Poppy (to Fiona): Fiona honey, you made it here... and you brought Margaux with you. Why did you bring Margaux with you? (to Margaux) Not that it's not lovely to see you, Margaux... It's just I wasn't really expecting it.
Margaux (to Poppy): You said you wanted my help, darling. Just because I'm retired, doesn't mean I'm useless. Besides, if you want my contacts, then you're taking me along. I won't go on missions or anything, but you clearly need help organizing things.
Poppy (to Margaux): Fine, honey... Head down to the armory. I'm sure they'll find something for you to do. I believe Aiden is still down there, he can get you setup with some living quarters.
Margaux (to Poppy): It'll be just like old times, sugar.
Poppy (to Margaux): ... That's what I'm afraid of. (to Fiona) So, she bullied you until you had to bring her, honey?
Fiona (to Poppy): I'm afraid so, missus. You ever tried arguing with that woman? I'm not certain it can be done. Even tried to lose her in a crowd a fair few times. Don't worry. She only hurt my pride. Mostly.
Poppy (to Fiona): Heh... Yes, I'm quite familiar with her tactics, honey, she's the one who trained me. It's okay. She'll come in handy. We've got quarters for you set up next to Yoyo's down the south tunnel, if you want to go rest. The mess hall is down the east tunnel, if you need food.
Fiona (to Poppy): Thank you, missus. I'm sure I'll need both soon enough. I've got to feel out the tunnels a bit first. You understand. Can't sleep in a place I don't know how to escape. Call me if you need me, missus.
Poppy (to Fiona): Will do... If you go see Aiden, he can give you a copy of the schematics of the tunnel system. Feel free to familiarize yourself with them, honey. If you have any suggestions, please let me know.
Fiona (to Poppy): Now there's an idea that has legs and can walk around. Grand plan, missus. I'm sure Aiden will be ever so pleased to see me.
Poppy (to Fiona): Yes, I believe he's been counting the hours, honey. :-P
An hour or so later:
Fiona (to Aiden): Hello, Wilkes! Don't you look like a spider in a web? Watch where you point that thing, lad. You're going to hurt yourself.
Aiden (to Fiona): Oh, McGillivray, just the person I was hoping would arrive. Would you be interested in looking at the munitions inventory & see if there's anything we need? I'm afraid explosives & ammunition is a little out of my field of expertise.
Fiona (to Aiden): Oh my! You do know just the thing to say to set a girl's heart aflutter. What will the boy waiting for you back home think?
Aiden (to Fiona): ... I think he would wonder how on earth talk of explosives and ammunition would be at all romantic.
Fiona (to Aiden): Well, there's no accounting for some people's tastes. I'll be happier than a duck in soup to look everything over. As radiant as I'm sure you find my presence, I'm wondering if I can get copies of any maps or schematics you have of our little hidey hole. I'd like to be able to sleep soon. Been up for more hours than I care to contemplate.
Aiden (to Fiona): Of course, Miss Kobayashi told me that you'd want to see them when you arrived. Here, you are. She has even marked your living quarters on here, so you can figure out your escape routes.
Fiona (to Aiden): Oh, that darling! She is a sweet thing, isn't she? Ooo. I may need to be alone in my bunk with these schematics. You are a GORGEOUS bunker, aren't you?
Aiden (to Fiona): ... Miss Poppy spent years having it built, apparently. The house above was her family home. I had always assumed she was born in New London proper, I had no idea she was raised in the Tombs.
Fiona (to Aiden): Really? Doesn't surprise me any. She's a bit to sharp to be a London proper lass. Sized me up the way folk do on the street. Of course, I don't suppose you've got much experience with that, do you, little lord? Oh, look at all these servants' tunnels. We can get all over the city with these. We'll never have to see the light of day again if we like. I think I may be in love.
Aiden (to Fiona): ... McGillivray, might I ask you a personal question?
Fiona (to Aiden): Of course. The only information worth having is the personal stuff. Keep in mind, however, I may lie.
Aiden (to Fiona): Oh, that I always assume... I was wondering, if there's a reason why you like to single me out for torment? Did I do something to offend you? You always seem to make it a personal goal to fluster or insult me. I know, we've worked on several missions together, but I don't recall doing anything that would call for this sort of treatment. Now, that we are no longer under the ISS rules of conduct, I thought I should ask.
Fiona (to Aiden): You're... Are you asking me how come I don't care for you? Ha ha ha! I wouldn't have thought you worried about such things. I wouldn't have thought you even *thought* about such things. I don't dislike you, lad. Quite the opposite. Sorry if I seem a bit thorny. I enjoy cracking your veneer and finding there's a human heart beating underneath. You're so self-composed, I can't seem to help myself. I am Scottish, you know. Is that answer enough for you?
Aiden (to Fiona): Yes, it is... Thank you. Now, I suggest you get some rest. You look about ready to fall over.
Fiona (to Aiden): I will. First, I need food and whiskey in me. Can I ask you a personal question, lovely?
Aiden (to Fiona): Oh... Yes, I suppose so.
Fiona (to Aiden): Your bonnie boy back home, what's his name? What's he like? Don't pull a face. You can't fault me for burning from curiosity. I can't even begin to fathom what kind of person could get under your skin. And the Magpie's nephew at that!?!
Aiden (to Fiona): Fine. His name is Nate. He's a bit rough around the edges & had a difficult childhood, but despite all that, he's got a good heart, he's quite kind & can be incredibly charming when he wants to be. He works at a coffeehouse, smokes like a chimney, swears like a sailor but he makes me laugh and yes, he makes me feel more human... Satisfied?
Fiona (to Aiden): Quite. Of course, you could be lying, couldn't you? ;-) See you later, little lord. I'm going to go fill myself with food, whiskey and sleep. I'll have the report on the munitions inventory posthaste.
A little while later:
Yukiko: Oh shit! (to Victor) Victor, you need to get out of here, right now. I'm supposed to be in a debriefing with your mother in twenty minutes.
Victor (to Yukiko): Oh bloody hell! I'm already gone. Stay safe! I love you!
Yukiko (to Victor): I love you, too.
A few moments later:
Yukiko: Damn, damn, damn... If I'm late for this debriefing, Poppy is going to kill me... Oof... Watch it! (to Fiona) Oh, Fi! You made it! I'm so glad you're here.
Fiona (to Yukiko): I did, safe and whole. Thank you instructing my favorite little malformation to have the schematics ready for me, darling. I may just sleep for hours. The idea! Looks like you had a good evening yourself. Your shift is buttoned wrong.
Yukiko (to Fiona): Oh damn, it is! Thank you... That would not be good to arrive at the debriefing all askew. So, still mooning over Aiden, huh? If he was interested in girls, you'd totally be his type but you are so barking up the wrong tree. :-p
Fiona (to Yukiko): Don't I know it? He's a daft bloody bugger, isn't he? Ruddy spies... I should follow you and the missus's lead and find myself a nice, fluffy little pirate. I suppose you two have snagged the only good-looking ones in the whole lot, haven't you?
Yukiko (to Fiona): Heh... I've seen a few lookers at my families teahouse. But, they're not at all as fluffy as the Potter boys.
Fiona (to Yukiko): Well, he doesn't have to be fluffy, but it certainly wouldn't hurt. Someone in the relationship ought to wear ruffles, and we all know it wouldn't be me! Deanaibh mi gu cruaidh! I'm bloody exhausted. Go. Go to your meeting afore the Magpie skins us both and wears our faces to the Imperial Ball.
Yukiko (to Fiona): You're right! Go get some sleep.
Meanwhile, at Poppy & Vincent's apartment, West Piedmont:
Zoe (to Victor): Hey big brother, you were up & out of the house early... or were you?
Victor (to Zoe): Yes. I was out of the house early this morning. Coffee?
Zoe (to Victor): Yes, please... So, how's Yoyo?
Victor (to Zoe): Heh. You're too bloody sharp for your own good, you know that? She's fine. Everyone is fine so far.
Zoe (to Victor): Don't look at me like that. She stopped by last night. Remember?
Victor (to Zoe): Heh. Right. Right, of course she did!
Zoe (to Victor): What are you hiding, big brother?
Victor (to Zoe): Do you really want to know, or would you much rather live in blissful ignorance? :-P Have you heard back from the school about your tests yet, or is it too early?
Zoe (to Victor): Heh. Way to change the subject... I'm hoping Dad will hear from the school today or tomorrow.
Victor (to Zoe): I suppose we both need to distract ourselves then, don't we? What do you want to do today?
Zoe (to Victor): I have no idea... We could go bother Mister Nervous Wreck & Miss Mopey?
Victor (to Zoe): Ha ha ha. Who? Nate and Mars? What are they up to?
Zoe (to Victor): Heh... Rumor has it, that he's modeling for her.
Victor (to Zoe): REALLY? Heh. Does it make me a terrible person if I REALLY want to go bother them now?
Zoe (to Victor): God, I hope not because that's exactly what I was planning to do. :-p
Victor (to Zoe): Hee hee. Well, as long as it's a FAMILY trait. Let's go.
Zoe (to Victor): This is going to be EPIC!
A short time later, at Marlena & Yukiko's apartment, West Piedmont:
Nathaniel (to Marlena): Um, you're still are 100% SURE you want me to be shirtless for this? I won't be insulted if you say no.
Marlena (to Nathaniel): Yeah. Look, I saved this one for fucking last. Come on. It'll take me 15 minutes to do the sketch. The longer you bitch about it, the longer this is going to take. Just take off your shirt and stand in front of the window… The one yesterday wasn't so bad, was it?
Nathaniel (to Marlena): Yeah. I know. Sorry... It's just kinda embarrassing to have that much focus on... Oh, fuck it. I said I would help. Alright. What do you need me to do?
Marlena (to Nathaniel): Just put your right hand on the window frame & then look out the window, like you're waiting for someone important to you.
Nathaniel (to Marlena): ... yeah. I think I can handle that.
Marlena (to Nathaniel): Oh my god, that's perfect. Stay just like that.
A few minutes later:
Victor (to Marlena & Nathaniel): Oops! Sorry for the interruption! The door was open, so we let ourselves in.
Marlena (to Victor & Zoe): ... I really fucking doubt it. Which one of you delinquents picked the lock on my door? (to Nathaniel) Do not fucking move! I'm almost done.
Zoe (to Marlena): We didn't pick the lock, per se... Just went through it. We knocked a bunch, first.
Victor (to Marlena): Sorry, Mars. All this cloak and dagger stuff has me more than a bit paranoid.
Nathaniel (to Marlena): I'm not moving! I'm not moving! (to Victor & Zoe) You guys are dicks, you know that?
Marlena (to Victor & Zoe): You're both going to get it, you know that? (to Nathaniel) I'm done. You can now pummel them, if you like.
Nathaniel (to Marlena): Yeah. I'm getting fucking dressed first. (to Zoe & Victor) Fuck you guys!
Zoe (to Victor, Marlena & Nathaniel): Heehee... Oops. (to Nathaniel) I'm sorry, Nate.
Marlena (to Zoe): And you! This is the last time I ever mention anything to you again.
Zoe (to Marlena): Can we see what you're working on?
Marlena (to Zoe): You have got to be fucking kidding me... after the stunt you two just pulled. Hell no!
Victor (to Nathaniel & Marlena): Calm down. We weren't trying to embarrass you. Not much. You can't blame us for being curious. You can't claim you wouldn't have done the same thing faced with a mystery. (to Marlena) I know for a fact, you--at least--would have done the same. Please let us see what you're working on? We'd appreciate it.
Marlena (to Victor, Nathaniel & Zoe): Fine... I've got 1 canvas almost done and the 2nd I just started last night, this is just the sketch for the 3rd one. The canvases are in my room.
Zoe (to Marlena): Thank you, Mars.
A short time later:
Victor (to Nathaniel): Heh. You've got one too, I see. You saw Aiden last night.
Nathaniel (to Victor): What? How did you know that? What are you talking about?
Victor (to Nathaniel): The tracking bracelet. I'm guessing Aiden is wearing its mate. Yoyo gave me one last night.
Marlena (to Zoe): Do you want something to fucking drink while the war brides discuss their spouses?
Zoe (to Marlena): Heehee, sure. Lead the way.
Nathaniel (to Victor): Oh. Um, yeah. He came and found me last night while he was running errands. He said the blue light would let me know he's still alive and where he is. Which, is stupid, but it helps. (to Marlena & Zoe) Blow me!
Victor (to Nathaniel): Yeah. I know. You know, if you want, Zoe and I can teach you how to open a portal. Obviously, you can do it. And with practice, I'll bet you could use the coordinates on the bracelet to visit. Just an idea.
Marlena (to Nathaniel): Do you kiss your boyfriend with that mouth?
Zoe (to Victor & Nathaniel): I'm going to ignore that comment... Do you guys want anything?
Nathaniel (to Victor): Yeah. Thanks. (to Marlena) He's not my boyfriend! And no. We never kiss. It's all illicit liaisons with us. And like your mouth is any fucking better.
Victor (to Zoe & Marlena): What are my options?
Marlena (to Nathaniel): Uh huh. (to Victor) I've got tea, coffee, lemonade or ginger ale.
Nathaniel (to Marlena): Uh huh, what?
Victor (to Marlena): Tea or coffee would be splendid. Thank you.
Marlena (to Nathaniel): Uh huh, he's not your boyfriend & it's an illicit liaison. (to Victor) I'll make some coffee.
Nathaniel (to Marlena): He's not! ... I asked him if he wanted to be my boyfriend and he said no. So, I'd say yeah. Not my fucking boyfriend. Thanks.
Marlena (to Nathaniel): ... I'm sorry, Nate. I didn't know.
Zoe (to Nathaniel): Is that really what he said?
Nathaniel (to Zoe): Yeah. He said he wasn't ready for that kinda commitment because, basically, we don't know each other real well yet, and he's pretty much waiting for me to get sick of him. So I guess not a no *technically*, but still kinda a fucking no.
Zoe (to Nathaniel): Oh... That's, uh... actually, I don't know what that is. Partially nice & partially sucky.
Victor (to Nathaniel): That's not a no, Nate. Not like you're thinking of it. Aiden is from Britannia. The rules are different. Declaring that you're with someone, especially for the upper class, means you're planning to marry. Casually dating someone exclusive, or non-exclusively for that matter, is referred to as courting. Heh. Technically, what's he's doing is courting you.
Zoe (to Victor & Nathaniel): Awww, that is totes romantic.
Marlena (to Zoe): Heh. You are a brat.
Nathaniel (to Victor, Zoe & Marlena): Jesus... Buy me a fucking hoop skirt and a bonnet already. Can't we just say we're dating? That sounds so much less like fucking 'Gone with the Wind'.
Zoe (to Nathaniel, Victor & Marlena): Don't look at me. I've got a boyfriend... Oh, um, Mars, this coffee is delicious.
Marlena (to Zoe): You do? Who's the hapless victim?
Zoe (to Marlena): ... He's not a victim. And, it's Colin Rathbone, if you must know.
Victor (to Zoe, Marlena & Nathaniel): I was wondering when you were finally going to announce that as "official." :-P
Zoe (to Victor): Basically when I was ready to be picked on about it.
Victor (to Zoe): Heh. Fair enough.
Several hours later, at the Longfellow bunker, The Tombs; New London, Britannia:
Aiden: I know I should be thankful that I don't have to share quarters with anyone but, at this moment, it just reminds me of what I'm missing.
