Poppy (to Zoe): How are you feeling this morning, sweetheart?
Zoe (to Poppy): Like deep-fried ass, mom.
Poppy (to Zoe): Oh well, that sounds unpleasant, honey. Let me go make you some tea and toast.
Zoe (to Poppy): Thank you, mom.
A short time later:
Vincent (to Zoe): How's the patient this morning?
Zoe (to Vincent): Feeling terrible. Achoo! Damn. Sorry.
Vincent (to Zoe): Mmm. You're still running a fever. I'll ask Colin to pick up your homework for you. Take it easy today.
Zoe (to Vincent): Okay… Thanks, Dad.
Vincent (to Zoe): That's what we're here for, Monster.
Zoe (to Vincent): Um, Dad? Did anything happen while I was gone?
Vincent (to Zoe): What do you mean, hun?
Zoe (to Vincent): I don't know... Weird things.
Vincent (to Zoe): Heh. You were only gone for half a day, and in this family, you're going to have to define "weird."
Zoe (to Vincent): Oh…Nevermind. It's probably just the fever talking. Ignore me…I'm just glad to be home. Have we heard from Victor recently?
Vincent (to Zoe): Hee hee. Since this morning, you mean? With as often as he stops in to eat us out of house and home, you'd think he still lived here.
Zoe (to Vincent): Oh… Is he here now? I'd like to see him… Ooo, getting up is not such a good idea.
Vincent (to Zoe): Back in bed, you. He already left. Today is his early class. If you want to see him that badly, ask him to stop by when he's done with school. He can finish off the cheese slices and soy sauce packets he didn't eat this morning.
Zoe (to Vincent): Oh, right… early class… And, he lives with Mars on campus, right?
Vincent (to Zoe): Hee heeh. Yes, that would be the one. So good of you to remember. :-P Get some sleep, kiddo.
Zoe (to Vincent): … Dad? Would you be mad at me if I did a bad thing while doing a good thing?
Vincent (to Zoe): ... Well, it depends on how bad the Bad Thing is and how good the Good Thing. What's going on, Zoe?
Zoe (to Vincent): … I may have fixed something that was broken, but while I did that I changed something… So, it may be a bit different now.
Vincent (to Zoe): Sweetie, what are you talking about?
Zoe (to Vincent): Hiiri... She went back in time and killed you & Mom. She changed everything. So, Nate & I went back and stopped her... I-- I put the bomb back on the ship she was on. I knew she wouldn't want to miss seeing the explosion... The world was awful without you both in it. Victor was practically living on the streets, Nate was in CLANNG. I know you are always telling us not to mess with the timeline, but this was different. What Hiiri did was wrong & it needed to be put right... I'm sorry.
Vincent (to Zoe): Good God... How on earth did you remember how things were supposed to be?
Zoe (to Vincent): She must have changed it just as Nate & I were crossing over yesterday morning. I remembered everything. I must have let go of Nate's hand too soon because he remembered it in fragments, like a dream. When I found him, he started to remember it all. Everyone else kept experiencing déjà vu, like Time was trying to fix itself.
Vincent (to Zoe): Oh sweetie... Come here!
Zoe (to Vincent): I'm sorry I disobeyed you & did something stupid. But, you & Mom touched so many lives that you just couldn't not be here. And, catching the flu or pneumonia is worth it, if you guys are alive.
Vincent (to Zoe): Honey, unless we become automatons like Percy, your mom and I won't be around forever. It means the world to me to know that you kids will take care of each other when that happens. Thank you for watching out for your family, Zoe. That being said, don't you EVER do something like that again! Hiiri altered the timeline herself, so hopefully there won't be too many ripples. But you have NO IDEA what kind of chaos you could have caused. We aren't worth the danger, sweetie.
Zoe (to Vincent): I know.... And, you are worth it. Victor was living in the Tombs at mom's old house. Nate had scars all over him from well, from Carver, I think. Aiden was a big old stick in the mud, Yoyo was engaged to a fat creep... Emma was apparently a mess. Colin was dating Ophelia. I didn't exist... It was just awful.
Vincent (to Zoe): Calm down, sweetie. Calm down. Lay back down. You're still sick. It's alright. We're all here, you're here... And I, for one, am very glad of that fact. We'll talk about this more when you're feeling better, OK?
Zoe (to Vincent): Okay... Oof, that took a lot out of me. I think I need to sleep... I love you, dad.
Vincent (to Zoe): I love you too. I'll be back in to check on you later.
A few moments later:
Poppy (to Vincent): How's the little monster, lover?
Vincent (to Poppy): Still running a fever, and currently fast asleep. Come here!
Poppy (to Vincent): Oh! Heehee, I can't complain about that, honey... What happened in there with Zoe?
Vincent (to Poppy): Either she's delirious, or she and Nate went back in time to keep Hiiri from murdering us three years ago. She said that bomb that was on her ship was intended for us.
Poppy (to Vincent): I had my suspicions when the report came out. I guess that confirms them. Well, I can't say that I'm all that upset about it, if I want to be really honest, honey. I'm just sorry that Zoe had to go through that, if it's true. Oh… I do hope Nate is okay. Are he & Aiden still on vacation in New London?
Vincent (to Poppy): They're supposed to be getting back today... She said he was with CLANNG, hun, and covered in scars from Carver. And Victor was living in the Tombs... God, almighty.
Poppy (to Vincent): Honey, let me get you a glass of wine. You look like you could use it.
Vincent (to Poppy): Hee hee. Do I? I worry about all these crazy kids of ours, and what might happen to them without us. I can't help it. I know they are all smart, capable, and would watch out for one another, but hearing all that... Suddenly, I have an overwhelming desire to update my will. :-P
Poppy (to Vincent): Heehee. It'll be fine, lover… Though, probably not such a bad idea.
Vincent (to Poppy): Not with another kidlette soon to make an appearance. Give me another hug.
Poppy (to Vincent): Heh. I love you, honey.
Vincent (to Poppy): Mmm. I love you too. Could I convince you to curl up in bed with me and watch a movie while I update some paperwork? What if I sweetened the offer with a back rub?
Poppy (to Vincent): Heehee. I would like that very much, lover. And, you know you don't have to bribe me, but it does help. ;-P
Vincent (to Poppy): Hee hee. I know the way to your heart, lover. :-P
Meanwhile, at Aiden's house; New London, Britannia:
Yukiko (to Mrs. Esterly): Hello, Mrs. Esterly. Is Aiden still here?
Mrs. Esterly (to Yukiko): Oh hello, dear. Yes, I believe he's still upstairs. Would you like some tea?
Yukiko (to Mrs. Esterly): Oh yes, please.
Mrs. Esterly (to Yukiko): I've got the kettle on. I'll let you brew your own while I fetch Master Aiden. Hee hee. I know how particular you are.
Yukiko (to Mrs. Esterly): Thank you.
A moment later:
Mrs. Esterly (to Aiden & Nathaniel): Master Aiden? Nathaniel? Are you up and about? Ms Kobayashi is hear to see you, dear.
Aiden (to Mrs. Esterly): Oh? I'll be right down. (to Nathaniel) She's probably here to try & talk me out of turning in my resignation, again.
Nathaniel (to Aiden): ... You're resigning? Sorry. Memories aren't quite lined up yet.
Aiden (to Nathaniel): Yes… You had asked me to, because you wanted me to stay with you in West Piedmont. Have you changed your mind? Or do you still have weird memories from the trip?
Nathaniel (to Aiden): No! No... I-I don't... I mean, I would like to stay with you. I'd REALLY like it... Heh. Sorry. I've got a lot of shit jumbled up in my head right now. I... I'm a little confused.
Aiden (to Nathaniel): Well, before we go down and see Kobayashi, I can tell you whatever you want to know. Ask me anything.
Nathaniel (to Aiden): This is gonna sound kinda insane, but, um, how did we meet?
Aiden (to Nathaniel): ISS sent a retrieval squad to collect Miss Zoe & I was commanding it. You talked me out of capturing her and taking her back to stand trial for the crimes of Hiiri. You were quite persuasive.
Nathaniel (to Aiden): Heh. I was, was I? In my timeline... I mean, in the other one, I picked you up in a pub. :-P While drunk off my ass and wearing a bloody CLANNG uniform, I might add. I asked you to resign, huh?
Aiden (to Nathaniel): Yes. You wanted to stay in West Piedmont because of your job & cooking lessons. We had, I mean, we have a nice life there... I'm working as an archive assistant at the University. We have a nice apartment that we just leased from an old friend of your aunt & uncle. I was looking for an excuse to get out from under the thumb of my father, the director of the ISS. We just came here to get things in order & to make sure everything was situated for Persephone & Mrs. Esterly.
Nathaniel (to Aiden): ... Oh. Wow. Uh... Jesus. I can't believe you'd... I mean, I... Um, heh. Never mind. I'll catch up sooner or later. Anyway… I'm surprised Yoyo wants you to come back? I thought she was off running around with Victor.
Aiden (to Nathaniel): Victor? You mean, your cousin? Heh. Highly unlikely. He's off at school in West Piedmont. I think they've only met once. I think she described him as a snobby, bookish bore. Only I think she may have said it Nipponese.
Nathaniel (to Aiden): What? That's not right, is it? They were... I mean, they were OBNOXIOUSLY into one another in... Jesus. I'm getting a headache trying to keep track of this shit.
Aiden (to Nathaniel): Heh. Come on. We don't want to keep Kobayashi waiting too long.
Nathaniel (to Aiden): Yeah. Alright...
A moment later:
Aiden (to Yukiko): Kobayashi! What a delightful surprise! What brings you to this part of town?
Yukiko (to Aiden): Very funny, Wilkes. I just came to say goodbye. I'm getting sent to Singapore on a mission. (to Nathaniel) Hi, Nate. I'm sorry to interrupt your little vacation.
Nathaniel (to Yukiko): It's fine. I'm... Christ. Sorry. Headache. Heh. I might be a little hungover. It's fine. Um, you aren't married, are you?
Aiden (to Yukiko): Again? I don't know why you like taking the risky assignments. I seriously think you have a death wish.
Yukiko (to Nathaniel): I was. He was a bit of a toad… He met with a terrible accident. (to Aiden) Heh. Not a death wish, Wilkes, a life wish. Besides, what do you care? You're off to have a cushy, boring life.
Aiden (to Yukiko): I'm sorry you feel that way, but I'm quite happy with my decision.
Nathaniel (to Yukiko): Again? Jesus. Have you had more than one husband that's met with a terrible accident? Heh. Yeah. Trust me. Death wishes ain't all they're cracked up to be...
Yukiko (to Nathaniel): HAHAHA! No, I've only been married the once. I think Wilkes was referring to the mission to Singapore. (to Aiden) Fine. So, I can't talk you out of resigning?
Aiden (to Yukiko): No, I'm sorry. I've made up my mind.
Nathaniel (to Yukiko): Heh. Man... Too bad you bought the boring, bookish routine.
Yukiko (to Nathaniel): Huh? What are you going on about?
Nathaniel (to Yukiko): Victor. You and him were... Uh, I mean, he liked you, but you weren't interested. I jus' figured it was too bad.
Yukiko (to Nathaniel): Heh. That bookworm? When you introduced us, he kept his head in a book the whole time. He said all of two words to me. Don't get me wrong, he's cute but, a bit too scholarly for my taste.
Nathaniel (to Yukiko): Ha ha ha! Oh... Oh shit! Seriously? Stuffy as shit, I'll give you, but REALLY? Oh my god...
Aiden (to Nathaniel): Nate, are you okay?
Nathaniel (to Aiden): Yeah. Sorry. Sorry. I'm gonna grab a cigarette. I'll leave you to your goodbyes. This is... I, uh, I'll be outside.
Aiden (to Nathaniel): Alright… Please, get something for your headache from Mrs. Esterly.
Nathaniel (to Aiden): Yeah. I will. (to Yukiko) Nice to see you again, Yoyo. Sorry I'm a little, uh, nuts today.
Yukiko (to Nathaniel): Yoyo, really? … Heh. I kinda like that. (to Aiden) I'll get out of your hair. I've got to finish packing. I'll see you around, Wilkes.
Aiden (to Yukiko): Goodbye, Kobayashi… Please, stay in touch & don't get yourself into too much trouble.
Yukiko (to Aiden): Heh. Don't worry. You'll be the first one I call. :-P
A few minutes later:
Persephone (to Nathaniel): Hey Nate. Is it too much to hope that you have come out to help me pick vegetables for dinner? … What's wrong? You've got that look on your face.
Nathaniel (to Persephone): I'm... I think I'm alright. Headache."That look?" What look is that?
Persephone (to Nathaniel): That look you get when something is bothering you. Your forehead gets all wrinkled & your eyes get all squinty... It's a bit like a mole that has come out into daylight by mistake. Heh. It's pretty funny, actually.
Nathaniel (to Persephone): ... Gee thanks. It's, uh, it's nothing. 'Sides... You wouldn't believe me if I told you.
Persephone (to Nathaniel): Really? I can believe six impossible things before breakfast… And, it's a good thing I skipped it this morning. Huh?
Nathaniel (to Persephone): Alright... How's this for impossible shit? Three years ago, Hiiri went back in time and killed our aunt and uncle. She changed the timeline. Zoe and I were skipping at the time, so she remembered it all. I kinda did. Hiiri grabbed me outta Mississippi before I ever came to West Piedmont. A week ago, in this other timeline, I was in CLANNG. Zoe and I fixed it, but I got all these different memories all scrambled up in my head, and Yoyo calling Victor a nerd, was just a step too far.
Persephone (to Nathaniel): Oh… Wow… That's just wow. Well, no wonder you have a headache. You want a drink? I think I need one.
Nathaniel (to Persephone): Yeah. I DO drink, right? I remember being a teetotaler at one point, at least.
Persephone (to Nathaniel): Only recently… You used to get all agitated about it before… So, um, what do you remember about me?
Nathaniel (to Persephone): Two things: in one version, you don't, uh, didn't like me very much. In another you and Aiden used to be together, so we were kinda awkward for a while.
Persephone (to Nathaniel): Oh... So, you don't remember suggesting Aiden & I getting married so we both get what we want? Heehee. I'm just kidding. We did have that discussion at one point but we all agreed it was just way too weird. That's why I'm acting as caretaker here, instead… I guess I won't tell you about that drunken night, if you don't remember. :-P
Nathaniel (to Persephone): ... You are fucking with me.
Persephone (to Nathaniel): Heehee, I guess you'll never know.
Nathaniel (to Persephone): Yeah... I'm calling bullshit. Some guy tried to talk me into that once, and it didn't end well for anyone. I didn't pay her enough mind, so she got all huffy and left.
Persephone (to Nathaniel): Heh… It wasn't for you, but it was just a drunken kiss… And then, I left. You were trying to annoy Aiden. You were mad about some French bird that he hooked up with on a mission. You got drunk & kissed me in front of him. I think you were jealous... You were in quite a snit about the whole thing. You don't remember any of it?
Nathaniel (to Persephone): No... Seriously? I did that? Jesus. I'm a fucking little whiny prat, aren't I?
Persephone (to Nathaniel): Heh. I always thought so… So, you're really different in there, aren't you? That's just… wow.
Nathaniel (to Persephone): Yeah. I guess so. Well, shit... This is gonna be an interesting fucking ride. ...Is Victor really all that bookish?
Persephone (to Nathaniel): Heh… Victor's been busy with university for the last two years. He got early admission because they thought he was brilliant. I personally think he cheated just to get it over with as quick as possible. He's also a pretty damn good pirate, but he's rebelling a bit, at the moment. I wanted him to get a ship with me & run cargo. But he decided he'd do school first. So grunt.
Nathaniel (to Persephone): Heh. So, he's just being an overachiever then, huh? Typical. Still can't believe Yoyo said she thought he was a bore... Um, weird question; is Charles around in this timeline?
Persephone (to Nathaniel): Charles? Yes, he works at the inn. Why do you ask?
Nathaniel (to Persephone): With Hiiri fucking exploded, I don't know what's happened and what hasn't. I was afraid he never showed up and ended up... I dunno. Dead in a ditch somewhere.
Persephone (to Nathaniel): Heehee, not to worry. He & my brother Benji are friends… Though, he's a bit stodgy for a twelve year old.
Nathaniel (to Persephone): Yeah. Like he's forty-fucking-five and trapped in a kid's body. He still got a raging crush on you?
Persephone (to Nathaniel): Heh… Yeah. That's one of the reasons I came to live over here.
Nathaniel (to Persephone): Heh. Good to know some shit stays consistent. Shit. that's the last of my rolling papers... Sorry I yakked your ear off.
Persephone (to Nathaniel): It's okay, Nate… Can I ask you a question?
Nathaniel (to Persephone): Yeah. Sure. What's up?
Persephone (to Nathaniel): Did you guys change something about Victor? … I mean, why were you asking about him? And, Yoyo? I'm not sure who that is. Aunt Poppy always lectured Victor about doing that sort of thing to the timeline, because you never know what the consequences will be... One little ripple can change whole universes.
Nathaniel (to Persephone): Yeah... I know. First fucking hand. I dunno what we changed with Victor yet. I can tell you what he was like before, and that he and Yoyo, uh, Kobayashi, the Japanese girl who works with Aiden, were pretty hot and heavy with each other.
Persephone (to Nathaniel): Oh… Wow… I'm sorry that I keep saying that… I need to go help Mrs. Esterly with the preparations for supper.
Nathaniel (to Persephone): Heh. S'alright. I keep finding myself saying the same shit too.
Persephone (to Nathaniel): So, are you guys still planning on going home tonight?
Nathaniel (to Persephone): Yeah. I think so.
Persephone (to Nathaniel): Well, when you get over there, could you check on Victor? If you notice differences about him, we'll know what's been changed.
Nathaniel (to Persephone): Yeah. Sure. You're worried about him, huh? Heh. That's something else that doesn't change, I guess.
Persephone (to Nathaniel): Yeah well, you've got Zoe & Victor's got me. We're the constants of the universe. :-P
Nathaniel (to Persephone): Ha ha ha! Yeah... Guess something has to be, huh?
A couple hours later, at Marlena & Victor's apartment; West Piedmont:
Marlena (to Victor): Victor! Did you fucking eat my chips & salsa again?
Victor (to Marlena): Only the last of it. Which I then replaced, because I would like to avoid being pelted by empty paint tubes. Again.
Marlena (to Victor): Well, where that the hell did you put them? I've looked in all the cabinets… I swear we've got a ghost in here or something.
Victor (to Marlena): Heh. More like we've got a roommate that raids the pantry and rearranges the kitchen after an all-nighter. It's right here. When was the last time you slept?
Marlena (to Victor): Oh, thanks. I think I got a couple hours of sleep yesterday. I've got final projects to work on. They've gotta be perfect.
Victor (to Marlena): You need sleep. You're just going to fuck your paintings up if you attack them half-delirious. Go lay down. I can wake you in a few hours.
Marlena (to Victor): You're right… I'll be in my room. Thanks.
Victor (to Marlena): Heh. You're welcome. Leave the chips here. You're not going to want them in bed.
Marlena (to Victor): You're going to eat them all again, aren't you?
Victor (to Marlena): I'm not going to eat them. I won't even touch them. Scouts honor. I got myself a bag of those onion things you hate. Go lay down. You're getting paranoid as well as weird. :-P
Marlena (to Victor): Heh. Fair enough. I'll see you after my nap.
Meanwhile, at a pub; East Garden, New London, Britannia:
Yukiko (to Fiona): Fi! Are you ready to go, yet? Are you still having fun time with that behemoth you dragged to your room?
Fiona (to Yukiko): Who? Ha ha ha! 'Fraid not, wee bit. Tad? Ted? Whatever the bloody hell his name is gone.
Yukiko (to Fiona): Oh? Did he not live up to his reputation? That's a shame. What time are we supposed to be at the docks to catch our ride?
Fiona (to Yukiko): Not in the slightest. Heh. I'm sure I didn't break him permanently. We head out at 1800. Shall we get a pint before then?
Yukiko (to Fiona): Sounds good… I went and saw Wilkes earlier. He's still determined to retire to the other side… The wanker. After all that bloody talk about duty & honor when it came to me having to get married to that toad. He just up and retires.
Fiona (to Yukiko): Well, it was bloody easy for him to blow all that out of his arse before, wasn't it? He was damn near an automaton. At least you didn't stay married long. ... You've got a look Kobayashi. Let me get you another pint.
Yukiko (to Fiona): Heh. If you get me another pint, there's a very high chance that I'm gonna get into a fight, Fi.
Fiona (to Yukiko): HA! When has a fight ever made me STOP drinking? Here you are lovely. What is it that's got your knickers cinched that tight?
Yukiko (to Fiona): Sorry. Just that whole thing with Wilkes & then his boy said something odd to me about his cousin.
Fiona (to Yukiko): Oh?
Yukiko (to Fiona): Yeah. He said that it was too bad I bought his cousin's bookish routine… It was weird.
Fiona (to Yukiko): Well, well, well... I happen to know some gossip about the boy in question.
Yukiko (to Fiona): Oh, like what?
Fiona (to Yukiko): He's the son of the Magpie and that Dandy bloke, though you wouldn't suspect it from his good manners. Apparently, Wilkes used to give him fencing lessons. First time they faced off our little lord wound up with a black eye.
Yukiko (to Fiona): … Where is he now?
Fiona (to Yukiko): Going to school, from what Wilkes said. Heh. I suppose when your mum's a spy and your dad's a pirate, that's how you rebel.
Yukiko (to Fiona): I take it that he's not in the city here, then?
Fiona (to Yukiko): Ha ha ha! Gone and piqued your interest now, haven't I? I'm afraid I don't rightly know. Think you'd have to ask Wilkes's boy.
Yukiko (to Fiona): … I'm only curious because I feel like I've been duped & that doesn't happen all that often. The ship leaves at 1800. I'll meet you at the dock.
Fiona (to Yukiko): See you then, Kobayashi! Don't worry. I'll start a fight for you.
Yukiko (to Fiona): Heh. I'll trust you will. See you soon.
A short time later, in the garden at Aiden's house; New London, Britannia:
Yukiko (to Nathaniel): Pssst! Nate? Sorry to bug you… I had a question before you left..
Nathaniel (to Yukiko): Oh, holy shit! You scared the hell outta me! Don't DO that.
Yukiko (to Nathaniel): Heh. Good reflexes. I didn't know you had it in you.
Nathaniel (to Yukiko): Yeah. It's, uh... Yeah. What's up? What do you wanna know?
Yukiko (to Nathaniel): … Were you just pulling my leg about your cousin? It's been nagging at me all day… I mean, no one's fooled me like that before.
Nathaniel (to Yukiko): ... Shit. Look, this is gonna make ZERO sense, I get that, but maybe it wasn't an act. I dunno. It's just, as far as I know, he's got kind of a reputation for being one hell of a flirt. It used to drive me fucking nuts.
Yukiko (to Nathaniel): Oh… So, you were just saying that to get under my skin… Fair enough. I've certainly given you every reason. Sorry to bother you. Have a safe trip back to the other side. I'll walk myself out.
Nathaniel (to Yukiko): Wait, wait, wait. Hold up. I wasn't saying it just to get under your skin. I meant it. I think you'd like him if you gave him half a chance. I have no idea why he wasn't falling all over himself to try to get your attention like every... Wait. Did you call him a bore in Nipponese right the fuck in front of him?
Yukiko (to Nathaniel): No… Yes… Maybe… I don't remember. Why?
Nathaniel (to Yukiko): Heh. Cause THAT fucking explains a lot. He speaks a bit of Nipponese, you know. Speaks a bit of a bunch of shit, actually.
Yukiko (to Nathaniel): So, what would he care if I called him a bookish bore? I'm no one to him.
Nathaniel (to Yukiko): Heh. Yeah. Why the fuck would a 16 year old guy care if a cute girl called him bookish and boring. Can't imagine. For that matter, why do you care if your first impression of him was wrong?
Yukiko (to Nathaniel): It's pretty simple. I don't like being wrong.
Nathaniel (to Yukiko): Heh. Alright. If you say so. If you wanna meet him again, just to see if you were right, lemme know.
Yukiko (to Nathaniel): … Oh. That won't be necessary. I should get to the dock. The ship for Singapore sails soon… If you see him, please tell him that I apologize for my rudeness.
Nathaniel (to Yukiko): Yeah. Sure. Good luck in Singapore.
Yukiko (to Nathaniel): Thank you. Goodbye.
Aiden (to Nathaniel): Nate, are you ready to go home?
Nathaniel (to Aiden): Yeah. I'm all set. (to Yukiko) Later, Yoyo.
Aiden (to Nathaniel): Good. Victor should be here any minute. (to Yukiko) Goodbye, Kobayashi.
Nathaniel (to Aiden): Oh yeah? How come he's... Oh. Right.
Victor (to Aiden & Nathaniel): Are you ready to go? Zoe's going to kill me if I don't get you back before... (to Yukiko) Oh. Excuse me.
Aiden (to Victor): Victor, you remember my former partner, Miss Kobayashi. (to Yukiko) Yukiko, I believe you've met Mister Harrison before.
Victor (to Aiden & Yukiko): Just Victor is fine. It's nice to see you again, Ms Kobayashi.
Yukiko (to Victor & Aiden): Kon'nichiwa, Mister Victor.
Victor (to Yukiko): Kon'banwa. And, seriously, it's just Victor.
Nathaniel (to Victor): Jesus Christ, Victor. I was just telling her you weren't a fucking stuffed shirt, and you show up looking and sounding like an accountant.
Yukiko (to Nathaniel, Aiden & Victor): It's alright. I was just leaving. I've got a ship to catch.
Victor (to Nathaniel): What? You... Nate! (to Yukiko) I, uh, Sorry to have kept you. It was very nice seeing you again. (to Nathaniel) ...You fucking asshole.
Nathaniel (to Victor): WHAT? Ha ha ha! Holy shit! Victor! You've been spending too much time around Mars. Heh. Or maybe not enough.
Yukiko (to Victor): It was nice seeing you again as well… And… Nevermind. (to Aiden, Victor & Nathaniel) See you all later.
Aiden (to Yukiko): Goodbye, Kobayashi. (to Nathaniel & Victor) Could someone please tell me what is going on?
Victor (to Aiden & Nathaniel): I have no bloody idea. Are you ready to go? Zoe isn't feeling well and wanted to see you.
Aiden (to Victor): Yes, I believe we're ready.
Victor (to Nathaniel & Aiden): Alright then, grab my hand, and we'll... Ouch!
Nathaniel (to Victor & Aiden): Sorry. That was me. Should be alright now.
Victor (to Aiden & Nathaniel): Alright... Just clear your minds.
Aiden (to Victor): Alright.
Victor (to Aiden & Nathaniel): What the hell was that?
Aiden (to Victor): What was what, Victor?
Nathaniel (to Aiden & Victor): Fuck... I don't think Victor compensated enough for having me along for the ride. Kinda ups the voltage.
Aiden (to Victor & Nathaniel): Oh… Is everyone okay?
Victor (to Aiden): Yeah. I think so.
Nathaniel (to Aiden & Victor): I'm fine. Where are we?
Victor (to Nathaniel & Aiden): Uh, the kitchen.
Poppy (to Nathaniel & Aiden): Boys! It's so nice to see you. (to Victor) What's with the face, honey?
Victor (to Poppy): It's nothing. Is Zoe still awake?
Nathaniel (to Poppy & Victor): It's my fault. A cute girl said he was boring. I was trying to convince her otherwise... But I just ended up embarrassing him instead, I think. Sorry, Victor.
Poppy (to Nathaniel & Victor): Oh. I can't believe anyone would think Victor is boring, but I'm probably a bit biased. And, yes Zoe is still awake. Her fever finally broke an hour or so ago. Hopefully, she'll be feeling better tomorrow. (to Aiden) Would you like something to drink, Aiden, while they're saying hello?
Aiden (to Poppy): That would be lovely, Miss Poppy. Thank you.
Victor (to Poppy & Nathaniel): It's alright. Tell Zoe I'll stop by tomorrow to check in on her. I've got a test tomorrow.
Poppy (to Victor): Alright, honey… See you at breakfast? :-)
Victor (to Poppy): Heh. After all that complaining Dad did this morning? I think I'll just have cereal at my house. I'll see you later. (to Nathaniel & Aiden) Good night.
Poppy (to Victor): Honey, you know your father is just teasing. I'll see you later.
Aiden (to Victor): Good night, Victor. Thank you for the ride over.
A moment later, in Zoe's bedroom:
Nathaniel (to Zoe): Hey. How're you feeling?
Zoe (to Nathaniel): Better than I was… How are you? Is everything back to normal? I haven't had a chance to check things.
Nathaniel (to Zoe): Not really. Victor and Yoyo aren't a thing anymore. She said she thought he was a bookish and boring.
Zoe (to Nathaniel): … Oh. Is everything else okay? What about you & Aiden?
Nathaniel (to Zoe): We're OK, I think. I told him what happened, but I'm not sure he believed me.
Zoe (to Nathaniel): I know what you mean, I told my Dad & I'm pretty sure he thought I was delirious from the fever. And, if Victor & Yoyo are meant to be together, it'll work itself out. I mean, they found each other before.
Nathaniel (to Zoe): Yeah... Guess so. Heh. I tried to get Yoyo to give him another chance. I have no fucking idea why I'm even invested.
Zoe (to Nathaniel): Heehee, Really? You were trying to play matchmaker for Victor? That had to be ridiculous… Is this timeline's Yoyo different?
Nathaniel (to Zoe): Yeah. It was pretty fucking ridiculous. She married that dude her parents set her up with & has a habit of taking dangerous ass assignments sounds like.
Zoe (to Nathaniel): … So, she's still with the ISS, huh? Maybe, we should just leave it alone. I probably have messed up things enough.
Nathaniel (to Zoe): Yeah... Maybe. Heh. Not like I know a whole shitload about setting people up or dating or any of that shit anyway.
Zoe (to Nathaniel): Yeah, the only way to fix all that, would be to somehow put them together & then hopefully nature would take its course. But, if they're on opposite sides, I don't know how to make that happen... Shit. This is probably my punishment for what I did.
Nathaniel (to Zoe): Don't worry. It'll be alright. Shit... Aiden and I still hooked up and I was with fucking CLANNG.
Zoe (to Nathaniel): Okay. You're right. I'm sorry. I've been a bit feverish today.
Nathaniel (to Zoe): So I heard. Take it easy. I'll talk to you later, OK?
Zoe (to Nathaniel): Okay. I'll see you later, Nate.
Nathaniel (to Zoe): Later.
A couple hours later, at the airship docks; New London, Britannia:
Yukiko (to Fiona): Fi? I don't trust this crew. There's something off about them. There's more than one way to get to ruddy Singapore.
Fiona (to Yukiko): You're telling me. They make my arse twitch. Come on. Let's get the bloody hell out've here.
Yukiko (to Fiona): What are you thinking?
Fiona (to Yukiko): I'm thinking we make ourselves scarce. I hate to say it, lovely, but this stinks of setup to me.
Yukiko (to Fiona): They must have figured out who we were before we came onboard. Back to New London?
Fiona (to Yukiko): Who? Us? Heh. We're as subtle as a snowstorm in July! Best lay low for a night. I know a place.
Yukiko (to Fiona): Lead the way.
A short time later, at Winchester's house; East Garden, New London, Britannia:
Fiona (to Winchester): FOX! Open your bloody door or I'll break it down.
Winchester (to Fiona): Quit your bellyaching, woman! Some of us like to sleep at reasonable hours. What is it? (to Yukiko) Hello there, Kobayashi... Why are you hanging about with this reprobate?
Yukiko (to Winchester & Fiona): Heh. The crown ordered me to, otherwise, I wouldn't be caught dead with her. :-p
Fiona (to Winchester & Yukiko): Now, now. No need to flatter me. We've been made. We need to lay low for a few hours.
Winchester (to Fiona & Yukiko): Oh? And, here I was hoping that you missed my pretty face. Come on inside.
Fiona (to Winchester): Awww, you just keep hoping that, don't you precious?
Yukiko (to Winchester): Thank you, Fox. Mind if I stow our gear somewhere?
Winchester (to Yukiko): Guest room is the first door at the top of the stairs. (to Fiona) You are a foul temptress, McGillivray.
Fiona (to Winchester): Of course I am. That's what makes me so goddamn charming. (to Yukiko & Winchester) I'll take point tonight. Won't be able to sleep at any rate.
Yukiko (to Winchester & Fiona): Sounds good. I'll leave you to whatever you're doing & check to see if we've been followed.
Winchester (to Yukiko): Heh. If you want to be all boring about it, be my guest. (to Fiona) That girl has no sense of humor.
Fiona (to Winchester): Ha ha ha! Please. You're just pouting because she won't bloody flirt with you.
Winchester (to Fiona): Well, there is that but there's something else. She hasn't been the same since that whole Yashida assignment. Did she actually have feelings for the man? ... It doesn't rightly matter I suppose. I'd much rather flirt with you. You're much more intriguing.
Fiona (to Winchester): Heh. Well, I am at that. Didn't think you went in for "intriguing," Fox. Thought you preferred powdered and perfumed.
Winchester (to Fiona): Heh... No, I prefer to be powdered & perfumed. I like my women smelling of explosives & manual labor. It makes me go weak in the knees. ;-)
Fiona (to Winchester): Does it now? And what would you do if I picked you up, carried you off, and expected you to prove it? I've already been disappointed by one man today who couldn't make good on his boasting.
Winchester (to Fiona): I would hope that I didn't disappoint you, my Amazonian firebug. And, I'm not one to boast about attributes I do not possess. However, I've never had any complaints.
Fiona (to Winchester): Ha! That may be, but you've never had a go with me, lovely, and rare is the man who can match my appetite.
Winchester (to Fiona): Oh? Color me curious... Just say the word & I'd be willinf to put that claim to the test.
Fiona (to Winchester): Careful what you wish for, Fox. Take me around your place so I can get the layout down in my mind, I'll be more than happy to snap you in half like a sapling, if you're so very curious. :-P
Winchester (to Fiona): Very well, down to business first & then... Should I ask permission about approaching for a kiss? I don't want to get stabbed.
Fiona (to Winchester): You're not afraid of a little blood, are you, Fox? Ha ha ha! Don't worry. I won't even bruise you, little peach. Not unless you want me to, of course.
Winchester (to Fiona): I hope you will forgive my boldness when I say that I would take you to my bedroom right this instance & show you a few things. Unless, of course, this is all just meaningless flirting. And then, I shall take a very cold shower alone… Have you seen enough of the house?
Fiona (to Winchester): Mmm. Should be able to get out in a firefight. It's enough. And if you really think you can occupy me 'til I'm satisfied then stop wasting your time wagging your tongue about it. You'll need to save your energy.
Winchester (to Fiona): I'll show you wagging my tongue... Come here, you minx.
