I nodded, then paced a little. "It's this city," I said. "It gave you guys your cars, and it gave me that place." I stopped and shuddered. I could feel my eyes burning, but I couldn't let myself cry, not yet. I forced myself to composure again. I continued, "As soon as I realized, I texted Jack, to warn him. I thought I texted you, too. I asked him to keep my secret. If the Yeerk knew about me . . . I had no way of knowing it couldn't get home. I need my friends and family back there to be safe." I was sorry, deeply sorry, that it was at Poison's expense.