Seychella: Oh, boy. Here goes somethin'. (to Oliver) Good morning! I'm… here for the interview?
Oliver (to Seychella): Good morning, Seychella! I'll let Emma know that you're here.
A moment later, in Emma's office:
Oliver (to Mouse): Good morning, Miss Emma. Seychella is here for an interview.
Mouse (to Oliver): Alright, send her up & can you please bring up two coffees?
Oliver (to Mouse): Of course, ma'am
A moment later:
Oliver (to Seychella): Seychella? Emma's ready for you. This way, please.
Seychella (to Oliver): Yes.. of course…
A moment later, in Emma's office:
Seychella (to Mouse): Good morning, ma'am. Thank you for meeting me.
Mouse (to Seychella): Hi, Seychella. Nice to meet you... Honestly, this is all just a formality. We need a barista & if you want the job, it's yours. It's for 20 hours a week, the morning shift.
Seychella (to Mouse): … I think I can work that out. Pretty much all my classes are in the afternoons. When does "Morning Shift" end? I think my earliest class is at... 2pm on Wednesday.
Mouse (to Seychella): Morning shift is 7am to 12pm, so that should be plenty of time for you to get to class. Can you start Monday?
Seychella (to Mouse): Oh! Uh... sure. This is.. goin waaay smoother then I imagined in my head, heh.
Mouse (to Seychella): Heh. I'm willing to give anyone a chance. If you want tour of the place, Oliver can give one to you. I've got the baking to start.
Seychella (to Mouse): Thank you, Ms. Emma. I... really, really appreciate this. Being a broke student isn't all its cracked up to be...
Oliver (to Mouse & Seychella): I hope I'm not interrupting. Here are the coffees you asked for Miss Emma. I made yours a red eye.
Mouse (to Oliver): Thank you, Oliver. Can you show Seychella around? (to Seychella) You're very welcome. I'll see you on Monday.
Oliver (to Mouse): Of course. (to Seychella) We can start with the espresso machines, if that's OK with you.
Seychella (to Oliver): That's fine... it's been a while since I've worked one though, so I may be a little rusty.
Oliver (to Seychella): Heh. It's fine. Most of our staff didn't have any experience when they first started either. This is the espresso machine Hernesto.
Seychella (to Oliver): It's... got a name?
Oliver (to Seychella): All the machinery does. The coffee grinder is named Florence, for some reason. This is Phillip.
Seychella (to Oliver): Okay. That is either really cool.. or really creepy. I'm choosing to believe the former right now because so far no one seems like they're crazy. Or, at least the bad kinda crazy. So then, Hernesto, Florence and Phillip... right?
Oliver (to Seychella): We have our moments. Miss Emma has a talent for picking up wayward individuals. You've got it. This is Tremendous Richard.
Seychella (to Oliver): ... Tremendous Richard? Is this thing difficult to work with or does Ms. Emma just not like it much?
Oliver (to Seychella): I'm not sure why... Oh. "Big Dick"! I get it now. That's why River always snickers when I say it. Would you like to see the kitchen now?
Seychella (to Oliver): ... You were a sheltered child, weren't you? And sure, to the kitchen!
Oliver (to Seychella): ...I was very much like I am now years ago. I have trouble detecting subtlety sometimes.
Seychella: Be blunt with Oliver. Got it. (to Oliver) I'll try not to be ambiguous when I talk to you.
Oliver (to Seychella): I would appreciate it. Thank you. This is where we do all the baking. You met River yesterday. (to River) Good morning!
Seychella (to Oliver & River): Man.. not sure what you guys are making.. but it smells awesome. Does the oven also have a name?
River (to Seychella & Oliver): Heh. That would be Big Mama. And, we're making scones, cinnamon buns & muffins.
Seychella (to Oliver & River): Fair enough.. although you guys missed the obvious "hot" joke. Which is what I expected after "Tremendous Richard".
Oliver (to Seychella & River): Hot Momma? I don't understand.
Seychella (to Oliver & River): Hot as in temperature for ovens but also Hot as in good looking.
River (to Seychella & Oliver): Hey, I'm just baking here. Emma just likes to name things. She says they all have personalities & it makes it easier to learn their little ticks & tricks.
Seychella (to Oliver & River): Makes sense... not sure I'd have ever thought to give a machine a name.
Oliver (to Seychella & River): She's quite right. There's a theory that repetitive tasks gives machinery a type of consciousness, though it's not really an artificial intelligence. That's much more complex in nature than... Stopping. Right. Sorry, River.
River (to Oliver): Sometimes, I really worry about you, Oliver.
Oliver (to River & Seychella): I'm sorry. Did I say something strange?
River (to Oliver): ... You just need to get out more.
Seychella (to Oliver & River): Not really... but can't say I know a lot of people that would go off on a tangent about AI vs. Normal machines.
A few minutes later:
Marlena: Fucking hell, can't a girl get some service around here? Heh.
Oliver (to Marlena): I'm sorry, Mars! I was showing the newest employee around. What can we get you?
River (to Marlena): You are very lucky that I like you. :-P
Marlena (to Oliver): Heh. I was just teasing, Oliver. Can I get my usual? (to River) Don't fuck with me, pretty boy. I need coffee first.
Seychella (to Oliver): … One of the regulars? (to Marlena) Nice to meet you, I'm Seychella. I start Monday.
Marlena (to Seychella): Nice to meet you. I'm Mars. Emma's my mom.
Oliver (to Seychella): She's in here quite a lot as you can imagine.
Seychella (to Oliver & Marlena): So... now I know who's coffee to never screw up. Good to know.
Marlena (to Seychella & Oliver): I'm not that fucking bad. Mom would kill me, if I mistreated her staff.
Oliver (to Seychella): Heh. Mars is actually much nicer than her expression suggests.
Marlena (to Oliver): Hey! Don't ruin my fucking reputation!
Seychella (to Oliver & Marlena): Ha! Even so, as the bosses daughter, still might behoove me to not screw up your coffee. Cause, ya know, just got this job and I've always found that if I want to keep my job, it pays to be good to the bosses family.
Marlena (to Seychella): Heh. Fair enough. It was nice to meet you. I gotta get back to my painting. (to Oliver) Thanks for the coffee, Oliver. (to River) You coming over later?
River (to Marlena): Sure. Your roomies still around?
Marlena (to River): Not sure. They were talking about wandering about.
River (to Marlena): Okay. I'll bring extra food just in case. See ya.
Marlena (to River): Bye.
At Aiden's house; New London, Britannia:
Aiden (to Nathaniel): Did you speak to Mrs. Esterly?
Nathaniel (to Aiden): Yeah. I, um... Christ. I don't know how to say this. She thinks Hiiri's gonna try to go back in time to target my family.
Aiden (to Nathaniel): Oh… But, why? And, who for that matter?
Nathaniel (to Aiden): She's not sure. She has some theories, but she wants to talk to my aunt, uncle and cousin.
Aiden (to Nathaniel): So, should we contact Victor & invite them over for dinner?
Nathaniel (to Aiden): I guess. Hey! Come over for food and help us figure out how some killer fucking robot wants to dick us over.
Aiden (to Nathaniel): Well, do you have a better idea?
Nathaniel (to Aiden): No. You're right. Sorry. I'm just... I'm sorry for getting you involved in this fucking mess. I know! Alright? I know it's not my fault, but still...
Aiden (to Nathaniel): … I think I'm going to go for a walk & let you cool off. I'll let Mrs. Esterly know I'm stepping out for a bit.
Nathaniel (to Aiden): I'm sorry... I just ran out of cigarettes a couple of days ago, and I... sorry. I'll see you when you get back.
Aiden (to Nathaniel): There is some tobacco & papers in the top drawer in the desk in my office. We do smoke here. I'll be back shortly.
A few moments later:
Aiden (to Mrs. Esterly): Mrs. Esterly, I'm going for a bit of a walk. I'll be back in time for supper.
Mrs. Esterly (to Aiden): Of course. What's wrong, dear?
Aiden (to Mrs. Esterly): Nothing… Nate was just a bit churlish with me. I thought he could use some space to cool off.
Mrs. Esterly (to Aiden): Was he? Hee hee. So that's why you're angry. I'll see you when on your return, dear.
Aiden (to Mrs. Esterly): I shan't be too long.
Mrs. Esterly (to Aiden): Good. Dinner is almost ready. Do be a lamb, and pick us up a nice bottle of wine on the way home, won't you?
Aiden (to Mrs. Esterly): Yes, ma'am.
Mrs. Esterly (to Aiden): There's a good lad. We'll see you soon, dear.
An hour or so later:
Nathaniel: Son of a fucking... Goddammit! I give up!
Mrs. Esterly (to Nathaniel): Nathaniel? Is there a reason you're out here cursing and getting tobacco all over my nice clean floors?
Nathaniel (to Mrs. Esterly): Sorry! I'll get it cleaned up. I was trying to roll a cigarette, and I couldn't quite... I'm not sure... Fuck. I can't do it.
Mrs Esterly (to Nathaniel): Hee hee. Well, you do need to develop a knack for it. Come help me carve this roast chicken, and I'll show you how. My arthritis is simply dreadful today.
Nathaniel (to Mrs. Esterly): Oh. Um, I don't really know how to carve a chicken...
Mrs Esterly (to Nathaniel): Well then, it's about high time you learned, wouldn't you say? Come on now. Stop annoying Master Aiden with your fretting, and help me get supper ready.
Nathaniel (to Mrs. Esterly): I wasn't trying to...! I mean... Sorry. I'll come help.
Mrs Esterly (to Nathaniel): I know you will, dear. Honestly, Nathaniel, you really need to stop apologizing for the actions of other people. Or automatons in this case. And you should get out of the house, dear. Hee hee. I daresay you're going a bit stir crazy.
Nathaniel (to Mrs. Esterly): ... Yeah. Probably.
At the Longfellow Inn; New London, Britannia:
Persephone (to Aiden): Aiden? What are you doing here? Would you like some tea?
Aiden (to Persephone): I was out for a walk… Tea would be lovely, actually.
Persephone (to Aiden): Come into the kitchen & I'll fix you a cuppa.
Aiden (to Persephone): Thank you, Persephone.
Persephone (to Aiden): Here you are… Care to talk about it? Or would you rather just sit hear alone while I go help Charles in the dining room?
Aiden (to Persephone): I think sitting alone for a moment would be fine. I should go back after the tea. Mrs. Esterly is expecting me for dinner.
Persephone (to Aiden): Of course, anything you need.
A few moments later, in the dining area:
Persephone (to Charles): Charles, do you need anything out here?
Charles (to Persephone): I... Miss Persephone... The woman at the table near bay window... She... I can't even say it.
Persephone (to Charles): Oh? Was it filthy or just plain awful?
Charles (to Persephone): She said some...things. I'm not sure what most of it meant, nor do I want to! And then she... Miss Persephone, she... She pinched my bottom! It is NOT funny.
Persephone (to Charles): Heehee, I'm sorry. I shouldn't laugh. I hate to break it to you but that's going to happen a lot, Charles. You're quite a handsome young man. And well, if it's Mrs. Dorcester, she gets a couple sherries in her & then she gets handsy.
Charles (to Persephone): I--I have no idea how to respond to that. She's not getting any more sherries from me, that is for certain. The very idea!
Persephone (to Charles): Heh… If you were a few years older, I'd be mooning all over you too.
Charles (to Persephone): Miss Persephone! That's hardly... I mean, that's not... I... I should go make sure the soup isn't burning!
Persephone (to Charles): Heehee, alright. I'll take care of it out here.
A moment later, in the kitchen:
Charles (to Aiden): Oh! Mr. Wilkes. E-excuse me. I didn't realize you were in here. May I get you anything?
Aiden (to Charles): Greetings, Mister Turner. Are you alright? You look a bit shaken.
Charles (to Aiden): No, sir. I mean, yes, sir! One of the customers...was a bit overly familiar with me. Miss Persephone was teasing me about it.
Aiden (to Charles): I apologize for her rude behavior on her behalf, Mr. Turner. Would you by any chance have a bottle of wine I could purchase to go with lamb? I really should be getting back to the house.
Charles (to Aiden): She wasn't being rude... I... Excuse me. My apologies, Mr. Wilkes. Let me get that for you… Here you are, sir. This is a table wine, of course, but it should pair well with lamb, and Mrs. Esterly is quite fond of it.
Aiden (to Charles): Thank you, Mister Turner… You know, if a young gentleman wanted to express his interest in Miss Persephone. She really loves the theatre… And, irises.
Charles (to Aiden): Oh. I--I'm sure I don't know what you mean. But, thank you for the advice. Mr. Wilkes, I don't mean to be too forward, But may I ask you something? Mrs. Potter's friend, Ms Dvorak... Do you know if she's trustworthy?
Aiden (to Charles): Well, I would say she is. At least, as trustworthy as a retired spy can be.
Charles (to Aiden): ... I'll keep that in mind. Thank you again, sir. I won't keep you.
Aiden (to Charles): You are very welcome, Mister Turner… And, good luck. I should be heading home.
Charles (to Aiden): Good night.
A few minutes later:
Persephone (to Charles): Charles, did you get the soup situation sorted?
Charles (to Persephone): Yes, miss. It's all set. Would it be alright if I took tomorrow morning for myself? I have an errand I need to run.
Persephone (to Charles): Oh yes, of course… Is everything alright?
Charles (to Persephone): I'm hoping it will be... To tell you the truth, Miss Persephone, Ms. Dvorak offered to help me with Achilles. He's... He's not very happy with me for running away.
Persephone (to Charles): Oh. I'm sorry to hear that, Charles. If Ms. Dvorak says she can help, she probably can.
Charles (to Persephone): I hope so. The fact that he knows who I am is more terrifying than I'd like to contemplate. He... Oh! The rolls!
An hour or so later, at Aiden's house; New London, Britannia:
George Fitzroy (to Nathaniel): Hey! Watch where you're going fella! Damn! You got tobacco all over me… I'm looking for a Mrs. Esterly.
Nathaniel (to George): Holy shit! You scared the fu--hell outta me. Sorry! I, uh, I might know Mrs. Esterly. Who's asking?
George (to Nathaniel): George Fitzroy, Mister Nosy Parker. I run errands for Ms. Dvorak.
Nathaniel (to George): Yeah? Well then, hang out, I mean, wait here for a minute, and I'll go see if she's in.
George (to Nathaniel): Sure… Here. I fixed your smoke.
Nathaniel (to George): Oh! Thanks.
A minute later, in the kitchen:
Nathaniel (to Mrs. Esterly): Hey, Mrs. Esterly, there's some kid here named George Fitzroy here to see you. Says he works for Ms. Dvorak.
Mrs. Esterly (to Nathaniel): Oh? Let me go see to him, then. Would you watch everything in here, dear? How is your hand?
Nathaniel (to Mrs. Esterly): Yeah. Sure. It's fine. It looks worse than it is. Heh. I told you I don't know how to carve, didn't I?
Mrs. Esterly (to Nathaniel): Hee hee. You did mention that, but I didn't dream you would try to carve your hand, dear. I'll be back shortly.
A moment later:
Mrs. Esterly (to George): Hello, George, dear. What can I do for you?
George (to Mrs. Esterly): I'm sorry to bother you, ma'am. Ms Dvorak wanted me to deliver these files to you. She said you'd want to see them right away.
Mrs. Esterly (to George): Thank you for bringing them right over, then. Would you like me to send you back with a little something to eat?
George (to Mrs. Esterly): If it's not too much trouble, ma'am, that would be wonderful.
Mrs. Esterly (to George): Not at all. If it was too much trouble, I wouldn't offer.
A minute later, in the kitchen:
Mrs. Esterly (to Nathaniel): How is everything going in here, Nathaniel?
Nathaniel (to Mrs. Esterly): ... We're good.
Mrs. Esterly (to Nathaniel): Oh good. I'm going to fix young Mr. Fitzroy a little something for the road. Shout if you need me help.
Aiden (to Mrs. Esterly): I'm sorry I'm late. I brought back wine like you asked.
Mrs. Esterly (to Aiden): You're not too late, dear. Hee hee. Nathaniel was kind enough to delay supper for you with a bit of a kitchen mishap.
Aiden (to Mrs. Esterly): I was told this was one you liked. Who's this young hooligan?
Mrs. Esterly (to Aiden): Oh! Thank you, Master Aiden. I love this wine. Hee hee. This is George Fitzroy. He works for Ms. Dvorak. I was just getting him a something to eat.
George (to Aiden): I beg your pardon, my lord. I hope I wasn't being too forward by accepting Mrs. Esterly's offer.
Mrs. Esterly (to George): Of course you're not, dear. (to Aiden) Why don't you have a seat in the drawing room, Master Aiden?
Aiden (to George): Heh. I couldn't stop Mrs. Esterly from doing anything she wanted to do Mr. Fitzroy. (to Mrs. Esterly) I'll head there right now.
Mrs. Esterly (to Aiden): Hee hee. I'll bring you a glass of wine in a moment. (to Nathaniel) Thank you for your help, Nathaniel. Now shoo!
Nathaniel (to Mrs. Esterly): Oh... Um, what should I...
Mrs. Esterly (to Nathaniel): Drawing room, dear. Go on!
George (to Mrs. Esterly): Heh. Not too bright a boy, is he?
Mrs. Esterly (to George): Don't be unkind, George. They do things a bit differently in the Colonies, I imagine. Here you are, dear. Pass along my regards to Margaux, please.
George (to Mrs. Esterly): Yes, ma'am and thank you very much.
Mrs. Esterly (to George): You're very welcome. Good night!
In the drawing room:
Nathaniel (to Aiden): Um... Sorry. That I upset you earlier.
Aiden (to Nathaniel): I'm on your side, you know. We're supposed to be in this together…
Nathaniel (to Aiden): I know... I'm just fucking terrified Hiiri's gonna do something to you. I--I don't know what I would do if that happened. I know it's fucking stupid, but I feel... I dunno. Cursed or something. And seeing that guy who looked JUST like fucking Tim sure didn't help matters. I keep having this nightmare... I'm, um, I'm better. I think. Smoking this cigarette will... Son of a BITCH! When the hell did I break it? You are fucking kidding me...
Aiden (to Nathaniel): Heh… Here. Let me fix you one.
Nathaniel (to Aiden): I lack the fucking dexterity or whatever to-to... Thanks. Can I, um, can I get a hug, or is that not OK right now?
Aiden (to Nathaniel): Yes, of course… I do love you, Nate, more than anything.
Nathaniel (to Aiden): I know that. I really do... I love you more than anything else too. I think that's why I'm being so fucking nuts. I'm sorry.
Aiden (to Nathaniel): Nate, I know I appear to be a bit of a soft gentleman but I can actually take care of myself quite well. Actually, quite a bit better than most. Mrs. Esterly always told me to leave my work at the door & I've always tried to live up to that promise.
Nathaniel (to Aiden): I know that. I'm the one who can't even handle cutting up a fucking chicken. Heh. And I wouldn't describe you as "soft." I'm sorry. This has been a lot to fucking process, and I've been doing a shit job. I swear this is just me being paranoid. This isn't because I don't trust you, or some shit like that.
Aiden (to Nathaniel): Just talk to me instead of snapping at me, ok? Now, come here.
Nathaniel (to Aiden): Heh. I'll try. But, and I hate to tell you this now, but I'm kinda a surly bastard, you know?
Aiden (to Nathaniel): I don't mind surly but snippy is just bloody annoying.
Nathaniel (to Aiden): I know. I KNOW. How many times are you gonna make me say sorry, huh? Or are you looking for another kind of apology?
Aiden (to Nathaniel): I was just teasing... Though, I wouldn't say no to that offer.
Mrs. Esterly (to Aiden): Ahem. Here you are, dear. (to Nathaniel) Nathaniel, drink this.
Nathaniel (to Mrs. Esterly): Oh! Um, I don't...
Mrs. Esterly (to Nathaniel): Don't argue with me, young man. That will help keep your hand from getting infected.
Aiden (to Mrs. Esterly): Thank you. (to Nathaniel) Do what the lady says, Nate.
Nathaniel (to Mrs. Esterly): I don't think that's...
Mrs. Esterly (to Nathaniel): Nathaniel Jones!
Nathaniel (to Mrs. Esterly): Yes, ma'am.
Mrs. Esterly (to Nathaniel): Hee hee hee. Good boy. Dinner will be ready in about 10 more minutes, dear.
Aiden (to Mrs. Esterly): Thank you. It smells delicious... (to Nathaniel) Nate, how about tomorrow we see about getting up with your family?
Mrs. Esterly (to Nathaniel & Aiden): The sooner the better, dear.
Nathaniel (to Aiden): Yeah. I'm sure Aunt Poppy will want to know what's going... Pwuh! What is in this glass?
Mrs. Esterly (to Nathaniel): Just a little something to help you heal up. Don't you DARE think of pouring it out.
Nathaniel (to Mrs. Esterly): No... No ma'am. (to Aiden) She's kinda scary, did you know that?
Aiden (to Nathaniel & Mrs. Esterly): You should see her when it comes to not eating vegetables. She's a bloody tyrant. Which is my attempt at a joke.
Nathaniel (to Aiden & Mrs. Esterly): Ha ha ha! Sorry! Heh. Sorry...
Mrs. Esterly (to Nathaniel & Aiden): Hee hee. I think you're both very funny. Let me go get dinner dished out for us.
Aiden (to Nathaniel & Mrs. Esterly): I'm glad you both find me so humorous.
Nathaniel (to Aiden): Heh. You've said that to me before too.
Aiden (to Mrs. Esterly & Nathaniel): We could lend you a hand.
Mrs. Esterly (to Aiden & Nathaniel): Thank you, dear. That would be lovely.
