The elderly Alpha harrumphed, as if the suggestion any earthling might have helpful attributes was an iffy proposition. “Well, don’t forget, you’ll have to zap his memories later.”
“We know, but he’s been instrumental in helping us capture nearly all of the other criminals who escaped the gulag ship.”
Wyatt looked ill at ease at the mention of his memories being zapped, but didn’t say anything, for which Diesel was grateful.
“Setting aside the Indigo Smith problem for the moment,” Wheeler said, “I have a thought about how we can get Daphne Charlene to tell us how she found out about our alien operation here at the Big Bang Truck Stop.”
“Fantastic,” Diesel said. “Explain.”
Wheeler grinned and gave a quick rundown of his idea. The plan included Wyatt, who looked delighted to help out despite the sullen looks thrown his way from some of the elders.
Diesel didn’t know if Wheeler’s idea would work, but he did an internal happy dance at the prospect of having something to do.
“Wyatt? What do you think?”
“I’m in. I want to help in any way I can.”
Diesel stood up. “Nova, go check in with Gage at his lab. Help him get the faux hospital room set up and ready to clear more of Daphne Charlene’s memories to before she learned about us.” He looked around the room.
Nova nodded. “We also might want to call Valene in to help. She’d lend credence to our plan. I can go get her and bring her back.” There were several murmurs of agreement from around the table.
Diesel held up a stalling hand. “Wait. Help Gage set up first, and you can go get Valene if needed later on.”
She nodded and left the room.
Diesel adjourned the meeting and they went to set in motion Wheeler’s idea to discover how Daphne Charlene learned about them. He didn’t believe Wyatt had willingly given up the information.
Wyatt loved Valene, of that Diesel had no doubt, which was good since it looked like they’d recently taken their relationship to a whole new level.
At least this might be one crisis averted with only one remaining to solve. Even so, Diesel was grateful to be moving forward with any plan.
His phone buzzed. He looked at the screen. Aunt Dixie. He tipped his head back, inhaled a deep breath and answered.
“Aunt Dixie, I’m kind of busy right now.”
“You’re always busy, Diesel, but I wanted to let you know I’m headed out on a road trip.”
Now what?“Road trip?” he asked, trying not to sound as irritated as he felt. “To where?”
She was silent for a few moments, likely deciding whether to tell him her detailed plans. “North,” she said evasively.
“Why?”
“I found evidence in my attic regarding the Lost Colony Legend. I’m headed out to follow a clue.”
“Oh?” Diesel started to insist she not go haring off on some adventure, but reconsidered. If his aunt Dixie was out of town, she couldn’t get into trouble that he’d have to deal with.
She’d be someone else’s problem for the duration and he’d be better able to concentrate on his current problems.
“That’s right, I’m on the hunt to discover new information about that long-ago disastrous flight to Earth.”
“Well, thanks for letting me know. Be safe and check in now and again.”
“Maybe I will. Maybe I won’t. I might be off grid, Diesel. I might not be able to check in regularly.”
“I see. Is Miss Penny with you?”
“Yep.”
