At Renfield's; West Piedmont:
Marlena (to River): Hey. You forgot your fucking wallet at my place, yesterday. And, since I'm here can I get a coffee?
River (to Marlena): Yeah, of course. You want a scone? Nate just took 'em out of the oven.
Marlena (to River): Nah. Just coffee.
Nathaniel (to Marlena): Hey, Stretch. River "forget" something at your place again? You know he just does that to get you to come in here.
Marlena (to Nathaniel): Heh. Yeah, I know. It's because he thinks I look so fucking good in fluorescent lighting. :-P
Nathaniel (to Marlena): Ha! Be glad you got more pigment than some of us. I got the complexion of a fucking corpse in the kitchen. If you're not fucking careful, River'll have his whole fucking backpack moved in to your place. Heh. Then he'll be crashing on your couch instead of his sister's.
Marlena (to Nathaniel): Heh. It's not like I haven't fucking offered. But, he apparently really likes sleeping at his sister's. I don't get it.
Nathaniel (to Marlena): I gave up trying to understand River a long fucking time ago. T'be fair, I think the feeling's mutual.
River (to Marlena & Nathaniel): Here's your coffee, Mars. What are you two talking about?
Nathaniel (to River & Marlena): The enigma that is you. And your hair. :-p
Marlena (to Nathaniel): Heh.
River (to Nathaniel & Marlena): Hey, my hair IS fantastic.
Marlena (to Nathaniel & River): Heh. And, on that note, I'm heading home.
River (to Marlena): Thanks for bringing my wallet. (to Nathaniel) Is that cookie order ready to be boxed up? The lady is here to pick it up.
Nathaniel (to Marlena): Later! (to River) Yeah. Should be done in like five. ... What?
River (to Nathaniel): Nothing. I need to help this customer. (to Ophelia) Hi there. What can I get you?
Ophelia (to River): Oh, um, I'm not sure. Can you make something that's like a mocha but with mint in it, too?
River (to Ophelia): Yeah… That would be a Mint Mocha. Single or Double?
Ophelia (to River): What? … Oh, um. Heh. Double. And, for here, please.
River (to Ophelia): Yeah, no problem. (to Nathaniel) What? What's with the grin?
Nathaniel (to River): Stop making the high schoolers wet themselves.
River (to Nathaniel): She was acting like she'd never been in here before. She has, I've seen her in here with Zoe's boyfriend, whatshisname, like a dozen times.
Nathaniel (to River): You mean her ex, Colin. Really? Huh...
River (to Nathaniel): Oh right. I forgot they broke up.
Nathaniel (to River): Yeah. Guess he took it pretty hard. Shit, I'm glad I didn't do anything that could really be called "dating" in high school.
Mouse (to River & Nathaniel): Pardon me, you two, but I need to borrow Nate for a minute. Could you come up into my office?
River (to Nathaniel & Mouse): Uh oh. You're in trouble now. :-P
Nathaniel (to River): What are you, fucking twelve? (to Mouse) What's up, boss?
A couple minutes later, in Emma's office:
Nathaniel (to Mouse): What's up, boss?
Mouse (to Nathaniel): Victor called me… Hiiri killed the twins' mother. They're staying onboard the Wicked Sister. It's currently on the way to Tesla's in Colorado Springs… Do you think you could take me to the ship? Or would it be easier to go to the Monastery?
Nathaniel (to Mouse): Holy shit! Jesus. That is fucking... That's fucking brutal even for Hiiri. It's hard as shit to skip to something that's moving. But, I think I could do it, cuz Victor and Zoe are there. They'll need to turn off any inhibitors and shit they've got on.
Mouse (to Nathaniel): Oh well, it was just an idea. I just know how I felt when my parents died. I'd rather they all stay safe on the ship. I'll just send them a message. If they want to talk, I can skip over to the monastery later.
Nathaniel (to Mouse): I've never been to the Monastery. If you've been there, I can use you to get us there. In theory.
Mouse (to Nathaniel): Heh. Thank you, Nate. I'll let you know if they take me up on the offer. Heh. Mars thinks I'm being a bit weird about the twins. I just can't help feeling a bit responsible for them.
Nathaniel (to Mouse): Heh. Probably. But, if you and your brother didn't feel all weird and responsible for me, I'd have been fucked, wouldn't I?
Mouse (to Nathaniel): Heh. You would have figured it out on your own, eventually. You're a smart guy. We just helped speed up the process.
Nathaniel (to Mouse): You think so, huh? I dunno. I've seen the kinda company I end up keeping when I was pissed and left to my own fucking devices.
Mouse (to Nathaniel): You should have a little faith in yourself… Now, get back to work. Oh shit… It looks like Colin has applied for a barista position. Oh, that sneaky bastard! I was wondering what Robert was talking about the other day about doing him a favor.
Nathaniel (to Mouse): I'll, uh... Heh. I'll leave your to the applications. Good luck, boss!
Mouse (to Nathaniel): Gee, thanks. :-P
A moment later, in the café area:
Nathaniel: Wow... I do not envy the boss lady. (to Aiden) Hey, sexy! What the fuck are you doing here?
Aiden (to Nathaniel): I wanted some coffee & to see you in that sexy apron. ;-)
Nathaniel (to Aiden): Heh. Well, I'll buy you a coffee if you like. The show's fucking free.
Aiden (to Nathaniel): Heh. Lucky me.
Nathaniel (to Aiden): Ha ha ha! I got a REAL good answer for that, but I'm at work. :-P (to River) Hey! I'm gonna grab a quick cigarette.
River (to Nathaniel & Aiden): Okay… Try not to get arrested. :-P
Nathaniel (to River): You got a WAY more interesting way of smoking a cigarette than I do. (to Aiden) Give a guy a light?
Aiden (to Nathaniel): Heh. Of course, handsome. How's work?
Nathaniel (to Aiden): Work's fine. Emma wants me to jump her over to Tesla's laboratory... Sounds like Hiiri killed the twins' mother.
Aiden (to Nathaniel): Oh. Your Aunt isn't worried about crossing over with Hiiri about?
Nathaniel (to Aiden): I think she's more worried about the twins than Hiiri. Honestly, she's been weirdly calm about Hiiri being back...
Aiden (to Nathaniel): Your aunt is a very caring lady. It's understandable.
Nathaniel (to Aiden): Heh. Yeah she is... I know you don't know her like I do, but does something feel different this time?
Aiden (to Nathaniel): I'm not sure. But, I usually trust your instincts. What are you thinking?
Nathaniel (to Aiden): I'm not sure... Something about the way Hiiri is behaving seems off. Usually, she doesn't reveal what a fucking psycho she is until AFTER she's ingratiated herself to someone she wants something from... I'm guessing she's got something up her sleeve with the twins and fucking Vernian Industries, so why cap their mom right away? Shit! Dude! Your aunt! If Hiiri's running Vernian Industries, she's gotta break ties with them!
Aiden (to Nathaniel): You're right! I hadn't even thought of that. I'll crossover & see if she'll listen to reason.
Nathaniel (to Aiden): And you want me to stay here, right?
Aiden (to Nathaniel): I don't recall saying that, at all.
Nathaniel (to Aiden): Oh! Heh. Between Hiiri and that Quentin psycho, I thought for sure you'd want me to stay someplace safe.
Aiden (to Nathaniel): I want you to be safe but, I also know that you wouldn't stay here even if I asked nicely. Nor would I, if truth be told. Besides, If you're with me we can watch each other's back.
Nathaniel (to Aiden): Heh. Sometimes I think you know me too fucking well. Alright. I gotta about an hour left. We can go after that. And fuck yeah, I'll watch your fucking back. And your ass. ;-p
Aiden (to Nathaniel): Heh. My hero. I'll see you back at our place.
Nathaniel (to Aiden): See you. Hey! Hold your ass for a second. Gimme a kiss.
Aiden (to Nathaniel): Heh. You just wanna hold my ass, but you know I'm always game. ;-)
Nathaniel (to Aiden): Ha ha ha! Yeah, I know you are. I'll see you at home, you fucking pervert.
An hour or so later, onboard the Wicked Sister:
Zoe (to Eva): Eva? Are you still hiding out in here?
Eva (to Zoe): Hello, Zoe. I'm certainly not "hiding out."
Zoe (to Eva): My mistake… I brought you some food. It's called Beanie Weenies. I always like it when I'm feeling sad and blue.
Eva (to Zoe): Beanie what? It... It does smell rather good.
Zoe (to Eva): It's nothing too weird. I promise. Heh. Your sister threw a book at me & told me to go away when I tried to bring her a bowl. How are you holding up? Can I get you anything?
Eva (to Zoe): Yes. That does sound like Una. I suppose I'm fine. As well as one can be when someone, who looks EXACTLY like her, orders the murder of her mother... I'm sorry, Zoe. I fear I'm a bit more distressed than I'd care to be. Una and I can't even stand to look at one another. It's the first time I can ever remember that happening...
Zoe (to Eva): I'm sorry, Eva. This has got to be rough on the two of you. I'm sadly not really sure what to say.
Eva (to Zoe): It's quite alright. Thank you for the food, and I appreciate the concern. Excuse me. I'd much rather be alone.
Zoe (to Eva): Alright. But before I go… You know, if anyone can help you get through this, it's the folks on this ship & the rest of our family. We may not have gone through exactly what you & Una have gone through but, we know grief and Hiiri… Just try not to mope and mourn too long. It'll just fester inside and ruin everything for you if you're not careful. Enjoy your food.
A moment later:
Zoe: Oh my god! Am I that melodramatic? If so, it's a wonder no one has killed me before now.
Felix (to Zoe): Are you LOOKING for someone to kill you? I think that would upset your family quite a bit.
Zoe (to Felix): No… I was being ironically melodramatic. Una & Eva are competing for the 'Mopiest Person in the World' award. Presently, it's a tie.
Felix (to Zoe): Ha ha ha! I did notice that. I'm afraid it's always that way when folks who haven't had much hardship in their lives hit a roadblock for the first time. Catches them a bit off-guard. ;-)
Zoe (to Felix): And, here I was feeling a bit jealous of them because they didn't have to deal with other folks memories crammed into their heads & had a fairly normal childhood. But, I guess it's made me able to deal with a little bit more. Heh. Never thought I'd be thankful for all of that.
Felix (to Zoe): Heh. There you go.
Zoe (to Felix): So, what's going on with you? You cut short our star-gazing last night & then, it seems like you've been avoiding me… I mean, until right now… Cuz, you're standing right here. Should I shut up now? I should shut up, now.
Felix (to Zoe): Heh heh. I make you all kinds of nervous, don't I? Suppose that's only fair as you make me turn down pretty women looking to spend time with me. Can't say that's ever happened.
Zoe (to Felix): You don't make me nervous. You just keep everything bottled up inside. It's hard to tell what you're thinking. I'm not used to that.
Felix (to Zoe): Ha ha ha! No, I don't suppose you would be used to that. Seems your family is pretty straightforward.
Zoe (to Felix): Heehee. But I think I've figured out one of your secrets. :-P
Felix (to Zoe): What secret have you figured out?
Zoe (to Felix): What!?! I'm not telling you. You'll just deny it. Or worse, try to do or say something to disprove it.
Felix (to Zoe): You're wrong anyway, so it doesn't matter.
Zoe (to Felix): Heh… Now, who's the nervous one?
Felix (to Zoe): I wouldn't say "nervous."
Zoe (to Felix): Heehee… Wait… Who's ship is that?
Felix (to Zoe): ... I don't know. I think we'd better get below decks.
A couple minutes later:
A man's voice; via radio: Come in, unidentified vessel. This is the Airship Grendel. You are entering restricted airspace. Prepare to be boarded.
Victor (to Airship Grendel): Airship Grendel, this is the Wicked Sister. We're exactly where we're supposed to be. I'm sure this is just a misunderstanding, please stand down. We are friendly. Repeat, we are a passenger ship. We are friendly.
Airship Grendel (to Victor): Wicked Sister. The British Imperial Air Force is conducting drills in this area. You should not be here. Kill your engines & prepare to be boarded. We suggest you listen or we will be forced to open fire.
Victor (to Airship Grendel): Whoa, whoa… Airship Grendel, we checked official routes before we left, and there were no drills listed on this route. How do we know you are who you say you are. We won't kill anything until you can show us some kind of identification. (to Yukiko) Do you think we can outrun them?
Yukiko (to Victor): Not with the engines in their current state. It may be best to let them onboard.
Inger Roth (to Victor): I am Captain Inger Roth of the Imperial Air Force. My squadron is tasked with defending the borders of the American Colonies. This area has been hit by marauders, recently. Many civilian casualties. So, you'll have to forgive my brusqueness.
Victor (to Yukiko): Great. ...Shit. (to Inger) Roger, Captain. We're just visiting the area for personal reasons. We're killing our engines.
Inger (to Victor): Thank you for your cooperation. We will try to make this as painless as possible. And, get you on your way, quickly.
Victor (to Inger): Thank you, Captain Roth. (to Una, Eva, Zoe & Felix; via intercom) Attention gang, head's up. It looks like we're being boarded by the Imperial Air Force.
Zoe: Well, that can't be good… (to Felix) Have you ever been boarded by them before?
Felix (to Zoe): I can't say that I have. Captain Bartholomew paid good money to make sure they didn't.
Zoe (to Felix): Well, this ought be fun, then.
Felix (to Zoe): Heh heh. You have a very odd definition of fun, pretty lady.
Zoe (to Felix): Heh. It's called sarcasm.
Felix (to Zoe): Oh? Is that what it's called? I had no idea. (to Victor) What an we do to help, Captain?
Yukiko (to Victor): What would you like me to do, watashi no ai?
Victor (to Yukiko): Could you "show them around" when they're on the ship? The Imperial Air Force is about as trustworthy as some pirates. (to Felix) Stand here, for right now.
Yukiko (to Victor): Yes, of course… We haven't done anything wrong. We'll be alright.
Victor (to Yukiko): Heh. Just because we haven't done anything wrong, doesn't mean they won't "find" something. I know we'll be alright.
A little while later:
Inger: So, who is the captain aboard this "ship"? I use the term loosely, as I believe I just passed some ventilation shafts being held together by string.
Victor (to Inger): You didn't! Shoot. I thought we found it all. We're taking her in for repairs. I'm the captain. My name is Victor Harrison.
Inger (to Victor): Good to meet you. Captain Inger Roth… That's quite a grip you have there, Captain Harrison. First command, I take it?
Victor (to Inger): Alone, yes. The string was a clue was it? This is Ms. Sato and Mr. Baldwin, my crew, and my little sister, Zoe.
Inger (to Victor): Heh. It was a bit of a hint. (to Lt. Sebastian) Lieutenant, please take the men to do a quick once over of the ship. (to Victor) We'll make this quick.
Yukiko (to Inger & Lt. Sebastian): Allow me to show your men around, Captain. We're still making repairs. It can be a bit tricky to find your way.
Inger (to Yukiko): You're too kind, Ms. Sato.
Victor (to Zoe): Zoe? Will you let our guests know what's going on?
Zoe (to Victor): Of course, bi-- Captain. (to Inger) If you'll excuse me, Captain Roth.
Victor (to Zoe): Thanks. (to Inger) Heh. She's trying to be proper since this is "official." Usually she'd tell me to get stuffed. What else do you need from me, Captain?
Inger (to Victor): HAHAHAHA… I'm sorry, Captain Harrison, but you should see the look on your face. I apologize for the drastic actions but, I don't normally make a habit of saying hello to passenger ships in such a manner. But, your father is an old acquaintance of mine and he asked that I keep an eye on you when you crossed over into Colony airspace. There have been marauder attacks and he didn't think your ship could handle it. So, I'm here to provide an escort to a safe area. But, I can't do that sort of thing "officially". So, this was the only way. My apologies.
Victor (to Inger): Oh Jesus! You could have said that from the beginning, Captain. I was wondering what possible interest you could have in us.
Inger (to Victor): Are you kidding!?! Do you know how much trouble I would be in for using an IAF airship to escort a "pirate" ship to safety? Loads. I needed to keep my crew and the official channels thinking that this was a checkpoint search. Just because I owe your father a favor, does not mean I'm going to lose my commission returning it. Just relax. Now, do you have anything to drink on this tub? It's going to take my men about an hour to complete their search. Unless, they find something… They're NOT going to find anything, are they?
Victor (to Inger): I fear they may find more string. Possibly my sister's pet squirrel. We haven't got anything more thrilling than that, I'm happy to report. The galley is this way, Captain Roth.
Inger (to Victor): Heh. I can't believe your father never mentioned me. Well, I guess he wouldn't. (to Felix) So, you his first mate?
Victor (to Inger & Felix): He may have, Captain. You'll have to forgive me for not remembering. I have a tendency to tune out when Dad talks. Heh. And yes, I suppose Felix is my first mate. Unless he has objections.
Inger (to Victor): Heh. It's alright, Captain. I do the same thing to my father.
Victor (to Inger & Felix): Ha ha! You really have met my father, then. I'm afraid we don't have much to offer to drink, Captain Roth. We have whiskey, Captain Birdie's rum and what I think was originally grape juice. It's now wine.
Inger (to Victor & Felix): Whiskey is fine, by me. Is your first mate normally this quiet? Or is a female captain a strange sight?
Felix (to Inger & Victor): Heh. Not usually, Captain. I beg your pardon.
Victor (to Inger & Felix): I'm afraid that's my fault. I hadn't formally asked him to be my first mate yet. Here you are, Felix.
Inger (to Victor): Well then, may I propose a toast?
Victor (to Inger): Sounds good to me. (to Felix) If the answer is yes, that is.
Felix (to Victor): Heh. It's a yes, Captain... Thank you.
Inger (to Victor & Felix): Heh. To the wind that blows, the ship that goes, and to the lass that loves a sailor! Congratulations, Mister Baldwin.
Victor (to Inger & Felix): Clear skies and fair winds.
A little while later:
Inger (to Victor & Felix): Well, it sounds like my men finished their search early. So, we'll be returning to our ship. We'll follow you into land for a bit and then, depart once your safely past the marauders recent attack zones. Thank you for the drink.
Victor (to Inger): You're welcome, Captain. Thank you for your concern. Shall I give my father your regards?
Inger (to Victor): Please do… Preferably when your mother isn't about. Heh. Poppy doesn't like me very much.
Victor (to Inger): Heh. Will do, Captain Roth. (to Yukiko) Hello, Ms. Sato! How did the tour go?
Yukiko (to Victor): Just fine, Captain Harrison... I only had to break one man's fingers for pinching my bustle. What is it with the military men using the phrase 'I like a woman with spirit'? It just makes my blood boil.
Victor (to Yukiko): Ha ha ha! Oh. (to Inger) Excuse me, Captain. Do advise your crew to keep their hands to themselves when boarding a private ship. Ladies, especially those who work on pirate ships while handling huge wrenches, tend not to tolerate over-familiarity.
Inger (to Victor): Heh. I wouldn't tolerate that behavior much myself. (to Yukiko) I assure you the gentleman will be reprimanded properly upon our return to the Grendel, Ms. Sato. (to Victor, Felix & Yukiko) Now, if you'll excuse me, I should get back to my ship. Good evening to you all.
Yukiko (to Inger): Good evening, Captain Roth.
Victor (to Inger): Fair skies, Captain.
Inger (to Victor): And to you, Captain.
A moment later:
Yukiko (to Felix & Victor): So, judging by the look of shock on Felix's face, I'm going to assume you asked him… You said yes, I hope?
Felix (to Yukiko & Victor): Heh. He did, and I said yes. Honestly, I was expecting you to be first mate, boss lady.
Yukiko (to Felix & Victor): Heh. While I may know how to fix an engine. I know little to nothing about being a pirate or a sailor… And, I have no desire to take orders from anyone anymore. My handsome Victor included.
Victor (to Felix): Heh. It's true. She doesn't listen to a word I say.
Yukiko (to Felix & Victor): That's not completely true. I listen to you when it's important. ;-)
Victor (to Felix & Yukiko): In other words, only when I ask her to do something she was going to do anyway. :-P (to Felix) We should get going before Captain Roth's crew get suspicious. Mr. Baldwin, would you mind taking the helm?
Felix (to Victor & Yukiko): Um, aye Captain. Mind if I check on our passengers first? Heh. I'm a bit suspicious that we haven't heard from your sister yet.
Victor (to Felix & Yukiko): Heh. Yes, I suppose that IS a bit strange, isn't it? I'm sure we can claim "string related" difficulties, if you want to check on her.
Felix (to Victor & Yukiko): Aye, Captain, Boss lady. I'll be back on the bridge shortly.
Meanwhile, onboard the Airship Grendel:
Zoe: Huh? What the hell? Where am I?
Inger (to Zoe): Very sorry for the rude treatment, Miss Hiiri. I recognized you from the reports.
Zoe (to Inger): What!?! No, I'm not Hiiri. You have the wrong girl.
Inger (to Zoe): While you do appear to be much younger than I was expecting. We know all about your little experiments. And, about Greymalkin. You're going to be sent back to New London to stand trial.
Zoe (to Inger): No! you've got it all wrong! I'm not this Hiiri person. I'm Zoe Meriwether. My brother is the captain of the Wicked Sister. My parents are loyal subjects of Britannia. This is some kind of terrible mistake.
Inger (to Zoe): That's for the courts to decide… Look, there was an alert from ISS for someone fitting your very description. While I do owe Vincent Potter a favor. I can't go against my duty to do it. (to crewmen) Men, take her to the brig.
Zoe (to Inger): You're making a terrible mistake.
Onboard the Wicked Sister:
Felix (to Una): You don't know where Zoe has wandered off to, do you?
Una (to Felix): The last I saw of her was when she came to tell me that we were being boarded and to stay here. Is something wrong?
Felix (to Una): I'm sure it's nothing, miss. I just was expecting she'd be up on the bridge to gossip as soon as the air force left. When a girl like Zoe goes quiet, I get suspicious.
Una (to Felix): That does seem a bit odd.
Felix (to Una): It's starting to seem odder by the moment.
Victor (to Yukiko): How many of Captain Roth's men accompanied you on that tour?
Yukiko (to Victor): Four… The Lieutenant sent the other four back to the Gren-- Son of a bitch! Victor… I don't think the Grendel is an IAF ship.
Victor (to Yukiko): Shit. I was afraid you were going to say that. I thought something about them didn't smell right. Who are they?
Yukiko (to Victor): I'm thinking they might be working for Wilkinson.
Victor (to Yukiko): Oh fuck me... I don't like this. I don't like it at all. (to Felix) Any luck with Zoe?
Felix (to Victor & Yukiko): No, sir! We can't find her.
Victor (to Felix): ... Right. I'm going to need you at the helm, Mr. Baldwin. (to Yukiko) How long will it take you to have the engines back online if you hit the engine kill switch?
Yukiko (to Victor): Hmm… About fifteen minutes, if I really push it. What are you going to do?
Onboard the Airship Grendel, in the brig:
Zoe: … Fucking hell… Oh. Heh. Standard issue manacles for a "dangerous criminal" like myself. Seriously? … Idiots.
Onboard the Wicked Sister:
Victor (to Yukiko): If you can do it in ten this might work. Wilkinson's people want to pretend they're giving us a hand, let's force their hand. Kill the engines, so we look dead in the air. I'm going to try to get them to "tow" us to Colorado Springs. I can contact the laboratory & let them know we're in trouble without Captain Roth catching on. If they don't take the bait, at 10 minutes away, and I should still be able to grab Zoe and get back to this heap if I have to. But I wanna be able to Botany Bay if we need to.
Yukiko (to Victor): Victor, you're babbling… I can't understand a word you're saying other than kill the engines… I'm just going to go do that. Be careful. And, you better come back to me in one piece.
Victor (to Yukiko): Sorry. I will! Watashi ni tsuite wa shinpaishinaide kudasai. Watashi wa anzen ni narimasu.
Onboard the Airship Grendel, in the brig:
Zoe: Okay, I can totally get out of here as soon as these dumb guards turn their backs or leave… Come on, leave already. Damn it. They are not leaving… How long do you think it'll take for someone to notice I'm gone? An hour? A day? … I am totes screwed…
Onboard the Wicked Sister:
Felix (to Victor): Captain! I can't find Zoe!
Victor (to Felix): I ken, Felix. We're killin' the engines. Take the helm, and follow my lead, awright?
Onboard the Airship Grendel, in the brig:
Zoe: There appears to be a very heavy black, red and skull theme down here… I don't remember the British empire being into that kinda thing.
Onboard the Wicked Sister, the bridge:
Victor (to Airship Grendel; via radio): Mayday, mayday. Come in Airship Grendel. This is the Wicked Sister. Do you copy?
Inger (to Victor): This is the Airship Grendel, Wicked Sister. What seems to be the problem?
Victor (to Inger): I am glad to hear from you, Captain! It seems the engines don't want to turn back on after we cut them. My mechanic is working on it, but, uh... We seem to have discovered a bit more string. I don't suppose we could talk you into towing us for a bit?
Inger (to Victor): Oh… Of course. We'll circle back around and connect a tow line.
Onboard the Airship Grendel, in the brig:
Zoe: … Well, it's been swell but the swellings gone down… I am so outta here…
Meanwhile, on the bridge:
Inger (to crewman): Is the prisoner stowed in the brig? … Excellent! Send out a message on the marauder frequency and plot a course for the rendezvous. We'll make it look like marauders attacked the ship & we can get our prisoner back to the boss.
A moment later, on the Wicked Sister:
Zoe: Oof… OW... (to Victor & Felix) Whoa… That was something… Big brother! You need to get us the hell out of here! That's a CLANNG ship. They tried to grab me… And, woo, I'm a little dizzy. It's disguised as an IAF ship for the most part but the lower levels are very much CLANNG.
Victor (to Zoe): No fucking shit. Goddamn it... Shut up for a minute, will ya? (to Inger) Thanks Captain. We'll let you know when we're back online. (to Felix) Have they changed course?
Felix (to Victor): Not yet, Captain.
Victor (to Felix & Zoe): Let's assume they will then, yeah? Get her some juice and stash her in one of the smuggler's panels.
Zoe (to Victor): Seriously!?! I can help… Or maybe not.
Victor (to Zoe): No. You can't. 'Sides, they spot your boat, we're all nicked. (to Yukiko; via intercom) Yuki! The sooner you can get us back online, the sooner we won't be murdered horribly!
Zoe (to Victor & Felix): Okay… I still can't believe I got blind-sided like that.
Yukiko (to Victor): Three minutes! I'm only one person down here.
Victor (to Yukiko): Yer a gorgeous twist and curl, is what you are! (to Felix & Zoe) Why are you two still here? GO!
Zoe (to Victor): We're going, bossy man.
Felix (to Zoe): Come on, pretty lady. Let's get you sorted.
Yukiko (to Victor): I have no idea what that means… I got the engines back up. You can't do anything too fancy but we can get out of here.
Victor (to Yukiko): Sorry. Bit nervous. I said you were a gorgeous girl. C'mon, Sister. Just get us far enough... Captain Roth isn't following.
Yukiko (to Victor): … That's not good… I'm going to see if I can boost the engines in case we need it.
Victor (to Yukiko): I'm afraid we might. I get the impression any marauders that show are going to be ones she called. Hopefully, they think we're dead in the air. It should buy us some time. I really hope it buys us some time...
Yukiko (to Victor): If we're going to be expecting company, we may need the twins to lend a hand.
Victor (to Yukiko): Good idea. (to Una & Eva) Attention Greymalkins! This is Victor... Duh. They knew that. Yuki needs your help in the engine room. This is a red alert, so get your arses down there!
Una (to Victor): Yes, of course.
Eva (to Victor): Um, yes. Aye aye, Captain.
A couple minutes later, in the galley:
Felix (to Zoe): Why on earth did they grab you?
Zoe (to Felix): They seemed to think I was Hiiri… But, the description that Roth showed me was definitely me and not Hiiri. So, someone knows about me and my connection to Hiiri. And knows we're two totally different people. Which worries the hell out of me.
Felix (to Zoe): Big Brother was worried too. He seemed almost like a completely different person. Here. Drink this.
Zoe (to Felix): Heh. I'm sure he'll be happy to hear that.
Felix (to Zoe): Truth be told, I wasn't sure he was going to last long as a captain. I think I might have to revise that opinion. Heh. Well, I never met a captain who didn't want you calling him Captain. But when he needed to, he had no trouble being the man in charge. Let me help you down, pretty girl. Stay out of sight for a bit, pretty lady. Get some rest. I'll be back for you as soon as I can.
Zoe (to Felix): Okay… Please, be careful.
Onboard the Airship Grendel, the bridge:
Inger: Goodbye, you little sitting ducks. I wish I could stay and watch but we've got an appointment to keep. (to crewman) Helmsman, take us out of here.
Onboard the Wicked Sister, the bridge:
Victor: There goes Captain Roth... Get lost, ya' great berk! Right. OK, Victor. Stay calm. Get gone, and don't get your family murdered...
In the engine room:
Una (to Eva): I beg your pardon, Eva.
Yukiko (to Eva & Una): Look, I hate to interrupt a family drama moment but I could really use some help over here.
Eva (to Yukiko): Oh. Of course, Ms. Yuki. We're sorry. This isn't the time. How can we help?
Una (to Yukiko & Eva): Oh, right.
Yukiko (to Eva & Una): I need the two of you to go over to that boiler and take turns monitoring the pressure & throwing coal into it.
Eva (to Yukiko): Yes. Of course. (to Una) I'll take the first shift shoveling, sister.
Una (to Eva): If you insist.
Eva (to Una): I don't insist, I just... Hand me the shovel, will you?
Una (to Eva): Here you are.
Eva (to Una): Thank you. This isn't easy for me either you know. Every time I pass my own bloody reflection, I want to jump out of my skin.
Una (to Eva): … I'm not mad at you in anyway, sister dear. I just needed some time alone with my thoughts. I mean, we always felt like siblings. Even after being told that we were clones, I still felt like that but seeing that woman wearing our face & telling us what she did so nonchalantly. The truth of the situation just really hit me.
Eva (to Una): Oh. You don't think of us as sisters. I see... Actually, no, I bloody well don't! That wasn't a human, it was an automaton! A blasted machine! A clever one. A VERY clever one! But no more you or I than Emma or Zoe! Bloody hell! Even if we had been cooked in the womb rather than a test tube, it wouldn't make us any less sisters. Sooner or later the shock will wear away, and when it does, I'm going to hit that clever machine with a wrench!
Una (to Eva): hat's not what I bloody well meant, Eva. I still think of us as sisters. It just dawned on me how much we have missed out on life because Mother was keeping us at home & close eye on her investment, no doubt. And, I will be right beside you when that day comes. Alright?
Eva (to Una): ... Good. You had best be. I expect you to have the hammer.
Una (to Eva): Heh. I always do… Is this the part where we hug?
Eva (to Una): ... I suppose if you insist. I am more than filthy at the moment.
Una (to Eva): I think that may have been the point. I'm sorry that I made you feel like I was mad at you.
Eva (to Una): I'm sorry I didn't speak to you about it. I wouldn't have blamed you for being cross with me. Clever machine or not, I do look QUITE a lot like Hiiri. I almost feel rather bad for giving Nate such a hard time...
Una (to Eva): Heh. Almost being the key word.
Eva (to Una): I can't have him thinking I've gone soft, can I?
Una (to Eva): Very true. Here, let me shovel now. I'm sure you can use a break from shoveling.
Eva (to Una): Thank you, Una! It is strangely satisfying, but *exhausting* work. I don't suppose... Whoa! What on earth was that!?!
On the bridge:
Victor (to Yukiko, Una & Eva; via intercom): Anything extra you guys can give me, now would be a good time!
Yukiko (to Victor): Will do!
Felix (to Victor): Captain, I don't think the ship can...
Victor (to Felix): She'll make it cuz she has to, Mr. Baldwin! Help me keep her steady. We're almost there!
