Onboard the recently acquired airship, the a docks; New London, Britannia:
Yukiko (to Felix): Wake up, Mister Baldwin! We've got work to do. This airship isn't going to repair itself. No matter how much we wish it would.
Felix (to Yukiko): Back off! ... Miss Yuki! Oh. Heh. Sorry to brandish a-- screwdriver at you, pretty lady. You surprised me. I didn't hear you come in... I'm not usually a deep sleeper. I'll be up and about in a minute.
Yukiko (to Felix): Heh. It's ok. You've been through a lot recently. Deep sleep happens sometimes… Weird question… Was Zoe in here recently?
Felix (to Yukiko): Yes, ma'am. She was here last night dropping off some supplies.
Yukiko (to Felix): … Last night, huh? She must have really doused herself in perfume, then. I can still smell it. Odd. And, don't call me ma'am. You look to be about the same age as me. Yuki is fine.
Felix (to Yukiko): Yes, ma'am... I was just kidding! Just kidding! No need to look at me with murder in your eyes, Yuki. Let me get myself together, and I'll be topside in a minute.
Yukiko (to Felix): Sounds good. We need to get the sails down & repaired. Victor wants to try and take her out later today… God help us all. Heh. That doesn't surprise me. Aye aye.
A short time later:
Felix: Bloody hell, this crew... What smells like perfume?
Winchester (to Felix): I think that would be you, Mister Felix… Smells like Vanilla and warm sugar, like fresh baked cookies. I take it you were called topside to help with the sails as well? Damn that Kobayashi. You ruin one of her shirts & she decides that you owe her practically a life debt. This must be one of those life lessons I was warned about when I was a lad.
Felix (to Winchester): Heh. I'll be sure keep that in mind. Excuse me, Mr. Fox. I should get topside. If I'm starting to smell offensive enough that I'm getting sprayed down in my sleep, I should probably get out into the open air.
Winchester (to Felix): Right you are… I am going to try to sneak off this tub before the women try to finagle some more manual labor out of me again.
Fiona (to Winchester & Felix): Sneak? That's ADORABLE. Come with me, pretty prissy lad. You have work to do. You too, Mister New York!
Winchester (to Fiona & Felix): … Damn! I knew I should have left earlier.
Fiona (to Winchester & Felix): Ha ha! That's what I love about you, Fox: your ever present delusional optimism. Come along, New York, or I'll throw you over the other shoulder!
Winchester (to Fiona): This reminds me of something, firebug… Oh right. Cairo… You remember Cairo, don't you?
Fiona (to Winchester): Cairo? Was that the time you were shot in the leg and I had to carry your bloody, heavy arse 13 kilometers?
Winchester (to Fiona & Felix): … Oh. Perhaps, it wasn't Cairo I was thinking of. ;-P
Fiona (to Winchester): Ha! Which time was it then? You talk like this is the only time I've carried you off.
Winchester (to Fiona & Felix): Hush you! You're going to make Mister Felix here think that I play the damsel in distress all the time.
Felix (to Winchester & Fiona): I wouldn't worry about that, Mr. Fox. I know the look of a man who could more than kill me if he had a mind. Whatever else you get up to isn't any business of mine.
Winchester (to Fiona & Felix): … Would you listen to him, firebug? You'd think we were terrible people the way he's going on.
Fiona (to Winchester & Felix): He'd be right about that then, wouldn't he, Fox?
Winchester (to Fiona & Felix): Well yes… But how does he know that?
Felix (to Winchester & Fiona): Heh. I told you, Mr. Fox, I've got a very good sense of self preservation. Besides, I'm not really one to be making judgments like that, am I?
Winchester (to Felix & Fiona): HAHA.
Fiona (to Felix & Winchester): Heh. Careful, lad. Fox might take a shine to you, and start complaining to you about the state of his nails. (to Yukiko) Oi! I've brought two able bodies and one wee, lan dhen cac deserter.
Yukiko (to Fiona): Was Fox trying to run off again? (to Winchester) You're not done until I say you're done, Jakkasu.
Fiona (to Yukiko): Ha ha ha! Here. This is for you. What can New York and I do?
Yukiko (to Fiona): If you can help Victor pull down the sails that would be great. (to Felix) You think you can handle replacing the rigging? I don't want you pulling those stitches. (to Winchester) Get sewing those patches, Nancy boy.
Winchester (to Yukiko): This is just downright insulting…
Felix (to Winchester): Heh. Well, if you'd like to replace the rigging, I'll happily trade jobs with you, Mr. Fox.
Winchester (to Felix): No, I think I'll stay here, thank you… Did you tell the little miss how you felt about her, last night?
Felix (to Winchester): Tell who what now?
Winchester (to Felix): Zoe… Don't try to con a con-artist, Mister New York… You got a bit too quiet when I brought her up and then when she appeared you made off with her a bit too quickly for it to be simple chivalry… I apologize for saying what I did. I really have no interest in her, she's practically family. I just said it to see what you would do.
Felix (to Winchester): I should have taken Victor seriously when he warned me it'd be hard to keep secrets on board. I'm not denying or confirming anything. Seems like that will just give you more ammo. What's your interest in all of this?
Winchester (to Felix): Boredom. Curiosity. I wish I had something more interesting to offer up as an explanation, but that's the truth… Also, I may have been feeling ever so slightly vindictive. You poked at my relationship, I thought it only fair.
Felix (to Winchester): I didn't mean to poke, Mr. Fox. I have a habit of trying to ingratiate myself to ladies by flirting with them. All I was doing was trying to see what kind of hornets' nest I'd be kicking if I paid too much attention to Fiona.
Winchester (to Felix): Heh. Flirting with the ladies is one thing, New York, I'm all for that. You were looking to start trouble so that you didn't have to think about the special someone you were trying to forget. We've all been there.
Felix (to Winchester): ... If you've got those sails patched, I should get them hung.
Winchester (to Felix): Yes, of course.
Fiona (to Winchester): Here's another batch for you, lovely. Are you chasing off Fluffy Lad's crew?
Winchester (to Fiona): No, nothing like that… We had a little misunderstanding earlier. And, I'm apparently terrible at apologies. Remember that, firebug, the next time I screw something up. :-P
Felix (to Winchester): Ha ha ha! Don't worry about that, lovely. If you ever find a way to insult me, I'll just break something little. Like a rib.
A short time later:
Yukiko (to Felix): Hey, can you hand me that sail?
Felix (to Yukiko): Aye, aye, boss lady. Here you go. Oops! Watch yourself there.
Yukiko (to Felix): Thanks... I'm not really the boss, you know? Victor's a bit in shock about the whole airship thing. He finds it easier to make bloody awful jokes. Family trait. You'll get used to it... eventually. So, how'd you end up as one of the strays?
Felix (to Yukiko): Heh. I figured they've done this kind of thing before. I escorted Zoe home, and asked her out for a drink. Momma Bear found me bloody on the docks after my former ship was attacked, took me home and stitched me up.
Yukiko (to Felix): Well, you couldn't have stumbled on a better group of folks, if you tried.
Felix (to Yukiko): ... So no hidden agenda, then? Aside from being surrounded by frighteningly astute folk that could drop me at 100 paces, I can't work out what the angle is… If there is one.
Yukiko (to Felix): Heh. There isn't one that I'm aware of... Honest. Victor & Zoe's parents had a rough time of it as kids & they had folks that helped them get through it. So, sometimes they like to return the favor. It's taken me awhile to come to terms with it, myself.
Felix (to Yukiko): Ha ha ha! It does kind of go against every instinct that's kept you alive this long, doesn't it. Here's the next one, boss.
Yukiko (to Felix): Heh. You could say that again... So, can I ask you a question?
Felix (to Yukiko): Depends on whether or not it's a question you already know the answer to. Can't say that I care for people trying to catch me in a lie.
Yukiko (to Felix): Fair enough... I'm assuming because of your connection with Delphine & pirates that you know about portals & skippers. Is that a fair assumption?
Felix (to Yukiko): It is. ...Delphine was the one who got me off the Black Bart. Heh. I'm afraid it means I owe her a favor now.
Yukiko (to Felix): Well, Chess can handle her. She owes him a favor... But, my question is, have you ever been off world?
Felix (to Yukiko): ... Just once.
Yukiko (to Felix): ... Well, judging from your response, you don't want to talk about that, so I won't pry. Victor & Zoe's family spend time there from time to time. And there may be things you find onboard that are from that side, so I didn't want you to be freaked out. I personally don't like it over there. It's too loud, too many people for my taste... The way people dress is off-putting.
Felix (to Yukiko): Heh. Well, I didn't see much, but consider it duly noted, boss. See something you don't understand? Don't stare.
Yukiko (to Felix): Also, I doubt anyone has brought it up & it seems to be my job to be the hatchet man. You look exactly like Zoe's ex-boyfriend, Colin, and he's from that side. I think that's one of the reasons everyone has been unreasonably involved whenever you two are in the same room or she's mentioned around you. But, if you're going to be crewing with us, we need to be as honest as we can with each other. I need to know we can count on you & that you have our back.
Felix (to Yukiko): I can appreciate the candor, boss. Zoe did tell me that I looked like a lot like her ex. That certainly explains some things.
Yukiko (to Felix): Just so you know, I think she likes you based on your own merits not because of that... I mean, she broke it off with him. From what I understand, he was pretty devastated about it.
Felix (to Yukiko): Heh. Well, that wouldn't surprise me. As long as we're being frank, I don't know that I'd stretch the definition as far as "trustworthy," but I won't slaughter you in your sleep, shoot you in the back, or try to stage a coup.
Yukiko (to Felix): Good to know.
Felix (to Yukiko): Heh. But...? No use standing on formalities now, boss lady. Have your say.
Yukiko (to Felix): No buts, if I had something to say I would have said it.
Felix (to Yukiko): Heh. My apologies, then. I can't imagine why I feel like I'm being interrogated with this crowd. :-P
Yukiko (to Felix): Cuz you're a criminal? ... Just a thought.
Felix (to Yukiko): There is that.
Yukiko (to Felix): I'm just teasing.
In a broken down building; The Tombs, New London, Britannia:
Hiiri, inside Starling's head (to Starling): Miss Starling? ... Starling. Starling!?! I know you can bloody well hear me. Stop ignoring me, you insolent little brat!
Starling (to Hiiri): I am sorry, ma'am. But, you are just a faulty chip or some bad wiring. There can't possibly be two personality matrices in this chassis. And, as this is my chassis, you must be an error in my programming.
Hiiri (to Starling): I'll show you an error in your programming!
Starling (to Hiiri): That is an impressive trick, ma'am. Projecting your image so that it would appear as if you were in the room. Clearly, I hav-- been damaged and, should go see Professor Maladori for repairs.
Hiiri (to Starling): That is an excellent idea... I'm glad I thought of it.
Onboard the Maltese Falcon; In the sky, near Qin Territory:
Poppy (to Vincent & Zoe): Lover, we seem to have company incoming fast... Zoe, take your brother to the living quarters.
Zoe (to Poppy): Ok, mom... Is this bad?
Poppy (to Zoe): I'm not sure, honey... If we tell you to take your brother & go, you do it, ok?
Zoe (to Poppy): ... Okay.
Vincent (to Zoe): It'll be fine, sweetie. (to Poppy) What are we looking at, hun?
Poppy (to Vincent): Honey, those are Madame Cheng's battleships... and they don't look like they mean to play nice. Have you done something to upset her recently?
Vincent (to Poppy): Recently? Not that I can recall, but the Madame has a LONG memory, and I... Well, I'm me, aren't I? Are we near a jump point we can use, lover?
Poppy (to Vincent): We're coming up on one in three minutes. Is that going to be enough time, lover?
Vincent (to Poppy): I will make it enough time. (to Zoe) Zoe? Hun? Now might be a good time for you to go visit your brother.
Zoe (to Vincent & Poppy): Ok. I've got Lucas all packed up... You guys are going to be alright, aren't you?
Vincent (to Zoe): Always! We'll contact you as soon as we can. We love you and take care of your brother!
Poppy (to Zoe): This is just a precaution. If we're not back in a day, take Lucas to the inn.
Zoe (to Vincent & Poppy): I love you both. (to Lucas) Come on, Lucas.
A moment later, onboard the recently acquired airship, the docks; New London, Britannia:
Zoe: Oof... How you holding up, little brother? Are you giggling? You are. You big weirdo. Victor! Yoyo!
Victor (to Zoe): Up here, Zoe! What's up? I thought you were making a delivery with Mom and Dad.
Zoe (to Victor): I was but then a bunch of Cheng's battleships were incoming & Dad said to grab Lucas & come see you... They're up to something, aren't they?
Victor (to Zoe): They are totes up to something. Are we on the 24 hour wait?
Zoe (to Victor): Yeah. I'm supposed to bring Lucas to the inn, if they're not back in a day... Is there somewhere I can put Lucas? He needs to be changed, fed, probably changed again & then put down for bed.
Victor (to Zoe): We can probably stick him in one of the bunks. ...Shit. I think this is the first time I've had to change him by myself.
Zoe (to Victor): Really? Well, it's about time you learned. I've done it a bunch. I'll go see if I can find something to act like a railing or a crib, while you figure it out. Otherwise, he might roll out of the bunk.
Victor (to Zoe): I'm sure I can... Uh, yeah. I can handle that. (to Lucas) Come on Lucas. I'll make a deal with you. If you don't pee on me, I won't pee on you.
Yukiko (to Victor): Why are you wrestling a monkey in a diaper?
Victor (to Yukiko): Heh heh. That's not a monkey. It's my baby brother. I'm... Theoretically, I'm changing him.
Yukiko (to Victor): Heh. Well, I'm going to theoretically help you. :-P
Victor (to Yukiko): Thank you! I don't have very much experience with babies. Clearly.
A few minutes later:
Zoe: What the hell is this!?! Oh gross! ... The people who lived on this thing were so nasty. Wait... This might work with a little tooling.
Felix: Oof. I'm going to sleep for... (to Zoe) Zoe? I thought you were running a job with your parents.
Zoe (to Felix): I was... Cheng was attacking. Mom & Dad sent me back with my little brother... I'm trying to make a railing for a bunk. Is this your room? I'm sorry. I didn't realize.
Felix (to Zoe): I suppose so. Heh. You don't have to make that face. I haven't had a chance to clear it out yet. Who did you say was attacking?
Zoe (to Felix): Madame Cheng... Mom said there were battleships. I think they're up to something.
Felix (to Zoe): Your parents are picking a fight with Madame Cheng?! Are they goddamn insa--... Oh. Right. Sorry. I'm sure they'll be fine.
Zoe (to Felix): This probably has something to do with Yuki or the Franklins... Can I borrow this crate? I want to stick my brother in it. :-P
Felix (to Zoe): Don't use that one. The bottom's half rotted out. Hold on... This one might work a bit better. I think these blankets are pretty clean. You can line the inside of the crate for him.
Zoe (to Felix): Oh, perfect... You interested in going for a walk after I put Lucas down for the night?
Felix (to Zoe): ... Honestly, I feel like I should say no, but I think I'd like that.
Zoe (to Felix): Excellent! Meet me topside in 5 minutes.
Felix (to Zoe): Heh. Aye aye.
A few minutes later:
Zoe (to Felix): Hey, you're here! I wasn't sure you were going to show up.
Felix (to Zoe): Heh. I figured it might not be the best idea to stand you up while crewing with your brother and a bunch of dangerous types who think of you as kin... I was just teasing, you know.
Zoe (to Felix): Heehee... I bet you could take 'em. Well, maybe not right this second. You still seem a little worse for wear. So why didn't think you should come out with me? It's just a walk. I wasn't going to propose or anything. For someone that was so smooth acting when we first met. One might think that you've never been with a girl before... Oh. Wait. Is that it? Are you all bravado & flash but you've never actually been with a girl before?
Felix (to Zoe): What? Ha ha ha! Why would you... Heh. You should know, pretty girl. Do you REALLY think I've never been with a girl before?
Zoe (to Felix): I'm a terrible judge of that... On the one hand, I've only had one boyfriend... and, uh, nevermind. You could just be a natural when it comes to that sort of thing.
Felix (to Zoe): Only one boyfriend, eh? Heh. I suppose your former boy and I are more alike than just in looks then. :-P
Zoe (to Felix): ... Not at all. You're far better in bed than he wa-- Who told you?
Felix (to Zoe): Your brother's girl, Yuki. She wanted to make sure she could trust me not to slaughter them in their sleep if I was to be on board, and figured keeping secrets wasn't a great way to built trust. Heh. And you mentioned it yourself, you know.
Zoe (to Felix): Heh. You're very observant, Mister Clever... Should I even bother asking what else she told you about me? It would explain why you don't want to spend time with me or is it just the looking like my former boyfriend thing that makes you run away?
Felix (to Zoe): Just that you broke Mr. Too-Well-Adjusted's heart a bit and that he was from the other side. I wouldn't say I'm running away.
Zoe (to Felix): You wouldn't? Okay, maybe you're only walking quickly... But, there's clearly something about me that irritates you.
Felix (to Zoe): I'm not bloody irritated with you! I mean... You don't irritate me.
Zoe (to Felix): You're a bloody liar.
Felix (to Zoe): I am not! I'm... I'm not irritated. You throw me off my game, pretty girl. Which you know, and you're doing on purpose.
Zoe (to Felix): Heehee. Maybe a little... You can hardly blame me, you're fucking frustrating.
Felix (to Zoe): Usually, I'm not. I'm much more straightforward than this.
Zoe (to Felix): Oh? I like straight-forward.
Victor (to Zoe & Felix): Zoe! Stop making out with the crew for a minute. Where did you put Lucas's bag of baby shit?
Zoe (to Victor & Felix): What!?! We weren't making out... I left his bag next to the bunk. Did you do something wrong?
Victor (to Zoe): I didn't do anything! He's making... I don't know. Fussy baby noises.
Zoe (to Felix): ... Why isn't Yuki helping you? She had a baby brother.
Victor (to Zoe): Because she thinks it's funny when I flail around. I'm sure there's... Well, there's bound to be summit he bloody well wants! Thanks. Go back to your non-make out make-outs.
Zoe (to Victor): We just might. ;-P (to Felix) Sorry about that. Big brother isn't used to babies.
Felix (to Zoe): Heh heh. So I see.
