He lolls his head back on his weirdly flexible human neck - this really seems like it should hurt - and makes a dry sound that might be a laugh. "If nothing here is upsetting to me, skunks included, imagine having spent a third of your life as a voice in your own head. I don't recommend it."

Alloran pauses, and reluctantly adds, "It should probably be said that Yeerks are people and only some are unreasoning sadists out for nothing but their own gratification. Those just rose to the top and cultivated similar attitudes."