«I, too, will explore through the second tunnel. I can clear six of your feet without difficulty,» says Aximili in public thought-speak. Stalk eyes burst out of his skull like worms from an apple, even as his feathers retract into his skin. For a moment, his skin is pink and bald, like a plucked chicken. Hooves are forming at the end of his shifting legs. Finally, waves of blue and tan fur ripple over his flesh. The kafit bird's tail extends into the long, muscular tail of an Andalite. The change is complete.

He takes a moment to stare at the snow-covered human male who has just arrived. The climate control must be in critical failure. He hopes the weather will not be so extreme wherever the tunnels emerge. «Yes. We have located two accessible tunnels: the one you see before you, and another to the west that is elevated approximately six of your feet up the cavern wall. The intention is to split into one team per tunnel.»

Aximili spins his stalk eyes around at the group, even as he keeps his main eyes focused on the newcomer. His tail is poised in case of trouble. Paranoia is a hard habit to shake, even though according to Aximili's investigations, there is no Xandrona source in the city and therefore no Yeerks. These humans seem determined and brave, as humans often are, but he still doesn't feel remotely at ease among them.