Hiiri: Что ты смотришь, толстяк?
Several hours later, at CLANNG Headquarters:
Starling (to Carver): Mister Carver, there's been a development in the north regarding an "old friend" of yours. How would you like me to proceed?
Carver (to Starling): Oh? This sounds interesting, doesn't it? Which one of our old friends, Ms. Ashmore?
Starling (to Carver): Your old Mistress from your younger days... She's woken up. The operative you left to guard her has neglected to check in so, I believe she's dispatched him.
Carver (to Starling): Well, that IS interesting, Ms Ashmore. How we proceed will depend largely on Ms Hiiri. Shall we take a trip north, Miss? We think this is something we would like to attend to ourselves.
Starling (to Carver): As you wish, sir.
Meanwhile, in New London:
Poppy (to Victor): Victor honey, why are you sitting all alone in the cargo bay? Is something wrong?
Victor (to Poppy): Huh? Oh. It's nothing. I just needed someplace quiet. I was trying to figure something out.
Poppy (to Victor): Oh. I know you're all grown-up and everything, but if you want to talk about whatever's troubling you... Your father's a good listener. I've got to head off to a meeting. Give your mother a hug before I go.
Victor (to Poppy): Heh. Alright. Be careful.
Poppy (to Victor): I will. And, don't let your cousins get to you too much, honey.
Victor (to Poppy): You mean don't let them get me in trouble.
Poppy (to Victor): Well, yes...You let those girls bully you a bit too much for my taste, honey. But, I really do have to go. We can talk later.
Victor (to Poppy): Bye, Mom. I promise I'll try to stay out of trouble. I can't promise I will, but I'll try.
In West Piedmont:
Marlena (to Eep): Oh... Hi Eep-- I mean, Dad, um, need a light?
Eep (to Marlena): Ha ha. Cute. You're smoking again? I thought you quit. Cold turkey. You were bragging for weeks.
Marlena (to Eep): I did, but then I had Professor Rathbone's damn hellish English Lit. class & well, it drove me back. Are you going to lecture me?
Eep (to Marlena): Nope. I'll let your mom do that.
Marlena (to Eep): Damn it... She's going to read me the fucking riot act.
Eep (to Marlena): Heh. Yeah she fucking is. How're your other classes going?
Marlena (to Eep): Just fine... Except that one of my painting professors has been giving me a hard time about my palate repertoire.
Eep (to Marlena): Oh yeah? Well, you do tend to use the same group of... Heh. Sorry. So, what's up, miss Monkey? You look upset.
Marlena (to Eep): What? I like to paint with a cohesive color palate... Does Mom know that you're smoking again or is it still? I'm not upset... that much. It's just that Victor had a really bad episode yesterday... He, uh, remembered me being younger.
Eep (to Marlena): Do you really think your mom doesn't know I'm smoking? Victor remembers you younger, huh? Poor kid. That's gotta be weird.
Marlena (to Eep): Yeah, he seemed pitiful... I didn't have the heart to mention to him the story Mom told me about she & I being sent into the past.
Eep (to Marlena): Christ. Knowing him, he'll figure it out too. Don't worry him too much. He'll be alright.
Marlena (to Eep): Uh huh, that's what you always say... So, um, is now a good time for me to mention that your T.A. asked me out on a date? :-D
Eep (to Marlena): Yeah? And I'm right, aren't I? Trust me. That kid's not as fragile as you think he is. And Walter asked you out? That kid has no fucking sense. What'd you say?
Marlena (to Eep): Heehee, I said sure, I thought that it would be fun... which seemed to cause him to have a seizure. So, it might not happen.
Eep (to Marlena): Yeah. That doesn't surprise me. Like I said. He's a moron.
Mouse (to Eep & Marlena): So, is there a reason you're both out here smoking?
Marlena (to Mouse): Ummm, is that a trick question?
Eep (to Mouse): Would you believe father-daughter bonding? Guess who asked Mars out?
Mouse (to Eep): Hmmm... I have no idea. I hope it's someone that likes the smell of smokestacks.
Eep (to Mouse): Heh. He should be used to it. It's Walter. (to Marlena) Whatever happened to "I'm only dating girls from now on"?
Mouse (to Eep): You mean, Walter, your Walter? Oh god... He still lives with his mom.
Marlena (to Eep & Mouse): I'm right here... If you keep this up, I'm going back to my apartment. (to Eep) Gah! I was joking when I said that... though, if Rosa asked me out, I'd say yes. She's pretty. :-P
Mouse (to Marlena): Heh... I'm not worried, I know you'll be back. Where else will you get free food & laundry?
Eep (to Marlena): I so don't don't give a shit who you come home with, except when it's some sad sack named Walter. :-P
Marlena (to Eep): What!?! But, Dad, I love him... I just love the way he breathes out of his mouth when he's excited & he stares at everything. :-P
Eep (to Marlena): Have fun with that.
Mouse (to Eep & Marlena): Wow... You two have fun with whatever weirdness you're doing. I've gotta take Gabriel to the library tomorrow. (to Marlena) Love you, daughter of mine. I'm going to bed. (to Eep) I'll see you later... in bed. ;-P
Marlena (to Eep & Mouse): Ewww, I did not need that mental image in my head. Good night, Mom.
