In the galley, onboard the Maltese Falcon:
Yukiko (to Poppy): Mrs. Potter, I'm not really sure how having a second airship is going to help anything, but here you are... I won it pretty fair & square so no one should argue with you about it. It needs a lot of work. And, I mean A LOT of work.
Poppy (to Yukiko): You leave all that to me, honey... I've got an idea.
Yukiko (to Poppy): As you say, ma'am... Can I ask you a question?
Poppy (to Yukiko): Of course, honey.
Yukiko (to Poppy): How did you know that Captain Roberts would put the airship into the pot?
Poppy (to Yukiko): Heehee. Easy, honey, he kept blathering on about his missing pet squirrel.
Yukiko (to Poppy): Oh... Wait. I don't get it. What does a squirrel have to do with the airship?
Poppy (to Yukiko): Heehee. It's a long story, honey. Let me go bring some food to my patient & I'll tell you about it later.
Yukiko (to Poppy): Heh. I can't wait to hear this.
A few minutes later, in the living quarters:
Poppy (to Felix): Good morning, honey. How you feeling this morning? Up to having some breakfast?
Felix (to Poppy): Oh! Good morning Ms. Meriwether. You surprised me, ma'am.
Poppy (to Felix): So, I see. Are you going somewhere, Felix?
Felix (to Poppy): I wasn't going to sneak out, miss, but after last night... I thought it's best if I don't overstay my welcome.
Poppy (to Felix): Well, that's a shame, honey. Because it just so happens that we have recently acquired an airship & I believe it needs a crew. The Falcon is getting awfully crowded & while I am used to the joys of a big family, my husband is not. So, if you're in the market for a job, we may have one. It's probably a bit more mundane than what you're used to, but it pays well & you wouldn't be beholden to us. You could leave at any time. And, I think it could use an experienced crew member like yourself.
Felix (to Poppy): ... That's more than generous, ma'am. And I do sincerely hope you don't think I'm being rude when I ask, what do and the Captain get out of this arrangement? Aside from a bit more breathing room, that is.
Poppy (to Felix): Heehee. Honey, trust me the breathing room is pretty high on the list... Our son, Victor, has always expressed interest in joining the family business & we think it's about time that we trust him to give it a try. Besides, the airship is a bit bigger than the Falcon & making the modifications necessary to allow only one person to work it will take quite a bit of time. And, I get the feeling you aren't that gung-ho about returning to the life of a privateer.
Felix (to Poppy): Heh. No... Not particularly.
Poppy (to Felix): Well, if you decide to take us up on the offer, honey. The new airship is moored directly in front of us. Victor should be there, making a list of repairs & supplies it's going to need. We're getting ready to take the Falcon out on another run, so I leave the choice to you. Stay aboard, head over to the other ship or go your own way.
Felix (to Poppy): Heh. Aye, miss. I'll think about it.
Poppy (to Felix): That's all I ask, honey. I'll leave you to your breakfast.
Vincent (to Poppy): Here's where you are, lover. (to Felix) Hello, hun. You must be Felix. You'd better eat something, kiddo.
Poppy (to Vincent & Felix): Yes, lover. I was just telling Felix about our offer. How's the new ship look?
Vincent (to Poppy): In a word, disgusting. :-P (to Felix) We could honestly use your help. And seriously, eat something. You HAVE to be hungry by now.
Poppy (to Vincent & Felix): Heehee. Well, it'll be good for the kids to have a project, lover. I'm sure Yuki & Victor are getting more than a bit stir-crazy hiding out in her flat all this time.
Vincent (to Poppy & Felix): Heh. I don't doubt it. ... What is it, Felix?
Felix (to Vincent & Poppy): You're the captain!
Poppy (to Felix & Vincent): Heehee. He gets that a lot, honey.
Vincent (to Felix & Poppy): Heh. That I do. Let me guess; you thought I'd be taller.
Felix (to Vincent & Poppy): No, Captain. I just didn't think you'd actually be good-looking. Usually the more, er, elaborate the rumors the less likely they are to be true.
Poppy (to Felix): Heehee. Well, aren't you a clever one, honey? (to Vincent) Now, you see why I took a shine to him, lover?
Vincent (to Poppy & Felix): Hee hee. So I see. I hope you don't mind if I steal my wife away from you, Felix. Do eat something. You'll be no help at all on the new ship if you faint. :-P
Poppy (to Vincent): Oooo, I do hope I'm being stolen away for something scandalous, lover.
Vincent (to Poppy): I think I can arrange that. (to Felix) Finish up your breakfast and go see my son. I trust you can find your own way.
Felix (to Vincent & Poppy): You seem very confident I'll take you up on the offer, Captain.
Vincent (to Felix): Yes, I do, don't I? :-P
Poppy (to Felix): Heehee. His cocky attitude is one of my husband's most endearing qualities, honey.
Vincent (to Poppy): You forgot my good-looks and rakish charm, lover.
Poppy (to Vincent): Well, I thought those went without saying, lover.
Vincent (to Poppy): Hee hee hee. I should hope so.
A few minutes later:
Vincent (to Poppy): Have I told you today that you are a wicked, devious creature and that I love you?
Poppy (to Vincent): Heehee. I don't think you have, lover, but you know how much I love to hear you say it. So, why am I devious this time?
Vincent (to Poppy): You can't convince me the timing on this second ship is a coincidence.
Poppy (to Vincent): Heehee. Yes and no, lover. I sent Yuki off to hunt it down weeks ago after Zoe came back with her pet. She told me it had been onboard the ship that Victor & Yuki manned in the other timeline. I thought a second ship might come in handy...
Vincent (to Poppy): Hee hee. That's why you're the brains, sweetie.
Poppy (to Vincent): Heehee. You don't give yourself enough credit, lover. You married me, that was clearly a smart move. ;-P But, seriously, all teasing aside. What's your first impression of Felix?
Vincent (to Poppy): ... I get the impression he's scared, and more than at a bit of a loss for what to do. Hee hee hee. I don't think he's used to people giving him much credit for being as smart as he is. Heh, or much of a choice in anything.
Poppy (to Vincent): That's just what I thought, honey... So, what do you think about tossing Zoe onto the new ship, as well? Part of me says to do it, but another part says to keep her here with us. I could use your opinion. You & she have a much better rapport. I know she's going to do whatever she bloody well feels like, but I don't want to make it too easy for her. :-P
Vincent (to Poppy): Hee hee. Well, call me terribly old-fashioned, but I don't really want to chuck my 16 year old daughter on an airship with a good-looking, smooth-talking pirate. That she's not already related to, of course. :-P
Poppy (to Vincent): You do realize that if we keep her here, lover, she may throw a huge fit? They clearly like each other... Oh. Wait. I've missed something, haven't I? I can tell by the look on your face.
Vincent (to Poppy): ... I think I have a very good idea why young Mr. Felix was extra nervous when he realized who I was.
Poppy (to Vincent): Oh? Do tell, lover.
Vincent (to Poppy): I think it had less to do with me being the captain, and more to do with me being Zoe's dad. I also remember how cagey my sister was when she and Eep first started seeing one another...
Poppy (to Vincent): ... Oh. Do you think they're actually dating or still trying to work it out, honey?
Vincent (to Poppy): Well, judging on what you told me last night, I'd guess it's firmly in the "still trying to work it out" stage. But if I were a betting man, I would guess they've already been intimate at the very least.
Poppy (to Vincent): ... I shouldn't be at all surprised by that, lover, but I am. I know we haven't had her all that long & she wasn't much younger than what she is now but I still kind of looked at her as my little girl. I know it was silly of me to do so but there you are... And no wonder, they're both acting so cagey. Well, she's definitely staying onboard with us. The distance will do them both some good, I hope.
Vincent (to Poppy): It isn't silly, hun. It's sweet. She IS our little girl. Whether she likes it or not. :-P
An hour or so later, onboard the recently acquired airship:
Felix (to Victor): Ahoy, big brother. Victor, right? Your mother said you might need a helpful hand.
Victor (to Felix): On this ship? We could use 50! Are you interested?
Felix (to Victor): I'm interested in nearly anything that keeps me from starving.
Victor (to Felix): Heh. Fair enough. Do you know anything about stabilizers?
Felix (to Victor): Not a lot.
Victor (to Felix): Well, prepare to learn.
Felix (to Victor): You're the boss.
Victor (to Felix): Ha ha ha! What? No I'm not. Come aboard, Felix.
A few minutes later, in the engine room:
Yukiko (to Victor & Felix): Oh good you're back… Could you please help me get this bloody stabilizer out of here? It needs to be replaced. I'm not even sure how this thing has even been flying with all the problems I keep finding... Who's this?
Felix (to Yukiko & Victor): Felix, pretty lady. Momma Bear offered me a job helping you two with the ship.
Victor (to Yukiko & Felix): Heh. THIS would be the boss. Felix, this is my girlfriend Yuki. Let me... is that TWINE? Good heavens.
Yukiko (to Felix & Victor): Nice to meet you, Felix… I hope you're not just a pretty face because this ship needs a lot of work before I'm going to let anyone take me anywhere in it. Do you hear me, watashi no ai? And YES, that's twine. Someone apparently thought it was a good idea to use it as a makeshift belt for the cooling system. They must have been standing here replacing it every time they went airborne. It's bloody kokkei!
Felix (to Yukiko): Heh. I'm beginning to suspect a pretty face is the only criteria the Captain and the missus follow. Don't worry. I can work.
Victor (to Yukiko): Are you sure you don't want to at least TRY to get it in the air? It would be an experience, that's for sure.
Yukiko (to Felix): Heh. Clearly you haven't met Fiona. She's down in the living quarters with Chess trying to make them habitable. (to Victor) Heh. And, I thought your mom was trying to help me overcome my love of danger… I still can't believe she talked us into this.
Victor (to Yukiko): My mother is a very persuasive woman. (to Felix) Should you be trying to help us lift this with those stitches?
Felix (to Victor & Yukiko): Heh. I've done more with worse. Little Sister told you I'm a bit cut up, did she?
Yukiko (to Felix & Victor): No, it's a bit obvious. You're leaning a bit and keeping your arm close to your side in a protecti-- I'm doing it again, aren't I? I'm sorry, old habits.
Victor (to Yukiko): Heh. You can't help it. It's like a drug to you. (to Felix) I really hope you're not accustomed to keeping secrets. :-p
Felix (to Victor & Yukiko): ... No, no. Not at all. I'm an open book.
Yukiko (to Felix): Heh. You're a terrible liar… Boston or New York?
Felix (to Yukiko & Victor): New York. How did you guess?
Yukiko (to Felix): Well, you don't strike me as a southern colonist. For one thing, wrong accent.
Felix (to Yukiko): But that doesn't explain why you asked about Boston or New York...
Yukiko (to Felix): I just guessed... No big trick. (to Victor & Felix) So, are you two able-bodied young men going to help little old me with this overhaul or would you rather run away & get the hot water heater working in the living quarters so, we can have showers later?
Victor (to Yukiko): Heh. Little old you... Sure. (to Felix) I'd hate to ask you to do anything that would rip your stitches. If you can get the water heater sorted, we will ALL appreciate it. Fox can show you where it is. Could you ask Fiona to give us a hand getting this stabilizer out?
Felix (to Victor): Uh, no offense not-the-boss, but don't you think I'd be better suited to the heavy lifting than "Fiona?"
Yukiko (to Felix & Victor): HAHAHA! Oh, she's going to like you… Tell her to be gentle.
Victor (to Felix): Heh. No. Fiona can more than handle it. (to Yukiko) Stop scaring the new crew! :-P
A short time later in the living quarters:
Felix: Hello? Is there anyone down here? I was sent to find a "Fiona and a Fox." Hello? They were having me on...
Winchester (to Felix): Oh good, you look like you're dressed for more appropriately then I am. When Yuki said come see the new ship, I didn't realize that meant we were going to be put to work.
Felix (to Winchester): Oh! Sorry, mate. I didn't see you there. You're Mr. Fox I take it? Victor asked me to sort out the boilers if I can.
Fiona (to Felix & Winchester): Heh. He didn't want you pulling out whatever it is you've got stitched up, I take it?
Felix (to Fiona): Holy goddamn! Where in the hell did you come from!?! ... You must be Fiona.
Winchester (to Fiona & Felix): Heh… I don't think the boy's ever seen an Irish Giant before.
Fiona (to Winchester & Felix): Irish?! God fucking forbid. I'm as Scottish as Loch bloody Arkaig and twice as foul-tempered. The Fancy Lad wants my help hefting some great bloody piece of machinery, doesn't he?
Winchester (to Fiona): Heh. I know. I just love it when you get upset with me.
Fiona (to Winchester): Why don't you find something useful to do? If you're just going to stand about looking pretty, you could at least be naked.
Winchester (to Fiona): Heh. I'm not sure the young lad would appreciate that sort of thing as much as you, firebug. And, you can hardly expect me to heft anything, you great big bull of a woman. I just had a manicure this morning.
Fiona (to Winchester): And a greater waste of money has never existed! Go show Mr. New York where he can find the water heater.
Winchester (to Fiona): I love it when you're bossy, firebug! (to Felix) Come on, Mister New York, the boiler is this way.
Fiona (to Winchester): You say that like I've ever been any other way, lovely!
Felix (to Winchester): ... Lead the way.
Meanwhile, onboard the Maltese Falcon:
Poppy (to Zoe): Honey, are you okay? You don't have to keep avoiding everyone. No one is upset with you… What have you been doing in here?
Zoe (to Poppy): Just reading… Oh, mom… I'm an idiot.
Poppy (to Zoe): Honey, please don't cry. I'm sure whatever you think you did that makes you an idiot isn't all that bad…Did you kill someone?
Zoe (to Poppy): No.
Poppy (to Zoe): Did you physically hurt someone? Steal from someone who didn't deserve it?
Zoe (to Poppy): No. I didn't do anything like that.
Poppy (to Zoe): Well then, honey, it'll be okay. I promise.
Zoe (to Poppy): I know, mom. Can you just sit with me for a little while longer?
Poppy (to Zoe): Of course, honey. I'll stay as long as you like.
A short time later, onboard the recently acquired airship:
Winchester (to Felix): Heh. Don't worry, you'll get used to all of this eventually… or you won't.
Felix (to Winchester): Heh heh. Well, those are the only two options, aren't they? So, you and the amazon are an item then, are you?
Winchester (to Felix): Not at all, my young friend, we just have sex. We're not made for commitments, fancy dinners & long walks.
Felix (to Winchester): Heh. Tell you the truth, sir, I don't know many who are. Just wanted to make sure I don't step on your boots. I'd hate for the missus to have to stitch me together a second time.
Winchester (to Felix): Oh? You lookin' to take a crack at the Scottish minx? Be my guest. I'll warn you though, she might chew you up & spit you out.
Felix (to Winchester): Heh. Somehow, I have no trouble believing that. No, no. I wasn't. I have a better sense of self-preservation than that. Some gentlemen get a bit touchy when they're interested in a lady.
Winchester (to Felix): Heh. That's probably true… You got anyone special, Mister New York?
Felix (to Winchester): You could just call me Felix if you get tired of that mouthful. I... I'm not the kind of gentleman a girl should bring home.
Winchester (to Felix): Oh? I can think of a few girls that wouldn't mind taking a boy like you home… You know who I wouldn't say no to, if she wanted to take me home? Zoe. I bet she'd be fun, probably a bit too clingy though. Of course, she's much too young for my taste.
Felix (to Winchester): ... Yeah. More than a bit. You'd better not talk like that in front of Momma Bear.
Winchester (to Felix): I'm not that daft… But, you've got to admit, that family does seem to produce some fine women. What? Don't tell me you haven't thought about it… I've seen 'em all & I wouldn't push any of them out of bed on a cold night.
Felix (to Winchester): ...I think I ought to get working on that water heater.
Winchester (to Felix): Oh right, of course. I'll go see about the bunks.
A moment later:
Winchester (to Felix & Zoe): Well, speak of the devil… Hello, Zoe. What brings you aboard this monstrosity?
Zoe (to Winchester & Felix): Hi Chess. I was sent with supplies, towels, bedding & cooking implements. We've got a delivery tomorrow & Mom thought it would come in handy. We might not be back for a few days.
Winchester (to Zoe & Felix): That's very nice of you to bring it over…Have you done something different with your hair since I last saw you?
Zoe (to Winchester): Oh, um, probably.
Felix (to Zoe): Why don't I help you with all that, Zoe? Think I need to find a different kind of wrench at any rate. Where are we bringing it?
Zoe (to Felix): Oh thanks. It needs to go up to the galley, I guess. It'll be easier to store it while everyone is figuring out where to bunk.
Winchester (to Zoe & Felix): Here. Allow me to take the bedding off your hands. I'm heading to the living quarters, now.
Zoe (to Winchester): Thanks, Chess… (to Felix) Did I walk into the middle of something?
Felix (to Zoe): Possibly. I'm not sure. What's the story with him?
Zoe (to Felix): Who? Fox? He's just a friend of the family. He's worked with Yuki, Aiden & my mom before… at her old job. Why do you ask?
Felix (to Zoe): I can't work out if he's TRYING to get under my skin or just really that big an ass.
Zoe (to Felix): Heh. With Chess? It's probably a little bit of both… You didn't have to help me with this stuff, you know? I could manage.
Felix (to Zoe): I don't doubt you could, but I needed a bit of a break from "Chess." What kind of damn name is that anyway?
Zoe (to Felix): Heehee. Says the guy named Felix. His first name is Winchester. Wow. He really irritated you. What on earth did he say to you?
Felix (to Zoe): Heh. There's nothing wrong with my name! It's the fanciest thing I've ever owned. He was just being... Obnoxious is the word I'd use.
Zoe (to Felix): Calm down. I happen to like your name. It's always been one of my favorites. There's a character in a book I liked as a kid with the same name… Wait. That's not right. Was that me? Oh no, it wasn't… Never mind. Just ignore Chess. He was just trying to frazzle you. Think of it as a hazing ritual. So, you said something about needing another wrench, right? I'm sure there's a toolbox around here somewhere.
Felix (to Zoe): Oh. Heh. Actually, I was just looking for an excuse to get y--myself away from the obnoxious Mr. Fox. I should get back to work. Your brother's girl might stab me if I don't have hot water for her.
Zoe (to Felix): Stop right where you are, Felix August Baldwin!
Felix (to Zoe): What is it?
Zoe (to Felix): Well, because of this…
A moment later:
Felix (to Zoe): ...Wow. You... You shouldn't do that.
Zoe (to Felix): Why? Because you're a horrible person? If you were so terrible, I wouldn't think you'd care. And that's not a challenge. Look, I know I said I'd be fine with staying away but I lied. I'm a big, dumb sucker for you… I'd rather be with you a little then not with you at all.
Felix (to Zoe): I, uh, I don't know what to say to that.
Zoe (to Felix): … Well, customarily I think this is the time when you say something like, 'Wow, Zoe. I feel the same way, too.' or 'Go away.' And, judging from the look on your face, it's the 'go away' option… My mistake.
Felix (to Zoe): You should... I mean, I should go. I need to go before I... I... I don't know! I'm... You said you don't want to be casual, and say that you care about me and that you don't want to stay away from me. I'm not looking to hurt you, pretty girl. I never was.
Zoe (to Felix): What do you want, Felix? You act like you're happy to see me one minute & then you immediately try to run off. Is it me? I keep trying to get you to talk to me, because I can tell there's more going on then what's simply on the surface but you won't let me in. If you want me to stop bugging you, I will. But, you're the one that made the whole 'I only do casual' remark and now, that I'm willing to take you up on that offer, you're acting like you actually might give a shit.
Felix (to Zoe): I don't know what it is you want, and I don't know what it is I want, and I've got that damn Fox chattering on about how much "fun" you look like you'd be, and I just... I don't know. I SHOULD tell you to go, but I don't want to do that.
Zoe (to Felix): Look, I'm fairly certain that what I want is pretty obvious but if you need me to spell it out for you, I will… I would like to be with you & see where it goes. This isn't a do or die situation. We may both decide after the initial attraction wears off, that we're not interested in each other any longer or we might still be. Who knows? But, I also know that you make my heart skip a beat every time I see you. And, it sounds like it might be the same for you… And, I'm not even going to touch the whole Chess thing… cuz that's just weird.
Felix (to Zoe): I wanted to punch him right in his smug, over-dressed face... BUT, I get the feeling if I even tried it, I'd be on the floor dead. Heh. And if HE didn't kill me, his very large lady friend would.
Zoe (to Felix): Nah, Fiona would probably smoke a cigar over his corpse & say something about how that's what he gets for letting someone get the drop on him… They have a very weird & complicated relationship. Heh. That's what you get when spies date.
Felix (to Zoe): Did you... Did you say SPIES? Well... That does explain a few things, doesn't it?
Zoe (to Felix): Did I say spies? I meant uh-- Shit. Who am I kidding? This is one of those things I hope you can keep a secret. Please?
Felix (to Zoe): I can and will. Besides, who would believe me?
Zoe (to Felix): ... I should go. You're not going to tell me what I'd like to hear & I think I've humiliated myself enough for one day. Thank you for keeping my secrets.
Felix (to Zoe): Of course... If, after you get back, you wanted to stop in again... I'd be happy to see you.
Zoe (to Felix): Really? I'd like that.
Felix (to Zoe): I would too. ...God help you, pretty girl.
Zoe (to Felix): What does God have to do with it?
Felix (to Zoe): Ha ha ha! I'm guessing very little.
