Persephone (to Victor): Good morning, handsome cousin of mine, I've brought scones an-- Oh, what's with the long face?
Victor (to Persephone): It's a girl. Ooo. What kind of scones are those?
Persephone (to Victor): Cinnamon… I don't think I've ever seen you this hung up over a girl before. Who is she?
Victor (to Persephone): I'm not hung up! ... She works at the ISS, and likes me one hour and is giving me the brush off the next.
Persephone (to Victor): Oh… Are you really surprised? You've grown up around spies. You know, they're not encouraged to have relationships. Or are you just hoping to have some fun with her?
Victor (to Persephone): I know that. But... You can't blame me for hoping. None of the spies we know take the "no relationship" rule to heart. I know it's foolish, but... I can't bloody help it. Besides, if all I wanted was to fool around, she'd be fine with that. Unless she was kidding when she said that...
Persephone (to Victor): Grunt… Silly question. But, have you tried talking to her? Or have you just been snogging the whole time?
Victor (to Persephone): Not the *whole* time.
Persephone (to Victor): Man up, Victor Harrison Potter! You need to go march up to that girl & tell her exactly how you feel & what you want. The straightforward approach is the best. Stop playing stupid games. She's clearly not one of those simpletons you usually attract. It would be the easiest way to know what's going on. That's what I would do.
Victor (to Persephone): ... Are you honestly trying to lecture me about how to proceed with someone after the whole Charles debacle? Remind me again why you're not living at home.
Persephone (to Victor): … That is completely different & you know it. Charles is a good deal younger than I am. Besides, there's a more appropriate boy interested in me… And, he's gorgeous.
Victor (to Persephone): Oh? When did this happen? Who is this new gorgeous guy?
Persephone (to Victor): Oh you probably know him, he's a friend of Zoe & Nate's, Joseph. He came by to see me the other day. We've got a date tomorrow night. He's a bit quiet but he's clearly smart & funny… and, he's a skipper.
Victor (to Persephone): Ha ha! Why does that not surprise me? Well, I'm glad someone of a more appropriate age is paying you mind. :-P
Persephone (to Victor): Heehee. I'm glad you approve. Now, what are you going to do about your mystery girl?
Victor (to Persephone): I don't know... I get the feeling if I tell her that I'm interested in her, she'll stop seeing me all together. I don't know if I could stand that. She is... She's something else, Seph.
Persephone (to Victor): Oh, Victor… I hate to say it, but you've got it bad. Hanging out with someone that you know it's not or can't go anywhere with is pretty grunt. Take my word for it. You deserve to have someone like you as much as you like them.
Victor (to Persephone): Heh. Well, so far, the people I don't seem to like are the ones who like me, and the ones I DO like don't. Which sounds so very sad when I say it out loud...
Persephone (to Victor): … Does your mystery spy girl have a friend you could talk to?
Victor (to Persephone): Heh. Yeah. Fiona McGillivray. You know her: about nine feet tall and Scottish. She used to work with Mrs. Esterly. I'm not sure talking to her will help.
Persephone (to Victor): Oh yes, I know Fiona… Oh my goodness! You're crushing on Yuki!?! … It's a lost cause, cousin o' mine. She's an ice queen. Besides, she's supposed to be in mourning. Her husband just died a few months ago.
Victor (to Persephone): She's not that bad, and she's not mourning all the heavily. Trust me. She didn't even like her husband. Not that I blame her from all the stories that I heard.
Persephone (to Victor): Heh. Well, if talking to Fiona won't help. I know one other person that might do the trick… Mrs. Esterly. Come on.
Victor (to Persephone): Do you think so?
Persephone (to Victor): Yes. Mrs. Esterly is always full of good insight.
Victor (to Persephone): Heh. Well, if nothing else, I know she'll feed us at least. :-P
A short time later, at Aiden's house; New London, Britannia:
Persephone (to Mrs. Esterly): Mrs. Esterly? Are you busy? Victor & I were hoping to talk to you about something.
Mrs. Esterly (to Persephone & Victor): Not if you don't mind me staying in the kitchen, dear. What can I do for you?
Persephone (to Victor & Mrs. Esterly): Go on, Victor.
Victor (to Persephone): Hush you! (to Mrs. Esterly) It's, um, it's about someone you know. A, uh, a girl specifically.
Mrs. Esterly (to Victor & Persephone): Is it? Hee hee. Well, I'm not sure what kind of advice I could offer you, dear. It's been a LONG time since I've had anyone courting me.
Persephone (to Mrs. Esterly & Victor): It's Yukiko to be more exact. He likes her… a lot.
Victor (to Persephone): Seph!
Mrs. Esterly (to Victor): You don't like her?
Victor (to Mrs. Esterly): Yes. I mean, no. I mean... maybe? We've only seen each other a handful of times, and I do really like spending time with her, but I'm not really sure how I... I mean, I'm not sure she wants...
Persephone (to Mrs. Esterly & Victor): He's worried that telling her how he feels will make her not want to see him anymore… What? It's true.
Mrs. Esterly (to Persephone & Victor): Ah. I hate to be the one to say this to you, but I'm afraid to say that it might, dear. She's been working as an assassin. Even beyond working as a spy, it does complicate matters.
Victor (to Mrs. Esterly): Oh. But... I mean, my mom worked as an assassin for years before she met my dad, and you were married.
Mrs. Esterly (to Victor): From what I understand, your mother was already retired from active duty when she met your father. And I was just about ready to retire myself. You reach a point, dear, that you're either ready to give it all up, or you give yourself over to the work entirely. I'm afraid I don't know where Yuki is on that scale.
Victor (to Mrs. Esterly): Oh. I understand. Thank you for talking to me, Mrs. Esterly.
Persephone (to Victor & Mrs. Esterly): Wait… I don't understand. What on earth does all that mean?
Victor (to Persephone): It means I should give it up.
Persephone (to Victor & Mrs. Esterly): …Oh.
Mrs. Esterly (to Victor & Persephone): Oh that's not what I meant at all. Good heavens. What I meant is that this isn't as simple as asking out a girl you meet on the street. There are a whole host of external factors that are going to come into play. All I'm trying to do is prep you for the very real possibly that she won't want to see you any longer. Either way, you should tell her you would like to continue seeing her. It won't change the outcome, I shouldn't think, but at least your young lady will have all the facts. We spies do tend to like that. ;-P Of course, I get the impression that if this was as simple as asking out a girl on the street, you wouldn't be all this interested, Victor. Hee hee hee.
Persephone (to Victor & Mrs. Esterly): Heehee, that's probably true… Here, Victor. Why don't you take these leftovers to the bunker?
Mrs. Esterly (to Victor & Persephone): That's a good idea, dear, I'm sure Yuki is sick to death of Fiona frying every fresh vegetable she gets her mits upon. That woman is hopeless, sometimes.
Victor (to Persephone & Mrs. Esterly): You guys are just trying to come up with an excuse to get me over there, aren't you?
Persephone (to Victor): Yes. Is that really such a bad thing?
Mrs. Esterly (to Victor): Good gracious, lad, stop fretting and get your rear over there. Go!
Victor (to Mrs. Esterly & Persephone): Alright! I'm going!
Mrs. Esterly (to Persephone): Honestly. Men.
Persephone (to Mrs. Esterly): Heehee. I was just thinking the same thing.
An hour or so later, at the Longfellow bunker; The Tombs, New London, Britannia:
Victor (to Yukiko): Hello, Yukiko. Please don't stab me. I'm just bringing food over from Mrs. Esterly.
Yukiko (to Victor): Oh sorry, it's a habit. That was very nice of you both. Fiona has been insisting on cooking for us both. It has not been at all pleasant. I think she's stepped out for a bit. I can take it down to the mess hall for you, if you'd like.
Victor (to Yukiko): Heh. Mrs. Esterly thought you might be getting sick of the fried foods. I've got it, but if you could grab this basket... Thank you. I'm not sure what's in there, but it weighs a fair amount.
Yukiko (to Victor): It's not a problem… It feels like bottles of something.
Victor (to Yukiko): Oh! Heh. Looks like Mrs. Esterly thought you could use more than just food.
Yukiko (to Victor): That was very kind of her… What's going on?
Victor (to Yukiko): Heh. I'm that obvious, am I? I get the impression lying to you is as useless as lying to my mother. Cards on the table, then. I'm sure it's not shocking when I confess that I like you quite a bit, Yukiko. I'd really like to continue to see you, if you'd let me.
Yukiko (to Victor): Oh… That is really very flattering… I'm not really sure what to say… I need a drink.
Victor (to Yukiko): I don't doubt that this is precisely the reason Mrs. Esterly sent this along. Whew! This smells more than a little strong.
Yukiko (to Victor): Thank you. I would really like to keep seeing you too, Victor. But, I don't think it's a good idea. I presently have a price on my head & someone inside ISS wants to collect on it. I'm not the safest person to be around at the moment...
Victor (to Yukiko): Oh. That's it? Is that the only reason?
Yukiko (to Victor): No… But, isn't that enough?
Victor (to Yukiko): Oh. Heh. I guess it would be for most people, but I'm kind of--uh--desensitized to contracts being put on peoples' heads.
Yukiko (to Victor): Heh. Fair enough… But, Victor, you don't really know me. I'm not a very nice person.
Victor (to Yukiko): Really? You seem alright to me. Again, I might not exactly have the best compass for this kind of thing. heh. I've kind of of grown up around pirates, criminals, spies and ne'er do wells. I've got a different kind of idea of "not nice" than other people. ... If you don't want to see me, it would be better just to say that. I'll understand.
Yukiko (to Victor): It's not that I don't want to see you. I look forward to seeing you ever chance I get, but to be honest, I'm a bit scared. I've never felt like this about anyone before… And, I've had two relationships with men that I had to kill on orders. I wasn't in love with them & hell, I never let them get close enough to touch me.
Victor (to Yukiko): Wow. That's enough to fuck with your head, isn't it? I'm sorry. I wish I could say something more meaningful than that. Um, this probably sounds totes like a lie, but I don't really think that your past actions define who you are. Heh. If I did, I wouldn't really have 80% of the family I do, and they are some of the best, most loyal people I know. I... Heh. I think I might be drunk. What the hell did Mrs. Esterly give us? Ha ha ha!
Yukiko (to Victor): Heehee. Something that appears to be mostly made of apples… So, you wanna get naked? … With me?
Victor (to Yukiko): I would like that very, VERY much. I have been thinking of very little else since... Oh. Shit. I should NOT have said that...
Yukiko (to Victor): Oh really? Nothing else, huh… Since when, exactly?
Victor (to Yukiko): ...I am SO sorry. I'm drunk and I have diarrhea of the mouth right now, and you are a VERY attractive woman... And I'm really going to shut my mouth and never speak again.
Yukiko (to Victor): Heh. I hope you don't really mean that… Here, take this… and come with me.
Victor (to Yukiko): Oh... Wow. Yes, ma'am.
A short time later, at the airship docks; New London, Britannia:
Hideki Yashida (to Vincent): Excuse me, good sir. I appear to be a bit lost. Can you help me?
Vincent (to Hideki): I'm not lost in the slightest, hun. Are you hoping I am?
Hideki (to Vincent): Pardon me? My english must not be as good as I thought… I'm new to the city and I'm trying to locate the Issa teahouse. Could you point me in the right direction?
Vincent (to Hideki): Sorry, hun. I was a bit preoccupied. You said you were looking for which teahouse? Issa? I'm afraid I can't say off the top of my head. I believe it's in the Tombs on the edge of the East Gardens.
Hideki (to Vincent): Oh… And the East Garden would be which way from here? Or could you point me where I might find a carriage & driver to rent?
Vincent (to Hideki): Of course, you can catch it from... Well now... I really should have expected that. What is it you really want from me, hun?
Hideki (to Vincent): I'm looking for a young woman. I was told you transported her somewhere, recently. I need to know where. I can pay you for the information.
Vincent (to Hideki): A couple of things, hun. One, I really don't like being threatened. Two, you should know that if I made a habit of disclosing the location of the cargo I transport, I wouldn't be in business very long, and three, three is my favorite you know, don't hold me a knife point and let me yak long enough to pull my gun. You're in my part of town, kiddo. You might gut me, you might even kill me, but you won't get far. See, pirates are a touchy lot.
Hideki (to Vincent): … Captain Potter, do you really think I came alone? And, I know quite well what pirates are like, my father being one.
Vincent (to Hideki): So what do we do from here, Mr. Yashida? You are with the Yashida clan, aren't you?
Hideki (to Vincent): This is a personal family matter. I assure you, that your involvement in this affair will remain a secret. I just need to know where my brother's widow has gone.
Vincent (to Hideki): I'm afraid I really don't know.
Hideki (to Vincent): But she was on your ship, wasn't she?
Vincent (to Hideki): Heh. I've had quite a few young ladies on my ship. Just yesterday, I had this sweet thing from Wales accompany me on a run to the Colonies. Couldn't understand a bloody word she said. Hee hee. Of course, I wasn't interested in the conversation...
Hideki (to Vincent): If you happen to hear where my former sister-in-law has gotten to, I'd appreciate it if you let me know. I shall be staying at the Issa teahouse in Little Nippon, where I am to be the guest of her esteemed parents.
Vincent (to Hideki): Mmmm. I'm sure if I remember anything I'll run right over.
Hideki (to Vincent): Thank you & good day.
A moment later:
Kian (to Vincent): Are you alright, Captain Potter? That looked a bit intense.
Vincent (to Kian): It was something alright. I'm fine. He was content with being mildly threatening. Thank you for checking on me, kiddo.
Kian (to Vincent): Heh. No worries. I was on my way back from the pub when I saw the sword. I figured I'd jump in if you needed assistance… I'm quite thankful that you didn't as I've just realized I left my sword on the Bride.
Vincent (to Kian): Hee hee. Thank heavens for small favors, then. How are you enjoying captaining the Bride all by your lonesome?
Kian (to Vincent): It's an honor... I practically grew up on that boat & the crew is like family. Heh. Hell, half the crew is family. I didn't think the day would ever come that I'd be captaining her. I still can't believe that Uncle Liam stepped down from it.
Vincent (to Kian): Hee hee. Well, with your grandmother out of the game, I'd imagine you'll see a bit more of that in the family. It's not as though Liam was given many other options. :-P Thanks again for the help, Kian. I won't keep you.
Kian (to Vincent): True… If you need anything we'll be in port for 2 more days. Clear skies, Captain Potter.
Vincent (to Kian): And fair winds to you, Captain O'Malley.
An hour or so later, at the Longfellow bunker; The Tombs, New London, Britannia:
Yukiko (to Victor): Victor, did you hear something?
Victor (to Yukiko): Yeah. I'm sure it's nothing. I'll be right back...
Yukiko (to Victor): Shouldn't that be my line? It could be Fiona.
Victor (to Yukiko): Heh. True. Aren't you supposed to be laying low, though? Don't worry. I'll be discrete. More or less. :-P
Yukiko (to Victor): Alright… Give me a kiss.
Victor (to Yukiko): Heh. With pleasure. ... What was I doing?
Yukiko (to Victor): Heehee. You were going to see what the noise was… Or you could just stay here me & forget about it? I like that option.
Victor (to Yukiko): I do too... No. Wait. I should check it out. Just stay... Stay right there, like that, & I'll be back before you can miss me.
Yukiko (to Victor): As you wish… You're sexy when you act all in charge.
Victor (to Yukiko): Oh? Heh. I will keep that in mind.
A few minutes later:
Victor: Alright. Who's there? Come out now, and I won't call the constable.
Ms. Dvorak (to Victor): Victor, is that you? What on earth are you doing here, dear? I was coming to meet up with Fiona.
Victor (to Ms. Dvorak): Oh. Hello, Auntie Margaux. I was just dropping off some supplies from Mrs. Esterly.
Ms. Dvorak (to Victor): Oh? Were you hiding them in your underthings, dear? I ask because your shirt is on inside out. Don't look so shocked. We're all adults here. I don't care if you've been having fun with Kobayashi or McGillivray. Good for you for finding an interesting playmate. You're too young to settle for boring… Though, I imagine that Fiona would squash you like a bug.
Victor (to Ms. Dvorak): Fiona isn't back yet, ma'am. Would you like me to fix you a cup of tea?
Ms. Dvorak (to Victor): No, that's not necessary. I can take care if it myself. I'm sure you'd like to get back to whatever you were doing. No need to stand on ceremony, dear. Go on, go back to your pretty lady.
Victor (to Ms. Dvorak): Thank you, ma'am. There's food, wine, and a bottle of something quite strong smelling in the kitchen.
Ms. Dvorak (to Victor): Thank you, dear. I'm sure I'll be able to figure something out.
A couple minutes later:
Victor (to Yukiko): It was Ms Dvorak. She's here to meet Fiona. ...Damn. She's right. My shirt IS on inside out.
Yukiko (to Victor): Oh well, she should be fine… Here, let me help you with that. You're not going to need it right now.
Victor (to Yukiko): Oh. Heh. With pleasure...
Yukiko (to Victor): Good. C'mere.
A little while later:
Fiona (to Ms. Dvorak): Hello, missus. Didn't expect to see you so soon.
Ms. Dvorak (to Fiona): There's been news, dear… Hideki Yashida confronted Captain Potter earlier at the docks. He was searching for Miss Kobayashi. Apparently, her parents are hosting him here in the city while he searches for her.
Fiona (to Ms. Dvorak): Her PARENTS are hosting the bloody blaigeard?! Well, that's a nice how do you do, isn't it? Blast. I hoped we'd have more time.
Ms. Dvorak (to Fiona): know you did, dear. She's going to need to get out of the city quick. Not to mention that her usual hiding places should be considered compromised. I'm sorry to bring such bad news but I figured it was better coming from me than one of my boys.
Fiona (to Ms. Dvorak): I appreciate it, missus. I suppose I'll go break the news to Kobayashi. Can't imagine she'll be too happy about it.
Ms. Dvorak (to Fiona): I'll leave you to it, then…
Fiona (to Ms. Dvorak): Any particular reason you're snickering, Firebrand?
Ms. Dvorak (to Fiona): Heh. I just believe Kobayashi is entertaining a young man, at the moment. I didn't really think she went into that type, but he is quite a dandy little thing. Good luck. If you need anything, you know where I am.
Fiona (to Ms. Dvorak): Really? You don't say... Well, I'll leave them to it for a bit longer then. Besides, I see Artemis sent over a bottle of that whiskey I like. Isn't going to drink itself, is it?
Ms. Dvorak (to Fiona): Heh. Have fun with that, dear.
Fiona (to Ms. Dvorak): I intend to. Bidh mi 'gad fhaicinn.
An hour or so later:
Fiona: Mmm... Nearly done with this, and still no sign of my wee ickle partner. (to Yukiko & Victor) ARE YOU TWO DONE SHAGGING YET!?!
Yukiko (to Victor): Well, it would appear that Fiona is back. (to Fiona) Hold your tongue, you great bloody cow!
Victor (to Yukiko): Is she? I hadn't noticed.
Fiona (to Yukiko & Victor): Finish up and get out here! If he doesn't know how to get the job done, I could give him a few pointers!
Yukiko (to Victor): Something must be wrong. She wouldn't normally interrupt. (to Fiona) Keep your blooming knickers on! We'll be down in a moment. Don't come barreling up here, you'll go through the floor.
Victor (to Yukiko): Oh. Shit. Alright. Let me get... Uh, I am going to need those.
Yukiko (to Victor): … And, here I was hoping we could go another round. I'm so sorry about my big-mouthed partner.
Victor (to Yukiko): Oh. Um... Heh. I would have liked that.
A short time later:
Fiona (to Yukiko & Victor): Well, it took you bloody long enough. Suspected that was you up there, fancy lad.
Yukiko (to Victor): Would you rather stay or sneak off? I won't be offended if you decide to sneak away. (to Fiona) You told me to find something to occupy myself... So, I did. I was quite well occupied. What's going on?
Victor (to Yukiko): It's alright. I get the impression it's better to face Fiona head on than try to sneak out the back. (to Fiona) Hello, Ms. McGillivray. It's nice to see you again.
Fiona (to Yukiko): I'm afraid everything's gone tits up, Yuki. Your damn brother-in-law Hideki has shown up asking Captain Potter about you, and Firebrand's pretty sure all your usual haunts have eyes on them.
Yukiko (to Fiona & Victor): Oh, that's just-- shit. I guess Taipei is out of the question, now.
Fiona (to Yukiko): Looks that way. I have a mate in Aberdeen and a couple in the Uncharted Territories that owe me a favor or 5. (to Victor) Think you could get her there, Young Mister Potter?
Victor (to Fiona & Yukiko): Well, yes, I could, but would that be safe?
Yukiko (to Victor): Do you have a better idea?
Victor (to Yukiko): Would Aiden be willing to put you up for a while? You'd be much harder to track hiding on the other side.
Yukiko (to Victor): Possibly... Your dad mentioned something about that yesterday. (to Fiona & Victor) I'll go pack my kit up. Shouldn't take more than a few minutes.
Fiona (to Yukiko): Go. Be quick about it. I'll be happy to keep your young man occupied. (to Victor) Oh. OH. That is brilliant. BRILLIANT. I could kiss you, Potter! Bloody hell. Who else knows about your portal trick? Anyone with the Company? I know the Captain asked us not to mention it in our reports...
Victor (to Fiona): Mostly just family and extended family. Maybe some higher ups in CLANNG... There's gossip about the portal generator in the Falcon, but even that's only portals on this side. Not too many people know I'm a skipper.
Fiona (to Victor): Well, that's nice and untraceable, isn't it?
Victor (to Fiona): What is it you want to ask me, Ms McGillivray?
Fiona (to Victor): Heh. You're the only one to call me that who hasn't been begging for his life, you know.
Victor (to Fiona): Would you prefer I call you Fiona?
Fiona (to Victor): Oh no. Ms McGillivray is just fine. You and Kobayashi, eh? Doesn't bother you that she has a price on her head?
Victor (to Fiona): I'm worried about her safety, of course, but I don't think that's what you mean, is it? No. It doesn't bother me.
Fiona (to Victor): You don't get points with me for putting on a brave face, lad. Just makes me suspect you're an idiot or a fool.
Victor (to Fiona): I'm not an idiot OR a fool! I know EXACTLY how much trouble Yuki is in, but do tell me what, exactly, acting like a hysterical twit will help. I am very fond of Yuki, and I would much rather be around to help than off someplace "safe." It's not like this is the first bounty I've encountered. You've met my father. This isn't enough to scare me off. Nor is your "big scary friend" routine, Ms McGillivray.
Fiona (to Victor): Ha ha ha! Good answer, Potter! You're cut from the same pattern as your father, aren't you?
Victor (to Fiona): Ouch.
Fiona (to Yukiko): You can come out now, you sneak thief. I'm done trying to intimidate your bonnie boy.
Yukiko (to Fiona): Heh. You can't blame me for being reluctant to return. (to Victor) And, I'm fond of you too, Victor.
Victor (to Yukiko): Oh. Uh... Heh. I'm, um, I'm actually rather embarrassed you heard all that.
Fiona (to Victor): Heh. Don't be. It's good to see you're not all suits and proper manners. (to Yukiko) You going?
Yukiko (to Victor): I thought it was sweet. (to Fiona) Yes. New London isn't safe for me.
Fiona (to Yukiko): Don't you dare be a total stranger, Kobayashi, or I will hunt you down and break your scrawny damn neck.
Yukiko (to Fiona): You should go off & have some alone time with that Fox character. I appreciate everything you've done for me. But I'm gonna disappear for awhile. I'll be back as soon as the smoke clears. You're not rid of me this easily, FI.
Fiona (to Yukiko & Victor): It was bloody stupid. Knew I liked you with good reason. Go. Get this bloody deviant gone before she cries.
Yukiko (to Fiona): You great big softie. (to Victor) I'm ready when you are.
Victor (to Fiona): Heh. Yes, ma'am. (to Yukiko) Yep. Take my hand and clear your mind.
Yukiko (to Victor): Ok. (to Fiona) Bye, Fi!
Victor (to Yukiko): Alright. Here we go. One, two...
