Carver: It seems our former mistress is as wily as ever. Good. We would really hate to be disappointed.
In Paris, France, Empire of Gaulle:
Hiiri: Ah, Paris in the fall, someone should write a song about it.
In West Piedmont:
Victor (to Mouse): Excuse me, Aunt Mouse? May I make a sandwich for Mars? I'm going to see if I can get her to eat... Is everything alright?
Mouse (to Victor): Oh yes, of course. You don't have to ask, Victor. Think of this as your home while you're visiting... I just stayed up too late waiting for Tesla's men to come & claim Hiiri. And then, I just received word that she escaped on their way to the Monastery.
Victor (to Mouse): Oh... Oh shit. Oh! Excuse me.
Mouse (to Victor): It's alright. I think at this particular moment swearing is unavoidable.
Victor (to Mouse): Oh my god... Mars is not going to be happy.
Mouse (to Victor): I know... I'm not to happy about it myself. Not surprised, but definitely not happy. Do you think you can find your mother for me? Normally, I wouldn't ask you to do something like this, but it's important.
Victor (to Mouse): Um, I may. I don't think I can do it from this side, though. Have you not been able to reach her?
Mouse (to Victor): I've tried a few times, but I keep getting static. I think I may need to give you permission to portal to her.
Victor (to Mouse): Right. I'm going to go grab my bag, and let Mars know I'm going. I'll crossover at the hotel and see if I can find her and Dad once I'm over, so I don't set off your dampening field. Um, I don't know if it's relevant, but Hiiri didn't use a portal generator last night. It was... Actually, I don't know WHAT it was. I've never felt energy like that before.
Mouse (to Victor): Can you do me a favor, Victor? Please, don't mention this to your father before you talk to your mother.
Victor (to Mouse): Oh. Yes, I can do my best. Why shouldn't I mention it to him?
Mouse (to Victor): Your father got a little obsessive the last time Hiiri surfaced... and well, it got a bit ugly.
Victor (to Mouse): Oh. OK. I won't say anything if I can help it. I'll be right back.
Mouse (to Victor): Thank you, Victor. I'm sorry to have to ask you to do this, but it could take me days to track your parents down, otherwise.
Victor (to Mouse): It's fine. I've done it before, and from what I've read about Hiiri in Mom's files... They should know. (to Marlena) Hey, Mars? Are you awake? I have to run an errand for your mom. I should be back shortly.
Marlena (to Victor): Oh okay... Shit! Is that really the time? I've missed my morning classes... And, I'm supposed to meet Yoyo in 10 minutes.
Victor (to Marlena): That would have been my fault. I forget how strong Uncle Bernard's "whiskey" is. I'm sorry.
Marlena (to Victor): No, it's okay. I needed it. Seeing her again freaked me out.
Victor (to Marlena): Yeah... I can imagine. I'll see you later.
Marlena (to Victor): Be careful, little man.
Victor (to Marlena): I always am. I'm just hopping over quickly to relay a message, so it shouldn't be too dodgy. Try to relax.
Marlena (to Victor): I'll do my best.
At CLANNG Headquarters:
Starling (to Carver): Mister Carver, we've had word that Miss Hiiri was spotted in Paris.
Carver (to Starling): Very good, Miss Ashmore. You remain our most valuable asset. We would have surely been lost all these years without you.
Starling (to Carver): It's kind of you to say so, sir. Would you like me to take a task force and say hello to Miss Hiiri?
Carver (to Starling): Yes. Thank you. We think that would be for the best. No valuable minions, please. We shouldn't underestimate Miss Hiiri.
Starling (to Carver): Yessir. I'll do what I can. Would you like me to bring her to you or simply dispose of her?
Carver (to Starling): Bring her to us, Miss. We would be very interested in having a reunion with our former mistress.
Starling (to Carver): Of course, sir. We will be back with her as quickly as possible.
Carver (to Starling): Thank you, Miss Ashmore. Excellent work. Make sure to pick up something to play with on your way to Paris, Miss.
Starling (to Carver): Oh, thank you, sir. I have just the plaything in mind.
A short time later, in Britannia:
Victor: Dad? Mom? Can...-ead me? Hello?
Poppy (to Victor): Victor honey, is that you?
Victor (to Poppy): Mom? Sorr-... popping like mad. I'll see...
Poppy (to Victor): Honey, it's a bit of a bad time here... in the middle of something. Contact the inn, your father is there. I had to take the ship for something... I'll be there as soon as I can.
Victor (to Poppy): No. Mom! I have to ta--...you! It's... --ri! She... in the shed! Mars is... --ing out! I don't blame...
Poppy (to Victor): Victor!?! How many times have I told you about portalling onto the ship? You could have hurt yourself. We're flying fast.
Victor (to Poppy): I know... Mom, I know... I-I wouldn't have if it wasn't... it wasn't an emergency. God, that was hard...
Poppy (to Victor): ... I'm sure it was. Well, since you're here, make yourself useful, honey. Take the co-pilot seat. I'm trying to outrun some used to be friends.
Victor (to Poppy): Yes, ma'am. Who's chasing us?
Poppy (to Victor): That would be Captain Wilkins airship Daedalus. Apparently, he's a bit angry with me about something, but I couldn't get an explanation before he started shooting at me & chasing me out of his territory.
Victor (to Poppy): Yikes! So, I see. Wilkins... didn't Dad win a huge purse off him in a poker game last month?
Poppy (to Victor): Surprisingly your father forgot to mention that to me. That would certainly explain it... Okay, prepare for jump…
Victor (to Poppy): Ready.
Alright, it looks like we're out of harm's way. So, do you mind telling me why you're portalling around all willy nilly? You're supposed to be grounded, honey.
Victor (to Poppy): Aunt Mouse asked me to do it. Honest! It was Hiiri! She showed up in the backyard last night. In the shed! Mars freaked out. She totes freaked, Mom! And, and... Hiiri couldn't leave, and some men of Tesla's came and picked her up, but then she escaped. Aunt Mouse asked me to find you, and tell you, but not tell Dad...
Poppy (to Victor): Oh well, you've clearly had an exciting time on the other side. Thank you for telling me, honey. I'm sorry to hear about Mars. How are your aunt & uncle holding up?
Victor (to Poppy): I don't know. Aunt Mouse seems really stressed out, but she's holding it together. For our sake, I'm guessing. I have a hard time knowing what Uncle Eddie is thinking. He's always kind of making the same face. Mom, can I ask you a couple of questions? Please?
Poppy (to Victor): Sure, honey. What is it?
Victor (to Poppy): How does Mars know Hiiri? I didn't want to ask, because she seemed way too upset to talk about it. And why couldn't I tell Dad about Hiiri? Aunt Mouse said that last time he dealt with her it, um, "got ugly."
Poppy (to Victor): Oh, I guess you have a right to know all of this, honey... Mars & Mouse lived with Hiiri when she was born. They were pretty much hostages. It's a long, sad story. And yes, your father got a little crazy.
Victor (to Poppy): Oh my god... Oh god. I can't even imagine. THAT'S why Hiiri was mocking her like that... No wonder she was so upset. Is, um, is dad going to be OK?
Poppy (to Victor): Honestly, honey, I don't know. It's been long enough that he should probably be okay. I'll talk to him about it. Now, give me a hug. I've missed you.
Victor (to Poppy): Oh. OK. I hope so. I guess I should get back...
Poppy (to Victor): Wait, honey... I need you to go back to West Piedmont, but not as a punishment. I need you to keep an eye on everyone.
Victor (to Poppy): Do you think Hiiri will go back there?
Poppy (to Victor): If she thinks she'll benefit from it, then she just might.
Victor (to Poppy): I should get back then. Don't worry, Mom. I'll keep an eye on everyone and do my best to make sure nothing happens. I love you. You and Dad stay safe too, OK? And keep an eye on Seph.
Poppy (to Victor): Honey, be careful. I know you think I'm hard on you, but I do love you more than anything. And, I would die if something happened to you.
Victor (to Poppy): I know. I promise I'll be extra careful. God forbid I leave you to deal with Dad on your own. What kind of son would I be?
Poppy (to Victor): You are a good son. Now, get back there before I start to cry & change my mind.
Victor (to Poppy): Yes, ma'am. Try not to let Dad get all crazy. I'll--I'll see you soon.
A short time later, at the Longfellow Inn, New London, Britannia:
Poppy (to Vincent): Honey, I have returned... Do you want the bad news or the worse news?
Vincent (to Poppy): With choices like that, how will I ever choose? Give me the bad news first, I suppose.
Poppy (to Vincent): Captain Wilkins wasn't all that happy to see me... He completely chased me out of his territory.
Vincent (to Poppy): What? Why on earth did he do that?
Poppy (to Vincent): I'm not sure, honey... possibly because of a sack of money you won off of him. I'm just guessing, of course.
Vincent (to Poppy): Sack of... What? You mean from the poker game? Hun, I won a bottle of fairly good whiskey, a broken turbine, that he had no idea how to repair, I might add, and a grand total of 5 pounds 50. Methinks his pride was the real issue. As you know, I'm a terrible poker player. Don't worry about Wilkins. His new mechanic is an idiot.
Poppy (to Vincent): Well then, he's an extremely sore loser.
Vincent (to Poppy): The first time his engine breaks, I'll be back in his good graces. What's the other news?
Poppy (to Vincent): I was going to try softening the blow but I think the straight forward approach is better... Hiiri is alive, honey. She showed up at Mouse & Eep's, the trap she & I set worked but then Hiiri escaped when Tesla's men came to take her away. Thankfully no one was hurt, just a few freaked out family members.
Vincent (to Poppy): God dammit... I suppose it was too much to hope she was gone forever, wasn't it? How is my sister holding up?
Poppy (to Vincent): She's stressed but holding it together according to Victor.
Vincent (to Poppy): God... Alright. I know you suspected that something like this would happen, lover. What's your plan?
Poppy (to Vincent): Well, first off, I sent Victor back to Mouse's... I told him to keep an eye on everyone, but it was to keep him out of harm's way more than anything else. But, you know him, if he thinks he's doing something all grown-up & helpful, he goes along with it much easier. Then, we keep our eyes & ears open. A lot has changed since she was around last, she's not going to have many allies, this time around.
Vincent (to Poppy): Heh. Yes, he does like to feel like he's involved. That was excellent thinking, hun. I'll see if there's been any gossip about a white-haired woman causing problems on the pirate channels. I can't help but wonder why this clone is popping up now. Do you think it has anything to do with Victor's earlier "episode?"
Poppy (to Vincent): Actually, I do, honey. I think something may have changed, but we may never know what it was exactly.
Vincent (to Poppy): I can't believe she went to Mouse's. God... I had nightmares about that for years... Did Victor seem alright?
Poppy (to Vincent): He was a little shaken, but he seemed more concerned about Marlena... and you.
Vincent (to Poppy): About me? Why was he worried about me? You didn't tell him about...
Poppy (to Vincent): No, no... He said he had heard that it had gotten ugly the last time she was around, I didn't tell him nor did your sister.
Vincent (to Poppy): "Ugly..." That's a nice word for such terrible business, isn't it?Sooner or later, I really should tell him what happened. All things considered, I mean. God knows how I start that conversation.
Poppy (to Vincent): Honey, it'll be okay. I have faith that you'll figure it out. Besides, it'll be a much easier conversation now that Hiiri is back.
Vincent (to Poppy): Mmmm. I can only hope. I get the impression it's not going to go well no matter what the circumstances.
Poppy (to Vincent): Our son practically worships you, lover. I have a feeling he'll take it better than you think. And, he needs to know everything before he walks into a situation blind. We certainly don't want Hiiri telling him anything.
Vincent (to Poppy): Good heavens, no, and that is just the kind of dirty trick she likes to pull. I'll talk to him tomorrow.
Poppy (to Vincent): It'll be fine... C'mere lover.
Vincent (to Poppy): I hope you're right, lover.
Meanwhile in Paris, France, Empire of Gaulle:
Carver: Ah. Paris. We had forgotten how much it stinks. We think we shall have to burn it to the ground when we leave.
Starling (to Hiiri): Greetings, ma'am. Someone would very much like to see you. If you'll follow me, please.
Hiiri (to Starling): Oh? I am very popular these days, aren't I? Perhaps I should start a fan club.
Starling (to Hiiri): If you'd like, ma'am. This way, please.
Hiiri (to Starling): Of course...
A short time later:
Carver (to Hiiri): Oh. Hello, Miss Hiiri. It's quite interesting to see you again after all this time, miss. We see you've met Miss Starling. We believe you should remember her, Miss. (to Starling) Thank you, Miss Starling. We do hope you managed to find yourself a plaything.
Hiiri (to Carver): Oh my! Carver, is that you? Ah yes... Starling, your little friend.
Starling (to Carver): I did indeed, sir. Is there anything else I can do for you?
Carver (to Hiiri): Of course, miss. Both of us. If it were anyone else, we believe you would be dead by now. (to Starling) That is all for now, Miss. Thank you. Please stay close.
Hiiri (to Carver): Yes... No thanks to you if I remember correctly.
Starling (to Carver): Of course, sir.
Carver (to Hiiri): You seem upset, Miss. We must admit, that is most unexpected. Much of this situation is most interesting to us, Miss. You look quite different than when we last saw you, Miss. Much younger. Much more... What's the word, Other Carver? Oh. Yes, breakable. Most, MOST interesting, miss.
Hiiri (to Carver): Yes, yes... You're clearly as unhinged as I remember. Is there something you wanted, Carver? Or did you just come to rub in my present predicament.
Carver (to Hiiri): "Rub in," Miss? We're not sure what you mean. Things are quite different than the last time we saw you, Miss Hiiri. What are your plans, Miss?
Hiiri (to Carver): Honestly, I don't know, little brother. I mean, Carver. I'm feeling a bit lost & this particular body wasn't quite what I was expecting.
Carver (to Hiiri): Well, Miss, we think you shall be our guest while you think it over. (to Starling) Miss Starling? Could you be so kind as to show Miss Hiiri to her quarters, please.
Starling (to Carver): Of course, sir. (to Hiiri) This way, Miss.
Hiiri (to Carver): Oh... Why do I get the distinct impression that there is no room for refusal?
Carver (to Hiiri): Because there isn't, Miss. Good night.
