Ariadne (to Fiona): Fiona? Are you awake?
A short time later:
Winchester (to Ariadne): How's the little firebug?
Ariadne (to Winchester): Not as good as I would like. She lost a lot of blood before I got to her. It's all up to her, now. She seemed pretty sure this was it for her. If she doesn't want to fight, it might as well be.
Winchester (to Ariadne): Can I go see her?
Ariadne (to Winchester): She's still unconscious, but if you just want to peek in, it should be okay.
Winchester (to Ariadne): Thank you.
A moment later:
Winchester (to Fiona): Fire-- Fiona, if you don't fight this & come back to us... I'm going to be seriously disappointed in you. I once saw you take on three CLANNG soldiers twice your size with a broken wrist, a knife & your wits. If you can do that, you can certainly survive a measly disemboweling... Um, Just get better. Okay?
A couple minutes later:
Winchester (to Ariadne): Thank you, Hari.
Ariadne (to Winchester): No worries. Oh! Fiona said that her report is at the rendezvous point in case she isn't able to talk. Can you go get it? I'm sure Poppy will want to see it.
Winchester (to Ariadne): Yes, of course... And, speaking of remembrances of things past. You have a visitor in the containment area. She claims to be an agent of your mother's... However, you know protocol.
Ariadne (to Winchester): Oh... yes, thanks.
Fiona (to Ariadne & Winchester): God's hairy balls... How's a girl supposed to die in peace with you two blathering...
Ariadne (to Fiona): You're not dying.
Winchester (to Fiona): It's about time you woke up, firebug.
Fiona (to Ariadne): Go get me a gun and a bottle of whiskey and I can fix that... (to Winchester) Fox. Thought I smelled perfume.
Winchester (to Fiona): Good, my plan worked! I thought it would offend your sensibilities enough to wake up.
Ariadne (to Fiona): After the four hours of surgery & all the nice stitching I did on you, I'm not going to let you simply kill yourself. It would be an absolute waste of some marvelous work. I'm going to take pictures & frame them in my office.
Fiona (to Ariadne): Won't that be lovely? I'm sure I'm... fucking hell! I'm right as rain. Here... Get all this shite out've me. (to Winchester) Don't stand there with your thumb up your arse, Chess... Help me get up.
Ariadne (to Fiona): No... You need to rest. You only feel right as rain because I've got you pumped full of pain meds.
Winchester (to Fiona): You are a seriously aggravating woman! You were on Death's Door a few short hours ago. Listen to Hari, you stubborn idiot! I am not helping you get up. So, just bloody well lay there or I'll shoot you myself!
Fiona (to Winchester): Stubborn idiot? No need... No need to call names. I... Bloody hell. Don't think I've got much choice about laying here...
Ariadne (to Fiona): Good… (to Winchester & Fiona) I'll leave you two alone. Chess, don't stay too long. She needs her rest.
Winchester (to Ariadne): Of course. (to Fiona) So, what happened, firebug? You finally found something you couldn't blow up?
Fiona (to Winchester): I got sloppy. Didn't stick to the plan. If I had gone with the explosions, I wouldn't be here, hogging all the gauze... I fucked up, Chess. Stupid, damn rookie move. The doctor should've let me finish bleeding out... knew I couldn't get close enough to the monster... should've just blown it ALL up, like I planned. Could've ended it all. But instead I wanted to come back... Stupid, soft rookie move...
Winchester (to Fiona): Fire-- Fi, you clearly didn't want to bleed out or you wouldn't have called her in the first place. We all have made mistakes. Some more than others. But, you are very good at what you do & I'm, well, I'm quite glad you made it back. Hiiri get you or was it one of her minions?
Fiona (to Winchester): A minion? I'm not THAT soft, Fox... Guess who survived the base bombing and is back at Hiiri's heels?
Winchester (to Fiona): ... Miss Starling or Carver?
Fiona (to Winchester): Didn't see Starling, but I'll bet she's about... Carver. He's twice as ugly, but only bout half as fast... Lucky me.
Winchester (to Fiona): Well, that's definitely good to know... Blast! It's not going to be fun to tell Miss Poppy about this in her present state. Perhaps, we should all play dead for a bit? :-P
Fiona (to Winchester): Heh... Oh. God fucking in hell, laughing hurts...
Winchester (to Fiona): Sorry... I should go anyway and let you get your rest.
Fiona (to Winchester): Nothing to be sorry about, Fox. I'm the fool who got herself opened up... Don't suppose I could convince you to sneak me a bottle, could I?
Winchester (to Fiona): I think I could arrange that. Um, strange question... How long were you awake before you spoke up?
Fiona (to Winchester): ... Not long. You know I can't keep my trap closed. Why? You weren't mewling over me, were you? Holding my hand and confessing your darkest sins to your dying comrade? Heh... Oh fucking hell...
Winchester (to Fiona): Heh. Not at all. I simply expressed my disappointment, if you let yourself die. I'd save my darkest sins for when you're awake. Otherwise, where would the fun in confessing be?
Fiona (to Winchester): Always had more fun doing the sinning than the confessing, personally...
Winchester (to Fiona): Well, get better quickly. It's no fun sinnin' by yourself, firebug. Now, get some rest. I'll come by later... with a bottle.
Fiona (to Winchester): Good man. Knew I liked you with good reason...
Meanwhile, onboard the Airship Holden:
Carver (to Starling): There you are, Miss Starling. We've been looking... for you. We did worry you were sent away, miss.
Starling (to Carver): I'm sorry to have caused you & Miss Hiiri distress, sir. Professor Maladori showed me the error of my ways.
Carver (to Starling): We are...confused, Miss.
Starling (to Carver): I wanted to keep you all to myself, sir... That's why I didn't tell Miss Hiiri that you were alive or where to find you, sir. But, your injuries were too much for me to care for & one of the doctors that I brought to you, informed her where to find you.
Carver (to Starling): We understand, miss. Our mistress can be...demanding. Thank you for saving us, miss.
Starling (to Carver): You are very welcome, sir.
Carver (to Starling): We hope to return the favor some day, miss.
A few hours later, at Aiden's house; New London, Britannia:
Mrs. Esterly (to Nathaniel): Nathaniel, dear, if you don't stop pacing, you're going to wear a hole in our rug. Come here. Sit down, and hold this for me.
Nathaniel (to Mrs. Esterly): What am I...?
Mrs. Esterly (to Nathaniel): You are holding that yarn until I can wind it into a ball instead of fretting about Aiden. He'll be fine, dear.
Nathaniel (to Mrs. Esterly): Heh. Yeah. I know.
Mrs. Esterly (to Nathaniel): You do realize that he was a spy, don't you? Hee hee hee. I'm quite sure he can handle going into town alone. I'm surprised you didn't want to go with him. It's a gorgeous day, and going for a walk with your young man would be a MUCH nicer way to spend the afternoon than sitting inside helping an old woman with her knitting. I think Master Aiden was a bit disappointed you didn't go with him.
Nathaniel (to Mrs. Esterly): I know. But won't he get in trouble if he's seen out with a guy, and all?
Mrs. Esterly (to Nathaniel): It is true that his father wouldn't approve, but *I'm* certainly not going to call on him to start gossiping about his son's love life. Good heavens. The idea! Hee. And we may not be as civic minded as your home in some ways, but it's not as though we don't have bachelor uncles and maiden aunts here in New London, if you catch my meaning. You two would be fine. So what is the real reason you don't want to go outside, dear?
Nathaniel (to Mrs. Esterly): Oh. Um, I guess it's because Hiiri has been... She's been watching me. And watching me through some of the worst things I've ever had to go through. And then she used it against me. And Aiden. I--I guess I'm feeling kind of...
Mrs. Esterly (to Nathaniel): It's alright, dear. I understand. Come on. Now that I have my yarn sorted, help me make a nice tea.
Meanwhile, at the Old Piedmont Inn, West Piedmont:
Fiona: Grand and good god in heaven, I don't think I've ever done this much laying down in my life... I hope Chess'll bring me a drink soon.
A short time later, at Mrs. Esterly's apartment; New London, Britannia:
Ms. Dvorak (to Mrs. Esterly): I'm so sorry I'm late, Agatha dear. This little ruffian tried to fleece me for ten shillings. It was adorable.
Mrs. Esterly (to Ms. Dvorak): Oh dear. I hope you didn't hurt him too badly, dear. Come in. Would you like some brandy?
Ms. Dvorak (to Mrs. Esterly): Not to terribly much. Brandy would be lovely. I've heard that the little master has made it home. I bet you're tickled.
Mrs. Esterly (to Ms. Dvorak): Hee hee hee. Well, I know one isn't supposed to play favorites, but I am glad to see him home. Here's your brandy. I do wish it was under better circumstances, however. He's gotten himself into a spot of trouble on the other side. He's also brought home charming little colonist who seems to be connected to your former protege, Margaux.
Ms. Dvorak (to Mrs. Esterly): Oh? Which protege is that? I have so many. :-p
Mrs. Esterly (to Ms. Dvorak): The Magpie, dear. Is it really true she has herself a husband and family now?
Ms. Dvorak (to Mrs. Esterly): Yes, she has herself a handsome little husband, an adopted daughter, a son & a baby on the way.
Mrs. Esterly (to Ms. Dvorak): Hee hee hee. You never let them stray far, do you, dear? Aiden's young man is Captain Potter's nephew, apparently.
Ms. Dvorak (to Mrs. Esterly): Oh? I hadn't realized... I thought Poppy's niece & Aiden were still together.
Mrs. Esterly (to Ms. Dvorak): Persephone? Oh no, dear. They broke it off more than a year ago, I believe. Apparently the Potter family has a way with spies. What can you tell me about Hiiri, Margaux?
Ms. Dvorak (to Mrs. Esterly): Oh, she's a little menace, Agatha. She was made by that horrid Smythe fellow that the ISS was after for years.
Mrs. Esterly (to Ms. Dvorak): Oh! Hee hee hee. No, dear. If I wanted a history lesson, I would go to a library. What can you tell me about her NOW?
Ms. Dvorak (to Mrs. Esterly): Oh, my mistake, darling. She's up to something but I can't quite tell what it is exactly. I'm feeling that it's personal. Otherwise, why target the Potters.
Mrs. Esterly (to Ms. Dvorak): I assumed. They're not all that politically important, so what else could be her motivation? Honestly, I don't care what her motivation might be. She's made it distinctly personal for me by coming after my poor boy.
Ms. Dvorak (to Mrs. Esterly): Well, I'll go bother some folks and see what I can find out, Agatha. I don't much like her messing with them, either.
Mrs. Esterly (to Ms. Dvorak): Thank you. I would appreciate it. Wait a moment! Before you go... Here you are. I finished that shawl for you, dear. I used that Irish lace pattern you like, and the hem is long enough to hid a garrott in it.
Ms. Dvorak (to Mrs. Esterly): Oh, thank you, dear. That reminds me. Here's that crossbow you were asking about. I got McTavish to fix the recoil.
Mrs. Esterly (to Ms. Dvorak): You are an angel! Stop by any time you have information for me, or feel like a chat.
Ms. Dvorak (to Mrs. Esterly): I will let you know if I find out anything. Miss Warren's nephew loves my cookies, if you know what I mean. Give my regards to your young mister & his gentleman.
Mrs. Esterly (to Ms. Dvorak): I will dear. Take care! It's a chilly night.
Ms. Dvorak (to Mrs. Esterly): You too, sugar.
A moment later:
Ms. Dvorak (to Aiden): Hello, young Mister Wilkes. You're looking well. I can't stay, but it's nice to see you.
Aiden (to Ms. Dvorak): Nice to see you too, Miss Dvorak. Have a good evening.
A few moments later, at Aiden's house; New London, Britannia:
Nathaniel (to Aiden): Hmmm? Oh. Oh shit... Sorry. Heh. I guess I fell asleep. Heh. Hey.
Aiden (to Nathaniel): Hi there, sexy man... Oooo, I think I drank too much.
Nathaniel (to Aiden): Oh! Shit... Heh. Yeah. I'll say you did. What the fuck did you get up to while you were "running errands?"
Aiden (to Nathaniel): I ran into my brother... He oh so very nicely informed me that all charges have been dropped against the blacklisted agents. And, how disappointed he was in me for my behavior in the whole thing.
Nathaniel (to Aiden): The charges were dropped? That's... That's AWESOME! Wait... Why is your brother "disappointed" in you? What the fuck for? Because you didn't let yourself get fucking arrested or some shit?
Aiden (to Nathaniel): Something like that... He seemed upset that I hadn't died.
Nathaniel (to Aiden): He's... He's upset you aren't fucking DEAD? What the fuck?
Aiden (to Nathaniel): ... I don't really want to talk about it, Nate. Can we just go to bed? Please?
Nathaniel (to Aiden): Oh. Yeah. Course. We don't have to talk about it if you don't wanna. I just... I don't know what I'd do if--if you... Sorry. I'm... Sorry. You're right. Let's just go to bed.
Aiden (to Nathaniel): ... Wait. You're upset. I'm sorry. Please, don't be upset.
Nathaniel (to Aiden): It's just... You fucking told me your brother wants you to fucking die, and I don't... I don't know how to process that right now! You're the ONLY thing I've got right now... Shit. Sorry. I'm being fucking nuts.
Aiden (to Nathaniel): Nate, I'm not going to get myself killed just because my brother was being, well in your words, a dick. I am however going to drink... Which is exactly what I did.
Nathaniel (to Aiden): I know. I'm sorry your brother's a dick, and I'm sorry I'm being fucking weird. I'm... I'm feeling really fucking paranoid. Heh. Want me to get you something? It's the least I could do.
Aiden (to Nathaniel): How about you come over here, my sexy boyfriend?
Nathaniel (to Aiden): Heh. That I can do. I love the shit out of you, you know that?
Aiden (to Nathaniel): I know. I love the shit out of you, too.
Nathaniel (to Aiden): Ha ha ha. You're kinda sexy why you're drunk and cussing, you know that? C'mere...
Aiden (to Nathaniel): Oh? ... Well, fuck me. I have no idea what to say to that.
Nathaniel (to Aiden): How bout you say, "Gee thanks, Nate. You're fucking sexy too. Follow me to my ridiculously fucking huge bed. "I'd like to tear off all your damn clothes." That would work.
Aiden (to Nathaniel): Oh... Thank you, Nate. You're fucking sexy, too. Why don't you follow me to my ridiculously huge fucking bed? I'd like to let you tear off my fucking clothes... I improvised a little. I hope you don't mind. And, you are quite sexy when you're all bossy, you know that?
Nathaniel (to Aiden): Heh. That's what you keep telling me. Maybe I WILL follow you and tear off all your clothes... That'll learn ya!
Aiden (to Nathaniel): I don't know. I may be a bit stupid & need lots of lessons. ;-)
Nathaniel (to Aiden): You're a lot of things, man, but stupid isn't one of them. Sexy, however... And ENTIRELY too fucking clothed is another. Come on. I can fix one of those things.
Aiden (to Nathaniel): Sounds good to me.
