A/N: Thanks for all the GREAT feedback I've been getting. I'm sorry I haven't updated in a few days. My grandmother passed away, and today was her funeral. Also, the site has been down for me, and I was just able to get on. Hope you enjoy this chapter. Feel free to give me input and advice!

            I found myself in the Washington D.C. hospital the next day, although it did take quite a while to drive there. Luckily, his family had already identified the body. If I had been there and was needed to help, it would have reminded me of Rachel. I had had to help her mother identify her body when they found her body in Z Space. ((A/N: Yes, that was disclosed in book 54)).

            Karen explained what happened. "Supposedly he was traveling north from our house. He had visited our parents to say "hi" and told them he wanted to surprise you, and then he'd return. There had been a freak storm last night, which caused a tree to fall in his path after it had been struck by lightening. Ronnie wasn't speeding, but he wasn't going slow, either. He hit the tree head on, not able to move out of harm's way quick enough. He was instantly killed by the collision, so at least he felt no pain."

            I nodded. "I'm so sorry."

            I know, it was lame, but I didn't know what else to say. She knew I was very grief stricken, so she left me alone in the hallway. The Chambers family were already making funeral arrangements. I checked in a nearby hotel. As I was getting ready for bed, there was a knock at my bedroom door. I opened it.

            "Hello Cassie," said a Hork-Bajir. Behind her stood another of her species.

           I smiled warmly. "Hello Toby. Please, come in. How are you?" I asked, as the two walked in, and I closed the door.

            "I am good. I am sorry."

            "About Ronnie? Thank you."

            "He was my friend and friend of my people."

            "Yes, he did help the Hork-Bajir greatly. He was a great man."

            "Cassie, the Chee need you."

            I looked at her, stunned. She changed the subject so quickly. Also, for her to mention the Chee was unexpected.

            "How do you know?"

            All of a sudden, the Hork-Bajir next to her shifted. In his place now stood a young man about my age.  

            "Hello Erek," I said, almost grimly. I wasn't entirely mad at him or the Chee race, but they hadn't been on good terms with the Animorphs the day we defeated the Yeerks. I hadn't seen him or them since.

            "Hello Cassie. Look, I'm sorry about everything that's happened in the past, but we need you now."

            "Why? What's wrong?"

            "You know about the Kelbrid."

            "Yes, I know."

            "But you know the truth about us and them. Our races have been friends for billions of years. Now, one of them come for help. An alien race is attacking them, and they need you to help them."

            "Me? But how?! I'm only one person. Get the government to help!"

            "The government wouldn't do anything. They believe the Kelbrid are the reason why most of the Animorphs are dead. They'd trust one person and a bunch of androids? No. You have a very important job. You must help Jake remember. He can get the Andalites to help! They promised they'd help him if he asked."

            "I can't. I can't leave Ronnie's family now . . . "

            "I'll pose as you. Your transport is waiting . . . "

            "Transport?" I asked. Out of the corner of my eye, I saw Toby nod. I could read her eyes. She wanted me to come. Perhaps all the non-violent alien races had joined together in an alliance years ago, and now was their hour of need. How could I turn them down?

            "All right. I'll do it."

            I morphed a Hork-Bajir, a morph I hadn't used in years. I followed Toby out of my room and into a car parked out front. The driver was Erek's father, another Chee. I demorphed once I was in the tinted car.     

            "Hello Cassie. There's a ship waiting for you at the Alien Embassy at the capitol. Inside it is a Hork-Bajir and Chee escort. We are all friends, as you might have guessed. We have some of your belongings we feel you'd find necessary for the trip. It'll take three weeks for you to reach your destiny. You'll be briefed about the race and their planet onboard. Thank you for your help."

            The car stopped as the spaceship I'd call home for the next few weeks rolled into view. It, ironically, was called The Friendship. (A/N: Sorry. I know it's corny!)

            "Thank you!" I said, boarding the ship.

            "No, thank you!" cried the Chee.

            I walked onboard the ship. I saw a Chee (in its natural form) and a Hork-Bajir: my two escorts. Then, I noticed the fourth passenger.

            Hello Cassie, said the Andalite.

            "Um . . . hello," I replied.

            My name is Menderash. I had been First Officer to Prince Aximilli the day he was captured. I had sent Jake and his comrades into space. I have just located Jake on the moon of the Andalite world, in Kelbrid space. I will be the pilot of this ship for the duration of the journey. We need you to help bring Jake back and to help us save the Kelbrid. That is all for the time being. Now, if you would be so kind, please start the ship.

            I swallowed. "Uh . . . start the ship?"

            Yes. After all, you do have the key . . .

            Using one of his weak fingers, Menderash pointed to my necklace.

            I could hear the Ellimist in my mind. You have the key . . .

            And thus started our journey.