Rose Tyler

She felt her eyes grow wide, which was definitely Aftran's doing, since Rose had no idea what that was supposed to mean. Apparently it was something big, because Jake and Marco practically had to pick their jaws off the floor. The Doctor was grinning. He looked rather like he wanted to hug Ax, but Rose was pretty sure that was against some sort of Andalite protocol. After gathering himself, Jake nodded seriously.

Rose sort of figured that whatever this thing was, it was a big moment for Ax. His hatred of the Yeerks was obvious at this point. Rose was glad that he was able to see past that, for Aftran's sake, at least.

{It would be completely unprecedented. Well, almost completely,} Ax said, with quick a glance around the room. {But the situation is completely unique. There has never before been a case of a Yeerk working for the Andalite cause-}

"For the cause of freedom. There are a lot of people fighting for that, not just the Andalites", interjected Aftran. Okay, it probably wasn't the time for that. Ax was taking a big step forward, for him anyway. But Rose agreed with Aftran, silently. And the Doctor's mouth twitched, almost into a smile.

Thankfully, Ax simply continued on with what sounded like pre-determined, over-thought speech. {Yes, the cause of freedom. Despite the complicated circumstances, Aftran is our ally. And I owe you a debt,} he finished, looking directly at Rose, or rather Aftran, now.

"But that's a wonderful idea!" said Cassie gleefully.

"So, what is that- the Escafil Device?" said Rose, "Does it have to do with all the turning into animals?"

{Yes,} replied Ax and Aftran in her head simultaneously.

"It's kind of a big deal," Marco joked.

"Us humans tend to use simpler terminology," said Jake with a smile. "Like 'blue morphing cube' or 'the blue box'."

"A bit ironic, yeah?" Rose laughed. "Is it bigger on the inside too?"

In the corner of her eye, she saw the Doctor raised an eyebrow and glanced towards her. But before she could meet his gaze, he refocused on the situation before them.

"With the morphing ability, Aftran could see and move around for herself. She wouldn't be stuck being a parasite. She could be anything she wanted. An entire universe of DNA to experience and sights to see." Cassie beamed while the Doctor talked.

{There would be conditions,} Ax said. Half of Ax's eyes were looking at Rose and Aftran, and the other half looked at his "Prince". Jake nodded, like he expected this, and Ax continued. {Aftran would be required to become a nothlit. She may choose any form, but no matter how trustworthy she has proven herself to be, having another morph capable Yeerk would be too large a risk.}

"It would also eliminate her dependence on Kandrona," added the Doctor.

{Good call, Ax-man,} Tobias said.

Rose wondered what their relationship was like- Ax and Tobias. Neither of them were human, at least not most of the time. What did they do, when the others were at home with their families? Did these kids still go to school? Where did an alien and a boy-turned-hawk live in a world like this? Outside the Animorphs and the Yeerks, who knew they even existed? Rose's thoughts were interrupted as the conversation continued.

"We'd have to vote on it," said Jake, causing Marco to roll his eyes. Rose tilted her head. Was this really something that needed a vote? This was the perfect solution. Cassie obviously agreed with her. She hadn't stopped smiling this whole time. Then Rose noticed that none of the Animorphs questioned Jake's announcement.

"It's too big of a decision for me to just say yes or no," Jake added, noticing her confusion. "We have to all be okay with this. We have to be completely sure."

In her head, Rose heard Aftran speak up, finally over the initial shock of Ax's announcement. {Rose, do you mind if I say something?}

"No of course not!" said Rose, accidentally speaking out loud, "Er, yes, of course- Aftran is gonna talk now, 'kay?"

{Thank you.}

Rose sort of… nodded, in her head, at Aftran. It was weird how she was starting to get the hang of this internal conversation bit. It was becoming easier to just sort of switch back and forth.

"It would be… far more than I ever hoped for. There are no words. A few days ago, I thought I was going to die. Now, I have the whole world ahead of me, and a life to enjoy it with. I wouldn't even know how to thank you."

"You were ready to die to keep our secret. And then you helped save Ax," assured Jake, "Trust me, you don't owe us anything."

"Yeah, definitely," added Rachel, "It would definitely work. The trouble would just be finding a morph for you. One that you'd be okay living forever as." Rachel was right- having to pick a body to spend the rest of your life in would be hard. Even though it wasn't a decision most people would ever have to make… Rose still wondered how that would feel…

"I have seen many of Cassie's memories of morphs-"

"And you're welcome to see more," Cassie added.

"You can take a few days, to think it over," said Jake, "Since the Doctor was able to help with the Kandrona, there isn't such a rush." Jake smiled gratefully at the Doctor.

"Oh, well… it was the least I could do," he chuckled. Rose suddenly had an idea, and she blurted it out without stopping to think.

"She could be me."

Everyone stared. Rose blushed, embarrassed. Did it not make sense? She smiled, biting her lip.

"I mean… there's no 'me' in this universe, yeah? The Doctor and I already checked," she explained, "No me, or any of my family. At least nothing close enough to be recognizable as us."

The Doctor nibbled on the end of his glasses, half-smiling in her direction.

She could tell he agreed with where she was going. Feeling a little more confident, she took a step forward so that she stood front and center before the Animorphs. "I mean, the Yeerks saw who I am, but they won't be looking for me around the entire world. They'd never find me even if they did, not with that many people to sort through." She took a deep breath, "And between the Doctor and Ax and Erek, it would be simple to make up paperwork and information, yeah? To make it look like she had always been around, licenses, history?"

Why did the Animorphs still look so unsure? Rose didn't understand why they weren't immediately thrilled. It was a good idea, right?

{Rose…} Aftran sounded so surprised, so touched. Rose knew it had to be the right thing to do for her.

"You can look at my memories. A whole new fake life, easy. We can take you anywhere with the TARDIS, right? I mean, you'll have all my memories of London, if you like." She looked around at the Animorphs. Rachel and Marco looked pretty happy with the solution. But Cassie still looked trouble, which was odd. Given her and Aftran's friendship, Rose thought she would be the happiest of them all.

"You can use my DNA to go and be anyone or anything you want to be," Rose said, "If you'd like, that is."

"I mean…" Cassie spoke hesitantly, "We don't normally do that. Morph humans. It's different if you give your permission, Rose, obviously, but…"

Rose frowned. "Why not? Does it not work with humans?" she asked, "Would it go wrong or something?"

"When you morph, you're essentially creating a new animal or person," said Jake, "One that you then control. Morphing humans, it makes us feel like, well… Yeerks."

"Oh…" said Rose.

{The concept is not quite the same,} said Ax, {But it does cause them to hesitate, when morphing a sentient species.}

"It's just complicated," said Cassie, frowning. Rose didn't really know how to respond to that. Of course, suggesting Aftran be her had been pretty bold to start with, since she didn't know much about how morphing worked. But if it was going to cause problems…

"It's actually a really good idea, though," Marco nodded towards Rose, making her feel a bit better about the suggestion. Rachel laughed, and Rose took a deep breath, glad she was spared an awkward silence.

"What Xena? You've got something better?" Marco crossed his arms and glared at the smirking Rachel.

"Good idea? Weren't you the one talking about under-appreciating things earlier?," Rachel said, rolling her eyes before she turned to looked at Rose. "It's a perfect idea. If Aftran has your permission, then there's no reason we shouldn't do it."

{It would be simple, with the Doctor's technology,} added Ax. Cassie still looked a little unsure, but the others seemed to agree with Rachel's sentiment.

"And I would be happy to do it. More than happy. Thrilled. Honored. Ecstatic," said the Doctor. "Delighted. Overjoyed." His eyes were glowing softly now as they met hers. It never got old, him looking at her like that. Every time, he made her feel like she had managed to save the universe just by being herself. She bit her lip and grinned. This was why she would travel with him, forever. Because not only could she save people like Aftran. She could save him, make him smile too.

{Rose… this is a gift. A gift I will never, ever be able to repay you for,} said Aftran and Rose blushed, reminded that Aftran might still be able to hear her thoughts.

Outside of her head, Cassie looked at them both, concerned. "Aftran… what do you think? I mean, morphing a human," Cassie said, "Would that be alright? Would you be happy?"

{Are you sure, Rose?} Aftran asked. They were both still focused internally.

{Just live a good life for me,} Rose replied, {Make it worthwhile.}

{I'll do my best,} said Aftran, {May I speak again?}

Rose slid out of the way, letting Aftran take over the speaking parts of the brain. "I think Rose has come up with a solution better than anything I could have ever hoped for. With her and Aximili's permission, I would be honored to accept this arrangement."

Cassie smiled. She was so relieved, and Rose thought she understood. Yes, morphing a human worried her, but Cassie was still so happy for Aftran. Even though she had seen all these horrible things that Yeerks had done, she wasn't going to let that cloud her opinion of this individual. Cassie understood how different people could be, especially among members of the same species. They were friends, despite all that could have come between them.

"Oh, this is brilliant," began the Doctor, and Rose knew that look on his face.

Apparently, Marco sensed something ominous coming too. "Oh no," he said flatly.

"Now, I know we're all still getting used to each other and things have been a little tense," the Doctor continued, "But I'm going to need you Animorphs to let me give you a hug." He spread his arms, and gestured for everyone to come closer. Everyone looked mortified.

"Um…" said Jake, "We don't normally…"

"Come on, everyone together now!" The Doctor looked at everyone expectantly, arms still open, "We'll make it a group hug. Less embarrassing for everyone."

One by one the Animorphs inched closer, looking at the strange alien man before them like he had lost his mind. Rose was trying hard not to fall over, she was laughing so hard.

"Don't think I've forgotten about you, Tobias," the Doctor pointed into the rafters, "Yours is coming next chance I get."

{Great.} Tobias replied.

"I know, I know- you're big tough teenagers and you don't like showing emotion, but this is worth it. Come on! There!" said the Doctor. He managed to snag a hold of Cassie, the closest victim.

As the Doctor pulled her into a hug, Cassie grabbed Jake and Rachel in with her, and they both grabbed the others, until everyone was locked into a sort of very awkward embrace. Even Ax stood sort awkwardly next to the circle.

{Is this customary with your people? I don't understand,} he said.

"No, not customary or anything," said the Doctor, "You are all just very special. Some of the most special people I've ever met, and I've met a whole lot of people."

"Great," said Marco. Being shorter, he had ended up smothered somewhere in the center of the arms, "Can we let go now?"

"Almost!" the Doctor replied cheerfully.

Rose was still laughing when he pulled her and Aftran into the group hug as well.

"There!" the Doctor said, releasing everyone, "Now that we've solved that little problem, the rest should be easy from here on out."

"Right, easy," said Rachel. She worked at her hair, rearranging the blonde strands that had been misplaced by the mass of arms.

The Doctor smiled, ignoring the sarcasm. They were all very sarcastic, Rose noticed. He was definitely going to get good at that.

"Exactly, easy," he said, "Well, easy compared to a lot of things. Point is- we're going to fix this. Together."

Maybe they didn't believe him, not just yet. They would though- Rose knew that. The Doctor, her, the TARDIS, well, they hadn't come across much they couldn't fix. And with the Animorphs, well- she was pretty sure that together, they would save this world.