Vincent: Good heavens. I can't believe I actually got misty-eyed. My poor little moppet...
Meanwhile, at the Longfellow bunker, The Tombs; New London, Britannia:
Poppy (to Aiden): Aiden honey, I swear to god, that if you don't stop hovering around me, I will kill you with my own bare hands. Just put the tea tray down & go. I'm very busy right this second.
Aiden (to Poppy): I apologize, Miss Poppy. It's just that Percy suggested that I should keep an eye on you & you haven't slept in 24 hours.
Poppy (to Aiden): Well, I am in the planning stages of a delicate time sensitive mission, honey. Just get out!
Aiden (to Poppy): Yes, ma'am. (to Fiona) I wouldn't go in there if I were you, McGillivray. Miss Poppy is in a foul mood.
Fiona (to Aiden): Is she now? Good to know. I'd hate to ruin a good mood with the news I'm about to bring. She's going to shoot me, isn't she?
Aiden (to Fiona): Is there a reason she should shoot you? Does it have anything to do with your "good mood"?
Fiona (to Aiden): My mood isn't good; it's grim. I know it's hard to tell with us winsome, wild Celts. We grin on our march up to the gallows. Kobayashi didn't check in this morning, and she missed her rendezvous last night. Considering the Magpie's disposition, she may get it in her head to shoot the messenger. Quite literal like. Ah well. I didn't die in the dockyards, or in the pugilist ring like I expected. All in all it's been a grand run.
Aiden (to Fiona): Well, Kobayashi must still be alive or we would have heard about it. Can you give me a few hours before you tell Poppy? I have an idea but it's going to require some time. And, if we can find Kobayashi without bothering Poppy, all the better.
Fiona (to Aiden): Alright, lad. if you want them, a few hours are yours. ... Get yourself some sleep, Wilkes. You're no good to us exhausted.
Aiden (to Fiona): Errand first & then, I'll sleep. If Kobayashi resurfaces before I get back, please contact me.
Fiona (to Aiden): I will. Watch yourself, Aiden.
Aiden (to Fiona): I will.
A few hours later, at Poppy & Vincent's apartment, West Piedmont:
Aiden: Please, dear god, someone be home.
Victor (to Aiden): Oh. Hello, Aiden. Please come inside. Nate's still at work, but he should be home shortly.
Aiden (to Victor): I'm not here to see Nate. I'm here to see you... Kobayashi missed her check-in this morning. I know you have the tracker she gave you. I need the coordinates from it, so we can figure out what's going on.
Victor (to Aiden): What? Oh... Oh shit! I've got it on. There should be some maps in the library if we need them.
Aiden (to Victor): Is it still sending the signal?
Victor (to Aiden): Yes. Of course. I would have have contacted you if it... I would have let you know if it wasn't. It doesn't look like she's moving. These are the coordinates it's broadcasting. Help me find them on these maps.
Aiden (to Victor): Well then, she's alive, at least... She was dropped off in Rangoon by your father five days ago by our time. Hmmm. This doesn't make any sense. According to these coordinates, it looks like she's in the middle of nowhere.
Victor (to Aiden): Usually, the rebels in Rangoon set up their bases in the jungle to avoid CLANNG. Dammit... I don't know where this is. It shouldn't matter between the map and Yoyo's energy signature, I can find her!
Aiden (to Victor): ... She wasn't sent just to contact the rebels there, Victor... I'm not sure what the other part of her mission was, but she & Poppy were being very hush hush about it. I'm a little hesitant to go barging in there to rescue her, if we may potentially expose her cover... There's got to be a better way.
Victor (to Aiden): No, no. You're right. Is there anyway to contact her? What's the contingency plan?
Aiden (to Victor): I believe your father was supposed to rendezvous with her on a certain day & time, if we lost contact. Other than that, I wasn't told. You'd have to ask your mother.
Victor (to Aiden): Right. Of course. ...And what's your idea? Or did you just stop in to get the coordinates off my bracelet?
Aiden (to Victor): Well, I wanted the coordinates so that we could tell Poppy where she was & then I was going to offer to go find her. I've been working with her since she was 14. She's the closest thing I have to a friend. I promise I'll find her.
Victor (to Aiden): Damn straight you will, because I'm going with you. Don't argue with me. You don't have to tell my mother, and you know I can take care of myself. Besides, I can speak a little bit of Burmese, and should be able to find Yoyo.
Aiden (to Victor): I understand your desire to find her, but we don't have a clue as to what we're walking into... Perhaps, we should talk to your father & see if he knows what Yoyo was doing. I don't like the idea of running off somewhere half-cocked. I know that's a Potter family trait, but I'd like to make it back alive.
Victor (to Aiden): I'm going to ignore that comment, because I can tell you're so exhausted you're about to fall over. You keep swaying. But, you'll note, I'm NOT running off half-cocked. I'm scared... No. I'm fucking *terrified*, but I'm here, trying to remain calm, and work out what the best, safest course of action is right now. If I had wanted to run off half bloody cocked to Rangoon, I could have, and there wouldn't have been a damn thing you could do about it. I want everyone to make it back alive as well, you know. And no offense, *I* have more bloody practical experience with espionage than you do! Let's go and find my father, shall we?
Aiden (to Victor): Alright... My apologies, Victor.
Victor (to Aiden): It's alright. We're both worried. I'm glad Yoyo has you watching her back. Dammit, Dad! Where the hell are you?
Aiden (to Victor): Your mother has been in a foul mood since she got word about her sister-in-law... Would your father have gone to see her? It would totally be breaking protocol, but I doubt your father would worry about that too terribly much in this case.
Victor (to Aiden): Oh my god. Of course that's what he did! My father LOVES to break protocol, and I hate to tell you this, so does my mother. Can you think of someplace quiet I can open a portal in the base? The more familiar you are with the area the better.
Aiden (to Victor): Oh... The room I've been using for an office is usually empty except for me, that or my quarters, unless you need more space.
Victor (to Aiden): I don't need much space, just try not to think about an area too close to any furniture. Take my hands and visualize the room
Aiden (to Victor): Alright.
Victor (to Aiden): OK. On three. Ready? One... Two...
A moment later, at the Longfellow bunker, The Tombs; New London, Britannia:
Poppy (to Fiona): Fiona, could you be a dear and find out what member of my family has arrived via generator? Check the quiet rooms first.
Fiona (to Poppy): Aye aye. If you don't mind me saying, missus, your family is a lot of blasted fun!
Poppy (to Fiona): They are certainly a lot of something, honey.
Aiden (to Victor): ... That was mildly unpleasant. Is it always like that? Victor, are you alright?
Victor (to Aiden): Fine... Give me a moment. Heh. Inhibitor field. I can get through them, but they pack a punch based on how strong they are. I have no one to blame but myself...
Aiden (to Victor): Well, sit down for a second. I'll go check and see if your father is here.
Victor (to Aiden): Thank you. Based on that field, I'd say my mother knows I'm here at least.
Aiden (to Victor): I doubt anyone will check here, save perhaps McGillivray because she seems to have the eerie habit of always knowing where I am.
Victor (to Aiden): Heh. Well, I'll just expect her then.
Aiden (to Victor): I'll be back shortly. (to Fiona) ... And, speak of the devil. You wouldn't happen to have come across Captain Potter in your wanderings around the base?
Fiona (to Aiden): The devil? I'm insulted! The devil is only half as interesting as me. I haven't seen Captain Potter, but the missus has also been rather sparse. Not like her to hide behind a locked door, is it? Which one of the Potters brought you through a portal? Your hair's standing on end like goose fluff.
Aiden (to Fiona): She received some bad news yesterday, which is why I wanted avoid telling her about Kobayashi... Victor brought me back here. I was hoping that Captain Potter was here. He wasn't at his home on the other side.
Fiona (to Aiden): Oh for... THAT'S what I'm trying to tell you, lad. If he's anyplace, he's in the Magpie's office. He hasn't been strolling the halls, flirting with all the recruits, but that don't mean he isn't here, now does it? You're lucky flustered is cute on you, little lord. I'll leave you to tell the missus her son is visiting.
Aiden (to Fiona): Oh right... I should have assumed that... I should probably give them an hour or so. Don't want to be rude & barge in.
Fiona (to Aiden): I'm afraid your portal trick has already ruined the mood, lad. Have fun!
Aiden (to Fiona): Right... Thank you.
A few moments later:
Aiden (to Poppy & Vincent): Pardon me, I'm sorry for disturbing you but, Kobayashi didn't make her last 2 check-ins & these are the last known coordinates... And, Victor is here to help find her.
Vincent (to Aiden & Poppy): Of course he is.
Poppy (to Aiden): Thank you, Aiden... We'll be out to talk to our son in a little while. Vincent & I need to discuss something.
Aiden (to Vincent & Poppy): Alright... I'll leave you to your discussion.
Poppy (to Vincent): Lover, we need to discuss what to do about Yoyo.
Vincent (to Poppy): You're right, hun. What exactly was she doing in Rangoon? I heard about the explosions, but what else.
Poppy (to Vincent): I sent her to infiltrate Bleak House... They have a training facility in Qin & one of the recruiters is based in Rangoon. I think they might be very happy to be rid of CLANNG's stranglehold & they have their fingers in many pies. Losing contact with Yoyo isn't at all surprising. She's supposed to make contact when she can. I'm hoping that with her family background & skill set, they will be happy to take her into their organization. I've also got several people posing as bounty hunters, smugglers & a few other things.
Vincent (to Poppy): So, all part of the plan, then? Hee hee. Are you sure you're not a mad genius, lover?
Poppy (to Vincent): Heehee, quite possibly, lover... But, what do we do about our son?
Vincent (to Poppy): Mmm. I have the distinct feeling he's going to continue to get underfoot.
Poppy (to Vincent): We should give him something to do, honey.
Vincent (to Poppy): We could have him run cargo for a bit. It can't hurt to have as many friends as possible right now. Besides, it will REALLY annoy CLANNG.
Poppy (to Vincent): True, honey. I'm sure you'll be happy to get back to work, too. I'm sure Nate & Zoe will be okay on their own occasionally.
Vincent (to Poppy): ... I'm sure they will, but maybe it's time we let him do a few runs on his own.
Poppy (to Vincent): I'd feel better if he had someone with him, lover.
Vincent (to Poppy): Heh. Well, is there anyone you want to get rid of for a couple of days here and there?
Poppy (to Vincent): Heh, Aiden could use some time apart from Fiona I think, honey... It'll be good for him to get out & try new things.
Vincent (to Poppy): Hee hee hee. Oh dear. I shouldn't laugh, but the idea of Aiden dealing with pirates...
A couple hours later, at Lovelace School of the Arts, East Piedmont:
Zoe: If one more person asks me why I'm wearing so much black... I may murder them all.
Colin (to Zoe): Hey. Heh. What's with all the black?
Zoe (to Colin): Listen, buddy-- Colin! Oh, thank god, it's you... I don't know if I can handle this whole school thing. If I sit quietly, the teachers call on me, if I speak up, the other kids pick on me... I just can't win.
Colin (to Zoe): Heh. I think that's all high school is, really: training on how to survive shitty situations. :-P You can do it. You've only got two more classes, and we've got a club meeting after school if you wanna come.
Zoe (to Colin): I can deal with shitty situations. I was once held in a very tiny room for a month & chased by soldiers all over for months... This should count as torture. I think it goes against the Geneva convention.
Colin (to Zoe): Heh. It might at that. It's not all bad. I mean, it means I get to see you.
Zoe (to Colin): That is true... I'll go to your club meeting. I'm not promising I'll join, but I'll give it a shot.
Colin (to Zoe): If you go to the Theater Club meeting, we can totally make out in the prop room. You know you want to kiss a guy in a toga.
Zoe (to Colin): Heh... The guy in the toga is going to be you, right? I don't make a habit of making out with just any toga-wearer, you know. I mean, not after that whole kilt incident... Sooo awkward. :-p
Colin (to Zoe): Well, I was planning on it being me, but I seem to have stumbled upon some strange fetish of yours. So, what you're saying is if I find myself a fuzzy, softy teddy bear kilt, I'll be utterly irresistible. Good to know.
Zoe (to Colin): I was totally joking... And, I find you pretty irresistible in practically everything.
Colin (to Zoe): You're just trying to backtrack, because you don't want to be seen kissing the guy in the teddy bear kilt. You say that like I don't know people who could make one for me. Never, EVER challenge a theater geek to dress like an idiot. We will. With aplomb.
Zoe (to Colin): I'm totally up to the challenge... If you find one, I'll kiss you in it. :-p
Colin (to Zoe): You say that like I don't know people who could make one for me. Never, EVER challenge a theater geek to dress like an idiot. We will. With aplomb.
Zoe (to Colin): Heehee. Well then, challenge accepted... I should get to class. Where should I meet you for the club meeting?
Colin (to Zoe): Where's your last class? I can pick you up after your class and we can go together.
Zoe (to Colin): It's in room 302... I'll see you later.
A couple hours, at the Orchid Tavern; Rangoon:
Yukiko (to Poppy): Poppy, I just wanted to let you know that everything is going well... I've been assigned to the airship, The Bleak Prince as a mechanic.
Poppy (to Yukiko): Lovely, honey. Happy to hear it. Please stay safe. And, you may want to get in touch with Victor. He's been worried about you.
Yukiko (to Poppy): Of course.
A few minutes later:
Yukiko (to Victor): Victor, are you there?
Victor (to Yukiko): Yoyo! Hello. Are you alright?
Yukiko (to Victor): Yes, I'm fine... I'm presently undercover. I'll be aboard The Bleak Prince for the next few weeks or so.
Victor (to Yukiko): The Bleak Prince? That's a Bleak House ship... I suppose, you'll be out of touch for a while then, won't you?
Yukiko (to Victor): Sadly, yes. I'm in a hotel in Rangoon, right now, preparing for my voyage. I miss you.
Victor (to Yukiko): I miss you too... I'll miss you every day.
Yukiko (to Victor): I wish we could see each other but it would be too dangerous.
Victor (to Yukiko): I know... Doesn't make want to do it any less, though. How about you?
Yukiko (to Victor): Against my better judgement, I'm game, if you are.
Victor (to Yukiko): You know I am totes game!
Yukiko (to Victor): Heh. Why do I get the feeling I'm never going to be able to go on missions without you again, am I?
Victor (to Yukiko): Heh. Not if I can help it.
Yukiko (to Victor): Well then, get your sexy little butt over here.
Victor (to Yukiko): Aye, aye, ma'am.
An hour or so later, at Poppy & Vincent's apartment, West Piedmont:
Aiden (to Nathaniel): Nate? In the mood for a visitor?
Nathaniel (to Aiden): Heh. Gee. I don't know if I can interrupt my full night of spending all my time alone.
Aiden (to Nathaniel): Well, I don't want to intrude on your plans... Heh. I'm kidding. Get over here & give me a kiss, you.
Nathaniel (to Aiden): I think I can handle that... You know, for a guy in hiding, you sure make a lot of excuses to visit me.
Aiden (to Nathaniel): Oh? Am I bothering you with the visits?
Nathaniel (to Aiden): What? No! Of course not. I like seeing you. You know I worry about you and miss you when you're not here. I was just teasing.
Aiden (to Nathaniel): Sorry, it's been a long day.
Nathaniel (to Aiden): It's alright. You look beat. Do you want something to eat?
Aiden (to Nathaniel): No, thank you... I was hoping we could curl up somewhere together. I have a couple days free before my new assignment & I was hoping to spend them with you, if you're available.
Nathaniel (to Aiden): Heh. Yeah. I'm available. I'm way fucking available. Hey. You falling asleep already?
Aiden (to Nathaniel): I'm attempting not to but, I've been awake for nearly 36 hours straight. Should I go get a room somewhere?
Nathaniel (to Aiden): Holy shit! Why didn't you get more rest? Come on. You can sleep in my room tonight. You're too exhausted to go elsewhere.
Aiden (to Nathaniel): Thanks. I was on third watch & then your aunt wouldn't sleep because of being upset. It just kind of happened. I'll be better company in the morning, I promise.
Nathaniel (to Aiden): Heh. Yeah, I guess no one plans to stay up for almost two days. You stayed up with Aunt Poppy? That was nice. Jesus! You and all these fucking layers. Help me out a little here. You're fine company now. Don't worry about it. Just get some sleep.
Aiden (to Nathaniel): Heh... I knew it. You just love me for my body. I should be offended, but strangely I'm fine with it. I'm just kidding... Sorry. Sleep delirium is kicking in a bit..
Nathaniel (to Aiden): Heh. I figured. I don't love you just for your body, you know. Doesn't hurt, of course... Oh! Um, I didn't mean... And you're asleep. Oh Jesus... Thank god.
