A Strange & Winding Road: Day 18

Miranda (to Ripper): Mister Rathbone? So, sorry to interrupt your breakfast, but there's someone who'd very much like to talk to you, me boyo.

Ripper (to Miranda): Oh? Do I know you?

Miranda (to Ripper): We have a few mutual friends. My mother wants to see you... She has a request.

Ripper (to Miranda): I'm sorry, I'm a little lost. Who's your mother?

Miranda (to Ripper): Grace O'Malley... Please don't make this uglier than it has to be.

Ripper (to Miranda): Oh... Then that makes you Miranda... Uh... Lead the way.

Miranda (to Ripper): That's a good boy.

Carver (to Ripper & Miranda): Good morning, Captain O'Malley. Mister Rathbone, sir. It's funny running into you two together.

Ripper (to Carver): Oh... Hi there.

Miranda (to Carver): Oh, young Mister Carver. Mister Rathbone has an appointment with me Ma... We're not able to play right now.

Carver (to Miranda): Of course, ma'am. We wouldn't dream of making you late, ma'am. We just wanted to pay our respects. (to Ripper) Other Carver just realized, sir. You're not on our list. We could hardly be faulted if we were to take an interest in you, sir.

Ripper (to Carver): Uh, list? What list would that be?

Miranda (to Carver): I see you've been practicing your menacing approach, Mister Carver. It's very good.

Carver (to Miranda): We're not menacing, ma'am. We don't have our knives out. Other Carver was just making an observation, ma'am. (to Ripper) We have a list, sir. Dictated by our new employer of people in whom we're not to be taking an interest, sir.

Ripper (to Carver): Oh..well, I'm really not worth bothering with, honestly. I mean, you should probably just put me on that list, because I'm dull.

Miranda (to Carver): Hmmm, that may be so, Mister Carver, but me Ma wants him unharmed. She has a proposition for him... So, I'd hate for you and I to be at odds... You and I being such good friends and all.

Carver (to Ripper): You don't give yourself enough credit, sir. (to Miranda) Of course, ma'am. As we said, we're just paying our respects, ma'am. Gretta and Stella are still in our pocket, ma'am.

Ripper (to Carver): ... Well, that's very kind of you to say, but I'm really nothing special. Hardly worth any bother.

Miranda (to Carver): Well, I'm glad we understand each other... We really should be going.

Carver (to Ripper): Of course, sir. We shall see, sir. (to Miranda & Ripper) We really should be getting back. They'll have found poor Mr. Ashley by now. We do hope he survived. We rather liked him, you see. Captain O'Malley. Mister Rathbone. Have a very nice day.

Ripper (to Carver): Oh... yes, you too.

Miranda (to Carver): Nice to see you again, Mister Carver...

A moment later:

Starling (to Carver): Awww, why can't we play with them now, Mister Carver?

Carver (to Starling): We're afraid not just yet, Miss Ashmore. We shall have to find someone else with whom to entertain ourselves.

Starling (to Carver): Hmmm, the cook in the mess hall neglected to put cinnamon and raisins in my oatmeal this morning...

Carver (to Starling): Shall we pay her a visit, Miss? Gretta and Stella are feeling rather neglected.

Starling (to Carver): Oh yes, can we? Please?

Carver (to Starling): We wouldn't dream of saying no to such a request, Miss. Let's go say hello to the cook.

Starling (to Carver): Then could we go pay our respects to Mister Ashley? A visit might put a smile on his face... well, half his face.

Carver (to Starling): Excellent suggestion, miss. We do hope they were able to stitch him up without too much trouble. He's our favorite teacher.

Starling (to Carver): He's alright I suppose... I didn't like his lopsided smile. Oh. Heehee. I guess I don't have to worry about that so much, now.

Carver (to Starling): You're right, miss. He really should thank us for that.

A couple hours later:

Ripper (to Vincent): Hello? Vincent? Are you there? Um... Help?

Vincent (to Ripper): Professor? What's the matter? Is everything alright?

Ripper (to Vincent): It is decidedly not alright... I seem to be a guest of the O'Malley's. Grace O'Malley wants me to write her biography. I've been asked to stay with them until it's done... Oh, and, apparently I'm of interest to that creepy little blonde kid. It's my lucky day... Uh... hurrah?

Vincent (to Ripper): Oh good God. I hate to say it, but none of that is good news, Professor. Where are they keeping you?

Ripper (to Vincent): I'm currently aboard an airship. I didn't see the name, but it has a gorgon for the figurehead... I overheard them say that they're getting ready to set sail for their home in Ireland. Help... please?

Vincent (to Ripper): Miranda. OF COURSE, it would be Miranda. Right. Sit tight, Professor. Try not to worry your pretty head. We'll come get you.

Ripper (to Vincent): Thank you...

Vincent (to Poppy): Well, hun. Looks like we have to go kick a hornet's nest.

Poppy (to Vincent): Oh? Who did you upset this time, honey?

Vincent (to Poppy): No one. Well... Not yet, at any rate. Jacob has been shanghaied by the O'Malleys. Apparently Grace wants a biography written.

Poppy (to Vincent): Well, we should go get him, honey... Who knows what kind of trouble he could get himself into with those brutes.

Vincent (to Poppy): My thoughts exactly, lover. And trying to get him out once they reach Ireland might be impossible. From what he said, he's also garnered the attention of Carver. He's having a banner day!

Poppy (to Vincent): Oh my, he is having quite the adventure today isn't he... Do we have any idea where he is presently, honey?

Vincent (to Poppy): hey're aboard Miranda's ship, The Saving Grace, prepping to sail to Ireland. It's currently docked in Liverpool, I believe. I'm double checking that now.

Poppy (to Vincent): Honey, the Saving Grace isn't Miranda's ship... that's Grace's ship... This is not good. Though, last I heard one of her son's was the Captain of it.

Vincent (to Poppy): Mmm. I don't know what happened to Seamus, but Miranda has been captaining The Saving Grace for the past few weeks. Hopefully we can get there before she's fully crewed and in the air. We will be MASSIVELY outgunned.

Poppy (to Vincent): See what happens when I get distracted by things, I loose a handle on good intel.

Vincent (to Poppy): Good heavens... This would all happen right when it seems the O'Malleys had forgotten all about me, wouldn't it?

Poppy (to Vincent): You must have done something terrible in a past life, lover. :-P

Vincent (to Poppy): Clearly!

Poppy (to Vincent): Well, I can be ready to go in ten minutes, honey. Just say the word.

Vincent (to Poppy): Ready. I'm ready to go piss off one of the most powerful pirate families around when you are, lover!

Meanwhile:

Miranda (to Ripper): Trust me, Mister Rathbone. Being our guest for a spell won't be so bad. Just do what me Ma wants & you'll be home before you know it. Besides, a real life pirate story has to be better than that dreck I seen in the bookstore.

Ripper (to Miranda): Oh...Yes. You're probably right. But, couldn't we just, oh I don't know, let me do it at my own home... instead of all this?

Miranda (to Ripper): Sorry, me boyo. Ma wants you to get the full immersion experience... the only way to write about being a pirate is to live it. And, I'm anxious to get home & back to my own ship... Ma's got me running the Saving Grace & it just feels wrong, it being Seamus' & all. We've got a few more hours before the crew is all back from leave, so make yourself comfortable. Be back soon!

Ripper: Good God. This is so not my day. I knew I should have stayed in bed.

An hour later:

Poppy (to Vincent): That's what you're going to wear to do this, honey?

Vincent (to Poppy): What's wrong with what I'm wearing?

Poppy (to Vincent): Nothing at all, honey, but don't you think it's a little flamboyant for the occasion?

Vincent (to Poppy): Hee hee. Without a doubt, hun, but all my other shirts seem to have holes or bloodstains all over them. I COULD put on that ratty tanktop I wear when I repair the engines. The one one you keep threatening to throw away.

Poppy (to Vincent): Heh... Remind me to take you to Trubshaw's and get you some new shirts when this is over, honey.

Vincent (to Poppy): Hee hee. How do you think I got the nickname "The Dandy," hun? Maybe I'll lose the shirt all together later, lover. ;-}

Poppy (to Vincent): Shall we go and rescue the DJ in distress now, lover? Or would you rather continue to distract me with the idea of you in the tanktop?

Vincent (to Poppy): I'm ready when you are.

Poppy (to Vincent): Heehee. I'm ready. I think I've got everything situated properly... Carrying this extra weight called for some rearranging... Victor, honey, you don't make this very easy on your mother, you know?

Vincent (to Poppy): Heh. It's baby's first raid. Here's a kiss for you, and a kiss for Victor.

Poppy (to Vincent): ... Let's go, honey, before I forget what we're supposed to be doing. ;-)

Vincent (to Poppy): You're the boss. I just got confirmation that The Saving Grace is docked in Liverpool. Best of all, the crew is currently off board for a few hours. If we hurry, this will almost be easy!

Poppy (to Vincent): Perfect... We should be able to slip aboard & grab the Professor before anyone notices.

Vincent (to Poppy): We'll be there in a few, hun. Any ideas for plans other than "Get aboard, get the Professor?"

Poppy (to Vincent): Hmmm, we'll need a distraction... something that will put the remaining crew on the docks & off the ship. They've probably got him in the Captain's quarters or a cabin if they're treating him like a guest. But we'll still need time to search in case, I'm wrong. Any ideas? You're much more familiar with the O'Malleys & pirating.

Vincent (to Poppy): My guess is that Grace likes to play at being a decent person and a "Queen," so she'll want to appear proper. She'll have him in the guest cabin closest to the Captain's Quarters. That way she can pretend he's not a prisoner, but he's still close enough to keep a sharp eye on. Any ideas for a distraction? If not, I could just start chatting them up.

Poppy (to Vincent): Well, how would they react to a pregnant woman having a fainting spell on the dock, honey? It's either that or I blow something up.

Vincent (to Poppy): Heh. Well, personally, I'd much rather you blow something up, hun. That won't win us any bonus points with the O'Malleys. But, from what I hear, the lads they employ aren't the most kind-hearted gentlemen. I'm not sure a swooning pregnant lady will make them move at all. Plus, then you can swoop in on the Falcon if we need you. nd, I like the idea of causing a bit of trouble for the O'Malleys. I'm still annoyed Miranda sold me out to Hiiri & Carver.

Poppy (to Vincent): Well then, an explosion it is. We'll need something that will cause a ruckus & inconvenience them but not injure folks... That way, it might make them mad but not necessarily vengeful. Do they still keep that derelict airship moored at the dock, honey?

Vincent (to Poppy): They do as far as I know. Is that what we're going to blow up?

Poppy (to Vincent): If it's still there then yes. I've heard that it holds sentimental value to the O'Malleys. So, I'll set some small charges aboard it to set off several fires... They'll want to put it out so it doesn't reach any of the other docked ships. It should give us time to find the Professor & get out of there, hopefully with none the wiser.

Vincent (to Poppy): I LOVE you, you sexy, devious little spy! You are as brilliant as you are gorgeous. Me with a plan. This could be dangerous.

Poppy (to Vincent): Heehee, I'm glad you like it, but I can't take all of the credit... Margaux used a similar plan to get me out of jam once. I'm not necessarily brilliant, I just had a very good teacher. :-)

Vincent (to Poppy): Hun, I've seen you in action. I would say "brilliant."

Poppy (to Vincent): Well, thank you... I should go put together the charges if we want to be ready to do this when we land.

Vincent (to Poppy): Of course, hun. We'll be there in about 30 minutes.

Poppy (to Vincent): And, not to worry, honey, we'll get Jacob back in one piece.

Vincent (to Poppy): I know we will, hun. After all, he's got US on his side.

Poppy (to Vincent): So very true... but, I can tell you're concerned, honey.

Vincent (to Poppy): I am, hun. I always am when someone I care about is in trouble. Heh. Present company included.

Poppy (to Vincent): I know, honey... One of these days, you're going to have to explain to me about your friendship with the Professor... Or is it one of those experiences of the PoppyBot's I'd best not know about? :-)

Vincent (to Poppy): Heh. Sorry to disappoint you, lover, but nothing ever happened between Jacob and I other than a bit of flirting and a kiss.

Poppy (to Vincent): Well, that certainly would explain the sexual tension I sense between the two of you.

Vincent (to Poppy): Oh. Uh. Well...

Poppy (to Vincent): Oh honey, don't get me wrong. I trust you completely. I just noticed it a few times.

Vincent (to Poppy): If it's any consolation, hun. I think Jacob's interest in me was largely due to the fact that I kept turning him down.

Poppy (to Vincent): It's alright, honey. I'm not worried that you're going to suddenly run off with Jacob or anything.

Vincent (to Poppy): WHAT? Ha ha ha! The very idea! Good heavens! We're coming up on the docks now, lover. Do you have those charges ready?

Poppy (to Vincent): All set & ready to go, honey.

Vincent (to Poppy): Excellent! I've got my communicator on. I'll let you know when I've got the Professor. Kiss for luck?

Poppy (to Vincent): Of course, honey... Head onto the ship as soon as you hear the explosion & the sirens. I love you.

Vincent (to Poppy): I love you too, hun. I love you both. I'll see you soon.

A short time later:

Miranda (to Ripper): Mister Rathbone, I thought you might be hungry, so I brought you some food. It shouldn't be long now before we set sail.

Ripper (to Miranda): Oh, thanks... I'm not really hungry. Look, you seem a reasonable person... couldn't you just let me go?

Miranda (to Ripper): I'm sorry, but I just can't do that, Mister-

Ripper (to Miranda): Please call me Jacob.

Miranda (to Ripper): Oh... right... Jacob... Sorry, we don't get many men looking like you aboard these ships... Excuse me, Jacob... Something seems to be going on topside.

Ripper (to Miranda): Oh yes, of course.

Miranda: Crikey! Ma is not going to be happy about this when she gets back. You men better get those fires over there put out quick!

Vincent (to Ripper): Psst! Professor! Are you in there?

Ripper (to Vincent): Vincent? Is that you? Thank god! Get me the hell out of here. Please.

Vincent (to Ripper): The one and only. I'm... Bloody hell! I'm having a dickens of a time with these locks. Stand back. I've got two of them... I'm going to try something a bit less subtle with this last one.

Ripper (to Vincent): ... Oh okay.

Vincent (to Ripper): Whoo! Oof. Good heavens! Right. That got it. Poppy will be immensely disappointed her lock picking lessons were a waste of time.

Ripper (to Vincent): Vincent! Thank god! I could kiss you... Thank you for coming to my rescue. I was getting a little worried there.

Vincent (to Ripper): I would imagine so. Get your bustle moving, Professor! We've only got a little bit of time before they put the fires out. (to Poppy) Poppy? I've got the Professor! We're headed topside. What does it look like up there?

Ripper (to Vincent): Yessir!

Poppy (to Vincent): Everyone seems to be on the dock or on the derelict ship, presently... get to the starboard side of the deck & I'll be there in a flash.

Vincent (to Poppy): On our way, lover! We'll see you shortly. (to Ripper) This way, Professor. Poppy's going to meet us starboard.

Ripper (to Vincent): Wonderful!

Poppy (to Vincent): Will do. See you in two shakes!

Miranda (to Ripper): Mister Rath... Jacob... leaving so soon? (to Vincent) Potter!?! I should have known.

Ripper (to Miranda): I'm sorry, Miranda, but as much as I would absolutely love to write a story about your mother. I don't like being kidnapped to do it. Call me old-fashioned or crazy, but it's just not really my thing.

Vincent (to Miranda): Hello, Captain. I don't suppose I can convince you to stand aside and let us leave, could I?

Miranda (to Vincent): Me Ma would kill me... (to Ripper) I'd love to let you go. Really I would but, I can't.

Ripper (to Miranda): Miranda, please? You know, this isn't right. I can tell that deep down, you don't want to do this...

Miranda (to Ripper & Vincent): ... Take me with you.

Vincent (to Miranda): Looking to get out of the life, hun? If you're serious, sheathe that sword, please.

Miranda (to Vincent & Ripper): Yes, of course... I'm not kidding, Ma would kill me. She says we all get treated the same as crew, we're the examples.

Vincent (to Miranda): What happened to Seamus, Miranda?

Miranda (to Ripper & Vincent): She shot him in the leg & broke his hand when she found out he'd been skimming money for a dowry for his oldest gel. She didn't approve of the boy Brigid wanted to marry, so she had refused to give her the money. Seamus just wanted her to be happy. Look, you can drop me anywhere you want or let me crew for you, but if I let you go, you're signing my death warrant.

Ripper (to Miranda): Miranda, that's terrible... She's your mom. She'd really kill you because you let me go?

Vincent (to Ripper & Miranda): She would, Professor.

Miranda (to Ripper & Vincent): Yes, she would. She's a right bastard when she's angry.

Vincent (to Miranda): You know I wouldn't leave you here, Miranda. Come on! Let's get the hell out of here before we're all shot!

Miranda (to Vincent & Ripper): Thank you!

Poppy (to Ripper & Vincent): All aboard, sweeties! (to Ripper) Hi there, Professor! Glad that you could join us. (to Ripper, Vincent & Miranda) ... Ummm... Honey? What is SHE doing here?

Ripper (to Poppy): Hi Poppy, thanks for the rescue.

Vincent (to Poppy): Poppy, hun, please put the gun away if you would. So far, there have been no shots fired. It's been a nice change of pace.

Ripper (to Vincent): Is it alright, if I take Miranda to the cabin? I think she's in shock. She's gone awfully quiet.

Miranda: What am I going to do? What on earth did I just do? Me Ma is going to kill me. She's going to disown me... I'm never going to see me family again.

Poppy (to Vincent): But, honey... She's the bad guy... isn't she?

Vincent (to Ripper): Oh dear. Of course, Professor. There's rum and brandy in the galley if you think it will help. You know where everything is. (to Poppy) It seems Miranda hit her saturation point, hun. She didn't want to turn Jacob over to her mother.

Ripper (to Vincent): Thanks... And, thank you both for coming to get me. (to Miranda) Come with me, Miranda... It'll be okay.

Miranda (to Ripper): Oh... okay.

Poppy (to Vincent): Honey, do you trust her? Are you sure this isn't some kind of trick?

Vincent (to Poppy): I don't know, lover. I really don't. But she didn't stop us, and she's right about one thing. If she didn't deliver Jacob to her mother, she was as good as dead. What else could I do?

Poppy (to Vincent): No, you're right, honey... It's just in my nature to be suspicious.

Vincent (to Poppy): Heh. Well, hun, since I seem to bleeding heart for anyone with family problems, one of us has to be. :-P

Poppy (to Vincent): Do you want to take over here so I can go back and check on them?

Vincent (to Poppy): Of course. We're coming up on a jump shortly. We can figure out what to do once we have a bit of space.

Poppy (to Vincent): Good idea, lover... I'll just go see if they're all situated. (to Ripper & Miranda) Hey, you two, can I get you anyth... Oh... I'll come back later... (to Vincent) Ummm... I think they're working it out... I'm just going to sit up here with you, if you don't mind, honey.

Vincent (to Poppy): Oh? OH! Oh dear...

Poppy (to Vincent): I had heard stories about Jacob's way with the ladies, but I hadn't ever seen it... They were just kissing, by the way... Should I break it up before it gets too serious? Or just let them be? Oh, god I'm turning into a mom.

Vincent (to Poppy): Hee hee. Let them be, hun. Hmmm. I thought that might be the reason Miranda was so reluctant to turn Jacob over to her mom.

Poppy (to Vincent): Well, even so, I'm still worried it's a trick. I shall be watching her like a hawk... I mean, after they're done, doing whatever they're doing.

Vincent (to Poppy): Heh. Well, considering she tried to hand me over to Hiiri, I can hardly blame you. We'll be at the jump point in about 30 minutes. I suppose we'll have to spend the time up here in the bridge 'til then.

Poppy (to Vincent): Heehee, that's absolutely terrible, honey. :-P

Moments later:

Ripper (to Vincent & Poppy): Ummm... Hi guys... I hope I'm not interrupting. Miranda's curled up in a bunk. I think she's a bit stressed... I gave her a glass of rum, she slugged it & then went immediately to sleep.

Vincent (to Ripper): Heh. Your timing is about as good as Poppy's... What do you think about the Captain, Professor?

Ripper (to Vincent): Huh? I don't understa... Oh... Poppy saw us... It wasn't what it looked like, she kissed me... I think she was just lonely and scared. I mean, she just abandoned everything she knew... I mean, she was holding me hostage, so I kind of want to hate her but I feel bad for her.

Poppy (to Ripper): Heehee... It looked like you were kissing back to me, honey.

Ripper (to Poppy): Heh... I clearly have a weakness for Irish redheads... They're like my Kryptonite.

Vincent (to Ripper & Poppy): Hee hee. Well, we'll try to avoid taking any more on then. Speaking of which, what ARE we going to do with her?

Ripper (to Vincent): Well, I have a house in New London where she'll be safe for awhile... unless, someone else has a better idea.

Poppy (to Ripper & Vincent): I have lots of ideas... but I don't think you'd like any of them. Most of them involve imprisonment or me spending some time alone with her, and not the sexy alone kind.

Ripper (to Poppy & Vincent): Oh... OH... Sorry. My mind was wandering for minute. Did it just suddenly get really warm in here?

Vincent (to Ripper): That's the mother of my child you're fantasizing about, sir! (to Poppy & Ripper) Ha ha ha! Sorry! Sorry. You should have seen the look on your faces. BOTH your faces. Hee hee. Oh good heavens!

Ripper (to Vincent & Poppy): Heh... I think I'm in dire need of a very cold shower.

Poppy (to Vincent): Very funny, honey...

Vincent (to Poppy): Hee hee hee. I'm sorry, hun, but that was hilarious... I'm not too keen on handing Miranda over to the authorities. I don't think she'll be safe from her mother there. What did you mean by "spending time alone with her," hun?

Poppy (to Vincent): Interrogating her, honey... to make sure that this isn't some sort of elaborate trap.

Vincent (to Poppy): I'm sorry, Poppy, but I can't agree with interrogating someone.

Poppy (to Vincent): I'm not talking torture, honey... I don't do that sort of thing.

Vincent (to Poppy): I shouldn't think so, hun, but it still makes me uncomfortable.

Poppy (to Vincent): Try to remember, honey, she did just kidnap Jacob & has tried to kill you... just because she's had a sudden change of heart doesn't mean she won't change it back. We need to make sure we can trust her... or she could kill us all.

Ripper (to Poppy & Vincent): I have to say that I don't think she's faking it... I think she was honestly looking for a way out. I know I don't have your background, Poppy, but I have been around actors. She seemed legitimately scared & lost. Before you two get into an argument... How about you just let her come with me? I'll find out whatever you want me to. She seems to be comfortable around me.

Poppy (to Vincent & Ripper): Fine. whatever. Do whatever you like. I'll be in the cargo hold. I need to tidy up the mess I left earlier. Clearly, you're just going to do whatever you like, anyway... Hell, why don't we just let her become a crew member, we can call her Auntie Miranda...

Vincent (to Poppy): Poppy!

Ripper (to Vincent): Shit... I didn't mean to upset her.

Vincent (to Ripper): It's alright, Professor. I'll talk to her. I know she wouldn't have done anything violent to Miranda, but she can be a bit... Well, intense is the polite way to put it. Scary was the first word that came to mind. And if this isn't some plot on the part of the O'Malleys, well... I've been where she is, & the last thing I'd have needed at that point is someone with Poppy's unique skill set grilling me.

Ripper (to Vincent): Well, I can't really blame her... She's in heavy duty mother lion mode. She's trying to protect her family.

Miranda (to Poppy): ... So, who's the father?

Poppy (to Miranda): Gah! Don't sneak up on me!

Miranda (to Poppy): Sorry... You can put the gun down. I'm unarmed. I woke up alone and wondered where everyone was, I saw you march by.

Poppy (to Miranda): Yes, well... I'm not really in the mood for company. You'd be better off heading to the bridge with the boys.

Miranda (to Poppy): That may be true, but as I just threw myself at Jacob earlier, I thought it might be safer with you... So, the baby? How far along are you? You look about ready to burst... My older sister captained her ship right up to the moment she gave birth.

Poppy (to Miranda): She sounds like a tough lady... The doctor says I'm due in July... I miss seeing my toes.

Miranda (to Poppy): HAHA! I bet you do... May I?

Poppy (to Miranda): Oh... I suppose. I don't understand what is so special about touching my belly. You'd think I was going to grant a wish or something. Can I ask you something, honey?

Miranda (to Poppy): Of course, if I was in your position, I'd want to do the same... You got quite a kicker there.

Poppy (to Miranda): Heh, fair enough... What made you decide to leave? I mean, it seems super romantic to make it about Jacob. But, you don't strike me as someone that goes in for that kind of thing.

Miranda (to Poppy): You're right. This was just the opportunity I needed. I've been wanting to get out for awhile, but I had no idea what to do or where to go, so I stayed. I still don't know and I'm scared shitless to tell you the truth, lass. I just couldn't go through with it. My Ma, bless her heart, is a tough woman. She had to be, but I think she lost something along the way... and I don't want to end up like her. Surrounded by a family that secretly loathes & fears you. That's no way to live.

Poppy (to Miranda): I can see why you'd want to get out of that, honey... Jacob's offered to let you stay at his house in New London while you get yourself sorted. I would like to trust you, Miranda, and maybe in time, I will. But, you did try to kill Vincent and kidnap Jacob, so I'd like you to be as far away from me & mine as possible... So, all I'm going to say is this, if you hurt anyone I care about, I will hunt you down & there won't be a place safe enough upon this earth for you to hide, honey. Understand?

Miranda (to Poppy): Yes, ma'am... We speak the same language, lass. I swear on my Da's grave that I am on the level & I appreciate your candor. Truce?

Poppy (to Miranda): Truce... You may want to head up to the bridge & let the boys know you're awake.

Miranda (to Poppy): Of course. (to Ripper & Vincent) Potter? Jacob? Any ideas on where to set me?

Vincent (to Miranda): Looks like it's New London for now. The Professor can give you the details. Excuse me for a second. (to Poppy) So. That's what you meant by "interrogation," hun?

Poppy (to Vincent): Hmmm? Whatever do you mean, honey?

Vincent (to Poppy): I was headed to the cargo hold to check on you and I heard you and Miranda talking.

Poppy (to Vincent): We were simply talking, honey. You didn't want me interrogating her, so I didn't... I was a little insulted that you thought I'd be horrible to her unnecessarily.

Vincent (to Poppy): I didn't think you would hurt her, hun.

Poppy (to Vincent): Well, you certainly fooled me.

Vincent (to Poppy): I'm sorry, Poppy. I really am. It's just that, if she was telling the truth, I know how she feels. And I just wasn't comfortable with the idea of interrogating her.

Poppy (to Vincent): I know, honey... And, I know what it's like growing up with a grieving parent & as an orphan... So, forgive me if I didn't want Victor experiencing that. I just thought a few moments discomfort was worth being sure that she didn't kill us in our sleep.

Vincent (to Poppy): And you think I'm some bleeding heart idiot stupid enough to believe every scared looking thing with a sad story? Ehhh... You're right. I'm sorry, hun. Miranda and I crewed together briefly. I thought... Maybe I just hoped she was better than her family.

Poppy (to Vincent): Well, I think you're right, honey. She seems sincere to me. But, I'll feel better once she's off the ship.

Vincent (to Poppy): You and me both. Speaking of which, I should get back to the bridge. The sooner we hit New London, the better.

Poppy (to Vincent): C'mere for a second, honey...

Vincent (to Poppy): Heh. Does this mean I'm forgiven?

Poppy (to Vincent): Of course, honey. Just because we had a difference of opinion doesn't mean that I'm suddenly no longer madly in love with you. My life would be a dark and dull place without you in it, lover.

Vincent (to Poppy): Heh. Keep reminding yourself of that every time I put my fool foot in my mouth. It certainly would be a lot safer, that's for sure, lover.

Poppy (to Vincent): Heh... It's my constant mantra, honey. Now, go get our guests off this ship, so we can have some time to ourselves.

Vincent (to Poppy): Yes. Let's.

Poppy (to Miranda & Ripper): ... You two are like a couple of teenagers.

Ripper (to Poppy): Oh... heh... sorry.

Miranda (to Poppy): I was just saying thank you.

Vincent (to Ripper & Miranda): What IS it about everyone making out on my ship? Is it the lighting? The color scheme? What? (to Poppy) Good heavens! They're as bad as my sister and Eep.

Ripper (to Vincent): I doubt we're that bad.

Miranda (to Poppy, Vincent & Ripper): What on earth is an Eep?

Vincent (to Ripper): I'm going to rename the ship The Love Boat and take tourists around to romantic spots in Britannia. (to Miranda) Eep is a who rather than a what. You'd know him, if you met him.

Poppy (to Miranda): Heehee, it's a lanky, cranky, smoky, grump of a man who happens to be his sister's husband.

Ripper (to Vincent): Alright, I get the hint...

Miranda (to Poppy & Vincent): Aha... Thank you for clearing that up.

Vincent (to Ripper): Do you want to stay at your house in New London, Professor, or do you want to head to your other home?

Ripper (to Vincent): You can drop us off at the New London house. I'm going to get Miranda settled in the guest room. I don't have anywhere to be for a few days. So, it should be okay. If you don't mind dropping us off there... I'm sure you're sick of us.

Vincent (to Ripper): Heh. Why on earth would you say that? We should arrive in New London in about ten minutes.

Ripper (to Vincent): I'm really good at reading subtleties. :-P

Vincent (to Ripper): Well, I'm nothing if not a man of subtlety. We're coming up on New London now. Where should I put the Falcon down?

Ripper (to Vincent): On the roof, if you please, Captain.

Vincent (to Ripper): Here you are, Professor. We'll see you later. Be careful.

Miranda (to Ripper): Is that your house?

Ripper (to Miranda): Yes... What were you expecting? (to Vincent): Thank you.

Miranda (to Ripper): I'm not sure.

Vincent (to Ripper): You're welcome. We've always got your back, Professor. You know that.

Ripper (to Vincent): And now, we'll get out of your hair. Stay safe.

Miranda (to Poppy & Vincent): Thank you for letting me come with you.

Vincent (to Miranda): You're welcome. Please don't make me regret it, Miranda.

Miranda (to Vincent): You have my word... Besides, your lady & I already have an understanding.

Vincent (to Miranda): I don't doubt it.

Miranda (to Vincent): Goodbye...

Vincent (to Poppy): Our guests have left the airship. I hope I did the right thing.

Poppy (to Vincent): It'll be fine, honey... We had to take the risk.

Vincent (to Poppy): I know, lover. I couldn't have lived with myself if we hadn't.

Poppy (to Vincent): And, that's why I love you.