Poppy (to Ariadne): So, honey, what do you think of our little hidey hole?
Ariadne (to Poppy): It's very clever. Who would have thought that you could hide a secret base smack-dab in the middle of New London.
Poppy (to Ariadne): I'm glad you like it, honey, because I have a proposition for you.
Ariadne (to Poppy): Oh... But, we only just met... Heh. I'm sorry. I joke when I'm nervous & have nothing else to say.
Poppy (to Ariadne): Heehee, it's okay, honey. Aiden told me that you have some medical training & well, we could really use a doctor here. It's mostly been minor things, a few stitches, a broken bone here and there. But, we could offer you a somewhat safe haven. I won't say it's not dangerous but so is being out in the world on your own. What do you think?
Ariadne (to Poppy): Oh... Sure, I guess. I mean, I never completed my residency but, I think I know what I'm doing most of the time. And, I'd like to help.
Poppy (to Ariadne): Excellent! We just got a shipment of medical supplies & we have an infirmary setup. Finish your breakfast. I'll send someone here to show you around shortly. And, honey, please let me know if there's anything you need & we'll get it for you. Okay?
Ariadne (to Poppy): Oh yes, of course. Thanks.
An hour or so later, in Aiden's quarters:
Aiden (to Nathaniel): Hey sleepyhead, I brought you some coffee. When are you & Vincent heading back to West Piedmont?
Nathaniel (to Aiden): Thanks. Sometime this morning. I guess we're saying goodbye for a little while after this.
Aiden (to Nathaniel): It's looking like it. I'll try to come and see you as soon as I'm able. I promise.
Nathaniel (to Aiden): You'd better, or else. Went and got myself fucking spoiled seeing you all the time...
Aiden (to Nathaniel): I know. I've enjoyed seeing you everyday. I'm going to be miserable without you.
Nathaniel (to Aiden): Yeah... Me too. Come here for a second.
Aiden (to Nathaniel): Heh... Only a second?
Nathaniel (to Aiden): Maybe more than a second.
Fiona (to Aiden & Nathaniel): So, THIS is your bonnie lad then, is it? Sorry, gents. Didn't mean to interrupt. Oh. Wait. Yes I did.
Aiden (to Nathaniel & Fiona): Fiona... What can I help you with? He asked, as if he really cared. And yes, this is Nate. Nate, this is Fiona McGillivray.
Fiona (to Aiden): Wilkes! That was a joke! I think my auld heart just stopped beating. Are you drunk? Have you taken to opium?
Nathaniel (to Fiona & Aiden): Yeah. Nice to meet you. Why don't you fuck off for a while? I'd say you could stay and watch if that were your thing, but I don't think you could afford it.
Fiona (to Nathaniel & Aiden): Ooo. He's full of piss and vinegar, isn't he? Heh. Can't say what I was expecting, Little Lord, but this isn't it. Nicely done! As much as it pains me to admit I wasn't being crass alone, the Magpie wants to see you, lovely. It IS a shame I couldn't find you right away. I can buy you 15 - 20 minutes at the most. Make the most of it, lads!
Aiden (to Nathaniel & Fiona): Please, let her know, I'll be along shortly.
Nathaniel (to Aiden): Well, that was, uh, something.
Aiden (to Nathaniel): Sorry about that, Nate. She has a tendency to just barge in wherever she likes. I tried locking the door but it never seems to do me much good.
Nathaniel (to Aiden): Yeah. That doesn't fucking surprise me. So... we got twenty minutes she said. Wanna make the most of it?
Aiden (to Nathaniel): Heh. Of course. Come here.
In the library, at the Lovelace School of the Arts, East Piedmont:
Zoe (to Jessica): Oh my fucking god! What is it, Jess? I'm trying to study for my biology test next period. Why are you staring at me?
Jessica (to Zoe): Sorry. I-- I'm just... Nevermind. Sorry.
Zoe (to Jessica): Jess, spit it out. Though, I will warn you if it's about the play, I may kill you.
Jessica (to Zoe): No... It's just that I really like Colin. You're really good in the lead & I was kinda hoping you would fall on your face. But, I'm also glad you're really good but, I just thought you should know. I've liked him forever. But, he's never even given me a second glance & now, that you're around, I'll never have a chance. And, I'm kinda jealous... I'm sorry.
Zoe (to Jessica): Oh... Um, why are you telling me this?
Jessica (to Zoe): I don't know... I guess I wanted to explain myself to you.
Zoe (to Jessica): Oh well, this isn't awkward in the slightest... I have to get to class. I'll see you at rehearsal.
Jessica (to Zoe): Okay...
Zoe: Well, that wasn't at all weird. Nope. Not weird at all... Who am I kidding!?! That was totally weird.
Colin (to Zoe): Hey! I found you! I've gotta run. I've got trig. I just wanted to make sure you were feeling alright after last night. You know. No migraines. No tumors. No giant robots growing out of horns in the middle of your head. That, uh, that's from... Never mind. If I want you to keep dating me, I should shut up and speak no further? So are you OK?
Zoe (to Colin): Huh? Oh yeah. I'm fine. Sorry, I was a bit distracted. How are you? You looked pretty rough when I left you.
Colin (to Zoe): Headachy and regular achy, but nothing a lot of coffee and a buttload of aspirin didn't fix. Crap! That's the bell! Lunch?
Zoe (to Colin): Okay... I'll see you then.
Jessica (to Colin): Come on, Colin! We'll be late for Trig.
Colin (to Jessica): Yeah... I'm coming.
At the Longfellow bunker, The Tombs; New London, Britannia:
Ariadne (to Victor): Why the long face, Victor? I thought you'd be happy to be back here.
Victor (to Ariadne): Sorry. I didn't mean to be pulling a face. Yoyo isn't back yet, and I'm just a little concerned. That's all.
Ariadne (to Victor): Could she have returned through an alternate entrance? This place is like big maze.
Victor (to Ariadne): Heh. It is at that. You'll get used to it after a while. I don't think she slipped in unnoticed. There are too many sensors and alarms in place for that, and the coordinates I'm getting from her aren't nearby just yet... I'm fretting for nothing. Do you need help with anything?
Ariadne (to Victor): Yeah, I'm supposed to find a Fiona McGillivray… Aiden told me to give her my list of supply needs for the infirmary. I got a bit turned around. I thought I was heading to the cargo storage area but this isn't right... Oh, I've got the map wrong... I promise I'm not usually this discombobulated. But, it's a lot to take in.
Victor (to Ariadne): Heh. It's alright. Believe me. I think the only one who never gets turned around is Fiona. The cargo storage is this way. Now that I think about it, I don't think I've ever actually found Fiona. She usually finds me...
Fiona (to Victor & Ariadne): That's because I'm very good at my job, Fluffy Lad.
Ariadne (to Fiona & Victor): Aah! God, you scared the hell out of me.
Victor (to Ariadne): She does that. (to Fiona) Fiona, this is Hari Fenris. She's going to acting as the doctor here on base.
Ariadne (to Fiona): Nice to meet you, Fiona. I was told you're the person to speak to about getting supplies for the infirmary.
Fiona (to Ariadne & Victor): Could be. Don't rightly see what we need with the medical sort. Most of us can field dress whatever's bleeding.
Victor (to Fiona): Yes. Which is why it gets horribly infected 90% of the time. Stop trying to be intimidating, and show Hari where the medical supplies are, please. Mom asked her here. She's vouching for her. (to Ariadne) Don't let her intimidate you. Annoying or terrifying people is how she vets them. She can be lovely when you get to know her.
Ariadne (to Victor): Heh. Well, she ain't met anyone like me before, so she better watch out. :-P
Fiona (to Ariadne): That a fact? Well, then! Come along, Ms Will O' the Wisp. I can get you sorted.
Ariadne (to Fiona): Thanks. (to Victor) She seems like a real peach.
Fiona (to Ariadne & Victor): She also has excellent hearing. Don't believe a word of what Mr. Suit tells you. I'm a bloody terror.
Ariadne (to Fiona): Your accent is lovely, anyone ever tell you that?
Fiona (to Ariadne): Oh? Interesting. Now we're talking plain language, Wispy. (to Victor) Speaking of slight things, go fetch your cousin out of Aiden's room, won't you lamb? I'd do it myself, but Wilkes may shoot me if I interrupt again.
Victor (to Fiona): You're seriously not going to ask me to do that, are you?
Fiona (to Victor): I am. I've got to show the good doctor around, don't I? I expect they're more than entangled by now.
Ariadne (to Victor & Fiona): Oh, is he spy-banging again? You'd think they would have had enough of that all over the airship. They must take a lot of vitamins.
Fiona (to Ariadne): Ha ha ha! Oh, I *DO* like you. You must have floated over from the colonies if you think I've got a "lovely" accent. I've got the mouth of a dock-worker, and Aberdeen isn't known for it's beautiful brogue. (to Victor) Go on now, Pretty Boy.
Ariadne (to Fiona): Yes, I "float" all over the place... I also, grant wishes.
Victor (to Ariadne): That a fact? Well, if you could see your way to granting me a pair of wool socks that always keep my feet dry, I'd be obliged.
Ariadne (to Fiona): I'll see what I can do... Let me just get on my Wool Sock hotline.
A few moments later, outside of Aiden's quarters:
Victor (to Aiden & Nathaniel): Aiden? Nate? Sorry to disturb you, but Fiona asked me to come fetch Aiden.
Aiden (to Victor): Victor, you have very rotten timing.
Nathaniel (to Victor): Christ! Just... Fuck off for, like, 10 more minutes.
Victor (to Aiden & Nathaniel): Believe me, I am NOT interrupting by choice! The alternative was Fiona coming back, just so you know.
Aiden (to Victor): It's okay, Victor. I'll be out in a second. (to Nathaniel) Nate, it's okay... I need to go to work. Your aunt needs to see me.
Victor (to Aiden): Of course.
Nathaniel (to Aiden): Yeah... I know. I'm sorry. I don't mean to act like a pouty dick. I just hate saying goodbye. Sorry. I'm not trying to make this harder than it has to be. I'll see you soon, right?
Aiden (to Nathaniel): I know, Nate. I love you & I will see you as soon as I can. Also, you can always ask someone to bring you here, if you want. I certainly wouldn't complain. Be careful and safe. Ok?
Nathaniel (to Aiden): Heh. Careful what you say. You'll be seeing more of me than you want. I love you too. I promise I'll be safe, OK? Unlike the rest of this family, I don't go looking for trouble. I swear. BE CAREFUL, alright?
Aiden (to Nathaniel): I will, I promise... Now, I really should go & you should probably find your uncle. (to Victor) Alright, I'm on my way. You can assure Fiona that her message was received.
Nathaniel (to Victor): What?
Victor (to Nathaniel): Nothing. I'm giving you a minute to collect yourself. Believe it or not, I know exactly how you feel, remember?
Nathaniel (to Victor): Oh. Yeah. Sorry. Thanks. I'm alright. We can get going.
A few hours later:
Yukiko (to Fiona): Fi? Are you tormenting the newbies again?
Fiona (to Yukiko): Would I do something like that? She doesn't look tormented does she? She's all in one piece. (to Ariadne) Are you tormented?
Ariadne (to Yukiko & Fiona): Oh no, not at all... I've decided to put Fiona at the top of my Christmas card list this year.
Yukiko (to Fiona & Ariadne): Oh well, glad to hear it. I've gotta go to my room & shower off before I go make my report to Poppy. I smell like I took a nap in a fishtank.
Fiona (to Yukiko & Ariadne): She's going to get me socks if I'm lucky. Hari, this stink factory is Yukiko, the lass Victor's pining about. Yoyo, this is Hari. The Magpie recruited her to be our new proper medical doctor.
Yukiko (to Ariadne): Nice to meet you.
Ariadne (to Yukiko): Oh well, now I understand the pining... except for the smell. Were you disguised as a sewer?
Yukiko (to Fiona & Ariadne): I just got dumped in one. I was scouting a location that I think might be Maladori's new lab. I almost got nailed, but, I found a tunnel to escape through.
Fiona (to Yukiko): Good God, girl! What are you standing around here making small talk with us, then? GO!
Yukiko (to Fiona): Yes, ma'am! :-P
Ariadne (to Fiona): Wow. So, she's a spy, too? Heh. What is with that family & hooking up with spies? ... Sorry. I'll take my foot out of my mouth in just a second.
Fiona (to Ariadne): I don't know. Probably we're the only ones mad enough to put up with the clan Potter. Don't worry about being polite or proper with the likes of me, Doctor Tiny. I cut my teeth as a dockworker and pugilist. I could make a merchant marine blush.
Ariadne (to Fiona): What? Mad? Marines blush? Oh. You made a joke. You should really warn a girl before you do that. I could have pulled something... So, when was the last time someone looked at those ribs of yours?
Fiona (to Ariadne): Why? Does there seem to be something wrong with them? Last I counted they were all there. THAT, by the way, lass, was a joke.
Ariadne (to Fiona): And, it was VERY funny. I'm serious. You've been protecting your left side a little too much for there not to be something wrong with them. So, you can either let me take a look or I'll poke you with the finger of doom. Your call.
Fiona (to Ariadne): You could poke, but it wouldn't send me down, and I know more than one way to kill you before your body can hit the ground. Still want a gander at my ribs, Doctor?
Ariadne (to Fiona): Dude! Look, I realize you're all skilled & you can probably take me down, but if you do that you're going to have to deal with Poppy. And, I really don't think you want to do that. So, sit your ass down on that bench & make yourself comfortable. Got me?
Fiona (to Ariadne): Ha ha ha! If I weren't so sure you were a lass, I'd say you have a bull's bullocks. Good points, and all finely made. I'll be a right regular lamb. So you know, I wasn't going to try a thing. I was trying to scare you into backing off. I know what's wrong with my ribs. I've broken the little chappy down at the bottom, and bruised a good three or four more.
Ariadne (to Fiona): Yeah, you have. And, this bandage is shit. If you keep wandering around with this thing on you, you're going to do more harm. Let me get you wrapped properly. And, not to worry, I won't do anything to impede your badassery.
Fiona (to Ariadne): Bad assery? Ooo. I like that. Sounds like I'm a mad donkey. I'm sorry to say, sweet bit, but you're going to run into more than my poor manners. We're spies. We tend to be a suspicious, untrusting lot. Oof. That feels a bit better. Thank you.
Ariadne (to Fiona): Yes, well, that's where you come in. You see, I figure you're the baddest kid on the playground & I just fixed you up all nice. No one's going to give me any trouble, because they'll have you & Poppy to wrassle them to the ground, if need be. My babushke always said 'Vsegda druzhitสน s medvedem". Because, it's better to be the bear's friend than it's dinner.
Fiona (to Ariadne): Heh. Of course! If you can make Mad McGillivray heel, you can handle anyone. Well, lass, it's been a true pleasure. I mean that. Call on me if you need anything. Or anyone mauled. ;-)
Ariadne (to Fiona): It was nice meeting you, too... Next time I see you, it better be with a bottle in your hand & not needing medical assistance.
Fiona (to Ariadne): Doctor's orders, is it?
Ariadne (to Fiona): Heh. No. More like wishful thinking. :-P
Meanwhile, in the theater, at the Lovelace School of the Arts, East Piedmont:
Jessica (to Zoe): Zoe, Rhonda needs you upstairs for a fitting. (to Colin) Colin, can we run through your intro scene?
Zoe (to Jessica): Oh, okay. I'll head right up. (to Colin) I'll see you later, I guess.
Jessica (to Zoe): Good... And, Zoe, take your time. I want your final costume to look perfect. It's a big deal.
Colin (to Zoe): Don't take too long. Jess will have murdered me with over-preparedness.
Zoe (to Colin): ... Murder isn't what I'm afraid of.
Colin (to Jessica): Hold up a sec, Jess. I'll be right there.
Jessica (to Colin): Oh fine...
A moment later, in the wardrobe department:
Colin (to Rhonda): Can you excuse us for a minute Rhonda?
Rhonda (to Colin): Sure. I need to go grab my something from my car, anyway.
Colin (to Rhonda) Thanks! (to Zoe) Are you mad at me?
Zoe (to Colin): What? No, of course not... It's not you. I'm just feeling a bit spiky. You know, the whole 'method or go home' thing. I'm just feeling a bit too much like Elphaba at the moment. Out of my element. I'm sure it'll pass.
Colin (to Zoe): Man... I'm sorry. I shouldn't have pushed you into this. I thought it would be fun and be a good way to make friends with a bunch of people who aren't dicks. In case you haven't noticed, high school is kinda full of assholes.
Zoe (to Colin): Yeah well, bully assholes I can deal with just fine... Jessica told me that she liked you & the reason she wanted me for the lead was so I'd fall on my face. But, since I turned out to be good, she's apparently changed her mind... I hate high school. She is so lucky, I'm not what I once was... Um, nevermind. I should get back to the fitting.
Colin (to Zoe): She WHAT? That's... What the fuck? That's awful! I'm so sorry, Zoe. I had no idea... That is just...
Zoe (to Colin): It's fine, Colin. I'm not backing down. I'm going to finish this play & rub her stupid nose in it...
Colin (to Zoe): It's not fine. It's shitty. I'm tempted to quit. I'm sure as hell not going out for any of her damn plays again.
Zoe (to Colin): No, don't do that! You're really good. And, it would be a crime to deny people the chance to see you perform.
Colin (to Zoe): Heh. Are you seriously giving me a "do it for my public" "the show must go on" speech?
Zoe (to Colin): Yes, I am. Besides, if you quit. I have to kiss your understudy & I don't want to do that. Rodney always smells like garlic. I'm sorry. I shouldn't have told you. I just didn't know how to handle it. I've never had any be jealous of me before... Oh my god, this is all new to me! I've never experienced this before! Isn't that great? I mean, it's not but it totally is.
Colin (to Zoe): Ever blown off play practice? Finish your fitting, I'll go deal with JESSICA, and then when you're done, we're walking out.
Zoe (to Colin): ... Um, no I haven't. Is it wrong that I'm kinda turned on by you being all take charge? ... Sorry. So not the time for that. If it'll piss off Jessica then hell yes.
Colin (to Zoe): Fitting first, diva-tastic strutting second, and THEN you can tell me how sexy I am. :-P It will SO piss her off. She's just the teeniest bit of a control freak.
Zoe (to Colin): Heehee, let me get this fitting done with, then.
Colin (to Zoe): I wish I had a microphone to drop.
Zoe (to Colin): Heehee, I bet you can ask a tech guy for one.
Colin (to Zoe): Next time. Let me go deal with Herr Director. :-P
A few minutes later, in the theater:
Jessica: What is taking him so long? I hope he's not distracting them during that fitting. (to Ursula) Ursula, the lighting is all wrong for this scene!
Ursula (to Jessica): I'm just following the notes you gave me!
Colin (to Jessica): Rhonda and Zoe are finishing up.
Jessica (to Colin): Oh good! I want to get the blocking right for your introduction scene. It doesn't feel quite right to me.
Colin (to Jessica): I don't think I'm gonna do that today, Jess. I'm going to wait for Zoe to finish up, and we're gonna go home for the day.
Jessica (to Colin): What!?! Why? We've only got 2 weeks of rehearsal left. This is a big deal.
Colin (to Jessica): I know. Which is why we'll both be here, in time for rehearsal tomorrow, and for every other rehearsal, and for every show.
Jessica (to Colin): You can't go, Colin. You've never left a rehearsal early before. Are you not feeling well?
Colin (to Jessica): No. I'm pissed. ROYALLY pissed that you cast my girlfriend in the play to humiliate her. And when she turned out to be good, you TOLD her that's the reason you cast her in an attempt to throw her off her game. And I can't work with you right now.
Jessica (to Colin): But, Colin! ... You don't understand... I was jealous before but I'm not now. I told Zoe all that because I was trying to apologize. And, I've been wanting to go out with you ever since the sixth grade. I had just gotten up the nerve to ask you out & SHE showed up. It was stupid of me, I know. But, I couldn't help myself.
Colin (to Jessica): ... You still did a really shitty thing, Jess, and I need a break for today. We're not the only two people in the production. You've got a whole cast to get ready. You can spare us for one day.
Jessica (to Colin): Fine. Take the night off... Can you just explain one thing to me, please?
Colin (to Jessica): What?
Jessica (to Colin): Why her? I mean any girl here would kill to date you? Hell, Sally's been in love with you since you were Romeo to her Juliet and, Muriel daydreams about dancing with you again. But, you dated someone who didn't even want to do theater. It's weird.
Colin (to Jessica): What the hell is so weird about it? Zoe is nice and funny and cute as hell, and we hit it off! Jesus! I encouraged her to the Theater Club, because I always thought you guys were so friendly and accepting and weren't judgmental dicks like half the damn school! And now I'm wondering if that's true at all.
Jessica (to Colin): I'm sorry, Colin. We're just a bunch of jealous jerks, I guess. Go on, get out of here. We'll be fine without you tonight.
Colin (to Jessica): Yeah. See you tomorrow.
A short time later, outside the wardrobe department:
Colin (to Zoe): Hey. I'm just waiting on you.
Zoe (to Colin): I'm all done. (to Rhonda) Thanks, Rhonda! (to Colin) Are you okay?
Colin (to Zoe): I'm just REALLY pissed at the moment. And half tempted to pick you up on our way out and make out with you just to be a dick.
Zoe (to Colin): Oh yeah... That would be terrible. I mean, I'd like the kissing but not in such a public setting or as revenge.
Colin (to Zoe): I wouldn't embarrass you like that. I'm sorry Jess was being such a jerk to you. She swears she's over being jealous, but... Well, she wasn't acting like someone who was totally over being jealous. God... I'm sorry, Zoe. I really am.
Zoe (to Colin): It's not your fault that you drive all the teenage girls wild. Besides, I think it's kind of flattering, that fact that she went to that much trouble to humiliate me to get your attention... You know what? I don't even care. What should we do for our night off?
Colin (to Zoe): I feel like I should say something take-chargey, but I honestly have no idea. Wanna catch a movie?
Zoe (to Colin): Sure. Or we could go to this park I know & I can kiss you for defending my honor.
Colin (to Zoe): Heh! Verily, Lady Zoe. I shall always endeavor to defend thy honor from fools and ruffians. I have to come clean. You are, without a doubt, the most coolest girl I've ever met, and I had totally selfish reasons for pushing you into coming to my school and conning into joining the Theater Club. I'm sorry it's been kind of awful.
Zoe (to Colin): Well, I'm glad you did. I mean, yeah there's been some sucky parts but I really like spending time with you & until today, I was actually liking the whole theater thing. And if we're confessing, you were the main reason I wanted to go here anyway. If you hadn't noticed, I'm kinda crazy about you.
Colin (to Zoe): Well, apparently, I AM just damn irresistible. If you honestly like doing the theater stuff, this'll all blow over. There's ALWAYS some drama during a production. It's practically required. How 'bout we forget about all that shit for now?
Zoe (to Colin): Sounds good to me!
