Victor (to Otto): Otto! I thought you were getting too old to make this trip.
Otto (to Victor): I am! Do I look like one've them young kittens to ya', boy? I wouldn't be here if my girl weren't worried about you. She ain't heard from you in a while, so it's yer fault I had to haul myself over here. Whatcha got I can eat.
Victor (to Otto): I'm sorry. Please let my aunt and uncle know that I'm fine. I think I have some milk in the icebox. I don't think there's any cream left on top of it, though...
Otto (to Victor): Can't eat that stuff no more. Upsets my insides to no end. I'll find myself something. Smells like you got rats around here. So, why ain't you living at the Inn like you told my girl, eh?
Victor (to Otto): I can't stay there. I'm wanted by CLANNG. Last time they tried to find me, the bastards broke both Uncle Bernard's wrists... And, before you ask, Aunt Mouse and Uncle Eddie have been put through enough because of us. I'm fine. I've got shelter and food, most days... Besides, I've got someone else depending on me now, so I have to stay.
Otto (to Victor): If you say so. Seems damned stupid to live as a stray if ya got someplace warm and safe to go.
Victor (to Otto): I'm not a stray!
Zoe (to Otto & Victor): Otto! Oh my god, you're here.
Otto (to Victor): ... How do I know you, girl?
Zoe (to Otto & Victor): ... Oh, I'm sorry. I thought you were someone else.
Otto (to Victor): Know a lot of other talking cats named Otto, do you? My eyes ain't what they used to be, but you smell damn familiar.
Zoe (to Otto & Victor): No, you're the only one. How's the family?
Otto (to Victor): Fine. Keep yer secret. Family's fine. Worried about this one here, cause he's as stubborn as his sire.
Zoe (to Otto & Victor): It's not a secret. I just don't want freak you out, old man. And, Victor's okay. We've got each other.
Otto (to Victor): Huh. You're a clone or somthin' of my girl, ain't cha? That explains it. Right. I'm goin' home. You watch his tail, girl.
Zoe (to Otto & Victor): I will. Don't worry.
Victor (to Otto): Goodbye, Otto. Take care. Say hello to everyone for me.
Otto (to Victor): Yeah, yeah.
A moment later:
Zoe (to Victor): I'm sorry for interrupting, Victor.
Victor (to Zoe): Heh. The only thing you interrupted was Otto chiding me. You being here actually helped, I think.
Zoe (to Victor): I'm glad my being here helps somebody... I'm feeling pretty useless, at the moment.
Victor (to Zoe): Oh. I'm sorry to hear that. I like having you here. Would you like breakfast?
Zoe (to Victor): Yes, please... I'm sorry. I'm just feeling homesick.
Victor (to Zoe): I can't say that I blame you. From what you've said, it seems like everything was going rather well...
Zoe (to Victor): In a lot of ways it was, but Nate & Aiden were having a rough time. Mom had to fake her death... But, at least, we were in it all together.
Victor (to Zoe): You know, if you want to go back to the other side, you can. I don't want you to feel like you have to stay here.
Zoe (to Victor): Where would I go? If I went over there I would be alone & you would be alone here. I'm sorry, I'm just feeling sorry for myself. Besides, I like staying with you. You're my big brother.
Victor (to Zoe): Heh. I'm not going to pretend I'm not relieved to hear that, but I didn't want to force you to stay here because I'm lonely.
Zoe (to Victor): Gimme a hug, big brother. You don't have to be alone, anymore. I promise.
Victor (to Zoe): You don't have to be alone either. ...We're still going to try to save Mom and Dad, aren't we?
Zoe (to Victor): I hope so, but I don't know how, yet. Mrs. Esterly told me to be patient, a good plan takes time.
Victor (to Zoe): I suppose that's true... Can you skip in time?
Zoe (to Victor): Oh, um, yeah… It's one of the reasons why Hiiri made us. I mean, the clones. She used DNA from Mom, Dad & Emma. She wanted to be able to give herself the abilities… Or at least, that's what I assumed. I thought she had wanted a human body for herself… But, that was before I knew she was still alive.
Victor (to Zoe): Hmmm. Even though she's "alive," she might still want a body. She's not QUITE like a regular automaton, is she? If she were purely mechanical, she wouldn't go out of her way to fuck with us, would she?
Zoe (to Victor): No, she's not. Maladori & Smythe based her design on the schematics that they stole from Tesla. And, Maladori isn't known for creating things completely mechanical. She likes to use more "biological" elements for her experiments.
Victor (to Zoe): ... Gross. Well, if we can figure out when she planted the bomb, we can go back and stop her.
Zoe (to Victor): I think that's the plan. Thank you for breakfast… Why did you ask if I could skip in time?
Victor (to Zoe): I assumed that's how you planned to "fix" everything. And... honestly, I was curious. When I was a kid, I was able to slow things down or speed things up. I wondered if I could do something more dramatic. You mentioned I did it before. I saved someone doing it in your timeline, right? It's only right I should do it in this one for Mom and Dad.
Zoe (to Victor): Victor, you're not going to be the one to do it… Messing with the timeline is going to mess with someone's brain. I don't have a whole life over here, so it won't be so bad.
Victor (to Zoe): I'm certainly not letting you attempt this by yourself! I already did it once, didn't I? I'm assuming I didn't come out of the experience a nutter. I'm not going to send you off to face a killer automaton all alone.
Zoe (to Victor): No, but you had memories of both timelines in your head, it messed with you for a bit. You kept remembering the wrong things. I won't have that worry, Victor. I didn't become the Zoe here… I don't even know if she's even here.
Victor (to Zoe): What if something happens to you? Then I won't have Mom and Dad OR you. I'm going. You said I was your older brother, didn't you? Well, family sticks together. You're stuck with me.
Zoe (to Victor): Fine… I still don't think it's a good idea, but we'll argue about it when we know what we're doing.
Victor (to Zoe): Thank you. We have enough money for a few more days. Since we don't have to work, what would you like to do?
Zoe (to Victor): Oh, I don't know. What's there to do for fun? What do you like to do?
Victor (to Zoe): Heh. Well, I don't really thing that's a family activity. Do you want to go to the market? We can't buy much, but it's usually interesting, to say the least. We could probably at least get some pastries or something sweet if you want.
Zoe (to Victor): … Okay, the market sounds good. What is it that you usually do? Do you do something naughty, Victor? You know, I'm not that much younger than you… I don't think.
Victor (to Zoe): Really? From your height, I assumed you were about 11. Ouch! Ha ha ha! I was only kidding.
Zoe (to Victor): Jerk.
Victor (to Zoe): Heh. At least I'm not a violent delinquent. Come on.
Zoe (to Victor): … I'm not a delinquent.
Victor (to Zoe): Oh no? Who stole some man's purse without a moment's hesitation. Heh. Don't make a face. I'm only teasing. Besides, I'm an expert delinquent.
Zoe (to Victor): Heh. Some role model you are. :-P
Victor (to Zoe): Me? A role model? Mom and Dad would be SO disappointed.
A short time later, at the market; New London, Britannia:
Victor (to Zoe): Oops! Quick! Duck.
Zoe (to Victor): Oh.
Victor (to Zoe): Heh. Sorry. CLANNG officer. Does he really think he's incognito with that outfit? Shit! The square is CRAWLING with them. What's going on?
Zoe (to Victor): I don't know… Why are there so many?
Victor (to Zoe): I'm guessing they're looking for something or someone. They're not usually out of uniform, are they? Let's get back to the house.
Zoe (to Victor): There goes our fun day. I'm right behind you.
Victor (to Zoe): SHIT! More of them! Can you find your way back to the house from here?
Zoe (to Victor): Yeah. What are you going to do?
Victor (to Zoe): Distract them. What else? I'll meet you back there as soon as I can.
Zoe (to Victor): Please, be careful.
Victor (to Zoe): I will be. I've been dodging CLANNG for months. Don't worry! See you soon!
Zoe (to Victor): Alright. See you back at the house.
A few minutes later:
George (to Victor): Watch where you're going, Mister!
Victor (to George): I beg your pardon. Excuse me, I have to go. There's no money in that wallet, by the by. I lifted it off that gent over there.
George (to Victor): Damn… Sorry.
Victor (to George): Which means... Oh. Yep. He's just realized it. Run!
George (to Victor): Crikey! See ya!
Victor: What? That little brat... (to George) You planted a bloody tracking device on me?
George (to Victor): What!?! No, it wasn't me. Let go, you big bully.
Victor: What ever happened to honor among thieves? (to George) Gowon and pull the other one! Oh shit! We're both collared. Clear your head for a moment...
George (to Victor): Huh?
A moment later:
Victor (to George): We've got a good 10 minutes before they figure out where we went, so answer sharp, and I'll let you go. Who told you to put that device on me?
George (to Victor): … Fine. It was Ms. Dvorak. She wanted to keep an eye on you & make sure you didn't do anything stupid. I was sloppy.
Victor (to George): Damn straight you were, girl. Besides, it's not me she should be worried about, it's... Shit! Zoe! You'd better go! CLANNG will have traced that jump. I've got to get home.
George (to Victor): Wait! Where are you going?
Victor (to George): To find my little sister.
George (to Victor): Oh... Good luck. I should get back.
Victor (to George): Tell Auntie Margaux to just come SPEAK to me next time! Bloody spies...
George (to Victor): I will.
Meanwhile, on the street; New London, Britannia:
Zoe: I think this is the right street… Oh, there's the house.
A few minutes later, at Aiden's house; New London, Britannia:
Nathaniel (to Zoe): Zoe? What the hell are you doing here?
Zoe (to Nathaniel): I need to go now… Is Mrs. Esterly here?
Nathaniel (to Zoe): No. She went out to do some shopping. What do you mean you have to go?
Zoe (to Nathaniel): I need to go back in time, now… Somethings going on with CLANNG, we saw a bunch of undercover soldiers in the market. It can't be good. Victor is insisting on going with me… I don't think that's a good idea. So, I need to go now while he's distracted… What's the date of the explosion?
Nathaniel (to Zoe): What are you planning on doing?
Zoe (to Nathaniel): I'm going to go warn my parents about the bomb. Mom should be able to diffuse it.
Nathaniel (to Zoe): You sure about that? What if she doesn't? Then you'll just end up blown up along with Aunt Poppy and... I mean... Whatever! You'll end up blown up too.
Zoe (to Nathaniel): Yeah, but the me in this timeline may still be out there… So, I won't really be dead. And, no one will know I fucked up.
Nathaniel (to Zoe): I fucking will.
Zoe (to Nathaniel): What!?! No, you won't… You won't even remember any of this.
Nathaniel (to Zoe): How do you figure? I remember the other timeline don't I? And what happens if you DO get blown up, huh? I get stuck being with fucking CLANNG. I'd still fucking be there if it wasn't for you... I'm going with you.
Zoe (to Nathaniel): What!?! Why?
Nathaniel (to Zoe): Cause I know how to diffuse a fucking bomb.
Zoe (to Nathaniel): … Oh. I guess CLANNG is actually good for something. Well then, let's go. Do you know the date of the explosion?
Nathaniel (to Zoe): Yeah. March 15. Hiiri and I came to Britannia about a week after that.
Zoe (to Nathaniel): Okay, then. Let's go. Clear your mind. This is going to be tricky.
Nathaniel (to Zoe): Hold on...
Zoe (to Nathaniel): What is it?
Nathaniel (to Zoe): I know it's stupid and it doesn't make a difference. It's time travel. If we die, he won't even know I existed, but I... I wanted to leave a note for Aiden.
Zoe (to Nathaniel): Okay… Take all the time you need.
A few minutes later:
Nathaniel (to Zoe): I'm done. Thanks. I... I don't know why I needed to do that, I just did.
Zoe (to Nathaniel): Heh. It's okay. If we do this right, we'll be seeing him soon enough. Take my hand. Clear your mind. I'm going to try to get us onto the Falcon a day before the accident.
A short time later:
Zoe (to Nathaniel): Nate, wake up! We're here… I think we both passed out from the strain. We need to get to work.
Nathaniel (to Zoe): Jesus. Fuck... sorry. OK. Do you know where the boilers are? That's where the explosion started.
Zoe (to Nathaniel): Yes. This way.
Nathaniel (to Zoe): WOW. Your dad modified the hell out of this ship, didn't he?
Zoe (to Nathaniel): Yeah. It's his baby… The boilers should be at the end of this room.
Nathaniel (to Zoe): Alright. Try to find the bomb. It should be next to something explosive or flammable. Just DON'T TOUCH IT.
Zoe (to Nathaniel): … Um, you mean something like this?
Nathaniel (to Zoe): Fuck. Yeah. Back up slowly... Alright. I'm gonna try to disarm it. If I tell you to go, you open a portal and go, alright?
Zoe (to Nathaniel): … Okay.
Nathaniel (to Zoe): You'd better fucking go... Shit. Goddamn this is fucking complicated.
Zoe (to Nathaniel): I have an idea… Can you unhook it from the housing safely?
Nathaniel (to Zoe): Yeah. I think so. Why?
Zoe (to Nathaniel): Well, if we can't stop it, then we need to take it somewhere where it can't do any harm. Bottom of the ocean sounds good.
Nathaniel (to Zoe): And how the hell are you going to get back before it goes off? I think I can...
Zoe (to Nathaniel): I'll portal fast. I've done it before… Um, is it supposed to hum like that?
Nathaniel (to Zoe): ... No. Shit. Go! Now! Leave!
Zoe (to Nathaniel): Not without you… Fuck it. Give me the bomb… Be right back.
Nathaniel (to Zoe): No! I can... ZOE! Wait... Oh fucking shit.
A couple minutes later:
Zoe (to Nathaniel): Brrrr… God that water is fucking freezing. Achoo! Shit… I'm going to be sick… We need to get the hell out of here.
Nathaniel (to Zoe): You crazy fucking little... Come here! Fucking... Jesus! You scared the shit outta me. Yeah. Let's go.
Zoe (to Nathaniel): Heh. Like you're the only one capable of being heroically stupid. It's a family trait… Okay. Take my hand... Achoo! God, I'm going to be in bed for a week after this stunt.
A moment later, in the garden at Aiden's house; New London, Britannia:
Nathaniel (to Zoe): Heh... Seriously. We really went back in fucking time to diffuse a fucking bomb, didn't we? Heh. Ha ha ha! Oh, Jesus... Heh. So, what happens now?
Zoe (to Nathaniel): I don't know… I guess we see if everything is back to normal. How do you feel? I think I brought us back to the moment we left, but I don't know what that's going to mean… Achoo! Remind me to never do that again.
Nathaniel (to Zoe): I dunno. The same, I guess. Hold on... Have I still got that CLANGG brand and all that shit on my back?
Zoe (to Nathaniel): No.
Nathaniel (to Zoe): What? SERIOUSLY? Holy shit! I... holy shit! I guess we did change things, huh.? Wow... Are you alright?
Zoe (to Nathaniel): Yeah… I just want to see everyone, but I'm also exhausted & feel like ass… I'm gonna go home. Gimme a hug. Call me, if you need anything… I'll see you later.
Nathaniel (to Zoe): I'll bet. I'm getting one hell of a headache. Go home.
Zoe (to Nathaniel): Go, see your man… I hope we did the right thing.
Nathaniel (to Zoe): I will. Take it easy. Um, thanks. For staying.
A moment later, at Poppy & Vincent's apartment; West Piedmont:
Zoe: Mom! Dad! Are you home?
Vincent (to Zoe): What took you so long? You were supposed to come right back home. You scared the hell out of us, young lady.
Zoe (to Vincent & Poppy): Oh my god! I'm so sorry… I'm so glad to see you both. Gimme me a hug.
Poppy (to Zoe): Honey, are you alright? You're burning up… Let's get you to bed.
Zoe (to Vincent & Poppy): I'm fine now… I think I just overtaxed myself.
Vincent (to Zoe): You're running a fever, hun. Get some rest. We can talk in the morning.
Zoe (to Vincent & Poppy): Okay. I-- I love you both.
Poppy (to Zoe): We love you too, honey. (to Vincent) I'll go fix the little monster some soup.
Vincent (to Poppy): You're an angel, lover. Do you want me to pick up some OJ and cold medicine?
Poppy (to Vincent): I think that might not be such a bad idea, lover… Can you pick up some cookies for me? I'd like some ginger snaps.
Vincent (to Poppy): Your wish is my command, lover.
At Aiden's house; New London, Britannia:
Nathaniel (to Aiden): Aiden? C'mere, sexy!
Aiden (to Nathaniel): Nate, is everything alright?
Nathaniel (to Aiden): Right. Uh, yeah. It was... It was something.
Aiden (to Nathaniel): Oh! Heh. You should stay at your cousins more often, if this is what happens when you get home. Did you have a nice time?
Nathaniel (to Aiden): Oh. Yeah. Heh. You know what? I suddenly feel like I could eat a whole shit load, and drink a bottle of wine to boot.
Aiden (to Nathaniel): Well, I'm glad to hear it. I know it was only one night, but I have to say that I missed you. Are you hungry? I'm sure Mrs. Esterly has some dinner for us in the icebox. Oh? … That must have been some visit.
Nathaniel (to Aiden): Oh. Yeah. It was... shit. I can't do this.
Aiden (to Nathaniel): What is it, Nate? Can't do what?
Nathaniel (to Aiden): Pretend everything is fucking normal and OK. I'm sorry. It was Hiiri. She... She was planning on going back in time and killing my au--the Potters, right? She did it.
Aiden (to Nathaniel): … What are you talking about, Nate? Hiiri was destroyed three years ago in an explosion.
Nathaniel (to Aiden): Wait. What? No. That's not right... what?
Aiden (to Nathaniel): Everyone thought she had been destroyed years ago, but it seems she was in hiding. She was apparently mounting some sort of terrible plan & the reports say she was on a sailing vessel that exploded. Strangely, not far away from your aunt & uncle's airship. It was rumored that she was on her way to plant it on their ship & it malfunctioned. If it had been anyone else, it would have been a terrible tragedy.
Nathaniel (to Aiden): Oh my God... Zoe! You...you crazy, BRILLIANT fucking little... Listen. Please listen to me, OK? She DID plant that bomb three years ago. She planted it and it went off. She must have gone back and done it when Zoe and I were skipping back to Britannia. In that timeline, I never went to West Piedmont, because she broke me outta the asylum. I've been in CLANNG for the past 3 years, but I remembered! Cause we were skipping, Zoe and I remembered the way things were. We went back in time and stopped her... But everything is different now. Don't look at me like that. I'm NOT fucking crazy.
Aiden (to Nathaniel): … Nate, I don't think you're crazy. It's just a lot to take in.
Nathaniel (to Aiden): Shit. Yeah. I'd fucking imagine... Why the fuck did I say all that? Jesus. I can't seem to shut up around you in ANY reality.
Aiden (to Nathaniel): Heh… I'd like to think it's because of my brilliant smile.
Nathaniel (to Aiden): Heh. Wow... You DO have an amazing fucking smile. You're not freaked out?
Aiden (to Nathaniel): No, not at all. Why should I be? Clearly, whatever you & Zoe did fixed whatever Hiiri did or was going to do. There seems no real reason to freak out. Unless, you'd like me to, for dramatic effect. :-D
Nathaniel (to Aiden): Not really. I'd much rather be getting nekked. How bout you?
Aiden (to Nathaniel): Heh. I would like that quite a bit. C'mere.
Persephone (to Nathaniel & Aiden): Would you two please keep it down? Honestly, I cannot wait until you both go back to West Piedmont & I can have the house to myself.
Aiden (to Persephone & Nathaniel): I apologize profusely, my dear. I was just excited that Nate had returned from his visit to Zoe's parents. (to Nathaniel) Remind me again, why I agreed to let Persephone stay here? :-P
Persephone (to Aiden): I heard that… :-P
Nathaniel (to Persephone): Oh. Um, sorry, Seph. I didn't realize you were here.
Persephone (to Nathaniel & Aiden): Haha, very funny, Nate. You're the one who suggested that I stay here so that Mrs. Esterly wouldn't be alone and that I could act as caretaker for the house while I decide what I want to do.
Nathaniel (to Persephone): Oh. Um, yeah. Heh. Sorry.
Aiden (to Persephone & Nathaniel): Forgive him, Persephone. He's had a bit of a rough day. It probably just slipped his mind.
Persephone (to Nathaniel & Aiden): Heehee. It's okay. I'm gonna go help Mrs. Esterly tidy up the kitchen. Have fun, you two. ;-P
A moment later:
Nathaniel (to Aiden): Heh. That was something, wasn't it. NOW can I get you the fuck outta those clothes?
Aiden (to Nathaniel): Heh. I insist on it.
Nathaniel (to Aiden): Good. Here. Take this and follow me.
Aiden (to Nathaniel): Oh my.
Nathaniel (to Aiden): Heh. Bring that bottle of wine with you. :-p
Aiden (to Nathaniel): Of course. How could I refuse?
Nathaniel (to Aiden): Ha ha ha! You can't. Not in any reality, apparently. Heh. Shit, I fucking missed you...
Aiden (to Nathaniel): I missed you, too.
