Chapter 7

Cassie

It took me about an hour to return back to my apartment and pack what I needed for the mission. I was shaking, not just from the cool air, but from my nerves. I was leaving my planet. I was going into outer space and engaging against a enemy that could very well destroy us. But most of all I was shaking because I was going to see Jake and the others again. I had given up hope, I really had. My heart had been broken. I had to learn to deal with the fact that the one person I loved more then anyone was dead and never coming back.

I packed my necessary equipment, changed into a pair of jeans and a t-shirt, zipped up a black sweater, put my hair into a pony tail, and sat on my bed to wait. It was a short wait, about five minutes, before my cell phone rang again. It was Thomas.

"They are ready. A convoy is waiting for you downstairs," He said. I thanked him and hung up. I left my phone sitting on my desk. Where I was going, there was no need for it. I grabbed my bags and headed for the elevator on my floor. When it opened, I walked inside. I pushed the button for the lobby and waited. As the elevator traveled downward, I looked at my refection in the mirror. I had grown taller by a few inches. My once short hair was about shoulder length, and I had finally developed a body that others considered attractive. I had always been thin as a child, but now I am tone. I figure it is from all of the traveling and hiking that my job calls for. I was proud of my body now. Growing up, I never cared how I looked much. I had always been envious of Rachel and her perfect body. She had been so beautiful, even at such a young age. She always looked older then what she was. I smiled thinking of all the times she had tried to get me to dress up.

The elevator door opened and I jumped slightly to see the doorman waiting right outside it.

"I will take your bags Mam," he said. He reached out and grabbed my bags from me. I thanked him and followed him outside. There was a stretch limo waiting, with a limo in the front, and one behind. Also, there was about fifteen different police escorts around the hotel. Obviously the proper authorities were contacted in this short time.

The chauffer opened the back door for me, and I climbed in. Thomas was sitting there, with a smile on his face.

"The US government has been notified of the situation, as have the Andalites. They give their support to Caysath and his crew," He said with a smile and a nod, then he paused. "This is really happening, isn't it?"

"Yeah, I guess it really is. I never thought I would be back in space," I said. I didn't say much the whole drive to the Andalite fleet's base. Thomas tried to talk with me, but I just couldn't focus. I was going to Jake. I going to fight to save him and the others. Nothing would stop that.

Finally we pulled into the large military base that had been changed into the official Andalite military post. There were Andalite fighters, transports, and even one dome ship located currently at the base. I watched in awe as we drove around the base to the designated meeting location. Finally, the Limo pulled to a stop. I didn't wait for the door to be opened for me. I leapt out and ran over to Prince Caysath.

"Prince Caysath!" I cried as I threw my arms around the Andalite in a very human fashion. Caysath didn't tense up or become frightened. He returned my hug with his strong Andalite arms. He had become very accustomed to Human expressions and customs.

((Cassie, I am glad you are coming. You above anyone should be with us,)) He said. I pulled away and smiled at him. I then walked back over to Thomas, who was standing by the limo. I hugged him and gave him a light kiss on the cheek.

"Thank you. Please do me a favor my friend. Tell Ronnie that I am sorry I couldn't tell him. Tell him that when I return, and make sure to say when, that I will tell him everything. He deserves to hear that," I looked Thomas in the eye. The man looked like he was about to cry, but he nodded. "Thank you."

((Cassie, we must be going,)) Caysath said. I nodded and gave a brave smile to Thomas. He smiled back and waved. He waited there, watching, until the transport we were on left the atmosphere.