Alien Proliferation

going to find out.”
    “Mister White, why were the Colemans picked after Terry died? Lucinda told me that they were aware Yates was alive, but I don’t know if they were also in on his world domination plan.”
    He looked thoughtful. “All our original Diplomatic Corps knew, the ones who were . . .”
    “Loyal to you and Terry?”
    “Yes. However, while neither Theresa nor I told them, and neither did Alfred or Lucinda, the Colemans and the rest who became part of their Diplomatic Corps confronted us about it while she was still alive.”
    “So, safe bet they were on Beverly’s side, so to speak. I know most of the older generation of A-Cs didn’t know Yates was your father or still alive. Of those who did know, how many are still alive?”
    “Myself, Lucinda and Alfred Martini, Stanley and Ericka Gower. Yes, she’s human, but she figured it out. Gladys and Harold Gower.”
    “That’s our Intercom Queen Gladys, right? And she’s married to Stanley’s brother?” He nodded. “That’s why Michael calls her at the drop of a hat, she’s his closest aunt.”
    “And he’s her favorite,” White added with a chuckle. “I believe Gladys is the only one who considers Michael’s dating exploits to be adorable.”
    “Someone should. Anyone else alive who knew about Yates? I’m asking so we can kind of get a heads-up for who’s going to try to destroy us next under the guise of purity of the race.” We came to a stop. I pointed to the switch. “Don’t flip that one until we want to go up.”
    White looked over at Chuckie. “She flipped it, didn’t she?”
    Chuckie nodded. “I’d tie her up, but Martini would probably object.”
    “Humph! Mister White, while we look for other switches we won’t flip until Chuckie says okay, any other A-Cs in the know about Yates?”
    “Possibly. Can’t come up with them right now, other than the ones your mother questioned in regard to having helped Beverly with, as you call it, Operation Fugly. They implicated neither the Diplomatic Corps nor themselves. I’m sure I can retrieve a full listing at a time when we’re not once again heading into life-threatening danger. Have you noticed the dread is decreasing?”
    “Just because they didn’t implicate anyone doesn’t mean they’re innocent,” Chuckie said.
    “Dude, you made your point prebirth. I’ve dealt with and talked to Camilla, I’m a believer. As my partner pointed out, this is probably not the right time. And as for the dread, Mister White, it was a signal for me. Now that I’m moving, I think they know they can relax a bit. So to speak.”
    “They?” White sounded guarded.
    “I don’t see anything but that one switch.”
    Chuckie looked around. “Then the boxes are in place to hide the door or switch.” We started to move them carefully.
    “They?” White asked again as he helped move boxes. I saw him jolt. “Oh. Oh, dear. No wonder you wanted the others to stay as far away as possible.”
    “Yeah. I think they moved Jamie to the highest point away they could. They were trying to reach me, but I’m sure she was integral to whatever horror Gaultier and company thought up, and the agents would know it. They’re protectors, after all.”
    “And you and Wayne had a connection,” Chuckie added quietly.
    “Yes.” Now wasn’t the time for the lump in the throat. Grief was really trying to shove in and ride shotgun with Guilt, but under the circumstances, Rage felt it had the floor. I noted that I was getting less tired in direct proportion to the fact that my anger was building. Figured I’d worry about becoming She Hulk after we’d handled this next round of horror.
    “Got it,” Chuckie said as we moved the last of the boxes that would have been opposite the gate if we were back at the basement level. He pointed to something near the floor—a circle divided into thirds with A, B & C in each section. “He really got around.”
    “Wow, messed up another twenty-year plan. I feel all tingly.”
    “Yeah. I knew Amy’s mother was the only thing keeping Gaultier in line.” Chuckie looked over at me. “I won’t tell her.”
    “Tell her what? She already knows her dad was Mister Evil.”
    Chuckie sighed. “Kitty, think about it.”
    I did. “I have no idea what you’re talking about.”
    “Maybe you don’t. Amy’s mother had an odd illness, right? Something that couldn’t be medically cured?”
    “Yeah. Can’t even remember the name, it was so obscure.”
    Chuckie