Yukiko: ... Oh good, the noises have finally stopped.
A short time later:
Fiona: Huh. Sleeping like a coma patient. Just like Fox. Spies these days. Should be safe as houses here, Kobayashi. See you shortly.
Yukiko (to Fiona): I wasn't sleeping. I was playing possum. Where the hell are you off to?
Fiona (to Yukiko): Off to snoop about, ask some questions, and be a general suspicious auld bastard. The usual. Something doesn't smell right about last night. I intend to sniff it out. Shall I see what I can do about getting us a ride to Singapore as well, lovely?
Yukiko (to Fiona): I can find us a ride, I've got a few connections down at the docks. Unless, you'd rather. I honestly, could use a nap... There seemed to be an earthquake going on in the house all night & well into the wee hours... I hope it was worth it. ;-P
Fiona (to Yukiko): Ha ha ha! To be frank, I suspected Fox would be more talk than tackle, but the Sasanach managed to surprise me. I had myself a grand time, and he seems to have survived the encounter, so I'd say it's all well enough. Heh heh. Course our lovely coiffed little co-worker may have an opinion of a different sort. You'll have to ask him when he wakes up. I'll be back before the bread rises. Don't tell Fox I used his bonnie side door here. He'll be heartbroken it's not a secret.
Yukiko (to Fiona): Heh. Will do. I'd hate to break his little heart.
Fiona (to Yukiko): You know what a delicate creature he is. Get some rest, girl! What good's a delirious ninja.
A couple hours later, at Aiden's house; New London, Britannia:
Mrs. Esterly (to Fiona): Madainn mhath, Fiona dear. I was just puttering out in the garden. You really should announce yourself when you visit. One of these days, I am going to shoot you, you know. Come inside and I'll put the kettle on.
Fiona (to Mrs. Esterly): Can't stay long enough for the kettle, missus. I was wondering if I could trouble you for a spot of information instead.
Mrs. Esterly (to Fiona): Oh. Well, I certainly don't know what I could tell you that would be of any interest.
Fiona (to Mrs. Esterly): Ha! Don't spend all your lies on me, Artemis. Save 'em up for someone who'll believe them.
Mrs. Esterly (to Fiona): You always were a Nosy Parker, Fiona. What do you want to know?
Fiona (to Mrs. Esterly): Heh. 'Tis my only true talent, misses. I'll tell you plain; Kobayashi and I were meant for Singapore yesterday. ISS brass chartered the ship. We both got the twitchies as soon as we stepped on board. I'm as near to positive as I can be they had a ken of who we were, but I can't imagine how. We were SUPPOSED to be undercover, and that lot... Christ's wounds! They would've had to pool their brains just to tie their boots. Which begs the question, don't it?
Mrs. Esterly (to Fiona): How on earth did they know who you were? Do you think there's a leak at the ISS?
Fiona (to Mrs. Esterly): Either that or Kobayashi and I've been tagged for retirement. Would you mind asking a few friends at teatime what they know?
Mrs. Esterly (to Fiona): Of course, dear. What are you going to do about your assignment?
Fiona (to Mrs. Esterly): Make our own way to Singapore. Don't know that I can trust the Imperial channels.
Mrs. Esterly (to Fiona): I may be able to help you with that, at least. Come back around tea. (to Persephone) You can come into the kitchen now, dear. Honestly Persephone, if you're going to eavesdrop, at least be subtle about it.
Fiona (to Mrs. Esterly): Thank you, missus. You're my savior as always. We'll be here at four in bells.
Persephone (to Mrs. Esterly): Oh I'm sorry, Mrs. Esterly, I didn't mean to eavesdrop. I just didn't want to interrupt.
Mrs. Esterly (to Persephone): Hee hee. I'm sure, dear. As long as you're here, and were listening, you may as well help. I don't suppose your uncle would be able to run the girls to Singapore for bit, would he?
Persephone (to Mrs. Esterly): Oh, probably. What's today? Tuesday... He should be back in town today, prepping the ship for a run. He's usually docked at Pier 42... Should I go see if he's available?
Mrs. Esterly (to Persephone): Yes, dear. I think that would be a big help.
Persephone (to Mrs. Esterly): Alright. I'll run down there right now. when should I tell him to expect them?
Mrs. Esterly (to Persephone): I'll send them off after tea. Fiona has a bad habit of not eating or sleeping when she's got something on her mind. Oh, and be a dear and pick up some scones on your way back, will you, love?
Persephone (to Mrs. Esterly): Alright. Be back in a jiffy.
An hour or so later, at the airship docks, Pier 42; New London, Britannia:
Persephone (to Vincent): Uncle Vincent! Why are you hanging there? Do you need some help?
Vincent (to Persephone): What's that? Oh! Persephone! Hi, hun. I'm fine. I'm just making a repair to the rudder. Believe it or not, this is the easiest way.
Victor (to Persephone & Vincent): No it's not. It's just the most visually impressive way. :-P
Persephone (to Victor): Heehee. Victor! I wasn't expecting to see you. Gimme a hug! (to Vincent) When you're done being impressive, I have a business proposition for you, Uncle.
Victor (to Persephone): Heh. Dad has me helping until Mom's back in the swing of things.
Vincent (to Persephone): Do you? I'll be down in a jiff. I'm almost done.
Persephone (to Victor): Oh? Do I have a new cousin, yet? I can never figure out the time difference between the two places. (to Vincent) Yes. And, I imagine it'll pay quite well to boot.
Vincent (to Persephone): Hee hee. Lucas hasn't made an appearance yet, but we're expecting him any day now.
Victor (to Persephone): Heh. Yeah. Mom's become very zen about the whole thing, which is kind of terrifying, actually...
Persephone (to Victor & Vincent): Heehee. That does sound a bit terrifying. Permission to come aboard & make some tea for the crew?
Victor (to Persephone & Vincent): Uh oh...
Vincent (to Victor): Hush you! (to Persephone) You're always welcome aboard, Seph. Let's go someplace a little more private.
Persephone (to Victor): Heh. Hush you. (to Vincent) Thank you, Uncle.
A moment later, in the living quarters aboard the Maltese Falcon:
Vincent (to Persephone): Now, what is this well-paying job you want to speak to me about, and why am I suddenly nervous? Is everything alright?
Persephone (to Vincent): Oh yes, everything is fine. Mrs. Esterly wanted to use your services to transport 2 ISS agents to Singapore. There was some sort of snag with their previous ride. It would be a big help to them if you could do it.
Vincent (to Persephone): Oh. Well, that should be easy enough to...
Victor (to Vincent): Uh, Dad? Isn't Madame Ching making port in Singapore right now?
Vincent (to Victor): Hee hee. She is indeed. Why do you think I said yes? :-P
Victor (to Vincent): That's what I thought.
Persephone (to Vincent & Victor): Is this a good thing or a bad thing?
Victor (to Persephone): For Dad, it's a good thing.
Persephone (to Victor): Oh? Why is that? Are they friends?
Vincent (to Persephone & Victor): Hee hee. Oh no. Not in the slightest. She HATES me. Don't worry. It will be FINE; you worry too much.
Persephone (to Victor & Vincent): ... I am suddenly so glad that I'm staying here. Anyway, the agents will be here after tea. Now, I have to run & get scones or face the wrath of Mrs. Esterly. Be safe!
Victor (to Persephone): If I never see you again, know that you were my favorite of my female cousins born in Britannia.
Persephone (to Victor): Heehee. Penelope will be very hurt.
Victor (to Persephone): Hee hee. She's a baby. I don't think she'll care. Take it easy, Seph!
Persephone (to Victor): You, too.
A moment later:
Vincent (to Victor): Stop fretting. I'm not really taking us into anything dangerous. We'll open a portal to Singapore. We'll be there and back before the madame can catch a whiff of whatever that godawful cologne you're wearing.
Victor (to Vincent): I'm not wearing cologne! The brothel owner you were flirting with this morning squirted me with it so she could "find me later." I'm on my third shower! ...I think it's made with skunk essence.
Vincent (to Victor): Hee hee. That sounds like Marianne. Go try shower number four. Your mother will be wondering who on earth I let on the ship.
A couple hours later, in the garden, at Aiden's house; New London, Britannia:
Yukiko (to Fiona): So, who's boat did Mrs. Esterly say we were taking to Shanghai? And, why am I dressed in this ridiculous getup? I can barely reach my weapons in this thing.
Fiona (to Yukiko): She said we're taking an airship. Should be faster than a boat at any rate, and what are you... Pfffft! Ha ha HA! Sorry, your worship. Forgive me of my poor commoner ways. Ha ha ha!
Yukiko (to Fiona): What are you laughing at, Kono yarou?
Fiona (to Yukiko): You in that RIDICULOUS frock. Heh. Let's see if we can find some spots for you to hide a few vitals.
Yukiko (to Fiona): Mrs. Esterly said that we needed to look more presentable & shoved me in it. Help me rip these damn sleeves off... How do people walk in around in this frou frou folderol? And why aren't you wearing anything like it?
Fiona (to Yukiko): Ha ha ha! Well, I can't rightly say how proper ladies move. Perhaps that's the point... And Mrs. Esterly already knows better than to try to get me into a dress. Heh heh. Besides, do you think they make anything that delicate in my size? :-P
Yukiko (to Fiona): I'm taking this bloody thing off... Apparently, Mrs. Esterly was just having me on.
Fiona (to Yukiko): Better not, lovely. Trust me. It's better to stay on her good side. Mrs. Esterly was the one who recruited me out of Aberdeen, if it tells you something.
Yukiko (to Fiona): Oh... Fine. But the first person to proposition me is getting a knife in the belly.
Fiona (to Yukiko): Ha ha ha! I wouldn't expect anything less. Shall we? I'll say this for Mrs. Esterly, she's a goddamn fine cook.
Yukiko (to Fiona): Oh yes, I definitely agree.
A short time later, at the airship docks, Pier 42; New London, Britannia:
Yukiko (to Fiona): Which ship are we looking for?
Fiona (to Yukiko): She said it's called the Maltese Falcon, and we'll be able to spot it and her captain when we see them.
Vincent (to Fiona & Yukiko): Hello, ladies. Were you sent here by Mrs. Esterly?
Yukiko (to Vincent): Yes, we were.
Vincent (to Yukiko & Fiona): Well then, I am more than pleased to report that I am your ride. I'm Captain Potter; the Falcon is this way.
Yukiko (to Vincent & Fiona): Thank you, Captain Potter. This is Fiona McGillivray & I'm Yukiko Kobayashi.
Fiona (to Vincent): Will the Missus be joining us, Captain?
Vincent (to Fiona & Yukiko): Oh good heavens, no. Poppy is still FAR too pregnant for this kind of fun. My son will be helping us instead. Speaking of which... (to Victor) Are we ready to take off yet, kiddo?
Victor (to Vincent): Almost! Good god Dad! How many times to I have to tell you that hitting the bloody boilers with a wrench doesn't... (to Vincent, Yukiko & Fiona) Oh. Beg your pardon. I didn't realize we'd taken on passengers.
Yukiko (to Victor): Hello, Mist-- Victor. (to Fiona) Stop that infernal grinning, you cow.
Vincent (to Victor): It helps me when I hit the boilers with a wrench. ;-) (to Victor, Fiona & Yukiko) Well then, let's get skyward bound. You can leave your gear here in the hold, ladies. Victor, will you show Ms Kobayashi and Ms McGillivray around?
Yukiko (to Vincent): Heh. Thank you, Captain Potter.
A little while later:
Yukiko (to Victor & Fiona): This is a pretty nice ship your family has here, Mister Victor.
Victor (to Yukiko): Heh. Yeah, the Falcon is my dad's baby.
Yukiko (to Victor & Fiona): Heh. How long will the trip to Singapore take? Judging by these ship modifications, I would assume you have a portal device onboard which should cut the trip down considerably. Or is the plan to not attract attention?
Victor (to Yukiko): You met my father. Do you think he EVER tries to avoid attention? Besides, the Madame is in the area, and she isn't very keen on western pirates. My father particularly. Probably because he likes to annoy her. (to Fiona) There's another exit hatch right there.
Fiona (to Victor): Heh. Noticed I've been tracking them all, did you?
Victor (to Fiona): Yes, ma'am. Besides, you both work for the ISS, right? I assumed you'd be making contingency plans.
Yukiko (to Victor & Fiona): Heh. Fiona is always making plans. She's the brains of this operation.
Fiona (to Victor & Yukiko): Heh. Someone has to be. This one's more prone to pull out her sword first and interrogate second.
Victor (to Fiona & Yukiko): That would make interrogations rather difficult I'd imagine.
Yukiko (to Fiona): I didn't hear you complain when I stopped that maniac Carver from gutting you open.
Fiona (to Victor & Yukiko): Heh. If I can beg myself out of your company, I'm going to get some shuteye.
Victor (to Yukiko): You're not the agent that gave him that scar, are you? I read the file, but the names had been redacted.
Yukiko (to Victor): ... Oh yes, that was me. He was none to pleased about it, let me tell you. He would have kept coming to but Fi conked him on the head when he started for me. (to Fiona) Want me to wake you with some food in a few hours? You'll probably need it after all that exercise you got last night. ;-P
Fiona (to Yukiko): What? That little romp? :-P Try to have fun without me, you two. (to Victor) Nice to meet you, my fluffy little lad.
Victor (to Fiona): It was very nice to be formally introduced, Ms. McGil-... YIKES!
Fiona (to Victor): Good reflexes. What about... Now where did...?
Victor (to Fiona): Here you are, Ms. McGillivray. Please stop trying to stab me.
Yukiko (to Fiona & Victor): HAHAHA! I am going to tease you about that for months, Fi.
Fiona (to Yukiko): Well, well, well... Lives up to the rumors, doesn't he?
A few moments later:
Yukiko (to Victor): Watch out, Victor, if you're not careful, you'll pique her interest... Not many men survive it. ;-)
Victor (to Yukiko): Ha ha ha! Somehow, I'm not too concerned. I don't really think I'm her type.
Yukiko (to Victor): Heehee. You're probably right... Do you have anything to drink?
Victor (to Yukiko): Heh. I'm sure that we have SOMETHING hanging around. Let's raid the mess.
Yukiko (to Victor): Um, Victor? I believe I owe you an apology. I was a bit rude to you the first time I met & I'm very sorry.
Victor (to Yukiko): Oh. Um... It's alright. I'm sorry Nate was being obnoxious the other night. I'm not sure what got into him.
Yukiko (to Victor): Heehee, he had been regaling me with your prowess with the ladies. He said you're a notorious flirt. Is that true?
Victor (to Yukiko): Heh. I wouldn't say notorious...
Yukiko (to Victor): Oh? What would you say?
Victor (to Yukiko): Heh. I would attempt to say something that didn't make me sound like an asshole. :-P
Yukiko (to Victor): ... Do I make you uncomfortable, Victor? It's this stupid dress, isn't it? Look, this isn't me, at all... Mrs. Esterly insisted that I wear it for some reason. It's very binding.
Victor (to Yukiko): Heh. Honestly, yes. You do make me a bit nervous, but the dress has nothing to do with it. You're a very pretty young woman. And you're more than damned impressive. Besides, you weren't wearing that dress the first two times I met you. Heh. I'd imagine she insisted you wear it so that you and Ms. McGillivray don't look like you're about to murder someone. :-P Hold on for a moment. Heh. I'm not trying anything weird, I swear. Take a deep breath... There. Is that better?
Yukiko (to Victor): Oh my! I could kiss you... This is why I don't dress like this ever, because I like to breathe... Did I say something wrong?
Victor (to Yukiko): Oh... Uh, no. Not at all. I should... I should probably go see if my dad needs any help. Um, just don't do your laces so tight next time. You can stash all kinds of things in your corset if you need to... Uh, that sounds... I mean, my mom used to hide, you know, weapons... Right. Uh, I'm going to... Call if you need something.
Yukiko (to Victor): Oh? Are you sure you have to go? I have no one to keep me company.
Victor (to Yukiko): Heh. Well, if you want company, it wouldn't be polite to refuse. I don't think Dad will need me quite just yet. Besides, I believe I promised to find you a drink.
Yukiko (to Victor): Heh. Yes, I believe you did... So, what do you want to know, Victor? There's clearly something you want to ask me.
Victor (to Yukiko): I'm that obvious, am I? Heh. I never was very good at being subtle. We... We haven't met before, have we? I realize this is kind of a ridiculous thing to ask, but I can't shake this feeling that we've met before.
Yukiko (to Victor): We met a few months ago at Nate's birthday party at Aiden's house. Or do you mean something else?
Victor (to Yukiko): Heh. No, I meant something else... I'm sure it's nothing. Oh! I found rum. Provided it's not something Birdie made... My nose hairs aren't burning, so I think it's safe. Do you drink it straight, or would you like it with hot water and lemon?
Yukiko (to Victor): Straight is fine.
Victor (to Yukiko): Heh. Somehow, that doesn't surprise me. Here you are.
Yukiko (to Victor): Thanks... So, are you always this shy & quiet?
Victor (to Yukiko): Not in the slightest. Usually, I don't have any problems flirting, but I get the distinct impression you'd see right through.
Yukiko (to Victor): I'm honestly not very good at flirting. I've never really seen the need for it... This is some very good liquor. Heh. I usually prefer a more straight forward 'take off your clothes' approach. Which is probably why I'm here on this ship, instead of... Nevermind. This stuff is going to my head. I think I've had enough. Thank you.
Victor (to Yukiko): Really? Heh. Well, that's too bad. I rather liked the direction the conversation was taking...
Yukiko (to Victor): Oh? Which part did you like the best?
Victor (to Yukiko): Oh, um. Heh... I'm not going to lie; the part where you mentioned taking off all your clothes piqued my interest... What did you mean, that it's the reason you're on this ship?
Yukiko (to Victor): Oh... I have a feeling that the problem with the other airship was due to my previous entanglement. I upset several people with my behavior... I uh, refused to consummate my marriage with Tenchi Yashida. My parents thought my getting married would curb my "wild streak". Heh. Fooled them.
Victor (to Yukiko): The fat Yashida boy?! Eww! Oh! Um, excuse me. That was incredibly rude.
Yukiko (to Victor): Heehee. I could probably deal with the fact that he was toad but he was just an awful person. He tried to beat a maid because she laid out the wrong suit for him one morning. I stopped him, but that didn't ingratiate me to him all that much. I'm sorry. I don't know why I'm telling you this... I've never told anyone before.
Victor (to Yukiko): Heh. Well, I've been told bookish bores make good listeners. ;-) I'm just teasing, you know. Sometimes it feels good to be able to say something like that out loud.
Yukiko (to Victor): Heh. Lots of things are good to say out loud... Do you think it would be much trouble if I slept on the upper deck?
Victor (to Yukiko): No, not at all. You'll have to wait until after we go through the portal. I don't imagine it would be a pleasant trip outside. Heh. There are two bunks in the cabin if you want to get some sleep until then. Speaking of which, I should go relieve my dad at the helm. Good night, Ms Kobayashi.
Yukiko (to Victor): Oh... That's a shame. Good night, Mister Harrison.
Victor (to Yukiko): Well, if you're not tired just yet, I wouldn't mind the company.
Yukiko (to Victor): I'm actually quite wide awake. Besides, I sleep better in the fresh air. It's an old habit from childhood.
Victor (to Yukiko): Excellent! I... uh, I mean, we'll be to the jump point soon enough. So you can get some rest.
A moment later:
Yukiko (to Victor): So, do you have a girlfriend?
Victor (to Yukiko): Um, no. Not at the moment.
Yukiko (to Victor): Oh good. I'd hate to be flirting with someone who's spoken for. ;-)
Vincent (to Victor): Hey, kiddo. Come to takeover for your old man? Why are you... (to Yukiko) Oh. Hello, Ms Kobayashi.
Yukiko (to Vincent & Victor): Hello, Captain Potter. I hope it's alright that I'm on the bridge.
Vincent (to Yukiko): Of course not. It's one of my favorite spots on the ship. Make sure Victor takes good care of her.
Yukiko (to Vincent): Oh. I will.
Victor (to Vincent): Well shoot. I was going to fly us right into a mountain. Now what will I do with my evening?
Vincent (to Victor & Yukiko): She's all yours, Victor. I'm going to get myself something to eat. Give a holler if you need me. Heh. I'm sure you'll find some way to entertain yourselves. Toodles!
Yukiko (to Victor): Heh... Was your dad just implying that we were going to do something questionable?
Victor (to Yukiko): Yes. I'm afraid so. I'm very sorry. He's not usually... Shit. That's a lie. He's ALWAYS like that.
Yukiko (to Victor): Heehee. Would it be better to prove him right or wrong?
Victor (to Yukiko): Uhhh... Wow. Ha ha ha! You know, for someone who claims to be awful at flirting, you're sure doing a damn good job of it.
Yukiko (to Victor): Oh... I'm sorry, you must bring it out in me for some reason.
Victor (to Yukiko): Heh. Believe me, that wasn't a complaint.
Yukiko (to Victor): ... Oh, good. What's your feelings about kissing people you've only just met?
Victor (to Yukiko): Depends on the person, but in your case, I would say I'm pro-kissing. Very, VERY pro-kissing.
Yukiko (to Victor): I am very glad to hear that.
Victor (to Yukiko): ... Heh. May I kiss you?
Yukiko (to Victor): C'mere...
Victor (to Yukiko): Wow...
