Hiiri (to Carver): There you are, Carver! Why on earth are you lounging about when there is work to be done!?!
Carver (to Hiiri): We're... afraid moving is still a bit difficult, mistress. We have been trying, but only seem to manage it in spurts, miss.
Hiiri (to Carver): Well, that is just unacceptable. We're moving you to the airship & Maladori will be sorting you out...Oh, and Miss Starling is being punished for not telling me where you were... I hope you did not tell her to keep your location a secret. That would make me quite cross with you.
Carver (to Hiiri): We assumed we no longer interested you, miss. We fear we may be quite useless in our...current state, miss.
Hiiri (to Carver): Normally, that would be true, Carver. I must be getting sentimental in my old age... I'll have to run a diagnostic. Clearly, there is something wrong with me.
Carver (to Hiiri): Yes, miss. We're...always pleased to be of service, miss.
Hiiri (to Carver): Good... You men, move Mister Carver to the infirmary aboard the airship. NOW!
At the Lovelace School of the Arts, East Piedmont:
Colin (to Zoe): Hello, girlfriend o' mine. What are you looking for? Did you lose something?
Zoe (to Colin): No. I keep having this weird feeling like I'm being watched, but I can't figure it out. And, after the time I spent running from CLANNG & the ISS, I've learned to trust my instincts. So, I'm trying to find clues.
Colin (to Zoe): Oh! I can help. What should I look for?
Zoe (to Colin): Oh... Well, I was looking for shadows where there shouldn't be one. And, looking at the buildings for good perchs or hiding places. I'm probably just being paranoid, but I felt like that yesterday, too. And, Mom put the inhibitor on me but I can still skip if I absolutely have to, it just hurts like hell.
Colin (to Zoe): Oh... Um, heh. Guess I can't help after all, can I? I thought we'd be looking for footprints or broken branches or something. I guess I read too many Hardy Boys novels as a kid, huh? With everything going on, you probably ought to tell your mom.
Zoe (to Colin): Heehee, if we were tracking someone in the woods that's what we'd need to look for. But, I appreciate the offer... And, yeah, I probably should tell Mom & Dad.
Colin (to Zoe): Come on. Let's get to school. Now I'm feeling all skin-crawly. Want me to sing show tunes at them? That usually makes people run. Ask me how many fights it got me out of in middle school.
Zoe (to Colin): Heehee... How many?
Colin (to Zoe): Lots! ... Ha ha! Alright, only one. There was this big idiot kid named Benny--who the hell names their kid BENNY--anyway, BENNY used to pick on me all the time. He and his stupid friends jumped me outside of school once. That's why Da started teaching me to box. The next time they started I tried it, I don't know why, I guess I was tired of being terrorized by them. I started singing, "When I'm a Jet" from West Side Story at them. It weirded them out so much they just left. I'm telling you. People don't know what the hell to do when you sing at them. Every time Benny tried to screw with me after that, I started singing again. He wouldn't even make eye contact with me the next year. Of course, that might've been because I hit a growth spurt over the summer and was BIGGER than him by then. :-P
Zoe (to Colin): Heh... You are amazing. Heehee. I'll have to try that sometime. I'll see you later, right?
Colin (to Zoe): Damn straight. See you later!
Zoe (to Colin): Bye!
A few hours later, at Renfield's, West Piedmont:
Oliver (to Officer J. T. Carney): Hello. What can I get you today?
Carney (to Oliver): Is Nathaniel Jones here?
Oliver (to Carney): Oh. I'm not sure. He's one of our bakers. Excuse me. I'll go see if he's in the back for you.
A minute later, in the kitchen:
Oliver (to Nathaniel): Nate! There's a police officer out front looking for you. What should I do? Do you want me to tell him you've gone home?
Nathaniel (to Oliver): Shit... I was hoping I'd have more fucking time. Tell him I'll be right out, Oliver.
River (to Nathaniel & Oliver): Shit... Nate, get the fuck out of here, now!
Nathaniel (to River): They've already got someone at the back door. If I run, it's gonna cause a scene, and I don't wanna do that to Emma.
River (to Nathaniel): Ok... Is there anything I can do to help? Do you want me tell anyone?
Nathaniel (to River): Yeah. Do me a favor. Can you ask Emma to call Aiden and tell him what happened? Tell him NOT to go back to the apartment. And call my aunt and uncle and let them know. Shit! Someone has to cancel my cooking classes too. I'm not gonna be able to call anyone for a bit...
River (to Nathaniel): I'll take care of it... And, Nate, it'll be okay. I'm sure no one's going to let you stay there for too long.
Nathaniel (to River): I know. Not keeping me from throwing up in my mouth a bit... Tell my aunt and uncle to make sure Aiden goes home OK?
River (to Nathaniel): Okay... But you said to keep him away from your apartment.
Nathaniel (to River): Yeah, He'll know what I mean. Right. I'll see y'all soon, OK?
River (to Nathaniel): Okay. Be safe.
A moment later:
River (to Mouse): Psst... Emma, Nate wants you to call Aiden at work & tell him what happened. He's not to go back to the apartment but to go home... Whatever that means.
Mouse (to River): I understand. Thanks, River. (to Nathaniel) Nate, I'll take care of everything. You stay safe & sane. Ok?
Carney (to Nathaniel): Are you Nathaniel Jones?
Nathaniel (to Carney): Yeah. (to Mouse) That's the plan, boss lady. Sorry for...for all this shit.
Mouse (to Nathaniel): Sadly, I've been through worse... And, don't worry, when you get back, you'll still have a job.
Carney (to Nathaniel): Would you come with me, please?
Nathaniel (to Carney): Shit... Yeah. I'm coming. Just... Don't cuff me, alright? It's gonna be bad for business. (to Mouse) Thank you! Bye.
Carney (to Nathaniel): As long as you don't give me a reason to, I won't, Mr. Jones.
Nathaniel (to Carney): Thanks for waiting. I'm going to the loony bin, aren't I?
Carney (to Nathaniel): I'm not supposed to be telling you where we're going, Mr. Jones. And that's not a very nice thing to call it.
Nathaniel (to Carney): Yeah? Say that to me when you've spent some time there. It's a fucking loony bin. ... I'm not crazy, you know.
Carney (to Nathaniel): Heh. Well, you don't seem like you are to me, but I'm hardly an expert.
Nathaniel (to Carney): Too bad. Seems like the experts are the only ones who DO think I'm nuts.
A couple minutes later:
Mouse (to Aiden; phone): Aiden? It's Emma. An officer came to the café & took Nate away. He said to tell you not to go to the apartment & that you need to go home. They're going to be looking for you, aren't they?
Aiden (to Mouse): Thank you so much, Miss Emma... and for all of your help.
Mouse (to Aiden): You're welcome... And sweetie, just tell Delia the truth. She'll understand.
Aiden (to Mouse): I will. Thanks.
A moment later, at the Piedmont Museum of Art & Science, West Piedmont:
Aiden (to Delia): Ms. Fawkes? Can I please speak to you for a minute... in private?
Delia (to Aiden): Sure thing!
A couple minutes later:
Delia (to Aiden): Sorry, had to extract myself from the stacks. Its like a maze back there. What's up?
Aiden (to Delia): I'm sorry but I'm going to have to return to my home in Britannia. It looks like Hiiri has made it look like I assaulted my Nate three years ago when he was in a "pray out the gay" camp. Which is ludicrous as I have never been to Mississippi nor would I ever do such a thing to him or quite frankly anyone. But, I didn't want to just run off without telling you the reason. I have really enjoyed this opportunity and the chance to work with you. And, I am so sorry to have to do this so suddenly while in the midst of this project.
Delia (to Aiden): Aw, shit. I really am gonna disassemble that bitch when I next lay eyes on her. I understand. Do what you gotta do. You'll have a place here when you get back. Whenever that might be. And, if you like you can take these. They're just a couple of history texts but it'll give you something to focus on while you're gone to take your mind off this shit.
Aiden (to Delia): Oh... Thank you, Ms. Fawkes, for everything. I hope that I'll be back very soon. I had just started the Etruscan cataloging.
Delia (to Aiden): No worries, Aiden. Besides, if you don't come back I'll have to go to Brittania and drag you back. Good minions are hard to find.
Aiden (to Delia): Heh. Fair enough. Thank you again... Stay safe, Ms. Fawkes.
Delia (to Aiden): Ha! I can handle my own, don't you fret none about me.
An hour or so later, at Marlena's apartment, West Piedmont:
Aiden (to Marlena): Hello, Mars. Is Victor around? Yoyo mentioned that they were going to be staying with you for a bit.
Marlena (to Aiden): Oh yeah, they're crashing here. Yoyo left really early this morning but he may still be in their room. Is something wrong?
Aiden (to Marlena): Yes... A police officer picked up Nate from work earlier. I believe he's being taken back to an asylum in Mississippi. And, I need Victor to take me to my home in New London.
Marlena (to Aiden): Oh shit... Come in, sit down. I'll go see if I can rouse from Victor.
A minute later:
Nathaniel (to Aiden; phone): Police picked me up from work. Can't talk, but can text. Haven't taken my phone yet. Just wanted to tell you I love you & I'm OK.
Aiden (to Nathaniel): I love you, too... Please, stay safe. I'm heading home, shortly.
Nathaniel (to Aiden): K. See you as soon as I can. Stay safe.
Marlena (to Victor): Wake up, Victor! We've got a fucking situation out here.
Victor (to Marlena): Mars, it's nearly two in the afternoon. I'm not asleep. What's going on?
Marlena (to Victor): Sorry. I'm an art student. I'd be asleep if I could. Aiden is here. He needs a lift home. Nate's been picked up.
Victor (to Marlena): What? Oh shit! (to Aiden) Aiden? Are you alright? I'm sorry. That's a silly question. Of course you aren't. Do you want a cup of tea?
Aiden (to Victor): Yes, thank you... Victor, could you please take me to my place in New London? I don't think I should stay here.
Victor (to Aiden): Of course. Will you be safe there? Let me get the kettle on. You know I can get Nate out of wherever they've got him, right?
Aiden (to Victor): I should be fine in New London. And, I know that we can get him out whenever we need to, but would that be better or worse for us in the long run. Nate would more than likely never be able to live in West Piedmont & he loves it here.
Victor (to Aiden): ... You're right, of course. I... Well, I don't like the idea of leaving him stuck there. I'm sure you like it even less. Here you are. I'll take you whenever you're ready to leave.
Aiden (to Victor): Thank you. I-- I just can't believe this is happening...
Marlena (to Victor): Oh shit... Is he crying? (to Aiden) ... Um, there, there... It'll be okay. Here. Have some tissues.
Aiden (to Marlena): Thank you, Mars.
Victor (to Marlena): Good heavens, Mars! (to Aiden) It will be fine, Aiden. You know we won't let anything happen to Nate.
Marlena (to Victor): What? I'm sorry, I just don't know how to deal with crying.
Aiden (to Victor & Marlena): I know... Thank you. I'm ready to go now.
Victor (to Aiden): Alright. Let's get going. Take my hands and concentrate on your home, preferably somewhere out of the way & I'll do the rest.
Aiden (to Victor): I think I know just the place. (to Marlena) Goodbye, Mars.
Victor (to Marlena): I'll see you in a little bit, Mars.
Marlena (to Aiden & Victor): Bye. Be safe.
An hour or so later:
Victor (to Marlena): Hey. I'm back. Aiden sent me back with a bottle of... I'm not sure, actually.
Marlena (to Victor): Oh well, we'll probably fucking need it at some point very soon... Has anyone told Zoe what's going on?
Victor (to Marlena): No. I'll go tell her. Here you go. Have fun with the mystery liquor.
Marlena (to Victor): Heh. I'll wait until Yoyo gets home. Good luck with Zoe! She's not going to be happy.
Victor (to Marlena): Thanks. I'm gonna need it.
An hour or so later, at Poppy & Vincent's apartment, West Piedmont:
Victor: Oof! The inhibitor field is on, huh? … Hello? Anyone home?
Poppy (to Victor): Oh! Honey, it's you... I'm sorry about the field. I was a little concerned about Zoe trying to run off.
Victor (to Poppy): It's fine, Mom. Um... Did you hear about Nate?
Poppy (to Victor): Yes, Emma called & told us. Your father has been hiding in the practice room for awhile.
Victor (to Poppy): Has anyone told Zoe yet?
Poppy (to Victor): No, she hasn't come home yet.
Victor (to Poppy): I can tell her if you want. I took Aiden back to Britannia this afternoon.
Poppy (to Victor): Honey, that's very sweet of you... Let's just deal with it when she finally comes home.
Victor (to Poppy): Yes, ma'am. How is Dad doing?
Poppy (to Victor): He's taking it pretty hard, honey.
Victor (to Poppy): Oh... Aiden asked me not to go get Nate, but... Should we really leave him there, Mom?
Poppy (to Victor): Honey, we're working on it as quickly as we can.
A short time later:
Yukiko: Shit! (to Victor; phone) Victor! I've lost Zoe. I just spent the last 3 hours following Colin & a some girl dressed as Zoe.
Victor (to Yukiko): Wait... WHAT? That sneaky, little... I'll let Mom and Dad know.
Meanwhile, at the Oxford Sanitarium; Oxford, Mississippi:
Nathaniel (to Jerry Littlefield): Hey, man. I don't suppose you could, like, take this shit off? I know I'm SUPER intimidating, but I swear I'm not dangerous.
Jerry (to Nathaniel): No. You're on suicide watch for at least the next 48 hours.
Jeremy Ellison (to Jerry): Jerry! Jerry! Jerry! Why is there red jell-o on my tray!?! You know how I feel about that.
Jerry (to Jeremy): Jeremy, I'm with another patient right now. Why did you take the tray with the red jell-o? Hand it to me. Go get another one.
Jeremy Ellison (to Jerry): Fine, but when you say things like that you lower the IQ in the entire room, Jerry.
Jerry (to Jeremy): Yes, yes. I know. Go get your green jell-o, little lord, and let me deal with our new arrival, OK?
Jeremy (to Jerry): Fine.
Nathaniel (to Jerry): What... What did you call him?
Jerry (to Nathaniel): Don't mind Jeremy. He's one of our LTRs: Long Term Residents. Completely bonkers. I'm not supposed to say things like that, but he's completely bonkers. Why? Did you think you recognize him?
Nathaniel (to Jerry): Uh, no... Why would I? I haven't been here in... Uh, what are you putting in that needle? Look, there should be a note in my file. I've got addiction problems... Hey! Seriously. What the hell is that?
Jerry (to Nathaniel): Trust me, kid. You're going to want this in about three more minutes.
Zoe (to Jerry): Sorry mister, but I think you might need that more than him... (to Nathaniel) Hi Nate! Care for a lift?
Jerry (to Zoe & Nathaniel): Who the fuck...
Nathaniel (to Zoe): ZOE! He's got a scalpel... Oh. Never mind. Thank fucking god... Get me the fuck outta here.
Zoe (to Nathaniel): Heehee, you didn't think I'd leave you here for long? So, where to?
Jeremy (to Jerry): Heehee, that's what you get, Jerry, for fucking with me... (to Nathaniel & Zoe) You don't like red jell-o, do you?
Nathaniel (to Jeremy): Fuck no. That shit is nasty. (to Zoe) Zoe, this is, um, Jeremy, right?
Jeremy (to Nathaniel): Oh good... (to Zoe) Are you new, too?
Zoe (to Nathaniel): Damn! He looks just like Aiden... That explains a lot. (to Jeremy) Nope, I'm just visiting...You know, I heard some orderlies talking about a case of red jell-o upstairs. You may want to check that out.
Jeremy (to Zoe): Oh, good idea... I'll see you later.
Nathaniel (to Jeremy): Hey. Um, Jeremy. Before you go, did this shit come after you with a scalpel at some point too?
Jeremy (to Nathaniel): Yeah, he seems to think it's funny... But, I'm not supposed to talk about it or Dr. Watson takes away my violin.
Nathaniel (to Jeremy): Yeah. He's a fucker. Wanna kick him one more time?
Jeremy (to Nathaniel): Yes, I would. Thank you.
Zoe (to Nathaniel): Nate, come on, stop making friends with the psychopath. We need to go.
Jeremy (to Zoe & Nathaniel): I am a high functioning sociopath. Please, get your facts straight.
Nathaniel (to Jeremy): We're sorry, Jeremy. You won't tell anyone you saw us leave, right?
Jeremy (to Nathaniel): Of course... Besides, who would believe me?
Nathaniel (to Jeremy): Heh. Yeah. Fair enough. (to Zoe) Let's go to your house, alright? I'm sure your folks are fucking freaked.
Zoe (to Nathaniel): ... Yeah. I'm going to be so grounded for this.
Nathaniel (to Jeremy): Bye Jeremy. Don't let 'em give you any fucking red Jell-o, alright?
Jeremy (to Nathaniel): Okay... Goodbye... Wow.
A moment later, at Poppy & Vincent's apartment, West Piedmont:
Zoe: Fuck me! Ow.
Nathaniel: Ouch... Oh shit. (to Victor & Poppy) Um, hey.
Poppy (to Zoe) Zoe Clair Meriwether, what did you do!?!
Zoe (to Poppy): Um... I rescued Nate... I didn't break any promises.
Nathaniel (to Poppy & Victor): Uh... Hi. You got Aiden home, right? Oh Jesus... tell me he's not still here.
Victor (to Nathaniel): No. Aiden is at his home in Britannia… (to Poppy, Zoe & Nathaniel) I'm going to go tell Dad that Nate is here and get the hell out of the blast radius.
Poppy (to Victor): Thank you, honey. (to Nathaniel) I'm very glad you're okay. (to Zoe) Go to your room right now. I'll deal with you later, young lady.
Nathaniel (to Poppy): Wait. Aunt Poppy, wait a minute. Normally, I'd be OK with staying in the hospital and doing this the right way, but... I was... I was strapped down, on suicide watch, and the orderly was coming at me with a syringe and a scalpel. The orderly that had the same fucking name as a character in a GOD awful movie Jerry Lewis movie, I might add.
Poppy (to Nathaniel): I understand, honey & we were working on it. But, you can't be here right now... They're going to come looking for you.
Yukiko: Where the hell is she!?! I want to know how she figured it out?
Nathaniel (to Yukiko): Hey, Yoyo. (to Poppy) I...I know. And I know it would have been easier if I stayed, but... They had some guy who looked JUST like Aiden, and... I'm sorry. I was scared.
Poppy (to Yukiko): She's in her room & feel free to take a crack at her. She's going to be grounded for a month after this little stunt. (to Nathaniel) I know, honey... Wait. There was someone who looked like Aiden there?
Yukiko (to Nathaniel): Nate!?! You're okay... and you're here. Oh... Zoe, huh?
Nathaniel (to Yukiko): Um, yeah. (to Poppy) Yeah. JUST like him, and apparently the fucking psycho who wanted to get creative with me and a sharp implement, had done the same to him. He wasn't supposed to complain about it or the 20-something, white haired Dr. JANE fucking WATSON would take away his violin. I've known plenty of junkies and PLENTY of crazies, and he seemed way more like the former than the latter. I just... I was afraid if I stayed, I wouldn't get out. Not sane or whole anyway...
Yukiko (to Nathaniel): I'm glad you're okay... I'll get out of your way. You look like you might have your hands full.
Poppy (to Nathaniel): Okay, okay... I won't kill my daughter for getting you out of there, honey. But, you can't go home & you can't stay here for too long. But, we'll figure that out in the morning.
Nathaniel (to Poppy): Could I... I mean, would it be OK if I stayed with Aiden? After everything, I'm... I'd feel better if I could see him.
Poppy (to Nathaniel): ... I think we can arrange that, honey. Go see your uncle & then get Victor to take you there... Come here, honey. I'm so glad you're okay.
Nathaniel (to Poppy): Yeah. Me too. I'll go talk to Uncle Vincent and then Victor. Thanks.
A moment later:
Nathaniel (to Vincent): Um, Uncle Vincent? Hey. I'm, um... home.
Vincent (to Nathaniel): Nate? Oh good heavens. Are you alright?! I'm so so sorry! You sure you're alright?
Nathaniel (to Vincent): Oh. Jesus! Uncle Vincent, it's alright! It's not your fault, I swear. Calm down.
Vincent (to Nathaniel): So who came and got you? Zoe or Victor.
Nathaniel (to Vincent): Oh. Um, Zoe. Please don't be too hard on her. If she hadn't shown up when she did, it would have been... I don't think it would have been pleasant. I'm gonna go ask Victor to take me to Aiden's. So, I don't get anyone in trouble. That's OK, right?
Vincent (to Nathaniel): It's fine, kiddo. Take it easy. We'll be in touch, OK?
Nathaniel (to Vincent): Yeah. OK. Thanks. Sorry for the, um... bullshit.
A minute later, in Zoe's room:
Nathaniel (to Zoe, Yukiko & Victor): Hey. Um, sorry to interrupt your, uh, pillow fight, but could you take me to Aiden's, Victor?
Victor (to Nathaniel): We weren't having a... Never mind. I can take you there now if you want.
Zoe (to Victor, Yukiko & Nathaniel): Geez, you save a guy & you don't even get a hug or a thank you.
Yukiko (to Zoe): That's not funny.
Nathaniel (to Zoe): Bullshit! Come here, you pain in the ass. Thank you. Thank you SO fucking much..
Zoe (to Nathaniel): Heh. You are very welcome. You know, I couldn't leave you in a place like that.
Yukiko (to Victor): No promises.
Nathaniel (to Zoe): I will see you as soon as I can, OK? (to Victor & Yukiko) Both of you. Um, thanks. For everything. I appreciate it.
Victor (to Nathaniel): We're family, Nate. It's what we do. (to Zoe & Yukiko) I'll be right back. Don't kill each other, please.
Zoe (to Victor & Nathaniel): Okay... Bye.
Yukiko (to Victor): No promises.
Victor (to Nathaniel): I know where we're headed, but we're portalling through an inhibitor field, so concentrate on Aiden for a minute, alright?
Nathaniel (to Victor): Yeah... OK.
A moment later, Aiden's house, New London, Britannia:
Nathaniel: Ouch! Fucking JESUS that hurt! Where... Aiden? Are you, um, hello? (to Victor) Christ. I don't know about you, but I'm fucking exhausted. You don't have to hang out with me. I'm just gonna lie down here. Heh. I'm sure someone will find me sooner or later.
Victor (to Nathaniel): Are you sure? I don't want to leave you here if...
Nathaniel (to Victor): Heh. Victor. Seriously. I think I'm gonna be safer here than in that hospital. I'll see you soon, OK?
Victor (to Nathaniel): OK. I'll see you soon. Call if you need us.
