Alice:
Damien was the first to answer my question; He wanted to stay and wait for the second trip. I got the impression he had further questions for me that he was too shy to voice in front of so many people...
Reece's concern for my safety was touching, despite him covering that up with concern for the group at large.
It was not so surprizing that Brit agreed with Reece on this point, though it seemed to surprize the both of them that they could agree on anything. His reasoning was sound, and I was glad to find that some of the group could think things through rather than just plunge head-long into action that might be dangerous. His idea to accompany me into the building had its merits too, though I was not sure how much help a normal human could be. Maybe if he already had morphing-power, his idea might work...
Reece's idea of pulling the fire-alarm to get the building evacuated was also a good one: If we could snag a controller for me to 'morph', it would be that much easier to sneak in and get that list.
Autumn seemed happy to go along with whatever. I tried not to think of her as a sheep just following the group around, it wouldn't be fair on her. Doubtless she'd have her moment to show us what she was made of eventually. If four people wanted to take the first trip, Autumn seemed happy enough to wait. If only three volunteered to go with Eddie this time, Autumn was just as happy to go with them.
I did a quick head-count: 9 of us. Eddie+4 passengers on the first trip, left Me+3 behind to make the 4 passengers of the second trip. Ah well, at least I wouldn't have to pretend to drive my scooter then. We had one of the 3 who could stay behind already - Damien. I supposed technically 4+Me could stay, in which case I'd be taking my fake scooter back to the safe-house... Better if it's only 3+Me staying really though. I wondered to myself which group would fill first: Stay-ers or Go-ers...
All of a sudden, Kasey ran up and touched my arm. Evidently she had something important to discuss. I listened to what she had to say... My face saddened at hearing she'd be a priority-infestation for the Yeerks - Not only because of today, but also because of her dad's political influence.
"I don't know what we can do about that yet..." I answered, "I may need a bit of time to come up with something useful... Jenny might have some ideas, if you take the first trip with Eddie you could discuss it with her in person?" I half-suggested. In reality I was thinking that the sooner my friend Kasey was safe with the other Chee, the better.
Autumn's idea of having Kasey stay over with her sounded like a good temporary solution, and I gave Autumn a nod of approval for offering.
When Kasey asked me again what she was going to do about the threat of imminent infestation of her family and herself, I still hadn't fully thought through a decent idea, not permanent anyway.
"I guess we could keep surveillance of your family in morph between us... At least then we'd know when- Sorry, I mean if any of them get infested. Perhaps stay over Autumn's tonight, we'll start surveillance tomorrow so you can go back to them and stop them worrying about your absence. If they try to sneak up on you, we can give you a heads-up." I suggested, coming to a stop and putting my hand on her shoulder for reassurance.
We were now only a few trees away from being able to see the car-park; And being able to be seen from it, if there were hostiles in the area. It was a good idea to stop here and split-up rather than all of us entering the car-park...
"Everyone, wait up a second: We shouldn't all enter the car-park together. Only those of you going with Eddie now should enter the car-park. I'll go in first and see if there is any CCTV to worry about: If it's clear, I'll give a signal, then circle around to meet back up with those who are staying here with me. Eddie and those going with him should then sneak to the car and drive off.
If I spot any surveillance, Eddie will have to drive off by himself and pick up whoever's going with him somewhere else.
Just so we're clear: Who is going and who is waiting with me and Damien for Eddie's return?"
I looked to Autumn to address her question: "Yes, we'll need to appear as normal as we can in front of potential Yeerks, and parents alike. We don't want them thinking any of us is acting suspiciously, or they'll just acquire that person by force to find out what's going on."
With that, I waited for their decision of stay vs go. Once the two groups were decided, I'd go scan for surveillance in the car-park.
