Ripper (to Mouse): Hey, you look like shit... What did you do to your hand? Have you been down here for awhile?
Mouse (to Ripper): Huh? Oh sorry... I was having trouble sleeping. Bad dreams. I really wanted Eep to have a nice, lowkey birthday, yesterday... Clearly, that was a raging failure. What brings you down here, Jacob?
Ripper (to Mouse): Robert & I were going to go have brunch at the pub and watch a match. I saw the light on. You know, you shouldn't beat yourself up over what happened last night. It wasn't your fault.
Mouse (to Ripper): I know... I'm not mad about the Maddie thing. I trust Eep and I know that he loves me. I just feel guilty about the fact that my initial reactions to things lately has been to hulk out. I was really hoping that after Hiiri was destroyed that I started to feel more like myself, but I'm still having bad dreams and feel angry all of the time... I'm just faking it better, well most of the time. I couldn't put Eep through all of that, so I'm just hoping that if I pretend to be better long enough, it'll become true.
Ripper (to Mouse): Wow... Shit... I don't know what to say to that.
Mouse (to Ripper): It's okay... Hey, don't let me keep you from your brunch. Go on. I'll be fine.
Ripper (to Mouse): Oh, yeah...Look, I know I can't possibly understand everything that's happened to you, but if you just want to talk, I'll listen.
Mouse (to Ripper): Thanks, Jacob. I'll keep that in mind.
Ripper (to Mouse): Okay. See ya.
Hiiri (to Mouse): You know no one will understand what you went through like I do.
Mouse: I seriously think I'm going insane. (to Hiiri) Shut it... You're dead. You're not real.
A little while later:
Mouse (to Percy): Percy? Can I talk to you for a minute?
Percy (to Mouse): Of course, honey... Don't mind the Strawberry Shortcake pajama pants. I had to borrow a pair from Wanda. What is it?
Mouse (to Percy): Ummm... Is Hiiri really gone? For good?
Percy (to Mouse): Yes, honey... Her chassis was destroyed, and I personally took all of her hardware to Tesla's laboratory to be destroyed. Why?
Mouse (to Percy): Oh... no reason. I thought I heard something. It was probably nothing... I must just be tired. Thanks. Sorry to bug you.
Percy (to Mouse): Honey, you look awful... Go get yourself some sleep.
Mouse (to Percy): Yeah, you're right. I should do that.
Eep (to Mouse): Hey.
Mouse (to Eep): Hey yourself.
Eep (to Mouse): So. How long have you been having the nightmares again?
Mouse (to Eep): Huh? What? How did you... Shit... I'm sorry, I didn't tell you. But, you were sleeping again and I didn't want to worry you. They never really stopped, just less frequent. I'm an asshole. I'm sorry.
Eep (to Mouse): Christ. Mouse, I... I don't even know what to say.
Mouse (to Eep): You're mad at me... I understand. I'd be mad at me, too. I wasn't intentionally hiding it from you, it just sort of happened. Things were returning to normal for you and you were happy, I didn't want to spoil it. And, I was dealing with it. At least, I thought I was dealing with it.
Eep (to Mouse): I'm not mad. OK, I'm not like super mad. I'm just... I wish you didn't feel like you had to deal with this on your own.
Mouse (to Eep): Says the guy who spent the past ten years hiding in his room.
Eep (to Mouse): Yeah. And you can see how much fucking good that did me, cause I am SO well-fucking-adjusted.
Mouse (to Eep): I know, I should have told you. But, what could you do about it? Other than worry & lose more sleep. I was just hoping that they'd go away. I mean, they're not as bad as they were & I've just grown used to them... I know they're nightmares when I'm having them, I know they're not real. And, I've only been having them a few times in the past couple months.
Eep (to Mouse): Yeah. No big deal. Which is why you didn't tell me about them. Jesus... Shit. I'm sorry. I'm not trying to get pissy here. I know I haven't been around a lot lately...
Mouse (to Eep): I'm sorry, too... I really wasn't trying to hide it from you and it's not the nightmares that's been bothering me... it's the other stuff... I think I may be going insane.
Eep (to Mouse): What other stuff?
Mouse (to Eep): It's just a voice or sometimes it's sounds...
Eep (to Mouse): Don't. Don't freak out, OK? Just... Deep breaths. I swear, I'm not gonna flip out on you. What other stuff?
Mouse (to Eep): Once or twice I thought I heard Hiiri talking to Smythe. It's like I'm eavesdropping on a conversation just out of range. And, then after I spoke to Jacob this morning, I swore I heard Hiiri tell me that no one could understand what I was going through better than her... I don't know what's going on.
Eep (to Mouse): It's OK. It's OK. Is that why you didn't wanna tell me? You think you're losing your shit cause of all this, right?
Mouse (to Eep): Yeah, just a little... I mean, is this what going insane feels like? Cuz I can't say that I like it very much. I don't think there are any lunatics in my family. Other than the usual eccentrics, but maybe they were just being polite.
Eep (to Mouse): I don't think you're going insane. I think you're still more traumatized than you wanna admit.
Hiiri (to Mouse): Oh, look at him... See all that concern on his face. He thinks you're crazy, but he doesn't want to say. He really loves you.
Mouse (to Hiiri): Shut up, shut up, shut up... You're not real. You're dead.
Eep (to Mouse): Mouse? You OK?
Mouse (to Eep): Huh? You didn't just hear that, did you?
Eep (to Mouse): No. What's going on?
Hiiri (to Mouse): We need to talk. Get rid of him... Shall I tell him?
Mouse (to Hiiri): What!?! Shut up... Go away.
Hiiri (to Mouse): I would love to, that's what I've been trying to do. I think it's time for you to take a nap. Shhhh...
Eep (to Mouse): Hey. Talk to me. I swear I'm not gonna freak out. What's going on?
Mouse/Hiiri (to Eep): You're sexy when you look all concerned...
Eep (to Mouse/Hiiri): I'm, uh... What?
Mouse/Hiiri (to Eep): Where did she, I mean, where did I put the chest from the Davenports?
Eep (to Mouse/Hiiri): It's, uh... Why?
Mouse/Hiiri (to Eep): I need it... You're not going to make this easy, are you?
Eep (to Mouse/Hiiri): What the fuck is going on?
Mouse/Hiiri (to Eep): I don't have time for this... Allow me to explain in very simple terms, so you'll understand. If you don't tell me where it is, I will stop Mouse's heart. I don't think you want that, do you, Killer? Now, where is the damn chest?
Eep (to Mouse/Hiiri): You... You crazy fucking... Don't you dare fucking do a thing to her! What happens to you if you hurt her, Hiiri? Huh? Don't you do a damn fucking thing.
Mouse/Hiiri (to Eep): Oh. As if I don't have a back up plan. Mouse is just one of my many lifeboats... Why do you think I kept Carver around? It certainly wasn't because of his winning personality. I have at least, 4 humans acting as storage for me...
Eep (to Mouse/Hiiri): You crazy fucking... And what the fuck happens to her if I give you the chest?
Mouse/Hiiri (to Eep): She & I will crossover to Britannia. I'll go find an old acquaintance of mine & get downloaded into a new body. And then I send her home.
Eep (to Mouse/Hiiri): And you really fucking think I believe that?
Mouse/Hiiri (to Eep): Or I can just remove her from the equation right now... Uh... Oh... God... Can't breathe...
Eep (to Mouse/Hiiri): Stop it! Jesus Christ just fucking stop it! Alright! Alright! Just... please. Please don't hurt her.
Mouse/Hiiri (to Eep): Thank you... She'll be fine. You have my word... Wonderful! A one way portable portal device. It looks like it's time to say goodbye. Here, give your lady a kiss...
Eep (to Mouse/Hiiri): Fuck you, Hiiri.
Mouse/Hiiri (to Eep): Maybe, some other time, killer... Toodles!
A short time later:
Mouse/Hiiri (to Carver): Where are you, little brother?
Carver (to Mouse/Hiiri): Miss Hiiri? Is that you, ma'am?
Hiiri (to Carver): In the flesh, so to speak... I need assistance, if you're not too terribly busy.
Mouse (to Carver): Where the hell am I?
Carver (to Hiiri): Of course, ma'am. We'll need to excuse ourselves from some prior engagements, ma'am, but we'll see you soon.
Hiiri (to Mouse): Shhhh... Go back to sleep. This will all be over before you know it. (to Carver) Pardon me for the outburst, little brother. I am still getting a handle on my current residency. The usual tenant isn't very happy about my being here. As you can only imagine.
Carver (to Hiiri): It sounds as though this will be interesting, ma'am. Other Carver is especially curious. We'll see you soon very soon, ma'am.
Hiiri (to Carver): Very good! I'll be at the Mangy Cur at my usual table.
Carver: In the flesh, she said, Carver. Yes she did, Other Carver. We should really go see exactly what she means. How very interesting.
Hiiri (to Professor Maladori): My dear Maladori, I am in desperate need of an appointment with you.
Professor Maladori (to Hiiri): Ah! Good afternoon, Ms Potter. How very nice to hear from you again. You always were one of my favorite clients.
Hiiri (to Professor Maladori): Yes, well I would like to say that your wonderful human backup storage plan worked like a charm. Though, it did take quite some time to boot up. But, I'd like to make arrangements to get a new chassis, if you are interested?
Professor Maladori (to Hiiri): Wonderful! I would love to work with you again, madam. I'm afraid too few people lack your imagination and sense of humor. Unfortunately, I must report that I am utterly booked today. How does tomorrow suit you?
Hiiri (to Professor Maladori): It is a blessing & a curse... Tomorrow would suit me just fine, Professor. Though, I am tempted to stay put. This fleshy casing does offer some vague curiosity for me.
Professor Maladori (to Hiiri): Well, if you want some extra time to explore the, ugh, vulgarities of the flesh, it's certainly your right.
Hiiri (to Professor Maladori): No matter, tomorrow will be just fine for now & we shall see, what we shall see. Until then, Professor.
Professor Maladori (to Hiiri): As you wish. I shall see you on the morrow. Now, if you'll be so kind as to excuse me... My lab assistant is having a bit of trouble with the cephalopod construct. Good help is SO hard to find.
Meanwhile:
Percy (to Wanda): Honey, do you hear a very loud banging sound? Is someone at the door?
Wanda (to Percy): Huh? Oh yeah! It sounds like it's coming from next door. Do you think everything's OK?
Percy (to Wanda): Should we go check, honey? ... Judging by the look on your face, should I go check?
Wanda (to Percy): Um... Please? I'm worried as balls about those two after last night, but I'm kinda afraid of Mouse. I mean, she's adorable! And I love her, but... um... She hits REALLY hard. And I'm afraid she's still gonna be mad at me.
Percy (to Wanda): Well, if she hits me, she'll just bust her hand. :-P Alright, honey... I'll go check. Kiss for luck?
Wanda (to Percy): Oh yeah! You betcha. Thank you! You're a braver person than I.
Percy: Knock, knock... Anybody home? Your door was unlocked... Mouse? Eep? Please don't be having sexy times. God, I really am hanging out with Wanda too much... Next I'll be saying totes.
Eep (to Percy): Percy! I can't... Make this thing work! I can't make it... She's gone! It's my fault she's gone... Make this WORK! I've been trying... trying to get Vincent for... I dunno! I can't...
Percy (to Eep): Whoa... Calm down... Banging on it, isn't going to make it work... Breathe, honey. What's going on? Who's gone?
Eep (to Percy): Mouse! Hiiri was... I dunno. In her head somehow, and she said she would stop her heart if I didn't... didn't...
Percy (to Eep): What!?! How did she? That's impossible. Oh god, honey... Are you okay? Stupid question... Of course, you're not okay.
Eep (to Percy): It's NOT impossible. I know fucking Hiiri when I see fucking Hiiri. I shouldn't have... I should have tried to... I dunno. Knock her out or something. But it was Mouse, Percy. She stopped her breathing at one point. I just... I just couldn't.
Percy (to Eep): I know, honey. You did what you had to, to keep Mouse alive. Don't punish yourself. We'll figure out something, I promise. This is a bit new to me, I've just never heard of an automatronic interface being in a human before. Let me look at that portal device, honey.
Eep (to Percy): Yeah. Sorry. I just... Here.
Percy (to Eep): Well, she wiped the last coordinates, so we don't know her exact destination, but I'm fairly sure she went to New London... I take it you're going to want to crossover with me, aren't you?
Eep (to Percy): Yes.
Percy (to Eep): Alright, round up what you want to bring & grab the cat. I'll go change & make my excuses to Wanda. Be ready to go in 10 minutes.
Eep (to Percy): OK. Thank you, Percy.
Percy (to Wanda): Hey pretty lady, I'm sorry to say that something has come up and I'm going to have to cut my visit short. I am so sorry.
Wanda (to Percy): Noooooo! You're kidding. Gods that SUCKS! Your bosses seriously need hobbies or something.
Percy (to Wanda): Truer words were never spoken, honey. I'll try to be back soon...
Wanda (to Percy): Did you get a chance to check on Eep and Mouse? Are they OK?
Percy (to Wanda): Oh yeah, Eep and Mouse were fine, honey. They were rearranging furniture & had a blanket fort set up... They'll be okay... I really should go. I promise I'll be back as soon as I can... And, I'll call first. :-P
Wanda (to Percy): Oh. Heh. OK. Come back and see me as soon as you can, and I'll make up for lost time. Kay?
Percy (to Wanda): Definitely... That's an even better reason to hurry back. See you soon, honey. (to Eep) Okay, honey... Are you ready to go? ... Are you auditioning for a part in Rambo? Where on earth did you even get that stuff? Do you even know how to use half of it? It's okay... Just pick two things.
Eep (to Percy): I don't know! I just grabbed whatever shit Mouse had laying around. I... uh... I know how to use some of it. OK. I've got two things. And Otto.
Otto (to Percy & Eep): Yow!
Percy (to Eep): Oh good... The gangs all here. Let's go through. I set the device coordinates to take us to my airship & then I can contact Vincent... He is not going to be happy about this.
Eep (to Percy): Yeah, well. He can join the club.
Percy (to Eep & Otto): Okay, portal's open... Step on through.
A short time later:
Otto (to Percy): It's about damn time! How do you people keep getting into this kinda trouble? Get my girl's brother on the line, robot boy. (to Eep) And you, boy! Next time your mate's possessed by some evil psycho, you hit her in the head!
Percy (to Otto): You sure are one bossy feline, honey.
Otto (to Percy): If I didn't gotta be bossy, I wouldn't be. You gonna yak, or you gonna get something done?
Percy: Maltese Falcon, come in, Maltese Falcon. This is the airship, Clementine. Do you copy?
Vincent (to Percy): Percy? Is that you, hun? What can we do for you?
Percy (to Vincent): I uh, have some good news & some bad news, honey... Which would you like first?
Vincent (to Percy): Oh good heavens... Why don't I like the way you said "bad news?" Give me the good news first. Maybe it will soften the blow.
Percy (to Vincent): Oh you would ask for the good news first, honey... Eep & Otto came for a visit. Yay! Isn't that great? Aren't you excited?
Vincent (to Percy): Oh. Shit. What happened? What's wrong? Is Mouse OK?
Percy (to Otto): Cat, stop glaring at me... I'm working up to it. Did you know that in some cultures cats are considered a delicacy? (to Vincent) Oh, we think she's fine... It's just that she seems to be Hiiri, at the moment. She crossed over a couple hours ago & we're not sure what's going on. Eep can fill you in, while I fly us into New London.
Vincent (to Percy): WHAT!?!
Percy (to Vincent): Sorry... Concentrating. There's a wee bit of a storm over this way... Eep can explain.
Vincent (to Eep): Before you start, Slim, I need you to remain calm. I know you're freaked, but the more I know, the more I can help.
Eep (to Vincent): It's Hiiri. She's... She's inside Mouse's head somehow. She... She said that she would stop Mouse's heart if I didn't... If I didn't show her the trunk the Davenport sisters gave us. She started choking her... Vincent, I...
Vincent (to Eep): It's alright, Slim. I understand. How did you know it was Hiiri and not Mouse? What did she say to you, exactly?
Eep (to Vincent): She said she'd downloaded her consciousness into 4 people, including Carver, and that she was gonna download her... her... her whatever into a new chassis, and then she would let Mouse go home. Vincent! She won't. You know she won't!
Vincent (to Eep): I know, Slim. I know. Take it easy. We'll find her. And keep in mind, sister dearest isn't utterly helpless. It will be OK. Put Percy back on.
Percy (to Vincent): Yes, honey?
Vincent (to Percy): How's the storm situation, hun? Are you guys OK?
Percy (to Vincent): Yeah, I think we've gotten through the worst of it... We're not far from the city now... I'm really worried about Eep, honey. It's been a rough couple of days... His birthday was yesterday, some stupid shit happened, and now this... I'm actually surprised he's dealing with this as well as he is. But, I'm worried he's going to snap.
Vincent (to Percy): Oh God... I wouldn't imagine he's doing too well. This is too close to what happened before. I can not blame him. He mentioned that Hiiri stored her consciousness in 4 separate people. Is that even possible?
Percy (to Vincent): I have no idea, honey... I had never even heard of it being done before now. I mean, I suppose it could be possible. Mouse & Hiiri share a common brainwave pattern since Hiiri is based on Mouse. I'm not sure anyone else would be compatible. If it did, you'd probably get file corruption & the personality matrix might not synch correctly. It could cause multiple personalities or psychotic breaks, if it fails... This is all speculation. of course. I would really need to look at the schematics and the hardware to figure out how it works completely.
Vincent (to Percy): Well, not to make the situation MORE terrifying, but apparently one of the vessels she used is Carver.
Percy (to Vincent): Hmmm, I don't suppose we could simply ask him if he's been experiencing anything out of the ordinary, huh?
Vincent (to Percy): Seriously. Who would even notice if Carver were having a psychotic break? We're going to need Klaude and Tesla's help with this one, hun.
Percy (to Vincent): Agreed. I can drop Eep & Otto off with you and then I'll head to the monastery, honey. Where are you docked currently?
Vincent (to Percy): That sounds good, hun. We're over in Londinium. Achilles has been snooping around the Inn, I'm afraid.
Percy (to Vincent): Oh... When it rains, it pours. We'll be circling over Londinium momentarily, honey. I'll land over by the ornamental pond.
Vincent (to Percy): Right. See you then, Percy. Thank you.
Percy (to Eep): We'll be landing in a few minutes. How you holding up?
Eep (to Percy): Fine.
Percy (to Eep): Really? You don't seem fine to me. If you clench your jaw any tighter, you might bite your face off.
Eep (to Percy): Yeah. Well, what do you want me to say. This is the second time I've let the woman I love get taken away by a lunatic. I'm not exactly gonna be thrilled about the whole situation, you know.
Percy (to Eep): I know, honey. We'll figure out how to get Mouse back in one piece... Here's where you & Otto get out. I'm heading directly to the monastery to tell Tesla what's going on & then to round up Klaude.
Eep (to Percy): Yeah. Right. Thanks. See you later.
A few minutes later:
Poppy (to Eep): Oh god, Eep! Are you okay? Vincent told me what happened. Do you want a drink? A cigarette? (to Otto) And you! You had to have known something was going on with Mouse. Why didn't you say anything?
Otto (to Poppy): Cause I can't TALK on that side, girl. Believe me, I was tryin'. Those two can be thicker than molasses.
Eep (to Poppy): Hey. I'm fine. Um, no. I mean, yes, but I don't wanna smoke around you. You know. Baby and all.
Poppy (to Otto): Well, that is true but, you're so much smarter than they are. You could have figured something out, I'm sure of it. (to Eep) Honey, we're in Londinium, at the moment, cigarette smoke would be a blessing to breath instead of the air here.
Otto (to Poppy): That may be true, but not even I knew what was going on with my girl, sister. I just knew something wasn't right.
Eep (to Poppy): Oh. Right. Um, if you've got one, I'd appreciate it.
Poppy (to Otto): Fair enough. Max is in the cargo hold, if you want to say hello. (to Eep) Here you go, honey... There's also more in a cupboard on the ship. I figured you might want them. Oh god... Don't look like that... I can be nice. Besides, you're family, now.
Otto (to Poppy): Well, thank God there's someone on your barge with sense.
Eep (to Poppy): Sorry. I didn't mean to be making a face. I just... Oh God...
Poppy (to Otto): I love you too, old man. (to Eep) Oh honey... Let's go take a walk around the pond. It's not much, but if you need a moment to lose your shit, no one will see. Come on... (to Vincent) Vincent, my love, I'm going to take Eep for a walk, while you're figuring out a plan of attack... Heehee, I even managed to say that with a straight-face... Oops. :-P
Vincent (to Poppy): That's what I love about you, lover. Your sense of humor.
Eep (to Poppy): I'm fine. I mean, I'm not, but I'll survive. She told me, you know. Told me that she was hearing Hiiri. I just thought...
Poppy (to Eep): That she was crazy, honey?
Eep (to Poppy): What? No! I thought she was just still stressed out. You know? After what she went thought. Your head can get scrambled. I don't know... I let her leave, Poppy. I just let her go.
Poppy (to Eep): What were you supposed to do, honey? Hiiri might be in there, but it's still Mouse. Anyone in your position would have done the same thing... Well, I probably would have shot Vincent, if it was him, but then I have a loose relationship with morals. And, I'm a pretty terrible example... Oh god, my poor child is going to have it so rough. We'll get her back in one piece, honey... I know it seems impossible right this second, but it'll work out. I have faith. We'll get her back in one piece, honey... I know it seems impossible right this second, but it'll work out. I have faith.
Eep (to Poppy): Yeah. We'd better. And don't worry. From the looks of it, your kid turns out alright.
Poppy (to Eep): Oh yeah, honey... Keep that in mind. Victor never said anything bad happened to Mouse, so we must get her back. Speaking of Victor, you want to feel him kick?
Eep (to Poppy): Oh. Uh... Yeah. I guess so... Oh. Wow. He's, uh... He's kinda forceful, there, isn't he?
Poppy (to Eep): Heehee, takes after his papa. Do you want to sit at the pond for a bit & smoke your cigarette? I can leave you alone, if you'd like.
Eep (to Poppy): No. No. I'm alright. I'd just really like to see what we can do to get Mouse back.
Poppy (to Eep): Okay, honey. Let's go and see if my husband has figured something out or if he's still freak... I mean, thinking.
A couple hours later:
Hiiri (to Carver): Little brother, what took you so long? I was beginning to think you abandoned me.
Carver (to Hiiri): We're very sorry, ma'am. As we said, we had obligations, and needed to make our excuses, ma'am.
Hiiri (to Carver): Well, it is good to see you. Have you gotten taller or am I shorter?
Carver (to Hiiri): We're not sure, ma'am. You certainly look much different, ma'am. Much, much different...
Hiiri (to Carver): Well, that's easily explainable, little brother, as this is Mouse. But, I have an appointment with Maladori tomorrow to remedy this current situation. I won't be flesh much longer... It's so squishy, not to mention a little crowded in here.
Mouse (to Carver): It's Carver, isn't it? Could you please help me?
Carver (to Hiiri): That is very interesting, ma'am. Very interesting indeed.
Hiiri (to Mouse): You are barking up the wrong tree, dear. Carver's not going to help you. (to Carver) Would you be a dear and fetch us transportation for tomorrow, little brother? And when you get back, I want to hear all about what you've been doing while I've been away.
Mouse (to Carver): Don't listen to her, Carver... You're just a tool to her. She did this to you, too.
Hiiri (to Mouse): Hush you. Time for you to go back to sleep. (to Carver) Terribly sorry about that, little brother. She's not handling this temporary co-existence very well.
Carver (to Hiiri): Of course, ma'am. We'll see you very soon, ma'am. You too, Miss Mouse. Oh. And, we know about the extra company, ma'am. We quite enjoy her. We've named her Miss Starling, ma'am.
Hiiri (to Carver): Oh well that is an unexpected side effect. But, I'm glad you like her. Consider her my gift to you. If you'd like, maybe we could ask Maladori to give her a body of her own? Entirely up to you, of course.
Carver (to Hiiri): That's very generous, ma'am. It will be up to her, of course, but we shall ask, ma'am.
Hiiri (to Carver): Well, I am going to find myself a room for the night, little brother. Apparently, the body needs rest. It has been a busy day.
Carver (to Hiiri): Of couse, ma'am. We and Miss Starling shall see about transportation, ma'am.
Mouse (to Ripper): Huh? Oh sorry... I was having trouble sleeping. Bad dreams. I really wanted Eep to have a nice, lowkey birthday, yesterday... Clearly, that was a raging failure. What brings you down here, Jacob?
Ripper (to Mouse): Robert & I were going to go have brunch at the pub and watch a match. I saw the light on. You know, you shouldn't beat yourself up over what happened last night. It wasn't your fault.
Mouse (to Ripper): I know... I'm not mad about the Maddie thing. I trust Eep and I know that he loves me. I just feel guilty about the fact that my initial reactions to things lately has been to hulk out. I was really hoping that after Hiiri was destroyed that I started to feel more like myself, but I'm still having bad dreams and feel angry all of the time... I'm just faking it better, well most of the time. I couldn't put Eep through all of that, so I'm just hoping that if I pretend to be better long enough, it'll become true.
Ripper (to Mouse): Wow... Shit... I don't know what to say to that.
Mouse (to Ripper): It's okay... Hey, don't let me keep you from your brunch. Go on. I'll be fine.
Ripper (to Mouse): Oh, yeah...Look, I know I can't possibly understand everything that's happened to you, but if you just want to talk, I'll listen.
Mouse (to Ripper): Thanks, Jacob. I'll keep that in mind.
Ripper (to Mouse): Okay. See ya.
Hiiri (to Mouse): You know no one will understand what you went through like I do.
Mouse: I seriously think I'm going insane. (to Hiiri) Shut it... You're dead. You're not real.
A little while later:
Mouse (to Percy): Percy? Can I talk to you for a minute?
Percy (to Mouse): Of course, honey... Don't mind the Strawberry Shortcake pajama pants. I had to borrow a pair from Wanda. What is it?
Mouse (to Percy): Ummm... Is Hiiri really gone? For good?
Percy (to Mouse): Yes, honey... Her chassis was destroyed, and I personally took all of her hardware to Tesla's laboratory to be destroyed. Why?
Mouse (to Percy): Oh... no reason. I thought I heard something. It was probably nothing... I must just be tired. Thanks. Sorry to bug you.
Percy (to Mouse): Honey, you look awful... Go get yourself some sleep.
Mouse (to Percy): Yeah, you're right. I should do that.
Eep (to Mouse): Hey.
Mouse (to Eep): Hey yourself.
Eep (to Mouse): So. How long have you been having the nightmares again?
Mouse (to Eep): Huh? What? How did you... Shit... I'm sorry, I didn't tell you. But, you were sleeping again and I didn't want to worry you. They never really stopped, just less frequent. I'm an asshole. I'm sorry.
Eep (to Mouse): Christ. Mouse, I... I don't even know what to say.
Mouse (to Eep): You're mad at me... I understand. I'd be mad at me, too. I wasn't intentionally hiding it from you, it just sort of happened. Things were returning to normal for you and you were happy, I didn't want to spoil it. And, I was dealing with it. At least, I thought I was dealing with it.
Eep (to Mouse): I'm not mad. OK, I'm not like super mad. I'm just... I wish you didn't feel like you had to deal with this on your own.
Mouse (to Eep): Says the guy who spent the past ten years hiding in his room.
Eep (to Mouse): Yeah. And you can see how much fucking good that did me, cause I am SO well-fucking-adjusted.
Mouse (to Eep): I know, I should have told you. But, what could you do about it? Other than worry & lose more sleep. I was just hoping that they'd go away. I mean, they're not as bad as they were & I've just grown used to them... I know they're nightmares when I'm having them, I know they're not real. And, I've only been having them a few times in the past couple months.
Eep (to Mouse): Yeah. No big deal. Which is why you didn't tell me about them. Jesus... Shit. I'm sorry. I'm not trying to get pissy here. I know I haven't been around a lot lately...
Mouse (to Eep): I'm sorry, too... I really wasn't trying to hide it from you and it's not the nightmares that's been bothering me... it's the other stuff... I think I may be going insane.
Eep (to Mouse): What other stuff?
Mouse (to Eep): It's just a voice or sometimes it's sounds...
Eep (to Mouse): Don't. Don't freak out, OK? Just... Deep breaths. I swear, I'm not gonna flip out on you. What other stuff?
Mouse (to Eep): Once or twice I thought I heard Hiiri talking to Smythe. It's like I'm eavesdropping on a conversation just out of range. And, then after I spoke to Jacob this morning, I swore I heard Hiiri tell me that no one could understand what I was going through better than her... I don't know what's going on.
Eep (to Mouse): It's OK. It's OK. Is that why you didn't wanna tell me? You think you're losing your shit cause of all this, right?
Mouse (to Eep): Yeah, just a little... I mean, is this what going insane feels like? Cuz I can't say that I like it very much. I don't think there are any lunatics in my family. Other than the usual eccentrics, but maybe they were just being polite.
Eep (to Mouse): I don't think you're going insane. I think you're still more traumatized than you wanna admit.
Hiiri (to Mouse): Oh, look at him... See all that concern on his face. He thinks you're crazy, but he doesn't want to say. He really loves you.
Mouse (to Hiiri): Shut up, shut up, shut up... You're not real. You're dead.
Eep (to Mouse): Mouse? You OK?
Mouse (to Eep): Huh? You didn't just hear that, did you?
Eep (to Mouse): No. What's going on?
Hiiri (to Mouse): We need to talk. Get rid of him... Shall I tell him?
Mouse (to Hiiri): What!?! Shut up... Go away.
Hiiri (to Mouse): I would love to, that's what I've been trying to do. I think it's time for you to take a nap. Shhhh...
Eep (to Mouse): Hey. Talk to me. I swear I'm not gonna freak out. What's going on?
Mouse/Hiiri (to Eep): You're sexy when you look all concerned...
Eep (to Mouse/Hiiri): I'm, uh... What?
Mouse/Hiiri (to Eep): Where did she, I mean, where did I put the chest from the Davenports?
Eep (to Mouse/Hiiri): It's, uh... Why?
Mouse/Hiiri (to Eep): I need it... You're not going to make this easy, are you?
Eep (to Mouse/Hiiri): What the fuck is going on?
Mouse/Hiiri (to Eep): I don't have time for this... Allow me to explain in very simple terms, so you'll understand. If you don't tell me where it is, I will stop Mouse's heart. I don't think you want that, do you, Killer? Now, where is the damn chest?
Eep (to Mouse/Hiiri): You... You crazy fucking... Don't you dare fucking do a thing to her! What happens to you if you hurt her, Hiiri? Huh? Don't you do a damn fucking thing.
Mouse/Hiiri (to Eep): Oh. As if I don't have a back up plan. Mouse is just one of my many lifeboats... Why do you think I kept Carver around? It certainly wasn't because of his winning personality. I have at least, 4 humans acting as storage for me...
Eep (to Mouse/Hiiri): You crazy fucking... And what the fuck happens to her if I give you the chest?
Mouse/Hiiri (to Eep): She & I will crossover to Britannia. I'll go find an old acquaintance of mine & get downloaded into a new body. And then I send her home.
Eep (to Mouse/Hiiri): And you really fucking think I believe that?
Mouse/Hiiri (to Eep): Or I can just remove her from the equation right now... Uh... Oh... God... Can't breathe...
Eep (to Mouse/Hiiri): Stop it! Jesus Christ just fucking stop it! Alright! Alright! Just... please. Please don't hurt her.
Mouse/Hiiri (to Eep): Thank you... She'll be fine. You have my word... Wonderful! A one way portable portal device. It looks like it's time to say goodbye. Here, give your lady a kiss...
Eep (to Mouse/Hiiri): Fuck you, Hiiri.
Mouse/Hiiri (to Eep): Maybe, some other time, killer... Toodles!
A short time later:
Mouse/Hiiri (to Carver): Where are you, little brother?
Carver (to Mouse/Hiiri): Miss Hiiri? Is that you, ma'am?
Hiiri (to Carver): In the flesh, so to speak... I need assistance, if you're not too terribly busy.
Mouse (to Carver): Where the hell am I?
Carver (to Hiiri): Of course, ma'am. We'll need to excuse ourselves from some prior engagements, ma'am, but we'll see you soon.
Hiiri (to Mouse): Shhhh... Go back to sleep. This will all be over before you know it. (to Carver) Pardon me for the outburst, little brother. I am still getting a handle on my current residency. The usual tenant isn't very happy about my being here. As you can only imagine.
Carver (to Hiiri): It sounds as though this will be interesting, ma'am. Other Carver is especially curious. We'll see you soon very soon, ma'am.
Hiiri (to Carver): Very good! I'll be at the Mangy Cur at my usual table.
Carver: In the flesh, she said, Carver. Yes she did, Other Carver. We should really go see exactly what she means. How very interesting.
Hiiri (to Professor Maladori): My dear Maladori, I am in desperate need of an appointment with you.
Professor Maladori (to Hiiri): Ah! Good afternoon, Ms Potter. How very nice to hear from you again. You always were one of my favorite clients.
Hiiri (to Professor Maladori): Yes, well I would like to say that your wonderful human backup storage plan worked like a charm. Though, it did take quite some time to boot up. But, I'd like to make arrangements to get a new chassis, if you are interested?
Professor Maladori (to Hiiri): Wonderful! I would love to work with you again, madam. I'm afraid too few people lack your imagination and sense of humor. Unfortunately, I must report that I am utterly booked today. How does tomorrow suit you?
Hiiri (to Professor Maladori): It is a blessing & a curse... Tomorrow would suit me just fine, Professor. Though, I am tempted to stay put. This fleshy casing does offer some vague curiosity for me.
Professor Maladori (to Hiiri): Well, if you want some extra time to explore the, ugh, vulgarities of the flesh, it's certainly your right.
Hiiri (to Professor Maladori): No matter, tomorrow will be just fine for now & we shall see, what we shall see. Until then, Professor.
Professor Maladori (to Hiiri): As you wish. I shall see you on the morrow. Now, if you'll be so kind as to excuse me... My lab assistant is having a bit of trouble with the cephalopod construct. Good help is SO hard to find.
Meanwhile:
Percy (to Wanda): Honey, do you hear a very loud banging sound? Is someone at the door?
Wanda (to Percy): Huh? Oh yeah! It sounds like it's coming from next door. Do you think everything's OK?
Percy (to Wanda): Should we go check, honey? ... Judging by the look on your face, should I go check?
Wanda (to Percy): Um... Please? I'm worried as balls about those two after last night, but I'm kinda afraid of Mouse. I mean, she's adorable! And I love her, but... um... She hits REALLY hard. And I'm afraid she's still gonna be mad at me.
Percy (to Wanda): Well, if she hits me, she'll just bust her hand. :-P Alright, honey... I'll go check. Kiss for luck?
Wanda (to Percy): Oh yeah! You betcha. Thank you! You're a braver person than I.
Percy: Knock, knock... Anybody home? Your door was unlocked... Mouse? Eep? Please don't be having sexy times. God, I really am hanging out with Wanda too much... Next I'll be saying totes.
Eep (to Percy): Percy! I can't... Make this thing work! I can't make it... She's gone! It's my fault she's gone... Make this WORK! I've been trying... trying to get Vincent for... I dunno! I can't...
Percy (to Eep): Whoa... Calm down... Banging on it, isn't going to make it work... Breathe, honey. What's going on? Who's gone?
Eep (to Percy): Mouse! Hiiri was... I dunno. In her head somehow, and she said she would stop her heart if I didn't... didn't...
Percy (to Eep): What!?! How did she? That's impossible. Oh god, honey... Are you okay? Stupid question... Of course, you're not okay.
Eep (to Percy): It's NOT impossible. I know fucking Hiiri when I see fucking Hiiri. I shouldn't have... I should have tried to... I dunno. Knock her out or something. But it was Mouse, Percy. She stopped her breathing at one point. I just... I just couldn't.
Percy (to Eep): I know, honey. You did what you had to, to keep Mouse alive. Don't punish yourself. We'll figure out something, I promise. This is a bit new to me, I've just never heard of an automatronic interface being in a human before. Let me look at that portal device, honey.
Eep (to Percy): Yeah. Sorry. I just... Here.
Percy (to Eep): Well, she wiped the last coordinates, so we don't know her exact destination, but I'm fairly sure she went to New London... I take it you're going to want to crossover with me, aren't you?
Eep (to Percy): Yes.
Percy (to Eep): Alright, round up what you want to bring & grab the cat. I'll go change & make my excuses to Wanda. Be ready to go in 10 minutes.
Eep (to Percy): OK. Thank you, Percy.
Percy (to Wanda): Hey pretty lady, I'm sorry to say that something has come up and I'm going to have to cut my visit short. I am so sorry.
Wanda (to Percy): Noooooo! You're kidding. Gods that SUCKS! Your bosses seriously need hobbies or something.
Percy (to Wanda): Truer words were never spoken, honey. I'll try to be back soon...
Wanda (to Percy): Did you get a chance to check on Eep and Mouse? Are they OK?
Percy (to Wanda): Oh yeah, Eep and Mouse were fine, honey. They were rearranging furniture & had a blanket fort set up... They'll be okay... I really should go. I promise I'll be back as soon as I can... And, I'll call first. :-P
Wanda (to Percy): Oh. Heh. OK. Come back and see me as soon as you can, and I'll make up for lost time. Kay?
Percy (to Wanda): Definitely... That's an even better reason to hurry back. See you soon, honey. (to Eep) Okay, honey... Are you ready to go? ... Are you auditioning for a part in Rambo? Where on earth did you even get that stuff? Do you even know how to use half of it? It's okay... Just pick two things.
Eep (to Percy): I don't know! I just grabbed whatever shit Mouse had laying around. I... uh... I know how to use some of it. OK. I've got two things. And Otto.
Otto (to Percy & Eep): Yow!
Percy (to Eep): Oh good... The gangs all here. Let's go through. I set the device coordinates to take us to my airship & then I can contact Vincent... He is not going to be happy about this.
Eep (to Percy): Yeah, well. He can join the club.
Percy (to Eep & Otto): Okay, portal's open... Step on through.
A short time later:
Otto (to Percy): It's about damn time! How do you people keep getting into this kinda trouble? Get my girl's brother on the line, robot boy. (to Eep) And you, boy! Next time your mate's possessed by some evil psycho, you hit her in the head!
Percy (to Otto): You sure are one bossy feline, honey.
Otto (to Percy): If I didn't gotta be bossy, I wouldn't be. You gonna yak, or you gonna get something done?
Percy: Maltese Falcon, come in, Maltese Falcon. This is the airship, Clementine. Do you copy?
Vincent (to Percy): Percy? Is that you, hun? What can we do for you?
Percy (to Vincent): I uh, have some good news & some bad news, honey... Which would you like first?
Vincent (to Percy): Oh good heavens... Why don't I like the way you said "bad news?" Give me the good news first. Maybe it will soften the blow.
Percy (to Vincent): Oh you would ask for the good news first, honey... Eep & Otto came for a visit. Yay! Isn't that great? Aren't you excited?
Vincent (to Percy): Oh. Shit. What happened? What's wrong? Is Mouse OK?
Percy (to Otto): Cat, stop glaring at me... I'm working up to it. Did you know that in some cultures cats are considered a delicacy? (to Vincent) Oh, we think she's fine... It's just that she seems to be Hiiri, at the moment. She crossed over a couple hours ago & we're not sure what's going on. Eep can fill you in, while I fly us into New London.
Vincent (to Percy): WHAT!?!
Percy (to Vincent): Sorry... Concentrating. There's a wee bit of a storm over this way... Eep can explain.
Vincent (to Eep): Before you start, Slim, I need you to remain calm. I know you're freaked, but the more I know, the more I can help.
Eep (to Vincent): It's Hiiri. She's... She's inside Mouse's head somehow. She... She said that she would stop Mouse's heart if I didn't... If I didn't show her the trunk the Davenport sisters gave us. She started choking her... Vincent, I...
Vincent (to Eep): It's alright, Slim. I understand. How did you know it was Hiiri and not Mouse? What did she say to you, exactly?
Eep (to Vincent): She said she'd downloaded her consciousness into 4 people, including Carver, and that she was gonna download her... her... her whatever into a new chassis, and then she would let Mouse go home. Vincent! She won't. You know she won't!
Vincent (to Eep): I know, Slim. I know. Take it easy. We'll find her. And keep in mind, sister dearest isn't utterly helpless. It will be OK. Put Percy back on.
Percy (to Vincent): Yes, honey?
Vincent (to Percy): How's the storm situation, hun? Are you guys OK?
Percy (to Vincent): Yeah, I think we've gotten through the worst of it... We're not far from the city now... I'm really worried about Eep, honey. It's been a rough couple of days... His birthday was yesterday, some stupid shit happened, and now this... I'm actually surprised he's dealing with this as well as he is. But, I'm worried he's going to snap.
Vincent (to Percy): Oh God... I wouldn't imagine he's doing too well. This is too close to what happened before. I can not blame him. He mentioned that Hiiri stored her consciousness in 4 separate people. Is that even possible?
Percy (to Vincent): I have no idea, honey... I had never even heard of it being done before now. I mean, I suppose it could be possible. Mouse & Hiiri share a common brainwave pattern since Hiiri is based on Mouse. I'm not sure anyone else would be compatible. If it did, you'd probably get file corruption & the personality matrix might not synch correctly. It could cause multiple personalities or psychotic breaks, if it fails... This is all speculation. of course. I would really need to look at the schematics and the hardware to figure out how it works completely.
Vincent (to Percy): Well, not to make the situation MORE terrifying, but apparently one of the vessels she used is Carver.
Percy (to Vincent): Hmmm, I don't suppose we could simply ask him if he's been experiencing anything out of the ordinary, huh?
Vincent (to Percy): Seriously. Who would even notice if Carver were having a psychotic break? We're going to need Klaude and Tesla's help with this one, hun.
Percy (to Vincent): Agreed. I can drop Eep & Otto off with you and then I'll head to the monastery, honey. Where are you docked currently?
Vincent (to Percy): That sounds good, hun. We're over in Londinium. Achilles has been snooping around the Inn, I'm afraid.
Percy (to Vincent): Oh... When it rains, it pours. We'll be circling over Londinium momentarily, honey. I'll land over by the ornamental pond.
Vincent (to Percy): Right. See you then, Percy. Thank you.
Percy (to Eep): We'll be landing in a few minutes. How you holding up?
Eep (to Percy): Fine.
Percy (to Eep): Really? You don't seem fine to me. If you clench your jaw any tighter, you might bite your face off.
Eep (to Percy): Yeah. Well, what do you want me to say. This is the second time I've let the woman I love get taken away by a lunatic. I'm not exactly gonna be thrilled about the whole situation, you know.
Percy (to Eep): I know, honey. We'll figure out how to get Mouse back in one piece... Here's where you & Otto get out. I'm heading directly to the monastery to tell Tesla what's going on & then to round up Klaude.
Eep (to Percy): Yeah. Right. Thanks. See you later.
A few minutes later:
Poppy (to Eep): Oh god, Eep! Are you okay? Vincent told me what happened. Do you want a drink? A cigarette? (to Otto) And you! You had to have known something was going on with Mouse. Why didn't you say anything?
Otto (to Poppy): Cause I can't TALK on that side, girl. Believe me, I was tryin'. Those two can be thicker than molasses.
Eep (to Poppy): Hey. I'm fine. Um, no. I mean, yes, but I don't wanna smoke around you. You know. Baby and all.
Poppy (to Otto): Well, that is true but, you're so much smarter than they are. You could have figured something out, I'm sure of it. (to Eep) Honey, we're in Londinium, at the moment, cigarette smoke would be a blessing to breath instead of the air here.
Otto (to Poppy): That may be true, but not even I knew what was going on with my girl, sister. I just knew something wasn't right.
Eep (to Poppy): Oh. Right. Um, if you've got one, I'd appreciate it.
Poppy (to Otto): Fair enough. Max is in the cargo hold, if you want to say hello. (to Eep) Here you go, honey... There's also more in a cupboard on the ship. I figured you might want them. Oh god... Don't look like that... I can be nice. Besides, you're family, now.
Otto (to Poppy): Well, thank God there's someone on your barge with sense.
Eep (to Poppy): Sorry. I didn't mean to be making a face. I just... Oh God...
Poppy (to Otto): I love you too, old man. (to Eep) Oh honey... Let's go take a walk around the pond. It's not much, but if you need a moment to lose your shit, no one will see. Come on... (to Vincent) Vincent, my love, I'm going to take Eep for a walk, while you're figuring out a plan of attack... Heehee, I even managed to say that with a straight-face... Oops. :-P
Vincent (to Poppy): That's what I love about you, lover. Your sense of humor.
Eep (to Poppy): I'm fine. I mean, I'm not, but I'll survive. She told me, you know. Told me that she was hearing Hiiri. I just thought...
Poppy (to Eep): That she was crazy, honey?
Eep (to Poppy): What? No! I thought she was just still stressed out. You know? After what she went thought. Your head can get scrambled. I don't know... I let her leave, Poppy. I just let her go.
Poppy (to Eep): What were you supposed to do, honey? Hiiri might be in there, but it's still Mouse. Anyone in your position would have done the same thing... Well, I probably would have shot Vincent, if it was him, but then I have a loose relationship with morals. And, I'm a pretty terrible example... Oh god, my poor child is going to have it so rough. We'll get her back in one piece, honey... I know it seems impossible right this second, but it'll work out. I have faith. We'll get her back in one piece, honey... I know it seems impossible right this second, but it'll work out. I have faith.
Eep (to Poppy): Yeah. We'd better. And don't worry. From the looks of it, your kid turns out alright.
Poppy (to Eep): Oh yeah, honey... Keep that in mind. Victor never said anything bad happened to Mouse, so we must get her back. Speaking of Victor, you want to feel him kick?
Eep (to Poppy): Oh. Uh... Yeah. I guess so... Oh. Wow. He's, uh... He's kinda forceful, there, isn't he?
Poppy (to Eep): Heehee, takes after his papa. Do you want to sit at the pond for a bit & smoke your cigarette? I can leave you alone, if you'd like.
Eep (to Poppy): No. No. I'm alright. I'd just really like to see what we can do to get Mouse back.
Poppy (to Eep): Okay, honey. Let's go and see if my husband has figured something out or if he's still freak... I mean, thinking.
A couple hours later:
Hiiri (to Carver): Little brother, what took you so long? I was beginning to think you abandoned me.
Carver (to Hiiri): We're very sorry, ma'am. As we said, we had obligations, and needed to make our excuses, ma'am.
Hiiri (to Carver): Well, it is good to see you. Have you gotten taller or am I shorter?
Carver (to Hiiri): We're not sure, ma'am. You certainly look much different, ma'am. Much, much different...
Hiiri (to Carver): Well, that's easily explainable, little brother, as this is Mouse. But, I have an appointment with Maladori tomorrow to remedy this current situation. I won't be flesh much longer... It's so squishy, not to mention a little crowded in here.
Mouse (to Carver): It's Carver, isn't it? Could you please help me?
Carver (to Hiiri): That is very interesting, ma'am. Very interesting indeed.
Hiiri (to Mouse): You are barking up the wrong tree, dear. Carver's not going to help you. (to Carver) Would you be a dear and fetch us transportation for tomorrow, little brother? And when you get back, I want to hear all about what you've been doing while I've been away.
Mouse (to Carver): Don't listen to her, Carver... You're just a tool to her. She did this to you, too.
Hiiri (to Mouse): Hush you. Time for you to go back to sleep. (to Carver) Terribly sorry about that, little brother. She's not handling this temporary co-existence very well.
Carver (to Hiiri): Of course, ma'am. We'll see you very soon, ma'am. You too, Miss Mouse. Oh. And, we know about the extra company, ma'am. We quite enjoy her. We've named her Miss Starling, ma'am.
Hiiri (to Carver): Oh well that is an unexpected side effect. But, I'm glad you like her. Consider her my gift to you. If you'd like, maybe we could ask Maladori to give her a body of her own? Entirely up to you, of course.
Carver (to Hiiri): That's very generous, ma'am. It will be up to her, of course, but we shall ask, ma'am.
Hiiri (to Carver): Well, I am going to find myself a room for the night, little brother. Apparently, the body needs rest. It has been a busy day.
Carver (to Hiiri): Of couse, ma'am. We and Miss Starling shall see about transportation, ma'am.
Several hours later:
Mouse: Can anyone hear me? I'm trying to get a hold of the Maltese Falcon. I have no idea if I'm doing this correctly. Help. (to Vincent) Little brother... I hope you get this message. Hiiri is taking me, um, us to see Maladori tomorrow. She's gotten a hold of Carver, so he's helping her again. Be on the lookout for him. He went in search of transportation. Tell Eep I love him.
Vincent (to Mouse): Mouse?! Is that you? Where are you? Eep is here with us, sweetie.
Mouse (to Vincent): A hotel near some pub called the Mangy Cur. Hiiri's asleep, right now... This is the weirdest sensation. She keeps knocking me out, but I figured out how to fight it. This last time I faked it working so I could try & get help. God, She killed someone for his clothes and money... I don't know how long I can take this.
Vincent (to Mouse): I know, hun. We're coming to get you. Try to stay in control as long as you can.
Mouse (to Vincent): I'm trying my best... Can I talk to Eep for a minute?
Eep (to Mouse): Mouse?
Mouse (to Eep): Hi there, Felix... Are you okay? I am so sorry about all of this.
Eep (to Mouse): I'm... I'm so sorry, Mouse. I'm so, so sorry. I should have never let her...
Mouse (to Eep): It's okay. Look, I don't know how much time I have, but I wanted to tell you something. I have loved every minute of being with you, even with all of the terrible stuff & I am so happy that we found each other. And, I can't be responsible for letting Hiiri loose on this world again, if it looks like it's going to happen, I'm going to stop her... So, please hurry.
Eep (to Mouse): What are you talking about? Mouse, what that fuck are you gonna do? (to Vincent) Can't you make this thing go faster?!
Mouse (to Eep): I don't know yet... But, just know that I love you... Shit, I've gotta go. Someone's coming.
Eep (to Mouse): I love you!
Carver (to Mouse): Hello, Miss Mouse. We assume our mistress is asleep, and you are awake, ma'am. Please come with us.
Mouse (to Carver): Oh god... What are you going to do? Where are you taking me? Please, Carver, where exactly are you taking me? You know, Hiiri won't be happy, if you hurt me.
Carver (to Mouse): We're not going to hurt you, miss. Not just yet. We're taking you to see Captain Potter, miss. Although, we must admit, the idea of being able to stab our mistress is extremely intriguing to Other Carver, miss.
Mouse (to Carver): Why would you want to stab Hiiri, Carver? I mean, I know she's insane, but... Wow. Poor thing. You must have had a rough life.
Carver (to Mouse): We're sorry, ma'am. We don't quite understand. We worked for our mistress, ma'am. We appreciated working for her, but... We're learning much more at our current place of employment, ma'am. Other Carver is just curious, ma'am. We were never able to stab her before. The possibility that we can do it now is intriguing.
Mouse (to Carver): She's not going to be very happy with you for helping me. You do realize that?
Carver (to Mouse): We wouldn't imagine so, ma'am, but since she was most likely going to kill us in the morning, we didn't see many other options.
Mouse (to Carver): Wow... I have an overwhelming urge to give you a hug, but I'm afraid you'd stab me.
Carver (to Mouse): We would indeed, ma'am. Miss Starling is especially unhappy with you, ma'am. She was hoping to get a body of her own.
Mouse (to Carver): You can just call me Mouse. Ma'am sounds really old and formal. Ummm, who's Starling?
Carver (to Mouse): We could, ma'am, but we doubt we will. Our mistress planted a similar bit of herself in our mind as well, ma'am. We named her Starling, ma'am. She and Other Carver and I have become quite close, ma'am.
Mouse (to Carver): Wow... I don't think there's much more I can say to all of that... We may want to hurry, Carver. I think Hiiri's waking up.
An hour later:
Carver (to Vincent & Poppy): Hello Captain Potter, Mrs. Potter. We believe this young lady was looking for you, sir, ma'am. We would advise restraints, sir. Have a good evening.
Vincent (to Carver): What? Carver?! (to Mouse) Mouse? Is that you, or the other one?
Poppy (to Carver): Why are you helping us, honey?
Carver (to Poppy): We'll explain it to you sometime, ma'am. Have a good evening.
Poppy (to Carver): Thank you, Carver.
Mouse (to Vincent): No, it's me, little brother... Oh, that probably doesn't help. Look, you're going need to restrain me or lock me up. Hiiri's waking up. I'm trying to keep her asleep, but I don't know how long I can keep doing it. I'm getting tired myself.
Vincent (to Mouse): You've got it, hun. (to Poppy) Could you give me a hand, lover?
Poppy (to Vincent): Of course, honey... How are we going to explain this to Eep?
Mouse (to Poppy & Vincent): He'll understand... Hurry.
Vincent (to Poppy): We're going to hope we don't give him a new fetish, for one.
Hiiri (to Poppy & Vincent): Oh look, it's the Wonder Twins... Poppy, did you eat the monkey? ... Manacles, really? And, it's not even my birthday.
Vincent (to Hiiri): Hello, Hiiri. We wondered when you were going to make an appearance. Please do behave, or I will let Poppy shoot you. She's been itching to use her pistol on someone for weeks.
Hiiri (to Vincent):HAHA... Really? You'd let her shoot your sister? I'm assuming that Mister Tall, Dark & Brooding told you about my little parlor trick. Let me go or I'll stop Mouse's heart... I don't want to hurt her, but I will. If she's dead, I'll just jump into another backup body... Actually, I should do that anyway and go give the little traitor a piece of my mind.
Vincent (to Hiiri): I was afraid you were going to say that. (to Poppy) Hun? Would you mind?
Poppy (to Vincent): Not at all... (to Hiiri) This might hurt.
Mouse (to Vincent & Poppy): Gah! Ow... What the hell!?! Did you just shoot me?
Poppy (to Mouse): Sorry, honey, but Hiiri was getting a little annoying. On the plus side, it seems to kick you back in control.
Vincent (to Poppy & Mouse): Did we... Did we just knock Hiiri out, but NOT Mouse? What... How did that even work?
Poppy (to Vincent): I have no idea, lover. This is way beyond anything I understand.
Mouse (to Vincent & Poppy): Great... So, you can just keep shooting me for the rest of my life... That sounds like a great plan.
Vincent (to Mouse): Yes. That's our whole plan. You don't mind, do you? (to Poppy) You and me both.
Mouse (to Vincent): You go right ahead. I always wanted to be lit up like a christmas tree... Of course, I mind. That hurt.
Vincent (to Mouse): Actually, sweetie, I'm afraid we're going to have to keep you sedated and restrained the entire time. (to Poppy) I think we're going to have to go back to Colorado Springs, hun.
Mouse (to Vincent): I understand... Boy, this sucks. Little brother, you've got to promise me that if this goes pear-shaped that you'll get Tesla to put me in stasis or something... I don't want to be responsible for letting my evil twin out into the world.
Poppy (to Vincent): I think you're right, honey. I'm going to go talk to Eep... I don't want him walking in on this unaware.
Vincent (to Poppy): Oh! That's a good idea, hun. (to Mouse) We'll figure it out, Mouse. Don't worry. We won't let her out, and I promise I won't let her hurt you. We've got Klaude Davenport and Tesla on our side, and they've never met a problem they couldn't fix.
Mouse (to Vincent): It's pretty bad, huh? You don't normally call me Mouse, unless it's pretty bad. I get it. No one understands how this was done in the first place, so how can anyone fix it? I mean, other than the person who figured it out to begin with... Maladori.
Vincent (to Poppy): Don't worry. It's not hopeless. We'll fix it. Heh. I didn't call you Emmeline, did I?
Mouse (to Vincent): No... if you did that, I'd know I was dying.
Poppy (to Eep): Eep, honey? I've got some news.
Eep (to Poppy): Oh God...
Poppy (to Eep): Mouse is safely aboard... but we had to restrain her. It's just until we can figure out how to get Hiiri out. But, I didn't want you stumbling into the cargo hold without knowing what was going on, honey... But, she's awake if you want to see her.
Eep (to Poppy): Oh thank God. I thought... I thought you were gonna say... Something else. Yeah. I'd like to see her. Thanks.
Poppy (to Eep): Okay... Brace yourself.
Eep (to Poppy): OK. Braced.
Poppy (to Mouse): Hey, are you up for a visitor? There's someone who really wants to see you.
Eep (to Mouse): Hey.
Mouse (to Eep): Hey you... So, ummm, good news... I'm not going crazy... I just happen to have an evil twin living in my head. Go figure.
Poppy (to Vincent): Honey, let's give 'em some privacy. (to Eep & Mouse) We'll be just outside if you need us.
Mouse (to Poppy): Thanks.
Vincent (to Poppy): Good idea, hun. (to Eep) I gave Mouse a sedative, so don't freak out when she starts to get sleepy. She'll be alright, Slim.
Eep (to Mouse): Jesus Christ... I thought... I thought Hiiri had...
Mouse (to Eep): No, no... She said I was worth more to her alive, so she was going to keep me that way. I'm okay... Relatively speaking. I mean, aside from the tranquilizer & being shot, I'm good... How are you?
Eep (to Mouse): You got SHOT? Jesus... Why the fuck did you... Nevermind. It's OK. You're OK. I'm OK. I love you, Mouse. We'll figure this out.
Mouse (to Eep): I love you too... So, uh, is this the worst birthday ever or have you had worse?
Eep (to Mouse): What? Oh. Oh Jesus. I forgot. Yeah. This definitely ranks up there in the top two.
Mouse (to Eep): Heh... I'll try harder next time... Ooo... I think the sedative is starting to kick in.
Eep (to Mouse): OK. Give me a kiss, then. Good night, pretty lady. I'll be right here when you wake up.
Mouse (to Eep): Okay... I like kissing you... You're handsome...
Eep (to Mouse): I like kissing you too. I'll see you soon.
Vincent (to Eep): Is she sleeping?
Eep (to Vincent): Yeah. Can we fix this, Vincent? Honestly?
Vincent (to Eep): We will. Come on. Come get something to eat and get some sleep. You look like hell.
Mouse: Can anyone hear me? I'm trying to get a hold of the Maltese Falcon. I have no idea if I'm doing this correctly. Help. (to Vincent) Little brother... I hope you get this message. Hiiri is taking me, um, us to see Maladori tomorrow. She's gotten a hold of Carver, so he's helping her again. Be on the lookout for him. He went in search of transportation. Tell Eep I love him.
Vincent (to Mouse): Mouse?! Is that you? Where are you? Eep is here with us, sweetie.
Mouse (to Vincent): A hotel near some pub called the Mangy Cur. Hiiri's asleep, right now... This is the weirdest sensation. She keeps knocking me out, but I figured out how to fight it. This last time I faked it working so I could try & get help. God, She killed someone for his clothes and money... I don't know how long I can take this.
Vincent (to Mouse): I know, hun. We're coming to get you. Try to stay in control as long as you can.
Mouse (to Vincent): I'm trying my best... Can I talk to Eep for a minute?
Eep (to Mouse): Mouse?
Mouse (to Eep): Hi there, Felix... Are you okay? I am so sorry about all of this.
Eep (to Mouse): I'm... I'm so sorry, Mouse. I'm so, so sorry. I should have never let her...
Mouse (to Eep): It's okay. Look, I don't know how much time I have, but I wanted to tell you something. I have loved every minute of being with you, even with all of the terrible stuff & I am so happy that we found each other. And, I can't be responsible for letting Hiiri loose on this world again, if it looks like it's going to happen, I'm going to stop her... So, please hurry.
Eep (to Mouse): What are you talking about? Mouse, what that fuck are you gonna do? (to Vincent) Can't you make this thing go faster?!
Mouse (to Eep): I don't know yet... But, just know that I love you... Shit, I've gotta go. Someone's coming.
Eep (to Mouse): I love you!
Carver (to Mouse): Hello, Miss Mouse. We assume our mistress is asleep, and you are awake, ma'am. Please come with us.
Mouse (to Carver): Oh god... What are you going to do? Where are you taking me? Please, Carver, where exactly are you taking me? You know, Hiiri won't be happy, if you hurt me.
Carver (to Mouse): We're not going to hurt you, miss. Not just yet. We're taking you to see Captain Potter, miss. Although, we must admit, the idea of being able to stab our mistress is extremely intriguing to Other Carver, miss.
Mouse (to Carver): Why would you want to stab Hiiri, Carver? I mean, I know she's insane, but... Wow. Poor thing. You must have had a rough life.
Carver (to Mouse): We're sorry, ma'am. We don't quite understand. We worked for our mistress, ma'am. We appreciated working for her, but... We're learning much more at our current place of employment, ma'am. Other Carver is just curious, ma'am. We were never able to stab her before. The possibility that we can do it now is intriguing.
Mouse (to Carver): She's not going to be very happy with you for helping me. You do realize that?
Carver (to Mouse): We wouldn't imagine so, ma'am, but since she was most likely going to kill us in the morning, we didn't see many other options.
Mouse (to Carver): Wow... I have an overwhelming urge to give you a hug, but I'm afraid you'd stab me.
Carver (to Mouse): We would indeed, ma'am. Miss Starling is especially unhappy with you, ma'am. She was hoping to get a body of her own.
Mouse (to Carver): You can just call me Mouse. Ma'am sounds really old and formal. Ummm, who's Starling?
Carver (to Mouse): We could, ma'am, but we doubt we will. Our mistress planted a similar bit of herself in our mind as well, ma'am. We named her Starling, ma'am. She and Other Carver and I have become quite close, ma'am.
Mouse (to Carver): Wow... I don't think there's much more I can say to all of that... We may want to hurry, Carver. I think Hiiri's waking up.
An hour later:
Carver (to Vincent & Poppy): Hello Captain Potter, Mrs. Potter. We believe this young lady was looking for you, sir, ma'am. We would advise restraints, sir. Have a good evening.
Vincent (to Carver): What? Carver?! (to Mouse) Mouse? Is that you, or the other one?
Poppy (to Carver): Why are you helping us, honey?
Carver (to Poppy): We'll explain it to you sometime, ma'am. Have a good evening.
Poppy (to Carver): Thank you, Carver.
Mouse (to Vincent): No, it's me, little brother... Oh, that probably doesn't help. Look, you're going need to restrain me or lock me up. Hiiri's waking up. I'm trying to keep her asleep, but I don't know how long I can keep doing it. I'm getting tired myself.
Vincent (to Mouse): You've got it, hun. (to Poppy) Could you give me a hand, lover?
Poppy (to Vincent): Of course, honey... How are we going to explain this to Eep?
Mouse (to Poppy & Vincent): He'll understand... Hurry.
Vincent (to Poppy): We're going to hope we don't give him a new fetish, for one.
Hiiri (to Poppy & Vincent): Oh look, it's the Wonder Twins... Poppy, did you eat the monkey? ... Manacles, really? And, it's not even my birthday.
Vincent (to Hiiri): Hello, Hiiri. We wondered when you were going to make an appearance. Please do behave, or I will let Poppy shoot you. She's been itching to use her pistol on someone for weeks.
Hiiri (to Vincent):HAHA... Really? You'd let her shoot your sister? I'm assuming that Mister Tall, Dark & Brooding told you about my little parlor trick. Let me go or I'll stop Mouse's heart... I don't want to hurt her, but I will. If she's dead, I'll just jump into another backup body... Actually, I should do that anyway and go give the little traitor a piece of my mind.
Vincent (to Hiiri): I was afraid you were going to say that. (to Poppy) Hun? Would you mind?
Poppy (to Vincent): Not at all... (to Hiiri) This might hurt.
Mouse (to Vincent & Poppy): Gah! Ow... What the hell!?! Did you just shoot me?
Poppy (to Mouse): Sorry, honey, but Hiiri was getting a little annoying. On the plus side, it seems to kick you back in control.
Vincent (to Poppy & Mouse): Did we... Did we just knock Hiiri out, but NOT Mouse? What... How did that even work?
Poppy (to Vincent): I have no idea, lover. This is way beyond anything I understand.
Mouse (to Vincent & Poppy): Great... So, you can just keep shooting me for the rest of my life... That sounds like a great plan.
Vincent (to Mouse): Yes. That's our whole plan. You don't mind, do you? (to Poppy) You and me both.
Mouse (to Vincent): You go right ahead. I always wanted to be lit up like a christmas tree... Of course, I mind. That hurt.
Vincent (to Mouse): Actually, sweetie, I'm afraid we're going to have to keep you sedated and restrained the entire time. (to Poppy) I think we're going to have to go back to Colorado Springs, hun.
Mouse (to Vincent): I understand... Boy, this sucks. Little brother, you've got to promise me that if this goes pear-shaped that you'll get Tesla to put me in stasis or something... I don't want to be responsible for letting my evil twin out into the world.
Poppy (to Vincent): I think you're right, honey. I'm going to go talk to Eep... I don't want him walking in on this unaware.
Vincent (to Poppy): Oh! That's a good idea, hun. (to Mouse) We'll figure it out, Mouse. Don't worry. We won't let her out, and I promise I won't let her hurt you. We've got Klaude Davenport and Tesla on our side, and they've never met a problem they couldn't fix.
Mouse (to Vincent): It's pretty bad, huh? You don't normally call me Mouse, unless it's pretty bad. I get it. No one understands how this was done in the first place, so how can anyone fix it? I mean, other than the person who figured it out to begin with... Maladori.
Vincent (to Poppy): Don't worry. It's not hopeless. We'll fix it. Heh. I didn't call you Emmeline, did I?
Mouse (to Vincent): No... if you did that, I'd know I was dying.
Poppy (to Eep): Eep, honey? I've got some news.
Eep (to Poppy): Oh God...
Poppy (to Eep): Mouse is safely aboard... but we had to restrain her. It's just until we can figure out how to get Hiiri out. But, I didn't want you stumbling into the cargo hold without knowing what was going on, honey... But, she's awake if you want to see her.
Eep (to Poppy): Oh thank God. I thought... I thought you were gonna say... Something else. Yeah. I'd like to see her. Thanks.
Poppy (to Eep): Okay... Brace yourself.
Eep (to Poppy): OK. Braced.
Poppy (to Mouse): Hey, are you up for a visitor? There's someone who really wants to see you.
Eep (to Mouse): Hey.
Mouse (to Eep): Hey you... So, ummm, good news... I'm not going crazy... I just happen to have an evil twin living in my head. Go figure.
Poppy (to Vincent): Honey, let's give 'em some privacy. (to Eep & Mouse) We'll be just outside if you need us.
Mouse (to Poppy): Thanks.
Vincent (to Poppy): Good idea, hun. (to Eep) I gave Mouse a sedative, so don't freak out when she starts to get sleepy. She'll be alright, Slim.
Eep (to Mouse): Jesus Christ... I thought... I thought Hiiri had...
Mouse (to Eep): No, no... She said I was worth more to her alive, so she was going to keep me that way. I'm okay... Relatively speaking. I mean, aside from the tranquilizer & being shot, I'm good... How are you?
Eep (to Mouse): You got SHOT? Jesus... Why the fuck did you... Nevermind. It's OK. You're OK. I'm OK. I love you, Mouse. We'll figure this out.
Mouse (to Eep): I love you too... So, uh, is this the worst birthday ever or have you had worse?
Eep (to Mouse): What? Oh. Oh Jesus. I forgot. Yeah. This definitely ranks up there in the top two.
Mouse (to Eep): Heh... I'll try harder next time... Ooo... I think the sedative is starting to kick in.
Eep (to Mouse): OK. Give me a kiss, then. Good night, pretty lady. I'll be right here when you wake up.
Mouse (to Eep): Okay... I like kissing you... You're handsome...
Eep (to Mouse): I like kissing you too. I'll see you soon.
Vincent (to Eep): Is she sleeping?
Eep (to Vincent): Yeah. Can we fix this, Vincent? Honestly?
Vincent (to Eep): We will. Come on. Come get something to eat and get some sleep. You look like hell.
