Delphine (to Eugenia): Finally! A couple more hours in this hellhole & I would have forgotten who was paying me.
Eugenia (to Delphine): Tishe. I couldn't come any sooner. No one is supposed to know that you are working for my family. What have you discovered?
Delphine (to Eugenia): CLANNG is indeed up to something involving skippers. It has something to do with some genetic experiments that Maladori is conducting in a secret lab somewhere in New London. But, so far, I haven't discovered anything concrete. I need more time.
Eugenia (to Delphine): Yes, I believe that's why they contacted my ex-husband. But, it still doesn't explain why they're throwing their weight around Britannia. Take all the time you need & do what you have to do to make sure your cover isn't blown. You took a huge risk coming to the Winter Palace. What were you thinking?
Delphine (to Eugenia): I was coming to report to your uncle when I stumbled upon Vincent Potter... Hiiri is crazy about getting her hands on him. It would go along way to earn her trust if I brought him to her.
Eugenia (to Delphine): He's off limits, as well as, anyone he's with. Do you understand me? Get the word out to all of your "little friends"... If anyone closely associated with Captain Potter is harmed in any way, the people responsible will have the full force of the Russian Empire on them in a heartbeat. Do I make myself clear, ma cheri?
Delphine (to Eugenia): Oui. I should get back to my work. It was so nice seeing you again, Eugenia.
Onboard the borrowed airship:
Ariadne (to Charles): Good morning, small fry. Care for some breakfast? Don't worry, I didn't make it. Poppy did it before she headed back to the bridge.
Charles (to Ariadne): Good morning, Miss Hari. I would be most appreciative of breakfast. Thank you.
Ariadne (to Charles): Here you are. Care for some coffee or tea? I'd offer you something else but it's a bit slim pickings in the pantry.
Charles (to Ariadne): Tea would be lovely. Is there--if it's not too much trouble--is there honey?
Ariadne (to Charles): You are in luck! There is honey, but sadly no cream... unless you count whatever this is. Ewww. Best not to risk it.
Charles (to Ariadne): Thank you! My mother didn't often allow me have honey with my tea. We saved it for company. If I was sick, however, she would... I beg your pardon. Thank you very much.
Ariadne (to Charles): Heh. It's okay. My grandmother used to make this lemon honey concoction whenever I was sick. It would zonk me right out. So, you grew up with just your mom? What happened to her? Or is it rude of me to ask?
Charles (to Ariadne): Yes, I lived with my mother until... She died a little under a year ago. My father is stationed in India. I was hoping I could keep up with the mortgage on our house until his return, but, it was a bit more than I could manage alone.
Ariadne (to Charles): Oh... Does your father know about your mother? Why didn't he send for you?
Charles (to Ariadne): I don't know. I sent him a letter when Mother became ill, and another when she died, but I received no response. I know things can be tricky and dangerous in the East. I'm sure as soon as he's able, he'll be back in contact.
Ariadne (to Charles): Yes, I'm sure... When was the last time you saw him?
Charles (to Ariadne): I haven't seen him in quite some time. I was still a baby, so I don't quite remember him, but I have his letters.
Ariadne (to Charles): So, he's been gone for awhile, huh? I know how that is. Well, you're quite lucky that you stowed away on this airship when you did. From what I understand the regular crew probably wouldn't have taken too kindly to finding you onboard. Vincent, that's Poppy's husband, knew the captain & won it's use for the week in a card game. He seemed a bit unsavory to me. He probably would have thrown you off the ship without a moments thought.
Charles (to Ariadne): I fear most pirates are, Ms. Hari. I was hoping no one would find me on board, truthfully. The other captain caught me and gave me quite a hiding. It's fortunate I look much younger than I am.
Ariadne (to Charles): Where were you going? Or did you have a plan? Here, have some more eggs. They're getting cold.
Charles (to Ariadne): Thank you! I needed to get out of Liverpool as quickly as I could manage, and this was the first vessel I was able to board.
Ariadne (to Charles): I know just what you mean, small fry. I had to make a quick getaway myself & have been running ever since. And, once we get to New London, I have absolutely no idea what I'm going to do with myself. At least, it sounds like Poppy found a place for you to stay & work. That's got to be a relief for you.
Charles (to Ariadne): It's more than a relief, Miss Hari. I--I don't know what would have become of me it it wasn't for Ms Meriwether. I feel it is no exaggeration to say she saved me, miss. I didn't think there were people like her left in this world...
Ariadne (to Charles): Down boy! That's quite a crush you're sporting. You do realize that she's old enough to be your mother, right?
Charles (to Ariadne): Miss Hari! She's a married woman. I can appreciate a lady's kind nature and good graces without some kind of tawdry motivation.
Vincent (to Charles & Ariadne): Really? That's a shame. The tawdry reasons are the most fun.
Charles (to Vincent): Y--you must be Captain Potter. I am deeply sorry, sir. That...that was a highly inappropriate conversation...
Vincent (to Charles): Hee hee. Calm down, kiddo. I happen to think my wife is the sweetest and most beautiful woman in the world. I'm certainly not going to get angry with someone who agrees with me. ;-)
Charles (to Vincent): You--you ARE Captain Potter, aren't you? I thought you would be... I mean, from what I've heard...
Vincent (to Charles): You thought I would be taller? ;-) Believe it or not, I've heard that before once or twice.
Ariadne (to Charles & Vincent): HAHAHA!
Vincent (to Charles): If you don't close your mouth, Charles. You're going to start catching flies.
Charles (to Ariadne & Vincent): Excuse me.
Ariadne (to Vincent): How's the arm doing, oh Captain, my Captain?
Vincent (to Ariadne): It's sore and still bit bloody, but I've had much worse. I think your mother might have actually been trying to kill your great uncle.
Ariadne (to Vincent): I honestly wouldn't be surprised.
Vincent (to Ariadne): Nor would I. Good heavens. Why don't they have any decent alcohol on this heap? Are they pirates or not?
Ariadne (to Vincent): I'd offer to nip out to the cornerstore & get you some, but seeing as how I have no idea where we are, it would be pointless. Will we be arriving in New London any time soon?
Vincent (to Ariadne): It shouldn't be too long now, hun. (to Charles) Charles, could you go see if my wife wants something to eat?
Charles (to Vincent): Yes, Captain. Of course. (to Ariadne) Excuse me, Miss Hari.
Ariadne (to Charles): See ya, small fry. (to Vincent) Heehee, he's adorable.
Vincent (to Ariadne): Hee hee. That got rid of him quickly, didn't it? He quite the crush.
Ariadne (to Vincent): Heh. Poor kid.
Vincent (to Ariadne): I can't blame him in the slightest. So, I know you were thinking that you were going to hit the road again after we get back. Is that still the plan, hun?
Ariadne (to Vincent): Yeah, I'm not sure what else to do. You & Poppy have been really nice about letting me crash with you all, but it's a bit too crowded for my taste... If I stay on the other side, I should be safe enough. I think.
Vincent (to Ariadne): Alright, sweetie. If that's what you want to do, we'll give you whatever help we can. We can get you an inhibitor. That way you'll be harder to track when you're not skipping, and if you need anything at all, or a place to hide, just ask.
Ariadne (to Vincent): Thank you... Do you think my extended family are really going to help against CLANNG?
Vincent (to Ariadne): Honestly? I don't know. But if the Romanov family wants to help knock down CLANNG a couple of pegs, I won't say no to their help. God knows we could use it!
Ariadne (to Vincent): That's for damn sure... Is there anything I can do to help right this second? I'm feeling antsy just sitting here.
Vincent (to Ariadne): Heh. You're SO going to regret asking. I need my bandage changed. If you're squeamish, would you go grab my darling beamish boy?
Ariadne (to Vincent): I can do it... I was almost going to be a doctor, at one point. But, I couldn't hack it, according to my dad. Really, I just didn't want to deal with the stress or the fact that my dad wanted me to be a surgeon. I wanted to be a veterinarian. He didn't think that counted as a lucrative or viable occupation. He's not an animal lover.
Vincent (to Ariadne): Your father thinks you're a disappointment because you want to be a VET? Oh for heaven's sake! I should show up at your father's house and and REALLY give him something to be horrified by. Heh. Ouch...
Ariadne (to Vincent): Sorry... It looks like you ripped your stitches. What on earth were you doing last night or dare I ask?
Vincent (to Ariadne): Ha ha ha! Nothing that interesting, hun. This ship isn't that big. Heh. Course that doesn't seem to be slowing down the boys.
Ariadne (to Vincent): No, it doesn't... Which is sooo not fair. All it does is remind me how long it's been since my last date. Blergh... Okay, you're all stitched up & bandage replaced. Try not to strain it too much or those stitches will rip again.
Vincent (to Ariadne): I will certainly try. Shoot. I've really got to go back to wearing all back shirts. I keep staining these white ones.
Ariadne (to Vincent): Heehee. I think it would be a worthwhile investment.
Aiden (to Vincent & Ariadne): We're about to land in New London. There's a Captain Benedict waiting at the dock for you. He's anxious to get his ship back from you, it would seem.
Vincent (to Aiden): Thanks, kiddo. I'm just as anxious to get rid of it. Honestly, he should pay US for cleaning this heap. Tell Captain Benedict we'll be docking shortly. (to Ariadne) Could you help me get my shirt back on, hun?
Aiden (to Vincent): Will do. (to Ariadne) Did you put that bandage on Vincent? It's quite professional looking.
Ariadne (to Vincent): Heh. Of course. (to Aiden) Oh yeah I did. It's really simple. Any first year resident can do it.
Aiden (to Ariadne): Oh... Well, I should really get back up to the bridge.
A few hours later, in the kitchen, at the Longfellow's Inn, New London, Britannia:
Poppy (to Persephone): Persephone honey, look at you all covered in flour! Have you been making a mess in the kitchen again?
Persephone (to Poppy): Aun-- Poppy! It's so nice to see you! Should you be here... with a whole crew? We've been having a lot of CLANNG visits lately. (to Aiden) Hello Aiden, you're looking well.
Aiden (to Persephone): You are, too. That color is really becoming on you.
Poppy (to Persephone): We just came into town & thought we could have dinner. Plus, I want you to meet someone. Persephone, this is Charles Turner. (to Charles) Charles, this is Persephone Longfellow. Her parents own this inn.
Persephone (to Poppy & Charles): Nice to meet you, Mister Turner. I take it, you're seeking employment?
Charles (to Persephone): Yes, Miss Longfellow. I would very much appreciate it.
Persephone (to Charles): Well, since Poppy is recommending you, I think we can find something for you do around here. There's a spare room in the attic, we can offer up 3 meals a day, 2 pounds a week & use of our library. I won't lie, we work hard around here but if you do right by us, we'll do right by you. Do we have a deal?
Charles (to Persephone & Poppy): Yes! I would like that very much, miss! I promise your trust in me won't be misplaced.
Persephone (to Charles): Glad to hear it. Go throw your stuff in the attic room & then, I'll take you on the grand tour and introduce you to the family. (to Poppy) Why on earth are you grinning at me?
Poppy (to Persephone): I'm just so proud of you, honey. We've got a crew of hungry folks out in the dining room. Any chance we can get some of Molly's famous shepherd's pie?
Persephone (to Poppy): I think that can be arranged. I am so happy to see you. I know Mam & Da will be happy to see you, too.
Poppy (to Persephone): I'm happy to see you, too, honey. Let me go tell the huddled, hungry masses & then I'll come and give you a hand.
Persephone (to Poppy): That would be wonderful. Thank you.
A moment later, in the dining room:
Poppy (to Vincent, Ariadne, Aiden, Victor & Nathaniel): Well, sweeties, Seph has agreed to take in Charles & is making the house specialty for us, Molly's Famous Shepherd's Pie... (to Victor) Victor, you should go in and say hello. You'd hardly recognize her.
Vincent (to Poppy): Oooo! That's outstanding news on both counts, lover. I'm starving.
Victor (to Poppy): Won't I? Heh. Why? What did she do to her hair this time?
Poppy (to Victor): No, she's just got everything running properly. Heh. She always complaining about not wanting to run the inn, but she does it so well. I'm so very proud of her.
Victor (to Poppy): Oh, this I HAVE to go see.
A moment later, in the kitchen:
Victor (to Persephone): Heh. My mom wasn't kidding! You are ruling the kitchen in here.
Persephone (to Victor): I don't mean to be rude, Victor, but if you're not lending a hand, you're in the way. I've got 25 people to feed.
Victor (to Persephone): So what do you need help with? Stow the face, cousin dear. I've spent every summer here for as long as I can remember.
Persephone (to Victor): Heh. I thought Mister Bigshot Airship Captain wouldn't want sully his hands with boring vegetables. :-p I need those potatoes peeled.
Victor (to Persephone): Wait? I can get out of potato peeling duties because I named a ship? I had no idea!
Persephone (to Victor): Heehee, nope. Too late! Come give me a hug & then get on those potatoes.
Victor (to Persephone): Well, damn. So close to escaping potato duty, and yet so far! Alright! Let me get on those root vegetables.
An hour or so later, at Lovelace School of the Arts, East Piedmont:
Jessica (to Zoe & Colin): Could we please do another run through on that dance number? You both missed a couple marks.
Colin (to Jessica): That's because we're EXHAUSTED, Jess. Seriously. I don't think I can feel my feet. Which I'm actually kind of grateful for, because I think if I could feel my feet, they would hurt like HELL!
Zoe (to Jessica): Damn, Jess! We have run through it five times. I think that's enough.
Jessica (to Zoe & Colin): Oh fine. Let's call it a night.
Colin (to Jessica): THANK YOU, herr dictator. I'm going to go ice my feet so that they don't swell full of blood and fall off.
Jessica (to Zoe & Colin): Actors! You're so melodramatic. I'll see you tomorrow promptly at 3pm.
Colin (to Jessica): Ja wohl! Ve vill be here in zee afternoon!
A few minutes later:
Colin (to Zoe): Honestly, Jess IS nice. It's just that when there's a play, she's a real... Uh... What's the word I'm looking for?
Zoe (to Colin): Bitch? Evil dictator?
Colin (to Zoe): Heh. Dictator, I'll give you.
Zoe (to Colin): Heehee, you are way too nice, sometimes. Well, I guess I should head back to Mars' apartment.
Colin (to Zoe): You could, or we could dick around a little bit more before I'm late for curfew. God... My feet are *actually* killing me.
Zoe (to Colin): Oh... And, what would this dicking around consist of, exactly?
Colin (to Zoe): Heh. I don't know, but whatever it is, I don't want it to involve walking. Wanna grab a coffee with me?
Zoe (to Colin): Sure... Heh. You wouldn't want to go have coffee at my house, would you?
Colin (to Zoe): Sure. We can hang out there if you want.
Zoe (to Colin): Okay... Take my hand. Is the coast clear?
Colin (to Zoe): Yep. Looks like it. Quick!
Zoe (to Colin): Here we go!
A moment later, at Poppy & Vincent's apartment, West Piedmont:
Zoe (to Colin): Whoa! That felt a little weird. Are you okay?
Colin (to Zoe): I... I don't know. I--I think so. I feel like my brain's been slam-dancing in my skull.
Zoe (to Colin): I'm sorry. I'll grab you some aspirin & juice, that should help.
Colin (to Zoe): Thanks. I'll be alright. What the hell was that? It didn't feel like that any of the other times. Are YOU okay?
Zoe (to Colin): No, it's not normal. Mom thinks someone's messing with the portals again. I'll be okay. My skin feels all weird & tingly.
Colin (to Zoe): Fun tingly, or oh-god-why-does-it-hurt tingly? Thanks. Heh. Sorry. I know that's not funny.
Zoe (to Colin): ... It's kind of fun tingly. Be careful. I feel slightly super charged.
Colin (to Zoe): Heh. Well, it sounds like it was better for you than me? Man!
A little while later:
Zoe (to Colin): ... I should get you home.
Colin (to Zoe): Do you think we should try taking the short cut?
Zoe (to Colin): ... Or we could continue to take advantage of the empty apartment? ... Sorry. I don't know what came over me.
Colin (to Zoe): Seriously. I'm not even wearing my sexy pajama pants.
Zoe (to Colin): Everything you wear is sexy, Colin... God. I really should take you home.
Colin (to Zoe): ... Um, yeah. That, uh, that would probably be the smart thing to do.
Zoe (to Colin): Okay... take my hand. Before I do something stupid.
Colin (to Zoe): Yeah... I don't think it would be stupid... But, um, yeah. I should get home.
Zoe (to Colin): Yes, of course. You're right. I'll have you there in a jiffy.
Colin (to Zoe): Thanks. Let's hope this time is less, uh, tingly.
A moment later, at Robert & Jacob's house, East Piedmont:
Zoe (to Colin): Whoa! Here we are. Home sweet home.
Colin (to Zoe): Yeah. I should probably go lay down. I... Man. That one hurt a little. You'll be OK, right?
Zoe (to Colin): Yeah, I'll be alright. I'm sorry you don't feel good. Go get some rest. I'll see you at school... I've gotta go to Mars'. See you tomorrow.
Colin (to Zoe): I shall endeavor to survive. I'll see you tomorrow.
Zoe (to Colin): Bye.
Colin (to Zoe): Bye...
A moment later, at Marlena's apartment, West Piedmont:
Zoe: Ugh... My head is killing me. I hope Mars has some industrial strength aspirin.
