Vincent (to Percy): Possibly. What's up, Percy?
Percy (to Vincent): We've been hearing things about the Pleasant Street gang, honey... It's looking like Smith is trying to consolidate the Tombs gangs with him in charge of them all. We think he's kidnapped one of the leaders teenage daughter.
Vincent (to Percy): Good heavens! Well, that's certainly not good news.
Percy (to Vincent): No, it's not... If he manages to consolidate all of the gangs, he'll be a definite a force to be reckoned with, honey.
Vincent (to Percy): Shit. I knew something troublesome was brewing. Perhaps it's better that we stay on this side of the universe for a bit. I didn't like the way Achilles was sniffing around Poppy a few weeks ago.
Percy (to Vincent): Well, he was very upset when she left the gang. It is probably for the best that you stay over there... You both don't need any more excitement, what with the baby & all. But, I just wanted you to know what was going on.
Vincent (to Percy): I appreciate the head's up, Percy. Can I ask you a huge favor, hun?
Percy (to Vincent): Of course, honey.
Vincent (to Percy): When you're able, would you mind checking in with Bernard and Molly when you're able? I would appreciate it hugely!
Percy (to Vincent): Oh... You don't think that might be a tad awkward, honey?
Vincent (to Percy): It's going to be totes awkward, I'm afraid... but I'm sure that Achilles has already worked out who Bernard and Molly are in relation to Poppy. Better safe than sorry. Besides, you're a genius automaton, hun. I have faith that you can work some kind of excuse for popping in.
Percy (to Vincent): No, I'm sure I can come up with an excuse, honey... But, I've been avoiding them since Poppy went into stasis & woke up. I may be my own person now, but I still have a lot of Poppy's memories & emotions... No, no. I can do it. It'll be fine.
Vincent (to Percy): I know, hun. And thank you. There's just something about this whole situation that sets my teeth on edge.
Percy (to Vincent): I'll let you know if there's any trouble.
Vincent (to Percy): Thank you! I owe you one.
Percy (to Vincent): No problem, honey. Give my regards to the missus.
A couple hours later:
Carver (to Percy): Hello, Mr. Meriwether. We certainly didn't expect to see you here, sir.
Percy (to Carver): Oh bugger... Carver, what are you doing here?
Carver (to Percy): Watching, sir. We were told to watch, so watch we shall. The trouble is, sir, it's not very interesting.
Percy (to Carver): So, nothing of interest has happened at all, honey?
Carver (to Percy): Just seeing you, sir. To be fair, sir, we're a bit torn on how to proceed. You're not on our List, you see. Other Carver is especially curious about your insides, sir. We've learned so much about humans...
Percy (to Carver): You can certainly try something... Actually, I am dying for you to try something, honey... Please, try something. But, I suspect you'll be very disappointed.
Carver (to Percy): That's what gives Other Carver pause, sir. We don't know much about automatons... But, we're fairly certain there's not much we can do to harm you. And we did promise to watch, sir. And Miss Starling is VERY anxious for us to experiment, sir. I'm sure you can understand our dilemma.
Percy (to Carver): Dear god, which lever do I pull to be crushed by a safe? ... Oops. Too soon? I would love to stand here & chat about the difficulties of being a psychotic little killer, but I too have a mission to fulfill.
Carver (to Percy): We're sorry to dash off, sir, but there's someone else we really should go investigate. Good bye, sir!
Percy: Okay, Percy... Buck up. You can do this. You're a man, now. It's time to act like one. You're just going to walk into the Inn... pretend you don't know them & inquire after their health and make small talk. It'll be fine. (to Carver) No need to apologize.
Achilles (to Carver): Is there something I can do for you, young man?
Carver (to Achilles): Hello, sir. We were wondering if we can ask what you're doing sneaking out of the inn, sir. We were told to watch, you see.
Achilles (to Carver): Watching, are we? That's very interesting. As for the child... It's, well, mine now... (to Questionable Vernon) Mister Vernon, please take the baby.
Carver (to Achilles): Also, who's baby is that, sir? It looks familiar to us, and we're wondering if it's on our list, sir.
Achilles (to Carver): Look at you in your nice little suit... You must be with CLANNG. Bunch of posh bastards, if you ask me. I highly suggest you go back to whatever you were watching & continue with your task.
Carver (to Achilles): We're afraid you don't understand, sir. If the baby is on our List, we can't let you leave with it.
Achilles (to Carver): No, you don't seem to understand, boy... <whistle> You're surrounded and I'm taking the baby.
Carver (to Achilles): Mr. Clegg will be very disappointed, sir. We've only got Gretta out now, sir. We are being reasonable.
Achilles (to Carver): I think it's time I said goodbye... Have fun with your playmates... Mister Vernon, come along.
A short time later:
Percy (to Vincent): Honey, I have bad news... Someone has taken Persephone. You need to get here as quickly as possible.
Vincent (to Percy): WHAT? Dear God! I'll be right there.
Percy (to Vincent): Hurry! I've never seen Bernard or Molly like this, they're freaking out, honey.
Vincent (to Percy): I can imagine. Dear God... Do what you can to keep them calm. I'll be there in a flash.
Percy (to Vincent): I'll do my best, honey.
Vincent (to Poppy): Sweetie? I need you to sit down, and try not to freak out.
Poppy (to Vincent): Okay... What's going on, honey?
Vincent (to Poppy): I just spoke to Percy. Persephone's gone. Someone has taken her.
Poppy (to Vincent): WHAT!?! Oh my god, Molly & Bernard must be beside themselves.
Vincent (to Poppy): Percy said they're freaking out pretty badly. I'm headed over to see what I can do. I didn't mention it this morning... But Percy called me and told me Achilles Smith has been trying to consolidate all the street gangs in the Tombs. He apparently kidnapped one of the other leader's daughter. I don't think this is unrelated, hun.
Poppy (to Vincent): I'm coming too, honey... I'll call Eep and Mouse and have them come over to babysit. Damn, they're not back yet.
Vincent (to Poppy): I know this may be too much to ask, but will you do me a favor, and stay here with Victor? I know he should be safe on this side, but if anything were to happen to him... Well, I can imagine exactly what Molly and Bernard feel right now.
Poppy (to Vincent): Damn it, honey, they're my family, too! I... Fine. I'll stay here with our son. But, you better come back in one piece and find our niece, honey or there's going to be trouble. (to Victor) See, little man, your mother is learning to stay out of harm's way. Now if only your father can learn the same trick... (to Vincent) Dear god, lover, I'm going to be a wreck while you're gone.
Vincent (to Poppy): I know. I know, hun. I'll be careful, I swear. Honestly careful, not MY version of careful. I'll make sure Percy never lets me out of his sight. I love you, Poppy. (to Victor) I love you too, Little Man. (to Poppy) We'll have Persephone back and me home before either of you can miss me. Don't worry!
Poppy (to Vincent): I love you too, Vincent... Please come home safe.
Vincent (to Poppy): I will!
