«Yes, I had surmised as much.» Aximili's gotten better at detecting human sarcasm, but it passes right over his head this time. «I believe it is relevant that the bracelet is highly visible. With the level of technology these captors have, the tracking device could easily have been a microchip embedded in some part of our anatomy where we would likely never find it. By placing it prominently on the forearm while we are incapacitated, they are sending us a message.»

Aximili's not yet entirely demorphed - he still has a roach's exoskeleton on most of his body, making him look like an armored centaur - but it's enough so that he can reach the tablet with his newly-formed hands. He lifts it from the pedestal, and instantly an exit appears. Sunlight trickles in from the open doorway. Relief floods him. Enclosed spaces are disconcerting for any Andalite.