A Strange & Winding Road: Day 78

Vincent: Ooo. Babies are expensive. Why did no one see fit to inform me exactly HOW expensive babies are.

Percy (to Vincent): Hi there, honey... Oooo, what's with that face?

Vincent (to Percy): It's the oldest and most boring of tales, hun. Money issues.

Percy (to Vincent): Oh, that does sound boring, honey... Well, you could always get another job or go back to pirating, I suppose.

Vincent (to Percy): Heh. We were actually thinking of taking a jobs here and there. Poppy's getting a might restless staying home all day. Apparently, neither one of us handles "down time" very well. How are you doing, hun? No ill effects from Gideon's security system, I hope. Have you had any leads on the wayward brother?

Percy (to Vincent): Heh... I took a few days off to recuperate, but I think all my systems are functioning properly. It's looking like Gideon has crossed back over, so I'm sorry to say that I've lost him, for the moment. I'm not really surprised that you two aren't enjoying the downtime, you both have never been very good about staying out of trouble... Historically speaking, anyway.

Vincent (to Percy): Heh. I suppose not even a little bit, and apparently, any attempt on my behalf to behave myself makes me boring. :-P Speaking of getting into trouble, I hear rumors that you and your lady friend Wanda have been quite the industrious pair. Hee hee hee. Am I going to have to pick up three people from jail next time?

Percy (to Vincent): Whatever do you mean, honey? ... Oh, you mean, Lulu. Don't you? She's lovely. We chatted for hours about the existence of wormholes through space & time. And, the theoretical possibility of portals to other dimensions. She was even a little over the top for me on a few things. I clearly need to do a bit more reading on this side. Not to mention a superb kisser... It's really too bad you're all well-behaved these days.

Vincent (to Percy): Heh. You sound quite smitten, Mr. Meriwether. She went over YOUR head on the theoretical possibility of wormholes? Really? Hmm. Interesting... And don't waste any tears on me or my good behavior, hun. There's really not any need.

Percy (to Vincent): Well, not really... since I have knowledge that wormholes actually exist, but some of her theories of how they're created and how they could be controlled were new concepts to me... it was honestly quite refreshing.

Vincent (to Percy): She has theories on how wormholes could be controlled? Hmmm... No wonder Poppy doesn't trust her.

Percy (to Vincent): Poppy doesn't trust her? Well, that's very interesting. Everything we talked about was completely theoretical. She has no idea that portals really exist. It was just nice to be able to talk to someone without having to dumb myself down, honey.

Vincent (to Percy): Heh. I'll bet it was for Lulu as well. Well, well...

Percy (to Vincent): You seem a bit surprised, honey.

Vincent (to Percy): Do I? Let's just say a whole lot of things started making sense. Hee hee. I wonder if this is what Mouse & Eep felt like... Sorry, hun. I was lost in my own thoughts a moment there.

Percy (to Vincent): Heehee, it's okay, honey. Well, I really should run. I've got to get back to the Davenports. Emmett is preparing for a big conference or something & I told her I'd help pack up her trunks.

Vincent (to Percy): Oh dear. Good luck! If you hear about any jobs that don't sound like they'd get us in too much trouble, send them along!

Percy (to Vincent): Oh... Well, now that you mention it. I do know that Bernard & Molly were looking for a transport to pick up some supplies. But, you probably want to avoid the in-laws, honey.

Vincent (to Percy): Are you kidding? If we were to go to Britannia and NOT visit the Inn, Molly would skin us alive.

Percy (to Vincent): Well, stop in and say hello the next time you're through, they might have some work for you. Toodles!

A Strange & Winding Road: Day 77

Eep (to Vincent): Who... Vincent? What? What the hell are you doing out here? Wait. Is everything OK?

Vincent (to Eep): Oh. Hey, Slim. I didn't expect you'd be awake. Everything was fine. I was just taking the Little Man out for a walk. I was telling him about when I first met his Auntie Mouse. I can't believe that was only 6 years ago. It feels like a lifetime.

Eep (to Vincent): I'll bet. Um, I've wanted to ask you about something. For a while but I wasn't sure how to bring it up... 

Vincent (to Eep): Oh? You should know by now I have no shame. Do I, Victor? Hee hee. What's up?

Eep (to Vincent): Back when Hiiri did that, uh, whatever she did to Mouse's head, and she was taunting you, when she was in the cell... Um, she mentioned something that really pissed you off. About, um... she, uh...

Vincent (to Eep): She called me a murderer. I remember. Heh. I'll admit, I was hoping you'd forget.

Eep (to Vincent): Yeah. You mentioned that you had red in ledger. What was she talking about? Look, you don't gotta tell me if you don't want to, but I know how shitty it feels to carry around some giant secret. What happened? I don't care what the fuck Hiiri says. I can't see you murdering anybody.

Vincent (to Eep): Oh. I appreciate the sentiment, Slim. And, I really wish I could disagree with you. When I crewed with Alistair, he agreed to help a man named Drake capture a huge royal airship called the Reliant. 

Eep (to Vincent): Holy fucking God. Did they kill the crew? Oh. Yeah. Stupid question. Sorry. So, uh, were you there when they were...

Vincent (to Eep): Drake was a nasty piece of work. He and his crew... They boarded the ship first, and they weren't keen on taking prisoners. ... No. I was part of the second wave. I was there for the aftermath, which was... It wasn't very pleasant. Eleven people were killed before we could stop Drake's men. It was a massacre. It was our fault it was a massacre. We knocked out their security system, and took out most of the weapons. If we hadn't, then it wouldn't have been so horrible.

Eep (to Vincent): Fat Christ! I don't know what to say, Vincent. I really don't. Did you, uh, did you actually kill anyone?

Vincent (to Eep): Personally, you mean? No. I was shot early into the raid when I tried to stop Drake from assaulting some poor young lady. I blacked out after that. I'm not quite the good-hearted charmer you thought I was, am I?

Eep (to Vincent): Oh Christ! Knock it off with that self-berating bullshit. Yeah, you got involved in something stupid, and shitty. Uh... OK. Really shitty. Really, REALLY shitty. But it doesn't mean you're a like a psycho or anything. Hiiri's full of it. Mouse know about this?

Vincent (to Eep): I... What? That is SO not the reaction I expected. And, of course my sister doesn't know. I didn't want her to know I was a...

Eep (to Vincent): Stop. Just stop with that. I haven't slept. I don't have the energy for it. Tell her. She loves you. She still will. You gotta learn to trust that, you know.

Vincent (to Eep): ... Heh. I think you may have rendered me speechless, Slim. Thank you. You're probably right. Anyhoo, I should get going. Little Man will most likely wake up from his nap hungry. I'll see you two later. Bye.

Eep (to Vincent): Yeah. Later.

A few minutes later:

Eep: Jesus Christ…

Mouse (to Eep): Hey sexy man... I'd offer to give you a hug, but Otto made me workout for the past 3 hours & I reek... He is so bossy. What's wrong? Did something happen?

Eep (to Mouse): Huh? No, no. Nothing's happened. Everyone's fine. I was just, uh... Christ. I don't even know what to say. I was just talking to your brother. Still processing, I guess.

Mouse (to Eep): Phooey, he didn't even come & say hello, that little jerk... So, you two had a serious talk, I'm guessing, judging by the look. Anything you want to talk about or is this a guy thing?

Eep (to Mouse): Yeah, he ran off pretty quick. He used Victor as an excuse. It was... Yeah. Serious. I wanna talk to you about it, but... I dunno. I feel like maybe he should be the one to do it.

Mouse (to Eep): Oh... That good, huh?

Eep (to Mouse): Yeah. Hiiri said something to upset him when she did that, um, whammy thing to you, and I asked him about it. Gimme a hug for a second. I don't care how sweaty you are.

Mouse (to Eep):  Oh, I see... It's okay. This is about some of the stuff Vincent did when he was crewing with Alistair, isn't it? I knew there was more to it than what he told me, I'm not an idiot... Percy showed me his file. Hiiri thought she could torment me about it, dropping hints & making tasteless jokes, but I already knew all about it. That's one of the difference between Hiiri & I. She likes to bring up nasty shit to make people off balance & upset them, I don't. I just figured when he was ready to talk about it, he would... or not.

Eep (to Mouse): Thank God! I had no idea how I was supposed to go walking around with that in my head without sticking my foot in my damn mouth. No offense, but your brother's kinda an idiot.

Mouse (to Eep): Heh. You're just figuring that out, now? Percy wasn't too happy when I asked him for the file & I promised on pain of death that I would not tell Vincent he gave it to me. So, I guess I should get cleaned up & go talk to my brother.

Eep (to Mouse): Yeah. You should. Get cleaned up, I mean. Heh. You kinda stink. Hey! Fuck off with that! I was teasing!

Mouse (to Eep): No, come here, I want to give you a great big stinky hug, first… Uh oh... I've now ruined you for the day. Looks like you'll have to get cleaned up, too. What a shame.

Eep (to Mouse): Yeah. Crying shame. Somehow, I think that was part of your plan. Course, I'm like a painter now, right? Being gross and unwashed is kinda expected. Maybe I should just stay this way.

Mouse (to Eep): Oh? If that's how you want to play this, then... Well, okay... Here, hold this... and this... Still feeling like you don't want to shower?

Eep (to Mouse): Fat Christ! You know, you could have just said, "I'll be naked in the shower," and that would have worked. God... But no. You had to go and be all gross about it.

Mouse (to Eep): You are no fun. Fine... I'm going to take a shower... where I will be naked, because that's what you do in a shower. If you see my husband, please let him know that I'd like him to join me.

Eep (to Mouse): Yeah, yeah. Like you handed me a pile of sweaty workout gear cause it was supposed to turn me on. Sell it somewhere else, lady.

Mouse (to Eep): I thought the fact that I was naked in front of you would make up for that part... my mistake. :-P

Eep (to Mouse):  Yeah, well...

Mouse (to Eep): Well then, give me back my clothes & I'll go take a shower.

Eep (to Mouse): No. ... I... Shit. I had something clever for this like two fucking minutes ago, you know. Stop being all distracting with your stupid sexiness and nudity and shit!

Mouse (to Eep): Heehee... Stupid sexiness?

Eep (to Mouse): Yeah. Maybe I think my wife is sexy. What of it?

Mouse (to Eep): Come with me, you big ninny.

A couple hours later:

Mouse (to Poppy): Hey Poppy! Is Vincent around?

Poppy (to Mouse): Yes, he's out on the balcony swinging his sword around, honey.

Mouse (to Poppy): Ummm, is that code for something?

Poppy (to Mouse): No, honey...You'll see.

Mouse (to Vincent): Hey, little brother... Oof... Watch where you're swinging that thing.

Vincent (to Mouse): Oh good heavens! Mouse? I'm so sorry, hun! I didn't hear you come outside. I didn't nick you, did I?

Mouse (to Vincent): Heehee, no. I'm fine. Sorry if I startled you.

Vincent (to Mouse): Whew! Thank goodness. Never scare a person with a pointy object, hun. It tends to end poorly.

Mouse (to Vincent): Yes, I'm well aware... So, what's the big deal with stopping over at my place & not even giving your sister a hug or a little wave hello? Are you mad at me or something? :-P

Vincent (to Mouse): Your husband is quite the tattletale, isn't he? I'm guessing our little chat earlier is why you're here?

Mouse (to Vincent): You are wise beyond your years, little brother. :-) Eep seemed a bit frazzled, so I thought I'd come talk to you.

Vincent (to Mouse): You might want to hold on to your thoughts on "wise" for a while. How much did Eep tell you?

Mouse (to Vincent): Not much, actually... He didn't have to.

Vincent (to Mouse): Wait... What?

Mouse (to Vincent): He didn't have to tell me anything, I guessed... I'm not an idiot, little brother.

Vincent (to Mouse): You... You *guessed*? How on earth did you guess? Did you know? You knew that I, I mean, I was a...? How did you know?

Mouse (to Vincent): I asked Percy to show me your ISS file... I've been telling you repeatedly that I picked stuff up when I was there. I just figured you'd talk to me about it when you were ready, but clearly I need to talk to you about it, instead. We've been through too much for me to be mad at you, you know?

Vincent (to Mouse): Oh? Oh. OH! That bloody file! You didn't read ALL of it did you? The eye witness accounts get a bit blue towards the back...

Mouse (to Vincent): I should say they do... and, complete total rubbish. Where do they get that stuff? Did you pay those people?

Vincent (to Mouse): Ha ha! No, no. I had nothing to do with those reports! Honest and for true. Well, not most of them at any rate. I'm sorry I didn't tell you about... Well, about a lot of things, actually. The Reliant was one of the reasons I didn't want to tell you about my little day trips over to Britannia. I mean, how was I supposed to explain THAT? "Hey, sweetie! Today I inadvertently helped a brute slaughter innocent people! How was your day?"

Mouse (to Vincent): Well, while a pyscho robot was downloaded into my brain she murdered several people using my own hands... so trust me, I can relate. But, you're my brother & I love you... So, no more secrets, okay?

Vincent (to Mouse): I know, hun, but you didn't have a choice in anything Hiiri did. I made all my own fool decisions. But I promise. No more big secrets. I know I should have told you, but I couldn't stand the idea of what you might think of me.

Mouse (to Vincent): You're an idiot, little brother. Come here & give me a hug.

Vincent (to Mouse): Thank you, sweetie. You're better than I deserve. I can't believe you actually read my ISS file. Oh good heavens! Say you didn't read the report about me running rum to the Colonies with Captain Birdie.

Mouse (to Vincent): You mean, the "pirate adventure rum"? Did you actually dress in drag to get through a checkpoint?

Vincent (to Mouse): Well. That answers that question. Are you honestly surprised I dressed in drag to keep from being arrested? I've done worse for tips at the club. Heh. The pregnant belly and bonnet were a nice touch.

Mouse (to Vincent): No, it doesn't surprise me at all. What does, is that you managed to keep it hidden from me for so long... I'm impressed that you didn't let anything slip.

Vincent (to Mouse): Heh. It's not all that impressive. It wasn't something I was overly proud of, hun, so not bringing it up was easy.

Mouse (to Vincent): So, do you have anything else you want to tell me that you've been hiding? An extra head? An evil twin? Secretly, you're the prince of Moldavia?

Vincent (to Mouse): Hee hee. Why? Is being an airship captain and a member of the Empire of Britannia's aristocracy not impressive enough for you?

Mouse (to Vincent): Heh... I suppose it will have to do, little brother. So, are we good? No more worrying about what I'll think of your dark & sinister past, okay?

Vincent (to Mouse): Heh. We're golden, big sister. Thank you.

Mouse (to Vincent): No need to thank me, little brother. That's what family is for. Now, take me to that tiny nephew of mine.

Vincent (to Mouse): Of course! I think he's starting to smile. Poppy insists he's too young, and it's just gas, but what does she know? :-P

A Strange & Winding Road: Day 76

Wanda (to Ripper): Morning! What's with the face? You're making a face. Why are you making a face? Do you want coffee?

Ripper (to Wanda): Yes, actually that was what I was trying to do, but I can't seem to find any mugs...

Wanda (to Ripper): Oh! Sorry. I was up early this morning and rearranging stuff. Here ya go.

Ripper (to Wanda): So, was that Lulu I saw slipping out of here earlier, again?

Wanda (to Ripper): Yep. She had to work at the bookstore this morning so she was up and out the door early. Dude. She should talk to her boss about not working mornings, like, ass early after you guys have an event. That SUCKS.

Ripper (to Wanda): Heh... So, you guys are hitting it off, huh? That figures.

Wanda (to Ripper): That's the same thing Percy said.

Ripper (to Wanda): Really? Is Percy jealous?

Wanda (to Ripper): I don't think so. He always seems like he's enjoying himself. I know it can get a little tricky with more than one person... Oh em GEE, do I know THAT for a fact, but we're not really serious or anything and so far every time he's... Am I TMI-ing you?

Ripper (to Wanda): Heh... Am I making that face? I have had my share of wild evenings... and it is really too early for this sort of discussion. I'm sorry if I seemed judgmental. It's just Lulu & I have some history.

Wanda (to Ripper): Ohhhh! That explains it. I didn't really think you'd be too scandalized. I mean, you're a DJ in an art school town. C'mon dude!

Ripper (to Wanda): Don't let Mouse ever hear you say something like that... She'd make that scowly face at you...

Wanda (to Ripper): Hee hee hee! YEAH she would. She's so old-fashioned sometimes. How does that work? Look where she works. Look at her BROTHER. It's too cute! So, did it end poorly? When people say "we have a history" it's never a happy history is it?

Ripper (to Wanda): It was just a fling right after Marco & I broke up. We were working at Pandora's... Let's just say, I was glad to get the job at Drac's for several reasons.

Wanda (to Ripper): Oh! No. Wait. I don't get it. If it was just a fling, why all the drama? She seems more than willing to keep things cas with me. She's not gonna get all Single White Female or something, is she? I do NOT wanna go through that again. Having someone steal and wear my dirty laundry once is PLENTY, thank you.

Ripper (to Wanda): No, no... It's just having 2 DJs in a booth who have a relationship even a casual one, well, it just got a bit competitive on many levels. It's one of the reasons why I'm often attracted to other DJs but at the same time, I know I shouldn't date them.

Wanda (to Ripper): Ohhh! OK. That makes sense. Hee hee. Guess I've never really run into that since I never really had much of a career.

Ripper (to Wanda): Wait... You actually had someone do that whole single white female thing?

Wanda (to Ripper): Huh? Oh. The dirty laundry thing? Yeah. It was CREEPY. I was living in student housing at the time... Super shitty, no a/c, all girls, you know how it goes. And this one girl just, like, FIXATED on me. She wanted me to join her Sailor Moon cult, or something. Anyway, we all kept our doors open, right? And she snuck in my room, and she grabbed an armful of random shit out of my hamper. Not even like sexy stuff, like underwear or socks, or something weirdos normally want. It was like a t-shirt and a pair of overalls and PJ pants. I dunno. Next time I see her... She's got it all on. ALL OF IT. PJ pants under the overalls and everything. Then she says, and THIS is the really icky part, she says, "tonight you'll have a visitor from the stars." Then she and her two creepster besties all STARE at me.

Ripper (to Wanda): Dear god... That's just... You're not pulling my leg, are you?

Wanda (to Ripper): Who would make something like that? Hee hee. Why do you think that Percy being a robot or whatever didn't even phase me?

Ripper (to Wanda): No, no I believe you, it's just that you have lived a very weird existence, Wanda.

Wanda (to Ripper): Yeah. A little bit. I'm gonna write a novel one day. Watch.

Ripper (to Wanda): Heh. I'm sure it'll be a best seller... Oh damn, is that the time? I need to get home & start packing up stuff. My landlord is supposed to be redoing my floors & a bunch of other renovations to the building & I need to make sure everything is boxed up and then, head over to my parents. God, I haven't lived with my parents since I was 18... this is going to be a fun month.

Wanda (to Ripper): Oh, man. Dude. That's gonna be fun on a bun, I'll bet. Good luck!

Ripper (to Wanda): Heh, yeah... on the plus side, I may make Robert meet my folks. Though, they'll probably love him. They really disliked Marco, my Dad thought he was a bit of a meathead... which he was.

Wanda (to Ripper): Hee hee. You should totes do it! It will make Robert SO uncomfortable, I'll bet. He'd never admit it, but it totes would.

Ripper (to Wanda): Unlike you, I don't generally like to torment my boyfriend... You really think he'd be uncomfortable?

Wanda (to Ripper): Prolly. He hasn't been in a relationship in a long time, you know. Though, maybe not. Robert's hard to figure sometimes.

Ripper (to Wanda): Well, we have been dating for quite awhile now & my Mom keeps dropping hints that she'd like to meet him... I guess I should just ask him if he'd like to come with me sometime while I'm staying there.

Wanda (to Ripper): DO IT! Stop looking like you've doomed yourself and just do it! I bet it'll be great! No go! Go pack up your shit!

Ripper (to Wanda): You're right. Well, I think I've procrastinated enough, I should get going. (to Robert) Here's your coffee. I'm gonna head over to pack. Up for dinner at my place, tonight? We can dine pizza ala cardboard boxes.

Robert (to Ripper): How can I refuse an offer like that? That sounds fine. Was Wanda yakking your ear off out there?

Ripper (to Robert): Heh. Just a bit... Though, strangely she sometimes makes sense, interspersed with the bizarre babblings. So, how would you feel about coming to meet my folks while I'm crashing there for the month? She seemed to think you wouldn't want to do it.

Robert (to Ripper): Heh. She has her lucid moments. I could understand why she might think that, but I really don't mind. I figured family meetings were part and parcel of the whole exclusive dating package. You know what that means, don't you?

Ripper (to Robert): Oh good, I'm glad you don't mind... Wait... What does it mean?

Robert (to Ripper): At some point you're going to have to meet the O’Reilly clan. You poor, poor man.

Ripper (to Robert): Heh... I'm beginning to regret my decision, already... I should get going. I'll see you tonight.

Robert (to Ripper): I'll see you later! Give me a call, and I'll bring the pizza and beer.

Ripper (to Robert): Will do! (to Eep) Hey Eep! Sorry, for almost knocking you down... I can't chat, gotta run.

Eep (to Ripper): Christ! Oh. Uh, yeah. Later.

Ripper (to Eep): See ya! Say hi to Mouse for me.

Eep (to Ripper): Oh. Yeah. Sure.

A few minutes later:

Mouse (to Eep): Are you okay out here? You have that look of annoyance on your face.

Eep (to Mouse): Yeah. Everyone has been barreling out of next door like fucking bulls with their asses on fire. Ripper just almost knocked me on my ass, and Lulu slammed face first into me earlier this morning.

Mouse (to Eep): I think it's probably just the apocalypse... You know, you could go smoke on the kitchen stoop, instead of up here if you wanted. I mean, I prefer it out here because of the swing, but you hardly ever use it.

Eep (to Mouse): Oh. Yeah. I guess I could. Heh. I guess I'm used to everyone sending me as far away from the windows and doors as possible.

Mouse (to Eep): So, it's not that you actually like seeing people coming & going while you're out here? It's that you think the front porch is all hidden and secluded... Hmmm... :-P

Eep (to Mouse): Yeah. OK. Maybe I like to people watch. Maybe a little bit. So?

Mouse (to Eep): I'm just teasing you... You can people watch all you want, besides if anyone gives you a hard time about smoking out here, you can just tell that you're the landlord & you'll raise the rent. :-P

Eep (to Mouse): Heh. Yeah. Well, you, Robert and Wanda are all used to it, so it's really only the upstairs folks we gotta worry about.

Mouse (to Eep): That's true... So, how are you feeling other than a bit trampled? You got out of bed awfully early.

Eep (to Mouse): Oh, yeah. Sorry. Um, guess I'm a little nervous since the show opens next week, and all.

Mouse (to Eep): I figured as much... Oh, I forgot to ask earlier. Do you need me to make food for the opening or is the gallery handling that?

Eep (to Mouse): No, I'm supposed to do that if I want. You don't have to go out of your way.

Mouse (to Eep): Honestly, I don't mind & I'd like to help. I can't do much in the way of de-stressing you about the show, but I can, at least, make some finger food so you don't have to.

Eep (to Mouse): Thank you. I don't even know what to think right now.

Mouse (to Eep): Come on, take my hand... You need to relax. Let's go curl up on the couch & watch a stupid movie.

Eep (to Mouse): That sounds like a good idea to me.Thanks for putting up with me.

Mouse (to Eep): Well, you deserve good stuff to happen for you, you know... I'm just glad that I get to be here & a part of it. And, you don't have to thank me. You put up with me, so it seems only fair. :-P

Eep (to Mouse): You are the good stuff. Everything else is just kinda extra.

Mouse (to Eep): Oh... wow...

Eep (to Mouse): Oh. Um, shit. Sorry. I didn't mean to... Sorry.

Mouse (to Eep): No, no... That was just the sweetest thing anyone has ever said to me.

Eep (to Mouse): Oh. Heh. I meant it, but, um, pretend I was more suave about it.

Mouse (to Eep): Of course. You are so suave, you are like a modern day Casanova.

Eep (to Mouse): Yeah, yeah.

Several hours later:

Vincent (to Lulu): Good gracious, hun. You look ready to drop.

Lulu (to Vincent): It's my own fault... I stayed up to late after work & then I had to open the store because I had offered to cover a shift. What brings you over this way? Wait... Did I walk all the way to the cafe? Damn it... I meant to walk home, which is in the opposite direction. Wow. I am tired. I wonder if anyone will mind if I sleep here.

Vincent (to Lulu): Do you want a ride home? The Little Man and I were picking up Poppy a vanilla cappuccino. Can you walk as far as our apartment?

Lulu (to Vincent): Heehee, yeah I think I could manage. Thank you. I know I should have gone home straight away but I was having too much fun.

Vincent (to Lulu): Hee hee. You're not the only member of Drac's Daughter that's had a rough time of it the day after.

Lulu (to Vincent): Oh? You seem to be holding your own okay.

Vincent (to Lulu): Heh. Well, that's because I head home after work these days, but believe me, I've been carried home a few times.

Lulu (to Vincent): Heh... Well, to be fair. I didn't actually go home or drink anything but ginger ale, last night. But, you don't want to hear about my escapades. You're practically a married man. I won't bore you.

Vincent (to Lulu): Mmm. Sure. Somehow, I get the distinct impression you're DYING to tell me, and you just want to make me ask.

Lulu (to Vincent): Well, I'm not one to usually kiss & tell, but oh my god... the last two nights have been wild. That's all I'm going to say. I mean, just wow... I never would have done something like that before. I mean, I'm into hedonism but geez... Wanda is something else.

Vincent (to Lulu): Wanda?! Oh good heavens. Why doesn't that surprise me? Hee hee. Victor thinks it's funny. Yes he does! You're not allowed near her when you're older, young Mister Blue Eyes. He doesn't need some filthy deviant corrupting him. He has his parents for that.

Lulu (to Vincent): Heehee... So, it is true. I had heard stories about the youngest bartender at Drac's. I had assumed it was someone else. I mean, from the stories you were quite a flirty little thing, but you seem pretty domesticated to me. No offense. So, let me guess. You got Poppy knocked up & now, you''re settling down and changing your wicked ways? Boring.

Vincent (to Lulu): Ha ha ha! Well, for one, I didn't mean anything by calling Wanda a deviant. I've known her since I was 17. Hee hee. She'd be the first one to label herself as such. Secondly, you're very nearly right. You're not, but you're close. :-P

Lulu (to Vincent): Oh no, I know Wanda is a deviant... I think if she could get away with it, she'd tattoo that on herself somewhere. She seems to be quite proud of it, though she does honestly seem a bit weirded out that Percy is so willing to go along with her crazy schemes, but at the same time likes it... I don't know but, I do like hanging out with them both, so whatever. Ye gods, I'm a babbling incoherent mess. I hope my roommate is out at her boyfriend's, so I can lay on the couch like a vegetable tonight.

Vincent (to Lulu): Hee hee hee. Well, that's probably because she hasn't had much luck in finding anyone who could keep up with her. And Percy... He's never met a crazy scheme he doesn't like. Well, he's ALMOST never met a crazy scheme he doesn't like. She's probably a bit shocked because he's new to dating girls. Whew! Here we are. Come on, Little Man. Let's get coffee to mom.

Lulu (to Vincent): Oh... Should I wait here?

Vincent (to Lulu): Good heavens! Are you afraid of my tiny, petite wife? Hee hee. I'm just teasing you. Come inside. I'll be right back.

Lulu (to Vincent): Okay... and yes, I'm a bit afraid of your wife. When she looked at me, I felt like I was being judged & I didn't measure up. My advisor in school used to give me that look. It freaked me out when he did it, too.

Vincent (to Lulu): Heh. That's because she's more or less a human lie detector. As someone who was used to being a bit creative with the truth that took some getting used to. (to Poppy) Hey, hun. Here's your coffee, here's your son, and here's a kiss from your future husband. I ran into Lulu at the cafe. She looks like death warmed over. I'm going to give her a ride home.

Poppy (to Vincent): Thank you, thank you... and, good. I mean, oh that's a shame. You're very nice to offer, honey. And, how did the little mister behave? Still being a bit fussy or has he settled down?

Vincent (to Poppy): He was fussy on the walk over, but he settled down once we hit the cafe. He was even smiling on the way home. Weren't you?

Poppy (to Vincent): That's good... I suppose I should go and say hello to our guest before you bring her home. I don't want to be rude.

Vincent (to Poppy): Heh. Be nice. You scare her, lover.

Poppy (to Vincent): Really? That's adorable... and she should be. She's hiding something. I don't know what it is, but until I know that it's nothing bad, I'm keeping my eye on her.

Vincent (to Poppy): Hee hee. Well, of course she should be. You, madam, are quite the bad ass. :-P

Poppy (to Vincent): You just can't help it, you actually like her, don't you?

Vincent (to Poppy): I like everyone. Make that ALMOST everyone. I'm still working her out. There's more to her than she wants to let on. And I can't help but think of how well I know that feeling.

Poppy (to Vincent): Well, I trust your opinion, but you'll have to forgive me if I'm a little less trusting of her.

Vincent (to Poppy): Hee hee. I trust your opinion more than my own. Come on. I think we've let the poor girl sweat in our living room long enough.

Poppy (to Vincent): Lead the way, honey.

Vincent (to Lulu): Sorry to keep you waiting, hun, but... Lulu? (to Poppy) Oh dear. I think we waited too long. She's asleep.

Poppy (to Vincent): Go get a blanket & a pillow, honey... (to Lulu) Lulu, honey? Would you like to move to our guest room?

Lulu (to Poppy): Huh? What? Mom, I'm fine... Shhh... sleeping.

Poppy (to Vincent): I think she's going to be crashing on our couch for the night, honey.

Vincent (to Poppy & Lulu): Hee hee hee. Mom.

Poppy (to Vincent): Hush you! She's clearly older than I am.

Vincent (to Poppy): Hee hee. I think she's there the rest of the night. (to Lulu) Hun? Should we call someone to let them know you're here?

Lulu (to Vincent): Huh? What? Oh... Did I fall asleep? I'm sorry... I guess I'm more out of it than I thought. I just have a roommate, Velvet... Yes, that's her real name. She's usually in & out of the apartment. She won't worry.

Vincent (to Lulu): Hee hee. I wasn't going to ask. Honest. You can crash here tonight if you need to, hun.

Lulu (to Vincent & Poppy): Oh... that would be nice, but I don't want to impose.

Vincent (to Poppy): I think she's afraid you might stab her in her sleep, lover. (to Lulu) Poppy would never do anything like that. She'd want you to see it coming.

Lulu (to Vincent): ... Is that really a possibility?

Vincent (to Poppy): Hee hee! Ouch. No hitting! What are you teaching our son, woman!

Poppy(to Vincent): Honey, are you enjoying making our guest uncomfortable?

Vincent (to Poppy): Hee hee. Maybe just a little.

Poppy (to Lulu & Vincent): I'm going to fix some dinner. Lulu, you are more than welcome to stay here & if you don't want to, Vincent can drive you home. But, don't worry, you're not imposing. We have a guestroom & everything.

Lulu (to Vincent & Poppy): Oh, that's really nice of you & I appreciate the offer but, I should probably head home. Thank you.

Vincent (to Lulu): Heh. Come on. We'll get you home. (to Poppy) I'll see you in a few, lover. Want me to take the Little Man so you can cook?

Lulu (to Vincent): Thank you... I'm sorry for falling asleep. I just closed my eyes for a second & then BAM! Out like a light.

Poppy (to Vincent): No, he's fine, honey. I like the company.

Vincent (to Poppy): Hee hee. Well, he is an excellent listener. I'll be back before either of you can miss me.

Poppy (to Vincent): Alright, lover. See you shortly.

Vincent (to Lulu): It's not a problem, hun. Since we don't have Victor, we can take the Impala.

Lulu (to Vincent): Ooh... Is this a '67 or a '68?

Vincent (to Lulu): Close. It's a '69. I tried to find a '67, but it was not to be. Hee hee. Not that I should complain.

Lulu (to Vincent): It's cherry... Did you get it like this or rebuild it yourself?

Vincent (to Lulu): I had to rebuild most of the engine, and the interior was a mess, but the body was in good condition. Heh. Which is why she is still in desperate need of a paint job.

Lulu (to Vincent): Well, I'm still impressed.

Vincent (to Lulu): Thank you. And you don't have to sound so surprised you know. :-P

A few minutes later:

Vincent (to Lulu): This is you, hun. I'll see you next time I'm working.

Lulu (to Vincent): Thanks for the lift, munchkin! I'll see you later.

Vincent (to Lulu): Later, tater.

A short time later:

Vincent (to Poppy): Did you miss me?

Poppy (to Vincent): Of course, lover...You're back just in time. Dinner's ready.

Vincent (to Poppy): It smells delicious. Hee hee.

Poppy (to Vincent): What's so funny, honey?

Vincent (to Poppy): Not funny. Just nice. C'mere. It was sweet of you to offer to let Lulu crash on the couch, you know.

Poppy (to Vincent): It would have been rude of me not to, honey.

Vincent (to Poppy): I still think it's sweet.

Poppy (to Vincent): You're sweet.

Vincent (to Poppy): Of course I'm sweet, lover. I've got to do something to impress you, don't I?

Poppy (to Vincent): Not at all, honey. You always impress me.

Vincent (to Poppy): I do have to say that I'm very glad to hear that. Hee hee. Apparently, Lulu thinks you've gone and domesticated me.

Poppy (to Vincent): Oh really? Do you think I've domesticated you, honey?

Vincent (to Poppy): Hee hee. That depends. If by "domesticated" you mean I've stopped perving all over everyone I see, then yes. If you mean that I'm now going to be rational and well behaved... You should be so lucky.

Poppy (to Vincent): Well, I do have to admit that I kind of miss the pervy adventurous boy pirate that I first met, honey... you have been acting a bit reserved since we've been back. I know, we have a child now & need to be careful, but it's a lot quieter on this side than I remembered.

Vincent (to Poppy): Do you? Hee hee. I think you're the only one, lover. So, you've lost all interest in me now that I'm just a boring husband?

Poppy (to Vincent): I would never call you "just" anything, honey... I think I kind of miss our life on the Falcon a little bit. It's probably just because I've been cooped up since we've been back... I'm not sure I'm cut out for normal domesticity.

Vincent (to Poppy): I have to admit, I do a bit too. Heh heh. I suppose I've been a bit ridiculously well behaved lately. That whole thing with Achilles was terrifying. I'm just not sure how to keep doing what we've done in the past and keep Victor safe. At any rate, you know you don't have to stay cooped up in the house all day, hun.

Poppy (to Vincent): I know I don't, honey. I'm just not sure what to do. I don't really know anyone other than our small group of friends & I tried to have a conversation with some other mothers I met in the park... that went horribly pear-shaped. I hate to admit it, but I think I'm a little bit homesick.

Vincent (to Poppy): Yikes! Moms at the park? I can only imagine how that went. I can't blame you, lover. When do you start work at the ISS?

Poppy (to Vincent): Not for another month, honey... And, I can tell I'm getting antsy. Yesterday, I caught myself casing a jewelry store looking for weaknesses in the security system & the day before that I grabbed a man's keys from his pocket... I put them right back, as soon as I realized what I did.

Vincent (to Poppy): Hee hee. I guess neither of us knows what to do with ourselves if no one is threatening to kill us.

Poppy (to Vincent): Heh... It would seem so, honey.

Vincent (to Poppy): I suppose we could take a few easy peasy jobs until you start work, hun.

Poppy (to Vincent): Oh, that would be wonderful, honey, thank you. I know that would help me not go mad.

A Strange & Winding Road: Day 75

Lulu (to Robert): Oh hi there... I'm Lulu. I was told that there might be coffee out here.

Robert (to Lulu): There is indeed. A man can't be expected to function without caffeine. Or a woman for that matter. Do you take sugar or cream?

Lulu (to Robert): A shitload of sugar, no cream, please.

Robert (to Lulu): Heh. Why doesn't that surprise me? I'm guessing you're the Lulu that works at the club with Jacob and the Mr and Mrs next door.

Lulu (to Robert): You'd be correct... Why do I get the feeling that my reputation proceeds me? You must be Robert. Percy & Wanda mentioned you. I'd have something more witty to say, but I'm not really awake yet.

Robert (to Lulu): I am indeed Robert, and you can't believe anything those two tell you. They're practically criminals. Don't worry about carrying on a conversation. I'm used to it. I seem to surround myself with night owls. Here's your coffee. It was nice meeting you.

Lulu (to Robert): Heehee, I heard tales regarding their recent run-in with the law. They're a regular Bonnie & Clyde. Thank you for the coffee. It was nice meeting you, too. I should probably bring some for Percy & Wanda. Is there a tray I can use?

Robert (to Lulu): I'm sure we have one around here somewhere. Here we are. This should work. Wanda takes hers with sugar and milk, and I don't really think it matters for Percy. He likes the idea of coffee more than the reality of it.

Lulu (to Robert): Well, then I'll just make his black so I can tell the difference. Thanks, again.

Robert (to Lulu): No problem. Have a good morning.

Lulu (to Wanda & Percy): Hey there! I brought you guys coffee & I met Robert. He seemed nice & completely at ease... You do this sort of thing often?

Percy (to Lulu): Honey, don't look at me. I'm just a visitor, I don't live here.

Wanda (to Lulu): Oh no. Not often. Robert is usually the one with a rotating cast of morning-afters. But not anymore. He's dating-DATING.

Lulu (to Wanda & Percy): Heehee, well that's good to know. I can honestly, say this was a first for me.

Percy (to Lulu & Wanda): Heh... Honey, I think that was Wanda's point. She constantly talks me into new things... and trouble.

Wanda (to Lulu & Percy): Hee hee. I'm like your troublemaker guru. You never know what you're gonna like until you try it.

Lulu (to Wanda & Percy): Heehee, I will definitely keep that in mind & on that note, I should head out I have to work both jobs today. If you both want to get together again, give me a call or stop by the club sometime.

Percy (to Lulu): Heehee, that's very sweet of you, honey.

Wanda (to Lulu): Later, tater! Have a good day at work!

Lulu (to Wanda & Percy): Bye! I'll see you both around.

Percy (to Wanda): Well, that was certainly something, honey... I guess I do owe you that thanks after all. ;-)

Wanda (to Percy): I'm just glad I haven't sent you screaming into the night yet. Heehee. I've been a little MUCH for a lot of guys, you know. I could never figure out why Eep carried a torch for me for so long. He's just so... EEP! Dating me'd have hurt his brain.

Percy (to Wanda): Well, honey, I like to think I'm a step up from average... And, Eep probably secretly wants a bit of adventure & excitement. I mean, no matter how much he's in love with Mouse, I doubt he'd stick around after all the crazy stuff if he didn't like it. Their's has been a very strange courtship, if you ask me.

Wanda (to Percy): TOTES strange. Hee hee. If we're giving out prizes, I think Poppy and Short Stack win for the weirdest. Robert & Ripper have the most normal of the relationships, and considering it's ROBERT involved, that's just like bizarre.

Percy (to Wanda): Heh... I can only imagine what goes on behind the scenes with those two & it's probably not pretty... Well, maybe a little.

Wanda (to Percy): Are you kidding? It's probably adorable. I wonder who the bigger freak in bed is. I'm gonna say Robert. Yeah. Totes Robert.

Percy (to Wanda): You will get no argument with me, honey.

Wanda (to Percy): That's cause I'm right. I can smell my own kind. Oh. Wait... That sounds SO wrong.

Percy (to Wanda): Heehee, you also have the benefit of having known Robert forever, honey... So, do you have to work or have plans today?

Wanda (to Percy): I have to work later, but not until 5. What were you thinking?

Percy (to Wanda): It's a surprise, honey... but, I guarantee you're going to love it.

Wanda (to Percy): Ooo! I like the sound of that!

A few hours later:

Eep (to Mouse): Hey. What's up? You look ... Actually, I have no idea what that look is. What's up?

Mouse (to Eep): Huh? Oh... sorry. I was thinking about the club stuff. It's making my brain turn to mush.

Eep (to Mouse): Oh. Yeah. It'll do that, I bet. Um... I wish I knew what to say. I'm kinda outa my depth, here.

Mouse (to Eep): Well, tell me honestly how would you feel if I was your boss?

Eep (to Mouse): Oh. Um, I dunno. I don't think it would be a problem. I mean, I'm outside most of the time anyway... But, how would you feel? Would it be weird if you had to yell at Ripper or tell Leon he couldn't have a raise or something? Heh. I don't think it'd be too hard for you to yell at Vincent. :-P

Mouse (to Eep): Heh... Well, I already yell at Ripper & Leon a bit, anyway. They leave the booth a mess all of the time.

Eep (to Mouse): Heh. Hey, um, if you really wanna do this, and would feel weird with me working there, I can get another job, you know. It's not like I'm much of a bouncer anyway. I think I'm just there to look angry.

Mouse (to Eep): I like you being there, it means I have someone to go hide by if I need to, plus the occasional hug & kiss doesn't hurt, either.

Eep (to Mouse): Well, whatever you decide is fine with me. Um, not that I don't care! I just mean, that, you know, I think you can make it work.

Mouse (to Eep): I'm still thinking, but I'm leaning towards wanting to do it. I mean, I can't be a DJ forever.

Eep (to Mouse): Heh. You realize if you're my boss, and then you kiss me, I can file a sexual harassment suit, right?

Mouse (to Eep): I dare you to try, sweetcheeks. :-P

A Strange & Winding Road: Day 74

Poppy (to Percy): You look a frightful mess, honey. Here give me your jacket & I'll see if I can fix that tear.

Percy (to Poppy): Oh... You don't have to do that, honey.

Poppy (to Percy): No, no it's fine, honey. While I'm doing this you can tell me what the hell you were thinking going after Gideon on your own...

Percy (to Poppy): Oh... I had a feeling you were going to bring that up.

Poppy (to Percy): You're very astute... for a big dumb apparently suicidal robot, honey. Now, spill.

Percy (to Poppy): No need to be insulting, honey... I just didn't want you or Vincent to get hurt. You've got a little one to think of, now.

Poppy (to Percy): Oh... That was oddly thoughtful of you.

Several hours later:

Lulu: Ye gods, If one more jackass, I mean gentleman, asks me if the carpets match the drapes, I will punch someone.

Vincent (to Lulu): Um, hey, hun. Do you need a drink? You look a little murderous.

Lulu (to Vincent): Geez, these tour-ons are bloody annoying. I didn't realize it was 'Bring Your Douche to the Club' day.

Vincent (to Lulu): Good heavens. Heh. There was a mental image I could have lived the rest of my life without. What do you need?

Lulu (to Vincent): Oh, I'll just have a gin & tonic... It's so weird being on this side of the bar.

Vincent (to Lulu): Heh. Well, take advantage of it. All the other DJs certainly do. Don't let the tour-ons get under your skin too much.They'll get bored and bugger off soon enough.

Lulu (to Vincent): Heh... I should enjoy it. Oh... damn. There's the boy who stood me up. Can I hide behind the bar?

Vincent (to Lulu): It might be hard to DJ from behind the bar .If it could be done, I'll bet my sister would be an expert. Who stood you up?

Lulu (to Vincent): Shhhh, not so loud... It's that boy in the suit.

Vincent (to Lulu): Who? PERCY? Oh good heavens. Of course. To be fair to him, hun, he did have a, uh, a family emergency pop up the other day.

Lulu (to Vincent): Percy? That's his name. We were just supposed to have coffee, it's no big deal but I've never been stood up before.

Vincent (to Lulu): Heh. I would imagine not.

Percy (to Vincent): Hey honey, can I get a fuzzy navel for Wanda & gin & tonic for myself?

Vincent (to Percy): Of course, hun. Be up in a second.

Percy (to Vincent): Thank you, honey.

A few minutes later: 

Vincent (to Percy): Here you go. And before you ask, YES, Delia made the fuzzy navel. How are you feeling?

Percy (to Vincent): Better, honey.

Vincent (to Percy): Good to hear, hun. I think you owe our current DJ an apology, by the by. Apparently, you stood her up.

Percy (to Vincent): Oh? I did? Oh my goodness, I totally did. Well, this is a bit awkward.

Vincent (to Percy):  I told her you had a bit of a family emergency.

Percy (to Vincent): Oh well, that was nice of you... Really, it was that I got a bit distracted with Wanda & completely forgot...

 Vincent (to Percy): I assumed it was the whole Gideon mess that threw you off. For heaven's sake, don't tell her another girl distracted you! You used to be a girl, hun. Just don't tell her anything you wouldn't want to hear. God's speed!

Percy (to Vincent): Oh yeah, you're probably right. (to Wanda) Hey pretty lady, could you please excuse me for a minute? I need to go make my apologies to someone.

Wanda (to Percy): I think I could be persuaded. Especially if you come back with another one of these fuzzy-whats-its. This is totes delish!

Percy (to Wanda): I will, honey, you can count on it. (to Lulu) Hi there, honey... I'm really sorry about coffee the other day.

Lulu (to Percy): Oh... Percy, wasn't it? Did we have plans? I had completely forgotten.

Percy (to Lulu): Oh well then, my mistake... Sorry to have bothered you.

 Lulu (to Percy): Really? That's all you have to say? Wait...Are you here with your girlfriend & you came over here to talk to me? Silly boy.

Percy (to Vincent): Look, honey, I just came over to apologize. I didn't mean to stand you up, but I really don't have the energy to play games, so you can either accept it in the spirit it was intended or not. But, I should get back to my friend.

Lulu (to Percy): Oh... (to Vincent) Well, that was unexpected... That Percy's not like other boys, is he?

 Vincent (to Lulu): Good heavens... Not even slightly, hun.

Percy (to Wanda): Here's your drink, pretty lady.

Wanda (to Percy): Thanks! So what was the deal with the cutie patootie DJ. She works in the pagan bookstore too, ya' know.

Percy (to Wanda): Oh, we had planned on meeting up for coffee, but I got a bit distracted by wild monkeys, honey.

Wanda (to Percy): Oh! Hee hee. Sorry! Want me to go say sorry on your behalf? :-P

Percy (to Wanda):  Oh no, honey, that's not really necess... You're totally going over there anyway, aren't you?

Wanda (to Percy): Yep. Who knows? You may thank me later. :-P

A Strange & Winding Road: Day 73

Eep (to Mouse): Heh. Seriously? Where the fuck did you even get a purple beer cozy with bats on it?

Mouse (to Eep): Oh... I had forgotten all about that. Where'd you find it?

Eep (to Mouse): Heh. In the back of the cabinet. I'm not getting you more cozies if you don't even use the one you have, you know.

Mouse (to Eep): Heh. I had actually forgotten I had it. It was from a theme night at the club a few years ago.

Eep (to Mouse): Sure. A likely story. You got a whole stash of these somewhere. You just want me to help you feed your cozy addiction.

Mouse (to Eep): Oh no, you found me out. It's true, I have an insane fetish for beer cozies.

Eep (to Mouse): This is something you really should have mentioned before we got married. Crazy, reality hopping robot drama, I can handle. But a beer cozy fetish? I have limits.

Mouse (to Eep): Oh well, then I should go & take this Thai Green Curry I was making with me.

Eep (to Mouse): Well, I guess I could re-think my limits. Um. Speaking of which... I came up with a name for my art show. It's kinda pretentious sounding, but, you know, it's an art show.

Mouse (to Eep): Heehee, that's very big of you... So, what did you decide on for a name?

Eep (to Mouse): Um, Reevaluate. Heh, cause that's kinda what I've had to do that with my reality more than a couple of times lately. Sounds super dickish, but I think it fits.

Mouse (to Eep): I don't think it sounds dickish & if you think it fits the show then it's perfect... Here, taste this.

Eep (to Mouse): Oh. Holy shit. That's really damn good… Well, if you don't think it sounds too stupid, then I'll probably go with that.

Mouse (to Eep): No, I like it... So, you've had to do a lot of reevaluating lately, huh? I hope that's in a good way.

Eep (to Mouse): Yeah. Kinda. Heh. Getting pulled into an alternate dimension will do that to you. But most of it is good. You know, all the stuff with you, getting married... That's all been good. Really good.

Mouse (to Eep): Well, you have seemed unusually in a good mood... I'm glad that you're happy. I'm happy, too... C'mere you.

Eep (to Mouse): Heh. Happy? Yeah. I guess so. So that's what this weird sensation is.

Mouse (to Eep): Yeah, I realize that this may be a new sensation for you, but I promise it's not lethal. :-P

An hour or so later:

Percy (to Eep & Mouse): Ow... Oh... I'm sorry... Wrong door... I seem to be a bit out of whack... uh... help?

Mouse (to Percy):  Percy, what the hell!?! Are you okay? Stupid question. You don't look okay at all. What do you need?

Eep (to Percy): Oh. Oh shit. Uhhh... What do you need us to do?

Percy (to Mouse & Eep): Could you please go to the chest that the Davenports gave you & get out the tool that looks like a weird wrench? I need to put this arm back in the socket...

Eep (to Percy): Christ! Yeah. Sure. What the fuck happened?

Mouse (to Percy): Just sit down... You look in rough shape.

Percy (to Eep & Mouse): It's a family thing, sweeties. Please don't tell Poppy or for that matter, Vincent, you saw me like this. I don't want them to worry or stress themselves about it.

Mouse (to Percy): Ummm, that seems a little weird to me. What's going on, Percy?

Eep (to Percy): Here's that wrench, uh, thing. I think. Why don't you want us to tell Vincent and Poppy?

Percy (to Eep): Thank you, honey... (to Mouse & Eep) It's a bit complicated. I may have lied to Poppy about finding her brother, Gideon. I went to go deal with him & he apparently had a few very sophisticated alarm systems in place. He seems to have some very serious friends to be able to come up with those kind of devices. And, it's making me wonder if there's more to his disappearance than we originally thought. He took off and I need to get back to finding him. I'm sorry if I just babbled a whole bunch... I'm not feeling myself.

Eep (to Percy): Uh, I hate to break it to you, Percy, but you're in no condition to be doing anything right this second. You need help. And I dunno that you should keep this from Poppy. It's her brother, and it's kinda right in her lap.

Percy (to Eep & Mouse): Oh? Do I? But I feel fine... Oh... Wait... No, I don't... She's too emotionally involved with this, honey. She won't think logically.

Eep (to Percy): Yeah, well, you don't seem real logical right now either. Will you sit the fuck back down? 

Percy (to Eep): Oh... right. Sitting is good.

Eep (to Mouse): Can robots get concussions?

Mouse (to Eep): I didn't think so, but he's acting odd. He must have gotten hit with something. Do you have any idea what he was talking about? I know Poppy has a gaggle of brothers but I don't remember a Gideon.

Eep (to Mouse): I have no fucking idea.

Percy (to Eep & Mouse): Look, I appreciate the assistance & I'm sorry to have bothered you, but I really need to get back to what I was doing…

Mouse (to Percy): You are not going anywhere. Sit the fuck down & stay there.

Eep (to Percy): What she said.

Percy (to Mouse): Oh... Yes, ma'am.

Mouse (to Eep): Keep an eye on him, please. I'm calling Vincent & Poppy. (to Percy) Don't move.

Eep (to Mouse): Yep. (to Percy) Don't make me hit you with this... whatever this is.

Percy (to Mouse): Alright... (to Eep) Honey, she's a bit terrifying when she's upset.

Eep (to Percy): You should see her when she's REALLY pissed.

Mouse (to Vincent & Poppy): Hey there Potters... We've got ourselves a situation here. Percy's over here & he's in rough shape. We're not quite sure what we should do. So, I thought I should let you know.

Vincent (to Mouse): Dear God! We can be there in a a few. What happened?

Mouse (to Vincent): He said something about Gideon & a sophisticated alarm. Look, one of his arms was wrenched, he's babbling & moving jerkily. He asked us not to tell you two, but honestly you're the best people to ask about this sort of thing. You might want to come alone, little brother.

Vincent (to Mouse): That fibbing, mechanical... Good heavens. It's that bad, is it? I'll be right there. Thanks for calling us, sweetie. 

Mouse (to Vincent): I don't think he's going to be out of commission or die or whatever it is that robots do, but it's pretty rough. Thank you, little brother. 

Vincent (to Poppy):  Poppy? I have to run over to my sister's for a little bit. Keep snoozing here with the Little Man. I'll be right back.

Poppy (to Vincent): Oh... Okay... I didn't realize I had fallen asleep. Everything okay, honey?

Vincent (to Poppy): Heh. You had, and you were the picture of sweetness, lover. I think everything is fine, but who can tell with the Gloomies?

Poppy (to Vincent): I can tell you're lying, honey. But, clearly you don't want to tell me what's going on, so I'll just stay here with Victor. Just promise me you'll be careful.

Vincent (to Poppy): I'll be careful, hun. I really am going over to the Gloomies, and I promise I'll tell you everything when I get back.

Poppy (to Vincent): Alright, since you promised. I love you, honey.

Vincent (to Poppy): I love you too, hun. I'll be back before you can miss me.

Mouse (to Eep & Percy): Alright, Vincent is on his way... (to Percy) And, before you protest, Percy, this was your best option. He can help... And, he's coming alone, so you'll only have to deal with him right now. (to Eep) Why are you looking at me like that?

Percy (to Mouse): But... Okay, honey, you're probably right.

Eep (to Mouse): Oh. Uh... Heh. Nothing. I'll tell you later.

Mouse (to Eep): Okay...

Eep (to Mouse): Nothing. Just that Percy's a little bit afraid of you.

Mouse (to Eep): Really? That's just silly.

Eep (to Mouse): Heh. I know. You have to admit, it's kinda impressive.

Percy (to Eep & Mouse): You know, I can hear you both... I really should be going. I don't want to take up anymore of your time.

Eep (to Percy): Sit the fuck back down, until Vincent gets here, or I'll sick my wife on you.

Percy (to Eep): Okay, okay...

Mouse (to Percy): Percy, would you like to be broken even more? Because I happen to know what frequency to set this thing on to do it.

Percy (to Mouse): Geez, honey, when they removed Hiiri are they sure they got all of her?

Mouse (to Percy): Don't you ever say something like that to me again... even joking... (to Eep) I'm going to go outside & wait for Vincent.

Eep (to Mouse): Yeah. No problem. (to Percy) What the fuck? She's WORRIED about you you insensitive dick.

Percy (to Eep): Oh god. I'm sorry... I knew it was a mistake as soon as I said it. She was just being so bossy.

Eep (to Percy): Yeah. You think? Christ, Percy... You look like shit, you're being fucking irrational, and we don't know what to do. I think you can cut her some fucking slack.

Vincent (to Mouse): Hey, sweetie, I got here as soon as I... Uh oh. Who did or said what?

Mouse (to Vincent): That giant robotic pain in the ass... It doesn't even matter what he said. Just get him out of my house, please.

Vincent (to Mouse): I'm so sorry, hun. Give me a hug. He's gone. Thank you again for calling us.

Mouse (to Vincent):  It's fine. I'll be alright as soon as I stop being angry.

Vincent (to Mouse): If it makes you feel any better, I'm sure he's going to get more than an earful from Poppy when we get back.

Mouse (to Vincent): Heh. It does make me feel a bit better & thank you.

Vincent (to Mouse): Now, let me get him out of your hair. (to Eep) Hey, Slim. You can stop glaring at Percy. I'll take the prisoner from here. (to Percy) Come on, hun. Up we go.

Percy (to Vincent): Oh dear god, this is embarrassing... I still can't believe she called you.

Vincent (to Percy): Really? It can't be more embarrassing than the call I received from you and Wanda. What on earth did you get hit with?

Percy (to Vincent): Oh, that? In comparison to this calling you from jail was nothing. It was something similar to the booby trap on your ship. I didn't get a chance to get a really good look at it before I went offline & when I woke up I was a little foggy. What I want to know is how did Gideon get his hands on something like that? And, not to mention, how he got over here. He never had those kind of connections before.

Vincent (to Percy): Let's hope that's all it was. Hopefully, you won't have any permanent damage. Oof. You are HEAVY, did you know that.

Percy (to Vincent): Yes, honey. This chassis isn't as lightweight as my old one... You're not taking me to see her, are you?

Vincent (to Percy): You're going to have to face Poppy sooner or later, and you won't be back online fully until tomorrow morning. It appears Gideon has made some powerful friends somewhere, hun. Sit down in the car. Where did you get hit?

Percy (to Vincent): huh? Location-wise, honey? I'm still a little hazy. Couldn't you just leave me in the car for the night, honey? She's going to be mad at me.

Vincent (to Percy): I know, hun. If it was system similar to what I have, there would have been static, a charge, and then there would have been an electrical pulse. It would have made contact with you physically some place first. And yes, you're coming inside. You're not up to stuff just yet, sweetie. I'm not going to leave you outside all night alone.

Percy (to Vincent): Oh right, honey. Like I said not feeling like myself. It got me in the right shoulder. All I remember is opening the door to this loft in one of the renovated warehouses by the park & getting hit & falling, just in time to see Gideon run off.

Vincent (to Percy): You're lucky you didn't get your neuroprocessors fried. Come on. Let's get inside. I want to take a look at that shoulder.

Percy (to Vincent): Clearly, you're not going to take no for answer... thank you.

Vincent (to Percy): No, I'm not. Don't thank me just yet. You still have to face Poppy, keep in mind. Quietly. Victor's sleeping.

Percy (to Vincent): Could we wait for the morning, honey? I feel like she might be less likely to kill me if she's well-rested.

Vincent (to Percy): I'm certainty not going to wake her up if she's asleep. Do I look suicidal to you? 

Percy (to Vincent): No, you don't & neither am I... I'll just sit quietly somewhere, honey, I promise.

A few minutes later:

Vincent (to Percy): From what I can tell, your shoulder seems a bit stiff, but otherwise OK, but I'm not exactly an expert. You can lie down on the couch if you want. You'll probably need to conserve energy for a while. Do you want any blankets?

Percy (to Vincent): Well, I fixed it a bit at the gloomies place, so I'm glad that it looks okay... heh. Can I have my shirt back, please? And, a blanket would be nice.

Vincent (to Percy): Oh. Good heavens. Sorry, hun. Here you go. You should still have Klaude or Tesla take a good look at it when you go back.

Percy (to Vincent): I'll do that as soon as I crossover again.

Vincent (to Percy): Good. Here you go, hun. There's a pillow and a couple of blankets. I'll be up and down with the baby all night. I'll try to disturb you as little as I can. Good night. Oh! And Percy?

Percy (to Vincent): Yes?

Vincent (to Percy): Don't you dare run off before we're awake and can talk to you about Gideon. It's as much our problem as yours now, hun.

Percy (to Vincent): Yes, honey... I'll stay put I promise.

Vincent (to Percy): Thank you. See you in the morning.