Alien Proliferation

“Hmmm. Three main subjects expected to be operational within two days, remainder within two weeks.” He looked up at me. “I don’t think we’re going to like this, Missus Martini.”
    “VARIS, I’d like a status report for all other team members,” Chuckie said to the console.
    “Robert Coleman, dead. Barbara Coleman, dead. Agent John Cooper, dead.”
    Chuckie interrupted. “I’d like a printout, please.”
    “Yes, Doctor Gaultier.” The printer revved up again. I pulled out the list. “Huh. Shows Clarence as freed on his own recognizance and Ronaldo as being held captive by, and I quote, the enemy.”
    “Didn’t think they were our friends.” Chuckie turned back to the console. “VARIS, what stands in the way of our success?”
    “Katherine Katt Martini, Jeffrey Stuart Martini, Christopher Terrence White, Charles Martin Reynolds, Angela Fiore Katt, Kevin Sidney Lewis, Richard Trevor White, Paul Stanley Gower.”
    “Why?”
    “They provide the leadership and protective core for Centaurion Division. Their removal will allow free access to all Centaurion resources.”
    “What do we need to complete Operation Alteration?”
    “The progeny of Katherine Katt Martini and Jeffrey Stuart Martini.”
    White put his arm around my shoulders and hugged me.
    “Why?” Chuckie took my hand.
    “Due to father’s genetic alteration, child possesses enough power to fuel an incalculable number of replicants.”
    “Replicants?” White asked softly.
    Right, A-Cs didn’t really watch or read science fiction. They lived it. “Replicants, clones, duplicates. Robots that look and function like humans.” My stomach clenched. “Chuckie, I have a really horrible feeling about this.”
    “I was at horrible feeling in the basement.” He squeezed my hand, let go, and took the papers from White. “VARIS, we lost personnel. What do we need to do to recover?” He rifled through the Operation Alteration papers.
    “Gain progeny of Katherine Katt Martini and Jeffrey Stuart Martini. Plan is operational as long as progeny is obtained.” Discovered I didn’t like Jamie being called “progeny” any more than “spawn.”
    I scanned the status list. “Chuckie, Herbert Gaultier is listed as dead.”
    “Right. So?”
    “So, how is the computer thingy talking to ‘you’ if it knows ‘you’re’ dead?” White pointed to an entry farther down the page. It said LaRue Demorte Gaultier was alive and at large. “Wow, the trophy wife’s the brains of this operation?”
    “You’re the brains of our operation, Kathy.” White managed to make us both chuckle. I treasured it, because I had the feeling I wasn’t going to be chuckling for a while. I put the page in front of Chuckie. He looked up and gave me the “duh” look. Fine, so he’d already figured it out. Not my fault.
    “Her name means the Street of the Dead. By the way.” Got the “so what?” look from Chuckie. I had the feeling he was moving at warp speed in terms of getting over me romantically. I gave it one more, as Christopher called them, “Kittyism,” and Jeff might not need to do the jealousy talk with Chuckie, ever.
    Chuckie turned back to the computer screen. “VARIS, how close are we to gaining progeny?”
    “Operation has been affected by murder of majority of participants. Replicants One through Three are ready without progeny.”
    “What do you recommend?”
    “Activate One through Three, have them remove their counterparts and Katherine Katt Martini, recover progeny.”
    “Do we have to remove Katherine Katt Martini?”
    “Yes. Identified as single point of disruption for all active plans and organizations. Has single-handedly destroyed at least ten major offensives. Considered Enemy Number One. Should be destroyed with extreme prejudice.”
    “I feel the love.”
    “Our side loves you,” White said.
    “Doctor Gaultier, Katherine Katt Martini identified within medical lab.”
    “Thanks, VARIS. She’s my prisoner.”
    “Recommend immediate termination. Subject has exhibited random abilities.”
    “Random abilities?” What the heck did that mean? I had the skills.
    Chuckie looked over his shoulder and grinned at me. “Means luck.”
    “Oh.” Well, couldn’t argue that one.
    “Shall I activate One through Three, Doctor Gaultier?”
    “No, VARIS, not just yet. I’ll let you know.”
    “Very good. Can I assist with anything else?”
    “Not at the moment. Thank you, VARIS.” Chuckie stood and the console went quiet.