Hiiri (to Carver): Carver dear, is our guest comfortable?
Carver (to Hiiri): Of course, ma'am.
Hiiri (to Carver): Good... I have a little errand for you to run...
Carver (to Hiiri): Yes, ma'am. What can we do for you, ma'am?
Hiiri (to Carver): I need you to find Vincent's ship & search for the locket & the key. They may be together or separated. I'll draw you a picture. And, if anyone gets in your way... feel free to PLAY with them.
Carver (to Hiiri): Of course, ma'am. You're too kind to us, ma'am.
An hour or so later:
Mouse (to Vincent): Hey little brother, how are you? I just wanted to check on you after last night.
Vincent (to Mouse): Slightly worse for wear, I'm afraid. One of these days, I will learn NOT to let Poppy pour my drinks.
Mouse (to Vincent): Oh well, that's too bad. Were you able to get some sleep, at least?
Vincent (to Mouse): I was. Actually, I'm quite surprised I managed to make it to my bed and out of my trousers and boots. I thought for sure I'd be passed out on the chaise, fully clothed.
Mouse (to Vincent): Maybe, you had help?
Vincent (to Mouse): No, I don't think... Oh good God... I totally did.
Mouse (to Vincent): Oh... I am seriously staying out of this.
Vincent (to Mouse): NOW you're staying out of it. Weren't you the one telling me to have sex with her and get it over with a few days ago?
Mouse (to Vincent): Well, yes... but, you seemed so adamantly opposed to the idea. I didn't think you'd do it.
Vincent (to Mouse): ANYWAY, I was far too intoxicated and exhausted to attempt anything untoward. I mean, I'm pretty sure I was...
Mouse (to Vincent): Why don't you just ask her?
Vincent (to Mouse): I might as well. (to Poppy) Hey, hun. Thanks again for everything last night.
Poppy (to Vincent): Don't worry your pretty little head about it, honey. Happy to help.
Vincent (to Poppy): I'm afraid my memory is a little hazy after a certain point. I didn't try anything, did I? I mean, I was a gentleman last night, wasn't I? We didn't...
Poppy (to Vincent): Ravish each other like there was no tomorrow, honey? ... No, not at all. We did sleep together, but that was all. Just sleep. You seemed to want the company, honey.
Vincent (to Poppy): Oh. Well, thank you again, hun. I really do appreciate it.
Poppy (to Vincent): Honey, did you think something happened last night?
Vincent (to Poppy): No, no. I didn't think so, but I also wasn't sure how I ended up in just my skivvies. I just wanted to make sure.
Poppy (to Vincent): Honey, if you & I were going to have sex, trust me, I'd want you to remember it. ;-)
Vincent (to Poppy): Ah yes. Of course. I doubt that's the kind of thing I would forget.
Poppy (to Vincent): Are you feeling okay? Need some ginger ale & crackers or anything?
Vincent (to Poppy): Thanks, hun. I should be fine. I have peppermint tea here at the apt, and you've gotten me drunker than yhat before. ;-}
Poppy (to Vincent): Alrighty then, honey. Feel better. Give a holler if you need anything.
Vincent (to Poppy): Of course. Take care, sweetie. (to Mouse) Well, looks like I still have some self-respect.
Mouse (to Vincent): Heehee, why do you sound slightly disappointed?
Vincent (to Mouse): :-P If I weren't hung over, I'd have something clever to say. Mark my words!
Mouse (to Vincent): Sure, you would. :-P
Vincent (to Mouse): Well, I am renowned for my witty repartee.
Mouse (to Vincent): Yes, I keep hearing that... mostly from you. :-P
Vincent (to Mouse): I'm hoping if I keep saying it, enough people will believe it. It worked for "The Dainty Dandy," apparently.
Mouse (to Vincent): Oh, I got so distracted that I totally forgot to ask... how was the dinner with Ripper & his friends?
Vincent (to Mouse): Oh, uh... OK. I think I didn't humiliate Ripper too badly.
Mouse (to Vincent): Did you have a nice time or was it weird?
Vincent (to Mouse): It was nice, if a little awkward. I'm not used to feeling nervous in a room full of people who don't know me. Although watching Ripper's face every time someone accused him of robbing the cradle, or taking one of his students to a party WAS rather hilarious. At one point, I had to produce my license to prove I was indeed old enough to tend bar. :-P
Mouse (to Vincent): Oh god, I am going to tease him mercilessly the next time I see him.
Vincent (to Mouse): Hee hee. Don't be too hard on him. I'm sure he's had more than his fill last night.
Mouse (to Vincent): Oh, alright. Besides, it's not like there's that big of an age difference. I mean, 7 years isn't that much.
Vincent (to Mouse): Hmmm? Oh. No, I suppose not. I'm sorry, sweetie. I wasn't really paying attention. I can't stop thinking about last night… Having someone who looks just like you threaten me... I'm sorry. What were we talking about?
Mouse (to Vincent): Oh god, sweetie, I'm sorry. I wasn't even thinking about the whole Hiiri thing... I'll shut up.
Vincent (to Mouse): No. It's fine, sweetie. I've been turning it over in my head for hours with nothing to show for it, but a headache. I probably need to think about something else for a while.
Mouse (to Vincent): You're telling me. Just when I think I understand how Hiiri's mind works, she goes & does something I don't get.
Vincent (to Mouse): She's been doing her homework about yours truly, that's for sure. I have no idea WHERE she got the info on me she did.
Mouse (to Vincent): Well, is there any truth to it or was she just being insane?
Vincent (to Mouse): That's what worries me, hun.
Mouse (to Vincent): Should I be concerned by the way you said that, little brother?
Vincent (to Mouse): Hiiri knew things about me she should have no way of knowing, hun. It concerns me. Also, I hate to say it, but her attitude towards me has changed. I think she would have hurt me if she had gotten the chance.
Mouse (to Vincent): Like what? Or is this something I shouldn't know? And, well, as Eep pointed out to me yesterday. You & I get kind of competitive & nasty with each other from time to time, so imagine that plus being a big giant crazy... And, you got in her way.
Vincent (to Mouse): It's probably something you shouldn't know, but it's too late to try to keep secrets from you to keep you "safe." That didn't work out so well last time, did it? Hiiri no only knew who taught me how to be a pirate, but also his real identity, AND about a locket and key he gave me when he died. I can't even begin to fathom how she knows about it...
Mouse (to Vincent): How many other people knew this about your friend?
Vincent (to Mouse): His crew would have known he fostered me, and there may have been rumors about his real identity, I don't know for sure... But no one should have known about the locket.
Mouse (to Vincent): Should you contact the Davenports?
Vincent (to Mouse): I don't know, hun. I'd hate to put them in danger. It could be problematic for them for more reasons beyond Hiiri.
Mouse (to Vincent): Uh oh, what are you thinking, little brother?
Vincent (to Mouse): The man who taught me to be a pirate was named Alistair, though he went by Alejandro when running illegal border crossings. He was the Crown Prince of Britannia, brother to the Queen Mum and uncle of the Empress. She's Elizabeth III, hun. Her predecessors were assassinated. You can see how this could become very dangerous for anyone I know on the other side.
Mouse (to Vincent): So, what do you suggest we do?
Vincent (to Mouse): I may have to crossover to investigate. There are only a few reasons I can come up with for why Hiiri would have this info. All are equally unpleasant.
Mouse (to Vincent): Well, you're not going alone!
Vincent (to Mouse): Of course not! I can ask Poppy to come with me, and I'll see if Ripper has any contacts in the palace that may be able to help.
Mouse (to Vincent): That is not what I meant.
Vincent (to Mouse): I doubted very strongly that's what you had in mind. Sweetie, it's HIIRI. I'd really rather not put you and Eep in her path.
Mouse (to Vincent): I AM coming with you, little brother.
Vincent (to Mouse): I was afraid you were going to say that. What about Eep? I don't know if he can take another trip over the threshold, and there's no way he'll let you go without him.
Mouse (to Vincent): So, I'm just supposed to sit here & worry about you? Hiiri is just as much my problem as she is yours.
Vincent (to Mouse): Hun, I PROMISE I'm not going storm the castle or to do anything dramatic. I just want to gather info so we know what to do next. I will be steering FAR away from your tin-plated double and her murderous moppet.
Mouse (to Vincent): Well, if that's all your doing, than it won't be a big deal if I come with you.
Vincent (to Mouse): Ooo! You are so thick-headed when you want to be. Fine! Let me get a hold of Poppy and Ripper to coordinate when we can leave.
Mouse (to Vincent): Thank you.
Vincent (to Mouse): You figure out what we're going to tell Eep. He's going to be very unhappy about this, you realize that, right? (to Poppy) Hi, hun. I may have to do a little snooping on the other side. Do you think you're up for a trip?
Mouse (to Vincent): I know... I'll deal with it.
Poppy (to Vincent): Sure, honey... is something wrong?
Vincent (to Poppy): Perhaps. Hiiri's line of questioning last night has me concerned. When would you be able to leave?
Poppy (to Vincent): Anytime, honey. I still don't have most of my stuff here. I'm traveling light, I can be checked out of here in 20 minutes.
Vincent (to Poppy): Hun, you're amazing! I'll let you know when and where we're going to rendezvous. (to Ripper) Hi Professor. If you have a couple of minutes, I have a few questions for you. Were there ever any rumors about Prince Alistair being a pirate floating about the Royal Court that you recall hearing?
Ripper (to Vincent): Oh... not that I recall. Though, there are lots of rumors about Alistair floating around. I don't recall that being one.
Vincent (to Ripper): Can you remember any of the rumors you did hear? I don't suppose any of them involved me, or more specifically, my alter ego?
Ripper (to Vincent): Well, most of the rumors that I heard about you, were from commoners, you were touted as a "Robin Hood" type... I just remember the Queen mum being very irritated about you, especially some raid on a ship in the uncharted territories. She highly suspected it was you, but there was never any proof.
Vincent (to Ripper): But no whispered connection to Alistair? Hmmm. That's what I thought. Never the twain did meet...Thanks, Professor. One more thing, I'm going to go snooping around on the other side a bit. If we get into any royal entanglements... Do you have any contacts who might be able to help us? Preferably, someone with more loyalty to the Prince than his sister.
Ripper (to Vincent): I know a few people that might be able to help. I also, have a letter of transit... but, I'd have to be with you.
Vincent (to Ripper): That's generous of you to offer, but we're going to be poking a very large, very ROYAL wasps' nest. Are you sure you want to get involved?
Ripper (to Vincent): I do want to help, but I don't think I can go with you this time... I've got class. But, I can give you a list of contacts. Just tell them you're friends of mine & they should help.
Vincent (to Ripper): That would be brilliant, Professor. Thank you.
Ripper (to Vincent): I can give you the letter of transit, just in case. Maybe, Poppy can make you a fake one or something.
Vincent (to Ripper): Don't worry about the letter. I've got a few fakes on my ship. I have been doing this a while, remember. ;-}
Ripper (to Vincent): Oh right, I had forgotten.
Vincent (to Ripper): Hee hee. You still don't think of me and "The Dandy" as the same person, do you? And for the record, I didn't raid that ship in the Territories, but I did end up with her cargo. And I may have redistributed it some place other than its original intended destination.
Ripper (to Vincent): Well, that's good to know. I mean, all of the stories that I hear about your alter-ego didn't really go with the raiding motif. So, have you told your sister that you're going?
Vincent (to Ripper): I can honestly say I've never raided anyone. Well, not while I was Captain, but I suppose raids make for more exciting stories. She knows and she's insisting on coming along, the bull-headed pain in my patoot...
Ripper (to Vincent): heh, it's apparently a family trait.
Vincent (to Ripper): I prefer to think of myself as tenacious.
Mouse (to Eep): Hey sexy man, how's your day going?
Eep (to Mouse): Fine. I'm doing a bunch of bullshit cleaning jobs tonight. What else is new? How're you, Missus?
Mouse (to Eep): I'm good... Something has come up and Vincent is crossing over again to do some snooping... and I, uh, want to go with him.
Eep (to Mouse): WHAT? You want to go back there?! What the fuck for?
Mouse (to Eep): To watch my brother's back & make sure he comes back in one piece.
Eep (to Mouse): Shit! Just... shit. OK. OK. When did you want to go?
Mouse (to Eep): Sweetie, I'd feel a lot better knowing you were safe here. I'll leave Otto & I can see if Poppy can rig something so we can talk.
Eep (to Mouse): Well, I sure as shit won't feel better about me staying "safe and sound" and you fucking off to do something dangerous!
Mouse (to Eep): Husband of mine, what would you have me do? He's my brother.
Eep (to Mouse): And you want me to stay here with my thumbs up my ass?
Mouse (to Eep): And, you want me to sit here with you?
Eep (to Mouse): What I'd like is for ALL of us to go a month without getting involved in shit that could get us hurt or killed! It'd be nice.
Mouse (to Eep): I know... but I think the only way that's going to happen is to help stop Hiiri.
Eep (to Mouse): Yeah. Don't I fucking know it? But you asking me to stay home?! I know I'm fucking useless, but Christ...
Mouse (to Eep): I'm sorry, I just don't know what else to do.
Eep (to Mouse): ... Fine. If you don't want me coming, I won't fucking go. But, I'm not happy about it.
Mouse (to Eep): I'm sorry...
An hour or so later:
Hiiri (to Carver): How goes the mission, Little brother?
Carver (to Hiiri): Well enough, ma'am. We've learned where Captain Potter keeps his ship and are on our way there now. We're afraid we may have ruined the suit you bought for us, however.
Hiiri (to Carver): Oh, that is a shame, little brother.
Carver (to Hiiri): We're very sorry, ma'am.
Eep (to Vincent): How dangerous is this fucking thing you're about to do?
Vincent (to Eep): It shouldn't be very, but Hiiri's still hanging around, and I'm not exactly a beloved public figure on the other side.
Eep (to Vincent): Mouse doesn't want me coming with you two. If something happens to her. Again. I... I don't know what... Um... Look, do you need her there? Like REALLY need her there?
Vincent (to Eep): Well... No, not as such. Poppy and I should be able to handle it alone.
Eep (to Vincent): Then convince her not to go. Vincent, PLEASE. I am... I am so close to losing my shit over this...
Vincent (to Eep): Fat Christ... It's OK. Keep it together, Slim. I'll see what I can do.
Ripper (to Vincent): Oh hey, is there anything I can do to help on this side, while you're away?
Vincent (to Ripper): I'd appreciate it if you can check in on Eep while we're gone. Mouse asked him to stay home, and he's not taking it very well.
Ripper (to Vincent): Oh yes, of course.
Vincent (to Mouse): Well? How did your beau take the news? When do you want to leave?
Mouse (to Vincent): He didn't take it very well & he's mad at me... I'm ready whenever you are.
Vincent (to Mouse): OK, hun. If you're sure this is how you want to do this. Meet me at my apartment in 10 minutes. (to Poppy) We're meeting up at my apartment in 15, hun. See you soon?
Mouse (to Vincent): Ok. I'll see you there.
Poppy (to Vincent): Alright, honey, I'll see you shortly.
Ten minutes or so later:
Mouse (to Vincent): Hello? Little brother? Your door was unlocked...
Vincent (to Mouse): In the bedroom, hun! Could you grab my rapier out of the hallway closet? It should be in the back behind my winter coat!
Mouse (to Vincent): Oh sure... what the hell!?! Little brother, let me out! I can't believe you locked me in here!
Vincent (to Mouse): Sweetie, I NEED you to listen to me. If you leave with me today, and leave Eep here, by himself... it might be the stupidest thing you've ever done. I know you're worried sick about me, and I love you for that. The man you married is freaking out right now. He needs you more than I do. He called me, you know. He sounded ready to break. Hun, how would you feel if the situation were reversed?
Mouse (to Vincent): Oh... oh god. But, if something happens to you, I'll feel terrible.
Poppy (to Vincent): Honey, why are you sitting on the floor in front of the closet?
Vincent (to Poppy): Would you believe me if I told you it was a Mouse trap? (to Mouse) Then I won't let anything happen to me. I'll be careful, hun. I hate to remind you of this fact, but I've done this before.
Poppy (to Vincent): Oh? I take it, she's not coming with us, honey?
Mouse (to Vincent): Yes, and all I can think about is all the times you crossed over and what if something had happened to you & I would have never known where to look for you or if you were hurt. Or worse...
Vincent (to Poppy): That's up to her. (to Mouse) I know, hun. And I am so, SO sorry I never told you about this before. If I could go back and do it all differently, I would! But, this time is different. You know where I am now, and I have Poppy with me. Hun, please. I'm worried about your beau. I'm letting you out now. You can come with us if you still want to. It's up to you.
Poppy (to Mouse): Don't worry, honey, I'll make sure he comes back in one piece.
Mouse (to Vincent): Fine... I'll stay... for Eep. But, if you are not back quickly, I'm coming to find you.
Vincent (to Mouse): I would expect nothing less, sweetie. (to Poppy) Ready, hun?
Poppy (to Vincent): Yes, honey.
Mouse (to Vincent): Be safe, little brother.
Vincent (to Mouse): I will, big sister. I love you. Take care of your beau for me. I'll see you soon.
Mouse (to Eep): I know, you're mad at me, but I wanted to let you know that I'm on my way home. Vincent & Poppy are on their way.
Eep (to Mouse): Oh. Um, you're not going with them?
Mouse (to Eep): No. Vincent locked me in a closet until I agreed to stay.
Eep (to Mouse): He... He what?
Mouse (to Eep): He locked me in his hallway closet & told me that I should stay... actually, he told me I needed to stay. So, here I am... But, if they don't come back quickly, I'm going after them.
Eep (to Mouse): Oh. I, uh... I asked Vincent to get you to stay.
Mouse (to Eep): I know... I'm sorry I put you in that position.
Eep (to Mouse): Look, um, I'm sorry I'm not better with all this, but, I just... The idea of you going back there... If something were to happen to you again... And then you wanted me to fucking STAY HERE. I just kinda... I... Um. Well, I doubt I'll have a job at the Yog Hut after tonight.
Mouse (to Eep): What? Why? What happened?
Eep (to Mouse): I, um, after I spoke to Vincent, I went into the bathroom to splash water on my face to try to calm down... And I kinda smashed the mirror.
Mouse (to Eep): Oh god, are you okay? Are you home? I've been sitting out on the porch feeling guilty for my behavior.
Eep (to Mouse): Yeah. I'm home. I'm on the couch drinking all your whiskey at the moment.
Mouse (to Eep): Want some company? Or should I go in the kitchen & eat crow?
Eep (to Mouse): Actually, um, can you come look at my hand? I have no idea what it looks like. I just kinda wrapped a towel around it.
Mouse (to Eep): Of course... aren't we a pair? Always going around hitting things...
Eep (to Mouse): Yeah. This is why we can't have nice things.
Mouse (to Eep): Yeah... Well, it looks like your knuckle is banged up pretty good. I'll get the bandages. Should I see if Wanda can look at it?
Eep (to Mouse): No. No. I know it's OK. I mean, I cut the shit out of it, but it's fine. I, uh, just wanted you to come in here and talk to me. I'm, um, I'm not doing so good. I'm sorry. I'm trying to cope. I really am, but the idea of having to sit here, waiting while you and Vincent were off doing fuck knows what... I just... I don't know. I felt like I was gonna lose my shit.
Mouse (to Eep): I'm so, so sorry.
Eep (to Mouse): I just... I'm not asking you not to look after your brother. That's--that's fucking bullshit. I can't ask that. But... Look, I know I'm fucking useless in a fight, or whatever. Really. I do. Just... Don't ask me to stay here "safe." Please?
Mouse (to Eep): I promise I'll drag you everywhere with me. I just thought it would be better since you were having a rough time.
Eep (to Mouse): Yeah... I know I'm not the most talkative guy, but how bout you just ask me next time? I already feel shitty enough I can't help you through this, or keep you safe from all the crap that's been happening lately...
Mouse (to Eep): I'm sorry that I wasn't thinking about how you felt or would feel. All I could think about is all the times Vincent crossed over & what if something had happened to him & I would have never known where to look for him... Or if you came with us & something happened to you. I just thought it would be easier to deal with you being mad at me... and it wasn't.
Eep (to Mouse): Well, I thought it would be better if I didn't tell you about being shanghaied and pulled into another dimension... And about how your brother was an Airship Pirate. And that got you fucking kidnapped and tortured. So, I can't be too pissed.
Mouse (to Eep): So, can we promise no more secrets & that we'll make decisions together from now on?
Eep (to Mouse): Uh, yeah. Yeah. That'd be good. Um, thank you. For staying, I mean. I... I don't know what I would have done with myself if I was here alone for fuck knows how long.
Mouse (to Eep): You're welcome & I'm sorry it took getting locked in a closet to knock some sense into me. Now, cuddle up with me on the couch & don't let go.
Eep (to Mouse): I think I can handle that. I love you, you fucking goof ball.
Mouse (to Eep): I love you, too.
