Onboard the Maltese Falcon:
Zoe (to Vincent): Dad, you awake? ... I brought you coffee & a beignet.
Vincent (to Zoe): Hmmm. Coffee'd be good. What on earth are you doing up and about this early. You're not a *morning person* are you?
Zoe (to Vincent): God no! I just had trouble sleeping... The twins were awake & packing up their belongings. Loudly. And, Mom took Lucas for a walk. She said he was being fussy cuz of his teeth.
Vincent (to Zoe): Mmmm. I vaguely remember her saying something like that. I'll go see if the ladies are leaving us soon. Was there something else you wanted, hun?
Zoe (to Vincent): Oh, um, yeah... What do you know about the Black Bart?
Vincent (to Zoe): It's one of Captain Bartholomew's ships. I believe technically he and his crew are privateers working for the Empress. Which means they're more or less marauders. If the rumors are to be believed, definitely more than less. Why do you ask?
Zoe (to Vincent): Oh... I met a member of the crew last night on my way back to the airship. I got a bit turned around & he helped me. He, uh, kinda looked like Colin but different. He was all swagger, confident & full of compliments.
Vincent (to Zoe): Oh dear... I'm sorry, sweetie. That had to be tough. If he crews on the Black Bart, it's better to avoid him. They're not known for their warm and fuzzy nature.
Zoe (to Vincent): ... Yeah, I figured as much. Did you still want me & Victor to change the rigging lines today? If so, I should probably get dressed and get started.
Vincent (to Zoe): I would appreciate it, hun. C'mere. Give me a hug. I promise this will stop hurting so much sooner rather than later.
Zoe (to Vincent): I know. It doesn't make it any easier, though... Time to go hang upside down for awhile. Heh. That should probably help.
Vincent (to Zoe): It certainly can't hurt. Go round up your brother to help, or, would you rather have some alone time?
Zoe (to Vincent): Heh. He knows we're supposed to be working on it, today. I'll get started, get myself good and tangled then he can save the day. He'll probably love that, he always likes being the hero. :-P
Vincent (to Zoe): Ha ha ha! That he does. He's his father's son, I'm afraid. And his mother's for that matter. :-P
A short time later:
Vincent (to Eva & Una): Good morning, ladies. There's coffee made if you'd like some. Have you decided you'd had enough of manual labor, crying babies and sulking teenagers for now?
Una (to Vincent): Heh. Well, the sulking teenager was getting a bit much. Our mother asked us to visit her. She's in town. She's having tea at Hubbard's this afternoon with some actress... Lucinda Terry.
Eva (to Vincent & Una): Indeed. No doubt she'll be some flibbertigibbet we have to smile at and pretend to fawn over... Captain, you REALLY should put on more appropriate clothing when calling upon young ladies.
Vincent (to Eva & Una): Hee hee. That's life on an airship, hun. The quarters are a bit too tight for proper sensibilities.
Una (to Eva & Vincent): Oh, I don't know about all that... It really doesn't leave much to the imagination, does it? He clearly just did it to see how we'd react, Eva.
Vincent (to Eva & Una): Hee hee. If I wanted to start a campaign of shock & awe, ladies, I'd have gone with something more impressive. As far as I know, I am the unrivaled master of horrifying The Very Proper High Society of the Empire. :-P
Eva (to Vincent & Una): I see.
Una (to Vincent): Heh. I can believe that, Captain... so, have we passed your little Hiiri tests?
Vincent (to Eva & Una): Heh. Hun, if you hadn't passed the tests, I would have never let you on a ship with my family. Not to mention the very real possibility that my wife would have killed you in your sleep.
Eva (to Vincent & Una): Oh. Well, that is-- rather unnerving. But, it's to be expected from a spy, I suppose. Isn't it, Una?
Una (to Eva): Yes, Eva.
Vincent (to Eva & Una): Heh. That has nothing to do with whether or not she's a spy. She grew up in a rough neighborhood, and takes her family's safety very, very seriously. Here's a little something for your time and labor, ladies. It's not much, but then again, we didn't do anything too exciting.
Una (to Vincent): Oh, that's very nice of you, Captain.
Eva (to Vincent & Una): Yes, we certainly weren't expecting that.
Vincent (to Eva & Una): Always pay your crew, ladies. Even if they don't need it. ;-) Can I call you a cab?
Una (to Vincent & Eva): That would be lovely. Thank you. Oh, and Captain... Perhaps, next time we can do something a bit more interesting, hmmm?
Eva (to Vincent & Eva): Yes. Not that you don't have a *fascinating* collection of filth in the engines, but something a bit more blood-pumping than grease should me most agreeable. Wouldn't you say so, Una?
Una (to Eva & Vincent): Yes indeed, Eva.
Eva (to Una & Vincent): It seems our cab is here, sister. Good bye, Captain Potter. It has been quite an experience.
Vincent (to Eva & Una): Have fun on your lunch, ladies. I'll call on you if I accept a job I think might be more to your tastes.
A couple hours later:
Zoe (to Felix): ... So, are you stalking me or what? And, don't pretend that it's a coincidence you just happen to be by this particular pier.
Felix (to Zoe): Of course it's not a coincidence. I came by to see you, pretty girl. Saying stalking makes it sound like I can't be trusted.
Zoe (to Felix): Who's to say you can be trusted? Besides, why in the world would you want to see me? I'm not all that interesting.
Felix (to Zoe): Oh no? You said your family's ship is the Falcon, right? If you're related to the Dandy, I don't think boring is in your dictionary. So, pretty girl, pirate family, you almost stabbed me when we met... Nope. Not boring at all. Plus, you think I'm hot.
Zoe (to Felix): What!?! I do not! I don't know where you get your delusions, laser brains, but I do not think you're hot.
Felix (to Zoe): Ha ha ha! Laser brains? You're going to have to try harder than that to convince me otherwise, you know. Come have a drink with me.
Zoe (to Felix): You have got to be kidding, why would I want to do that? Look, I was warned about the crew of the Black Bart. I'm sure there's plenty of tavern girls that would absolutely love it if you showered them with this much attention. Besides, I've got work to do. All this rigging needs to be replaced & I'm only a quarter of the way through.
Felix (to Zoe): Of course I could get a tavern girl to go with me, but I don't want to have a drink with one of them. I want to have a drink with you. Funny... In all that complaining, I didn't hear a no. I don't mind waiting until you're done.
Victor (to Felix & Zoe): I rather think the no was implied, don't you?
Zoe (to Victor & Felix): Hey, big brother! About time you showed up... This is Felix. He crews on the Black Bart. He helped me get back to the docks last night when I got all turned around, like an idiot.
Felix (to Victor & Zoe): Heh. Let me guess, Big Brother. You don't appreciate my continued presence around the ship or your sister?
Victor (to Felix & Zoe): Not if she doesn't want you here, and if she does, I'm sure we can find something for you to do. There's more than enough work to go around.
Felix (to Victor & Zoe): Ha ha ha! Sure that will drive me off, eh? You'd be right, Fancypants. I don't want my Captain thinking I'm freelancing, do I? Nice to met you, Big Brother. Cheers, pretty girl!
Zoe (to Felix): Heh. See ya... (to Victor) Thanks for the rescue, big brother.
Victor (to Zoe): You're welcome. Holy shit, he looks a lot like Colin! You are in *trouble*.
Zoe (to Victor): Yeah, I know. And, he's all smooth talking and sexy. Shit... I think the universe seriously wants to fuck with my head. Besides, there is no way he's actually interested in me. He's gotta have an angle.
Victor (to Zoe): Heh. I think is angle IS that he's interested in you. It shouldn't be that hard to believe. Colin was too. Though, um, now might be a good time to warn you, since this is your first extended stint in Britannia as the Dandy's daughter... You know Dad's reputation for being a Casanova?
Zoe (to Victor): Yeah... Mom's always teasing him about it.
Victor (to Zoe): Yeeeah... Some people seem to be under the impression that's a *family* trait.
Zoe (to Victor): Ooooh... Well, that figures.
Victor (to Zoe): Uncomfortable as hell doesn't BEGIN to explain it. No one is filthier than rich, old, bored gentry. I have heard-- *things.*
Zoe (to Victor): So, what you're saying is that I should keep my mouth shut about being the Dandy's daughter? Because, I can totally do that.
Victor (to Zoe): Not unless you want Duchess Von Pain-in-the-Arse hitting on you. Besides, with Dad being, uh, Dad, you may not have a choice. Subtlety is not a strong suit in this family.
Zoe (to Victor): Heh. That's for damn sure.
An hour or so later:
Zoe (to Victor): So, are you going to help me down from here or not?
Victor (to Zoe): Heh. Oh? Are you stuck? I hadn't noticed.
Zoe (to Victor): Well, I could just skip but I don't think Mom or Dad would appreciate such a public display. :-P
Victor (to Zoe): Ha ha ha! Alright. Hold on. I'm coming up. How the hell did you get this damn tangled up!?! Did you do this on purpose?
Zoe (to Victor): ... No... Yes... Maybe... It's not all that bad... If I just slip my foot out of this & then, move my arm like this... Oof... I'm upside down... Shit... I didn't mean for that to happen.
Victor (to Zoe): Ha ha! No, I wouldn't imagine. Here. Grab my hand... Ups-a-daisy!
Zoe (to Victor): Heehee. My hero!
Victor (to Zoe): You are a goof. Is that the last of the dread rigging?
Zoe (to Victor): Yeah. It should be. I think my arms have turned to rubber. Please tell me we never have to do that again.
Victor (to Zoe): We never have to do anything like that again.
Zoe (to Victor): Heh. You are a terrible liar.
Victor (to Zoe): Heh. I can lie if I have to. I just don't feel the need. :-P I'm starving! Let's find something to eat.
Zoe (to Victor): Heh. Lead the way, big brother.
A couple hours later:
Poppy (to Felix): Honey, is there a reason you're hanging about this particular pier? Are you looking for a job… Or are you looking for trouble?
Felix (to Poppy): I'm not looking for either, gorgeous. I was hoping to catch a glimpse of a pretty girl. Instead I found a pretty woman. ;-)
Poppy (to Felix): Good try, honey. But, if you saw what I had at home you wouldn't bother. Besides, I'm old enough to be your mother… But, seriously, what pretty girl are you looking for?
Felix (to Poppy): Heh heh. Well, I'll tell you true, miss; I was hoping to flatter you into not pulling that gun on me. And I doubt you're old enough to be my *mother*. My fun aunt, maybe, but not my mum. I invited Miss Zoe out to get a drink with me. I was hoping I could get her to accept.
Poppy (to Felix): Heehee. You're certainly a smooth one, honey… I'll see if she's available. Would you like to come aboard or is there some rule about boarding another pirate ship that I don't know about?
Felix (to Poppy): Heh heh. Well, Captain Bartholomew can be a bit of a taskmaster, if you take my meaning, but what he doesn't know won't hurt me. You sure you don't mind me on board, gorgeous? Miss Zoe seems to think me a disreputable sort.
Poppy (to Felix): Heh. Does she now? My daughter does have a very good knack for that sort of thing… Are you a disreputable sort, honey?
Felix (to Poppy): Heh. Just enough to be interesting.
Poppy (to Felix): … Hmmm. Come on in, honey. Let's see if my daughter is interested in a drink. (to Zoe) Zoe honey, there's a young man here to see you. He says he asked you to go for a drink with him.
Zoe (to Poppy): What are you talking about, Mom? The only guy who has asked for a drink is… (to Felix) You. Wow. You really don't give up, do you?
Felix (to Zoe): Heh. Not easily.
Zoe (to Felix): … Fine. I'll go for one drink with you… (to Poppy) If that's okay with you, Mom?
Poppy (to Zoe): Don't drag me into this, honey.
Felix (to Zoe & Poppy): Mom? That CAN'T be your mother. She's far too young and good-looking.
Poppy (to Felix): Honey, I'm on your side here, you don't have to keep laying it on so thick. And yes, I'm her mother.
Zoe (to Felix & Poppy): If you'd rather stay here and flirt with my MOM, I'm sure I can go find a book to read or something.
Felix (to Poppy): Heh heh. Sorry, miss. Guess I'm not used to having to try this hard. (to Zoe) Thought I made it pretty clear who it is I'm interested in, pretty girl. Come have a drink with me. If I do you wrong, I have no doubt, Momma will shoot me, and Poppa will run me through. One drink. Promise. If you aren't smitten with me by the end, I'll let you alone.
Zoe (to Felix): Alright. One drink. (to Poppy) I'll be back before curfew. I promise.
Poppy (to Felix): And, honey, you're not far from wrong… Keep Zoe safe or your head will be on a spike before your body has time to cool.
Felix (to Poppy): Ha ha! You've got my name and my ship, miss. I don't doubt it. (to Zoe) Shall we?
Zoe (to Felix): Alright.
Felix (to Zoe): Ha HA! That's the answer I like to hear. (to Poppy) I'll have her home before you can miss her, Momma!
Poppy (to Felix & Zoe): Have a good time, kids.
A short time later:
Zoe (to Felix): … You're used to having ladies melt around you, huh?
Felix (to Zoe): Heh. That I am. Getting you to have a drink with me was a good deal more challenging than I was expecting, pretty girl.
Zoe (to Felix): Oh? Is that because I'm the Dandy's daughter or because you get girls to go for drinks with you all the time? You know what? It doesn't really matter. I'm just going to have the one drink & then head home.
Felix (to Zoe): No, because usually when I find a girl as attractive as I find you, and she finds me as hot as YOU find me, she says, "yes." So, you're the *Captain's* daughter, are you? Heh I figured you for a relation, but that's a pretty impressive pedigree. I'd BETTER behave myself now, hadn't I?
Zoe (to Felix): … You are a total pain in the ass, you know that?
Felix (to Zoe): If you're that annoyed, why are you grinning?
Zoe (to Felix): I thought it would be rude to scowl at you… And for your information, I have never once said you were hot. That was all you.
Felix (to Zoe): You didn't have to say it. I saw the way you looked me over. It would have scandalized the proper gentry into a swoon.
Zoe (to Felix): … Fine. It's true, I think you're attractive, okay? But, you remind me of my ex-boyfriend...
Felix (to Zoe): Ex? Well, I'm not sorry to hear that, and if fond memories make you say yes to having a drink with ME? Heh. Well, I won't be sorry for that either. After you, pretty.
Zoe (to Felix): Oh, this is where we're getting a drink? Looks a bit rustic.
Felix (to Zoe): "Rustic?" Is that polite talk for "shite hole?"
Zoe (to Felix): Yes. No. Maybe? I'm sorry. I was just expecting something different. It's fine.
Felix (to Zoe): Heh heh. If you know someplace else that will serve the disreputable likes of me, I'm amenable. This isn't my town. I'm afraid my choices of watering holes have been largely formed by my shipmates. :-P
Zoe (to Felix): No, no, it's fine. I just thought-- it doesn't matter what I thought. Let's just have that drink.
Felix (to Zoe): Were you expecting me to try to take you back to my quarters?
Zoe (to Felix): What!?! No... Clearly you just flirt with people. It doesn't really mean anything. I can totally deal with that.
Felix (to Zoe): Best tell me what you were expecting then, or I'm just going to keep assuming the worst. :-)
Zoe (to Felix): Fine… I just thought that if you were actually trying to seduce me, you wouldn't take me to a place like this. So, either you're an idiot that doesn't know anything about women or you're more harmless then you let on.
Felix (to Zoe): Or maybe I really did want to spend some time in your company, pretty girl. Let's say I *was* trying to seduce you. Where should I take you instead?
Zoe (to Felix): Heh. Why on earth would I make it easy for you, Felix?
Felix (to Zoe): Ha ha ha! See now? THAT'S part of what's so interesting about you, isn't it? Do you trust me to get us drinks?
Zoe (to Felix): Yeah, sure. Go for it.
