The Invasion (30 page)

Tom was the first out. He looked scared and mad and determined. I was going to send him a thought message, telling him who I was, but suddenly there was Rachel, screaming in my head.

Jake!
Rachel said.
Look. Cassie!

Cassie was nearly at the end of the infestation pier. The Hork-Bajir and Taxxon guards were still sticking to their duties. As I watched, another human was shoved headfirst into the Yeerk pool.

Cassie is next!
I cried.

Don’t worry,
Marco said.
We’ll take care of Tom. Go. Go before they do it to her!

I hesitated for only a second, as a thousand thoughts went through my head.

Later I would think about that moment. Think maybe … maybe … if only …

I broke into a run. I had to get to her!

As I watched, the two Hork-Bajir on the pier grabbed Cassie by the arms.

“Nooooo!” she cried.

I tore at full speed. I leaped over Taxxons. I dodged around Hork-Bajir. I practically flew.

But I couldn’t really fly. Not the way Tobias could.

I saw him high, high up in the cavern. Down he came.

Like a bullet.

The talons came forward. Tobias hit the first Hork-Bajir at about fifty miles an hour. He swooped away, leaving the alien clutching at the slimy mess where his eyes used to be.

That was all Cassie needed. She broke away and ran back down the pier.

I finally got there and went after the remaining Hork-Bajir-Controller.

Morph!
I yelled to Cassie.
Morph and head back for the stairs!>