45 - 23 - Transponder Completed

Not that I could see the waves. It was night, with an unhelpful crescent moon.

"This thing is really ready?" Jake asked, looking down at the infamous Z-space transponder.

We'd let a little time pass. Not much. Just enough to let Ax finish the device.

<Ready for transmission, Prince Jake. The translator chip has been installed and enabled.>

Jake smiled. Gave me a not-so-inscrutable look of . . . a look that acknowledged our friendship under fire.

(...)

"Look!" Cassie said, pointing to a small dome-shaped light on the side of the machine that glowed a regal blue.

<We have a connection,> Ax said.

All four of his eyelids blinked rapidly. His posture straightened.

A voice . . . a scratchy, commanding voice . . .

<Who is this?> demanded the Andalite officer on the other end. <Who is initiating this contact?>

It was surreal! This voice . . . these words . . . Our link to another world!

Jake signaled Ax to answer.

But Ax shook his head.

<No. I believe this is your moment.>

Jake glanced at each of us, ran his hand through his hair.

"This is . . ." He cleared his throat. He glanced back at Ax and smiled. Then he leaned in close to the device.

"This is Earth," he said.