Hiiri: I vaguely remember someone once telling me that dolphins were the bastards of the sea. I would now like to state that I wholeheartedly disagree. After my very recent, up close & personal experience, I believe it's the grouper. When you've been swallowed by one, you'll agree.
At Poppy & Vincent's apartment, West Piedmont:
Zoe (to Victor): Hey Victor... You look like hell. Want some coffee?
Victor (to Zoe): Yes. Please. Thank you. And a thousand or so painkillers would be wonderful.
Zoe (to Victor): Oh sure... What happened to you? Before Mom headed out, she said you were taking Yoyo to the Tombs.
Victor (to Zoe): I did. We encountered... Jesus. I don't know how to tell you this, Zoe. We saw fucking Hiiri. We had to lead her on a wild goose chase as far from the safe house as we could manage.
Zoe (to Victor): What!?! Are you sure? ... I mean, that's fucking impossible. She's dead & I was the last clone.
Victor (to Zoe): Oh. I'm sure. She wasn't a clone. She wasn't even human... She was tearing through carts and crowds and everything in her path trying to get at us. A--a patrolling officer tried... God... He tried to stop her, and she just cracked his neck, bold as you please, grabbed his gun and leveled it at us.
Zoe (to Victor): Oh... Have you told Mom & Dad about her, yet?
Victor (to Zoe): Yoyo's going to tell Mom when she sees her. I've got to tell dad. She was close enough that I opened a portal right underneath her. In the middle of a street. With about 20 eyewitnesses. I'm not sure where I dropped her. I hope it was the middle of the damn ocean...
Zoe (to Victor): Victor, that's not good.
Victor (to Zoe): I know.
Zoe (to Victor): What were you thinking? Now, you're going to be stuck here. Mom & Dad aren't going to let you cross over from now on. I was hoping that with Mom's new plan, we'd be able to help out & then you could see Yoyo, but... I'm sorry. I'm not saying anything you don't already know... Unless, we don't tell Dad, right now.
Victor (to Zoe): Zoe! He should know Hiiri is out there. Besides, what good would that do?
Zoe (to Victor): I know, I know... I'm terrible.
Victor (to Zoe): No you're not. You're trying to protect me. Thank you. We were going to die, & I didn't think of another plan fast enough. You know what I REALLY wish I had done instead? Opened the bloody portal in her chest. At least then she'd be gone for sure.
Zoe (to Victor): Big brother, you are not a killer.
Victor (to Zoe): ... No. I'm not. But if she hurts anyone else, and I could have stopped her...
Zoe (to Victor): You can't think like that, Victor... She has different rules than we do & her actions are her own. Not yours. Whoa. Total deja vu... I think you said a similar thing to me, once.
Victor (to Zoe): Heh. Probably. Is this what comeuppance feels like?
Zoe (to Victor): I believe so, yes. :-P
Victor (to Zoe): Thanks, Zoe. I guess I should go find Dad and tell him the "good" news...
Zoe (to Victor): Good luck, Victor... I'll go make some cookies to soften the blow.
Victor (to Zoe): Thanks.
A few minutes later:
Victor (to Vincent): Um, Dad? I have to talk to you. Jesus... I don't know how to say this, but, um...
Vincent (to Victor): You & Yoyo ran into an automaton Hiiri & you opened a portal in the middle of the street to get away. Two portals, actually.
Victor (to Vincent): I... Yes. How did you... You already spoke to Mom, didn't you? Dad, I'm REALLY sorry. She had a gun, and she'd caught up to us. She was going to kill us! I--I didn't know what else to do, and I...
Vincent (to Victor): Victor. Calm down, kiddo. Calm down. We're not angry at you. This was kind of an emergency, and your mom and I would MUCH rather you open a portal in front of a crowd than get slaughtered by Hiiri and keep your secret.
Victor (to Vincent): I know, but I should have thought of something else. ANYTHING else. It was a bad plan...
Vincent (to Victor): When a killer automaton is involved, hun, ANY plan you can walk away from is a good one. Don't worry. You opened a portal in the Tombs. For most people there, if it doesn't involve them, they don't care. Someone might try to sell you out to CLANNG as a skipper, but it's not as if they don't already know that about us, is it? And your mother has already started planting rumors that a couple of kids managed to get their hands on a portal generator, so we should be fine. The next time we crossover, you'll have to be EXTRA careful not to draw attention to yourself.
Victor (to Vincent): Oh. Right. Of course.
Vincent (to Victor): You'll probably also want to cut your hair short, and stop dying it dark for a little while.
Victor (to Vincent): What?! Oh man...
Vincent (to Victor): Sorry, Little Man. Them's the breaks. It will grow back.
Victor (to Vincent): Yes, sir.
A few minutes later:
Victor (to Zoe): Zoe? Can you help me for a second? I'm in the bathroom.
Zoe (to Victor): Oh sure... What the hell are you doing in here?
Victor (to Zoe): Cutting my hair. Honestly, I should probably buzz it. Blech... I HATE having hair that short.
Zoe (to Victor): Oh... Why are we doing this?
Victor (to Zoe): Dad thought it might be better if I wasn't immediately recognizable as the guy who opened a portal in the middle of the Tombs.
Zoe (to Victor): Okay then, haircutting it is. Don't worry, I'll try my best to keep you looking suave & dapper.
Victor (to Zoe): Heh. Thank you. But, don't worry if you have to cut it all off. Dad's right. It grows back.
Zoe (to Victor): Alright... Here, we go.
Off the coast of the British Colonies:
Starling (to Hiiri): Miss Hiiri, I received your message & got here as quickly as I could. Why are you in the ocean?
Hiiri (to Starling): I thought it would be nice for my complexion... Just get me out here & back to New London quickly.
Starling (to Hiiri): Yes, ma'am.
A short time later, at Poppy & Vincent's apartment, West Piedmont:
Persephone (to Vincent): Uncle Vincent? Should I be concerned that Zoe is in the bathroom cutting off Victor's hair?
Vincent (to Persephone): Heh. Well, he didn't waste any time, did he? Not at all, hun. Victor had to open a portal in the middle of a crowded street to get away from Hiiri. It looks like she's back. I'm beginning to wonder if she ever left... Anyhoo, I suggested it might be better if he were a bit less recognizable for a bit. I'm afraid he'll have to endure his natural hair color for a bit.
Persephone (to Vincent): Oh... So, what does that all mean? Are we going to have to stay here?
Vincent (to Persephone): Hopefully not. We're doing damage control right now. Don't worry, hun. We'll figure it out.
Persephone (to Vincent): Is there anything I can do to help?
Vincent (to Persephone): Not just yet, hun. I will let you know if we need anything. Come on. Let's get some breakfast in us.
Persephone (to Vincent): Okay.
A few minutes later:
Vincent (to Persephone): I think this is the quietest I've ever seen you, Seph. What's up?
Persephone (to Vincent): Oh, I was just trying to stay out of everyone's way... I know Victor & Nate are worried about Yoyo and Aiden and you're worried about Aunt Poppy. I just figured my being all whiny about being bored wouldn't help anyone.
Vincent (to Persephone): Heh. No, probably not. I know you're worried too, hun. It's tough, but the best thing we can do for the people we care about right now is lay low and stay out of trouble. Which, believe me, drives Victor, Zoe and I as crazy as it does you. Your aunt and I spoke to your parents, by the by, and after your house arrest is over, you can fly cargo with me. I promised them it wouldn't be anything too risky, routine deliveries, and I wouldn't expect you'll be let out of the inn until well after the baby is born. But, I thought it might help if you had something to look forward to.
Persephone (to Vincent): Thank you... I promise I'll do my best to stay out of trouble.
Vincent (to Persephone): Hee hee. Please do. I'm only one man. There's only so much I can do. :-P
Meanwhile:
Victor (to Zoe): Good heavens! I had no idea I had that much hair!
Zoe (to Victor): Heehee, your girlfriend is hardly going to recognize you.
Victor (to Zoe): Oh lord. Guh... I look like Uncle Thaddeus! That is TERRIFYING. You did a good job cutting my hair. Thank you! I probably would have just hacked it all off.
Zoe (to Victor): I didn't want you looking like a Devil's Island prisoner. :-P You really do look like a Longfellow now... I bet Seph's going to love that. You can pretend to be HER brother.
Victor (to Zoe): Heh. You say that like I don't ALREADY act like her older brother. Besides, you can't get rid of me that easily. You're stuck with me as you stuffy, suit-wearing elder sibling, I'm afraid. She's seen me with this hair color before. She just LOVES teasing me about it.
Zoe (to Victor): Heehee, is that why you were dying it?
Victor (to Zoe): Partially. Mostly it was because, for whatever reason, girls LOVE a guy with dark hair and light eyes. I don't know why. But it works almost distressingly well.
Zoe (to Victor): Yeah, I could see that you were really heartbroken about it. what with having the hot japanese, ninja girlfriend and all :-P
Victor (to Zoe): Hey! I want to stay interesting to the hot, ninja girlfriend, don't I?
Vincent (to Zoe & Victor): Well? Let's see the final product... Oh my GOODNESS! You look just like your mother!
Zoe (to Vincent): Dad! Don't give him a complex.
Victor (to Vincent): Yes, because that is EXACTLY what every boy wants to hear.
Vincent (to Zoe & Victor): Oh hush, you two! Victor, you look fine. Very handsome.
Zoe (to Victor & Vincent): Oooh, all this hair stuff makes me want to dye my hair a funky color... Maybe, pink or purple.
Vincent (to Zoe): Ooo! We could do both! Pink all over with a couple of strands of purple in the front.
Zoe (to Vincent): I like the way you think, father dear.
Vincent (to Zoe): Hee hee. Likewise, darling daughter of mine. We can do it after dinner if you want.
Nathaniel (to Vincent & Zoe): Why the hell is everyone hanging out in the bath... (to Victor) Who the fuck are... Victor!?!
Zoe (to Vincent): That would be awesome... (to Nathaniel) Heehee, like it? I did it to him.
Nathaniel (to Victor & Zoe): Wow. That is, uh, DIFFERENT. (to Victor) Is that your real hair color?
Victor (to Nathaniel): Yes, yes. I'm practically a ginger. Get your digs in now.
Nathaniel (to Victor): I wasn't gonna say anything. What do I care if you're a ginger?
Zoe (to Nathaniel & Victor): He's just upset because the rumor is that gingers have no souls. :-P
Victor (to Nathaniel): Heh. Yes. I'm an evil soulless bastard. It was only the hair dye keeping me on the straight and narrow. Guess it's time for a murder rampage.
Nathaniel (to Victor & Zoe): Yeah. Somehow, I think I'll sleep easy tonight.
A moment later:
Zoe (to Nathaniel): What's with you, crankypants?
Nathaniel (to Zoe): Nothing. I'm just worried, and feeling a little raw. I'm alright. What's with Victor? Why he'd chop all his hair off?
Zoe (to Nathaniel): He & Yoyo ran into Hiiri when they were on the other side. He had to open a portal in front of a crowd to stop her from catching up to them. dad suggested changing his appearance, so we cut his hair & stripped to his natural hair color… I'm sure Aiden will visit as soon as he can, you know?
Nathaniel (to Zoe): Jesus. I'm that fucking transparent, am I?
Zoe (to Nathaniel): Well, let me think... yes.
Nathaniel (to Zoe): What am I doing, Zoe? You and your dad and Victor are all freaked out too, but y'all are coping just fine. Me? I feel like I'm either about to punch a wall, or burst into tears. This is never gonna work, is it? This is what he DOES. And I'm all looking out windows and wringing my hands like a goddamned War Bride or some shit.
Zoe (to Nathaniel): Yeah well, this is the first time Aiden's gone off on a mission since you guys started dating, so of course, you're going to be a wreck. And, yes this is what he does... Though, normally he sits at a desk analyzing or sets up meetings. He's a glorified receptionist who just happens to know how to kill people or take down governments, really... Sorry. I was supposed to be helping. Look, I have no experience with this, at all. But, my dad has had to let mom go on countless missions & I don't think it makes him any less of a mess. But, if you don't think you can handle it then, you shouldn't be with Aiden... Because, this is a big part of who he is.
Nathaniel (to Zoe): Yeah. I know. That's what I'm trying to figure out. Anyway... I should go take a shower. I still stink like potato soup.
Zoe (to Nathaniel): Okay.
A couple hours later:
Vincent (to Nathaniel): Why am I not surprised to find you out here smoking a cigarette? You really ought to cut back on those, kiddo.
Nathaniel (to Vincent): Yeah. I know. What's up? Is something wrong?
Vincent (to Nathaniel): Nothing's wrong, hun. I overheard you talking to Zoe earlier.
Nathaniel (to Vincent): Oh. And you think I'm being stupid or melodramatic or something, huh?
Vincent (to Nathaniel): Absolutely not! When your aunt and I first started dating, even though she was FROM a terrible neighborhood in Britannia, and she'd been a spy since she was your age, I still didn't want to let her travel there alone. And even though I'd been a pirate for years, and a Captain at that, she didn't want me running jobs alone. Of course, we DID have an unusual knack for getting ourselves in incredible trouble. Heh. Especially me. My point is that we worried. And I wish I could tell you that it gets easier with time, but it doesn't. You're not overreacting, kiddo.
Nathaniel (to Vincent): How do you stand it? How the fuck do you cope with something like this?
Vincent (to Nathaniel): I put my faith in my wife's abilities, and know that she's going to do everything in her power to come home to us. And I always, ALWAYS believe that's what will happen. This is the price of admission I have to pay to be with Poppy, and for me, it's always been worth it. And, I can only assume, it's always been worth it for her as well. Hee hee. It's not like *I'm* known for my cautious, rational behavior, after all.
Nathaniel (to Vincent): Yeah... Thanks Uncle Vincent. Is it OK if I take a walk? I just need to do something other than brood.
Vincent (to Nathaniel): Sure, kiddo. We'll see you later.
Meanwhile:
Yukiko (to Zoe): Hey Zoe, is Victor around?
Zoe (to Yukiko): Oh hey, Yoyo. He's in his room last I checked.
Yukiko (to Zoe): Thanks.
A moment later:
Yukiko (to Victor): Hey-- Oh hell-- I'm sorry. Victor, is that you?
Victor (to Yukiko): Oh. Heh. Yeah... My dad thought it would be a good idea if I cut my hair so I'm not instantly recognizable as that guy who opened a portal in the middle of the street.
Yukiko (to Victor): That makes sense... I never realized I had a thing for that shade of haircolor until I saw you. ;-)
Victor (to Yukiko): What? Seriously? Heh. Well, far be it from me to argue with you if it makes you have a "thing" for me. :-P
Yukiko (to Victor): Heh. You should keep it like that. I think it's far more exotic... Look, I don't have much time, I was sent to get supplies with Aiden. He should be done shortly. I just wanted to check on you after yesterday. Are you okay?
Victor (to Yukiko): I feel like a bit like I was run over by a carriage, and a lot like I'm an idiot, but I'm fine. Are you alright?
Yukiko (to Victor): Yes. Except that I miss you & it has only been a day... I think I now understand why dating is discouraged. I'm not going to suggest we break up, but if you meet someone else during all of this, I-- I won't stand in the way.
Victor (to Yukiko): Yoyo, I love you, but that is the *stupidest* damn thing I have ever heard in my life. I don't care how long it takes. I'm not going anywhere. I don't like being apart from you. It's going to be painful and lonely and hard, but if that's what I have to do to be with you, I'll endure it. Cheerfully even. I'm afraid you're stuck with me.
Yukiko (to Victor): Good. I love you too and I'm glad you feel that way. I just wanted to give you the option. You can hardly blame me... We've been through so much since we found each other. I just want you to be happy & I wish you could come with me.
Victor (to Yukiko): I know, but the only thing that's really going to make me happy is being with you. I wish I could come with you too...
Yukiko (to Victor): Here, um, your mom had Tesla make these bracelets for us. They're supposed to be used for missions and patrols, but I thought you & I could have a pair. When the stone glows blue that means the other wearer is alive & if you look inside, it will tell you where they are... That way you'll always know where I am. I know it's kind of silly, but I thought it might make it a little easier for us to be apart.
Victor (to Yukiko): I don't think it's silly at all... Thank you. You know if you need me, if you EVER need me, I can find you wherever you are. I know you are, but please be extra careful.
Yukiko (to Victor): I will... Um, in two hours look at the bracelet & then if you can, go to the location shown... I'll be in my room at the base
Victor (to Yukiko): Oh? OH! So, THAT'S why you gave me the bracelet. Ha ha ha! You sneaky, devious little ninja! Heh. I'll be there.
Yukiko (to Victor): That's not the only reason I gave it to you... Just the most urgent. :-p
An hour or so later, at the hidden park by the river, in West Piedmont:
Aiden (to Nathaniel): There you are! I thought I'd find you here.
Nathaniel (to Aiden): Aiden! Holy shit!
Aiden (to Nathaniel): Sorry. I didn't mean to scare you.
Nathaniel (to Aiden): You didn't scare me. I was just... I wasn't expecting... Fuck it. Come here!
Aiden (to Nathaniel): ... Oh. What on earth was that for? Not that I'm complaining mind you... Just wasn't expecting that. I'd ask you if you missed me but I think I already know the answer.
Nathaniel (to Aiden): Oh. Um, yeah. Sorry... I missed you and was worried and working myself into a fit. ...sorry.
Aiden (to Nathaniel): Well then, it's my turn to apologize. I'm sorry to make you worry.
Nathaniel (to Aiden): You don't have to apologize. It's not like you did something wrong. This is your job. Don't worry about it.
Aiden (to Nathaniel): Please don't do that, Nate. I know you're upset. Just talk to me.
Nathaniel (to Aiden): I... It's not you. Don't... Don't do that. It's true. I'm not upset with you! I'm pissed off at myself. I'm trying to be calm and rational about all this shit, but I just... I'm worried about you. I'm terrified that I'll never see you again. I know. I'm pouting like some spoiled little asshole... I'll be fine. I promise.
Aiden (to Nathaniel): I wish there was something I could say to make you feel better about all of this... Yoyo told me I should give you one of these things. But. I don't know how exactly a tracking bracelet is supposed to help.
Nathaniel (to Aiden): What does it do?
Aiden (to Nathaniel): Oh... The blue light lets the wearers know that the other wearer is alive & where they're located. Poppy had them made for the people running patrols, so they'd could quietly know the status of their partners without alerting anyone else.
Nathaniel (to Aiden): It what? Gimme that! Heh. You seriously can't understand why I might wanna know that you're out there somewhere alive & well? There's still a terrorist group who fucking wants you dead. Heh. God dammit, Aiden... Why do you think I'm fretting? I kinda LIKE you, ya know? Thank you. This will help me cool my tits.
Aiden (to Nathaniel): Oh... right. I'm sorry. I wasn't thinking. It's not like I'm going to be doing anything too dangerous. Right now, Poppy has me being an errand boy, getting supplies & helping the recruits getting settled in their rooms, doing inventory & helping plan missions.
Nathaniel (to Aiden): Now give me a fucking kiss before you go!
Aiden (to Nathaniel): Yes, of course...
Nathaniel (to Aiden): Whoa... Wow. Sorry. For yelling. That was... wow. Yeah. I should, uh, I should let you get going. Be careful!
