"I'm used to aliens that hate humans," Rachel says airily, and in a way, it's true. The Yeerks might not be enslaving humans out of hatred, but they sure aren't full of compassion, either. "Yeah, I've been given the run-down on this place. Not exactly a five-star resort. I don't suppose they've got a JC Penney here, either."

Okay, okay, so making jokes is really Marco's thing, but bravado is Rachel's. She refuses to show she's scared -- especially to some other kid like her, even if he is a couple of years older -- so she'll play it cool.