Onboard the Maltese Falcon, the docks; New London, Britannia:
Poppy (to Zoe): Zoe, please listen to me. With Hiiri being back, I just want you & Lucas safe and out of harm's way. Is that really so wrong?
Zoe (to Poppy): No. I understand all that, but you're not sending Victor back there. It's a bit of a double standard, Mom. I should get treated the same way. He's only a year older than me, maybe… And, it's not like I haven't been in danger before.
Poppy (to Zoe): But, honey, you don't know how to fight & for the most part you have lived on the other side. You're still unfamiliar with how this side works. You can't use your father's patented method of stumbling into things blindly & hoping for the best.
Zoe (to Poppy): Well, I'm not going & you can't make me. Yuki can teach me how to fight. The twins have given me a ton of books to read, which I've been doing to bone up on the cultural & history stuff I don't know. And, Lucas will be safe at the inn with Percy, Aunt Molly & Uncle Bernard. Besides, you're going to need me if Hiiri's back. I know how she thinks… Sadly.
Poppy (to Zoe): Zoe honey, I-- Oooo, fine. I swear I don't know where you get that stubborn streak…We'll start your training this afternoon.
Zoe (to Poppy): … You're going to train me?
Poppy (to Zoe): Yes, honey, along with Yuki. And, there will be tests. Whenever you fail one, a new chore will be added to your list.
Zoe (to Poppy): But--
Poppy (to Zoe): No, you wanted to be treated like Victor, so that's what we're going to do. Just remember you asked for it, honey.
Zoe: Why do I get the distinct feeling that my mother just tricked me?
Meanwhile, at Aiden's house, New London, Britannia:
Persephone (to Joseph): Joseph, there appears to be a strange man staring at the front door from the other side of the house.
Joseph (to Persephone): Let me see… Shit! That's the jackass from the pub, that I told you about, the one harassing Nate for no reason.
Persephone (to Joseph): Well, that can't be good… You stay here. I'll be right back. I'm going to grab us some breakfast & let Mrs. Esterly know… Though, more than likely she already knows & has decided to leave the crazy man to his own devices. Be right back!
Joseph (to Persephone): Oh sure… Damn that girl moves fast when she wants to.
A moment later, in the kitchen:
Persephone (to Mrs. Esterly): Mrs. Esterly, the man that was harassing Nate the other night appears to be outside the house.
Mrs. Esterly (to Persephone): Yes, dear. I know. I rather think he's waiting for me to make an appearance.
Persephone (to Mrs. Esterly): Oh… What do you need me to do?
Mrs. Esterly (to Persephone): Get yourself some breakfast. I want you and Joseph staying as far away from that man as possible. Don't let him catch sight of you if you can help it. I'll call for you if I need help moving the body.
Persephone (to Mrs. Esterly): Yes, ma'am.
A moment later, on the street:
Mrs. Esterly (to Balthazar): Balthazar.
Balthazar (to Mrs. Esterly): Agatha. I was wondering when it was you'd finally say hello. You look good. Old. But good.
Mrs. Esterly (to Balthazar): Take one more step in this direction, Quentin and I will shoot you where you stand. I'd rather not have to scrub blood off the sidewalk at my age.
Balthazar (to Mrs. Esterly): What makes you think I won't kill you first, Agatha? Maybe I just wanted to stop by. Say hello to an old... An old FRIEND.
Mrs. Esterly (to Balthazar): Please, don't be insulting. You were always a slow draw and a horrible shot. Age hasn't slowed me down nearly that much. What do you want? You've spent enough time hovering outside my door giving the neighborhood children nightmares, I think. You shouldn't try to joke, Quentin. It doesn't suit you. What is it you want, dear?
Balthazar (to Mrs. Esterly): Breaking out the "dears" now, are you? Fine. Have it your fucking way. The boy. Inside your house. I want to speak to him.
Mrs. Esterly (to Balthazar): Why?
Balthazar (to Mrs. Esterly): No reason. I think he might know someone. Someone I'm looking for. I lost his trail the other night. You know me. I'd like to find the little cocksucker again. We weren't done talking.
Mrs. Esterly (to Balthazar): I think you are. You're not to come anywhere near anyone I have in this house, Quentin. Do you understand me? I won't waste my breath trying to threaten you. You know what I'll do to you. Goodbye, dear. Kindly fuck off and die.`
Meanwhile, in Aiden's house:
Aiden (to Persephone): Persephone, is there a reason you're staring out the window like a common gossipmonger?
Persephone (to Aiden): Aaah! Bloody 'ell, Aiden! You scared the life out of me! Mrs. Esterly is talking to some strange man on the street.
Aiden (to Persephone): Heh. I beg your pardon, Seph… Shit! That's Quentin. This is not good. You & Joseph need to stay away from the windows. You & he should get into the upstairs parlor… Can you please do that for me? No questions.
Persephone (to Aiden): … Yes. Of course, but--
Aiden (to Persephone): Please, Seph, just do it.
A couple minutes later:
Aiden (to Mrs. Esterly): Mrs. Esterly, are you alright? Here… I made you some tea. You look like you could use it.
Mrs. Esterly (to Aiden): Oh thank you, Master Aiden. Have you moved Persephone and Joseph away from the windows?
Aiden (to Mrs. Esterly): Yes, I did as soon as I saw Quentin outside. What is he doing here? I thought he was off in the Uncharted Territories or one of the nine levels in Hell.
Mrs. Esterly (to Aiden): I wouldn't imagine even Hell would suffer him for long. He was looking for Joseph. Where is Nathaniel?
Aiden (to Mrs. Esterly): Back in West Piedmont. I used my portal generator to crossover, I had a breakfast date with my aunt & Justine. I didn't want to wake him after his late night at work… Why would he be looking for Nate?
Mrs. Esterly (to Aiden): I don't know yet, dear. Persephone said Joseph saw Quentin harassing your boy the other night. I'm sure Balthazar wanted Joesph to answer some questions about Nate's whereabouts. Good heavens! What is it with that family and trouble? They are bred for it, I swear. Be extra careful when you two are on this side, dear.
Aiden (to Mrs. Esterly): Well, the trouble always seems to be related… So, more than likely it's someone we've already had a run-in with. But, who would be stupid and arrogant enough to hire Quentin?
Mrs. Esterly (to Aiden): That's a very good question, dear. I intend to find out. I'm sure the gossip is flying fast and thick in the old circles. Quentin is a bull elephant. He doesn't start stomping about New London without attracting attention.
Aiden (to Mrs. Esterly): That's clearly true. I think I should inform my father that he's back in town & possibly, see if anyone has heard anything. Do be careful, Mrs. Esterly.
Mrs. Esterly (to Aiden): Hee hee hee. And here, I was about to tell you the same thing. I'll talk to your father, dear. You know how he gets with you.
Aiden (to Mrs. Esterly): Yes, yes I do. I'll leave you to it, then. I should head back before Nate starts to worry.
Mrs. Esterly (to Aiden): I'll let you know as soon as I discover anything. Both of you be safe.
Aiden (to Mrs. Esterly): We will.
A short time later:
Mrs. Esterly (to Joseph & Persephone): Here you are. I brought you two some nice cakes. I'm afraid we're going to be on lock down for a wee bit.
Persephone (to Mrs. Esterly & Joseph): Thank you… Who was that man, Mrs. Esterly?
Joseph (to Persephone): Thanks, Mrs. E… Couldn't I skip us somewhere else?
Mrs. Esterly (to Joseph & Persephone): I'm sure you could, dear, but for right now, this is the safest place for us to be. That was Balthazar Quentin. He is an awful man, and was my partner in the ISS for a time. He wanted to speak to Joseph about where he might find Nathaniel.
Persephone (to Mrs. Esterly & Joseph): Oh.
Joseph (to Mrs. Esterly): Alright, you're the boss, Mrs. E… (to Persephone) Seph, I don't think she wants to talk about it.
Persephone (to Mrs. Esterly & Joseph): … But, I have so many questions.
Mrs. Esterly (to Persephone & Joseph): Of course you do, dear. Hee hee hee. Sticking your nose into places it doesn't belong is hereditary, it seems. I didn't bake pies in the ISS, Persephone. Sometimes we were called on to do horrible things for Queen and Country. Balthazar specialized in doing horrible things. And that's all I'm going to say on the matter.
Persephone (to Mrs. Esterly & Joseph): Fair enough, Mrs. Esterly. I'm sorry if I pry too much. I often feel like people keep things from me because they don't think I can handle it.
Joseph (to Persephone): Seph, no one thinks that.
Mrs. Esterly (to Persephone): Hee hee hee. Oh, good heavens. Dear, if I thought you were incapable or foolish, I wouldn't allow you in my home. We all have to suffer fools sometimes, but I'm under no obligation to live or associate with them. Why on earth do you think I stay with Master Aiden rather than his father, or heaven forbid, ROLAND.
Joseph (to Persephone & Mrs. Esterly): HAHA. She's gotta pretty good point there, Seph.
Persephone (to Joseph): Heh. You are such a suck-up, sometimes. (to Mrs. Esterly) Well, I'm glad to hear that.
Mrs. Esterly (to Persephone): Working with Balthazar was not a pleasant experience, dear, and I see no good reason to rehash it right now.
Persephone (to Mrs. Esterly): Alright. I promise I won't bring it up anymore. (to Joseph) Stop grinning at me, you big pain in my bustle.
Joseph (to Persephone): Heh. Sorry. It's just funny when you don't get your way… OW! Don't slap me. I was just teasing. Sheesh.
Mrs. Esterly (to Joseph & Persephone): Hee hee. She is rather accustomed to getting her way, isn't she? I'm going to go start lunch. You two are more than welcome to move about the house if you like. Quentin won't try to come inside. I don't believe even he's that foolish.
Persephone (to Mrs. Esterly): I'll just get started on my chores then. (to Joseph) Come on, Joseph, you can help me… We'll start in the bedrooms.
Joseph (to Persephone): I'm being punished for my wisecrack, aren't I?
Persephone (to Joseph): Not at all, unless you think spending time with your girlfriend is a punishment… Is that what you think?
Joseph (to Persephone): Is that a trick question? Just kidding… God, don't use your death glare on me. You know, it's lucky for you that I'm used to being around abusive folks, cuz I can tell that you're just playing when you slap me...
Persephone (to Joseph): … Oh. Joseph, I'm so sorry. I wasn't thinking. I'm such an idiot.
Joseph (to Persephone): I didn't mean to make you feel bad… C'mere Seph.
Two hours later, at Nathaniel & Aiden's apartment; West Piedmont:
Nathaniel (to Aiden): Hey. I was wondering when you were gonna escape. Heh. How was "brunch?"
Aiden (to Nathaniel): A bit like going to the dentist with a toothache… You know, you need to do it but it doesn't make it any less painful.
Nathaniel (to Aiden): Ha ha ha! Come on! How bad could it have been? You're fucking charming enough to... What's wrong?
Aiden (to Nathaniel): Apparently, the creep that was bothering you in the pub with Joseph is Balthazar Quentin… He came to the house to look for Joseph and ask him about you. You need to stay clear of that gentleman & I'm serious. None of your usual, bravado & "yeah, ok" and then, you go find out who he is, alright? This is bad news for everyone. Whoever has hired him has no idea what they've gotten themselves into.
Nathaniel (to Aiden): Well, yeah. No shit that guy was bad fucking news. You could smell it off him. You are really fucking freaked about this. Who the fuck is this guy?
Aiden (to Nathaniel): He was Mrs. Esterly's partner for a little while. They didn't part company on the best of terms. He was disavowed from ISS after an incident they were involved in.
Nathaniel (to Aiden): Mrs. Esterly worked with that fucking lunatic?! Holy shit... What the fuck happened?
Aiden (to Nathaniel): I'm not quite sure. There's a lot of speculation but, the files were all redacted and put into the Vault. Mrs. Esterly doesn't like to talk about it. I think it may have been the reason why she stepped down and retired. The rumors made it sound pretty damn bad.
Nathaniel (to Aiden): Whoa. Jesus bear-punching Christ... I take it he takes a scorched fucking earth approach to his jobs?
Aiden (to Nathaniel): Yes, that's always been the impression that I got… I'm worried that she's going to try to deal with him on her own. She mentioned the old circle and that she was going to talk to my father.
Nathaniel (to Aiden): So what do we do? Don't make that face at me. Trust me, I'm ALL for staying as far away from that fuck as possible, but if you think Mrs. Esterly might need some help...
Aiden (to Nathaniel): I think she might… You should have seen her when she came back from confronting him. She looked, well, she looked old and tired. I don't remember her ever looking like that. She's always looked like she could run circles around people four times her age. It worries me.
Nathaniel (to Aiden): And she's too fucking stubborn and overprotective to ask us to help. Too bad for her she's getting it. C'mere.
Aiden (to Nathaniel): Heh. Are you trying to distract me, Nate?
Nathaniel (to Aiden): No. I was trying to be comforting, ass. Heh. Apparently, I fucking suck at it. Want me to distract you instead? That I think can fucking handle.
Aiden (to Nathaniel): Heh. The hug was nice AND comforting. It was the hand on my ass that made me jump to the wrong conclusion.
Nathaniel (to Aiden): ...Not my fault your ass is fine as hell.
Aiden (to Nathaniel): C'mere. I think it's time I distracted you.
Nathaniel (to Aiden): Heh. I think I can handle that too.
A couple hours later, cargo bay, Maltese Falcon; New London, Britannia:
Poppy (to Zoe): You did good for a first time, honey. (to Yukiko) You may want to go put some ice on that lip, sweetie, before it swells.
Zoe (to Poppy): Thanks, Mom. (to Yukiko) I'm really sorry about that, Yuki.
Yukiko (to Zoe & Poppy): Beginners luck. The technique wasn't one I was familiar with. What's it called?
Zoe (to Yukiko): Um, I like to call it the "flailing around trying not to get hit" technique.
Yukiko (to Zoe): Heh. Well, it was strangely effective this time but next time I'll be ready for you. You're going to have to really learn how to fight… Go get cleaned up. We'll start your training in the morning. Oh, and you'll need this. You're going to be sore.
A moment later, in the galley, onboard the Wicked Sister; New London, Britannia:
Victor (to Yukiko): Ouch. Heh. My little sister managed to catch you off guard, did she? Let me get you some ice.
Yukiko (to Victor): Heh. It was her crazy technique or lack of one that threw me off. I'm used to fighting folks that have some semblance of a survival instinct or fighting skill. She doesn't seem to have either. And yet, I know she managed to survive ISS & CLANNG retrieval squads hunting her down. How on earth did she do it, pure dumb luck?
Victor (to Yukiko): Well, dumb luck does run in the family. Here you are. She might have had some fighting instincts lingering from my Aunt, Otto taught her to box when she was being held by Smythe, I believe. Don't let Zoe fool you. She's a skipper and MUCH sneakier than you would think. Is my mom going to be giving her "quizzes?"
Yukiko (to Victor): Yes. She gave me a list of things that she wants Zoe proficient in by the time they get back from their next delivery run. Apparently, Zoe wanted to be treated like you so, that's what your mom is doing… Did she really give you more chores when you failed a quiz?
Victor (to Yukiko): Heh. Hell yeah she did. She found it was the most effective way to REALLY make sure I practiced. Poor Zoe. Sometimes, it's hard to take school seriously when the worst you'll get is a bad grade. :-P Let me see the list.
Yukiko (to Victor): Well, I certainly prefer your mother's teaching technique from my own.
Victor (to Yukiko): Yeah. No shit. I may have LOOKED like hell sometimes, but Mom never actively terrorized me. Your mother... I apologize. It isn't my place to say anything negative about your mother... Wait. WHAT? She doesn't have to learn pick pocketing?
Yukiko (to Victor): Heh. That's not really my area.
Victor (to Yukiko): Heh. It's still not fair. I was ready to throw that bloody seven bells jacket right out of the bloody hangar as a kid.
Yukiko (to Victor): I'm sure your mom has a very good reason... Like, she simply likes Zoe more. :-p
Victor (to Yukiko): Ha ha ha! Or, maybe she realized that teaching your child to be a sneak thief isn't always a good idea.
Yukiko (to Victor): That could very well be it. Ow... I think my lip is swollen just a bit. Heh. No more kisses for you for a few days.
Victor (to Yukiko): ... Damn it, Zoe!
A short time later, in Zoe's quarters:
Zoe: So sore… I think my bruises are going to have bruises. And, this was only the first lesson… I'm going to die.
Percy (to Zoe): Very much doubtful, honey bunny. You're made of much sterner stuff if I do recall.
Zoe (to Percy): Oh god, Percy… Are you here to torture me, too?
Percy (to Zoe): Not at all, sweetie. I just thought I'd stop by and say hello on my way to the inn. Poppy asked me to check the engine of this junker so that I can send the schematics to Tesla. He's going to do some upgrades once this thing can travel.
Zoe (to Percy): Oh well, hello… Could you let me get back to my quiet wallowing in pain?
Percy (to Zoe): Heehee, of course, sweetie. Have fun.
A few minutes later:
Percy (to Felix): Well… Hello, sexy. And, who might you be?
Felix (to Percy): Felix. I'm one of Captain Harrison's crew. Is there something I can do for you, sir, or did you come to gawk? ;-)
Percy (to Felix): Well, gawking is working for me so far, I think. So why change a good thing, honey? I need to find the engine room. Care to show me the way? … I'm Percy.
Felix (to Percy): Ah. So you would be Percy then? Follow me.
Percy (to Felix): So, you've heard about me. That's very interesting. I hope it was complimentary.
Felix (to Percy): It was certainly all very interesting. Zoe said you'll be taking the youngest Potter with you to her Aunt's place.
Percy (to Felix): Yes, the brain the size of a planet & I'm reduced to babysitting duties. It's quite humiliating.
Felix (to Percy): Oh? I should think to the people asking that's one of the most important things you could be doing. Heh heh. But what do I know?
Percy (to Felix): Ooooo, you're clearly not just a pretty face… Have dinner with me. I'll show you a VERY good time.
Felix (to Percy): Ha ha ha! You come straight to the point.. Sorry to disappoint you, but I've got no interest in gentlemen. I really should get back to work before the Captain thinks I've run off. Is there anything else you need before I go?
Percy (to Felix): I'll tell you what. You bring the captain down here, and I'll see to it that there's a nice present in your quarters, later. Maybe, a bottle of bubbly… or a pretty girl? It's the least I can do for taking up your time, honey.
Felix (to Percy): Oh. Well... THANK YOU for the offer, Mr. Percy, but that really isn't necessary. I'll go send the Captain down, shall I?
Percy (to Felix): … Spoilsport.
A few minutes later, on the bridge:
Felix (to Victor): Captain? There's a, uh, gentleman named Percy in the engine room who'd like to talk to you.
Victor (to Felix): Oh? Ha ha ha! And that's why you look kinda panicked, huh? I'm going to assume he said something horribly inappropriate.
Felix (to Victor): Not horribly.
Victor (to Felix): Heh. Thanks for letting me know. I'll go deal with him.
A short time later, in the engine room:
Victor (to Percy): Hello, Percy. Felix said you wanted to talk to me.
Percy (to Victor): Yes, I did. Do you think this junk heap can make it to the monastery, honey?
Victor (to Percy): I'm fairly certain it can... Provided we found all the string, that is.
Percy (to Victor): Well, Tesla is expecting you. Your mother has made an appointment to upgrade the ship… She also seems to think it'll keep you all out of trouble for a bit if you're in the colonies while it's happening.
Victor (to Percy): While what's happening?
Percy (to Victor): Hmmm? I simply meant the upgrades to the ship… What did you name it? So, I can tell Tesla to expect it & not shoot you out the sky. That would be a fine how do you do.
Victor (to Percy): You know, for an automaton, you're a terrible liar. You could just say my parents are up to something since Hiiri showed up. I'd be shocked if they weren't. And the ship's called The Wicked Sister.
Percy (to Victor): Oh… Fine. You know, you were a lot more fun when you were younger, Victor. If you're not careful you're going to turn into a giant grump like your Uncle Eep.
Victor (to Percy): Heh heh. No offense, Percy, but I shudder to think what kind of person you consider "fun." :-P
Percy (to Victor): I will, honey… And, please give my regards to Felix… Zoe & Yuki. Toodles!
Victor (to Percy): Please let Mr. Tesla know we'll be there as soon as we can.
Meanwhile, at Vernian Industries; Coventry, Britannia:
Una (to Balthazar): Can I help you, sir?
Balthazar (to Una): I doubt it. I'm not here to see you. I'm here to see Ms. Greymalkin.
Una (to Balthazar): She's in her office. Last door on the left.
Balthazar (to Una): Yeah. Thanks.
Eva (to Una): Who on earth was that, Una?
Una (to Eva): Not sure, sister dear. But, I don't think it's good that he's here.
A few minutes later, in Ms. Greymalkin's office:
Sidney Greymalkin (to Balthazar): Mister Quentin, what brings you here? Did you find the boy?
Balthazar (to Sidney): Yes. And no. I found him. But--then I lost him. I don't normally loose people. I thought you said this device could track him.
Sidney (to Balthazar): It can. I had heard you were good at your job, Mister Quentin. Was I ill-informed?
Balthazar (to Sidney): You heard I was good... Heh. Yeah. I'm good at my job. I'm damn good at my job. Which is why I can't figure HOW some sketchy cocksucking motherfucker was able to give me the slip! Especially, when you--YOU give me this device that's supposed to be able to track his fucking every move! Now I know I'm NOT THE PROBLEM. That leaves you. And your information. And your fucking device. Is there ANYTHING ELSE you'd like to tell me, Ms. Greymalkin. Something else that might make me--good at my job.
Sidney (to Balthazar): … Mister Quentin, I don't quite appreciate your tone of voice. You disappoint me. And, I don't like to be disappointed. Clearly, you are not up for the task. So, here is the other half of your agreed upon payment. Let us consider the deal to be complete. I have an appointment with someone else that seems far more competent in completing the task at hand. Good day, sir.
Balthazar (to Sidney): I disappoint you? Ha ha HA! I fucking disappoint you? That's cute. REAL cute. I don't think you get how this works. So. Let me explain it to you. I'll be clear. Crystal. I take a job. I FINISH a job. I'll find your boy for you. If you're lucky I might even deliver him alive. And if you try to fucking undercut me, I will deposit the bodies of those motherfucking SCABS on your goddamn doorstep. I'm not good, Greymalkin. I am a fucking GOD akin only to our lord Jesus motherfucking Christ. You don't wanna tell me what you know? It's fine. Fine. Don't worry about it. I'll find Mr. Jones without your help. Good bye. I'll be in touch.
Sidney (to Balthazar): … Goodbye, Mister Quentin. (to Una & Eva) Una? Eva? Could you please come into my office for a moment?
Una (to Sidney): Yes, mother, of course.
Eva (to Sidney): Yes, Mother. Is everything quite alright?
Sidney (to Una & Eva): … I believe I may have made a huge miscalculation in hiring Mister Quentin.
Eva (to Sidney): Was he the man we just saw leave? I should say so.
Sidney (to Una & Eva): Yes. It would appear that he's not at all stable. I fear he is going to complete his task even though I attempted to dismiss him…I was just trying to find that boy that Delphine had taken to Wilbur's lab. I believe he knew where to find Georgette… I'm not sure Mister Quentin is going to leave him or anyone alive, now. For the first time in my life, I think I may be completely at my wit's end as to how to proceed.
Eva (to Sidney & Una): Oh. Oh dear...
Una (to Eva): … Sister dear, I need your assistance in the lobby.
Eva (to Una): Of course, Una. (to Sidney) Um, there, there, Mother. I'm quite sure it will be alright.
Sidney (to Una & Eva): Go on… I'll be fine.
Eva (to Sidney): We'll be right back, Mother. (to Una) What are you thinking, Una?
Una (to Eva): I'm thinking that the young man Mother was referring to was Zoe's cousin Nate… And, that if she was dumb enough to hire that clearly deranged gentleman, who else might she have hired.
Eva (to Una): I shudder to think. Do you think we should warn them?
Una (to Eva): Yes, I think we should.
Eva (to Una): Quick. Let's go and get it done before Mother starts looking for us.
Una (to Eva): Lead the way, sister dear!
A few minutes later, in Ms. Greymalkin's office:
Hiiri (to Sidney): Ah, Ms. Greymalkin, so good to find you in your office.
Sidney (to Hiiri & Carver): Excuse me! How did you get in here? Who are you?
Hiiri (to Carver): Little brother, lock the door, please… (to Sidney) Ms. Greymalkin, it has come to my attention that you took something of mine and I would very much like it back.
Sidney (to Hiiri & Carver): I'm sorry, but I have no idea what you're talking about or who you are.
Carver (to Hiiri): Yes, mistress. (to Sidney) We wouldn't reach for that gun if we were you, miss.
Hiiri (to Carver & Sidney): Oh look, I think the lightbulb has finally gone on in her head. Recognition dawns. How lovely! What did you do with the research that your company took from Maladori's lab? Specifically, the cloning project.
Sidney (to Hiiri & Carver): We used wha-- what we could and scrapped the rest of it. We thought it was her experiments not a project for you… Not until it was much later.
Carver (to Hiiri & Sidney): ...Would you like us to ask her the question again, ma'am?
Hiiri (to Carver & Sidney): Yes, I do believe I would… I'm quite tired of playing nice with you people. I go away for awhile only to find that you've been playing with all of my lovely toys and mucking things about. And, now I just can't seem to find anything where I thought I left it. It's quite frustrating.
Sidney (to Hiiri & Carver): Please don't! I'll tell you whatever you want to know.
Carver (to Hiiri & Sidney): ... Ma'am? We do already have Stella out.
Hiiri (to Sidney): I'm waiting.
Sidney (to Hiiri & Carver): Wait… We completed the genetic experiments & created 2 viable clones. We aged them to 11 years old & then they were raised as normal girls. There wasn't any genetic material left viable so the experiment was scrapped.
Hiiri (to Sidney): Very interesting… Ms. Greymalkin, I will let you live if you sign your half of Vernian Industries over to me.
Sidney (to Hiiri & Carver): I can't do that! My daughters would be out on the street. Wilbur & this company would be lost without me.
Carver (to Sidney): ...Are you sure, miss?
Hiiri (to Sidney): Choice is yours… Sign it over and live or don't and die. I know which one Carver would like you to choose.
Sidney (to Hiiri & Carver): … Fine. Give me a pen.
Hiiri (to Carver & Sidney): Wonderful… Carver, welcome to our new home! You're free to go, Sidney. It was a pleasure doing business with you.
Sidney (to Hiiri & Carver): … Oh really?
Hiiri (to Carver & Sidney): Heh. No, not really… (to Carver) Carver, kill her but not in here. I don't want blood on the carpet.
Carver (to Hiiri): Of course, ma'am.
Sidney (to Hiiri & Carver): Wait. But, you sa--
Hiiri (to Carver): Thank you, little brother.
Carver (to Hiiri): You're welcome, ma'am. It's our pleasure. We shall be back shortly.
An hour or so later, onboard the Wicked Sister, the docks; New London, Britannia:
Zoe (to Una & Eva): Hello ladies! What's going on? … What's wrong?
Eva (to Zoe): We, um, we're afraid we have some uncomfortable news, Miss Zoe. Don't we sister?
Una (to Zoe): I'm sorry to say we do. I'm not quite sure how to say this, Zoe.
Zoe (to Una & Eva): Just spit it out.
Eva (to Zoe): Um, we're afraid our mother hired some kind of *terrifying* mercenary to find your cousin Nate. She tried to fire him, but it... It didn't go very well. Mother is afraid he's not going to leave anyone alive.
Una (to Zoe): We were concerned that she may have hired others like this Quentin fellow.
Zoe (to Una & Eva): Oh… Well, that certainly explains a few things.
Una (to Zoe): You don't seem surprised.
Eva (to Zoe): No, you don't seem surprised at all.
Zoe (to Una & Eva): Oh no, don't get me wrong I'm surprised it was your mom. We've been having run-ins with a new player all week.
Thank you for telling me. You guys are terrific!
Una (to Eva & Zoe): Oh, we're hugging… we don't usually do hugs.
Zoe (to Una & Eva): Heh. Get used to it.
Eva (to Zoe & Una): Are they normally this...tight?
Zoe (to Una & Eva): The way I do it? Yes.
Una (to Eva & Zoe): Perhaps, we should go home now, sister dear? Before she tries to do that again.
Eva (to Una & Zoe): I think that's an extremely good idea, Una. We shall let you know if we learn anything else.
Zoe (to Una & Eva): Heehee. Okay. Thank you.
Victor (to Zoe): Was that Eva and Una? Heh. Were they looking for another job?
Zoe (to Victor): No. They were coming to let us know that it was their mother that hired that nut job, Quentin, to track down Nate.
Victor (to Zoe): Well, shit. That's not good news. Well, he can hunt for him all over New London as long as he likes. Nate's in West Piedmont. Do you think we should warn him not to cross over?
Zoe (to Victor): Probably… I can do it. I need to trade out a couple books and pick up a few things from the apartment, anyway.
Victor (to Zoe): Thanks, little sister. I've still got a lot to do before we take off tomorrow morning... Heh. First time taking the Sister out officially. I probably shouldn't admit this, but I feel like a nervous wreck.
Zoe (to Victor): Heehee. You'll do fine, big brother, you've done this with the Falcon a million times.
Victor (to Zoe): Heh. Yeah, but never with my own ship, and never with a crew. It's always been me, mom and dad before. It's different. You'll understand when you're older and you're doing it yourself. Go. Get lost before I spring one of Mom's quizzes on you.
Zoe (to Victor): Ooooh, I should bring back a camera so when you crash the ship I have pictures…I'm just kidding. Don't throttle your sister!
Victor (to Zoe): Then don't be throttle-able! Pain in my arse...
Zoe (to Victor): Heehee. I'll be back shortly…
A moment later, in Nathaniel & Aiden's apartment; West Piedmont:
Zoe: OW! Motherfucker! Do they leave that thing on? (to Nathaniel) Nate? You home? It's awfully dark in here… Shit. I hope I'm not interrupting.
Nathaniel (to Zoe): Alright, who the fuck... Zoe?! Jesus Christ... I should have fucking guessed.
Zoe (to Nathaniel): Sorry. I would have called first, but my phone is dead. I'll only stay for a minute… Ms. Greymalkin is the one that hired that Quentin guy to track you down. She tried to fire him but he wouldn't take no for an answer. She's worried that he's not going to leave you alive if he finds you.
Nathaniel (to Zoe): Huh... Greymalkin sent the psycho, huh? Aiden and Mrs. Esterly had a run in with him this afternoon. I didn't think he'd be inclined to be warm and fuzzy with me. Shit... Thanks for the head's up, Runt.
Zoe (to Nathaniel): Just stay frosty & try not to go back to New London for a bit… if you can help it. Ok?
Nathaniel (to Zoe): I won't. Don't worry. I already promised Aiden there would be none of my usual "pompous Potter bullshit." I'll be careful.
Zoe (to Nathaniel): Good. I gotta run. See you later!
An hour or so later, at Vernian Industries; Coventry, Britannia:
Hiiri (to Eva & Una): Hello girls! Mommy's home… Was that a little too over the top? Judging by your faces, I think it was. Oops.
Eva (to Hiiri): ... Madam, we don't know who you are, but we think you should leave.
Hiiri (to Eva & Una): Really? Well, that's a shame. Because, I now own 51 shares of Vernian Industries & this is now my home. So, if you don't recognize me, then you should pack up your things and get out.
Una (to Hiiri): What!?! Our mother would never sell her shares to anyone. It's her life.
Hiiri (to Eva & Una): It's funny you should say that...
Eva (to Hiiri): ...Where is our mother?
Hiiri (to Eva & Una): Hmmm… I'm not really sure. She might be over there… Or possibly over that way… Or a little bit of both. I neglected to ask Carver for details. My bad.
Una (to Hiiri): You-- You killed our mother!?!
Eva (to Una & Hiiri): Come along, Una. We should go. If what you say is true, miss, then there's nothing for us here, is there? Una! Come ON!
Una (to Eva): Right. Sorry.
Hiiri (to Eva & Una): Oh well, that's a shame. And here I thought we could be one big happy family. I was even thinking of getting a puppy… Of course, we'd have to keep Carver away from it.
Carver (to Hiiri, Una & Eva): We don't do well with pets. We really did hope you ladies were going to stay.
Una (to Hiiri): We're not your children. And, we are leaving. Goodbye.
Eva (to Una & Hiiri): We are certainly not, Una! (to Carver) Out of the way, you oaf!
Hiiri (to Eva & Una): I could force you to stay but I'd really rather not do that sort of thing. Not with you two.
Carver (to Hiiri, Una & Eva): Mistress?
Hiiri (to Carver): Let them go… for now, little brother. They have made me sad. Their deaths will give me no pleasure.
Carver (to Hiiri): We're very sorry, mistress. Is there anything we can do to help, ma'am?
Hiiri (to Carver): I am filled with nostalgia and ennui, little brother… How is that possible?
Carver (to Hiiri): We're not sure, ma'am.
Hiiri (to Carver): … Are you trying to comfort me, Carver?
Carver (to Hiiri): We believe so, ma'am. Miss Starling was teaching me to act more like other people, ma'am. She believed it would help us get closer to people we wished to play with.
Hiiri (to Carver): Oh well, I guess that little tin can is good for something after all.
A few minutes later, on the street; Coventry, Britannia:
Una (to Eva): Well, now what, sister dear?
Eva (to Una): I... I don't know. I don't know. That man was... Oh, Una!
Una (to Eva): It's okay, Eva… Let's go to the docks. I'm sure we can stay on the Wicked Sister. There's plenty of room.
Eva (to Una): You're right, Una. I'm sorry. I am... I am quite in control of myself again. We can be useful if nothing else.
Una (to Eva): It's alright, sister dear. Once we're situated, I'm sure I'll break down & cry, too.
An hour or so later, onboard the Wicked Sister, the docks; New London, Britannia:
Victor (to Eva & Una): Una? Eva? What are you two doing back so soon? ...Are you alright?
Una (to Victor): No, we're not... Our mother is dead.
Eva (to Victor): It was Hiiri...
Victor (to Eva & Una): Oh my god... I'm so, so sorry to hear that. Come inside!
Una (to Victor): She took everything from us in one fell swoop.
Eva (to Victor): She... She somehow wrested control of the company away from Mother. She controls Vernian Industries.
Victor (to Eva & Una): ...That sounds like fucking Hiiri. I know it's not much, ladies, but you're more than welcome to stay aboard as long as you need. We're leaving for the colonies tomorrow, and I'm rather afraid we'll need the help.
Eva (to Victor): I... I'm afraid we're rather bereft, Captain.
Una (to Victor): I think that would be perfect. Thank you. We'll pull our own way & assist anyway we can.
Victor (to Eva & Una): I'm sure you will, but I don't think we need to worry about that right now. Come on. I'll get you a cuppa, and then I'll see to setting up bunks for you. I think most of the quarters have been sussed out.
Una (to Victor): Thank you.
Eva (to Victor): Yes, thank you very much. We... We weren't sure what else to do.
Victor (to Eva & Una): It's no trouble at all. It's the least we could do. I mean, you're family in a roundabout way, aren't you?
