Poppy: I can already tell that this is going to be one of those days... It might be time to skip the coffee & go straight for the gin.
Vincent (to Poppy): Have you got everything, lover? The communicator? The emergency kit? First aid? Promise me again you'll call if you're in trouble AND when you come up with a plan. We'll call in every favor we're owed.
Poppy (to Vincent): Actually, honey, I have a plan in mind & a hiding place already picked out... I think we can help the Empress, ourselves & get rid of CLANNG's hold on the empire in one fell swoop.
Vincent (to Poppy): Oh? Are you going to let any of us help you with this mad master plan?
Poppy (to Vincent): Hmmm... I suppose. Remember, the key Alistair left you, lover? Well, I believe there might be proof that Parliament played a crucial role in the coup that allowed the empress to take power and, if we can help her to loosen their grip on the empire than that should help to remove CLANNG from the streets & weaken their support.
Vincent (to Poppy): You brilliant, amazing, BRILLIANT woman! Did I mention brilliant? It bears repeating.
Poppy (to Vincent): I'm glad you approve. But, it means we're about to go from agents of the empire to rebels... Dear god... Stop grinning. This is like your dream come true, isn't it, lover? Go ahead say whatever corny quote just popped in your head.
Vincent (to Poppy): Oh. It's nothing. I've always wanted to be part of a Rebel Alliance, more well equipped, & dangerous than The Empire realizes. Hee hee hee. Besides, I've been feeling FAR too respectable lately. Do you have to leave right this minute, or can I steal you away for a little bit? Who knows when we'll be able to be alone again?
Poppy (to Vincent): Lover, I am not putting on that slave Leia costume. You know, how I feel about it... It's degrading & very impractical. Hardly any places to hide weaponry... It was pure luck she had that chain to take out Jabba.
Vincent (to Poppy): Hee hee. That's not what you said last time *I* put it on. Besides, you know I think the Boushh outfit is FAR sexier.
Poppy (to Vincent): Heehee, come on, lover. I'm sure we can come to some sort of compromise. And then, I'm going to need to take my little band of rebels to our new base. Maybe, if you're good, I'll even tell you where it is. ;-)
Vincent (to Poppy): Well now, I may have some cunning ways of making you talk. Let's go discuss the location of your hidden rebel base.
Poppy (to Vincent): Oooo, now I'm incredibly intrigued. Lead the way, lover.
A couple hours later, at Robert & Job's house, East Piedmont:
Zoe: Knock, knock. Anyone home?
Robert (to Zoe): Hello, Zoe. What brings you to the seedy side of town? Come to visit the condemned have you?
Zoe (to Robert): I went to go take a bunch of tests at the school this morning. My dad pulled a few strings to get me enrolled quickly if I pass all of them. I'm sorry to stop by unannounced. Is it okay that I came over? I won't stay long.
Robert (to Zoe): Good for you! I'm sure you'll do fine. It's perfectly alright your visiting. Colin is grounded, but I don't have the heart to ground him all THAT much, if you understand my meaning. ;-) Colin's room is upstairs, last door on the right. Keep the door open, if you please.
Zoe (to Robert): I understand... and, thank you.
A few minutes later:
Colin (to Zoe): Oh hey! Heh. Hi. What are you doing here? Um, my dad is downstairs, you know...
Zoe (to Colin): Yeah, he let me in... I just got done taking a bunch of placement tests at the school. I thought I'd stop by & check on you. I saw your bully. He's sporting quite a nice black eye. Heehee, did you think I had come up here with a more lascivious purpose?
Colin (to Zoe): No! No. ... But, there's no harm in hoping. :-P And Fred has a shiner, huh? Good. I know. I know. I shouldn't have hit him ...on school grounds... where people could see me.
Zoe (to Colin): Heehee... Clearly, I'm going to have to teach you how to be sneakier about that sort of thing. Next time just walk away & sign him up on a gay porn website. The sheer amount of spam he'll get will be outstanding & quite embarrassing.
Colin (to Zoe): Heh. Tempting, but I wouldn't do that to the gay porn website. They didn't do anything to me worth subjecting them to Fred.
Zoe (to Colin): True... I certainly wouldn't want a case of the 'Freds'. I hear it's tough to cure.
Colin (to Zoe): Absolutely. It's painful and stupid, but not fatal; it just leaves you WISHING for death.
Zoe (to Colin): Heehee... So, what are you allowed to do during your incarceration? My cousin, Persephone, is presently grounded at my house. She mostly seems to be moping, reading & getting underfoot at every turn. I'm hoping she goes home soon.
Colin (to Zoe): I'm allowed to do my homework, joy of joys, and apparently have visitors, heh, but that's about it. I'm not allowed to leave the house, no computer or video games, and my phone has been confiscated. I haven't tried moping or getting underfoot, yet. Maybe that will shorten my sentence.
Zoe (to Colin): Oh... Do you have any boardgames or cards? ... Or maybe some theater books lying around?
Colin (to Zoe): Heh heh. Theater books? Are you serious, or are you just trying to get me to go weak in the knees? I have some board games... Uhhhh... Somewhere. I think.
Zoe (to Colin): I was just think that if you wanted to read lines from a play, it's kinda like homework & it would keep me here for a little while longer. Otherwise, I'll probably have to go home. Or we could just, um, listen to this CD I made you... which now that I say it out loud, it sounds totally dorky. Nevermind. I'm going to put that back in my bag. You don't want to hear it.
Colin (to Zoe): Yes I do! I mean, I'd like to listen to it. I won't while you're here if you don't want me to, but I'd like to hear it.
Zoe (to Colin): Oh well, okay... Here. Please, bear in mind. I've never made one before. You said you liked old music, so I put a bunch of old songs that I like... Honestly, I've never listened to any modern music. I hope you like it.
Colin (to Zoe): Heh. Well, I'm the wrong guy to ask about modern music. Oh my god, you put Bo Diddley on here! You are amazing! Thank you! I bet I'm gonna love it.
Zoe (to Colin): Heh. It's okay, if you don't... I guess, I should go.
Colin (to Zoe): Yeah... I probably shouldn't push my luck this early into the grounding. Will you come by again? If you can?
Zoe (to Colin): Of course... Should I use the proper channels or the improper ones? :-P
Colin (to Zoe): Heh. Oh man. When you ask like that... Uh, better use proper ones. For now. For a bit. Wait. Let me think... Uhhhh. Yeah. I'll even see if I can find some board games for next time. Unless you REALLY want to help me practice my lines.
Zoe (to Colin): I wouldn't mind helping you practice your lines... I mean, if you're going to talk me into joining the theatre club, I should probably not what that's going to entail... I'll see you later via proper channels. I promise.
Colin (to Zoe): Oh no! If you find out what it entails, you'll NEVER want to join! See you later.
Zoe (to Colin): Heehee.
A few minutes later:
Zoe (to Robert): Thank you, Mister O'Reilly, for letting me visit with Colin.
Robert (to Zoe): You're welcome. Am I correct in assuming that we'll be seeing more of you in the future?
Zoe (to Robert): Yes. I hope that's okay.
Robert (to Zoe): Heh. It's OK with us, and I know it's VERY OK with Colin. :-P Do you want a ride home?
Zoe (to Robert): Thank you for the offer, but I've, uh, got my own way to get home. Unless, you wanted to drive me so we had time to chat with me... which if that's the case, I'll take the offer of a ride.
Robert (to Zoe): Heh. Well, there's no putting one over on you, is there? Come on. I promise to keep it brief and as embarrassing as possible. I was just kidding about the embarrassing part. No need to look quite so panicked yet.
Zoe (to Robert): Heh. Sorry. My dad trapped me & Nate in the car for our "sex talk", it was terrible. Very graphic. I had nightmares for days. Though, I still think he made up quite a bit of it… I hope he made some of it up.
Robert (to Zoe): Heh. Good God. Getting a sex talk from VINCENT? I can't even fathom the horror. I hope he wasn't making things up! It's not like being a teenager isn't confusing enough! Colin is an amazing young man, which I'm sure you realize. We know that if you two continue to date for any length of time, I'm sure sooner or later, you're going to have to --or want to-- be more honest with him about who you are, which is fine. Jacob and I would appreciate it, however, if you let us know. After all, we're going to have some explaining to do ourselves, and we don't want Colin feeling like we're trying to keep massive secrets from him.
Zoe (to Robert): ... Oh yeah. I kinda figured out he didn't know about Britannia or the portals when he mentioned my being on the streets before I came to live with Poppy & Vincent. I um, tried to tell him some stuff yesterday, but I don't think he quite believed me... I mean, it all sounds kinda insane when you can't really show someone proof. I'm sorry. I won't say anything else to him. Besides, I don't really know how to tell him that I'm a clone of my aunt & an evil psychopathic automaton. Probably, not a normal worry for teenagers, huh?
Robert (to Zoe): Heh. Heh. Ohhhhh. Good heavens. No. Not really. Then again, what about this group has ever been normal? It looks like we'll have to talk to him. No, we didn't tell him about Britannia or the portals. It wasn't much a part of our lives anymore when we adopted Colin. Heh. We thought he'd have enough to deal with growing up without adding reality jumping and alternative worlds into the mix. You can tell him whatever you're comfortable telling him, Zoe. We'll back you up.
Zoe (to Robert): Thank you... I really do like Colin a lot and I felt weird not being honest with him. But, I certainly don't want to cause you & Jacob issues, if this was a world you didn't want him to know about. Would it be okay, if I came over for dinner some time & we told him together?
Robert (to Zoe): I'll talk to Jacob about it, but I think that sounds like a very good idea. Here's your stop.
Zoe (to Robert): Thank you for the ride & the chat. I'll see you later.
Robert (to Zoe): You're welcome. We'll see you later, Zoe. I'll let you know what we decide about dinner.
Zoe (to Robert): Sounds good.
A few minutes later, at Poppy & Vincent's apartment, West Piedmont:
Zoe: Hello, family, I have returned! All hail the conquering test-taker! ... Phooey. Where is everybody? How am I supposed to be encouraged if no one is around to offer up any encouragement... This blows.
An hour or so later:
Yukiko (to Poppy): Good afternoon, Poppy. Fiona & I got your message. We're ready to head out when you are.
Poppy (to Yukiko): Good. (to Fiona) Hello, Fiona. We've never been formally introduced but I have heard great things about you. Your mission in Prague was top-notch work.
Aiden (to Poppy, Yukiko & Fiona): I hope I'm not late for our little excursion.
Poppy (to Aiden): You are right on time, Aiden.
Fiona (to Aiden, Poppy & Yukiko): So he is. Not 15 minutes early, as usual, waiting for us and fuming. I can't help but wonder what kept you.
Aiden (to Fiona): Why are you suddenly so fixated on my state of mind, McGillivray?
Fiona (to Aiden): Because it's different, and you've never seemed the sort to like change. It's got me noticing. If I wasn't the nosiest of nosy bloody parkers, I'd be in the wrong line of work, wouldn't I? Keep your secrets, little lord. I'll sort it out sooner or later.
Poppy (to Fiona): Aiden has a new love interest, honey. There it's no longer a secret... So, can we please move on? (to Aiden) Stop looking so flabbergasted, Aiden honey. You're not fooling anyone. That's why you don't do fieldwork.
Fiona (to Aiden): What?! Well, well, well. You ARE human, after all. Alright. That's me sorted.
Aiden (to Poppy): I wasn't trying to keep it a secret, Miss Poppy.
Poppy (to Aiden): Honey, we can rummage around & sort out your love life, later... We have work to do.
Fiona (to Aiden): Is it with an automaton?
Aiden (to Fiona): No, it's with Poppy's nephew, Nate. Are you happy now, you nosy shrew?
Poppy (to Aiden, Fiona & Yukiko): Clearly, Aiden's budding romance is far more interesting than our plans to get back our lives...
Fiona (to Poppy, Aiden & Yukiko): Just a bit. I mean, this is hardly the first coup attempt or first time I've been marked for death, but Wilkes DATING!
Poppy (to Aiden, Fiona & Yukiko): I'll just go make some tea while you all gossip. Shall I?
Fiona (to Poppy): Sorry, missus!
Yukiko (to Poppy): Poppy, wait... (to Aiden & Fiona) Good job, you two.
Aiden (to Yukiko & Fiona): My apologies.
Fiona (to Yukiko & Aiden): Bloody hell. I've got it. My fault. You two have a nice chat.
A moment later:
Poppy (to Fiona): Come to help me with the tea, have you?
Fiona (to Poppy): Yes, missus. I am sorry for my conduct there. It wasn't becoming. It's just a bit easier to wrap my head around the little idiosyncrasies rather than face that we're going up against the whole bloody British Empire. Been a spy my whole life, missus. I know what our chances are. And beyond that, what in God's name do I do if we manage to survive? Open a bloody shop?!
Poppy (to Fiona): Honey, if we get through this, we'll all go back to doing what we love. I have a plan... It's a bit insane, but we can get rid of our blacklisted status, get CLANNG out of the empire & hopefully help the Empress all at once... But, I'll need your help. If you're willing, that is... It's going to be dangerous & for all appearances it's going to seem like we're fighting the empire but, really I believe it's Parliament & CLANNG that we have to stop.
Fiona (to Poppy): You've got whatever help I can give you, even as busted as I am. And don't worry about insane. Insane doesn't bother me. Insane's done me well, point of fact.
Poppy (to Fiona): Well, that's good to know, honey... I'm going to need you to find someone for me, but first, I want to introduce you to my daughter, Zoe. She'll fix you up. We're going to need you in tip-top shape.
Fiona (to Poppy): Fluffy Lad's little sister? I'm getting the full family tour! Lead the way, Missus.
Poppy (to Fiona): Heehee. Maybe, if you're good I'll introduce you to my husband. Then you can collect the whole set, honey.
Fiona (to Poppy): That WOULD be an experience now, wouldn't it?
Poppy (to Zoe): Zoe honey, are you busy?
Zoe (to Poppy): No. I was just reading this comic book.
Poppy (to Zoe): Zoe, Fiona got a bit beat up by Miss Starling last night. I was wondering if you could do that little healing trick of yours on her... and then, possibly on Aiden as well. I need them both in fighting form.
Zoe (to Poppy): Oh, of course, mom.
Poppy (to Zoe & Fiona): I'll leave you two to it then. I'll explain everything to Yoyo & Aiden. Join us when you're finished, Fiona.
Fiona (to Zoe): Hello, lassie. (to Poppy) Aye, missus.
Zoe (to Fiona): Hi there!
Fiona (to Zoe): Ooo. You've got a grip like a tropical snake. Bet you hit twice as hard, don't you? Aren't you a bonnie thing?
Zoe (to Fiona): ... Are you winding me up?
Fiona (to Zoe): You're suspicious too. Heh. Good. More people should be. And no, lass, I'm not blowing air up your bustle. I speak plain. Except for when I'm lying.
Zoe (to Fiona): And, how often is that?
Fiona (to Zoe): Fairly often. I am a spy. I WAS a spy. Now, I'm a mad woman with no plan, stitches and a death mark on my noggin.
Zoe (to Fiona): Heh. You don't seem all that crazy to me... So, this is going to be a little weird, but I promise you'll feel a thousand times better when I'm done. Here, sit down next to me. I'm going to need to put my hand on the bandage.
Fiona (to Zoe): Don't I? That's the same thing your brother said. I'll have to try harder around you two. What are you doing now?
Zoe (to Fiona): I'm going to heal your wound... Heehee. It's like magic. Just relax, take deep breaths & I'll do the rest.
Fiona (to Zoe): Magic. Riiiiiight. Well, lassie, let's see what you can do.
Zoe (to Fiona): Fine... You asked for it.
Thirty minutes later:
Zoe (to Fiona): ... So, how you feeling? Woo... That took a bit out of me.
Fiona (to Zoe): Good god! That was... Are you alright, lass? You look green.
Zoe (to Fiona): Yeah... I'll be okay. I just need to rest a minute. Heh. I told you it was magic...
Fiona (to Zoe): You weren't lying. Ouch! These bloody stitches need to come out. You rest yourself, Magic Girl. I'm going to get our little lord to take these ruddy things out of my side.
Zoe (to Fiona): Good idea. I think I'm going to pass out, no--
Fiona (to Zoe): Oh Christ... Come on now, wee bit. Oof. Up on the bed with you.
A few minutes later:
Fiona (to Poppy): Missus? Your bairn is passed out in her bedroom. I think healing me up was a bit more than she could handle.
Poppy (to Fiona): Oh, thank you for letting me know, honey. I'll go check on her in a little bit. How are you feeling?
Fiona (to Poppy): Much better. Thank you, missus. (to Aiden) Come make yourself useful, lover boy. Cut these stitches out of my side.
Aiden (to Fiona): Very well… Are you really that amused by my lovelife or are you just trying to distract yourself from our present predicament?
Fiona (to Aiden): Ouch! I wouldn't say amused. Well, maybe a bit amused... Fuck me, Wilkes! Watch the bloody knife! I don't need to be stitched up again! ... Don't take offense, lad. You act like so aloof and alien it's odd to think of you doing something as regular as having a love interest. Gah! That's the last of them, isn't it? Tell me it is.
Aiden (to Fiona): Yes, you're all done... you are all done, aren't you or are you going to start grilling me now?
Fiona (to Aiden): I won't, if you don't want me to grill you. But, come on. Don't you want to talk about it just a wee bit?
Poppy (to Aiden & Fiona): Heehee. When you're done tormenting each other. Aiden, I need you to go to these addresses, find these people & give them these letters. Hopefully, they'll have something to tell you in return. Fiona, I need you to find Margeaux Dvorak. She's been retired for quite some time & last I heard she was in Scotland somewhere.
Fiona (to Poppy): Shouldn't be a problem, missus. Shall we set up a rendezvous point, or shall we come and find you when we're done?
Poppy (to Fiona & Aiden): I've sent Yoyo to scout out our new base of operations. Head to this address in the Tombs. If there's a blue rock in the front garden, we're there. If not, come here. That'll mean we need to set up in an alternate location. Sound acceptable, sweeties?
Aiden (to Poppy & Fiona): Alright, I'll be off then.
Fiona (to Poppy): Aye, aye, missus. (to Aiden) Watch your arse, Wilkes!
Aiden (to Fiona): You too, McGillivray!
Fiona (to Aiden): Always do, lovely!
Meanwhile:
Yukiko (to Victor): Victor? Your mom is sending me on a recon mission... and, thought you might want to help.
Victor (to Yukiko): YES! I mean, you know I do. I will go crazy if I have sit on my arse and not do anything.
Yukiko (to Victor): Good. How close can you get to this address in the Tombs? We don't want to land there, your mom has the place booby-trapped.
Victor (to Yukiko): Heh. Why doesn't that surprise me? I know the neighborhood. I can get us close.
Yukiko (to Victor): Excellent! She gave me very detailed instructions of what we need to do once we get there. Apparently, she built a hidden living space in the basement.
Victor (to Yukiko): Heh. Again, that doesn't surprise me. Let me change. It's best we get there before it's too dark.
Yukiko (to Victor): I guess I'll wait here.
Victor (to Yukiko): Really? Where's the fun in that? :-P
Yukiko (to Victor): Heh. Do you want the wraith of your mom to rain down on us if we get distracted?
Victor (to Yukiko): Very true. Alright, I'll be out in a moment.
Several hours later, at Marlena & Yukiko's apartment, West Piedmont:
Marlena: Godfuckingdammit, this project is fucking bullshit! Why do I have to copy a fucking masterpiece? Are you teaching me to be an art forger!?! Am I supposed to start a life of crime? ... I need to go sit by the river before I kill someone.
A short time later:
Nathaniel (to Marlena): Oh. Hey, Stretch.
Marlena (to Nathaniel): Hey... What the fuck are you doing here? ... Sorry. I'm in a mood.
Nathaniel (to Marlena): Heh. Yeah. So, I see. Here. Have a cigarette. I can head out. I don't mean to bogart your spot.
Marlena (to Nathaniel): Oh... Thanks. You can totally fucking join me... What's up with you?
Nathaniel (to Marlena): A bunch of Aunt Poppy's students have been targeted by that scary ass CLANNG group. Her, Aiden and your roommate had to go into hiding. So, I'm scared, frustrated, and who the fuck knows what else. What's wrong with you?
Marlena (to Nathaniel): ... Well, nothing that fucking earth shattering. Just an art project that I find asinine from an asshole teacher. He apparently doesn't like the fact that my dad is a professor there & thinks I get preferential treatment so he's decided to make my life difficult.
Nathaniel (to Marlena): That's fucking shitty. Jesus. You really have to wonder what kinda pathetic ass life that guy lives that he's going outta his fucking way to dick with you. It's not like you're not fucking smart enough or talented enough to be there on your own.
Marlena (to Nathaniel): I think it's his first teaching job & my smartass mouth can't seen to be quiet about my fucking opinions in class.
Nathaniel (to Marlena): Heh. Really? I find that hard to believe. You're the pinnacle of goddamn subtlety.
Marlena (to Nathaniel): Yeah well, it fucking takes one to know one. :-p
Nathaniel (to Marlena): Never claimed anything else, did I? I'm starting to wonder why the hell everyone always seemed so fucking surprised by by anything I fucking did back home.
Marlena (to Nathaniel): I haven't a fucking clue... So, just so you know & you're not surprised by it. I'm using that sketch of you for a piece. You wanna come see it?
Nathaniel (to Marlena): Oh. Seriously? Yeah. Sure. I mean, sitting here by the river being morose and looking tragic IS a whole lotta fucking fun... But, I suppose I could tear myself away.
Marlena (to Nathaniel): Heh. That's very generous of you.
A short time later:
Marlena (to Nathaniel): I'm calling it 'Fallen Angel'… It's a working title. I'm not quite done with it yet. I'm thinking of doing a series.
Nathaniel (to Marlena): Fallen Angel? Heh. What? Is that a dig?
Marlena (to Nathaniel): No, not at all... Here. Just take a look at it.
Nathaniel (to Marlena): Wow. Holy shit... That is something fucking else. That must be nice. Being able to make something like that. Heh. Even if that does not fucking look like me. Not that I don't appreciate the airbrush job you did. Christ... You are something else, sister. Do you wanna be a painter like your dad?
Marlena (to Nathaniel): So, you don't like it? Fuck. I thought I really had something here.
Nathaniel (to Marlena): What? No! No, shit, NO. That's not what I meant at all. This is... this is fucking amazing. Sorry. I didn't mean... I meant... Shit! I wasn't trying to insult you. I just meant I don't look that good in real life. Heh. But I guess that's art. God, if I ever manage to keep my foot outta my goddamned mouth it'll be a fucking miracle.
Marlena (to Nathaniel): Heh... Well, Aiden seemed to think it looked like you. And, I was hoping you'd be willing to be my model for the other two paintings in the series. I want to do a triptych.
Nathaniel (to Marlena): Oh. Yeah sure. If you want. I'm, uh, not gonna have to be naked am I? This isn't some elaborate ruse to get a glimpse, right?
Marlena (to Nathaniel): Hahahahaha! You're not serious, right? I have no desire to see you naked. And shirtless is as much skin as I would need you to show.
Nathaniel (to Marlena): I dunno. I've heard fucked up gay boys are like catnip to straight girls... Heh. Of course I'm not fucking serious. And you might wanna rethink shirtless. I'm kinda a scrawny bastard. Or is that part of my "artistic appeal"? :-P
Marlena (to Nathaniel): It's just for one of the paintings. Don't worry... I have an idea in my head. I would really appreciate it & I'll buy you more smokes.
Nathaniel (to Marlena): Don't worry about it. I figure I probably already pretty much majorly owe you for all the cigarettes you already gave me, and, uh, consider it an apology. Partly for being such a dick, and, um, mostly for when Aiden crashed at your place. Your, uh, your mom mentioned that kinda annoyed the shit outta you. Sorry.
Marlena (to Nathaniel): Yeah well, it was a little distracting. Heh. Can you come over tomorrow? I'd like to get the sketches done then. I need daylight for both of them.
Nathaniel (to Marlena): Yeah. Sure. I've got work early, but I'm off by 3. If you don't mind me smelling like a kitchen, I can come over after.
Marlena (to Nathaniel): Heh. I'm used to it. Thanks... And, Nate, don't worry, they'll be okay.
Nathaniel (to Marlena): Yeah. I hope so. But, what kinda heartless douche would I be if I didn't worry? There's not much else I can do. Anyway, I'll see you tomorrow. Good luck with your assignment for the jackass.
Marlena (to Nathaniel): Thanks, I'll need it. See you tomorrow.
