Chapter 10
I arrived at the edge of the forest to find Ax waiting patiently for me. What is it that you wanted to talk about Quinn? Ax asked. "This." I said. As I pulled out the Timer and showed it to him. "We call it the Timer." I explained. "It creates the portals that enable us to travel the multiverse. It also lets us know how long we have on the world we are currently on."
Fascinating. Ax said. My people would benefit greatly from such a device.
"Yeah" I agreed "That's what I thought, until I learned that I might never get the chance to tell anyone about my discovery." What do you mean? Ax asked "Once the Timer's countdown reaches zero we have to leave, or risk remaining on that world until another vortex opens 29 years later." I said. Ah now I understand why you wished to speak to me. Ax said. "So you'll help me fix the Timer?" I asked. I would like to but I may not be able to Ax said sadly. "Why?" I asked. I am forbidden to interfere with the technological development of inferior species, under the law of Seerow's Kindness. he said. "I understand. But look at it this way." I reasoned "The technology has already been created, the damage has been done. If you help us you can at least delay if not stop the technological contamination all together by allowing us the chance to return home." All right I will try to help you. he said. "Great" I said as I handed him the Timer.
The following afternoon we were all in the hotel room, the Animorphs, the other Sliders and me; with Ax and Tobias in human morph just in case we were being watched. "Does everyone know what to do?" Jake asked. We were reviewing our plans for the attack on the observatory. It went like this; we would arrive at the observatory after hours. Cassie and Marco would overtake the outer guards then Remmy and Wade would take the guards clothing and replace them so that they could stop anyone from entering and endangering our mission. Jake and Rachel would then remove the threat of any interior defense. Tobias would remain in the skies as our lookout, while Professor Arturo and I assisted Ax with his computer virus. A virus that would with any luck, cripple Visser Three's hopes of multidimensional communication.
"Ax will you have that virus ready by the time we need it?" Jake asked. "Yes Prince Jake but I fear unforeseen dangers in the viruses effectiveness, especially without time to properly test it" he said. "We understand your concern Ax but don't worry; you'll have Quinn and Professor Arturo ready to help you if anything goes wrong." Cassie said.