Credit belongs to these RPers:

Aixzana as Melissa, Mr. Chapman, Arciss, Agaraf,
TobiasHawk13 as Tobias, Arciss
Cobalt as Marco
Tobyas as Ax and Rachel
Sinister Shadow as Visser One
and just about everyone as Jake, Cassie, and Tom. (I was David.)

David spun the cube around on his finger. "I've got it right here."

"You said that Tobias from school was with you guys? Is he okay?" asked Jake. "I pulled him out of a toilet and don't really want it to go for nothing if he's digested by a Tax-tax-whatever you call them."

"Yeah, I think he's fairly new, he is in one of our project groups. You saved his butt from bullies? Good going!" said Melissa. "Ah...here comes David with the morphing cube. This is it everyone! We should break out the champagne to our new recruits!"

"No thanks. My mind has just been saved from evil aliens, I'm not about to lose it to alcohol," Tom said.

"Ah, well, I can understand, Tom." Melissa blushed. "Has anyone seen Tobias? He should be here for this."

(What shall our next mission be, Princess Melissa?)

"Ready to give them the morphing power, Ax? We should get to done because I think we've got another mission coming up. I morphed my cat last night to spy on my parents. My dad - or rather, the Yeerk in his head - is getting promoted to Visser!"

(We already went and gave them the power, Princess Melissa.)

"I'm stressed, I wish I could turn into a grizzly..." said Rachel.

"Let's start the show! We'll need to go back to the Gardens again and get Jake, Tom and Rachel some morphs. Rachel - there might be bears there! You can have one if you like! And you'll need loads of practise morphing tonight," said Melissa.

"This whole thing is freaking me out...you're telling me you have Andalite technology too? Morphing technology, and I've got the power to do it?" asked Tom.

Rachel acquired a grizzly bear at the zoo. Ah, much better now. When do I get to morph? I'm really angry and you know what? An elephant wouldn't be so bad either, just as long as it doesn't make me look too fat..."

Ax was causing a riot at the food stand. "I want tacos! Taaacos! And that red substance tastes extremely good."

"What red substance?" asked Jake.

Tobias, who was flying above Ax, responded. (I think he means ketchup.)

"Yeah, Ax has a weird passion for food. Don't let him near a Cinnabon! Which reminds me, I owe him one from last night! Cool, you got an elephant, Rachel! Jake and Tom what are you going to acquire for your battle morphs? I have a panther, Marco has a gorilla, David has a lion, Cassie has a wolf and Tobias has his hawk. And you need bird morphs!" said Melissa.

"Hmm, battle morphs?" repeated Tom. "Maybe something powerful, like a buffalo?"

"You can pick what you like, there's loads to choose from! Uh oh, better get Ax away from that food stool!"

(Guys? I have something to tell you,) Tobias announced. (I'm stuck in morph. I went over the two hour limit.)

Ax spat out the motor oil he was drinking. "A nothlit?" People stared weirdly at him.

"You're...stuck in morph? Oh, Tobias! What happened?" asked Melissa.

(I landed on a rock because I was tired, and then I couldn't get out because there were controllers with Dracon Beams...and then when I got out, 2 hours had passed.)

Her eyes welled up with tears. "Tobias...I'm so sorry...I don't know what to say."

(I'm all right...you don't need to be upset.)

"How can you explain it to your parents?" asked David.

Marco was shocked for a second, then returned to his usual sarcastic self because he was uncomfortable. (Great. Now we have a bird on the team. Still, at least you're alive I guess.)

"Marco! Shut up for a second why don't you!" Melissa said.

(I don't have parents. All I have is an uncle and an aunt...they won't mind though. And yes Marco. At least I'm alive.)

"Why doesn't he? Because he's an insensitive jerk…" David saw Marco, and shut up. "Er never mind."

"I'm really sorry, Tobias, I guess you don't like to keep hearing that but I am. But we can get through this. We can still fight the Yeerks," Melissa said.

Marco glared at David. "Well, at least you didn't get stuck as a beetle, Tobias."

"Speaking of parents, did anybody besides Melissa see theirs in the Yeerk Pool?" asked David.

"No, but I resisted the urge to look around that hole too much."

"I only saw my dad plus a few other random people I know, just neighbours or kids from school and stuff. The only other people I recognised were Rachel and Tom," Melissa replied.

"I'm not sure but I think I might have seen mine," David said.

"Really? That means you and I both have to be really careful now. Hey Tom, Jake - you guys acquired battle morphs yet?"

"Well don't tell me we're going back down there to rescue them all," Marco said. "That trip last night gave me enough memories to fill my nightmares for the rest of my life."

"No...there's got to be a better way." David was deep in thought.

"I like plastic! IIiiiiiiiiiick," said Ax.

"Ick. Yeah. Ick."

"Ax! Look - here - have a lollypop. Hopefully that will shut you up for a bit!" said Melissa.

"Right, well, I have a tiger morph for battle. Tom, there are oxen, buffalos, cheetahs, baboons, wolves, loads to choose from, so I suggest you pick one," Jake said. "Tobias, I'm sorry about you being stuck in morph. Truly. But like Melissa said, we'll find a way to get around it. Until then, we fight."

"Are all Earth materials are as delicious as lollipops?" asked Ax. "Pop, pop, pop makes a nice feeling in my mouth! Pop!"

"Yeah...no one will expect a hawk to fight off an alien invasion," said Marco.

"Not all, Ax, but some. That's called candy. It's got something called sugar in it, which makes it taste nice," said Melissa.

Somewhat friendly, somewhat annoyed, Jake spoke. "Marco, stop being a jerk to Tobias!"

(No, but I can scout.)

"I'm going to acquire a cheetah," said Tom.

Marco shoved Jake. "I'm just joking! Gotta see the funny side in this war, right?"

"I don't think we need to give Ax any sugar," David said.

Ax made puppy eyes. "Can I have cotton candy? Otton? Please?"

"Good choice, Tom. Cassie says cheetahs are one of the fastest animals on land." Melissa grinned flirtily at Tom. "You know...I have a panther morph."

"Great morph, Tom," seconded Jake.

"Oh, stop it with the lovey-dovey already! And Ax, no more sugar for you." Marco removed the lollypop from Ax's hand.

Tom had not gotten Melissa's flirt. "Oh really? I heard they are really powerful."

"Noooooooooooooooooo!" Ax grabbed the lollypop.

Melissa batted her eyelids at Tom. "Oh, yeah. They are very powerful. Very fast...very powerful, very cool indeed."

"David, are you okay?" Cassie asked.

"Duhhhhhhhhhhhhhh...what? Sure."

"Hoo boy."

Marco quickly gave the lollypop back and looked scared. "Woah. Someone warn me when the guy is going to be like that. Insane..."

Ax started eyeing Marco's pocket, lunged, and got a chocolate bar. He ate it with the wrapper. "This is delicious…"

"Yes, I agree," Tom said to Melissa.

"Ok, Ax, calm down. We need you to be able to think right now, not go mad over candy," said Jake.

Melissa looked at Cassie and David, a bit confused. "What is it?"

"I don't know," said Cassie.

"I think I'm getting sick. I might need to leave," David said.

"But caaaaandy is delicious!" Ax ate a paper plate from the ground.

"You're sick, David?" asked Melissa.

"Ax - look, I don't want to sound rude but you have to get a grip on yourself or I suggest you morph to harrier and stay out of the way," Jake said.

"Yeah..anything to make him stop eating!" agreed Marco.

"Ok, well if everyone has a battle morph now, we should move on to getting wolves and dolphins. We all have these morphs in case we need to swim, or run or whatever." Melissa casually started walking next to Tom. "By the way you guys need tight clothes for morphing. Jeans and shoes and stuff don't work. Rachel, I use my gymnastics leotard, it works fine."

"Wooo, two girls in leotards... I must have died and gone to heaven."

"As Rachel can attest, all my clothes are a bit on the large side," said Cassie. Jake grinned at Marco, but looked at her.

Melissa whispered to Rachel, "If only your cute cousin Tom would say that to me!"

Cassie smiled. "What? I don't need to make a fashion statement to Bessie."

"Well, as long it works, it shouldn't matter. And Cassie you look great," Jake blushed very, very, slightly, "as usual."

Cassie grinned, and blushed a little as well. "Dolphin tank, right here. I'd love a chance to morph one of these, they must have so much fun." Marco pretended to vomit. "Ew, that's gross! How do you-why did you-don't you guys want to get a dolphin morph? I might really have to vomit."

"Yeah, me too! They look like great fun!" said Melissa.

Jake acquired the dolphin, getting rather wet and splashed in the process. "My second animal I've acquired, and we still haven't actually morphed yet. What's next? Hawks?"

"Why not, they're the coolest! Although I can't QUITE seeing a bunch of hawks defeating the Yeerks too quickly," said Marco.

"Tom and Rachel, you want to get your dolphin morphs?" asked Melissa.

"We are going to need some serious practise morphing later!" said Jake.

"There's lots of open land beyond my barn," said Cassie.

"Good. Anywhere secure and away from the Yeerks."

Once everyone had a dolphin morph, Melissa followed Cassie to the woods. "You need to get Cassie to let you in this one. It had high fences. Last time, we morphed birds and flew over but you haven't got bird morphs yet." Cassie unlocked the door and gestured dramatically.

"Dum dum dum!" Marco said. Jake breathed in sharply, then walked purposefully up to a wolf and acquired it, trying to look brave.

"Cool! Great job! The animals go quiet when you acquire them, that's how we could all get lions and stuff," Melissa explained.

"Then I guess we'll have the start planning the next way for everyone to get killed, right?" Marco asked dryly. "Hey, what bird morph are you getting Jake? I heard those peregrines are pretty cool."

Melissa waited for everyone to acquire a dolphin, then went off towards the bird of prey arena. "Well, they've got a number of birds to choose from! Pretty cool bald eagle, a peregrine falcon, a harris hawk and a couple of others too."

"I'll go for the peregrine." Jake acquired it. "Neat stuff."

"What do we do now, oh wonder woman?" asked Marco. Tom acquired a harris hawk, and Rachel a bald eagle.

"Ok I think we're done!" said Melissa.

Slightly bitter, Tobias said, (Yes, you are done,) putting a slight emphasis on "you".

"Yeah...sorry, Tobias," Melissa said, slightly awkwardly. "Shall we go back to Cassie's barn then? I have something important to tell everyone that I found out last night."

The night before, David had been at the telephone in his house. "…seven...one...three...four...two. I never thought I'd be calling my assistant principal at home, but I guess it isn't really him, is it."

Mr. Chapman picked up, turning away from Melissa. "Hedrick Chapman speaking."

"H-hi, this is David, I'm in Ms. Hahsyurr's homeroom and...I need to talk to you."

Chapman tried to sound teacherly. "David? I know you. What is it you need, David? Can it not wait until Monday?"

"I don't need anything. But I think you do. It's blue, and it's cubical, and it's the most powerful object on this planet, and possibly in the universe."

Chapman attempted to keep up the human act for a little longer, then gave up. "Blue and cubical?" He lowered his voice. "What are you talking...hang on. Are you...one of us?"

"No, and I'm not planning on being either. I have suspicions my parents are, though. That, of course, could change."

Chapman was worried, and a little confused. "Then what is it, David? How do you know about this cube? Where did you get it, and why might you think I would be interested in it?"

"An Andalite-Elfangor, maybe you've met? gave it to me, hoping I'd fight these Yeerks. I think you guys should have that power too...is this line bugged?"

"This line is secure." He sounded interested. "Elfangor, eh? Well I dare say we've had our...connections. What is it you are saying? You are in possession of an Escafil Device?"

David was not the only one Chapman was talking with. A hologram in his room displayed the image of Visser One, a human-Controller. "Who are you talking to?" she asked.

David replied to Chapman's mention of an "Escafil device". "Is that what it's called?"

"Ah, Visser. This is a touch..confusing. But very interesting, should it not be an Andalite trap. A boy named David, human at the school where my host teaches, claims to be in possession of an Escafil Device. Yet he is not one of us," explained Chapman.

"Well if he is not one of us then how could he know about the Escafil Device or even we Yeerks? He must be in touch with the Andalite rebels the former Visser Three spoke of. It's a trap, Visser. Do not fall for it!"

"That is what I suspected. Andalites must have contacted him and are using him as bait to catch us. We must be careful. But I believe his parents are hosts of our people. Perhaps they could look into this."

"Well what are you waiting for? Contact his parents at once and let them know of this new development concerning their "son"."

"Right on it, Visser." To David the Controller said, "David. This is a mater of utmost importance. I shall speak to you about it later," and hung up.

Visser One looked slightly nervous. "Yes, you shall speak to him, and very soon! You'd better have this under control, Visser. I don't need a demotion right now and I'm sure you don't either."

"No, of course not, Visser One. I shall do my best."

Mr. Chapman called David's parents. His dad picked up. "Hello?"

"Ah. Arciss 9-3-3. We have a situation concerning your host's son, David."

"Ahh, Chapman. What seems to be the problem?"

"Your host's son recently called me, claiming to be in possession of an Escafil device. Visser One and I have been speculating that this such claim is a trap. I believe that David has been contacted by those filthy Andalites, and are using him as a trap. Oh, and for your information? I've been promoted. To Visser. Which number, I have not been told. But possibly Visser three. that means that my old post is open. Do the job if am about to give you well, and you too may be looking at a promotion."

Eagerly, he replied. "Which job?"

Visser One's hologram said, "Hurry up, Iniss! Who knows how many Yeerks that human child could have contacted by now? You must get your subordinates on the job very quickly."

"I am on to it, Visser!" he said urgently. On the phone he said, "I need you to watch your host's son, David. Watch him carefully. Follow every move he makes. I want to know if he is in contact with those Andalite bandits who attacked the Pool complex last night. And I want to know if he has that Device."

"Alright. No problem. We're on it, Visser. Thank you for the heads up." He hung up.

"Visser One, I have contacted Arciss 933. He will be keeping an eye on this human boy. Soon, we should know whether he is working with the Bandits." Chapman paused, then exclaimed: "Hey…get out of here!"

"Offering him your old rank if he succeeds... Very good tactic, it will put enough pressure on him to get him to do it right. I'm impressed."

"Thank you, Visser. One does try to do one's best," he said modestly. Then he yelled suddenly. "Sorry, Visser, my hosts's daughter's cat has tried to enter the basement. I cannot think why it wants to come down here, perhaps it smells mice."

"Watch out, the Andalites can morph into anything you know. Don't let it in on anything important."

"With all due respect, Visser, I think I would know if there was an Andalite in my house." He looked shocked for a second for being a bit rude. "I apologise, Visser. The arrival of these Bandits on earth is taking its toll on our forces."

"It certainly seems to be since I didn't think a single untrained Andalite warrior could take down the living incompetence which was the former Visser Three... Then again he's such an idiot I can't say I'm surprised."

"Yes. I agree. That Visser was as much use as a chocolate teapot...as my human host would say. To let a novice Andalite take him down! That is truly shameful!"

"It really is a shame he didn't at least take one of them down with him."

"I do think that sort of ability was rather beyond him, Visser."

She sighed. "You're most likely right, Visser."

"He did seem to me to be more of a hindrance than a help." Very slightly cheekily, he asked, "Well, what are you going to do without him now, Visser?"

"I'll be able to rest in peace."

"Hmm, I think we all will. But," Nervously, Chapman continued. "I meant to ask. The little matter of my promotion? I was just wondering...since the post of Visser Three is now open...?"

"It isn't open. I've already decided that you're filling in that post."

He looked a little shocked, then allowed a slight smile to appear over his face. "Well, thank you, Visser. That is a great honour. Will you excuse me just one second, Visser?" He muted the hologram, and let out a quick yell of triumph! Then he turned the sound back on again and nodded curtly. "I shall fulfill my duties wisely. And with far more capability than that Esplin ever did."

"Let's hope. Let me remind you that there are plenty of other Yeerks waiting in the wings to take your place, should you fail."

"Indeed, Visser. Thank you again, Visser. Goodnight, as our hosts would say."

The next morning, Chapman called David's dad. "Come on...pick up..."

He did so. "Hello?"

"Ah, Arciss 9-3-3. It is Iniss 226. How are you getting on with the task? Has your host's son revealed any activities concerning the Andalite bandits?"

"No, Visser. He's just sitting in his room."

"Have you found any evidence that he is in possession of a morphing cube?"

"No, Visser. he's sitting in his room and I can't search it."

"Hmm. Ok, well keep an eye on him. Visser One is not comfortable with this situation. This whole thing may be a trap. How has his behaviour been around you? Do you think he knows that you are one of us?"

"Yes, Visser. I strongly suspect he knows, because he hadn't talked to us since Elfangor crashed."

"I wonder why he decided to call me and not you." He paused for a second. "Arciss, you are doing well. You know that there may be a promotion in store for you if you carry on like this. I spoke to Visser one last night. I have been promoted to Visser Three. There are going to be some changes around here now."

"Really, Visser 3?" The fact about promotion sank in. "Great! Congratulations, Visser 3!"

"Yes, I am now in charge of the Yeerk invasion of earth. I have decided to remain living on earth along the humans and further my learning of them, as this was the late Visser 3's weakness. He did not possess adequate knowledge of this race."

"I agree, Visser 3. The late Visser 3's only upsides were his host and his knowledge of Andalites."

"He was a fool. I have no idea how a Yeerk like that ever became in charge of anything. Arciss, I will be working more from my host's home, now. Working alongside Shamus 112, the Yeerk of my host's wife. (I really can't think of good Yeerkish names!)"

"Yes, visser 3. I have to say bye, Visser. my host's son is coming out!" He hung up.

"Alright, mind you keep watch."

Later that morning, before David met the other Animorphs, his father followed him. Arciss 933, in the host body of a human named Mike, put on sunglasses and a baseball cap. David looked around, then ran into an alley and stripped off his clothes, leaving on only his morphing outfit. He hid behind a load of Dumpsters, which Mike cautiously peeked behind. David spotted Mike, but had only just started morphing and quickly reversed it. "Ahh! Dad! What are you doing?"

Mike had seen him morph. "Why are you in the dumpster?"

David spluttered. "I was just, uh, looking for something! My shoe! Some punks tried to mug me, and, uh, they took my stuff and threw my shoes in the garbage!"

Mike coughed. "Then why did you take most of your clothes off?"

"Um, er, the bullies did it! They thought my coat was designer so they tried to steal it." But David knew Mike didn't believe him.

"I saw you taking them off."

David took a deep breath and got changed again. "Ok. Fine. I'll tell you. But not here. And I want Chapman to be there." He nodded to the car.

Mike phoned Chapman, keeping one hand on David's shoulder. "Yes?" Chapman said over the phone.

"I saw him almost morph. He has the blue box. He will explain everything when you arrive here, Visser."

"He can morph? That is more than I expected. Bring him to me. You have done well."

"Yes, Visser." Mike hung up and addressed David. "Come with me."

"What? Are we going round to Chapmans?"

"NO! We're going wherever he is. He'll tell me later."

Demandingly, David said, "Where are we going? I'm not saying anything to you until you stop trying to take charge!"

"All right, we're going to-" Mike told David where the Sharing office was located. "Stop squirming!"

"I'm not squirming!" David sat and sulked in the car, looking nervous. Mike got into the car, locked the door, and watched David out of the mirror. David saw a red-tailed hawk, and quickly ducked, in case it was Tobias. Tobias saw David, but assumed he was just going somewhere with his dad. When Tobias had gone, David shouted to Mike, "Look, if you don't tell me what's going on, I'm getting out!"

"You're going to see Chapman. Aka Iniss 226. Aka Visser 3. You phoned him, right?"

"Yes, dimwit."

"And now we're going to see him!"

"Okay…let's move it."

"We already are." The car arrived. "So…here he is, Visser."

"I can speak for myself, thanks." David produced the cube, and Mike backed away.

"David, Arciss. Come in, come in. I understand there have been some interesting events happening over the last day or so then? David, perhaps you could tell your father what you told me last night?"

"I think that would be an appropriate way to put it," David said, referring to "interesting events".

"David? Why don't you enlighten your father?"

"I know who you both are, of course. So you can quit with the 'your father' thing and start using your real names."

"He did."

"Fine. Here's the deal, pure and simple. I have an Escafil Device."

"We know."

"And I'm willing to trade. You give me what I want, I give you what you want."

"What do you want?"

"What does any kid want? Money. Power. Somewhere to escape to without having to get caught up in the dumb war. Somewhere where no one can tell me what to do. But I can't get that as a human. I need one of you to do it for me. I want an island. And millions of dollars. And a Bug Fighter. Everything I want. Everything. You can do that, right?" Mike looked at David like he was deranged. "I want my parents freed as well. They can come and live with me." He glared at Arciss/Mike.

(Accept it,) Mike said in his head.

"But your parents will tell you what to do," Arciss argued.

"Of course! I'm a kid. What do you expect? I just want them to be freed, that's all. Now, when are you going to give me my island?"

"I'm sure we can arrange that. Just as soon as you give us the box, or the location of the Andalite Bandits," said Chapman.

"Well?" asked Mike.

"Fine. I'll keep the box then, but I'll tell you how to find the Andalite bandits. That way I get to choose some of my friends to come with me and have the morphing power," David decided.

"Very well. tell us."

"The Bandits are spying on you, Chapman. They're following you. They know you have some kind of promotion lined up. What do you have planned for tonight?"

"Why should we tell you that?" asked Chapman.

"Because I've used the device, and as such, can kill you."

"You have the morphing power?" Chapman paused. "Ah...of course. Arciss thought he saw you about to morph. Well, you'll be aware of my little promotion? It is rather a large career jump, but one I am proud of, if I do saw so myself. Tonight, I shall be celebrating. A little party for my fellow Yeerks and their disgusting human companions."

David smirked. "Congratulations."

"How did you get the morphing power?" asked Mike.

"Hey, one thing at a time! But I'll give you this. Your predecessor, the late Visser Three, may have taken care of his arch rival, but there was one thing he never bothered to think about."

"What?"

"No more information till I get my island!"

"Visser 3?"

"The only information I'll give you is the plans of your Bandits. Until then, I keep the cube, until I get my island and everything I want."

"Chapman should make that decision."

"Fine. Tell us of the Andalite's plans and we'll give you what you want. But until then...you don't leave our side." Chapman tapped his jacket indicating he had a Dracon beam.

"Fine. The Bandits, as you call them, are going to be following you. When you annouce your promotion, they'll be there," David informed.

"In what morphs?" Mike asked.

"Various morphs. Human, I expect. Possibly insect. Flies, roaches and all that. Whatever you have planned for your promotion party, Chapman, they are on to you."

"Do you know which humans?"

"I'm sure you can work out that for yourself."

"How do we know all this is the truth? This might still be an Andalite trap," worried Chapman.

"If you don't believe me, why don't you just kill me?"

"Do you know if they will be adults or seniors or kids?" probed Mike.

"Kids, possibly. But they might morph one of your people. I didn't hear their whole plan." David didn't want to tell them about Melissa, as he wanted to retain some information in case the Yeerks didn't keep their side of the deal.

"Then we shall keep watch tonight. Any hint of trouble, and we'll be marching every non-Controller human down to the Yeerk pool, and shooting every animal we see. The hotel does, of course, possess an entrance to the Pool," Chapman said.

"We must inform every controller going to the party to watch out for trouble," Mike said.

David departed, and went to the Gardens with the other Animorphs.

(Ok,) said Tobias, to Melissa's suggestion of telling them what she had overheard.

"Yes, Princess Melissa," Ax said formally, but ruined the effect by trying to swallow a ring.

"Ax, you are so going to be the death of me!" Melissa jumped on the bus to Cassie's.

"I will not murder you, Princess Melissa." Ax dranks 11 cups of coffee. "I like this substance!Subububububbusub!"

"What is it? Don't tell me the Daleks have joined forces with the Yeerks and want to Ex-Term-In-Ate the planet!" asked Marco.

"Ok..that's another thing to mark on Ax's black list," said Melissa.

"What was it you wanted to tell us?" Jake said when they got to the barn.

"I spied on my dad again last night, using my cat, Fluffer as a morph. He doesn't have an entrance to the Yeerk pool, but he does have some secret room in the basement. I heard him talking to Visser One last night - I think he has been promoted quite high! Maybe to Visser!"

(That's bad. Is he in charge of Earth?) asked Tobias from the rafters.

"I couldn't be sure. He saw me in cat morph and shut me out. I didn't hear anything else after that. I don't know what will happen now, whether the Yeerk will get a new host, and my dad will get a new Yeerk, or what! But one thing's for sure. Two leaders of opposite sides of this war are now living in the same house."

(Don't let him suspect anything.)

"No, I won't. Hopefully I will be the last person he suspects though."

"Don't morph your cat too often to follow him, he knows the Andalites can morph," said Jake.

(And he'll be suspicious if his cat follows him to the basement every time he goes there.)

"Yeah. Be careful."

"So you're saying that you've got two war lords living under the same roof, on opposite sides, and they don't even know it? Whoa, has life suddenly jumped an extra 10 points up the insanity scale, or what!" asked Marco.

"Yeah. Mad, huh? David? Why are you looking at me like that?" asked Melissa.

"I dunno. That last mission was really stressful...I dunno if I can go through with another one," he replied.

Melissa softened her voice. "I know. We all saw some terrible things. But we came out alive. That's what counts though. You have to be strong."

"I say we just try and stay alive. Forget the war. Forget morphing. Just lie low." Marco said.

"Agreed," said David.

"After what you've seen and done Marco? How can you just stand back, knowing the Yeerks are taking over?" challenged Jake.

"It's all right for you, Jake! You haven't even been in a fight yet! You haven't even morphed. You've never woken up in the middle of the night, screaming, remembering nothing but the blood and the cries!" said Marco.

"David, Marco, look, I know this is tough for you guys right now but this is what we have to do! You heard the Andalite, there's no one else to do this for us," said Melissa.

"Oh yeah...No one else except the other 6 billion people on this planet. What, so they don't own earth or need to defend themselves now?"

"Fine, look maybe we could just make the next mission something simple and easy. One that Marco doesn't feel too chicken to take part in?" Jake raised his eyebrows, allowing a small smirk to spread across his face.

"Yeah yeah yeah, whatever, Jake. But you still have some serious catching up to do buddy. You're not a fully fledged Animorph yet til you've done a morph."

Melissa rolled her eyes.

"Fine! Fine, ok, I'll do one! Where's Rachel and Tom? They should do a morph too," said Jake.

"Careful when you morph, Jake! You get the animal's instincts as well as its body, and sometimes they are really hard to control," Cassie said.

"What are you going to morph?" In a stage whisper Marco added, "But if you do your tiger and lose control and eat me...I'll tell Cassie you have a crush on her!"

"I suggest you do something fairly basic to start off with, so you can get used to having the animal's instincts in there with you. What morphs do you have?"

"A tiger, wolf, falcon and dolphin. Might do a tiger, David you've done a lion, right? What's it like?" asked Jake.

"I'll morph my hawk." Tom morphed.

"That is still freaking me out. Okaaaay...I'll morph my falcon." Jake muttered, "I must be going mad here," and started morphing falcon.

Tom flew up. (Cool! I'm flying!) He did a crazy stunt that no bird would pull.

(Whoa! This is such a rush!) Jake started swooping through the rafters and out into the sky. (I can feel the bird's mind inside, but I've got my own mind as well!)

"Tom! That's so cool!" Melissa exclaimed.

(Thanks! Wow! My hearing and vision are fantastic! I can see the fleas on Marco's head!) he replied.

"Hey! Watch it, punk! I don't have fleas!" said Marco.

(This is amazing! This almost makes up for having to fight the Yeerks now! Where's Rachel? Has she tried this yet?) asked Jake.

(You do.) Tom pulled another stunt.

Rachel was just finishing her first ever morph. (Yes! I did it! Yee hah! I can fly!)

(I know. We have to fight. This is a weapon,) said Jake.

(Doesn't mean you can't have fun, midget,) Tom said.

"Rachel! You did it! Isn't it cool?" Melissa asked.

(Yeah, but I would have thought that you being a Controller and all would have made you more serious?) Jake replied to Tom.

(Quite the opposite! All my Yeerk ever does is be serious!) said Tom.

"I bet it's such an excellent feeling to be able to go from Controller one day, and Animorph the next!" Melissa said.

(So we use this weapon to fight the Yeerks. What do with do? Where did you guys start?) Jake asked.

(We spied on a sharing meeting, then went to the Yeerk pool,) said Tobias. Tom landed and demorphed, as did Jake.

"Yeah, The Sharing is an organisation to attract Controllers. Last night we morphed and listened in on Visser 3." Melissa informed him.

"Is that how you became a Controller, Tom?" asked Jake.

Tom suddenly grew serious. "Yes."

"Then you'll know more about it then, right? So how does it work, do they make you a Controller on your first day? Or do they only choose like the healthiest members and infest them?" probed Melissa.

"You join, and they watch you. Then, you become a full member. They take you to an office, and tie you to a chair near a portable Yeerk pool. Then someone infests you."

Marco grinned at Rachel. "But you didn't join, did you Rachel? You were smart, right?"

"Sounds like something out of a nightmare..." Melissa said.

"Sounds insane, more like. So what now?" Marco dryly said, "I think we're due another suicide mission. Check up on Chapman? You said he was promoted, right, Melissa?"

(Yes, she did say that,) said Tobias.

"Yeah, but I don't know what to. One of the Vissers, I think. I think he's working directly for Visser 1." said Melissa.

"We should find out what he's been promoted to. When is his next Sharing meeting?" asked Jake.

"Today, 8 pm," Tom said. Ax morphed to human and ate everything in sight.

"Ax? Don't eat the grass, ok?" said Jake.

Melissa ran into the barn. "Guys! News! My dad has given up his job! He took early retirement! So did my mum!"

"Chapman's quit! Woot! No more D grades for English!" celebrated Marco.

"I believe that means that he needs more time to order Yeerks around. Yeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee. Yeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee. Yeeee is a funny sound," observed Ax.

"Yeah, guess he would. Well, I overhead my parents talking today. They are going to a Sharing meeting in the city centre. I think it's some big party to celebrate the opening of a new Sharing building - and to celebrate my dad's promotion. There's going to be Controllers there as well as innocent people like the members of their family. We could check it out," suggested Melissa.

"In morph, yeah? I acquired my dog today, by the way, Homer. So I have 4 morphs now," Jake said.

"I have a acquired an insect that is-" Ax described a cockroach. "Is wood edible? Is it tasty?"

"I acquired Homer also," said Tom.

Melissa rolled her eyes. "No, Ax, it's not tasty. Why don't you have some chewing gum? Then you won't keep eating dirt. Just don't swallow the gum." She handed Ax a stick of gum.

"Roaches? You guys morph bugs?" asked Jake.

"Roaches? Gross. No way. Flies were enough insect morphing for me," said Marco.

"You didn't even morph a fly, Marco. You only acquired it," Melissa reminded him.

"Spiders? You morph spiders?" Tom asked.

(Of course we do. How can we spy if we don't?) replied Tobias.

"This is delicious!" Ax chewed the gum.

"Yeah, we can morph anything. Spiders...bugs...flies. Want to acquire a spider, Tom? They are really useful!" said Melissa.

"That's gross, but a good idea. I just guessed you morphed cool animals like lions all the time. I never really thought about the spying," Jake said.

"No!" said Tom. He thought the others were deranged.

"I have finished my gum!" Ax started eating some medicine.

Marco said to Tom, "I know what you're thinking. It's insane. Too right, it is mega-insane. And Ax - you're meant to keep chewing the gum! Don't drink that it might kill you!" Cassie took the bottle from Ax and locked it in the medicine cupboard.

"No, I wasn't thinking that," Tom replied. (He was thinking they were insane!)

"Well, Tom, you have to morph something small. If we are going to go spying, you can't use a cheetah or a hawk. So are we going to do this mission tonight then?" asked Jake.

"Great. I'm morphing flea. Cassie, do you have fleas in here? And I'm in."

(Ok,) Tobias said.

"Yes," said Ax, and he started trying to break into the cupboard.

"Oh, according to Tom, there's loads on my head!" Marco said sarcastically.

"There are. But how will I know if I'm acquiring a flea or you? Or lice or something?"

Cassie ignored Marco. "There's probably loads on the animals." She went up to a fox and used a little brush to sweep some fleas off its fur, into a glass.

"I don't see what choice we have," said Melissa, "but I have to go along as human. All the Yeerks' human families will be there, and my dad wants me there too. I think he thinks it would look funny if I'm not there, especially because he is getting promoted. But I moaned about it and he said I could take a friend. So we can have 1 more person going as human, but not someone the Yeerks will recognise."

"I'm out. They'll be on the lookout for me." Tom acquired a flea.

"I can go. They will not recognize me." To Cassie, Ax said, "Can I have that substance you locked in that? Please? Pleazzuh?"

"Yeah, me too. Although I will miss a good night out with you, Melissa, we haven't caught up in ages!" Rachel acquired a flea, as did Jake.

"Yeah, we should go shopping if we come out of this alive! Ok, Ax, yeah you could come. You can pretend to be my date," Melissa said.

"Dating Ax?" Marco pretended to gag. "You sure that's a good idea? You let him anywhere NEAR the food, and he'll go mental!"

"No, you can't have that medicine, Ax. It will make you ill," said Cassie.

"What is dating?" To Cassie, Ax whined, "But medicine makes you better, not ill!"

"Not when you're already healthy, Ax. Why don't you demorph? Then you won't have to keep wanting to eat."

"It's like where two people like, like each other," said Melissa. "As in like like. Like, you'll have to pretend you like me, and I'll have to pretend like that I like you."

"But everything is delicious! Cious cious!" Ax said to Melissa, "I DO like you, Princess Melissa. But I also like Cassie. Does that mean me and Cassie are dating? Ate? Ate?"

"Well, I'm just going to go and put my head in this bucket of water until the insanity test is over," said Marco.

"Yes, do that," Tom said.

"Oh, how am I meant to explain this! Ok, Ax, when two people like each other, it means that they are more than friends. It means that they want to be close to each other, and want to touch each other. A date is where two people who like each other go out for the evening to have fun and be near each other," Melissa explained.

"This should be interesting. You sure Ax is a good choice?" Jake queried.

Marco stage whispered, "Sure you wouldn't want Tom to be your date, Melissa?"

Finally, Ax partially got it. "And kiss? Issisisisisisisisisisiss?"

Melissa blushed. "Shut up, Marco! Yeah, Ax, kiss. But you only have to pretend."

Jake looked at Tom in a "go for it, Tom!" way.

These people are deranged! Especially Jake. How do I ask her out in front of EVERYBODY? thought Tom.

"How do humans kiss? Hyouhyou," Ax asked.

"Hehehe, why don't you get Tom and Melissa to show you, Ax?" suggested Marco.

Melissa thumped Marco. "You don't have to kiss, Ax, it's just pretend tonight. Hey, we should get a plan ready! The party starts at 9 pm! I have to get back home and get ready to go with my dad!"

"Okay." Ax demorphed.

Jake put his leadership qualities on full show. "Ok, well I guess we'll all have to go as bugs. Some people can go as fleas and spy on Chapman. The people left could morph flies and roaches and watch the others. Melissa and Ax can keep a look out as humans, and Tobias and watch over the whole building and the carpark."

"Ok! Maybe whoever is going as fleas can morph now, and they can come home with me and I can put you all on my dad's dinner jacket," said Melissa.

Tom morphed a flea. (Whoah...everything is gray and i can hardly see anything...where is Melissa?)

Jake morphed the flea. (Whoa, this is weird! )

"Don't know if you guys can hear or see me, but Cassie is picking you up now," Melissa said. Cassie gently brushed Jake, Tom and Marco into a jar and gave it to Melissa. "Ok, Ax, you come with me. You can borrow one of my dad's old dinner jackets. Everyone else, meet at the town hall at 8.55pm, in fly morph! Tobias, you can keep watch."

Ax remorphed. "Ah. Okay. Can anyone teach me human ways? Ays? Ays is a funny sound."

After morphing, Marco said, (Alright Ax. Simply you have to not eat everything you see, just what looks and smells tasty. Apart from oysters, you can eat those. And stop repeating all the sounds of words.)

"This medicine smells and seems tasty."

(Yes, but the fact it's medicine means you can't. You can only take it when your sick, and you are not sick.)

"But human medicines are different than Andalite medicines! Med."

(Exactly! You don't know how to take them. And god-forbid you take an overdose...)

Ax sulked.

Melissa shook her head pitifully. "Cheer up Ax! We'd better get back to my house."

The party was to be held in a hotel. Half an hour before it started, Visser One and Chapman sat in an office. "The Bandits are fools. They will attempt the same thing again if it was a success in the past. It means we can predict their every move. Have you secured the building?" Visser One asked.

"Yes, Visser, the building is secure. We have morph-energy sensors positioned through out, plus numerous Hork-Bajir and human Controllers on guard. The nearby entrance to the Pool is open and ready. If these Bandits manage to find a way in, we shall stop them from ever leaving."

"Let's hope everything goes as planned. Good work, Visser."

Another Controller said, "Visser, Iniss, the boy David is being held with Arciss to ensure he keeps his word. Arciss will be bringing him along later to help us identify the Bandits."

"You are aware, I hope, that the boy could still be bluffing. He could simply be trying to make things work out for his Andalite friends. You must be very cautious. Who knows what the Andalites could have planned?"

"Perfect…" said Chapman.

"Iniss, are you listening to me? Do not revel in your glory, may I remind you that's how the former Visser Three got killed. Don't you start being foolish and not listening to orders."

"Visser, the boy knew that we were going to be holding the promotion party anyway. He couldn't have planned that for us. The only thing he told us was that the Bandits would be there. It couldn't be a trap, because we were going to do it anyway," informed the third Controller.

"I am not arrogant like that fool Visser 3, and I already knew this couldn't be a trap, Agaraf, do you think I'm stupid?" Chapman had thoughts about disposing of the Yeerk.

"Visser! I apologise! I was simply trying to explain to Visser One here...!" The Controller looked panicked.

"I am not saying you are Iniss," said Visser One. "But a big promotion can sometimes go to your head. Trust me, I know."

"Ok, I'll try to calm myself down." To the third controller Chapman said, "Agaraf 9-1-6 if you keep talking to me like that you'll be in so much torture you won't even realize you exist."

Visser One raised an eyebrow. "Iniss, you need still to be instructed in the matters of proper torture. Don't assume your way of talking to the Visser is correct, Agaraf. I am simply stating that if there are any needs for torture here, I will be handling them."

"Perhaps I had better check on the security arrangements..." Agaraf tried to run off. "Of course, Visser...I was just pointing out some information of which I thought you should be made aware!" said Agaraf.

A few minutes passed before Chapman and Visser One met up again. "Hello Visser..." said Chapman.

"Hello, Visser. Is everything prepared?"

"Yes, of course."

"Good. When are they arriving?"

"In about 6 minutes Earth time."

"Visser One, Visser Three," said Arciss. "The renegade human David, my host's son, is waiting in the lounge near to the Great Hall, where the party is about to take place. Guests, including our people, are arriving. The boy will assist us in locating the bandits." He gave a little nod of the head. "Vissers, the members are expecting you."

But the Animorphs were not aware of these conversations. Chapman left to meet Melissa, and Marco, Jake, and Tom were fleas on his dinner jacket. Ax was in human morph, also wearing a dinner jacket. (What is the need of this artificial fur? Fur. Fur.)

"Everyone has to wear this sort of fur at this kind of occasion. It's so that you look smart. Females have to wear dresses like this. Only I have my morphing suit on underneath." Melissa then whispered to the flies, "How are you guys doing? The main doors are right ahead. We can't talk to you once we get in, so if you could let us know what's happening that would be great."

"What terms of endearment do humans have? Ha-vuh."

"Um, maybe you should just stick to Melissa for me, for now. Don't call me Princess, ok? That would raise suspicions. If anyone talks to you, call them sir or madam." Melissa went to the buffet for food, smiling to a known Controller to try and blend in.

Ax tried to eat orderly. "This form of meat is good! Oo."

(Whoah! What is that?) Tobias called. Melissa jumped sharply at his voice.

(What's what? All we can see is a load of Chapman's skin,) asked Jake.

(I see something parked in the parking lot…) Tobias described a spacecraft.

(Sounds like a Visser's Blade ship!)

Melissa looked confused at Ax, then whispered to him. "Ax, tell the others in thought speak I'm going to watch Chapman. If there's a Blade ship, Chapman will know who the Visser is." She sat down at the table. "Hi Daddy. This is Max, the guy I was telling you about?"

Ax relayed Melissa's message and smiled brightly. "Hello, sir."

"Hello…" Chapman looked at Ax strangely.

"Don't drink the wine, Ax...I mean, Max!" Melissa told him.

In thoughtspeak, he said, (Why not? It looks and smells delicious.) But out loud he spoke, "Ok, Melissa."

(In this country, as a human, you're too young. And it messes up your brain,) Jake said.

"So! Daddy! A promotion! Congratulations!" said Melissa.

(How?) Ax asked.

(You like science, huh, Ax? The chemicals in it slow down your reactions. You're unable to control your actions so easily. It also makes you say things you wouldn't normally say - which is not what we need right now!) said Jake.

Melissa was in a conversation with Mr. Chapman. "Yes...the Sharing is a, um great idea! I'm so glad you're part of it!"

(I must try that substance and bring it back to the Andalite homeworld!) Ax exclaimed.

(I don't think so,) Cassie said.

Ax pouted. (Why not? The Andalites could use it to slowly poison the mind of Yeerks until we win!)

(I seriously hope you are kidding, Ax!) Jake said.

"It's time for my dad's speech, Max. Clap with everyone else!" said Melissa.

(We aren't going to sink to their level,) Cassie replied to Ax.

(Why not?) Ax clapped along.

Chapman made some speech thanking everyone for their support in his promotion. He talked about how great the Sharing is, etc. How he had become a partner in the Sharing, and is now taking full responsibility for it. (He didn't say he was Visser 3, of course, but dropped plenty of hints for the Controllers.)

Ax almost fainted. (He's the new Visser 3!)

Melissa dropped her glass. "What?"

(Don't yell out like that, Melissa! Even I heard! Tobias, are you sure?) asked Jake, referring to the hawk's description of a spacecraft.

(Really sure. There's guards everywhere!)

(Hork-Bajir or humans? Is the Blade ship disguised under a cloak?)

Melissa looked around at the audience in embarrassment. "Sorry! I'm just really happy for my Daddy!"

(Both. And yes, it's under a cloak. I can only see it when I'm flying above!) reported Tobias.

Ax pretended to calm Melissa down.

"So Chapman is the new Visser Three," Jake said.

"Max, come with me." Melissa lead Ax outside to the hotel lounge. "Daddy? I'm just going outside for a second for some air. Can I borrow your jacket? It's cold."

"No, Melissa, you must stay here. This is important. Do not leave this room."

Melissa took the jacket anyhow, with Jake and Tom on it, Marco stayed with Chapman. The others, in fly morph, followed. Ax was still somewhat weak.

"I couldn't talk out there," Melissa explained. "So...this is the deal then? My dad is Visser 3?"

"He must have gotten promoted after the late Visser 3 died. He dropped plenty of hints," said Ax.

"He's in charge of the Yeerk invasion of earth! That's why he gave up his job today then."

"We should come back, Princess Melissa. Visser 3 will start to get suspicious."

"Good idea, Ax." Melissa grabbed the jacket and went back to the party. "Everyone keep an eye out ok for anything else...hey - where's David? Are we one fly short?"

Ax counted the flies. "Yes, princess Melissa. Ssa."

"Where is he! He did come, didn't he? I thought I counted everyone in! Jake, has he said anything to you?"

(No, nothing,) Jake replied.

(I never even saw him today,) said Tom.

"Has anyone seen him today?" Melissa asked. "I thought he was going to turn up at the barn earlier but he didn't. I sent him the message about meeting this evening. He already had a fly morph too."

Ax said to Tobias, (Have you seen David?)

(Yes. He was going somewhere with his dad...why?) Tobias responded.

(His dad is a Controller, right?) asked Jake.

"Maybe they were just going shopping or something? Did you see which way they headed?" asked Melissa.

Tobias told them.

(I know that place, they have Sharing offices there! Why would that jerk go there?) asked Rachel.

"Maybe he has the Escafil device and is planning to betray us. Tray," Ax said.

"Oh no! He was guarding the cube last night! He took it home with him!" said Melissa.

"Traitor. Or."

(Hey, look, we can't be sure. He might have a perfectly reasonable explanation for being away,) Jake said.

"Else not!" Melissa whispered, "Small doorway to the right of the staircase. Tell me those 7-foot shadows are just a trick of the light!"

Ax looked, and almost fainted again. "Hork-Bajir!"

(They know we're here! Keep out of the corridors - they'll have guessed we've morphed bugs!) said Jake.

Melissa said to Ax, "They won't suspect us since we're humans and with Chapman! But the others are in danger! Can you thought-speak to Tobias - ask him what's going on outside?"

"Yes, Princess Melissa."

Ax thoughtspoke, and Tobias replied. (There's lots of humans! Human-controllers, I think. They have machine guns.)

Melissa whispered to Ax (who translated it into thoughtspeak). "It's him, David, it's gotta be! I'm going to morph, people are looking at me!"

(No - don't - you'll only arouse more suspicion! We just gotta find a way outta here,) Jake said.

(All exits are guarded!) Tobias told them.

(We're on your dress - you can get us out!) said Jake.

"Daddy, I need some more air, I'm just going outside for a second...hey! I need to go outside!" Melissa said. Chapman stopped her from going outside, watching her carefully.

(What's happening?) Tom asked.

"Guards are at all the exits!" said Melissa.

A Controller started to hush the crowd and spoke. "I apologize, everyone, but we have a situation. We have had a call from the local police authorities that there may be a know suspect in this building. We cannot allow anyone to leave this room, by order of the state officials."

(They know we are here!) Jake said.

(What do we do?) asked Tom.

(We find a way out. Melissa, don't attract any more attention to yourself!)

Melissa said to Ax and the others, "How long do you guys have left in...before...you know?"

Ax paled. "We have eight minutes left." He spotted some oatmeal and ate it from another person's plate.

"Ax, stop it! You heard Jake - people will get suspicious! Tell Jake and everyone else they have to try and get out!" Melissa hissed to him.

(Jake, Princess Melissa requested that you and everyone else get out.)

(Melissa, can you get us all out of this room? As fleas, Tom, Marco and I can't do anything and we only have a few minutes left in morph!) Jake asked.

Melissa said to Ax, so he could translate it to the others, "There's an air vent! I can probably go stand by it without looking suspicious. You'll have to find your way into the air shafts, and demorph. If there's trouble, get ready to go battle morphs." She wandered casually to the air vent and waited for the others to hop or fly in.

Rachel flew in. (Ok, I'm in.)

(We're in, too! Everyone, get as far in as you can and demorph, we are running out of time! I hope this is a large vent, Melissa!) said Jake.

"Ax, Chapman is heading out of the room! The non-Controllers are becoming anxious," Melissa said.

Rachel demorphed and whispered, "Melissa, what's going on out there?"

"The place is going crazy! All the non-Controllers are looking frightened. Police - although I think they are Controllers too - are escorting people downstairs - maybe to the Yeerk pool! Me and Ax are trying to hide, but Ax has to demorph soon. Are you lot ready to morph battle morphs if we need it?"

Ax thoughtspoke Melissa's message to the others.

"Melissa, Ax thought speak us to tell us when you need help," said Rachel.

"We're going to have to find somewhere to morph and demorph...we just need to distract these Controllers and my father so we can hide! Can one of you provide that?" asked Melissa.

"I will, I'll morph grizzly in the kitchen which is right under me (with nobody in there) and cause a major distraction," Rachel volunteered.

"Ok! Great job." Melissa waited for the noise.

Rachel made it to the kitchen, in her grizzly bear morph. (Time to trash this place.)

Chapman started hearing growling. "What's that noise? Do you think the Bandits are here already?" Controllers raced out of the room and to the kitchen. He jumped up and spoke quietly and urgently on a radio. "The Bandits are here! Lock down the exits. Spray the rooms with insect spray. Have all non-Controllers taken down to the Pool this instance! I want no one to leave this building. Nothing escapes. We'll find those Bandits."

Melissa hid under the table and morphed squirrel, ran up in to the vent shaft and met the others in a back corridor. (Guys, get ready for battle morphs! There are Controllers everywhere!)

(Look! In one of the lounges! It's David! In lion morph - with his father!) Jake exclaimed.

Rachel spotted David in lion morph and ran for him at an incredible speed. (Graaaoooarr!) She took a swipe for him. Ax jumped on a table full of meat and chewed on it. People thought he killed someone and they really started to haul butt. Ax jumped in front of a Controller and then killed him.

"Andalites! They are here !David - don't kill them, we want them alive!" said Arciss.

Melissa demorphed, then morphed to panther. (You little...#! You traitor! Guys, let's get outta here!) The others morphed to their battle morphs. (Tobias, it's going mad in here! David's turned us in! What's it like outside? Can we get out?) Ax jumped on Mike and whacked him on the head, making him unconscious.

Rachel got into a deadly fight with David. (Raaargh!) She got slashed in the face and started bleeding. Mike, meanwhile, regained consciousness.

Arciss looked a little confused. "The boy is being attacked by the Bandits! Should we try and get him out? Geez, my host is going mad here!" he said to the other Controllers.

"Yes, get him out at once! He still needs to identify them!" Visser One said.

"With all due respect Visser, I think we know which are the Andalites! They are the ones attacking our troops! But perhaps he can give us more information... we could just infest him, he would make a fine host!" To some Hork-Bajir controllers Arciss said, "Get the renegade human - the lion! - out of here! We need him alive as much as we do the Bandits!"

"You fool! Identifying them as in telling us their names and any connections they may have to any other humans!"

(Tom, behind you! Two Hork-Bajir! Jake, get Cassie and Marco out into the corridor! There's more out there and we need someone to clear the exits! Rachel, I don't care what you do to that boy, just don't get hurt!) Melissa leapt towards a Hork-Bajir, knocking his Dracon away.

(I don't care what I do to him either.) Rachel jumped on David, but then David created a wound in her right shoulder (Aaaargh!) She bit off David's ear then "accidentally" cut his lower right paw so David only had 3 paws left.

Ax decided to clear the exits, then attacked David by making a deep wound on his back (a controller blasted his back foot off)(Grrrooouaaar!) Ax ripped the controller's jugular vein, then went back to David.

(Why, David! Why did you do this! Did you tell them who we are!) asked Melissa.

(The main entrances are blocked! Reinforcements are coming! The only other way out of this place is via the roof,) Jake said.

Before Rachel decided to morph bird and get the heck out, she stabbed a controller (obviously a controller becuase he said "die Andalite!"), nearly killed an innocent bystander and stabbed David in the back. Ax morphed a bird.

(Melissa...you wouldn't understand,) said David.

(Everyone, up on to the roof! Jake - you, Tom and Cassie take the stairs. Rachel, Ax, Marco, come with me in the elevator!Melissa instructed.

(Marco, wait up. I won't hurt you.)

Melissa was on the roof, and David was following her. (He knows our names!) she said to the others. (If he gets away...or the Yeerks infest him... it will be the end! You guys get away, morph hawks! I'll stay behind...)

"They're heading up to the roof - you" Arciss pointed to some Controllers. "with me, upstairs, now! Get that human out of there!"

"I can't wait to kill those petty bandits," Chapman said.

(Marco. I promise. Look at me. Do you think I can hurt you?) said David.

"You betrayed us, David! Why would you want to switch sides now! Melissa is right, we should kill you here and now!" Marco said.

(I think you already have.)

"That boy is speaking to my host! You and You - chase that panther-Andalite away from him! We want him alive for Visser One!" Arciss instructed two Hork-Bajir.

(We know that's a lie as much as you, David. If you were really on the verge of death, you would demorph,) Melissa told him.

(And who says I can? The rest of you can run, or fly, or do whatever it is you do for it, if I was going to Dracon you I'd have done it earlier. But I don't have a Dracon.)

(I'm staying back and throwing this piece of B.S. in the trash!) Rachel de- and remorphed, out of sight from the controllers.

(Rachel, if anyone's going to do this, it's me! Morph back! David...you better start proving yourself! If you let yourself be rescued by those Controllers, I'll kill you all!) threatened Melissa.

(Good luck with that.) David yawned.

(Right, that's it, I've had it with you!) Melissa pounced towards David. (Everyone get out of here, just - go!)

(Dad, if you can hear this-)

(Melissa no I hate him as much as I hate the filthy Yeerk who made me a controller!) Rachel called.

(No use, David, he can't answer!) Melissa circled David, ready for a fight.

David staggered up. (Sweet. I didn't know I could do that.)

Rachel charged at him.

Two Hork-Bajir lunged for Melissa. (Oh no, I'm not letting you filthy Yeerks take this human!)
She tried to fight off the Hork-Bajir.

Jake had almost morphed to falcon. (You sure you don't need us! We're coming back!) The others had been circling around the building.

(If you want information get me out of here NOW!) David called to the Controllers.

"Fool, you can't order us around," said Chapman.

(No, but you're smart enough to know a good bargain when you see-OW!)

Arciss was panicking. "Visser, with all respect, I really think it would be a good idea if you get him out of here! I'll go chase down the other Bandits!" He grabbed a Dracon beam and tries to shoot at the Animorphs who were circling the building uncertainly as hawks.

(I'm morphing back to tiger, everyone else, get out of here - David's dad has a Dracon!) Jake instructed. Melissa was still in a fight with the Hork-Bajir. David lunged at Rachel.

(Rach!) Melissa cried.

(Don't worry, I'm on it!) Jake ran in to help Rachel, who swiped David on the face before being pounced on. David retreated.

Chapman knocked the wind out of Arciss and grabbed his dracon. "Here's how you fire a dracon!" He shot at Ax but missed.

(You guys don't have much time,) David said to the Yeerks.

(You better save your friend before we kill him,) Rachel added.

"What is that human doing!" To the Hork-Bajir Arciss commanded, "WILL-YOU-GET-HIM-TO-THE-POOL!"

(More Controllers! Anyone who's not morphed yet, help us out!) Melissa leapt and growled at the Hork-Bajir. (Ahh! I'm hit!)

(Punk! Why don't we fight fist to fist no animal power let's see who's the real human!) Rachel planned to throw David off the building.

(Rachel, if you demorph they'll recognise you!)

"We need reinforcements!" a Hork-Bajir controller called.

(Whoa...this is insane! How many ways can you spot to get killed in the next few minutes, Melissa!) asked Marco.

David rolled into a stairwell, where he de and re-morphed.

"Get that human! Take him to Visser One!" another Hork-Bajir said.

"I'm going after that panther myself..." Arciss said.

"Alright, I'll go for the tiger...I've got the tiger covered! Get the boy out of here!

Melissa stared at David. (Right, it's now or never. Jake, get yourself and everyone else out of here. I'm going to end this once and for all.)

(You're so noble, aren't you?) David swiped.

Melissa circled him. "Nobility has nothing to do with anything. I'm just not letting you fall into the pits of that Pool and bringing down us, and the rest of the human race with you!"

"Uh oh...this doesn't look good. Melissa, you sure you know what you're doing, girl?" asked Marco. David tried to run for it.

"The boy will not let me near him! He seems to be in a one-on-one with the Andalite leader!" the second Hork-Bajir said.

(Melissa...) Jake silently accepted what was going to happen.

(Be quiet, Marco! Just get out of here.) Melissa growled and pounced at David! (This is for what you did to us!)

"Don't shoot! We have a perfectly good Andalite in front of us... Bring down those who morphed hawks!" instructed Arciss.

"The bandits have killed most of our troops! And now...they seem to be on to each other..." the Hork-Bajir said.

(Which one of us is sane?) David got engaged in the fight.

Melissa bit, pounced, and swiped at David. (You're the one who lost your mind! You're the one who sold us out!)

(I know. But how did you hold onto your sanity, knowing your dad was a Controller?)

(My father gave me a real reason to fight. As long as he was infested, I knew I could never give up!) Melissa got bitten. (Ahh!)

(I want to go back! She needs help!) said Tom.

(Maybe you have a point. But it's too late now.) David got mauled. (I didn't want it to be this way either.)

(Tom, you need to stay with the rest of us,) Jake said.

(There's no turning back now...you did what you did, David, and I'm going to do what I have to do. I'm sorry...David, but I have to. Not just for me, but for everyone.) Melissa leapt at David's neck.

(I can't believe I'm saying this, but I understand.) David met her in midair.

(Who died and left you king?) Tom asked.

(Well...Melissa's about to...) Jake replied.

(For freedom!) Melissa fell to the ground...panting...almost unconscious.

David fell. (Congratulations.)

For a second Mike fought through Arciss's control. "David! My son!"

Arciss regained control. (They did it...) he said disbelievingly.

(Okay, that's it.) Tom flew over.

The other Animorphs called and cried out. Too weak to demorph, Melissa could only manage to morph her eyes. (Tom...get them out...save them...)

(Melissa! No, please, Melissa, you have to demorph!)

(Tom, I can't demorph. You know I can't...you go on. Tell Jake, and Rachel...tell them all, they have to go on. But, I just wanted to let you know, Tom, it wasn't just for the human race... it was for you. All of it. I did it all for you. And it is done.) Her eyes closed.