At Aiden's house; New London, Britannia:
Aiden (to Nathaniel): Could you please stop fretting so much, handsome? We're just going to tea with my aunt. She's an actress & the disgrace of my mother's side of the family… She's been in the colonies for the last few years. Heh. You'll probably like her.
Nathaniel (to Aiden): ... Yeah, but will she fucking like me? Damn. I need to watch my fucking mouth don't I? Shit! This is a mistake…
Aiden (to Nathaniel): Heh. Aunt Lucinda is an actress. I think she can handle your swearing, Nate… Though, her companion, Justine, might feel differently. She was the headmistress of a boarding school.
Nathaniel (to Aiden): Don't cuss in front of the girlfriend. Got it...
Aiden (to Nathaniel): Relax. You'll do just fine.
Nathaniel (to Aiden): ... Yeah. We'll see. I'm gonna remind you that you said that later. I think this is as good as I'm gonna get.
A short time later, at Lucinda & Justine's apartment; New London, Britannia:
Lucinda Terry (to Aiden): Oh my goodness! Is that you, my little Aide? How you've grown! I hardly recognize you as that sad little boy following your brother & father around.
Aiden (to Lucinda & Nathaniel): … It's nice to see you too, Aunt Lucinda.
Lucinda (to Aiden & Nathaniel): What have I always told you about formalities? Please, call me Lucy. And, who is this handsome young thing?
Aiden (to Lucinda & Nathaniel): Heh. Aunt Lucy, this is my boyfriend, Nathaniel Jones. Nate, this is my aunt, Lucinda Terry.
Nathaniel (to Lucinda): Nice to meet you, ma'am.
Lucinda (to Aiden & Nathaniel): Heehee. So polite. Oooo… And, what a handshake. I hope you boys like gin. Justine makes a killer martini.
Justine (to Lucinda): Has your nephew finally arrived, Lucy?
Lucinda (to Justine): Yes, darling and he brought his young man. They look adorable together. I could just eat them up.
Aiden (to Lucinda): Oh… Isn't it a little early for gin?
Justine (to Lucinda): Has he? (to Nathaniel & Aiden) Good afternoon, gentlemen. Don't question your elders, Aide. It's not polite. What was that name, young man?
Aiden (to Justine): Yes, ma'am.
Lucinda (to Justine, Nathaniel & Aiden): Heehee. You're going to scare the boys with that sort of talk. Ignore her, Justine loves to turn on her teacher voice. It's so authoritative. His name is Nathaniel Jones, darling.
Nathaniel (to Lucinda, Justine & Aiden): Um, just Nate is fine, ma'am.
Justine (to Lucinda): Hush. (to Nathaniel & Aiden) It's very nice to meet you, Nate. Do stand up straight. Shall I see to those martinis?
Aiden (to Justine): Thank you, Justine. A martini would be wonderful.
Nathaniel (to Justine): I'd like one too, please. It's 5 o'clock somewhere, right?
Lucinda (to Nathaniel, Justine & Aiden): Heehee… She's so bossy. Come, sit down, you two. I am exhausted from the trip. I love to travel but the actual traveling is just grueling. Someone needs to do something about that sort of thing.
Justine (to Nathaniel): A very keen observation, Mr. Jones. I'll be right back. (to Lucinda) I MAY have one for you as well, dear.
Lucinda (to Justine): Harpy.
Justine (to Lucinda): Nosy shrew!
Lucinda (to Justine): Heehee… Love you. (to Nathaniel & Aiden) So, Nate, tell me about yourself. What do you do? And no helping from you, Aide. Why the faces? We've been together for years. We have no pretenses between us. Now answer the questions.
Nathaniel (to Lucinda): Oh! Sorry. I didn't mean to make a face. I, um, I work as a baker in a cafe and as a door guy for a club...
Lucinda (to Nathaniel): Oh? That must be… interesting.
Aiden (to Lucinda & Nathaniel): It's not as glamorous as being an actress, I'm sure. But, he enjoys it, Aunt Lucy.
Lucinda (to Aiden & Nathaniel): I didn't mean to sound like I was disparaging his employment choice. I just have no experience in those areas.
Nathaniel (to Lucinda & Aiden): Heh. It's alright. I like cooking and bein' a door guy just means you make sure people don't act like dicks. Oh! I mean... Shit. Sorry, ma'am. I didn't mean to cuss.
Lucinda (to Nathaniel & Aiden): Heehee… I'm quite used to it. Justine swears like a sailor, smokes cigars like one, too. What kind of nonsense did my nephew put in your head?
Aiden (to Lucinda & Nathaniel): I didn't put any nonsense in his head, I can assure you. Justine slapped me in the back of the head for saying bloody hell the last time I saw you two. I just warned him to not swear in front of her.
Nathaniel (to Lucinda & Aiden): Heh. Mostly he said to relax and be myself. It's just... Um, you're the first member of Aiden's family I met so I'm a little nervous.
Lucinda (to Nathaniel & Aiden): Heehee. Fair enough. No reason to be nervous, Nate. And, don't be overly dramatic, Aiden, you were eight.
Justine (to Aiden): Eight year old boys shouldn't curse no matter how bright they may be. (to Lucinda) Here you are, love. (to Nathaniel & Aiden) Here you are, boys. You ARE old enough to drink, aren't you, Nate? Heh. You can calm down, lad. I'm teasing.
Lucinda (to Justine): Thank you, darling. You are the light of my life… Heh. I'm talking to the martini.
Aiden (to Justine): Yes, ma'am… And, thank you for the drink. (to Lucinda & Justine) So, what brings you back to the empire? I thought you swore off this side of the pond.
Justine (to Aiden & Lucinda): Yes, we did, didn't we?
Justine (to Aiden, Justine & Nathaniel): Yes, which Justine is constantly reminding me… I was offered a role I couldn't pass up & it ties to a studio in the colonies that are working on a new form of theater. So, here we are.
Aiden (to Lucinda & Justine): A new form of theater?
Lucinda (to Aiden, Nathaniel & Justine): Yes. It's all very technical. The gist of it is simply I'll perform once & then they can show that performance over and over again. I'll be immortalized. What actor wouldn't want that?
Justine (to Lucinda, Aiden & Nathaniel): It's a moving picture. We saw a sample of it at a carnival in New York. She was entranced.
Lucinda (to Justine): Thank you, darling, for dispelling the mystery.
Justine (to Lucinda, Aiden & Nathaniel): Mystery? You are such a silly damn thing! What have I ruined? It's FASCINATING technology. They put a series of small photographs on a film and run it in front of a lantern, from what I understand... And now I've bored her. She has the bloody attention span of a squirrel.
Lucinda (to Justine): … What were you saying, darling? :-P
Aiden (to Lucinda & Justine): Heh... If this company is in the colonies, why come all this way?
Lucinda (to Aiden): The manufacturing company is based here… Vernian Industries. The recording equipment is a bit cumbersome at the moment, so I had to come to it.
Justine (to Nathaniel): Good heavens, Nate! Don't spit martini everywhere! That's a waste of damn good gin.
Aiden (to Nathaniel): Are you okay, Nate?
Nathaniel (to Justine, Lucinda & Aiden): Yeah. Sorry. Went down the wrong pipe. Vernian Industries, huh? They're, uh... They're a big deal, right?
Lucinda (to Nathaniel, Aiden & Justine): Yes, quite.
Justine (to Nathaniel): Ha! I like you, Nate. You've got red colonist blood in your veins. (to Lucinda, Aiden & Nathaniel) Lucy & I disagree on the politics of Vernian Industries. I think they're damn bloodsuckers.
Lucinda (to Aiden, Nathaniel & Justine): Justine is SO melodramatic. And, I can say that as I am an actress. I know it when I see it.
Justine (to Lucinda, Aiden & Nathaniel): If anything, I don't think I'm dramatic enough.
Aiden (to Lucinda): Do you think it would be alright if I accompanied you once or twice, Aunt Lucy? I'm quite fascinated by the idea of all this.
Lucinda (to Aiden): Perhaps… I'll have to see. (to Justine, Nathaniel & Aiden) … I am getting a headache. Justine, this is a discussion for another time, don't you think?
Justine (to Lucinda): Of course. Let me get you another drink. (to Nathaniel & Aiden) Boys? Can I refresh your glasses?
Nathaniel (to Justine): Yes, please. Thank you.
Lucinda (to Justine, Aiden & Nathaniel): Here. Let me get them this time around. I'll take some headache powder while I'm at it.
Justine (to Lucinda): Thank you, darling. (to Aiden & Nathaniel) I'm very sorry. I didn't mean to air our dirty linens in front of you.
Aiden (to Justine): Actually, I share your concerns about Vernian Industries, Justine.
Justine (to Aiden): You DO? I can't tell you how glad I am to hear that. I've been beside myself over this whole damn affair.
Nathaniel (to Justine & Aiden): Yeah. Vernian Industries is fuckin' sketchy as hell.
Aiden (to Justine): … I know this seems odd, but do you think you could help me get an introduction with the owners?
Justine (to Aiden): I can certainly see what I can do, but you need to tell me WHY you want an audience with them. I was under the impression you worked for a museum, Aide.
Aiden (to Justine): I do. Vernian Industries is a large contributor to the museum I work at & well, I'd like to meet them to get a feel for the type of people they are. If they are really terrible, I'd like to know.
Justine (to Aiden): Mmm. Well, if you two don't want to tell me the truth, I certainly can't force you.
Aiden (to Justine): I'm sorry, Justine. It's not that I don't want to tell you, but I can't. You're safer believing the lie.
Justine (to Aiden): Ah. This has something to do with your father's business, doesn't it?
Aiden (to Justine): Yes, it's something like that.
Justine (to Nathaniel): And what about you, Nate? How are you embroiled in all this?
Nathaniel (to Justine & Aiden): I'm not. Honest. I'm just the boyfriend. What I know is on the periphery.
Justine (to Aiden & Nathaniel): Alright, boys. As you say. I'm going to go see what's taking Lucy so long with those drinks.
Aiden (to Justine & Nathaniel): Alright, I'm sure we can find something to occupy ourselves with while you're gone.
Justine (to Aiden & Nathaniel): I should hope so.
Nathaniel (to Aiden): Wooo! Goddamn. I dunno about you, but I feel like she's fucking picking me apart when she stares like that.
Aiden (to Nathaniel): Heh. You're doing just fine.
A moment later, in the kitchen:
Lucinda (to Justine): Have you come to check on me, darling? I can't seem to find the damn olives.
Justine (to Lucinda): They're here, love. You are cross with me.
Lucinda (to Justine): Of course not, darling… Voila! The martinis are now done.
Justine (to Lucinda): And they're gorgeous. Oh, you remembered to put an onion in mine. You are an angel.
Lucinda (to Justine): Heh. You're just saying that… So, what do you think Aiden's boy?
Justine (to Lucinda): Of course I am. What on earth would I do with an angel? I'd be bored with her in a damn week. He's nervous, which is utterly adorable. I've never had anyone who wasn't a student care so much about impressing me, and I'm all for terrible American influences leading the stuffy bloody Wilkes family far, FAR astray... But, he's cagey, isn't he?
Lucinda (to Justine): He is, at that… I wonder, what he's hiding? Oh, listen to me, you're making me as paranoid as you. You really need to stop reading me those mystery novels at bedtime. Alright, let's get these drinks to the boys.
Justine (to Lucinda): Heh. Well, stop asking me to read them, then.
Lucinda (to Justine): :-P (to Aiden & Nathaniel) Drinks! Sorry for the delay, boys, I was having a merry chase with the olives.
Justine (to Nathaniel & Aiden): It looks as though you managed to keep yourselves occupied. Your tie is askew, Aiden.
Aiden (to Lucinda & Justine): Oh? … I beg your pardon.
Lucinda (to Nathaniel & Aiden): Heehee… Good on you both.
Nathaniel (to Lucinda): Um, thanks. ...I think. (to Justine) Thank you for the drink, ma'am.
Justine (to Nathaniel): Good God, boy, if you don't stop calling me "ma'am," I'm going to smack the brown out of your eyes!
Lucinda (to Justine): Heehee. If you're not careful, Justine, you're going to make him spew his drink again.
Justine (to Lucinda): You're right, dear. (to Nathaniel) I'm sorry, Nate. I didn't realize you were so easy to shock.
Nathaniel (to Justine, Lucinda & Aiden): I didn't either.
Lucinda (to Aiden, Nathaniel & Justine): Heehee…Did you know, Nate, that my sister met Aiden's father at a dance hall in East Garden? Don't look at me like that, Aiden. It's completely true. She was there with another boy. Supposedly, he was going to propose to her. But, Martin swept her off her feet. It was quite romantic.
Nathaniel (to Lucinda): He DID? Seriously? (to Aiden) No offense, but I can't EVER imagine your dad going to a danc
Aiden (to Lucinda, Justine & Nathaniel): That doesn't sound like my father at all.
Nathaniel (to Aiden & Lucinda): Yeah. No shit.
Lucinda (to Aiden & Nathaniel): Mirabelle was always a sucker for a handsome face. Your father was quite a looker in his younger days… If you go for that chiseled jaw & broad shoulders type.
Justine (to Aidn & Nathaniel): Heh. Believe it or not, we were all young once.
Nathaniel (to Lucinda & Justine): Heh. *That* I believe. (to Aiden) What? You're good looking as hell.
Lucinda (to Aiden, Nathaniel & Justine): He's not lying, Aide. You could easily be on the stage if you had an interest.
Aiden (to Lucinda): Thank you, Aunt Lucy, but I think I'll pass on that. I get nervous on a stage.
Justine (to Nathaniel): What are you snickering about over there, young man?
Lucinda (to Nathaniel): Oh yes, I'm dying to hear this.
Nathaniel (to Justine, Lucinda & Aiden): Oh, ummm... He might kill me if I tell this story.
Lucinda (to Nathaniel): Oh, you can't dangle a carrot like that in front of us & not expect us to bite… Here, have some more gin, Nate.
Aiden (to Justine, Lucinda & Nathaniel): … Would you look at the time? It's getting awfully late.
Justine (to Aiden): Aide, sit down. We are, for all intents and purposes, your family. If you can't be embarrassed in front of us, then whom can be embarrassed by? (to Nathaniel) Nathaniel, tell the story, please.
Lucinda (to Aiden & Nathaniel): Heehee… I'm sure it's not that bad.
Nathaniel (to Lucinda, Justine & Aiden): It isn't. Really. We went to a pub to get dinner. He didn't quite realize how strong the beer he was drinking was. He, uh, he was teasing me about getting all embarrassed for doing, um, some posing for a painting thing... There was karaoke, um, kinda like an open singing contest. Sorta. He said he was gonna prove I was a wuss and he wasn't. Heh. He got on stage all swagger and confidence and shit, and as soon as he looked up he froze.
Lucinda (to Nathaniel): Oh my, that's terribly embarrassing. What happened then?
Nathaniel (to Lucinda, Justine & Aiden): Heh. I had to go up on stage and sing some horrible love song while he stood there frozen. Heh. Not our finest fucking hour. Oh! Um, excuse me. I'm a little drunker than I thought.
Aiden (to Lucinda, Justine & Nathaniel): Yes. It was rather embarrassing. Clearly, I didn't inherit the acting bug, Aunt Lucy.
Justine (to Aiden & Nathaniel): Ha ha! I suppose not. How did you two meet? I don't think you've mentioned it yet.
Lucinda (to Nathaniel, Aiden & Justine): Oh yes, I want to hear all the grisly details.
Aiden (to Lucinda, Justine & Nathaniel): Oh… We met through his aunt, Poppy. I worked for her at the museum for a time & we were introduced and we hit it off… Well, not at first. He didn't like me, though he did kiss me in an alley when he thought we were going to be mugged. Heh. It was a terrible kiss. The second one was much, much better.
Nathaniel (to Aiden, Justine & Lucinda): Oh god...
Justine (to Nathaniel): Ha ha. Now it's your turn to embarrass him, is it? So, why did you kiss him if you thought you were going to be mugged? Especially if you didn't like him?
Nathaniel (to Justine, Lucinda & Aiden): It wasn't that I didn't like him! I was just -- suspicious, I guess. He told me to either punch him or kiss him. I chose the latter.
Lucinda (to Nathaniel): Heehee… Clearly, you chose wisely. (to Aiden) Aiden, why did you suggest those options?
Aiden (to Lucinda): I didn't want to slug him without warning… and to be honest, I really wanted to kiss him.
Lucinda (to Aiden): Heehee. I thought as much.
Justine (to Aiden): It's a good thing he didn't belt you one, then.
Aiden (to Justine): Heh. Yes, it is… It also saved us from getting mugged.
Justine (to Aiden, Nathaniel & Lucinda): Well, that's certainly more exciting than our story, isn't it?
Lucinda (to Justine, Nathaniel & Aiden): Yes, but I feel almost compelled to make something up. :-P
Justine (to Aiden, Nathaniel & Lucinda): We met in an airship piloting class. There was a terrible crash.
Aiden (to Justine, Lucinda & Nathaniel): I remember hearing about the scandalous way you two "gallivanted about" from father.
Lucinda (to Justine, Nathaniel & Aiden): Oh, hardly… I don't believe there was any gallivanting going on. Was there, darling?
Justine (to Aiden, Nathaniel & Lucinda): Good heavens no! If we'd been gallivanting, we'd have made the papers. No offense, Aide, but your father wouldn't know gallivanting if it bit him on the ass.
Nathaniel (to Justine, Lucinda & Aiden): Ha ha ha!
Lucinda (to Justine, Nathaniel & Aiden): So true. Martin became some a stodgy stick in the mud so early on in life. Such a shame. He once snuck Mirabelle & I out of the house for a late night boat ride… They had to bring me along or I would have snitched on them. Heh. Those were the days.
Aiden (to Justine, Lucinda & Nathaniel): Really?
Lucinda (to Justine, Nathaniel & Aiden): Oh my, yes! I was quite a brat-- Oh you meant your father. Yes, it's true. As we've said before, we were all young once… Now, I think I have had my share of socializing for one day. Why don't you boys go toddle off and enjoy the rest of the day rather than hanging around with a couple of old bats like us.
Aiden (to Lucinda & Justine): You are hardly old bats, Aunt Lucy.
Justine (to Aiden, Nathaniel & Lucinda): Oh yes we are. That's her polite way of telling you to bugger off.
Lucinda (to Justine): Heehee. You know me so well, darling. (to Aiden & Nathaniel) Now, both of you give me a kiss on the cheek & kindly piss off. I want to get out of this blasted corset.
Aiden (to Lucinda & Justine): Heh. Yes, ma'am. It was lovely to see you again, Aunt Lucy. And, a delight as always, Justine.
Justine (to Aiden & Nathaniel): Get away with you, you liar. It was a pleasure, Nate. Don't be strangers, either of you.
A short time later, on the street; New London, Britannia:
Aiden (to Nathaniel): … So, that was my aunt & Justine… I am so sorry. I will never make you do anything like that again.
Nathaniel (to Aiden): Heh. That's alright. They weren't any worse than my aunt and uncle.
Aiden (to Nathaniel): Heh. That is true.
Nathaniel (to Aiden): Yeah. It's your turn to be embarrassed by YOUR family for a change. :-P
Aiden (to Nathaniel): Heh. Thanks… And, very quick thinking about the embarrassing story. I thought for sure you were going to let slip that I was a spy… You were brilliant.
Nathaniel (to Aiden): You think I'm brilliant for not outing you as a spy? You got a really damn low threshold for brilliancy, you know. Heh. I'm just kidding.
Aiden (to Nathaniel): You are a pain in the arse, Nate. :-P
Nathaniel (to Aiden): Heh. I know. How else am I gonna keep you interested after I get all fat, bald and old?
Aiden (to Nathaniel): Oh, I'm dumping you before that happens. I only like you now because you're all skinny & young… OW! I'm just kidding. Heh. Two can play at that game… C'mere.
Nathaniel (to Aiden): Leggo of me you fuckin'... Heh... That's not how you punch someone, you know.
Aiden (to Nathaniel): Who said I was trying to punch you?
Persephone (to Aiden & Nathaniel): Are you boys trying to attract unwanted attention out here? I mean, personally I don't mind the show, but the neighbors might talk.
Aiden (to Persephone): … Persephone, you are a spoilsport.
Persephone (to Aiden): Heehee. I've been accused of being many things but a spoilsport is not one of them.
Nathaniel (to Persephone & Aiden): Heh. Alright. We're movin' it inside. God fucking forbid the neighbors start talkin'.
Persephone (to Nathaniel): Don't be like that, Nate, I have to live here.
Aiden (to Persephone & Nathaniel): Ignore him, Persephone. We had a rough day. We just spent several hours with my Aunt Lucy & Justine.
Nathaniel (to Persephone & Aiden): ... Yeah. Sorry. Fucking forgot what a... Forgot where I was. I'm gonna go grab a cigarette.
Persephone (to Aiden): Ooooo, did you remember to get her autograph for me?
Aiden (to Nathaniel): I'll join you in a minute. (to Persephone) I forgot… I'll get it next time. They're going to be around for a bit.
Persephone (to Aiden): Oh, alright... I need to finish up the dusting in the front room.
A few minutes later, in the garden:
Aiden (to Nathaniel): Nate? Are you alright? I'm sorry about all that…
Nathaniel (to Aiden): Yeah. I'm fine. I shouldn't have lost my temper. Guess she's right anyway...
Aiden (to Nathaniel): How about you skip us home & I make it up to you?
Nathaniel (to Aiden): Heh. Yeah. I can handle that. You wanna say goodbye, or do you wanna get the hell outta here?
Aiden (to Nathaniel): Let's just go… C'mere and kiss me first.
Nathaniel (to Aiden): Out in the garden? Heh. Whatever will the neighbors think?
Aiden (to Nathaniel): I think we've done far worse in this garden. Besides, there's a big wall, if they're snooping, they deserve a show. ;-P
Nathaniel (to Aiden): I can give 'em a fuckin' show if they want one... Did you really want me to kiss you in that creepy ass alley?
Aiden (to Nathaniel): Which creepy ass alley are you referring to? We've been in quite a few of them.
Nathaniel (to Aiden): Heh. Ass. The one where we first kissed. The punch or kiss alley? Wait... Did that not happen...
Aiden (to Nathaniel): Heh. It happened… And, yes I wanted to kiss you. But, you were uncomfortable around me, I didn't think you'd appreciate it.
Nathaniel (to Aiden): Well, I didn't punch you did I? Clearly I wasn't THAT fucking uncomfortable.
Aiden (to Nathaniel): Well, how was I to know that? You practically left the room whenever I entered & you stood as far away as you could get. I thought it best to give you an out. It seemed the proper thing to do.
Nathaniel (to Aiden): Heh. Well, thanks for that. I was probably staying far the fuck away from you because I thought you were hot as hell.
Aiden (to Nathaniel): Well, I'm certainly grateful that you got over it.
Nathaniel (to Aiden): Me too. Let's get the fuck outta here. Whaddya say?
Aiden (to Nathaniel): I would like that very much.
At Yukiko's apartment; East Garden, New London, Britannia:
Yukiko: Who's out here? I'm warning you, I've got a sword & I'm not afraid to use it!
Victor (to Yukiko): Heh. So, I see.
Yukiko (to Victor): Victor, you're back! I missed you... Don't you ever do that again. I could have hurt you.
Victor (to Yukiko): Heh. Indeed. You got me a bit right here. Consider it a lesson learned. I wasn't trying to be sneaky.
Yukiko (to Victor): I did? I'm so sorry.
Victor (to Yukiko): I think I'll manage to survive. I'm glad to see you too!
Yukiko (to Victor): Did you have a good delivery run with the family? How's Zoe doing?
Victor (to Yukiko): Not too well. She broke up with her boyfriend recently, so she's moping. Mom and Dad took on extra passengers as well, so it was more than a bit crowded.
Yukiko (to Victor): Oh well, I'm sorry to hear it. That sounds bloody awful. Still. Probably better than being stuck here all the time, though. I've been going a bit stir crazy, aside from my brief stint shadowing Fiona.
Victor (to Yukiko): Heh. It was a bit awkward, especially since Nate kept hanging about. Did Fiona make it back home OK?
Yukiko (to Victor): She did... Well except for the part where she lost a pinkie.
Victor (to Yukiko): She lost a pinkie? How on earth did she manage that?
Yukiko (to Victor): She didn't say... Is Fiona's missing fingers really what you want to talk about right this second? Because I can think of few other things that I'd rather do.
Victor (to Yukiko): Heh. Not when you put it like that.
Yukiko (to Victor): Good. Here, take this... Oh, and this... And this...
Victor (to Yukiko): ... Heh. Yes, ma'am. Anything else you'd like me to hold on to? :-P
Yukiko (to Victor): Actually, you can just drop all that... I have something else in mind to keep your hands busy. ;-)
Victor (to Yukiko): Heh. I think I have a few ideas of my own.
