Poppy (to Eep & Mouse): Hey sweeties, are you ready for traveling?
Eep (to Poppy): As ready as I'll ever be, I guess.
Mouse (to Poppy): Yeah, we're ready...
Poppy (to Eep & Mouse): Good, Vincent should be picking you up shortly... I'll be waiting on the other side of the crossover point. He's going to give you a device to put on behind your ear that will keep you stabilized in the other world for as long as you need & will record the exact place, you will be returning to in your own world. So, mere seconds will have passed here... if it's calibrated correctly.
Eep (to Poppy): Uhhh, that probably was meant to sound a lot more reassuring than it does.
Mouse (to Poppy): What do you mean, if it's calibrated correctly?
Poppy (to Mouse): Well, honey, there's always chance for error when dealing with time/space travel. It's only an cautionary measure in case you're separated & need an escape, just remove the device & you'll "snap" back to the exact moment you crossed over. If all goes well, you'll be returning the same way, you left. The device is just in case of an emergency... (to Vincent, Eep & Mouse) I'm crossing over, now. See you all on the other side!
Vincent (to Poppy): See you soon, hun. Stay safe! (to Eep & Mouse) Alright gang, I should be there in a moment. How are you holding up?
Mouse (to Vincent): I'm fine. Eep & Otto are smoking on the porch...
Vincent (to Mouse): How's your beau doing? I know he's not thrilled about all this.
Mouse (to Vincent): I think he's trying to do his best impression of a smokestack... I luckily made sure to pack a couple cartons of cigarettes for him, so he hopefully won't be too twitchy. Though, I worry that Otto's going to try to teach how to smoke a cigar.
Vincent (to Mouse): Just what I need. TWO cigar smokers stinking up my car and ship. Heavens... That lad needs a better way to deal with stress. I won't tell you what he was like when he ran out of cigarettes two days into... Well, I'm sure you can imagine. Anyway, pulling up now. All aboard! (to Poppy) We're en route, hun. I'll contact you when we're about to cross over.
Poppy (to Vincent): Alrighty, honey, Klaude has just arrived in the Time Out.
Twenty minutes later:
Vincent (to Eep & Mouse): OK. We're here. I know saying this is futile, but this is your chance to head home.
Eep (to Vincent): Yeah. Yeah. Just shut the fuck up and let's get on with it.
Mouse (to Vincent): I know, sweetie, but we're here for the long haul. (to Eep) Hold my hand... please.
Eep (to Mouse): Course! I, uh, I was just about to ask you the same thing. Shit. Here we go...
Vincent (to Mouse): I know hun. In for a pinch, in for a pound. (to Poppy) We're crossing over now. See you soon, hun.
Poppy (to Vincent): Be safe, honey.
Vincent (to Poppy): Poppy! We're getting some static here! The portal isn't opening as smoothy as it should be. Can you stabilize it?
Poppy (to Vincent): Okay, honey, we'll see if we can calibrate it on this end... Somethings not quite right, we're getting interference... is it clearing up on your end?
Vincent (to Poppy): No! If this doesn't clear up, I'm going to pull back. I can't get a reading off of anything! We're blind on this end.
Poppy (to Vincent): Our readings are saying the doors open, but nothing seems to be happening... I'm worried.
Vincent (to Poppy): You're not the only one. (to Mouse & Eep) Are you two OK? Still with me?
Mouse (to Vincent): I think so... (to Eep) Don't let go of my hand...
Eep (to Mouse): Not on my life!
Vincent (to Eep & Mouse): Something's wrong. I'm going to try to close the doorway and reopen ours. Keep the device I gave you on. I don't know what will happen if you remove it between worlds. If you cross over and don't IMMEDIATELY see Poppy, pull it off and you'll end up home!
Poppy (to Vincent): Honey, we're picking you up on the sensors... but, there's something with you.
Vincent (to Poppy): Shit. What is it, hun?
Poppy (to Vincent): Not sure, it's alive, I think... it seems to be approaching you within the portal... that shouldn't be possible.
Vincent (to Poppy): Can you come in and get us out?
Poppy (to Vincent): Klaude & I are rigging up something, give me a minute... whatever you do do not fire a weapon in there. Be ready. (to Mouse) Honey, I know you have a knife on you, you might need it.
Vincent (to Poppy): Understood! I brought a rapier. Let's hope it's enough. (to Mouse & Eep) You two! Get behind me NOW! I've lit a flare! Head towards the light!
Mouse (to Poppy): I actually have several on me, but thanks for heads up. (to Vincent & Eep) Okay... I think I see it.
Poppy (to Vincent, Eep & Mouse): Okay, I'm coming through... this isn't going to be pleasant...
Vincent (to Mouse): Can you see anything? Poppy said something's coming towards us. (to Poppy) Head towards the flare.
Poppy (to Vincent): Will do, honey.
Mouse (to Vincent): I can't see shit except for the flare.
Vincent (to Mouse): Me either. Fuck! I don't like this at all. If anything happens, take Eep and go. Don't worry about me. They can't keep this portal in limbo long. We'll end up one place or the other & we'll rendezvous later.
Mouse (to Vincent): I am not leaving you anywhere.
Poppy (to Vincent, Eep & Mouse): Grab the rope, loop it around your waists & hold on...
Vincent (to Poppy): We're looped in, hun. Heave ho!
Poppy (to Vincent, Eep & Mouse): Here we go! Hold on tight!
Thirty seconds later:
Mouse (to Poppy, Vincent & Eep): What the hell was that!?! Did you see that thing!?!
Eep (to Mouse): I... I don't...
Vincent (to Mouse, Eep & Poppy): It looked like a construct to me. Did you get a good look at it, Poppy?
Poppy (to Vincent): Yes, honey, but I've never seen anything like it before. I'm going to check with Klaude. (to Mouse, Vincent & Eep) Everybody in one piece?
Vincent (to Poppy) I'm OK. (to Mouse & Eep) Are you two OK?
Eep (to Poppy, Vincent & Mouse): Uh, yeah. I think so. Are you OK, Killer?
Mouse (to Vincent, Poppy & Eep): I think so... What is going on? I take it that wasn't a normal crossover...
Vincent (to Mouse): No. No it wasn't. Not even a little bit.
Mouse (to Vincent): Well, you certainly know how to show a girl a good time. :-p Now, where to?
Vincent (to Mouse): Right now we're waiting on Poppy and the Davenport sisters. I'm sure she and Klaude are trying to figure out what went wrong during our crossing. And what that THING was. And hun, I understand why you didn't want to leave me back there, but if I tell you to go, I need you to GO. I've got more experience in this world. If we get separated, I'm going to have the best chance on my own. And I need you to look after Eep for me.
Mouse (to Vincent): Aye, aye... You're the captain...
Vincent (to Mouse): Mmm hmm. Why do I get the distinct feeling you're going to utterly ignore me?
Poppy (to Vincent, Eep & Mouse): Alright, sweeties, we're heading to our rendezvous point with the Calpurnia and then it's onward to the monastery. It looks like someone is trying to close the portals...
Vincent (to Poppy): WHAT? Can that be done?
Eep (to Poppy): Uh, what does that mean?
Poppy (to Vincent, Eep & Mouse): It's theoretically possible, but it's never been done. We need to get to the 'wizard' & let him know that it's started... Smythe has apparently found another way...
Vincent (to Poppy): Alright, hun. Let's get there as quickly as possible. (to Mouse & Eep) OK Scooby Gang, backstory time. The wizard is the gentleman we've all been called here to meet. Smythe is trying to gain control of the crossover points by shutting them down, leaving only portals he controls. Clearly, as someone who would obviously be negatively impacted by this, I've got a dog in this fight. I was recruited by our friend the wizard to hide plans for a device that Smythe could use to accomplish his goal. Since I'm not firmly fixed in any one point or place, we thought he wouldn't be able to trace me to my home base. Unfortunately, I didn't take into consideration that a mercenary like Captain Goodpenny might want the plans as well. And inadvertently drop the Back Alley Butcher right into our laps. I'm sorry. I shouldn't have been so shortsighted.
Mouse (to Vincent): So, we're really off to see a wizard?
Vincent (to Mouse): Hee hee. Well. I suppose in a manner of speaking, we are. Wizard is just the code name we use. It's all very hush hush. As you can see, Smythe has agents everywhere.
Mouse (to Vincent): What happens if Smythe closes all the portals while we're over here?
Vincent (to Mouse): I don't know, hun. No one has ever done it before. That's a question for Poppy and Klaude, I'm afraid. If I had to hazard a guess, I'd wager you and Eep would be sent back when you take off the stabilizers. I, on the other hand...
Mouse (to Vincent): So, is this going to be one of those, all will be revealed when we speak to the wizard type of things?
Vincent (to Mouse): Well, I'm afraid there's probably a lot I can't answer. I'm afraid science was never my strong suit, hun. ;-} But I can try to answer any questions you might have now.
Mouse (to Vincent): Honestly, I'm at a loss, at the moment... it's a lot to process. (to Eep) Are you okay? Do you need a cigarette?
Eep (to Mouse): God, I would LOVE one, but last time I tried to light up on the Time Out, I was almost heaved out the ship. Apparently, open flames are NOT encouraged on a vessel that's highly flammable. Klaude has all kinds off, uh, weird shit aboard.
Vincent (to Mouse): Sweetie, I have to tell you something. If Smythe closes all the portals, and we can't get them reopened, I might not be able to go home with you. I'm not certain, but... Well, I know you're already upset with me for keeping secrets.
Mouse (to Vincent): What do you mean? (to Eep) Do you want some gum? I know it's not the same, but I brought a pack...
Eep (to Mouse): Yeah, that'd be great. Heh, I've already gone through the pack I brought AND a tin of Altoids. Sorry I'm a nervous wreck.
Vincent (to Mouse): Well, the reason you and Eep get pulled back to home base without a stabilizer, is because you're firmly fixed in our dimension. Most people can't really stay in a dimension where they don't belong for any length of time. You have a counterpart here in this dimension, and you two can't share the same space indefinitely. That's why I said even if Smythe closes the portal, you two should be able to head home. I don't. I'm not sure what will happen to me if all crossover points get closed, honestly.
Mouse (to Vincent): Wait, we have counterparts? ... why do we have counterparts here and you don't? (to Eep) Well, it's my backpack along with 2 cartons of cigarettes for you. I need to go stop Otto from getting into a fight with a monkey…
Eep (to Mouse): Oh God. I knew I loved you for a reason!
Poppy (to Vincent): Honey, we're coming up on the monastery... we'll be docking shortly.
Vincent (to Mouse): I don't know. I have a couple of theories, but folks like myself a more than a bit on the rare side. (to Poppy) Excellent! I'll let the Scooby Gang know. Thanks, Poppy.
Mouse (to Vincent): So, do these counterparts look like us? Do they act like us? Have you met them?
Vincent (to Mouse): I've met some of them. I think. Most times counterparts resemble each other, but occasionally the genders are switched. As far as behavior is concerned, think of them like distant family members. You might be a lot alike, or nothing alike.
Mouse (to Vincent): Have you met mine or Eep's? I'm curious, it's like finding out you have a twin.
Vincent (to Mouse): So I see! I've met both your counterparts. I think. It's almost impossible to be 100% sure. And it's really not as close as having a twin, hun. Trust me.
Mouse (to Vincent): I'm sorry, this is interesting to me & it's helping me focus. I just had to pull Otto off of a clockwork monkey... apparently, he didn't take kindly to having a banana chucked at him. So, are you going to tell me who our counterparts or am I not supposed to know?
Vincent (to Mouse): Oh dear. Tell him if he doesn't behave, we're leaving him on the Time Out for a ... uh, time out, I suppose. Well, sometimes it's better not to know if your counterpart is a horrible human being, but I don't think there's any harm. You guys don't exist on the same plane, really. There's no Marty McFly moment. :-P
Mouse (to Vincent): Does she know I'm her counterpart?
Vincent (to Mouse): Your counterpart is lovely. I'm just afraid it's going to make you act all strangely around her.
Mouse (to Vincent): Does she know I'm her counterpart?
Vincent (to Mouse): I don't know. I thought it impolite to ask.
Mouse (to Vincent): Well, if you won't tell me who mine is, will you tell me about Eep's? Have you met his counterpart? And, is there a Delia, Ripper or Leon here?
Vincent (to Mouse): Good heavens! What happened to "I'm too overwhelmed for questions, Vincent"?
Mouse (to Vincent): Sorry, the other stuff was a bit over my head, but alternate versions of people - that I can handle.
Vincent (to Mouse & Eep): Good gracious! We've docked! Look alive, Eep! Hun, grab that grumpy cat of yours. I doubt he can be trusted alone.
Mouse (to Vincent): Will do...
Eep (to Mouse & Vincent): Right. OK. Let's head out.
Poppy (to Vincent, Eep & Mouse): Would you all like to be shown to some rooms, so you can get cleaned up before you meet our host?
Vincent (to Poppy, Eep & Mouse): Of course, sweetie. I'm sure we'd all appreciate that. (to Eep & Mouse) I forgot to mention. The year here is 1887, and our host currently works for the Crown Empress of the British Empire. So, best manners, lady and gent!
Eep (to Vincent): Oh. Shit.
Mouse (to Vincent): Oh my.
Poppy (to Vincent, Eep & Mouse): Drinks will be served in the salon in an hour & proper clothing will be in the rooms for you. I took the liberty of sending your sizes in advance, as I knew you wouldn't have a wardrobe here. And, not to worry, our host is not nearly as stuffy as all that... most of the time.
Vincent (to Poppy): Poppy, you've been a life saver today. In more than one way. Let me know how I can repay you.
Poppy (to Vincent): Oh honey, just doing my job, before I was the Davenport's assistant, I worked here. I know what he can be like... And, I'm sure you'll be able to think of something to make it up to me. ;-)
Vincent (to Poppy): I'm sure I will.
Poppy (to Vincent, Eep & Mouse): Here's the guest suite for you, the bedroom to the left is for Eep and Mouse, the one to the right is for Vincent. When you're ready to join us in the salon, head down the steps & Parker will show you the way.
Mouse (to Poppy): Thank you, Poppy, that was all quite thoughtful of you & our host.
Forty-five minutes later:
Eep (to Mouse): Oh holy shit. What the hell are these people making us wear?
Mouse (to Eep): Well, it can't be any worse then what I have...
Eep (to Mouse): I'll take that bet. I look like I'm in a Bronte novel. Jesus...
Mouse (to Eep): I've got a bustle, a corset, and what looks to be 50 layers & 500 pounds of undergarments...
Eep (to Mouse): Christ! OK. You win the bet.
Mouse (to Eep): Oh wait, there's some more practical stuff in here, but it looks like it's something you'd see on Firefly. I wonder, if they'd get mad if I just wore that stuff?
Eep (to Mouse): Hey, it's in your wardrobe, so theoretically, it's OK. This is just... ridiculous. I mean, we're trying to stop some crazy fucker, and they want us to get dressed up for a dinner party?
Mouse (to Eep): Forget this fluffy shit... I'm putting on the pants... Did they put any weapons in your stuff? I've got holsters, harnesses and hilts, but no actual weapons... except what I brought with me.
Eep (to Mouse): Uh... No. No weapons that I saw. Fuck. I didn't think to bring anything with me. Wait... I don't think I actually OWN any. Not unless box cutters count. And really long t-square rulers. Christ.
Mouse (to Eep): Well, I'm going to assume all this stuff isn't just for show, but in the meantime... I'm using them for what I have. Alright, I think I'm ready... let's go meet the wizard... Wow... did I really just say that?
Eep (to Mouse): Yes you did, Dorothy.
Four hours later:
Otto (to Mouse): So girl, how much longer are we gonna have to sit through this schlock?
Mouse (to Otto): I have no idea... Do you even understand what they're talking about?
Otto (to Mouse): Yeah. Smythe's got a device that's shutting down the doors that open up the Einstein-Rosen Bridge between different dimensions. Blah. Blah. Blah. What I wanna know is how we're gonna stop Smythe. I'd really like to sink my claws inta that bum!
Mouse (to Otto): Oh, you are, indeed, itching for a fight, Mr. Miyagi.
Eep (to Mouse): Pssst. Is it just me, or does this wizard guy look like my father? This is weirding me the hell out.
Otto (to Mouse): Yeah, no kiddin'. I ain't the only one. Yer brother is sittin' there smiling, but he's been twiddlin' with his rapier all night.
Mouse (to Eep): Well, I've never seen your father, but you two do look strangely alike... Hmmm, maybe he's your counterpart. (to Otto) Yeah, he's also been watching Poppy & the wizard a little too intently...
Eep (to Mouse): Oh! Yeah. You're right. Duh. He's my counter what?
Otto (to Mouse): Oh, that's probably because this wizard guy and the robot girl used to have sex as far as I can tell.
Mouse (to Eep): Apparently, there are alternate versions of us in this dimension, which is why we can't stay here for too long... I think. (to Otto) Oooooh... That's why he keeps calling her pigeon...
Eep (to Mouse): What? Really? Fat Christ, that's so weird. Wait. You think THIS guy is Bizarro Eep? Yes. Me and the genius scientist have SO much in common.
Mouse (to Eep): Well, Vincent said it's not like twins... They can be similar or completely different, even the gender.
Eep (to Mouse): Oh. OH! Huh. That would explain some things.
Mouse (to Eep): Like what?
Eep (to Mouse): Something about Captain Goodpenny reminded me A LOT of Robert. Probably why I didn't totally lose my shit when I was here first.
Mouse (to Eep): Well, I don't want to freak you out but apparently your counterpart & Poppy had a thing, which actually explains a lot about Poppy's behavior towards you.
Eep (to Mouse): WHAT?! Fat Christ! Well, there's proof right there that he's not Bizarro Eep.
Poppy (to Eep): Honey, are you trying to catch flies? Your mouth is wide open & you're staring...
Eep (to Poppy): Fuck off! I'm not staring!
Poppy (to Eep): Oh honey, you have such eloquent way with words... I'm guessing you just figured something out...
Eep (to Poppy): No! Mouse just thinks this guy is my counterpart in this reality. I'm not really all that convinced.
Poppy (to Eep): Oh no, honey, he is... Sort of. Well, the original one is, anyway. He's a genius, you should be happy, I mean think how he feels.
Eep (to Poppy): Gee thanks. Christ. You know, everyone keeps saying how much nicer you are now. You seem the same to me.
Poppy (to Eep): I'm sorry, honey, you just bring it out in me. I didn't leave his employ under the best of circumstances...
Eep (to Poppy): Yeah. I kinda guessed. Well, I'm not your brainiac ex boyfriend, OK? Aim your snark ray elsewhere.
Poppy (to Eep): I am sorry... I didn't say he was my boyfriend... We just had sex.
Eep (to Poppy): Wow. I did SO not need to know that.
Mouse (to Vincent): How much longer is this going to take? I'm getting sleepy & think everyone is getting antsy.
Vincent (to Mouse): Good lord, I have no idea. I've moved past antsy. I've achieved a state of zen with my impatience. I'm going to move we adjourn. At least for tonight.
Mouse (to Vincent): Thank you... So does Eep & our host look a lot alike to you?
Vincent (to Mouse): So THAT'S what you've been thinking about all night!
Mouse (to Vincent): I was actually trying to pay attention until Eep asked me if he looked like his Dad... then I was distracted.
Vincent (to Mouse): Distracted, she says. I'll bet. You were grinning like a jackal.
Mouse (to Vincent): Really? How did you feel when it dawned on you?
Vincent (to Mouse): I think it's perhaps better if I DON'T answer that question.
Mouse (to Vincent): Well, then you can totally understand where my brain went... With the whole two Eep thing...
Vincent (to Mouse): I can hazard a guess. Several guesses in fact. ;-}
Mouse (to Vincent): Ooooh, I just realized something, that means in a roundabout way you've finally had your way with my boyfriend...
Vincent (to Mouse): Wait. What are you talking about? What have you heard?
Mouse (to Vincent): Oh, you didn't know about Poppy & our host? Otto told me... I'm sorry.
Vincent (to Mouse): Well, I didn't have confirmation until now. So, thanks for that. Not that it wasn't obvious. How the hell did Otto know?
Mouse (to Vincent): Little brother, he's a cat.
Vincent (to Mouse): Ah. Very true. Good lord, I'm glad ALL cats aren't self-aware.
