It took Nierefiem a moment longer to compose himself. Though he could not stand, he managed to pull himself into a somewhat comfortable kneeling position as Max tried to stop his bleeding wound. He regarded her first with surprise. Then, though he had no mouth, the corners of his eyes of his eyes crinkled as if he were smiling. In a thought-speak that was directed towards her alone, he said, <Thank you. You are kind.>

The others ran the full gamut of reactions; One attempted calling for help, while another burst into laughter as he declared the entire thing fake, and the last went into hysterics. Finally, a fifth arrived and demanded to know what was happening. The alien prince understood their shock and confusion, but knew that there was too precious little time to allow these emotions to run their course. <I assure you that none of this is fake, nor any hallucination,> his firm voice cut through their minds. Pain edged his words, but he pressed on.

<You must listen to me. I...> The alien winced at an intense surge of pain. The others could sense it from him, in the same way that they 'heard' his voice. His pain, urgency, and sincerity poured through their link and, in some inexplicable way, they could feel it. <I am dying. Before I do, I must give you this message: your planet is under attack.>

Nierefiem took a deep breath. <The invaders are not like my people. They are not like yours. They are [i]parasites[/i]. They are Yeerks.> This was the first time Nierefiem's general benevolence slipped. He seemed to loath even saying the word; his hatred rolled off in waves. For a moment he closed his eyes and concentrated, and in their minds they saw an image of a slimy, greenish slug about the size of a rat. 

<Yeerks generally enter through the ear canal, and wrap themselves around a creature's brain, taking over their bodies and turning them into Controllers. The host's every thought and emotion are laid bare, and they are made prisoners inside their own minds. While a host can never truly rebel, it can occasionally break control long enough to cause hindrance for the Yeerks, which is why they try to coerce beings into accepting occupation willing, if possible.>

<They ambushed our dome ship as we came out of Z-Space. We were unprepared for their blade ship, and we... We were defeated. Before I crashed I sent word back to my people. We are Andalites, and fight across the empire to prevent the spread of the Yeerk empire. I explained that they are here in greater numbers than we anticipated, but it will take at least one of your Earth years for our army to arrive. By that point, however, your planet will have been taken over! That is why you must go, now, and spread word to your people, before it is too late.>

He winced again. It was clear that his time was very nearly up. <It won't be long now until the Yeerks track me here. Their dracon beams will destroy any traces of my ship. And of myself.> His voice was a little bit shaky, now. Sorrow at his own impending death flowed through their link as well. If his ship was gone, no one would believe their story. Nierefiem's expression turned grim at this realization, but his eyes lit as an idea occurred. <I believe there is time... I think that I may be able to grant you some small way to fight back. In my ship, there is a small blue box. Bring it to me quickly!>

As one of their group went to fetch the box, he continued. <A technology of my people, one that we have shared with no other race. It grants the ability to transform into any creature whose DNA has been acquired through touch. A great deal of concentration and determination are required, but it becomes easier with time. There are limits. Dangers. But there is little time to explain them now. I know that you are young, but this gift is all I have to offer. Do you wish to receive it?>