Chapter 18

We made our statements upon returning. One by one, we entered a small office where one of the ship's staff would allow us to detail the events that took place on the signal station. Not just us. Everybody involved with the mission was to go through the process. I headed back to my temporary quarters once the ordeal was over, only to find the atmosphere had not dropped below the tension that had become a mainstay.

Burr-Ammit was right all along. I could see it in their faces. We simply wouldn't fit.

Later that day, Surote gathered everybody, not in the usual mission assembly area but Enrich's main dining hall. The mood was low, and talking was minimal. Eventually, Surote made his steps toward a small plinth before the drinks table, where bowls of purple soup we had yet to experience were lined up. We Animorphs kept our distance, somewhere near the back of the crowd where we couldn't readily be seen.

He stood tall and spread his gaze all around. "Today's mission was a success," he began. "We have corrupted the signal station beyond simple repair. The One's reach has been cut for now. For that, I thank you and commend your efforts. However, elements of the task were not suitably covered going into the mission. As a result, we have lost two of our own. I am not here to place blame because it is a mistake of us all. It is a mistake we shall learn from to become better.

"When we leave this ship, we leave with Enrich on our minds. It is our purpose, the source of our loyalty. Her goals are our goals. We live and breathe Enrich. And she aspires for justice; Justice that all shall live worthy lives and that nobody should suffer unjust punishment. But the universe is full of evils, and it is those evils that we must strive to overcome. Those evils take lives, tear families from their homes, and leave destruction in their wake. Akrv and Fruyt dedicated their lives to fighting evil, and for the cause, they made the supreme sacrifice. They took their own lives so that Enrich may continue hers. Loyal soldiers. Loyal friends.

"So tonight we feast for their memories. We remember the sacrifice they made and what they made it for. Arkv, and Fruyt, I thank you.

"Before we begin the festivities, though, there is the matter of role fulfillment. Arkv and Fruyt, as well as being key members of Team Hook, had dedicated occupations vital to the running of this ship. I have decided who shall replace them for these roles. Brou'gn will take Team Hook as commander. Ojtuo, you will take Arkv's tactician role. And finally, Burr-Ammit will take charge of the Yeerk hold in Fruyt's place."

Burr-Ammit was to Surote's left. The decision seemed to come as a surprise to him, but after the initial flinch, he shrugged it off.

Surote ended, "Enjoy the evening. Celebrate the fallen for their success. Enrich lives on."

He left the plinth, and the stewards handed out the bowls of purple liquid. It was a Hrri delicacy, fine food from Arkv's home planet. As was everything on board, it was delicious, but nobody brought it up as a conversation point. In fact, Jake and Menderash didn't even touch it, appetites absent. We wanted nothing more than to retire back to our beds and prepare for the eventual journey home. I craved my tree. I would do anything to be there. Alone in my aging hawk body.

Maybe it was time for me to stop. Just stop. I could easily just hide away. I didn't have to speak to anybody. Nobody would find me.

Or could they? What kind of trackers did I have on me? What technology was I prisoner to?

Surote's speech had solidified a concept to us all: We were part of Enrich now. Our lives were hers, and Jake had made sure of it.

All we wanted was to save our friend. How did we ever arrive at this?

((Animorphs.))

My attention was dragged from my half-empty Hrri delicacy bowl. Asaccah was arriving, his hooves plodding lazily against the floor. I braced for whatever scalding he was willing to commit, but part of me could never tell what brand of Asaccah we would receive.

"Asaccah," Jake greeted blandly.

((I was hoping to pass on some words,)) he said calmly. He certainly wasn't angry, which was a great relief. ((Firstly, well done for today. Despite what happened to our good friends, the reports clarify that you did your roles to an acceptable standard. We are grateful.))

He received no response.

He shifted on his hooves awkwardly. ((Anyway, I understand you will be leaving for Earth soon.))

"Correct," Jake replied.

((Well, I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but my sources on Andal have informed me that the military is stepping up investigations into your actions and disappearance. They're very eager to locate you.))

"What for?" Marco huffed. "What good will it do?"

((Politics,)) Asaccah chuckled, inappropriately so, given our stern, disinterested stares. ((You've angered War Commander Torceran. He doesn't forgive so easily, and the Andalite government wants to assure the allies that we are working to bring to justice those that triggered the start of the Kelbrid War.))

"So that's the story, huh?" Jake sighed. "We started the war?"

((It's a popular opinion.))

Jake clasped at the bridge of his nose with weak, weary fingers. "Are you going to suggest something, or is this just a friendly reminder?"

Asaccah was irked by the tone of his comment but didn't speak on it. ((I know that you're in hiding, and we here are working in the background to ensure that you are hidden. Jeanne Gerard is very capable. Trust us when we say that the Andalites will not find you in your Earthly abode. However, there is one who is at much greater risk. Your friend Cassie is not in hiding, as you know. My sources reliably tell me that the military is targeting her.))

That brought Jake back. "Targeting?"

((They will find you through her. They know of her involvement at the beginning of the war, and they will use that to their advantage. Jeanne is with Cassie for the foreseeable future, but be prepared to protect her yourselves. You can't afford such a leak of information.))

Jake nodded lightly. "Thank you."

Asaccah turned and stepped away, back to the mourning crowd. ((Be careful, Animorphs. The War Commander always gets his way.))