Onboard the Maltese Falcon:
Persephone: Aunt Poppy! Uncle Vincent! Zoe? Anybody home? Damn... (to Felix) Well, hello there, handsome stranger.
Felix (to Persephone): Heh. Hello, pretty lady. Let me guess: you're another member of the family.
Persephone (to Felix): Heh. And you'd be absolutely correct, sir. Who might you be? I'm Persephone, Victor & Zoe's cousin. Wait. Are you Zoe's boyfriend!?! Conner? Quentin? No, that's not right. I'm sorry, I'm at a complete loss.
Felix (to Persephone): Heh. No. I'm Felix August Baldwin, miss. I'm the latest stray, I suppose.
Persephone (to Felix): Oh? You're Felix... Well, it's very nice to meet you. I suddenly see what all the fuss was about. You ARE dreamy.
Felix (to Persephone): Heh heh. Dreamy, eh? So someone has been talking about me, have they?
Persephone (to Felix): Don't play coy, sexy boy! I'm sure you're quite used to it. And, before you try to use any of your smooth moves on me, I'm spoken for... Besides, I think someone would kill me if I tried anything. Actually, two... No, a bunch someones. ;-)
Felix (to Persephone): A BUNCH of someones?
Persephone (to Felix): I don't like to name names, but yes... One of which would be my boyfriend. But, enough about your dreaminess. Where's my family gotten off to? I was sent to get out of Mrs. Esterly's hair & it's very hard to do that when no one's about.
Felix (to Persephone): I'm not quite sure. I just woke up a little while ago. Heh. I think Momma might have jabbed me with a needle last night.
Persephone (to Felix): Heehee. That sounds about right. Aunt Poppy is pretty ruthless when she thinks someone needs to be taken care of. You hungry? I bet you are, if you've been sleeping all day. Wanna take a stroll to the galley? I'm sure you're tired of being in this bunk.
Felix (to Persephone): Heh. I'm alright. Wouldn't want to eat the Captain and the missus out of airship and home.
Persephone (to Felix): Your loss… I did bring some nice fresh biscuits from home, though. Are you sure I couldn't tempt you?
Felix (to Persephone): ... Heh. I'll tell you the truth. That depends on what you're expecting in return. :-P
Persephone (to Felix): Heh. I'm not sure. In your present condition, you don't look like you could handle much of anything. What are you offering? ;-P
Zoe: Geez. You turn one cargo hold into a blanket fort & your mom sends you back to the bunk. (to Persephone & Felix) Oh… Hey there.
Persephone (to Zoe): Hey sweet cousin o' mine! Why are you carrying whatever it is you're carrying there? Blankets? Pillow? Did you try to make a blanket fort in the hold again? Heehee. That's adorable.
Zoe (to Persephone): Yes… And, I'll have you know, I waited until after the delivery was made. I don't know what the big deal was.
Persephone (to Zoe): … Did they make you take it down?
Zoe (to Persephone): No… OH… Oh… God, they are so weird.
Persephone (to Felix): Heehee. It's not THAT weird, Zoe.
Felix (to Zoe & Persephone): What are you two talking about?
Persephone (to Felix): Heehee. Her parents are very into each other & they delight in expressing it at every opportunity.
Zoe (to Felix & Persephone): And, she is not exaggerating… She means EVERY opportunity.
Felix (to Zoe & Persephone): Heh heh. Well. I suppose that doesn't surprise me all that much.
Joseph (to Persephone): There you are, Seph! I was worried for a second that I skipped onto the wrong ship. I would have been here sooner but there was a sale on that DVD you wanted me to-- Why is Zoe making the kill signal? Shit! Did I say something wrong?
Felix (to Joseph): I think that's because I'm here.
Joseph (to Felix): Oh hey Coli-- person I've never seen before in my life… Fuck. I'm really terrible at this shit. I need a smoke.
Persephone (to Joseph & Felix): You didn't do anything wrong, sweetie. This is Felix. Felix, this is my boyfriend, Joseph. (to Zoe) Stop glaring at Joseph.
Zoe (to Persephone): Sorry. (to Joseph) Sorry, Joseph. We really need to get you a communicator.
Joseph (to Zoe): No shit.
Felix (to Zoe, Persephone & Joseph): Heh. I think I'm missing something here.
Persephone (to Zoe): Looks like you have some explaining to do, Zoe. Joseph & I'll get out of your hair.
Zoe (to Persephone & Joseph): Seriously? You're not going to stay to watch me be all awkward?
Persephone (to Zoe): Nope. Why would I want to do that when I clearly have a date to watch a movie with a cute boy. (to Joseph) Come on, sexy. You can make up your little blunder with making me popcorn. ;-P
Joseph (to Persephone): I don't know what that's code for but I'm fairly certain I'm willing to find out. (to Zoe & Felix) Bye.
Zoe (to Persephone & Joseph): Bye… (to Felix) … So, that was my cousin Seph & her boy. Um… He's from out of town. Way out of town.
Felix (to Zoe): Well, judging by his accent, I'm guessing he's from the Colonies as well. Or did you mean something else?
Zoe (to Felix): Yeah, he's from the Colonies… And I would like to trust you, Felix. But, there's a lot that I'm not sure I should tell you. You've done business with Delphine & she's-- well, she's dangerous, more dangerous than you probably even realize. And, well, trust is a two way street and you seem to always be behind a roadblock.
Felix (to Zoe): Heh. Well, I certainly don't blame you... Do you know why I do work for Delphine?
Zoe (to Felix): Cuz she's hot?
Felix (to Zoe): Ha ha ha! Ouch... Heh. No, not in the slightest. I worked for her because she paid me. The way Captain Bartholomew worked it out, I owed him quite a debt for the room and board. I wanted to pay him off as quickly as I possibly could.
Zoe (to Felix): Oh… I wasn't expecting that… Well, if I trust you with a secret. Will you trust me with one?
Felix (to Zoe): ... I suppose so. What kind of secret do you want to know?
Zoe (to Felix): I leave that up to you… I'll go first. Um… You know that fancy trick that Delphine can do? Well, I can do it, too.
Felix (to Zoe): What fancy trick? I told you I didn't... Wait a moment? You mean you can do that bit where you can open a door to whatever place you like? Well... That's a handy trick to have, isn't it?
Zoe (to Felix): You could say that… It also makes the folks who can do it a hot commodity, especially if the guy Delphine works for ever finishes the device he's been building… And, I'm trusting you to keep my secret.
Felix (to Zoe): Ah. Was the girl Delphine looking for someone like you?
Zoe (to Felix): No… The girl is her employer's daughter, he needs her to power the device. And no, I don't know where she is.
Felix (to Zoe): I wasn't going to ask that. You were right. I DIDN'T know the interesting stuff.
Zoe (to Felix): Heh. I told you.
Felix (to Zoe): Well, I didn't think you were lying. So, what do you want to know about me?
Zoe (to Felix): I don't know… Tell me something you've never told anyone else or don't, it's up to you. I can't make you trust me, you have to decide to do that on your own. But, either way, I'm trusting you to keep what I told you a secret.
Felix (to Zoe): ... Heh. Well, even if it wasn't for the threat of Momma Bear, I wouldn't tell anyone about you, pret--Zoe. Especially not Delphine... I don't know what else I could tell you that would be comparable.
Zoe (to Felix): … Like I said, you don't have to tell me anything.
Felix (to Zoe): Hmmm... Something I've never told anyone, eh? Heh. Somehow it doesn't seem as interesting as what you told me, but... I can read.
Zoe (to Felix): HAHA… So, that whole thing yesterday about how you don't read so good was a lie? I knew it! I had a feeling you could at the hotel we-- Uh, never mind… Why would you keep that a secret?
Felix (to Zoe): How on earth did you suspect that? You HAVE to tell me now. No one else has ever been smart enough to pick up on it.
Zoe (to Felix): I saw the way your eyes went over the sign in book, you were subconsciously reading the names. Most people can't help to do it. Everyone briefly looks to see if they see a name they recognize or in some cases, a signature they can fake. Sorry. My parents are always complaining that I'm too sharp for my own good, sometimes.
Felix (to Zoe): Damn... Heh. You ARE too sharp for your own good. I lied about being able to read, because having people underestimate you usually means you can con them a bit easier later, and... Well, knowing how to read is a talent sometimes, isn't it? That can make you more valuable a commodity than a gentleman who can't read.
Zoe (to Felix): I'll keep your secret, it's the least I can do… And, I'm sorry about Persephone. Well honestly, there's no excuse for her. :-P
Felix (to Zoe): Heh heh. She wasn't that bad. She was more bluster and beauty than seriousness. I think I can handle her.
Zoe (to Felix): You thought she was beautiful?… Wait. Of course, you did! That shouldn't really surprise me. She always has boys flocking around her with her big eyes, strawberry blonde hair & perfect-- everything.
Felix (to Zoe): Heh. You're not jealous, are you? She's hardly the only smart lady in the family. I'm beginning to suspect Mr & Mrs the Dandy just grab attractive children off the street and claim them as their own.
Zoe (to Felix): Heehee. Persephone & Nate are really related to my parents. Seph is from my mom's side & Nate is from my dad's. While they do have a tendency to pick up strays, I'm the only one they adopted. We'd need a much bigger boat, otherwise. :-P
Felix (to Zoe): Heh. Well, they all seem to be attractive sorts all the same. Present company more than included.
Zoe (to Felix): … Oh, um, thanks. You're not so bad yourself, actually, you're quite somethi-- Shit. I'm sorry. Sometimes, my mouth seems to disconnect from my brain and just keep going.
Felix (to Zoe): I'm sorry, pretty girl. I didn't mean to make things awkward for you. If you'd like, I can leave. I'm up and moving, more or less. I'm not looking to make things strained for you.
Zoe (to Felix): It's okay, I'm a big girl. I can handle it… I mean, hell, you don't seem to be all that torn up. So, clearly anything I was sensing was one-sided. Besides, you made your feelings on the matter pretty clear… You need a place to stay, we have room. I had planned on going to stay with Seph for a bit but my parents need me here, what with Victor being gone. I'll try not to make it too awkward for you.
Felix (to Zoe): Heh heh. It's alright. I know when not to overstay my welcome. I do appreciate everything you and your family has done. Don't worry. I won't tell Delphine, or anyone else, what you told me. It is the very least I can do.
Zoe (to Felix): Oh… Well, thank you for that. Where will you go?
Felix (to Zoe): I'm not sure. I'm a smart lad, and it's not the first time I've done this. I'm sure I can find someplace to sleep.
Zoe (to Felix): So what? You're just going to go wander the streets rather than stay here in a nice warm bed because it might be a little weird for a bit? … That's fucking stupid.
Felix (to Zoe): Heh. Well, "weird for a bit" is only a step away from being "here for too long," isn't it? Bloody hell, girl! I'm trying to make this easy on you.
Zoe (to Felix): Make it easy on me!?! I think you're just trying to make it easy on yourself. I don't care if you want or need to wander the world… That's just an excuse you tell yourself so you don't get attached to anyone. Well, I can go anywhere in the blink of an eye. If you don't want to be with me, just fucking say so. Don't use those lame excuses, it's fucking insulting.
Felix (to Zoe): I didn't say that was the issue! Did I ruddy SAY that was the issue? Bloody hell! Don't you sit there and... I'm going. Fucking hell... I'm going in a minute...
Zoe (to Felix): Oh shit… Felix, you're going to rip your stitches. Sit the fuck down… I'm sorry… Let me fix that for you… I'm not the enemy, you know? I care what happens to you. I wish you'd just talk to me.
Felix (to Zoe): I know you're not. I'm just a bit... Honestly, I feel awful. I'm probably not thinking straight.
Zoe (to Felix): You stay here, you need medical supervision. I don't know why you won't talk to me but I'll just keep away from you, ok? I'm sure my parents are done with the cargo hold, by now.
Felix (to Zoe): I don't want you to stay away from me, pretty girl. That's the problem.
Zoe (to Felix): … I'm confused. Why is that a problem?
Felix (to Zoe): Oh for... Because I'm a cad, untrustworthy, & little better than a rake! God almighty, you deserve someone SO much better... Bloody hell... What did Momma Bear hit me with? I feel...
Zoe (to Felix): Let me be the judge of what I deserve.
Felix (to Zoe): I-I... Heh. I don't know what to say to that. I need to go find something to eat. I should get some sleep first...
Zoe (to Felix): I'll get my mom or dad to bring you something to eat… I'll be down in the cargo hold.
Felix (to Zoe): ... Right. Thank you.
A few minutes later:
Poppy (to Felix): You know, honey, we could hear you two yelling all the way on the bridge… I brought you a grilled cheese sandwich & a bowl of soup. Please forgive Zoe her emotional outbursts, honey. When she decides she cares about someone or something, she goes whole hog.
Felix (to Poppy): Oh. I'm very sorry, missus. I didn't mean to disturb you and the Captain.
Poppy (to Felix): You didn't disturb us, honey... But, I distinctly remember asking you to be straight with Zoe. And, I don't think you were. Now what am I supposed to make of that?
Felix (to Poppy): All due respect to you, missus, but I WAS. I told her exactly what kind of man I was, and exactly what kind of relationship it was she could expect. I've been trying to keep my distance ever since.
Poppy (to Felix): Oh really? And, what kind of man are you, honey?
Felix (to Poppy): Untrustworthy, fickle and all around questionable, missus. I thought that would go without saying.
Poppy (to Felix): Heehee. Who are you trying to convince more, her or yourself, honey?
Felix (to Poppy): ... I... I don't know what to say to that, ma'am. I should think you'd be the first to agree with me.
Poppy (to Felix): Honey, I see a scared young man that hasn't had two sticks to rub together or much of anything to call his own & who thinks that for some reason he doesn't deserve to have anything nice or special in his life... Honestly, I expected a bit more of a fight from you. I guess I had you pegged wrong... Well phooey, I wasted a perfectly good scary speech on you.
Felix (to Poppy): Heh. Sorry to disappoint you, missus. If you don't mind waiting until tomorrow, when I'm feeling a bit more myself, I can give you one hell of a bloody row. Right now I'm... Honestly, I'm just tired, ma'am.
Poppy (to Felix): Alright, honey. Get some sleep.
Felix (to Poppy): Aye, aye, ma'am.
