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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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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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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Falling Skies (Season 3)

Show: Falling Skies

Season: 3

Episodes: 10

Created By: Robert Rodat

Released: 2013

Rating: 3.5/5

Basic Plot: Tom Mason and company join forces with the Volm to fight the invading alien force.
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The Volm
These are the alien allies of Tom's band of Resistance fighters this season. They are presented first as helpers and the question of 'Can we trust them?' quickly pops up. This question is not answered until the end of this Season. What I like most about the Volm is that they are an alien species that appears frequently throughout this Season and adds a more immediate tone of 'aliens are here'. The effects for the Volm are good. And, yes, they do look cool.

Karen
I don't want to give away a major spoiler here but...we probably won't be seeing her next Season. I won't say why, but I am sad to not see her on my tv screen next summer. This Season she continues her charismatic destructive streak. At one point she captures Tom and uses a very interesting technique to get information from him. That episode was my favorite of the season.

The Government
At the beginning of the Season Tom is the leader. This is a good thing to see as he's finally leading every one. Of course this doesn't last and I think that's a good decision. This because I prefer seeing him having power but not all the power. Tom does appoint someone else as leader. We finally get to see about the old USA at large. Well...a little part of it. That being the President is still alive. The little sub-plot that it comes with is very nicely done.


Final Thoughts
This season was good but I wasn't as excited about it as I had been about previous seasons. Don't get me wrong, interesting things did happen, but I wasn't sitting on the edge of my seat in anticipation for it to start. Season 2 ended on a cliffhanger and so does Season 3. I don't know why I wasn't as excited as before, but I am glad I tuned in. I got more interest in Lourdes this season and I can't wait to see what happens next season with her. I'd really like to talk more about her, but that's getting into spoiler territory. I am also hoping the Volm return next season as I like their design and their relation to the overall story.

The Green: Last Chance 1

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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Animorphs Re-Read: The Andalite Chronicles (Chapters 28-36)

Chapter 28

Loren is mystified by Zero-space. Elfangor mentions that he has explained it to her numerous times and figures she is just "making conversation". And he doesn't blame her as she had to endure being controlled by a Yeerk. Elfangor says it's one of the worst experiences any creature can endure. He remarks that she is acting better than he expected her to. Is it just me or does being infested by a Yeerk sound an awful lot like rape? Just by Elfangor's description.

It turns out that Loren's Yeerk had been at the end of its cycle. Every three days a Yeerk has to feed by absorbing Kandrona rays in a Yeerk pool. Elfangor made a deal with the Yeerk to be put into hibernation instead of dying. He then shoots the Yeerk into real space and there is a chance that it'll be picked up one day. However, he also makes mention that he made sure to release the Yeerk in a spot where it'd most likely die. Elfangor admits it's not what he'd have done before but said he just doesn't care. He admits that Alloran's way is correct but he learned too late. War does change people in horrible ways.

Chapman harasses Elfangor about not knowing where to go. It turns out Elfangor has been changed so much by this one mission that he doesn't think he can ever go back home to his parents. He tells the two humans that he has basically disgraced himself so he is afraid of being reprimanded.

Chapman continues to harass Elfangor and says he was right in siding with the Yeerks. He tries to make Elfangor use the Time Matrix. This is a bad idea as the Yeerks had put a tracking beacon on the Jahar and Sub-Visser Seven had left instructions for Chapman in case something went wrong.

Elfangor then realizes he can spring a trap. Loren asks if she'll ever get back to Earth. As I don't have any real feelings for home, I would find traveling the stars better than what I have now. In fact, since I was a little kid I have dreamed of one day living on Mars.

Chapman uses the opportunity to take another jab at Elfangor.


Chapter 29

Elfangor explains what will happen and then asks how he can tie up Chapman effectively. Loren gags Chapman and it takes Elfangor a few moments to understand that it's to make sure he won't talk. Loren says that it's sad that it won't hurt him. Ah, I can feel all the Chapman love in the Jahar!

Loren asks Elfangor if he's tempted to use the Time Matrix and Elfangor asks if she wishes that she'd never been picked up by the Skrit Na. Loren says no because she wouldn't want to ever not have met him. AW! I am having so many feels right now. It hurts!

Elfangor makes mention of the pictures he found in the Skrit Na ship and asks about where Loren lives. It turns out that Elfangor had been looking at a cigarette ad. He asks why humans smoke in beautiful places but Loren is laughing too hard. They both end up laughing.

Loren asks why Elfangor doesn't want to use the Time Matrix. He mentions that time is extremely complicated but adds that he's really afraid of the Ellimists. Ellimists are god-like beings that created the Time Matrix. Some Andalites believe the race died out and other Andalites believe that they just moved onto a higher state of being.

Loren states that the existence of the Time Matrix proves that Ellimists are real. Elfangor says if they are real then they have powers normal beings can't dream of.

And then Elfangor talks about the different dimensions and why an Ellimist would be bad to piss off. He also mentions that whatever happened to the Ellimists could also happen to them. This is one of my fondest memories from this book. I started to read it and it took me back to my childhood. Don't know why, but it did.

As they get ready to leave Zero-Space, Elfangor sets up a date with Loren. So cute!


Chapter 30

Arriving at the nebula amazes both Loren and Elfangor. Though Elfangor pretends he's not amazed and it's a normal sight for him to see. Elfangor remarks that what will make this scene really remarkable is when the StarSword arrives.

Loren gets sad when Elfangor says that Earth is hundred of light years away. Again with the importance of home.

The StarSword is under attack. Well this is off to a good start!

Elfangor has a lock on the StarSword and heads off towards it. Elfangor spots the StarSword but things seem off. Loren points out what is attacking the Dome ship. The asteroids are attacking!

Chapter 31

Cue Loren saying that the asteroids are alive and Elfangor going that that's impossible. Yes, something so weird has happened that the human is more accepting of events than an alien is.

The StarSword fires its main shredders but even that does nothing. This scares Elfangor as the main shredders are very powerful. A fighter pilot is killed by one of the living asteroids.

It is Loren that figures out the energy is what attracts the living asteroids. Elfangor sends a message to the Dome ship saying what Loren knew. Soon after the Yeerks arrive.

A Blade ship comes into view and Elfangor believes he senses Sub-Visser Seven. He also admits he doesn't usually believe in psychic things. This part seems to say that Elfangor and Sub-Visser Seven were destined to meet and become enemies. That whatever happened they would always meet.

Sub-Visser Seven contacts Elfangor directly. The aristh has to remind himself that it isn't Alloran any longer. Before Elfangor switches things on so that the Yeerk can see and hear him, he tells Loren to pretend she's still a Controller.

So Sub-Visser Seven is now Visser Thirty-Two? I thought he'd go to Visser Three because that's what I'm used to calling him.

Loren asks if the plan worked and Elfangor says, [If it doesn't, neither of us is going to the Yosemite,]

Loren then remarks that it's a bad time for Elfangor learn how to joke as they're going to the depths of Hell.

Elfangor is waiting carefully for the right moment to shoot the Blade ship. Chapman shoots Elfangor with the shredder (that is turned on its lowest setting) and then starts to brag.

Loren says that she's had it with Chapman right before she kicks him in the balls! You are an awesome lady, Loren! Loren stuns Chapman.

And the chapter ends with the Jahar about to be boarded.


Chapter 32

Elfangor tells Loren to shoot and she hits a Hork-Bajir. But then an Andalite arm appears. Visser Thirty-Two shoots Loren and she falls into Elfangor! And now Visser Thirty-Two has entered the Jahar! Well, this is going to go great. I should probably get out now.

Elfangor thinks he's about to die and swings his tail-blade at the console and he shoots the Blade ship at point blank range. You are awesome, Elfangor! The hatch is torn open and lots of chaos because of that ensues! Yeah, Visser Thirty-Two, Elfangor is a great source of agitation for you!

A living asteroid attacks the Jahar and Elfangor believes he's going to die. While he tries to fix the situation he wonders why he should bother. Arbron was dead and Alloran was worse than dead. So why should he even bother to fight?

My baby needs a hug!


Chapter 33

As this is the beginning of Part 3 of the book, there is a little mention of how Elfangor's situation is worsening and then a recap of what has happened so far. Complete with Elfangor bemoaning his current situation.

Is it coincidence that Elfangor snaps out of his depression when he sees Loren floating around lifelessly?

Elfangor is thinking of using the Time Matrix. He doesn't say it by name but he mentions Arbron's suicide attempt and so it's pretty clear what Elfangor is talking about.

Elfangor has trouble reaching the panel but Loren helps him. You go girl! Elfangor is impressed.

Air returns and Elfangor mentions it hurts but that it's a good kind of pain. Elfangor tells Loren that humans must be strong. And Loren replies that the same is true of Andalites. So much good love!

Elfangor explains what a black hole is but Loren replies that she learned about them at school. The Andalite is surprised that humans know of black holes. While Elfangor compliments humans a lot, he seems to fail to realize what kind of technology is needed to learn about deep space. Though the aristh is not big on technology, which has been brought up a lot previously in the book.

Visser Thirty-Two speaks and Elfangor has to remind himself it's not Alloran. So we are given even more descriptions of how horrible it is to be controlled by a Yeerk. The visser correctly guesses that Elfangor is thinking of tail-fighting him, but he tries to dissuade the Andalite from doing so. Elfangor replies with a taunt and the visser brings up all of Elfangor's insecurities. Visser Thirty-Two then brings up using the Time Matrix and so my guess what Elfangor was after was wrong...

Elfangor brings up why that won't work but the visser replies that they'll just have to work together. A Yeerk and Andalite working together. This will work out so nicely!

Chapter 34

Visser Thirty-Two elaborates on his plan. Elfangor, of course, doesn't trust him but agrees to it as along as the visser holds the rope. The visser replies that Elfangor will just use the Time Matrix for himself. Elfangor slips up in his reply and says 'Loren' instead of 'the humans', but quickly corrects himself. The visser catches Elfangor's slip and replies that the Andalite is telling the truth. He adds that he'll kill Loren if Elfangor betrays him.

Elfangor talks about the air hoods and that he didn't tell Loren what would happen if the air ran out.

Loren uses sarcasm and Elfangor doesn't get it. This would make sense if Andalites didn't have humor. But, through Arbron, we can tell they do. It just might be that Elfangor doesn't use humor that much and/or he can't recognize sarcasm.

Elfangor takes a look at the black hole and then imagines himself getting sucked in. He has to remind himself to focus.

Oh, great, the Jahar is spinning so the job is harder.

Elfangor makes mention of how hard it is for an untrained person to move in zero gravity. He is trained so he knows what to do.

Elfangor gets the Time Matrix inside the Jahar and I'm just waiting for the betrayal. It seems longer when you're waiting for stuff like this.


Chapter 35

When Elfangor gets back inside he realizes that Loren is suffering because Andalites and humans can't breathe the same air. This seems like a minor plot hole as humans have been seen on the Taxxon home world, a Skrit Na ship, and Andalite ships breathing just fine. So what is different about the air hood?

Elfangor tells the visser to make his move. He believes that the Yeerk had planned to kill him from the start. Elfangor talks of a tail-blade fight in zero gravity! That would be beyond awesome! Be still my little fangirl heart.

But, no, the visser moves to activate the Time Matrix and Elfangor goes to activate it too. And, Elfangor, I think a lot of people that have done drugs can feel you now. If you're wondering, Elfangor's description seems to be of a trip, if ya know what I mean.

Elfangor's remarks about the Yeerk in Alloran's brain is horrifying. Beautiful and yet disgusting.

Holy fucking shit! Elfangor saw Alloran's decision to use the quantum virus! I...this is a kid's book! Holy shit!

Finally Elfangor comes back to the present and realizes he has to counter Visser Thirty-Two's moves. Elfangor tries to think of where he grew up on the Andalite home world, but those images are mixed in with pictures he's seen of Earth.

Loren takes control of the Time Matrix! Elfangor, again, commenting on her strength. And a being, probably the Ellimist, laughs at them all.


Chapter 36

Elfangor wakes up with the laughter still ringing in his ears. He looks around and it seems like he's on the Andalite home world. And he's where he grew up too!

Are therant trees supposed to be like Ents? As they can speak in a way (but not with words). And other trees can actually speak with words?  Planet of the Ents?

There seems to be an awful lot of rituals in Andalite society. Elfangor does a ritual for forgiveness but laments that he's not ready to be forgiven. My baby!

Elfangor realizes he knows WHERE he is but not WHEN. And, by the age of the therant (it's also called the Garibah but that seems to be the name for a guide tree that I guess can be a therant) it could be long LONG before Elfangor had even been born.

Elfangor gets excited and heads for home as he realizes he doesn't care when he is, just that he's on his home world. He remarks that he wants to play with his old toys and be a child again. He used to dream of being a Prince, fighting the Yeerks, and winning the war. But he's now seen the war and decides he wants no part of it. That's character development you're looking at.

So Andalites can taste but it's not as great a sense as a human's sense of taste is.

Elfangor realizes he isn't on the Andalite home world as there's a waterfall that is odd as it's basically just there and not as a waterfall should be. Elfangor recognizes the waterfall as the one from the cigarette ad.

And now Elfangor realizes that Visser Thirty-Two, himself, and Loren have created their own reality. Elfangor guesses that the being he had heard (which I now think has a possibility of being Crayak) was laughing because it knew what was happening.
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