Alien vs. Alien

always had—dull. It had gates everywhere you could imagine, some in differing sizes, meaning it was an airport metal detector enthusiasts’ dream location, but otherwise it didn’t scream “excitement.”
    What it did scream right now, though, was crowded. In addition to being the main hub of all gate activity, the Dome was used for larger transfers, like limo fleets or big machinery. What it wasn’t used for, however, was housing. So while the Dome was quite large and rather spacious normally, right now it gave off even more of an airport feeling, complete with the accompanying noise and stress.
    There were a lot more people here than I’d actually expected. Of course, interspecies marriage had been approved once Jeff and I had managed to get down the aisle without the world ending, though it had been a close call, both the generalized interspecies stuff and the specific world not ending. And I knew other A-Cs besides my friends had gotten married to humans. I just hadn’t actually paid attention to the number of couples who’d tied the knot in the past year and a half or so. I’d paid less attention to what number of those couples had a baby on the way.
    Apparently, that number was “lots.”
    The Dome was packed, and the Security A-Cs whose jobs were to hang out here didn’t look happy. At all.
    “We have a slight logistics problem,” Christopher shared, winning the Stating the Obvious Award for this moment in time.
    “You’re not kidding,” Buchanan said. “Are you sure this was a good idea?”
    “It’s Kitty’s idea, so no, I’m not sure about it at all.”
    “Thanks for the vote of confidence, Christopher. It was actually your dad’s idea. Besides, it’s secure, and that’s what matters right now.”
    “Security isn’t happy.” Christopher apparently wanted to ensure he won the Stating the Obvious Award at least once a minute.
    “Yeah. I can see that.” I could. The Security A-Cs ran big, bigger than Jeff usually, and that was saying something. These were men who, if they’d been humans and, therefore, not all totally gorgeous, would be working as bouncers for the likes of Jay-Z and Beyoncé and keeping the less cool out of all the really great clubs. Or starring as the barbarian hordes in epic fantasy films. Basically, they were all huge. And clearly unhappy.
    “They’re only doing this because Gladys told them to, and I’m here,” Christopher said. “Without my father, Jeff, Paul, or James around, though, they’re questioning what we’re doing and why.”
    “Huh. I feel a revision of the plan coming on.”
    “I can’t wait,” Christopher snarked.
    “Actually, you can. Which is my plan revision.”
    “What?”
    “You’re staying here. They’re listening to you, because you used to be the Head of Imageering and so second in command. I’d imagine they’re still not so sure how much they love taking orders from James and Tim. But they were great with taking orders from you and Jeff. So you stay, and the situation remains under control.”
    Christopher looked like he really wanted to argue.
    “Your wife will be here. And your goddaughter. Who, let’s be clear, is the likely focus for kidnapping.”
    Either my logic was overpowering or Christopher had done all the math I had and come up with the same answer: If we wanted to house civilians here, we needed someone who could shout the right commands at A-C speeds.
    “Fine. But before we do this, are you absolutely sure this is necessary?”
    “Happy to check.”
    “With who?” Christopher asked.
    “On what?” Buchanan asked.
    “Oh, ye of little faith.” I handed Jamie to Christopher. “Entertain your goddaughter for a couple of minutes.”
    I sat on the floor and closed my eyes. Hopefully I wasn’t going to disturb him at an inopportune time.

    Yi

CHAPTER 46

    A CE, ARE YOU THERE? I thought in my mind.
    Yes, Kitty, ACE is here.
    I know there’s a lot going on.
    Because ACE did its best to stay out of our affairs and so avoid becoming either a crutch we ultimately couldn’t live without or an all-powerful despot, I didn’t call for help as often as I wanted to. ACE was willing to break and bend the rules when the situation was dire, but it wasn’t a good idea to push anyone all the time, and certainly not for things we could do ourselves. Since ACE resided in Gower, I was also careful to make contact only when it was necessary or I knew things were slow, because that way I didn’t risk disturbing ACE