An Alternate Departure
Disclaimer: I don't like writing these. But I must. So, I only own the story.
"Let its DNA flow into you, Cassie." said Aftran.
"No," I whispered.
"You ask me to pay a terrible price to make Karen free again. Will you pay the same price? Will you become this little creature? Will you stay in that morph for two hours while I stand guard?"
I threw the caterpillar onto the ground. "I have a better deal for you."
Aftran looked at me with interest.
"You want a host? As well as access to Kandrona rays?"
"As opposed to just Kandrona rays? Yes."
"Would you like them in exchange for helping our side out and not doing anything which could give Visser Three too much of an increase towards controlling the planet?"
"What are you suggesting?"
"Answer my question."
"All right then. Of course. I've always, well, almost always felt it wrong to take involuntary hosts and to destroy planets. I'd be willing to do those things in exchange for what you've offered me."
"In that case." I leaned forward and pressed my ear to Karen's.
"No. It's too risky," said Aftran quietly.
"Yes. It's the only way for my friends to know for sure you aren't in me. It's if they see you come out of me."
"Then, in that case, the risk is worth it."
I felt the tingling touch in my ear again.
My friends came. Aftran looked at them. Then, she started to leave my brain.
When she was out I caught her.
All right! Kill it now! yelled Marco.
"No." I whispered. "She put her life in my hands. I respect that. She's willing to fight for our side. All we have to do is allow her to infest me and give her access to Kandrona rays."
You trust that thing?
"The Chee will confirm it." I said.
