"Yeerks," I read aloud. "Parasites. They take over people's bodies by entering through the ear and controlling the brain. Slug-like in appearance. They invaded Earth over two decades ago, only to be stopped by the Animorphs, led by Jake Berenson…"
I turned and looked at Jake. "You?"
He nodded. "Eighteen years ago, the Yeerks returned. We weren't ready, and we didn't want to deal with another war that fast. We can't fight as well as we used to. I mean, everything's different now. Rachel's gone, Cassie's with Ronnie and their family, Marco has his own family, Tobias is trapped as a human. Ax is some big hotshot on his planet after he was saved from The One. I used to be a teacher, but now I'm working here."
"Why didn't you just gather another group of kids and make them Animorphs?"
He shook his head. "No. The Yeerks were smarter this time. More aggressive." He laughed. "It turns out that we're the best species around for infestation. By now, well over one-quarter of Earth's population are Controllers. I knew that no normal human could take on the job of beating the Yeerks. Not the way they are now."
"So you created me. That's what I'm for."
"Yes. We knew we needed somebody who could handle this war. You are physically unable to be infested by a Yeerk. I don't know how, and neither do the scientists. It was a side effect. Your DNA is a combination of the living Animorphs."
"I'm supposed to be you and your friends?"
"So far, you have inherited the traits that we wanted you to get. Or so the other scientists say. Supposedly, you have my leadership skills, Cassie's morality, Marco's sense of humor, Tobias's seriousness, and Ax's brain. Actually, it looks like you have his eyes as well."
"You must have high expectations for me," I said. "You took all of the Animorphs' best qualities and tried to make a person. It looks like you've succeeded."
He looked at me strangely, like I reminded him of someone.
I knew who it was.
"I remind you of Rachel."
"That can't be possible. You don't have any of her DNA."
"The two of you must have been more alike than you thought."
He thought about that for a moment, and, slowly, a smile spread across his face. "Maybe you're right."
He got up from his chair and opened a cabinet. Inside of it was a harmless-looking blue box.
"Four-Six-Three, welcome to the Animorphs."
I started to reach out to touch the cube, but pulled my hand away. "Not until I have a name. No more 'Four-Six-Three'. I don't care what you call me…actually I do care."
"Serenity."
"That's ironic."
"I know. That's my point."
"Fine. Have it your way. My name is Serenity. I was born in a test tube March 3, 2015. I am a freak. And insane."
He laughed. "Yeah, that about wraps it up. So, Fou—I mean Serenity, are you going to touch this or not? It's heavier than it looks."
"I get to risk my butt every day until the Yeerks are gone…sounds like fun."
I reached out and held my hand over the cube, not touching it yet.
"Well?" Jake asked.
"Why do I need this? I can already change."
"Another side effect. You need to be able to morph."
I shrugged and placed my hand on the box. It tingled.
He pulled the communication device from his pocket again.
"Hey guys," he said to it, "meet the newest Animorph."
The door opened and two men, one woman, and one Andalite walked in.
"Congratulations," the African-American girl said to me. I recognized her from the pictures. Her name was Cassie.
"Yeah, congratulations," Marco said, patting me on the shoulder. "And good luck; you're going to need it."
"Why? Will I have to see you every day?"
He held his hand to his chest. "Ah, she got me." He fell to the floor.
Jake laughed. "I haven't heard anything like that since…"
"Since Rachel," Tobias finished.
Everybody became silent.
"Okay," I began, "so I get to play 'round-up gang' and find some more people?"
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