Mouse (to Marlena): Marlena George Estevez, you get your butt over to our house right this instant!
Marlena (to Mouse): Uh, okay... Is something wrong?
Mouse (to Marlena): You bet there is! Just get over here, right now. (to Eep) Hey Sweetie! Sorry to bother you at work... but can you come home early today? We need to have a talk with Mars.
Eep (to Mouse): Oh. OK. I'm done with class and just have office hours. I can skip out if I have to. What's up?
Mouse (to Eep): Vincent called. Apparently, Mars, Victor & Persephone took an imperial airship for a joyride.
Eep (to Mouse): They did what?! Jesus fucking Christ...
Mouse (to Eep): Yeah, that's pretty much what I said. She's coming over now.
Eep (to Mouse): Fat Christ! I'll be home soon.
A short time later:
Marlena (to Mouse): Hey Mom, I came over as fast as I could. What's up?
Mouse (to Marlena): Wow... That's really impressive. The words come out sounding sincere, but you know what's wrong.
Marlena (to Mouse): Ummm... You're really mad about something, huh?
Mouse (to Marlena): You think? I'm going to wait for your father... But, I think you're going to be moving back to the house for awhile.
Marlena (to Mouse): Oh... But, Mom, I'm--
Mouse (to Marlena): DO NOT but mom me! I am so not in the mood.
Eep (to Mouse): Hey. I'm home. (to Marlena) Marlena. What the fuck is wrong with you?
Mouse (to Eep): Hi. Your daughter is about to get shot out of cannon.
Marlena (to Mouse & Eep): What exactly am I being accused of?
Eep (to Marlena): Just because something happens in Bizarro World doesn't mean we're not gonna hear about it, you know.
Marlena (to Mouse & Eep): Oh... You heard about that, huh?
Mouse (to Marlena): Of course we heard about it.
Eep (to Marlena): And I repeat, what the fuck were you thinking?
Marlena (to Mouse & Eep): Ummm, we didn't think we'd even be able to get aboard.
Eep (to Marlena): And when you got on board, what then? You figured "let's take it for a spin?" What the FUCK were you thinking?
Marlena (to Mouse & Eep): Honestly, we kept thinking we'd get stopped every step of the way, but the ship & the hanger was deserted. It was really odd. We flew it out of the hangar & then quickly decided that we might be in the middle of something.
Eep (to Marlena): In the middle of something? Besides a whole shitload of trouble, you mean?
Mouse (to Eep): Wait… (to Marlena) What do you mean by middle of something?
Marlena (to Mouse & Eep): Well, why would the empire not be guarding their prized possession? It just seemed way too easy.
Eep (to Marlena): All the more reason for you to get the fuck out of there rather than go tooling around like an idiot.
Marlena (to Mouse & Eep): Well, I just thought that whomever had plans, it would be best to move the airship, because it's probably bad news.
Eep (to Marlena): And this was your responsibility why, exactly? Do you know what could've happened to you?
Marlena (to Mouse & Eep): I know we shouldn't have done it... I'm sorry.
Eep (to Marlena): Being sorry doesn't forgive your idiotic fucking behavior! You are camping out here from this point forward.
Mouse (to Marlena): I want you to go to the apartment, pack your stuff up & move back in the house. You clearly can't handle the responsibility.
Marlena (to Mouse & Eep): I-- I'll go pack my stuff up... I really am sorry.
Mouse (to Marlena): I think that would be for the best. (to Eep) So, how was your day, sweetie?
Eep (to Mouse): I-I don't even... Jesus! What the fuck was she thinking?
Mouse (to Eep): Clearly, she wasn't... But, it does raise an interesting point. Why wasn't the airship guarded? Something might be going on. I'm sure Poppy already knows, but I may mention it to her.
Eep (to Mouse): Yeah. God. Why can't she do stupid, regular teenager shit like we... Wait. Nevermind. That's not better.
Mouse (to Eep): Yeah, I don't think we should encourage her to act like teenage-- or 20-something us. Actually, she should avoid acting like us. And, speaking of that. So, Vincent mentioned Victor coming to stay with us for awhile. Are you still willing to do that? I mean, 2 teenagers & Gabriel in the house might be a little much. I told him I needed to talk to you first. I know we offered awhile ago but, you weren't teaching as much & we had Robert still living next door.
Eep (to Mouse): Christ... I understand them wanting him to be scarce for a little while. It should be OK. I spend all day with teenagers anyway. Course, these kids aren't scared I'm gonna fail them, so they don't behave as much. If nothing else, we can make them babysit Gabe as part of their punishment.
Mouse (to Eep): Yes, and they certainly deserve babysitting an 8 year old as punishment. I'll call Vincent & let him know. (to Vincent) Come in, Maltese Falcon. Captain Potter, are you there?
Vincent (to Mouse): Hee hee. What? No "tango, bravo, what's your 10-40, little bear" this time? Hello again, sweet sister of mine. How did your talk with Marlena go? Did she confess or deny it all?
Mouse (to Vincent): Heh... She tried to play dumb at first, but she confessed, eventually. We're having her move back into the house. And, Eep agreed to letting Victor stay with us for awhile. I'm not sure it'll help, but it might keep him out of trouble.
Vincent (to Mouse): Good God, here's hoping. I love that boy, but good God, he doesn't THINK. He HAD to inherit my genes in that regard, didn't he?
Mouse (to Vincent): Well, I'm sure he inherited other things from you & most of them good, little brother...I just can't think of anything. :-P
Vincent (to Mouse): Blue eyes. That's the only think coming to my mind at the moment. Thank you for agreeing to take him in for a while, hun. I think it will do him good to get away from Persephone for a little while.
Mouse (to Vincent): It's fine. That's what family is for... Oh, and before I forget. It's probably nothing, but Mars mentioned that the airship they took on their little joyride was strangely unguarded. It seemed a bit fishy to me, so I thought I should mention it.
Vincent (to Mouse): Yeah. Victor mentioned the same thing. We thought it fishy as well.
Mouse (to Vincent): Oh well, I suppose I shouldn't be surprised that you already knew about it. Anyway, I need to go get the rooms ready for the kids. Let me know, when you're coming to bring Victor over & I'll make sure one of us is home.
Vincent (to Mouse): Heh. I'm married to a spy, sweetie. I fear it may have made us a touch paranoid as a family. Thanks again. I'll see you soon.
Mouse (to Vincent): I'll see you soon, little brother. Give my love to Poppy.
A short time later, in New London, Britannia:
Vincent (to Poppy): Hello, lover. That smells delicious. What are you making?
Poppy (to Vincent): It's Thai Green Curry, honey. Your sister finally gave me her recipe. I've been bugging her for it for years.
Vincent (to Poppy): Ooo! That DOES sound tasty. Speaking of Miss Mouse, I spoke to her about Victor. She and Eep agreed to let him visit.
Poppy (to Vincent): Oh, I'm glad, honey. You should let him know... I have him down in the hold organizing & cleaning the weaponry.
A few minutes later, in the weapons locker aboard the Maltese Falcon:
Vincent (to Victor): Well, you ARE organizing and cleaning the weaponry. You must really be contrite.
Victor (to Vincent): I told you I was sorry, didn't I? God, you and Mom don't organize anything, do you?
Vincent (to Victor): Not willingly. Victor, I want to talk to you. Your mom and I think it would be a good idea if you went and stayed with your aunt and uncle off world for a while while things cool off over here.
Victor (to Vincent): WHAT? You're sending me away?! How is that... I mean, I know you're mad, but... Why the hell would you do that?
Vincent (to Victor): Victor, calm down. We're not sending you away because we don't want you here. Just until things calm down...
Victor (to Vincent): Until things calm down!?! What about Seph? I get to crossover and stay out of trouble, but if there's some problem, SHE'S the one that gets to deal with it all on her own!?! Oh yeah! That seems fair.
Vincent (to Victor): Do not take that tone with me, young man. You know for a fact we would never let anything happen to your cousin.
Victor (to Vincent): That's because she's the ONLY ONE I know who doesn't treat me like I'm some kinda FREAK! You and Mom act like I'm gonna… I dunno, get thrown in a laboratory or cell if I step just one toe out of line! And everyone else is weirded out by me!
Vincent (to Victor): Honestly, I think it will be good for you two to spend some time apart. You let her talk you into FAR too much trouble.
Victor (to Vincent): Maybe I just wanna be NORMAL for once!
Vincent (to Victor): Victor Harrison, let us not forget you and your cousins took a BATTLE READY AIRSHIP out for a joyride. All three of you are damn well lucky you weren't shot, and that you didn't get your mother tried for treason. You are going to stay with your aunt and uncle while things cool down over here, and I will not hear any arguments about it. I trust Persephone's parents will see to it she's suitably subdued for an indefinite time as well. Go to your room, pack your things, and ponder how damn lucky you are. You will finish cleaning up in here tomorrow.
Victor (to Vincent): Fine!
Vincent: I need a drink. I may need several drinks.
An hour later:
Victor (to Persephone): Pssst. Hey, Seph. Can you hear me?
Persephone (to Victor): Yes... I just got the tongue lashing of a lifetime from my parents. Are you okay?
Victor (to Persephone): Yeah. Likewise. They're sending me to stay with my aunt and uncle until they decide they want me back.
Persephone (to Victor): What!?! They can't do that... Why would they do that?
Victor (to Persephone): I don't know. There are no words.
Persephone (to Victor): It's going to be so lonely without you here... This is my fault, isn't it? I am so sorry, Victor. I shouldn't have suggested the stupid thing in the first place.
Victor (to Persephone): It's not your fault. It's mine. I should have said no. We wouldn't have gotten in if I hadn't... You and Mars were just so excited, and I felt bad, so I... It doesn't matter. I just thought I should tell you.
Persephone (to Victor): No, no... I'm to blame. Do you think if I confess to your parents & tell them it was all my fault, they'd let you stay? I'll tell them I forced you to do it & that you had no choice.
Victor (to Persephone): Come on. They're not going to believe that. Besides, that won't make them let me stay.
Persephone (to Victor): I know... This is totally grunt.
Victor (to Persephone): I know. Tell me about it. I've got to go spend time with Martian, and she pretty much hates me.
Persephone (to Victor): What!?! She doesn't hate you. Where on earth did you get an idea like that?
Victor (to Persephone): Alright, she doesn't HATE me, but she's not super fond of me, either. She's always making that face at me. You know the one.
Persephone (to Victor): It's just because she's older than you... and well you get a little competitive with her, sometimes. I always like hanging out with her. I wish she'd come over more often... which is probably never going to happen, now.
Victor (to Persephone): Yeah. Maybe... Sorry. I didn't mean to get you guys in trouble.
Persephone (to Victor): Stop trying to take the blame. We did it together.
Victor (to Persephone): Yeah? Well... Heh. Let's be honest. You guys couldn't have gotten in without me. It was kind of fun, though, wasn't it?
Persephone (to Victor): Ooh, you think Martian & I couldn't have figured it out on our own? I bet we could have with Martian's brain & my skills.. and yes, it was totally moo up until the part where we got caught. Now, it's very grunt.
Victor (to Persephone): Yeah. How mad were your parents? I totally got the "you're smarter than this," "you could have been killed" speech.
Persephone (to Victor): Heh... Yeah, I got that & the you need to grow up and take on some responsibility... So, they're making me work for Mrs. Lee as her children's governess while their regular one is away taking care of her sick mother.
Victor (to Persephone): Ugh. We'll probably end up on Gabriel duty.
Persephone (to Victor): Hmmm... Maybe, it's a good time to seriously consider running away & joining the circus.
Victor (to Persephone): Heh. No way. My mom would track us both down and kill us. Actually, no. She wouldn't kill us. She'd make us wish for death.
Persephone (to Victor): So, what you're saying is that we just have to suck it up? Well, that's just totally grunt.
Victor (to Persephone): Yeah. Pretty much. I think we'll have to endure.
Persephone (to Victor): Well, maybe they'll let us off early for good behavior.
Victor (to Persephone): Heh. Or maybe we'll just have to terrify the children so much, they'll beg us to leave.
Persephone (to Victor): Am I actually going to get to see you before you leave? Do you know when they're taking you?
Victor (to Persephone): I don't know. I got into a fight with my dad, and was told to pack my things. Probably not.
Persephone (to Victor): Oh... Well, pretend I'm giving you a hug goodbye, then.
Victor (to Persephone): Yeah. You too... Hopefully, I won't be in exile too long. Have fun with your Lee kids.
Persephone (to Victor): Yeah, have fun with Martian & Goo.
Victor (to Persephone): Sure. I'll see you soon, Seph.
Persephone: I think I might cry. (to Victor) Ok...
