The Green: Last Chance

It seemed like a lifetime ago that I woke up in the lab and didn't know what I was. I knew what I was now and that scared me at times. But that was to be expected. I was a clone and so was I really me? That question had to be set aside as Plague and myself were making a report to our superiors.

We were in an elementary school classroom. That's what it used to be, at least. Now it had been assigned as a base for the army and those who fought against the people infested by Gralg.

I looked at Plague and calmed myself down. It wasn't that the people frightened me as much as what our report contained. The world had been ending and now there was only time to throw one final punch before everything crumbled. I didn't mind the odds when there was hope, but there didn't seem to be any of that now.

"We have a solution." Plague said and our superiors just looked at him with interest. "The scientists in Winchester, Kentucky are just about to finish their work. Once that is done we should have a shot at curing the infected and immunizing every one."

Our superiors started talking in hushed tones to each other before turning back to us.

"And what do you think, Clohn?" One of them asked.

I was proud at having my new name being used. It was an honor to have my past recognized. Not because my past was good, but because I know knew it. I knew where I came from.

"I believe that is our best option." I replied. "These scientists will be our last chance against stopping the end of the world. If you're worried about the risk, Plague and myself can go. That way you won't lose a lot of men."

"Though I am loathe to single out any one person as being important," A different superior said. "You and Plague are two of our best men. I would think it would be more prudent to consider the fact that both of you might die on this mission."

"With respect, sir," Plague replied and moved closer to the front of what used to be a classroom. Already the effects of the Gralg infestation could be seen here, though the actually Gralg had not yet been spotted on the premise. "We are hardly the most useful people you have at your command. There are other more experienced people that would be able to take our place."

Our superiors again talked to each other before saying anything to us. These moments were the most stressful as having to wait for an answer got very stressful quickly. If Plague and I weren't allowed on this mission then I'd have to twiddle my thumbs wanting to do something. Maybe it wouldn't be so bad for Plague, but it would be torture for me.

"Matthias, don't worry." Plague looked back and whispered to me. I gave him a half-hearted smile and he turned to face our superiors again.

Finally our superiors turned to us.

"We will let you get the scientists out of Kentucky. If you know you are about to fail the mission, turn back. We won't risk you if you purposefully put yourself into harm's way." The one who had spoken first said.

We saluted our superiors and then left to go back to the small office that we were using as a bedroom. Upon entering I sat down in a chair.

"You're nervous?" Plague asked me.

"I'm excited." I said. "But, yes, I'm also nervous. What if they're right and we're risking our lives for nothing? Wouldn't it be better to just wait for the end of the world than dying trying to stop it?"

"We won't die. Besides, do you really want to sit around here and just do nothing?"

"Thought it worked out well last time."

"I think we're recalling events differently." Plague said with a hint of a smile.

"But, yes, doing something is much preferable to sitting around and doing nothing." I replied.

"I need you to stay sane until this is all over."

Looking at his face I knew that tonight might be our last peaceful night together if the mission didn't go correctly. If it turned out the scientists didn't really have a cure then the world would continue to be taken over by the infected until all human life was gone. If Plague died then I didn't know what I'd do. At least in the first scenario I knew I could fight in place of thinking too deeply. But what was the point of living in a peaceful world without Plague by my side?

"Yeah, until this is all over." I said while trying to keep the pain from my voice.

"I'll be fine." Plague replied and took my hands in his own. "This mission will be a success and then we can start a life together."

We kissed and then spent the entire night without letting go of each other.
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I packed up what I would need for the mission. Food, clothing, and weapons. My excitement to be doing something was kept in check by the worry that things wouldn't go as planned. It was unlikely that this mission would go smoothly.

I sat down in the passenger seat and watched as Plague sat down in the driver's seat.

"We'll be back to normal soon." Plague said and started the car.

"And have all the pancakes we want." I replied with a hopeful smile.
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 The atmosphere in the car was tense. We had been driving for awhile and getting gas had been a chore. A little taste of the battle yet to come. If there was going to be a battle and not a massacre. Plague and I had come close to dying when we had stopped to go to the restroom. We both didn't want to stop but the drive wasn't short enough that we could make it without relieving ourselves at least once.

I looked at Plague and saw him remaining calm. I checked my own expression in the side view mirror and didn't like what it revealed. My face looked like it was holding back a breakdown. I tried to control my face and finally managed to make it similar to Plague's.

He turned to me and smiled, but then his face returned to his former calm expression.

A few minutes later I saw the town come into view and felt fear like I hadn't before. This was it. This was the final move towards humanity's salvation. And my first look at the city showed that our task was going to be far from easy.

Plague stopped the car and we quickly got our weapons as the screaming in the distance continued. I steadied my hands as I gathered my weapons for this venture. I looked at the food and reminded myself that Plague and I would have a picnic once this mission was over. I cocked my gun and looked at Winchester.

It might've been a beautiful city in the past, but now Gralg was all over the buildings and ground. Inspecting my surroundings I saw movements of the infected. We had been noticed.

Turning to Plague I saw him looking at me.

"This is it." He said and we kissed briefly.

"For good luck?" I joked and a hint of a smile was shown on his lips.

We then put on our masks to protect us from any airborne Gralg that decided to come our way. I hated the new rule of wearing masks as they felt uncomfortable on my face. But I knew that every one had to stay safe.

Plague set a slow and steady pace as we came close to entering the city, but I just wanted to run. I hated waiting because danger felt more real that way. Waiting allowed my mind to wander to places that I wanted to keep hidden. And those places were meant to stay hidden or else I'd lose my sanity.

After an eternity the waiting was over. An infected came towards me and I shot it. I yelled in joy as the possibility of surviving became real to me. I was reminded that celebrating too early is dangerous as a bullet flew inches behind my head and killed an infected.

"Tha-" I said and turned my attention to the infected that were quickly coming after us.

I hid behind a trashcan after battling more infected and rested for a second. I had to calm myself down or else I'd be useless to every one. I had to save the world so I had to focus.

Once an infected came up behind me I was drawn out of my own thoughts. I kicked it and it fell down while grabbing my leg. I shot it in the head and got up quickly.

Where was Plague?

I started running around shooting down the infected in my way. Blood filled the places where I walked, but I couldn't find him. When I thought he was dead or worse I heard a gunshot. There he was and I battled my way to the small store.

We nodded to each other and a woman's scream made us turn our heads to watch. The infected were backing away from this one woman. They were excited. Had I passed other uninfected people? It was possible because my mind was only focusing on the infected. It was those people that were dangerous.

As her screams increased and she fell down with her legs spread, I knew what was going to happen. I didn't want to focus on the future. I didn't want to focus on the thing that was slowly coming out of her.

The blur's head came out and fear increased in me. While the infected were dangerous, the blur was smaller and faster. It would be hell to make sure it didn't kill me or Plague while also focusing on the infected.
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 The screams were too loud to bare. I couldn't tell if they came from me or the infected chasing me. Every chance I got I shot back at them. I couldn't stop moving and focus solely on them or else I'd never arrive at my destination. The blur made its final battle cry as I shot it down.

I wanted to shout in joy and celebrate killing the abomination that had been chasing me for what seemed like eternity. But was probably only a few minutes. Minutes that would make it hard for me to sleep tonight. If I lived long enough to fall asleep. Or if I could find a bed that would allow me to become calm enough to dream.

"Plague!" I shouted and shot an infected that appeared from nowhere. It probably had appeared from somewhere, they weren't supernatural after all, but my fear was blinding me. Not good.

"Plague!" I shouted again and had to dodge an infected. My movements appeared slower to me but I still had to fight. I couldn't lie down and die. I still had to find Plague and get to the lab. I wouldn't fail this mission.

I continued to call Plague's name and look for the lab through the hoard of infected. Soon after the blur had been born we had been separated. I couldn't recall the exact reasons we were separated but knew that the infected had begun to attack in an increased fervor shortly before.

The lab seemed to be in sight and then I tripped. Three of the infected took those precious few seconds to attack me. I punched one, hit another, and shot the third. I wasn't going to die without Plague. Not even God himself could go against that one demand.

Standing up I felt my purpose renewed. I was going to get to the lab that was now very close to me and then find Plague so we could get out of Winchester. In the movies my lover showed me, there had always been a downpour to signify a dramatic scene or moment. But the weather here had become bright as the sun came out.

I ran towards the lab and shot at the infected. Now there was no fear in me as my goal was in sight. Another blur came at me and I barely shot it in time. I touched the lab's outer wall and felt happiness. Our Superiors were wrong to doubt Plague and myself. Of course we could get this job done.

We hadn't been involved in the majority of the fighting, but I was far from untrained. I shouted random sounds and shot at the approaching infected. Waiting was all I had to do now. Surely Plague would've figured out where the lab was and would be arriving shortly. There would only be a little more time until he arrived and then we could get out of this place.

What if he had gone inside? No. I knew he wouldn't go in unless I was with him. He was afraid I would get myself killed without him.

The temptation to go in was getting great. If I just got the scientists and their cure I could wait for Plague. He would be very proud of me.

Then I saw Plague's form coming towards me. But something seemed very off. The way he walked was like an infected. Maybe he was blending in. Yes, that was the logical conclusion. Plague was clever and I was surprised that tactic had never occurred to me.

In a few seconds I found my rationalizations torn apart. I couldn't deny what I saw. If I denied it I would be dead. But what was the point of living anymore if it was true?

Plague's mask was hanging off and there was a bit of green on his lips. Those lips I had kissed earlier with a good luck kiss. His face was contorted in an angry expression like Thomas Savan had had on his.

"You cheated on me with that whore!" Plague shouted and came at me.

My gun quickly pointed at his head and my mouth was unable to speak. If I shot him then I would live. But was living without Plague worth saving my life?

Plague didn't slow down and my gun kept its aim for a headshot.

Seconds dragged by as I decided what to do. Plague had been my guide, protector, and lover since the beginning. Not the exact beginning, but very close to it. I had grown with him in ways that mere time could not measure.

Before today he had been a human that would always be by my side. Even when in my lust, and stupidity, I had slept with someone else. A lovely woman who had made me feel something that I could never feel with a man. Not even Plague.

He had forgiven me, but now the rage in his eyes showed that memory as the one that was fueling him on. As Plague was an infected, he had become driven mad by the memory. It was hard for me to think of the infected Plague as anything but the rational Plague that I was used to. I thought I could say the right words and he would abandon his madness.

But that wasn't true and I had to learn to accept that.

Plague continued to scream about Jillian and my slip of loyalty. The words he said rung true and my gun started to shake. I had to make my choice now.

Pulling the trigger only took a few seconds, but the damage would last much longer. Plague's corpse fell down and I tried to look for a sign that he was thankful to have been put out of his misery.

However, he was like the rest of the infected in that his humanity hadn't been returned to him.

As I thought about Plague's death and the fact that I killed him, my gun seemed to shoot at the other infected without me controlling it. I didn't care about dying now and wondered why I had decided to shoot him. He who had loved me and didn't have any control over his madness.

While I wasn't a soldier by choice, but by necessity, I hadn't fully learned how to control my emotions. I knew those that did the majority of the fighting could hold back any feelings until after they were safely inside a base. I hadn't yet learned that particular trick.

For now tears came down my cheeks and I didn't think of wiping them away. There would just be more after anyways.

After a few minutes I was able to recall the mission and why I found myself in Kentucky. If I didn't get the cure then Plague would have died in vain. I would complete this mission for him and after that...the future would happen tomorrow and so I'd just focus on the now.

The infected had backed away, at least for the moment, and I noticed something. Of course I had been distracted before and so hadn't noticed it.

Signs that the infected had entered the building were there. Maybe there was better protection inside and so these signs meant nothing. Whatever the case was, I raced inside to make sure.

I realized after I entered through the doorway that my hope was short lived. The infected had broken through the windows and so the door being closed wasn't odd. However, the building was trashed. Blood of infected and non-infected alike littered the floor and walls.

I kept running to make sure that the scientists hadn't been killed. Well, the fact was that I needed to make sure that the cure was intact. That sounded callous to myself, but Plague was dead and I didn't care who else died now.

I finally got to the lab and stared at the sight. A lone infected was feasting on one of the dead scientists and it looked at me. I stayed as still as I could and looked around for the cure. My eyes found a small vial. That must be it.

I raced and grabbed it a few seconds before the infected turned its eyes on me and attacked. Killing it was easy and I felt glad that the mission was over. Well, it would be over once I got to the car and left Winchester behind for good.

Then the sounds of more infected came as I turned towards the lab door. I started shooting at them and running out of the building so that I could get to the car.
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The Green Links

Animorphs Re-Read: #1 The Invasion (Chapters 1-4)

Chapter 1

Well, here is the first book that was published.

Ah, the lovely smell of "My name is" along with the reason why the Animorph won't tell you their full name and where they live. The character narrating this book is Jake.

The way this book is written is like the Animorphs are writing down their adventures so that people will know what is going on in case of their deaths. However, this entire series can't be written after the series is over since that wouldn't make sense.

Right from the start the terms 'Controller' and 'Andalites' are given. You know that a 'Controller' is bad while the 'Andalites' who are the good guys are and will rescue humanity.

The first scene is at the mall. I admit I started going to malls because of this series. Don't look at me like that!

Marco is Jake's friend and Jake seems to be jealous of how good Marco is at games. Also shows why Marco becomes Jake's second in command/trusted adviser later.

Jake mentions not getting along like he used to with his older brother Tom. He hoped that some good would come with making his junior high's basketball team. This paints, from the start, how much he admires his older brother.

Tobias, my favorite character of the series hands down, met Jake when our narrator rescued him from bullies. They became sort of friends ever since.

Jake and Marco meet up with Tobias and Marco comments on Jake's gaming skills. Well...lack of them.

Tobias asks if he can walk home with the pair and Jake agrees.

Jake says that Rachel is very pretty and then comments that he doesn't think of her sexually. Those shippers who ship these two: I see your point.

And Jake has a crush on Cassie! I'm so glad that they got married at the end! Oh...wait...I'm trying to cover up the pain again.

I like how Jake describes how Cassie seems to view the world in a very different way than anyone else he knows. This is very true throughout the series.

Jake gives a comment how Rachel and Cassie should walk with the boys since they're girls and it's nice. Love Rachel's response. I didn't really understand feminism when I first read this series but this is a good example.

Jake comments on how things changed in five minutes. He reminisces how he wishes that the fears he used to know were as bad as his fears ever got.

Ah, the construction site. The spot where Jake's life changed forever.

When he entered he was only thinking of the homeless people that lived there. Not aliens from outer space.

Tobias spots the Andalite fighter first. Of course Tobias would spot it first.

Cassie blurts that it's a flying saucer. Ah, yes, the subtlety.


Chapter 2

Marco laughs at the idea of a flying saucer until he sees the Andalite fighter.

Jake spends some time describing the Andalite fighter.

Marco brings up the option of running home and getting a camera to record the real alien spaceship. Jake makes a Star Trek reference and Marco laughs it off. Yes, Marco, you are the expert on all things alien.

Jake mentions being scared but also thinking the event was beyond cool. I don't blame him as I'd be feeling that mixture of emotions too.

Tobias is really excited about this and Jake makes mention that it's the normal things that freak Tobias out.

The Andalite fighter lands by the group of teenagers who stay where they are because they feel they have to be there. That something big is about to happen.

Marco says they should get adults and that they'd get famous for reporting this. Of course Marco would be interested in being famous.

Tobias tells whatever is in the spaceship, and they can't see the alien right now, that they mean it no harm. Another Star Trek reference is made by Cassie who remarks that every one speaks English on Star Trek so that's the common language in reality.

Was Applegate a Trekkie?

The alien talks in thought-speak and Jake is surprised by this. He describes thought-speak as a sound that isn't a sound. The alien continues and says not to be frightened.

Jake sees the alien. He describes the Andalite as harmless looking until you saw the tail-blade.

Tobias tells his Dad hello. Of course he has no idea that Elfangor is his real father at this point in the series. So it's only in hindsight that you're able to feel all these lovely and painful emotions.

Elfangor mentions that he's dying and that there's no help for him now. Cassie is mentioned to work with animals and so sort of knows how to help him. It's here that Elfangor makes mention of the Yeerks though he doesn't mention the species by name. Just says they're on Earth to destroy humanity.


Chapter 3

This chapter begins with repeating the last line of the previous chapter. I don't get why this is done since readers should remember what happened at the bottom of the last page.

Marco brings up the point that an alien species would be noticeable and someone would've mentioned them in the past. Elfangor has trouble saying what he means and so sends an image into the kids' heads.

Elfangor then talks about how Yeerks needs hosts because they're powerless while out of one. He goes on to describe on how the Yeerks take over a person completely.

Rachel is shocked and Jake says that adults should handle this stuff. Elfangor then brings up the fact that the Andalites had tried stopping the Yeerks and that didn't go so great. And now the Yeerks will track Elfangor, kill him, and destroy all traces that he was there.

Cassie asks how the evil aliens can do that. Elfangor gives the pacifist a, "Aw, you're adorably ignorant" look and then explains about Dracon beams.

He also says that he has sent a message to his home world but help might not come for years. In that time the Yeerks will have had more than enough time to take over the world. Elfangor says that the children must tell the other humans.

This is odd as he must know, having lived life as a human and being a generally smart guy, that the majority of humans think of aliens as purely fictional. And five random children wouldn't convince an entire world of an invasion. Not by a long shot.

Marco brings up the point that Elfangor's plan of having them warn their people is stupid and Jake agrees.

After Rachel suggests trying to help the Andalite, Elfangor says for one of them to get an object from his fighter.

Jake is chosen, by every one but himself, to go into the fighter. It seems to be Cassie that makes it so that he can't back out.

Like that Tobias is staying by his father's side even though he doesn't know they're related yet. So heartbreaking in hindsight.

Jake takes note of the fighter and thinks of the purpose of its design. He spots the Escafil device easily and then looks at a picture of Elfangor's family. I didn't really realize that Andalite fighters were personalized and wonder if it's a common thing for Andalites to do.


Jake feels anger that the Yeerks caused Elfangor to die so far away from home. When he comes back out Elfangor confirms that the picture was of his family.

Yes! Elfangor is offering them the chance to get the morphing ability. He explains how the Andalites keep this technology to themselves. He is only offering it to them now since their need is great and he is hoping that they can help fight the Yeerks until his people return.

Rachel asks what Elfangor means. Upon the Andalite's explanation Marco laughs it off. I love you, Marco, but you can be annoying at times.

Tobias replies that Elfangor is not joking. Do all Andalite relatives share such a connection or is it unique to bird boy?

Marco, Rachel, and Jake talk about how this is too weird. Tobias reminds the others that Elfangor is dying.

I find this funny as I imagine him going, "Dude, we have a DEADline to meet. No offense, Dad."

Cassie is the one that is the first to say yes. Jake says they all have to decide to do it or none of them will do it.


Chapter 4

The decision is rushed since the Yeerks can be seen to be approaching. All the future Animorphs turn to Jake to make a decision. His need to make terrible decisions was started because he was forced into the position of leader. Poor baby!

Jake looks to his friends and looks at Tobias last. It is the bird boy that tells Jake that accepting the power and responsibility is something they have to do.

How Jake describes touching the blue box (aka Escafil device) makes me think of a sex toy. I am now imagining Andalites using the Escafil device as an expensive sex toy. I got a lot of problems as I grew up as I didn't even think about that when I first read the book or the other numerous times I read it as a child.

Once the kids acquire the morphing ability Elfangor tells them to go and says not to stay in a morph longer than two hours. This is because if you stay longer than that you won't be able to demorph.

Elfangor starts yelling about Visser Three and Jake asks what a Visser is. Elfangor answers that he is the deadliest of Jake's enemies.

Rachel says they'll stay and defend him but Elfangor points out that them helping to save the world is much more important than his life.

AW! Tobias and Elfangor share their last moments together. And he doesn't know the Andalite is his father!

The kids hide and Jake is scared. I don't blame them. They find an alien (cool). Then they find out not only are there evil aliens invading Earth but they are their planet's last line of defense (not so cool).

Once the Bug fighter lands Marco whines like a little baby. I find his remark funny and don't blame him for being scared out of his mind.

So Visser Three has the ability to cause fear in mere mortals?

The Blade ship lands it's described creepily. Holy shit, and now Jake has to stop Cassie from screaming at Hork-Bajir Controllers (yes, Elfangor is dying and is giving the children all the information he can. BAD ASS). Hork-Bajirs are 'good people' and are to be pitied.

I am insulted by Rachel not believing Elfangor, but she just met the alien and doesn't know the history of the Hork-Bajir. Otherwise she'd know that most Hork-Bajir are just cows.

A Taxxon comes out and Elfangor states that they are evil. This is strange since in The Andalite Chronicles it's shown that his dear friend Arbron is a nothlit in that form and that there are a rebel group of Taxxons. Either Applegate didn't know about that part of Elfangor's backstory yet or that Elfangor thinks the Mountain Taxxons have failed and so only the evil Taxxons are left.

A Hork-Bajir Controller comes very close to Jake and he is terrified about being found out.
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Animorphs Re-Read Table of Contents

The Green: Last Chance 4

Seconds dragged by as I decided what to do. Plague had been my guide, protector, and lover since the beginning. Not the exact beginning, but very close to it. I had grown with him in ways that mere time could not measure.

Before today he had been a human that would always be by my side. Even when in my lust, and stupidity, I had slept with someone else. A lovely woman who had made me feel something that I could never feel with a man. Not even Plague.

He had forgiven me, but now the rage in his eyes showed that memory as the one that was fueling him on. As Plague was an infected, he had become driven mad by the memory. It was hard for me to think of the infected Plague as anything but the rational Plague that I was used to. I thought I could say the right words and he would abandon his madness.

But that wasn't true and I had to learn to accept that.

Plague continued to scream about Jillian and my slip of loyalty. The words he said rung true and my gun started to shake. I had to make my choice now.

Pulling the trigger only took a few seconds, but the damage would last much longer. Plague's corpse fell down and I tried to look for a sign that he was thankful to have been put out of his misery.

However, he was like the rest of the infected in that his humanity hadn't been returned to him.

As I thought about Plague's death and the fact that I killed him, my gun seemed to shoot at the other infected without me controlling it. I didn't care about dying now and wondered why I had decided to shoot him. He who had loved me and didn't have any control over his madness.

While I wasn't a soldier by choice, but by necessity, I hadn't fully learned how to control my emotions. I knew those that did the majority of the fighting could hold back any feelings until after they were safely inside a base. I hadn't yet learned that particular trick.

For now tears came down my cheeks and I didn't think of wiping them away. There would just be more after anyways.

After a few minutes I was able to recall the mission and why I found myself in Kentucky. If I didn't get the cure then Plague would have died in vain. I would complete this mission for him and after that...the future would happen tomorrow and so I'd just focus on the now.

The infected had backed away, at least for the moment, and I noticed something. Of course I had been distracted before and so hadn't noticed it.

Signs that the infected had entered the building were there. Maybe there was better protection inside and so these signs meant nothing. Whatever the case was, I raced inside to make sure.

I realized after I entered through the doorway that my hope was short lived. The infected had broken through the windows and so the door being closed wasn't odd. However, the building was trashed. Blood of infected and non-infected alike littered the floor and walls.

I kept running to make sure that the scientists hadn't been killed. Well, the fact was that I needed to make sure that the cure was intact. That sounded callous to myself, but Plague was dead and I didn't care who else died now.

I finally got to the lab and stared at the sight. A lone infected was feasting on one of the dead scientists and it looked at me. I stayed as still as I could and looked around for the cure. My eyes found a small vial. That must be it.

I raced and grabbed it a few seconds before the infected turned its eyes on me and attacked. Killing it was easy and I felt glad that the mission was over. Well, it would be over once I got to the car and left Winchester behind for good.

Then the sounds of more infected came as I turned towards the lab door. I started shooting at them and running out of the building so that I could get to the car.
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Main Links for The Green

Jobs (2013)

Title: Jobs

Director: Joshua Michael Stern

Starring: Ashton Kutcher, Dermot Mulroney, and Josh Gad

Rated: PG-13

Released: 2013

Personal Rating: 1/6

Oscars: N/A

Plot:  The story of Steve Jobs' ascension from college dropout into one of the most revered creative entrepreneurs of the 20th century.
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Ashton Kutcher is Great
I hate this movie with a passion. I could spend hours repeating what I find wrong with it and passing out would be the only way I'd stop. However, Kutcher pulls off a great performance here. He is the only good thing in this movie. As with a lot of the cast members, he looks very similar to Steve Jobs. Kutcher plays a convincing egomaniac who doesn't make many lasting friendships. Indeed, the real life Jobs was not a very easy person to work with.

The Plot Doesn't Care About Itself
Seriously, it doesn't. I love b-movies and even those kinds of films have a better idea of what makes a movie than this one. It gives you a plot point and then never mentions it again. The biggest example of this is Jobs' daughter Lisa. You see him thinking his girlfriend is cheating on him with a mutual friend, Jobs dumping his girlfriend when he thinks she's pregnant with their mutual friend's baby, denying that the baby is his, and then suddenly Lisa is on his couch.

The Soundtrack
I am not one to talk about music. As that's the case I usually don't talk about the soundtrack of a movie because it doesn't touch me or I don't feel I am adequate enough to talk about it. But for this movie I know enough to know that the soundtrack sucks. At first it was boring but by the end I was wanting to get out of the theater for the sake of my ears. I can't describe why I was so pained by the soundtrack, but I was. No, I'm not willing give it a second go to find out why I feel this way about it.

Final Thoughts
revrezner has said that this movie isn't accurate and has provided sources that also confirm this. So this film is neither a good movie nor is it something to see to find out about Steve Jobs. Aaron Sorkin is set to make a film about Steve Jobs that is supposed to be much more accurate than this crap fest. I would suggest waiting for this to come onto DVD/Blu-Ray if you feel you must see it. Even then I'd suggest renting it since you won't want to see it a second time.

Shock (Robin Cook)

Title: Shock

Author: Robin Cook

Released: 2001

Rating: 4/5

Basic Plot: Joanna dumps her boyfriend Carlton Williams and finds herself in need of money to complete her studies. Her friend Deborah shows her a newspaper article about Wingate Clinic that is offering $45,000 for people willing to donate their eggs for infertile patients. The two friends decide to take the offer and donate the eggs. Everything goes on peacefully till they complete their doctorate studies and come back to USA. Here their curiosity gets the better of them and they decide to find out what happened to their eggs. With the Wingate Clinic maintaining a strict silence about their workings, the two of them decide to use some illegal means to get this information.
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Proper Procedures
A big thing of this book is what should and shouldn't be done in the medical field. Greed is most shown in the character of Paul Saunders. He seems to be the one most in control of the Wingate Clinic, though this character trait should not be forgotten in Spencer Wingate. The whole thing of the infertility clinic is shown to be about cloning (as it relates to help with infertility). While cloning is an interesting option, no one donating their eggs knows what is really going on and those getting the eggs are sometimes coerced in going along with the experiment. But I can't really get into it all without giving away some major spoilers.

Eye Candy
Deborah Cochrane is a very liberal character. Joanna Meissner, on the other hand, is much more conservative. When they both decide to infiltrate the Wingate Clinic to find out what happened to Joanna's eggs, Deborah dresses very sexually. She says this is to have fun with what they're doing. Her dress does help in certain instances and I find it a nice take on how women don't always dress to please men but for their own enjoyment.

Taking Science and Making a Compelling Thriller
I enjoy Michael Crichton because he has a great grasp on writing about current scientific news in a format non-scientists can enjoy (some of his book even have Appendixes). Cook brings up the ethical aspects of science in this book and it is great. The cloning aspect of the book isn't beginner stuff, but he managed to write it so that I'd understand what was going on. Again, a lot of the ethical parts of this novel would require me to give spoilers. But my point still stands that some times things get complicated, but Cook manages to make me understand.

Final Thoughts
This is another good book by Robin Cook. He's quickly becoming an author I like and trust. He writes medical thrillers and reading about things like that is just great. Of course by great I mean creepy in a fun way. One of the security guards has a thing against whores and I feel that's not utilized like it could've been.

Jack Reacher (2012)

Title: Jack Reacher

Director: Christopher McQuarrie

Starring: Tom Cruise, Rosamund Pike, and Richard Jenkins

Rated: PG-13

Released: 2012

Personal Rating: 3.5/5

Oscars: N/A

Plot:  A homicide investigator digs deeper into a case involving a trained military sniper who shot five random victims.
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Better Than I Expected
I don't have anything against Tom Cruise. I don't agree with his beliefs but his acting is removed from that. He is able to deliver a good action movie and that's all I really care about. Tom does a great job in making Jack Reacher a smart and action-oriented character. I don't know if I'd call Jack a 'good' character, though. The pacing, action, and characters are all enjoyable. I haven't read One Shot so I can't compare the movie to book.

Bathroom Fight Scene
For the most part Jack is shown to be clever and able to pay attention to his surroundings. For this reason the Bathroom Fight Scene is very unusual in that it breaks that image of Jack. Now a character shouldn't be so powerful that he/she can't make mistakes. But two bumbling idiots presenting a challenge to Jack when they aren't as good as him is...confusing. The scene, when taken in the viewpoint as being removed from the rest of the movie, is pretty good. Making you laugh and then smile when Jack finally beats his two attackers.

The Mystery
Of course who is pointed out as the killer in the beginning doesn't turn out to be the killer in the end. Instead, there are a lot of twist and turns to go through. They're fun and show how smart Jack is. He isn't there just to fire a gun but also to out think his attackers and eventual blackmailers. I figured who the traitor was when Helen has a discussion with her father. Of course Jack had to narrow things down for me to even begin to hope to figure it out.

Final Thoughts
I enjoyed this movie more than I thought I would. I knew Tom Cruise would be good but wasn't sure the rest of the movie would hold up. If you're looking for a movie to have fun with this is a good one. Is it a good adaptation of One Shot? I don't know and, since I'm reading Under the Dome by Stephen King, it might be a little awhile until I'm able to get to it.

Animorphs Re-Read: The Andalite Chronicles (Chapters 44-49)

Chapter 44

Elfangor is saved by Loren throwing a dead Morton at the live one. He then barely manages to block the visser's tail-blade. After Loren kills the Mortron tangled in her hair Elfangor decides that humans are far from weak. Though that is the impression he thinks most would get.

Elfangor tells the visser it's time for a one on one tail-blade fight. The visser replies with the threat of what will happen if they are left in this new reality. That they'll be returned to where they had been before using the Time Matrix. Elfangor replies that he'll just be happy that the visser will be dead.

Loren says that she had told Elfangor that the visser was afraid to fight him one on one. Elfangor remarks that he now agrees with her.

The visser makes a threatening remark and then walks away. Loren says that they won't see him again, but Elfangor says that not true. It's been made mentioned of previously in the book, but it seems that Elfangor might believe in superstitions more than he lets on. Just how many times does he talks about superstitions and then adds "I don't believe"?

Loren asks what now as time is really speeding up. Seems that now years are going by in less than a blink of an eye. Elfangor says that there can only be one person directing the Time Matrix this time so the same thing doesn't happen.

Loren asks about going to the Andalite home world. Elfangor disagrees as he has shamed himself and he now knows his people can do horrible things in the name of victory. So what would the Andalites do with the Time Matrix? Loren says that sometimes good people do bad things. Elfangor replies that if the Andalites win the war with the Time Matrix they won't be Andalites any longer.

Elfangor decides to go to Earth and hide the Time Matrix there.

While this is a great discussion on its own it shows that some parts of Elfangor don't change. While his eyes have been opened and he knows that the government isn't to be trusted, he still has an idealized version of what his species should be.

So this all took place in a week?

Loren talks about erasing the timeline and saving Arbron and Alloran. Elfangor points out the two of them would never have met then. Plus they don't know the effects that will happen if they change history. He does point out that it's possible the Yeerks would be able to get a hold of the Time Matrix.

Loren then points out the problem of her being a few years older. Elfangor says just to make every one think her being eighteen is her real age.

It's great the Elfangor admits to not knowing what's going to happen.


Chapter 45

It is now three years later.

Elfangor has run away from the war with the Yeerks. Isn't surprising considering how much guilt and shame he gathered up in previous events. Elfangor acquired multiple humans to form a single human morph. He then became a nothlit.

I would say he's a coward but he's been through so much. He figures that he's caused such a mess of things that the Andalites were better off without him. Elfangor hasn't had a guide unless you count Alloran. And that crazed Andalite was too harsh for what the aristh needed.

It's funny that Elfangor majored physics in college. Add to that the fact that he had to pretend to be dumber than he is since some stuff he has known since childhood.

Elfangor misses his body but remarks that the sense of taste is worth it. Plus there is Loren. And he's now seen what the Time Matrix can do and is even more convinced that it should never be touched again.

Elfangor finished college at an accelerated rate and remarks that no matter what he did he was bored. There is nothing really intellectually challenging once you go to a more primitive society.

Name dropping Bill (aka Bill Gates) and Steve (aka Steve Jobs)? Didn't remember that part.

Loren and Elfangor see Chapman. His memory is erased but it still spooks Elfangor. Chapman should've been sucked into the Black Hole. Oh, you silly Ellimist you. Elfangor doesn't know how Chapman survived and feels like something is watching him.

Elfangor says the most important thing he did as a human was to marry Loren. AW!

Elfangor still wants to be an Andalite as he dreams about being back in his original body. Poor, poor baby. He also denies that he thinks about his own people a lot.

Elfangor took the name Alan Fangor to fit in better.

Elfangor arrives home before Loren one day. Loren was most likely at the hospital. Elfangor remarks that he thinks human doctors are barbaric. He is also surprised at how easy it is for him to walk on two legs.

A man is waiting for the nothlit and Elfangor is shocked. The man says Elfangor's true name and says this isn't his home. Oh, come on, being with Loren is home for Elfangor. In another sense, though, the nothlit's true place is fighting with his people against the Yeerks.

And it turns out this man is an Ellimist. 'One of those you call Ellimists'. I always took this to mean that the Ellimists are a species. And having a species like the Ellimist makes me so happy because it seems so cool...and then we get the Ellimist as a singular character.

Chapter 46

Elfangor doesn't really believe it's an Ellimist. The creature proves it's an Ellimist by knowing things a regular human wouldn't know. It's here that Elfangor learns that Visser Thirty-Two has become Visser Three. The nothlit says that the Yeerk should be dead. The Ellimist says that Elfangor is naive if he thinks he understands time and the way things should be.

The Ellimist also says that Visser Three is a terrible enemy to his people aka Andalites. Elfangor replies that humans are his people now. It's here that Elfangor realizes this Ellimist erased Chapman's memories and brought him back.

Elfangor soon says that he isn't concerned with far off space battles. This Ellimist brings up the point that the Yeerks will come to Earth.

Why didn't Elfangor think of this before? My only thought of how this could be logical is that he's in a huge state of denial. He ran away from the war and the only way to think he's safe is to believe the Yeerks will always stay far away. As we've seen Elfangor is scarred from his first mission that went horribly wrong, so this does fit.

This Ellimist continues that the Yeerks are in orbit right then. Elfangor looks out the window for signs of Loren but then realizes that is stupid. A being that can control space and time wants to talk with him, they won't be interrupted.

Elfangor tells this Ellimist that he would only cause more harm than good if he were to fight the Yeerks. He brings up that he tried being a hero and failed. This Ellimist brings up the fact that he kept the Time Matrix from either side. Elfangor then says that he doomed Arbron to life as a Taxxon and let Alloran become the first Andalite Controller. This Ellimist brings up that Elfangor refused to destroy a defenseless enemy and is proving wise beyond his species' intelligence.

This part of the discussion seems like Elfangor is telling his sob story and expecting pity. But this Ellimist is having none of that bullshit.

Elfangor goes on to say that no one needs him. This Ellimist says this isn't true. The nothlit asks what this Ellimist wants and the being replies nothing. Elfangor says that bullshit. This Ellimist says they don't interfere but they repair.

Elfangor quickly goes WHAT THE FUCK?! SO DO YOU INTERFERE OR DON'T YOU?! MAKE UP YOUR MIND!

This Ellimist brings up that time has been changed because of Elfangor's meddling. Battles that should have been won have been lost. Elfangor brings up the point he has a life here now. This Ellimist brings up the fact that his life on Earth is only possible because of using the Time Matrix.  The Ellimist then brings up Ax aka Elfangor's brother.

Wait...Ax doesn't exist in this timeline? What the...excuse me for a few hours as I get over the shock of reading this.

Elfangor is rightfully furious and says that this Ellimist is lying. This Ellimist repeats his offer. After a little more talk the being brings up that Elfangor won't be able to protect Loren when Visser Three comes for her. He breaks down and seems to edge very near to accepting this Ellimist's offer.

This Ellimist promises nothing concrete but says that what can't be done now will be possible if Elfangor agrees. He later states that Loren will not remember Elfangor but he'll still have the memories.

I can't...this is what neither Elfangor or Loren wanted! The lovebirds discussed how they wanted to remember each other multiple times throughout the book! I just can't deal with this pain.

So Elfangor has agreed to what this Ellimist has offered. The nothlit attempts a smile when he says this Ellimist said something about a battle.


Chapter 47

Elfangor now sees how Ellimists see. He remarks that the Time Matrix allowed a little glimpse into an Ellimist's viewpoint. Elfangor describes a new sense but he can barely understand it himself.

Elfangor talks about how the Ellimist looks. He talks about it being one of a species. Talks about this Ellimist not being the only one of its kind. I like this idea of a species of Ellimists. This is what I wanted to see expanded on in the Animorphs series. Also a reason why I remember not being super excited about The Ellimist Chronicles. But I'll get to that one day...

Elfangor sees his brother. He admits to Arbron, at least how he is seeing him now, that the aristh he didn't like has become the hero he always wanted to be. Elfangor sees something he doesn't understand happening to Loren. This Ellimist tells the aristh that he is a father.

At this point Elfangor gets pissed off. I'm sure I know what language this book would've used if it had been for adults.

So Elfangor's son is still his own but Loren won't remember it? Mindfuck that is.

This Ellimist says that Elfangor is now where/when he's supposed to be. I bet this all powerful being just wants to bitch slap this Andalite.

Elfangor watches his son's line connect with his brother's and then to five humans. He remarks that the Ellimist does interfere. He asks if this is all a game for the Ellimists.

This Ellimist uses the term "we" to describe those playing a game against an old dark power. As no one else in the series is shown to be playing with Crayak, it is shown here that the Ellimists are a species.

This book shows my favorite showcasing of the Ellimists. Hands down.

Elfangor is suddenly back in his original body.


Chapter 48

Elfangor is greeted by what he calls 'chaotic thought-speak'. He is now in a battle. He can tell that his species are about to lose this battle. But the Andalites aren't backing down. Well...the Dome ship is going to self-destruct very soon in a last ditch effort to cause damage.

Elfangor sees a Blade ship.

When Elfangor decides to join in he forgets to call himself an aristh. And who would blame him? He's spent a few years away from Andalite society and ran away.

The captain is surprised Elfangor is there and he promises to tell the captain the story later. He then communicates with the Yeerks. Asking to speak with the visser. Elfangor uses the time to harass Visser Three and slam his fighter into the visser's Blade ship.

Soon after Elfangor pulled off that move, reinforcements came and the Yeerks retreated. When Elfangor wakes up in the Dome ship he is called a hero. He then thinks of what he's going to tell the captain. In the end he decides to tell the captain everything but the location of the Time Matrix.

The captain replies that Elfangor's story can never become public because the Andalites need heroes. The captain also says that he doesn't think Elfangor did a horrible thing by disobeying Alloran's orders. He recounts that Alloran used to be a joker but that war changes people either for the better or for the worse. He says that Elfangor was doing what Alloran would've done when he was younger and wasn't so tainted by war.

When the captain asks, Elfangor agrees to fights.

Before I stop talking about this chapter: I want to hug the captain so hard for forgiving Elfangor for running away.

Chapter  49

Elfangor says the war with the Yeerks has come to a standstill. He wonders if it's because the Ellimists and the games they're playing or if there's another reason.

He also says a Zero-space rift had opened up so that it took longer to get to Earth.

Elfangor finally came to Earth because the rest of his species had figured out that the planet had been targeted. The Prince finally got so desperate that he went to get the Time Matrix. But by the time he arrived he was too weak. The weapon was no buried underneath concrete (the location had originally been a forest).

Five children came and saw him. He recognizes his son. Tobias! Elfangor breaks Seerow's Kindness and gives the teenagers the ability to morph.

Father and son have one chat where Elfangor asks what happened to Loren. Tobias said he doesn't know but assumes she's dead. I'm not tearing up...

Elfangor says that his friends are his family now.

As Elfangor dies he knows that Tobias is much stronger than he suspects.

He leaves one word for his people: Hope.

Reading this book after such a long time was a good experience overall. I love seeing how Elfangor evolves and adore his relationship with Loren. This book does not treat its readers like they can't understand things. It goes for a very dark tone and tells a good story. Someone brought up the fact that we don't get to see why Elfangor is a hero to his people. But ramming the Blade ship is a good start.

The next book in the Animorphs series I will be Re-Reading will be

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Animorphs Re-Read Table of Contents

 

The Green: Last Chance 3

The screams were too loud to bare. I couldn't tell if they came from me or the infected chasing me. Every chance I got I shot back at them. I couldn't stop moving and focus solely on them or else I'd never arrive at my destination. The blur made its final battle cry as I shot it down.

I wanted to shout in joy and celebrate killing the abomination that had been chasing me for what seemed like eternity. But was probably only a few minutes. Minutes that would make it hard for me to sleep tonight. If I lived long enough to fall asleep. Or if I could find a bed that would allow me to become calm enough to dream.

"Plague!" I shouted and shot an infected that appeared from nowhere. It probably had appeared from somewhere, they weren't supernatural after all, but my fear was blinding me. Not good.

"Plague!" I shouted again and had to dodge an infected. My movements appeared slower to me but I still had to fight. I couldn't lie down and die. I still had to find Plague and get to the lab. I wouldn't fail this mission.

I continued to call Plague's name and look for the lab through the hoard of infected. Soon after the blur had been born we had been separated. I couldn't recall the exact reasons we were separated but knew that the infected had begun to attack in an increased fervor shortly before.

The lab seemed to be in sight and then I tripped. Three of the infected took those precious few seconds to attack me. I punched one, hit another, and shot the third. I wasn't going to die without Plague. Not even God himself could go against that one demand.

Standing up I felt my purpose renewed. I was going to get to the lab that was now very close to me and then find Plague so we could get out of Winchester. In the movies my lover showed me, there had always been a downpour to signify a dramatic scene or moment. But the weather here had become bright as the sun came out.

I ran towards the lab and shot at the infected. Now there was no fear in me as my goal was in sight. Another blur came at me and I barely shot it in time. I touched the lab's outer wall and felt happiness. Our Superiors were wrong to doubt Plague and myself. Of course we could get this job done.

We hadn't been involved in the majority of the fighting, but I was far from untrained. I shouted random sounds and shot at the approaching infected. Waiting was all I had to do now. Surely Plague would've figured out where the lab was and would be arriving shortly. There would only be a little more time until he arrived and then we could get out of this place.

What if he had gone inside? No. I knew he wouldn't go in unless I was with him. He was afraid I would get myself killed without him.

The temptation to go in was getting great. If I just got the scientists and their cure I could wait for Plague. He would be very proud of me.

Then I saw Plague's form coming towards me. But something seemed very off. The way he walked was like an infected. Maybe he was blending in. Yes, that was the logical conclusion. Plague was clever and I was surprised that tactic had never occurred to me.

In a few seconds I found my rationalizations torn apart. I couldn't deny what I saw. If I denied it I would be dead. But what was the point of living anymore if it was true?

Plague's mask was hanging off and there was a bit of green on his lips. Those lips I had kissed earlier with a good luck kiss. His face was contorted in an angry expression like Thomas Savan had had on his.

"You cheated on me with that whore!" Plague shouted and came at me.

My gun quickly pointed at his head and my mouth was unable to speak. If I shot him then I would live. But was living without Plague worth saving my life?

Plague didn't slow down and my gun kept its aim for a headshot.
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Main Links for The Green

All Chapters So Far

The Green: Last Chance 2

The atmosphere in the car was tense. We had been driving for awhile and getting gas had been a chore. A little taste of the battle yet to come. If there was going to be a battle and not a massacre. Plague and I had come close to dying when we had stopped to go to the restroom. We both didn't want to stop but the drive wasn't short enough that we could make it without relieving ourselves at least once.

I looked at Plague and saw him remaining calm. I checked my own expression in the side view mirror and didn't like what it revealed. My face looked like it was holding back a breakdown. I tried to control my face and finally managed to make it similar to Plague's.

He turned to me and smiled, but then his face returned to his former calm expression.

A few minutes later I saw the town come into view and felt fear like I hadn't before. This was it. This was the final move towards humanity's salvation. And my first look at the city showed that our task was going to be far from easy.

Plague stopped the car and we quickly got our weapons as the screaming in the distance continued. I steadied my hands as I gathered my weapons for this venture. I looked at the food and reminded myself that Plague and I would have a picnic once this mission was over. I cocked my gun and looked at Winchester.

It might've been a beautiful city in the past, but now Gralg was all over the buildings and ground. Inspecting my surroundings I saw movements of the infected. We had been noticed.

Turning to Plague I saw him looking at me.

"This is it." He said and we kissed briefly.

"For good luck?" I joked and a hint of a smile was shown on his lips.

We then put on our masks to protect us from any airborne Gralg that decided to come our way. I hated the new rule of wearing masks as they felt uncomfortable on my face. But I knew that every one had to stay safe.

Plague set a slow and steady pace as we came close to entering the city, but I just wanted to run. I hated waiting because danger felt more real that way. Waiting allowed my mind to wander to places that I wanted to keep hidden. And those places were meant to stay hidden or else I'd lose my sanity.

After an eternity the waiting was over. An infected came towards me and I shot it. I yelled in joy as the possibility of surviving became real to me. I was reminded that celebrating too early is dangerous as a bullet flew inches behind my head and killed an infected.

"Tha-" I said and turned my attention to the infected that were quickly coming after us.

I hid behind a trashcan after battling more infected and rested for a second. I had to calm myself down or else I'd be useless to every one. I had to save the world so I had to focus.

Once an infected came up behind me I was drawn out of my own thoughts. I kicked it and it fell down while grabbing my leg. I shot it in the head and got up quickly.

Where was Plague?

I started running around shooting down the infected in my way. Blood filled the places where I walked, but I couldn't find him. When I thought he was dead or worse I heard a gunshot. There he was and I battled my way to the small store.

We nodded to each other and a woman's scream made us turn our heads to watch. The infected were backing away from this one woman. They were excited. Had I passed other uninfected people? It was possible because my mind was only focusing on the infected. It was those people that were dangerous.

As her screams increased and she fell down with her legs spread, I knew what was going to happen. I didn't want to focus on the future. I didn't want to focus on the thing that was slowly coming out of her.

The blur's head came out and fear increased in me. While the infected were dangerous, the blur was smaller and faster. It would be hell to make sure it didn't kill me or Plague while also focusing on the infected.
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The Green Main Links

See All The Green Chapters So Far

Animorphs Re-Read: The Andalite Chronicles (Chapters 37-43)

Chapter 37

Elfangor sees that the different parts are all mismatched and so the whole reality appears extremely odd. Elfangor asks where he is but in the last chapter he had decided it was a whole new reality.

He goes into one of the places where there's a different part. There are these tongue creatures that are odd and creepy. Elfangor describes it as a "fantasy-monster land". Yep, this is the Yeerk home world alright. It seems that Elfangor is trying to comfort himself by saying that this version of the Yeerk home world is only Visser Thirty-Two's version of it.

Elfangor then races to find Loren under one of the Earth sky patches. He eats as he runs. Lucky bastard that's able to eat on the go like that!

Elfangor and Loren meet up! Aw! They hug!

Loren remarks on the landscape. Elfangor then suggests they walk around. Loren correctly guesses that Elfangor is afraid of Visser Thirty-Two.

Loren is able to state simple plot points and Elfangor is amazed because he thinks you'd need to know about physics to get it. Loren then states, upon Elfangor asking her, that the Time Matrix is a device where every one using it has to agree where/when they're going. With three people steering it, it didn't drive them any place and created this new reality instead.

The chapter ends with the love birds looking at Visser Thirty-Two but he isn't alone. But we don't know with who or what.


Chapter 38

 Visser Thirty-Two has his two monstrosity on wheels. They're really odd looking and even Elfangor doesn't know what they are.

Loren tells the visser that he has the manner of a slug no matter which body he possesses. They taunt each other and Visser Thirty-Two says that Loren is afraid of him. Loren replies by throwing a rock at Visser Thirty-Two. He is surprised and Elfangor is very impressed.

The visser recovers himself and sends his two pets (Jarex and Larex) after the duo.

Elfangor stays in place because of his fascination with the creatures. The visser explains that his pets are Mortrons. The Yeerks thought that they'd be able to enslave the species but that didn't end up being the case. Jarex and Larex are the two he brought back as pets. This is odd as it shows that Visser Thirty-Two has a slight friendly side to him. Or at least a side that likes killer pets.

Elfangor quickly grows bored of the visser's speech.

Oh, looks like the Mortons are two creatures in one. And one part can fly! Elfangor just slices one of the Mortrons into two pieces. He quickly does the same to the second Mortron.

Shit, they regenerate. Visser Thirty-Two uses the moment to gloat some more.

Elfangor admits he can outrun them to Loren but says he won't because she can't. Loren's plan is to ride Elfangor. You're enjoying that, aren't you, little Andalite aristh?

Elfangor is surprised and Loren shouts for him to just run. He does so.


Chapter 39

Elfangor and Loren are able to easily escape. The visser does not pursue them but Elfangor knows it hasn't been the last time he'll see that particular Yeerk.

How does Elfangor not know about a street? Okay, they might not have them in Andalite society but surely he must know the basic premise.

Loren tells him it's a street and Elfangor does his version of a mental facepalm. He says that it makes perfect sense.

Loren says that soon she'll be at her house and Elfangor can meet her mother. Elfangor remembers how his parents weren't at his scoop and fears the same for Loren. Of course he didn't seem to focus on his parents so it's easy to imagine Loren's mother being in this reality as she's been thinking about her a lot.

Elfangor thinks that lawns are for growing grass for eating. Never mind that he's seen that other species eat different things and I don't believe humans have been shown to have a diet of mainly grass.

Elfangor is mystified by steps and I don't mind it as it doesn't seem like Andalite architecture contains steps (sort of hard for a four hoofed creature).

Yes, Elfangor, the carpet is not edible.

And Loren's mother is there! Okay, what's the bad news?

Elfangor thinks eye color is a sign of age. That's funny and isn't stupid at all. He's only seen two young humans. Though how he can't tell the sexes is odd as he's seen both a male and female (and this book doesn't deal with the topic of transgender or intersex people).

Ah...and the problem is that this version of Loren's mother isn't the real one. She keeps saying things like "I like meeting your friends." and "You think you kids invented Andalites?". This is both funny and scary. It shakes Loren up and she yells at this version that it isn't real. This version then tells Loren to go to her room.

Elfangor calmly explains to Loren that she made this version out of her mind and that's why this version knows about Andalites. Loren doesn't take kindly to this and runs up to her room after yelling this is all Elfangor's fault. If only Chapman could hear her now...

Elfangor asks where Loren's room is and this version of Loren's mother kindly tells him where it is. Adding to leave the door open a crack as that's the rule when Loren has Andalites over.


Chapter 40

Elfangor realizes he needs to give Loren some time alone but also knows that he can't let her wander off.

Elfangor doesn't get the point of stairs but remarks that it does allow the house to have a second story.

Love that Elfangor describes books at a 'primitive computer file'. He calls the sheets artificial skins which is odd. I could get clothing but not sheets.

Loren was able to only recreate part of a book (writing, the book is there just not the words).

Elfangor finally finds Loren playing softball. Loren ignores Elfangor at first. She finally talks to him about softball. Elfangor states that she is upset and she gets angry over that statement.

Elfangor says this is even odd to him and Loren agrees. Elfangor gives her a picture he got from her room.

Elfangor tells Loren shit we already know (that the Time Matrix created this new reality) because all three of them were imagining different places.

Loren asks why some things are more complete than others. Elfangor replies that trees are simple but sentient creatures are far more complicated. This part of the book, Elfangor's descriptions here, are worth you reading it yourself. Don't want to spend all my time on it.

Loren reaches the edge of this small universe (want to say "pocket universe") and yells when she can't pass the edge.

Loren says she wants to go home and Elfangor reminds her that Visser Thirty-Two is out there. This doesn't worry Loren.


Chapter 41

Elfangor and Loren explore the edges of their new universe. He remarks that the Andalite home world and Earth aren't all that different, but the Yeerk home world parts are just plain disgusting.

Loren says that it's funny that she brought her school building into this new reality but forgot to bring a grocery store.

Turns out Loren and Chapman were given liquified grass to eat by the Andalites.

Suddenly they run into a McDonald's and Loren is at first happy and then becomes horrified. The guy she created in this universe doesn't have eyes. As well as more lovely OH MY GOD WHY AM I READING THIS descriptions. Turns out he's based off of someone that works at McDonald's that Loren knows and always noticed his acne.

Elfangor tells her that the food may be real and she needs to eat human food. I think that's the first time McDonald's has been said to be a healthy choice. Elfangor remarks that he doesn't like the smell of the food.

Elfangor remarks on watching people eat. I agree with him. Whenever I eat with someone I have to be eating until they finish. Yes, this has caused me problems in the past.

Elfangor has figured out that this universe is a multidimensional pattern. Specifically a hyper spiral and the Time Matrix is at the center of it.

Loren figures out that's why the visser hasn't been after them. He's been looking for the Time Matrix.


Chapter 42

Elfangor and Loren get closer to the center.

Loren remarks that Earth and the Andalite home world are very similar. But remarks about the lack of cities. Saying that the Andalites are technological advanced and so must have cities.

Elfangor says that long ago Andalites used to have cities. But his species had evolved as free-roaming herd animals. Then it became that each family made its own Scoop (aka home) and held their own grazing land. Technology increased and Andalites started living in cities. But they found that didn't work so they went to living like before. Each Scoop made different parts.

Loren remarks that their two civilizations aren't that different. Elfangor has to remind her that he no longer can erase her memory. He also says that he wouldn't erase her memory even if he could. So adorable!

He says that he wouldn't because he didn't want to be the only one to remember it all and that he wouldn't want her to forget him. Loren replies that she cares about him too. He is surprised as he didn't say those exact words but he does care about her.

Elfangor comments that the area belongs to a friend of his. He also says that he doesn't want his friend to be there as he's seen what's happened to people Loren has brought to this universe.

So Elfangor's hoofs are growing? That's weird and I shouldn't say that because of what has happened previously in the book. What is hoof growth against living asteroids?

Loren looks at where the Time Matrix should be and remarks that it's impossible to get to. Elfangor replies it's the only way to get to it.

They hold hands as they jump into the tornado.


Chapter 43

Elfangor thinks briefly of guessing what is inside the vortex. But then he remembers that it's better not to guess what will happen next. Way back when he was called to see the captain on the bridge of the Dome ship was the last time he had been sure of anything.

And another drugged description, this time of going inside the vortex.

So Elfangor doesn't know about hurricanes? I can understand, sort of, but Jupiter's red spot is a storm and so I'd think hurricanes happen on other planets.

Elfangor and Loren both realize they need to get to the Time Matrix fast as time is really speeding up. This begs the question of how Visser Thirty-Two can still be alive. Remember that Yeerks have to exit their hosts and feed every three days. Now he could exit his host and feed from a Yeerk pool, but I highly doubt Alloran would wait for the Yeerk to finish. But of course this particular Yeerk needs to stay alive.

I misplaced the scene of where Elfangor tells Loren to stay still and let him cut her nails with his tail blade. It was the second time it happened and not the first.

The visser says to do another truce and Elfangor points out why he doesn't believe the Yeerk.

Loren points out that the visser is afraid to take on Elfangor one on one. Elfangor as a specific adversary and not just because he's an enemy. The visser denies that.

The visser sends his four pets after Elfangor and then attacks the aristh.

Elfangor feels overwhelmed with two sets of creatures attacking him.

Elfangor looks over at Loren and sees her winning. This gives him hope. It is hope that's short lived as he has to make a choice between blocking a tail-blade or a Mortron.
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Animorphs Re-Read Table of Contents