Victor (to Zoe): Good morning. I've got some tea started. I'm afraid I don't have much else, but we can find something later, I'm sure.
Zoe (to Victor): Oh, thank you... I brought up some biscuits. It was the only thing I could make with what was down there.
Victor (to Zoe): Thank you! I haven't had a biscuit in a long damn time... I've been thinking about what you said yesterday. About going back and stopping Hiiri from killing Mom and Dad. We'll need to know where she put the bomb as well. Do you think you could convince Wilkes to get us the ISS report about the explosion? It would be a starting point at least.
Zoe (to Victor): Heh. If I can't do it, I bet Mrs. Esterly can convince him... Thank you for believing me.
Victor (to Zoe): Even if I didn't before, I would have this morning. These taste just like I remember Dad's biscuits tasting. Here. You can't go walking around New London dressed like that. I know none of it's very nice, but I was limited to what I could scrounge up that looked like it might fit you.
Zoe (to Victor): Oh... Thank you. Heh. I guess I should wrap a scarf around my head. I don't imagine there's a lot of folks with shaved heads walking around.
Victor (to Zoe): Not particularly... So, Mom and Dad adopted you?
Zoe (to Victor): Yeah, it would have been about a year ago... I was a bit of a mess, at the time. You, Mom, Dad & Nate helped me out a lot. I don't know what would have happened to me, if you guys hadn't taken the chance.
Victor (to Zoe): ...You'd have been fine, I'm sure. You seem smart enough. Who's Nate?
Zoe (to Victor): Oh, he's your cousin from Dad's biological brother & my best friend. He had a spot of trouble back home & came looking for help... Mom scared the beejeezus out of him when he showed up with her spy tricks. You should have seen it. He used to make fun of you for wearing suits all the time... Sorry. I probably shouldn't be telling you all this stuff.
Victor (to Zoe): I'm sure it's fine. What's it going to hurt at this point? Come on. I'm starving. If we're going to eat, I'm going to have to do a bit of work first.
Zoe (to Victor): Oh? What kind of work?
Victor (to Zoe): I'll work odd jobs for Aunt Molly and Uncle Bernard, or help run cargo with some of Dad's old friends, and if there's none of that to be had, I'll help relieve overburdened lords and ladies lighten their pockets.
Zoe (to Victor): ... Oh.
Victor (to Zoe): I don't do it if I can help it. When CLANNG took control of bloody Parliament, they declared Mom & Dad traitors to the crown, & seized my inheritance.
Zoe (to Victor): So, who's Francesca? Seph mentioned her when we were leaving yesterday. Is she your girlfriend?
Victor (to Zoe): Heh. Francesca is NOT my girlfriend. She's a balmy Italian bird I carry on with when she's in town.
Zoe (to Victor): Heehee, be careful about her, Victor. If she's the same Francesca you hung about in my timeline... She gets a little crazy.
Victor (to Zoe): Oh, I already know. She came after me with a pair of scissors when she found out about... Oh, what was her name? Camilla?
Zoe (to Victor): Heehee... So you know... Um... Do you know of a teahouse called Issa? I think it would be in the Asian district of the city.
Victor (to Zoe): I know enough to avoid it. The man who runs it is alright, but his sons are pirates, and they are nasty.
Zoe (to Victor): ... So, you've never met any of his daughters?
Victor (to Zoe): I didn't even know he HAD daughters. I've never caught sight of them at the tea house. Why?
Zoe (to Victor): Oh, no reason... I used to know one of them.
Victor (to Zoe): You used to know one of the Kobayashis? You come from a very STRANGE reality... Hold on. I'll be right back.
Zoe (to Victor): Okay.
A few minutes later, on the street; New London, Britannia:
Victor (to Zoe): Quick! She shouldn't miss this for another couple of blocks, but if I say... Oh shit! Come on! RUN!
Zoe (to Victor): Fuck.
A short time later:
Victor (to Zoe): OK! OK... I think we can stop running. Ha ha ha! Sorry about that. Usually, I'm more adept than that.
Zoe (to Victor): ... You might want to warn a girl first before you do that next time... And, here I grabbed a gentleman's coin purse.
Victor (to Zoe): Heh Sorry. You did? You are AMAZING! Excellent! We can get something substantial to eat.
Winchester (to Zoe & Victor): You know, it's not really polite to steal.
Zoe (to Winchester): Oh shit... You!?!
Winchester (to Zoe): Yes, me... If you could please give me back my coin purse I won't press charges.
Zoe (to Winchester): Oh right... Sorry, sir. We were just hungry.
Winchester (to Zoe): We're all hungry these days, little one. But, we have to make do. Here. It's not much but you & your young man here should be able to get yourself something.
Zoe (to Winchester): Oh. Thank you, Mister Fox. Stay safe.
Winchester: ... Strange. How did that girl know my name?
Victor (to Zoe): How did you know who he was?
Zoe (to Victor): Oh...He was one of the blacklisted spies that Mom rounded up. She formed a rebellion against CLANNG's invasion of the empire There were only about 50 or so, but they did a lot a damage and more people were offering to help on a regular basis.
Victor (to Zoe): Wow. That's... That's incredible.God, I miss Mom... Come on. Let's get something to eat.
Zoe (to Victor): ... I miss her, too. I mean, I only just saw her yesterday but it feels like forever... I'm sorry. Food would be good.
Meanwhile, at CLANNG Headquarters; New London, Britannia:
Nathaniel: Goddamn. I am fucking hungover... Shit. I need to get workin'.
Starling (to Nathaniel): Good morning, Mister Jones. I brought you coffee.
Nathaniel (to Starling): Jesus Christ! Shit, Starling... You know you could at least fucking pretend you're not stalking me.
Starling (to Nathaniel): ... I'm not stalking you. I'm your bodyguard.
Nathaniel (to Starling): Pffft... Bodyguard. And what the hell are you guarding me FROM, exactly? Come on. We might as well get to work.
Starling (to Nathaniel): ... I don't know why exactly, but my orders are to keep you safe, Mister Jones.
Nathaniel (to Starling): Yeah. Sure.
An hour or so later, outside the Longfellow Inn; New London, Britannia:
Nathaniel (to Starling): Don't suppose you'll stay out here while I talk to the Longfellow chick, huh?
Starling (to Nathaniel): I can stay and watch you from here, if you'd prefer.
Nathaniel (to Starling): Please. You freak people right the fuck out. Me included.
A moment later:
Nathaniel (to Persephone): Good morning, Ms Longfellow. I don't suppose y'all have some warm scones in the back, do you?
Persephone (to Nathaniel): We always do.
Nathaniel (to Persephone): I'd like one, if you don't mind. I don't suppose that slippery-ass cousin of yours has visited you recently has he?
Persephone (to Nathaniel): Recently? No. I haven't seen him in months. Last I heard he was heading to Scotland... He just loves sheep. Here, you are. One scone... Anything else?
Nathaniel (to Persephone): No. That's all. Thanks. If you do happen to see Mr. Potter, you'll let us know, won't you? He's not in any trouble, of course. I just wanna ask him a couple of questions.
Persephone (to Nathaniel): ... Yes, I'm sure. I believe the last time CLANNG asked my family questions, my Da couldn't use his arms for three months.
Nathaniel (to Persephone): ... Now, I'm sure you aren't saying to me that you're refusing to contact us. I know you're a good citizen. I'm sure I'm just misunderstanding. And yeah. Some of us can get a little outta hand sometimes. Not me, though. I'm a lamb. Honest.
Persephone (to Nathaniel): I'm not saying that at all. If I see my cousin, I'll let you know as soon as I can.
Nathaniel (to Persephone): Thank you, ma'am. I thought that's what you meant. Have a good day.
Persephone: Colonist CLANNG bully.
A couple hours later, on the street outside Aiden's house; New London, Britannia:
Starling (to Nathaniel): What made you stop here, sir? It wasn't on our list.
Nathaniel (to Starling): This is where that portal opened up last night, and I'd bet my damn eyeteeth that it was a skipper that opened it. Apparently, it's the house of one of Lord Wilkes's kids, so we can't barge in. I figured it wouldn't hurt to watch a bit.
Starling (to Nathaniel): Alright. We'll watch.
An hour or so later:
Aiden (to Mrs. Esterly): Mrs. Esterly, I'm stepping out for a bit. I should be back in time for tea.
Mrs. Esterly (to Aiden): Of course dear. I'll see you shortly.
Starling (to Nathaniel): ... Is that the young Mister Wilkes? Should we follow him?
Nathaniel (to Starling): That would be him. I don't think following him would be a bad idea...
Starling (to Nathaniel): ... Would you like me to stay here and watch the house, sir?
Nathaniel (to Starling): That is an great idea. I don't know why, but I can't shake the feeling that Potter kid'll show up here sooner or later. We got an unknown skipper running around. Bit of extra surveillance won't hurt nothing.
Starling (to Nathaniel): ... Alright, I'll stay here. Be back here before we must report to Carver, sir. I would hate for you to get punished.
Nathaniel (to Starling): Yeah. Me fucking too. I'm still healing up from the last time. I'll be back before long.
Starling (to Nathaniel): Very good...
A short time later, at Issa; Little Nippon, New London, Britannia:
Aiden (to Yukiko): Kon'nichiwa, Kobayashi.
Yukiko (to Aiden): Anata wa koko de nani o shite iru no, Aiden?
Aiden (to Yukiko): I came to have a nice cup of tea & check in on you. I haven't seen you since the engagement party.
Yukiko (to Aiden): ... There's a reason for that. Mother doesn't like you being around. She thinks you put weird Western ideas in my head. I'll get you a pot of the Chrysanthemum tea you like.
Aiden (to Yukiko): That would be lovely. Thank you.
A few minutes later:
Yukiko (to Aiden): Here you are... Did you know you were followed?
Aiden (to Yukiko): Of course, I did... I thought you could take care of it for me.
Yukiko (to Aiden): ... How very chivalrous of you... Taidana igirisuhito.
Aiden (to Yukiko): Tut, tut. Manners, Kobayashi, we are in Britannia, after all.
A short time later:
Nathaniel: So now you're sitting outside watching him drink tea? That's not fucking stalkery at all... What the fuck am I doing?
Yukiko (to Nathaniel): Excuse me, young sir... Is there a reason you're following my friend? Don't turn around... Unless, you want to know what your insides look like all over the street.
Nathaniel (to Yukiko): No. Not really. I'd imagine that'd be one hell of a mess and not particularly good for business.
Yukiko (to Nathaniel): Our patrons have seen worse, but that's very kind of you to be concerned. But, it still doesn't answer our questions.
Nathaniel (to Yukiko): Everybody calm down and put away the pointy objects. You aren't under investigation. It was just curiosity.
Aiden (to Nathaniel): She does bring up a very interesting question, my young frien-- You're the CLANNG officer from last night. Am I under investigation?
Yukiko (to Nathaniel & Aiden): Oh? OH... I should be getting back. You're on your own with this, Wilkes.
Aiden (to Yukiko): What? I don't understand... (to Nathaniel) Curious about what exactly?
Nathaniel (to Aiden): Mostly what you look like naked, Mr. Wilkes. Got the strangest sensation that I know, & that I WOULD NOT be disappointed.
Aiden (to Nathaniel): ... Well, perhaps there will be a time when you can find out, for sure... Mister? I don't believe I know your name. I don't usually participate in such flirtatious action without that sort of information.
Nathaniel (to Aiden): Heh. Really? Not knowing's half the fun. Call me whatever you like. You'll have to give me a better incentive than innuendo to get my name, sexy. Shit! I gotta go. See you around.
Aiden (to Nathaniel): ... Oh my.
A couple hours later, at CLANNG Headquarters; New London, Britannia:
Carver (to Nathaniel): We do hope you'll remember to be on time for future meetings, Mr. Jones, or we will let Other Carver discipline you, sir.
Nathaniel (to Carver): Y-yes, sir. Of course. I'm very sorry. Won't happen again.
Carver (to Nathaniel): We know, Mr. Jones. Good evening, sir.
Nathaniel: Fucking... Ouch.
Meanwhile, at Aiden's house; New London, Britannia:
Zoe (to Mrs. Esterly): Hi there, Mrs. Esterly... I hope we're not intruding.
Mrs. Esterly (to Zoe & Victor): Not at all, dear. Come inside quickly. We've been under surveillance today.
Zoe (to Mrs. Esterly): Oh okay. Thank you.
Mrs. Esterly (to Zoe & Victor): Glad to see you're OK, Zoe. Hello, dear. You must be Victor. Would you like something to eat?
Victor (to Mrs. Esterly): Oh! Yes, please.
Zoe (to Mrs. Esterly): Heehee. He can always eat... Do you think Aiden would be willing to give me the file about our parents death?
Mrs. Esterly (to Zoe & Victor): Hmmm. I'm not sure. He most likely will be a bit resistant to the idea, but I think I can convince him. Here you are, dear. Eat as much as you like. You look like you could use a few decent meals.
Victor (to Mrs. Esterly): Thank you, ma'am. Heh. Some days, I could use more than just a few good meals.
A little while later:
Yukiko (to Mrs. Esterly): Kon'nichiwa, Mrs. Esterly.
Zoe (to Yukiko): Yoyo, you're in New London!?!
Mrs Esterly (to Yukiko): Oh! How sweet! Thank you, dear. Come inside, and I'll brew us a pot. This is Victor and Zoe.
Yukiko (to Zoe): I'm sorry. I don't know what that is. (to Victor & Zoe) Nice to meet you. I hope I'm not interrupting.
Victor (to Yukiko): It is a pleasure, Miss...?
Yukiko (to Victor): Kobayashi.
Victor (to Yukiko): *Very* nice to meet you, Ms Kobayashi.
Yukiko (to Victor): I'm sure you say that to all the girls.
Victor (to Yukiko): Heh... Well, I may have said it to quite a few girls in my time, but I have very rarely meant it. And I DO mean it.
Zoe (to Mrs. Esterly): … So, should we go talk to Aiden about that file?
Mrs. Esterly (to Zoe): We can certainly try. He came home in quite a state. I don't believe I've ever seen him that flustered before.
Yukiko (to Zoe & Mrs Esterly): I'm not sure what files you're referring to. But, I think Mr. Victor & I should be fine while you go check with him.
Victor (to Zoe & Yukiko): I'll be more than fine.
Zoe (to Yukiko & Victor): Alrighty, then.
Mrs. Esterly (to Zoe): Hee hee. Come on, dear. Let's go talk to Master Aiden.
Yukiko (to Victor): You seem a little sure of yourself, Mister Victor.
Victor (to Yukiko): Heh. Just Victor is fine. And I'll admit, I'm a bit cocky. Probably because it's worked for me up until now.
Yukiko (to Victor): You are barking up the wrong tree, Mist-- Victor. I am engaged to Tenchi Yashida.
Victor (to Yukiko): You ARE? What on earth for? Have you suffered head trauma? Hmmm. Maybe you have a third arm grafted to your back. Or, he knows some dark horrible secret about you. You're not Jack the Ripper, are you?
Yukiko (to Victor): Heehee, it was an arranged marriage... Is it strange that I really want to kiss you? ... I beg your pardon. I don't know what came over me.
Victor (to Yukiko): I don't think that's strange at all. In fact, I would go as far as to say I would very much enjoy that. And if it gets me kissed, I don't mind whatever has come over you at all. ESPECIALLY if it gets me kissed.
Yukiko (to Victor): ... That wouldn't really be proper. We only just met & I'm getting married in two weeks.
Victor (to Yukiko): Very true. Is it just me, or does that make it all the more intriguing? Besides, it would be even less proper in two weeks.
Yukiko (to Victor): So, kissing now would be better for propriety's sake, is that what you're saying?
Victor (to Yukiko): If it makes you feel any better, I could kiss your fiancé as well. Just to make it fair.
Yukiko (to Victor): Heh. I'm not sure he'd like that.
Victor (to Yukiko): How about you? Would YOU like it? :-P
Yukiko (to Victor): I have an odd feeling that I would like it quite a bit.
Victor (to Yukiko): I KNOW I would like it... I'm sorry, Ms. Kobayashi. I'm not usually this pushy. This FORWARD, yes. It's a family trait. But not this pushy. I didn't mean to make you uncomfortable.
Yukiko (to Victor): It's alright. I'm not that concerned. If you were too forward or pushy, your body would be cold before your lips left mine.
Victor (to Yukiko): REALLY? Heh. Watashi wa mada, misu anata o kisu ni kyōmi o motte imasu. Ha ha! I'm assuming from your expression, that was HORRIBLE Nipponese. My apologies. It's been a while since I've spoken it.
Yukiko (to Victor): ... I'm going to probably regret this, but I'm just too curious, now...
A moment later:
Victor (to Yukiko): ...Wow. That was... That was incredible. You can regret that all you want, Yoyo... but I am going to compare every kiss to that kiss from this point forward, until my death.
Yukiko (to Victor): Oh... What did you call me?
Victor (to Yukiko): ...Yoyo. I... I don't know why I did that. My apologies. It must be because my "little sister" called you that earlier...
Yukiko (to Victor): ... Your little sister was mistaken, my name is Yukiko... I should go. I apologize for my forwardness.
Victor (to Yukiko): I don't know, Yoyo is awfully cute, which suits you, you know. Heh. And you don't have to apologize for being forward. Not to me, at any rate. If it were up to me, I'd encourage you to always be forward. Good night, Ms. Kobayashi. And, as I said before, it was VERY nice to meet you.
Yukiko (to Victor): It was very nice to meet you too. Good night, Victor.
