we become stronger. Get some sleep, and I'll debrief you on new missions tomorrow.>

<Yes sir!> We said.

And so, another night I sleep deeply after fighting the Yeerks. Each day I come back with new experiences that make me stronger.

[Chad32]

I've been writing something that was going to be one thing, but turned into a multi-parter climax chapter.

Book One: Chapter Three - Part One

I was now deep within the heart of enemy territory. Inside Visser 25's office, which is in the largest and most heavily secured complex on the planet. I had been sent to find out more about the Visser, since little was actually known about him. Intelligence spoke of him becoming a Visser before the Yeerk/Andalite war began, and being a charismatic leader as well as a competent fighter. The office had various computer screens and papers on a large desk, and the Visser was talking from the desk to his Subvissers. I was listening to them while in lizard form under the desk.

"It's bad enough some juvenile Andalite spy is able to escape from one of our compounds right under our noses, but the next day those fools allow him to captuer a cargo ship!" One of the Subvissers fumed. He was pacing back and forth between the desk and the other Subvisser.

"Calm down Subvisser 6." Visser 25 said calmly. "We managed to kill a few spies, and maintained our hold in orbit. There are bound to be a few losses here and there, but for the most part we remain at an advantage."

"Don't tell me you actually tolerate such failure, sir. The fact that the Andalites were allowed to construct a ground base is irreprehensable." The other Subvisser said.

"Yes, Subvisser 7, it's important to remember that no one is perfect. Repeated faliures by the same people should not be overlooked, but you can't blow your top off at every mistake."

"I know exactly what should be done, to get rid of those hairballs." Subvisser 6 said. "We outnumber them by quite a bit. I will order both Pool Ships and all bugfighters to attack the Domeship. I will also have all ground forces swarm the enemy ground base and flood every hallway with Hork-Bajir controllers. It will be a massacre!"

"A massacre indeed. Our troops would also be mostly massacred, which is not something I'm going to approve!" Visser 25 said.

"All of the important people would be safe. The three of us, and some liutenants. Afterwards we'll just send for more troops and resume our duties as before." Subvisser 7 said.

"Look. A good leader is as loyal to his soldiers as they are to him. If I authorize something like this, no soldier assigned to me afterwards will ever trust me. I'm not here to slaughter the enemy. I'm here to try to end this war as quickly as possible, with the least amount of blood spilt. Now get out! Such an idiotic idea has put me in a foul mood."

The two Subvissers stormed out, and I crept out into the hallway after them. I felt it might be better to watch them for a bit than to watch the Visser. They were thinking dangerous thoughts.

"Anyone who tolerates failure is a failure himself!" Subvisser 6 shouted out of earshot of the Visser in the empty hallway.

"But what can we do? Without the Visser's consent, the troops won't take those kinds of orders.."

"Then I suppose the Visser will have to be removed from the equasion." Subvisser 6 said softly.

Subvisser 7 looked up and down the hallway. "Are you suggesting we...kill Visser 25?"

"I refuse to tolerate failure, and that also means following those who fail. Visser 25 is too soft to be a true leader. This war is far above any war a Yeerk has faced before. I will go to the lab and fix a little poison to put in the Visser's drink. You begin making the plans for the grand assault. Meet back at his office in half an hour."

***

Prince Mutaro had called me to the Dome in the morning. Foosal had already been sent out to help place the wepons on a couple of islands on the lake.

<Warrior Claxter, I have been talking to the captain and other important officials about Visser 25. It has been decided that we need more information about him to help us defeat him. I convinced them to let you take a mission to watch him, although there were other spies willing to do the job..

<May I ask why you picked me, sir?>

<You are young, and are largely unbiased and open mind compared to the older spies. You see there's watching someone, and then there's really watching someone and taking in everything objectively.>

<Yes sir.>

<The Visser is in the main headquarters on planet, in a heavily guarded installation. They are also on guard for spies trying to get in. Fortunately I have a plan, that involves the parasite I hold in my hand.>

I recoiled slightly as all four eyes focused in his closed right fist. He opened it, and I saw.....nothing. Certaintly not the kind of creature I feared would be clutched in his hand, that he may expect me to morph. Then I saw a few short hairs move on his hand, and a black dot appeared.

<Look closely, and you will notice a minute, bloodsucking bug in my palm.>

<Why did you say parasite before, instead of bug?>

<I wanted to see the expression on your face.>

Prince Mutaro had a mean side. <Is it possible to morph something so small?>

<Anything that has DNA can be morphed. I don't know if things this small have been morphed before, but you're going to try now.>

And so I did. I plucked the creature from my Prince's hand, and it crawled around on my short hairs before stopping. I aquired its DNA, and placed it in a container that Prince Mutaro held up. No sense in letting it loose to aggravate some hapless random Andalite.

As I started, the first thing to happen was shrinking. I shrank at such a rapid rate that I felt like I was falling. It was a bit like my lizard or bird morph, except it was even longer. I was smaller than a grain of sand when I finished my morph on a flat stone.

<I don't suspect the instincts are very difficult, are they?>

I could hear my Prince's voice. The insect's brain kicked in, but it wasn't in much of a hurry to get anywhere. It could sense light, blood, and vibration. It knew something warm blooded was near, and it wanted closer. I could climb to the incredible heights of the top of a grass blade to await something to brush past. I could patiently wait there for the chance to fill my belly up with blood.

<I am still here, sir. This creature feels no fear, or anything strong at all.>

<Good. You may demorph as I tell you the plan. My War Prince is planning an attack on the main base to test its strength. There's a fair chance our forces won't get in, so if they don't we will use it as cover to sneak you in. You will ride one of my warriors into battle as that insect, and hitch a ride on a controller. When he returns to the base, you will get off and try to find Visser 25. You'll need your lizard for that, as I doubt the bug would be useful past the first point.>

<Yes sir.>

<There is one other thing. Once you are in, you will have no one to help you. You will have no safety line. Fasool will be away, and the odds of you fighting your way back out are very slim. There is a force field around the main hub of the compund, and a wall surrounding the hub and its separate buildings. You will need to be very careful, and not take any unnessecary risks.>

That made me nervous. I had had Fasool there with me for the last two missions. For the first time, we would truly be separated. I wondered if they had told him exactly what I was doing. I wondered if he should be told.

In another hour, I was riding in a vehicle with Prince Mutaro and another one of his Warriors who volunteered to be my carrier. I was nervous because I knew this was just the easy part. He was nervous because he'd be running out to face an army of Hork-Bajir warriors with his comrades. Just before we reached the desitnation I began morphing, and the clock started ticking. Prince Mutaro deposited me in the inside of the back of the Warrior's armor, and sent him out.

Vibration everywhere! It was enough to rattle just about anyone, but my insect was calm. He was in a warm, dark place, so he had little conscern for the apocalyptic earthquake he was feeling.

<We have engaged the Hork-Bajir!> The Warrior told me in private thought speak. It was go time, so to the bug's dissmay I left the warmth and darkness for the outside world. The Warrior was told to hit low, and aim for the enemy's legs. I jumped off and found an enemy crawling along the ground that surely had a gash on his leg. I crawled inside his armor, and told the Warrior I had landed.

The Warrior then told Prince Mutaro which Hork-Bajir not to shoot at or attack, then left to fight other opponents. The wounded enemy got back to the back lines and was patched up. I managed to jump off before he was sent out again, and hitched rides until I was finally on the other side of the force field. Later I found a place to demorph, and morph the lizard. Now the hard part began.

I found out that the main building is where the offices were, including Visser 25's. The other buildings were the laboratory, storage, barraks, mess hall, ect. I hid out there until the battle was over, and things settled down. It wasn't too long before the Visser returned and his top subordinates came to speak to him.

***

The two Subvissers separated down the hallway, leaving me very worried. They were going to poison Visser 25, and inact a plan that could destroy all of our forces and most of theirs. What was I to do? I had to warn the Visser. It would save his life, but he would be able to stop this plan. How could I warn him. Open thought speak was out of the question. He was still an enemy, even if I was trying to save him. Maybe I could send him a message to his computer anonymously.

I had a Hork-Bajir morph, but I needed one from someone that was supposed to be here. I raced outside to get to the barracks, where I would surely find sleeping Hork-Bajir. The forcefield was operating, but I waited for someone to pass through the doorway and went with them. In the barracks I found a dark area with sleeping controllers. Who should I morph? Someone who would stay asleep for a while, so there wouldn't be two of the same person walking around.

Just then, I had a thought. It was crazy, and I had no idea if it would work. Anything with DNA could be morphed, but was it possible to mix DNAs? It hadn't been done before, and I wished I had someone to consult. I was running out of time, though. I demorphed in a far corner, and crept very quietly to two Hork-Bajir in beds. I touched their blades, which had no nerve endings to feel anything with, and started. All it would take was one warrior to open his eyes, and I'd have twenty enemies on top of me in seconds.

That did it. I had now aquired two sets of Hork-Bajir DNA simultaneously. I then focused on the images of both Hork-Bajir. In that dimmly lighted room, my body began to change. When it was completed, I grabbed a uniform out of a nearby locker, and stepped out into the light.

It worked! I looked similar to the two warriors, and yet not the same. I had melded two elements seamlessly to create something that looked alike and different at the same time. Andalite artists had a word for this called Frolis, though it usually pertained to painting and such. Even so, I decided to call this move the Frolis maneuver.

There were a lot of Hork-Bajir walking around outside, so I strode purposefully back to the main building. The guard at the forcefield let me in, and I found an empty office. The computer was on, so I had little problem composing a message. I entitled it Your life is in danger!. Below I warned him not to consume anything given to him without checking it for poison first. He had ten minutes to read that letter before the Subvissers returned.

I then went to find Subvisser 7, who was making plans to attack. I found out that the reason so many soldiers were moving around outside, is because they are making their way to a large meeting room in the back of the main building. I entered the meeting room to find a hundred soldiers in elite uniforms lined up before Subvisser 7.

"Soon we will be making a glorious final attack at the enemy! We will break them before they become strong! We will annihalate them en mass off the face of this planet and in orbit!"

He was giving a speech. Exciting everyone before the battle. I was tempted to shout out that most of the soldiers would die as well as the enemy, but I was afraid to draw attention to myself. I wondered what they were planning to do once Visser 25 was dead. Dispose of the body, then after the attack just maintain control over whatever is left? I wondered who these soldiers were more loyal to. The Visser, or the Subvissers? I noticed a control console behind the Subvisser. He was broadcasting the message to all other places, and possibly the Pool Ships. He just conveniently left out that Visser 25 was unaware of what was going on under his nose.

[Chad32]

For future reference, I typically have more work hours on Friday-Sunday. This means I have less time to to fun stuff like type. If there's ever a delay late in the week, it's likely because of this.

Here's part two! Depending on how things go, I might start making really long chapters like this often. I'll either put them into parts and post them every couple of days, or wait about a week and post the whole thing.

Book One: Chapter 3 - Part Two

The speech ended, and the soldiers were dismissed until further notice. No one noticed as I followed Subvisser 7 out of the room. I didn't really know what to do at the moment, but I followed him until he met up with the other Subvisser. I was standing at the far end of the hallway when I saw a drinking glass in Subvisser 6's hand. That had to be the poison! I casually followed them into Visser 25's office, though I still had no plan of action that wouldn't be very risky.

"What do you two want now?" Visser 5 asked impatiently.

"I have returned to apologize for my earlier outburst. I've come to give you a drink to help you with your work." Subvisser 6 said, and placed the glass beside the Visser. Visser 25 looked at the glass, then his subordinates, then his computer screen. He then stood up.

"So this is the way of it? I was warned you would try to poison me, but I didn't want to believe you'd do such a thing!"

Subvisser 6 looked very shocked, but then glared at Subvisser 7. "You!" He screamed.

"What!? I'm on your side! Don't be ridiculous!"

"There was no one else in the hallway! It had to be you!"

"You've lost your minds." Visser 25 said.

Subvisser 6 lunged at Visser 25 in a rage, and I started to move towards them as they grappled. I was shoved aside as Subvisser 7 ran out in terror. In an impressive display of skill, Visser 25 subdued Subvisser 6, leaving him stunned on the ground. He got a Dracon beam out of his desk and handed it to me.

"Keep him here!" He ordered before running after the other Subvisser.

I now stood there, aiming a weapon at an enemy extremist who was quite possibly out of his mind. He recovered from the attack and glared at me.

"You have to listen to me. The Visser is too slow and is taking too long. By the time he gets around to doing something, the Andalites will become too powerful. It's best to wipe them out now, while they're still trying to build up."

"I will not condone the slaughter of so many lives just to defeat an enemy. That's no way to win a war." I said.

"And what do you know? Who are you, anyway? I haven't seen you around here long."

"Um...recent transfer. Sir"

"I'm the one who reviews and signs transfer orders. I would recognize..." He fell silent. It was as if the gears were working in his head. He was a smart Yeerk, though I suppose that's why he holds a high Subvisser rank. "You were the one who warned the Visser. How did you know what we talked about?"

That is when I shot him. The weapon was on a stun setting, so he didn't disintegrate. I dragged him behind the desk, and found some cable to tie him up. I needed to get out of there. I strolled as casually as I could stand it out of the building to the force field.

"Let me out please."

"Sorry. I've got orders from the Visser just a minute ago not to let anyone through."

I couldn't think of anything to say to that, so I walked off. I was trapped, and eventually they would come looking for me. I walked behind a building where no one could see, and demorphed. I was very tired from this mission, and wasn't sure what to do. I was all alone, and trapped behind a forcefield wall. I didn't have the energy to try to find the generator for the forcefield and turn it off.

I wondered if I'd be able to morph the insect and crawl under the field. That would require morphing, traveling, demorphing, and remorphing to get over the wall. If only the field wasn't there, I could just morph the bird and fly away. I stared down at the Dracon beam I still had with me. The thought that passed through my mind just then was very risky, but I would try.

I began to morph the bird. It was a local of this planet, so its appearance wouldn't be too startling. I morphed the bird, and clutched the gun in my talons. I didn't think there was anyone around to see what I was about to do. any guard on the wall would be facing out. I took flight, low to the ground, towards the station where the guard was. He just eyed me curiously until I brought the dracon beam up and stunned him. I then blasted the control switch which turned the section of forcefield off, dropped the weapon, and took to the air! I was out and over the wall!

My ears could hear commotion coming from behind, but I wasn't shot at. By the time anyone realised what was happening, I would be in the trees. I found some nice thermals created by the midday sun, and soared back to base. I met up with Prince Mutaro, and told him what was going on, and he said he would report it to the captain. Fasool was very eager to see me, and said they were mean to not tell him where I was.

After that, I went to my quarters and took a long nap. Later I would find out that Subvisser 7 managed to elude Visser 25. a great rift would be caused by Visser 25 accusing his subordinate of treason, and the Subvisser accusing his superior of being an Andalite sympathizer. With the forces split, Subvisser's plan would not go down, and Visser 25 would lose his advantage over our forces.

I got some extra sleep, and didn't do much else until the next day.

[Chad32]

I apologize for being late with this. Things got a bit busy and I haven't had much time to do this. The second to last chapter of book one is up! New chapters will arrive weekly, and be put out on Fridays.

Book One - Chapter Four

The next day Claxter got up and helped Fasool with his ship maintenance. He said it was standard procedure to do every day, so he checked things as Claxter resupplied the ship and helped with some inspections and system checks. When they were done, Prince Mutaro stood outside the ship.

<Come here you two. I need to tell you both something.> He said as they trotted over. <You two seem to be getting pretty used to the lives of Warriors.>

<It's a glorious career, sir!> Fasool said.

<Indeed!> Claxter said.

<Well, the next promotion up is Prince. There's something important you two will need to do before ever being considered for this promotion, though. The main part of a Prince's duties is leading Warriors, and previous experience in leading will be needed before an Andalite gets promoted to that rank. That is why you will both come with me to the Domeship to see the new Aristh recruits.>

<You mean we'll have Arisths under us to do what we say?> Fasool asked.

<Yes. You will have the responsibilies of training them, just as my old Warriors trained you before.>

The Prince and Warriors took a ship out of the landing bay of the ground base and flew up to the Domeship where the new recruits had recently been transferred. Many memories crossed Claxter's mind on the trip up. Memories of his first arrival into the military, and training under his assigned Warrior.

<May I ask what the Arisths will do while we're on missions?> Claxter asked.

<Our recent victories, including the betrayal of Subvisser 7 and the divide of enemy troops, has brought us the advantage in this war. Further missions will be carried out by other Warriors and Princes while you two focus on Aristh training.>

When they arrived at the Domeship docking bay, they headed for the dome where five Arisths were. Three of them were huddled together, while one looked around at everything curiously and another couldn't seem to stand still.

<Three of them remind me of the two of you during your first week.>

Fasool and Claxter looked at each other with their stalk eyes and chuckled. They remembered all too well, even though it had been months ago. Prince Mutaro walked up and began to speak.

<Greetings. I am Prince Mutaro, and I will be one of your superiors while you are here. I have a few things to say before->

That is when the antsy Aristh ran forward, swing his tail back and forth enthusiastically. <Come on! Let's get started! I want to burn some Yeerks! I want to tail fight! I want->

A loud crack from Claxter's tail broke through the hasty speech and rendered all the Arisths silent. Claxter stepped close to the Andalite child's face. <This is the part where you stand at attention and listen to every word that Prince Mutaro gives you the privilege of hearing! Otherwise you will be given a desk job, and we'll make sure you never see real action in this military for your entire career!>

Most Andalites within earshot just stared silently in awe or fear.

<I'm sorry Prince Mutaro.> The Aristh said sheepishly.

<That was the greatest thing ever. You completely owned that upstart!> Fasool said privately.

<As I was saying, you will all receive basic training according to your skill level by my Warrior subordinates. All seven of you will report to me. Three of you have been designated for Fighter training, and two of you have been assigned to morphing training. That is why you have been assigned to me, and why I will have these two Warriors be your direct superiors. Once you complete basic training, you will be promoted and go on real missions.> Prince Mutaro said. He then directed private thought speak to Claxter and Fasool. <Good luck, you too. You can come to me if you need help, but try to do most of it on your own. Don't ty too little or too hard.

The wild Aristh and two of the huddlers were escorted to the docking bay with Fasool, while Claxter was left with the other two.

For the lessons, Claxter had some other Andalites  capture animals and brought up to the ship while he instructed his Arisths in basic tail fighting. He taught them how to strike without subconsciously giving clues as to when and where they were about to strike. He also taught them how to watch their enemy, but also their surroundings. By afternoon, a good selection of animals had been brought for morphing. The animals had been sedated for easier handling, so they were anywhere from unconscious to just very calm.

<Alright students. You will now acquire some morphs. We will start with this one.>

Claxter walked up to a small mammal that was three feet tall and three feet wide. It looked like a green hairball with a long face. They all touched it, and Claxter showed them how to morph. Soon the three assumed the form of the animal.

It was a grazer that ran in herds. andalites once ran in herds long ago, though they now lived in smaller groups. This animal was similar to Andalites in this way, plus the instincts were not hard to control. The creatures had decent eyesight, but excellent hearing and smell. Since they smelled and heard no predators, they felt safe.

<Alright, follow me.> Claxter said as he took off. They ran a little and took in the dome through the senses of a different animal. Even though Claxter was the Warrior, the instinct of the animal was always to stick together. So any time one of the three took off in a direction, the other two would immediately follow.

Some other Andalites feeding and resting in the area looked on and laughed in amusement. It was something different and interesting to distract them from the intensity of battles. Eventually the group found themselves back to the cages, and ready to try something else.

They next tried a large predator morph. Claxter stayed in his own form as the Arisths morphed an agile predator with four legs, stiff tails, and intimidating fangs. The beasts were four feet tall at the shoulders, and six feet long from shoulder to hind quarter.

<The territorial instinct will be strong because these predators are loners who attack most anything they see. You must resist it in order to properly use the morph together in a mission.> claxter said.

Unfortunately, they did not answer. They just glared and snapped at each other. Claxter got between them and helped them bring the morphs under control. They walked around with the morphs, which the other Warriors did not find quite as amusing. There was an instant when they began chasing one Andalite, but were brought back under control.

The last morph was a small rodent that was small enough to hold in one hand. With this, the Arisths learned how to control deep fear and almost insatiable hunger. After the last morph, they rested.

Unfortunately, something was wrong. some Warriors who tried to leave the dome couldn't get the door open, and someone noticed the enemy Pool Ship lomming closer outside the dome. They were under attack!

[Chad32]

Book One - Chapter Five

The enemy Pool ship flew close to the Liberator in space. The Dome ship's main cannon began firing as the Pool ship brought out the bug fighters. Most of the warriors were in the dome, with only ten patrollers outside. The command center should have detected the Pool ship long before it got this close.

<Something is very wrong. The Pool ship is far too close, and we're locked inside this dome.> Claxter said over the thought speak noise of alarmed Warriors, crying to get out.

<We need to get out of here!>
<What is going on?>
<What is happening at the Battle Bridge?>
<We're under attack!>
<Let us out!>

<Alright Arisths, are you ready for your first real mission?> Claxter asked.

<No.>
<Maybe.>

<Start morphing the small rodents. We're getting out through the ventilation port.>

Claxter morphed the lizard, and the others morphed the rodents by the wall. They latched on to his back as he scaled up the wall and took the grate off. The other Warriors crowded beneath them and waited anxiously. The group went through the ventilation tunnel until they were outside the dome, demorphed, and opened the latch from the outside.

<All pilots get to the docking bay! Grab shredders on your way there, and expect the enemy guarding the ships. I think the Dome ship has been hijacked.>

All the Warriors left as they felt a concussion from a hit that shook the ship.

<What was that?> One of the Arisths asked.

<I think we just lost the engines. The main cannons are firing, but they may just be on autofire. If the enemy hacks the computer and shuts down the main cannon, we're dead.>

They ran down the main hallway to the Battle Bridge. Down the dome shaft are four hallways. The main hallway goes straight between the dome and the battle bridge. There is a left hallway that connects the sleeping quarters and medical rooms. A right hallway connects the holding cells. There is a lower hallway that connects the docking bays, which is where the Warriors went.

Claxter's team got to the outside of the Battle Bridge. <Prince Mutaro. Are you alright? It's Claxter.>

<Claxter! You got out of the dome? What about the other Warriors?>

<My Arisths and I freed them, and they're on their way to the docking bay. What is going on, sir?>

<Hork-Bajir Warriors have infiltrated the Dome ship. The Captain locked them out of the computer, and set the main cannon to autofire. They beat him for information, but he held strong. We've all held strong, but two of them have taken him out of the bridge to lower troop morale. Your first order is to free him. Hurry!>

<Start morphing your predator morphs. I will sneak past them as a lizard and demorph in an open cell. When I give the command, come around the corner and attack. We'll hit them from the front and behind.>

Claxter morphed the lizard and snuck around by clinging to the ceiling. The two Hork-Bajir stood outside the first cell, while the bruised Captain lay inside. Claxter demorphed and gave the command. The Arisths came around, and the Hork-Bajir drew their dracon beams, but were hit from behind before they could fire. Claxter opened the cell while the Arisths stood by.

<We are here to rescue you, Captain. I am Warrior Claxter.> He said.

<Yes, I have heard of you. You've been doing well.>

<Thank you, sir. We will escort you to sick bay to attend to your injuries.>

<I will be fine momentarily.> The Captain said as he laid his tail on the arm of one of the Hork-Bajir. <We will morph these Controllers and take their armor and weapons, then go back to the Batte Bridge. Arisths, drag these two into the cell and watch them.>

There was a small explosion that came from the Docking Bay.

<The Warriors must have blasted the door open to escape. The atmospheric containment field will go up, but their ships will be able to pass through.> Claxter said.

They quickly walked back to the bridge and were let in. Inside there were four Hork-Bajir. One was trying to hack into the main control console, and the other three were watching the crewmen, Prince Mutaro, and a few other officials.

"What are you doing back? Someone should be watching the Captain."

"We managed to get the security codes from him." The Captain said. "He wasn't so brave once we got him alone. Then we killed him once he was useless to us."

"Well hurry up. Subvisser 7 will be angry enough with us as it is for making him wait."

Suddenly Prince Mutaro's tail flashed! One of the three guard fell, dead, and Prince Mutaro rushed the Captain. Claxter drew his weapon and made sure the setting was on stun before firing, but Prince Mutaro was too fast! He dodged once more before he was right in front of Claxter.

His tail struck a blow that would have decapitated Claxter is he hadn't jerked his head quickly enough. The blade came down and severed his shoulder, and Prince Mutaro grabbed the dracon beam.

"Aauuggh!" Claxter yelled. Unfortunately, he mistakenly yelled in thought speak as well. At that moment, time seemed to slow down. He could be the bewildered faces of his superior and comrades, as well as the enemy.

<Claxter?> Prince Mutaro asked in disbelief.

Tseww!
Tseww!
Tseww!
Tseww!

The sound of dracon fire filled the room, and four Hork-Bajir Controllers fell to the ground.

<Attention crew!> The Captain yelled in thought speak as he began to demorph. <Man your stations now! Claxter, demorph before you bleed to death! Mutaro, get to your ship and take down those bugfighters! We are in emergency status! The Pool Ship is hovering just out of critical striking range. We're surrounded by bugfighters, and are on the defensive. Our engines are down, and we're dead in space. I need a plan, and I need it now!>

An Andalite wearing the uniform of a Tactical Officer came to the Captain's side. <I say we shut down the main cannon, sir. Subvisser 7 has been out of contact with his troops in here, and doesn't know who's in control right now.>

<Yes. We'll let them think they've won, and hit them when they're too close to pull back, but too far away to fire at us. Claxter, go to your Arisths, and head for the dome. That's where they will be safest.>

Claxter left the bridge, but began hearing dracon fire down the hallway towards the docking bay. As he rounded the corner, he could see Prince Mutaro at the next corner. Someone was shooting down the hallway.

<What is going on, sir!?>

<Two bug fighter crews must have landed inside the docking bay. They're trying to reinforce their comrades.> He said as he tried to get off some shots. <Two Hork-Bajir and two Taxxons. Your standard bugfighter crew.>

Further down the hall, they heard the cries of animals. The Arisths had come from behind, and attacked the Hork-Bajir! Prince Mutaro leaped into the hallway and shot down the Taxxons while they were distracted, and the Arisths finished off the Hork-Bajir.

<We heard shots and came to help!>

<Nice timing.> Claxter said. <Now let's head for the dome. The battle may be over soon.>

<Hey Claxter. I apologize for before.> Prince Mutaro said.

<It's fine, sir. I'm not upset.>

Prince Mutaro raced for the docking bay while the others headed for the dome. Inside the dome, they could see the Pool Ship draw closer. Then a mighty blast for the main cannon blew through its shields and destroyed its underside. The bug fighters began scrambling as they lost the protection of the main ship, and the tide was turned.

***

It turned out that the Hork-Bajir had gotten into the ship inside a cargo frieghter. They avoided detection with holographic technology that military intelligence wasn't aware they had access to.

With the loss of one of the Pool Ships, the enemy's chances of victory were slim. Visser 25 called down the other Pool Ship and fled with the forces that were loyal to him. Whatever was left was destroyed by the Andalite fleet.

The Liberator sustained heavy damage in combat, but was repaired and soon ready for the next assignment. Claxter and Fasool both had large parts in the protection of the Liberator, as the main cannon would have been destroyed shortly after the engines if not for Fasool and his Arisths.

Both Warriors were promoted to Prince shortly afterwards, and for the part he played in the general success of the latest mission, Prince Mutaro was promoted to War Prince.

****************************************************************

Book One has ended. Next week, Book Two: Professionals will begin. New allies and new enemies await Claxter as he is assigned to another mission on another world. One Yeerk accomplishes the unspeakable. Al this next week, in Book Two.

[Chad32]

Friday has come, but I'm not quit finished with the chapter. I've been busy most of the week. I'll give you wnat I have, which is most of the chapter, and edit the rest later.

CoaAS: Book Two - Professionals

Book Two: Chapter One

Today was a new day, with a new mission on a new planet. This planet had a sentient species called Zugars, and they had named their planet Taloran. Zugars are a subterranean species with brown and black markings, that walks on four legs. They have the capacity to dig quickly through stone, and eat minerals as their main food source. They grow to ten feet at the shoulder, and fifteen feet from shoulder to hip.

Claxter had been sent on a scouting and reconnaissance mission with some Warriors. The scout ship had good shielding and speed, but little in the way of firepower.

He had found that a Yeerk force was there, and their main base was on the moon. They had a ground base, but it was destroyed when the Zutars discovered the Yeerks. With little in the way of space technology, the Zugars have been unable to attack the moon base.

Claxter had flown half way across Taloran's solar system with his crew, but since he had been promoted to Prince he was given greater responsibilities than before. He returned to the Dome ship, and left his Warriors to report to War Prince Mutaro in the bridge.

The Captain stood at the main control console along with the Tactical Officer, Force Commander, and War Prince Mutaro. Flying the ship was Fasool, who was overjoyed at the privilege of doing so. He was also quite nervous, flying the most important ship in the fleet.

<Welcome back Claxter.> War Prince Mutaro said. <Give us your status report.>

***

The last mission had officially ended a month ago. Time was taken to repair damage on the Dome ship and ground base. The Captain received a communication order by the High Command to make for another planet at the earliest time. Much of the force had been left on the planet, and we flew to a major station to pick up Andalites who were recently assigned to the Liberator.

Things were calming down a bit, so Claxter and Fasool began acting like their old selves before the war. Claxter was a somewhat laid back and cheerful type, while Fasool was the energetic and competitive type. They kind of balanced each other out, which is largely why they got along in the first place.

Finally they came upon the solar system where Taloran was. They knew of the Yeerk presence, but not the details of the situation. So they sent Claxter in a scouting ship with four Warriors to the planet while the Dome ship sat in orbit two planets away.

The scout ship landed safely on the planet, where Claxter's team was quickly noticed by the locals. They weren't sure what to make of Andalites, but Claxter explained a bit about them. Due to Seerow's Kindness, he was unable to talk very much about his people. However, he gained the trust of a few people in the local military. One of the more open minded Zugars was General Hutaig.

"We realize that your people likely have their secrets, and I understand that. We have our own secrets. I do hope that our forces can get along well enough to defeat the parasites that call themselves Yeerks, without either side needing to break any laws." He said.

<Thank you General. That would be easier for both of us. Could you explain the condition of this situation for me?>

"Yes. You see, our species lives undergroud, where radioactive elements can be found. We have the ability to sense this radiation, and that has helped us survive. We see ourselves as fairly advanced, and our military had located unknown levels of radiation. Upon further investigation, it was found that some of our own had come into contact with small levels of this radiation. What we found was quite startling."

<The radiation would have been Kondrona rays, and since Yeerks feed off this radiation, it is possible that theier bodies give off traces of it.>

"At first we thought it was an unknown parasite from this planet, but when the person started talking about aliens, we knew there was an invasion going on. The major ground base wasn't hard to find or destroy."

<What about the dracon weapons and force fields? Surely the Yeerks had access to those.>

"Our hides are very tough, so those handheld guns don't hurt very much. As for the force fields, the Yeerks underestimated the speed at which we could dig through rock. We just dug under the field."

<So now they are only on the moon?>

"Yes, the moon. We subterranean types have little desire to travel to the stars, so our technology is more developed for underwater travel than space travel. We've made some attempts at stealing bug fighters, but it's been quite futile."

<Would you allow us to build a ground base on this planet?>

"I don't have that kind of authority."

<Do you know who is in charge of enemy operations?>

"The allies that we have rescued from the Yeerks speak of a Visser 32, but neither them nor the Yeerks that controlled them has ever seen Visser 32. He seems to be an enigma."

<Thank you General Hutaig. I'll keep in contact.>