A house in New London, Britannia:
Martin Wilkinson (to Inger; via radio): What do you have to report, Captain Roth?
Inger (to Martin): I'm very sorry, sir. We followed the plan to the letter, and we had the little miss in our brig. But, she managed to escape somehow. We're not quite sure how she managed it. She was manacled, put in the brig & guarded. It was quite impossible.
Martin (to Inger): That's very disappointing. They have more than likely discovered that you weren't IAF by now. We won't be able to use the same ploy next time… Keep the ship as it is for now. I'm sure it will come in handy. We may be able to sow a bit of chaos for the real IAF.
Inger (to Martin): Yes, sir. Once again, my apologies. I won't fail you again.
Martin (to Inger): … I'm sure you won't. You're dismissed.
Meanwhile, onboard the Wicked Sister:
Zoe: Huh? OW! Stupid smuggling panel… They left me in here? Seriously? … Well, they're either all dead, so exhausted that they forgot me or I was really mean when someone tried to move me because I was asleep. None of these sound like good prospects - funerals, guilt on my part, Oooo, or guilt on their part. I may get blueberry pancakes out of this, if they just forgot me. Of course, I still how to figure out how to get out of this stupid thing… Oof. Ow. Well, that worked. Risu, there you are! Why didn't you turn the knob & let me out? Oh right, squirrel.
A little while later, in the galley:
Eva (to Zoe): Good morning, Zoe. I believe you and I are the only ones awake. What, with all the excitement last night. I'm making breakfast... I'm attempting to make breakfast.
Zoe (to Eva): I am sorry missed it. Victor had Felix put me in one of the smuggler panels for "safe keeping"…What on earth are you cooking?
Eva (to Zoe): I was attempting oatmeal. Heh. I don't think I succeeded. I believe your brother was worried you'd be captured again if Captain Roth came back. Of course, she didn't. She sent those marauders after us. I hit a man with a shovel!
Zoe (to Eva): Shit! Is everyone okay?
Eva (to Zoe): A bit banged up, but otherwise quite fine. The captain hit his head when we had to crash land, and I believe you hurt your young gentleman's feelings when he came to check on you.
Zoe (to Eva): … I had a feeling I was going to owe someone an apology. There goes my dream of blueberry pancakes. Here, move over, I'll make breakfast. How does eggs, sausage & toast grab your fancy?
Eva (to Zoe): Divine! ... Oh dear. I fear I may owe your brother a new pot. And a new spoon. I can't seem to separate one from the other.
Zoe (to Eva): Heh. It may indeed be a lost cause. We'll just chuck it and pick up a new one when we get to Colorado Springs. Easy peasy.
Eva (to Zoe): Provided we can get the ship in the air again. I'm afraid the strain was a bit much for it.
Zoe (to Eva): Oh! Where are we?
Eva (to Zoe): Boston, I believe. We had to crash land in the bay. It was MOST exciting!
Zoe (to Eva): Holy shit! We're not sinking or anything, are we? Victor must be devastated. First trip out and we've already crashed.
Eva (to Zoe): I don't believe we're sinking. This ship is a bit more structurally sound than one would initially think.
Zoe (to Eva): Oh… Here, eat you breakfast. I want to go check on everybody.
Eva (to Zoe): I believe he was trying to arrange transport to the Monastery, but Ms Yuki insisted he get his head bandaged and rested first. Of course. Thank you very much for breakfast. It looks MUCH more edible than what I was attempting to prepare.
Zoe (to Eva): Heh. I'll teach you how to cook sometime. I'm sure you'll get the hang of it in no time. Besides, oatmeal is gross. Unless, it's cookies.
Eva (to Zoe): Oh. Yes. Thank you. I would appreciate that. I'm going to have to start doing that for myself now, after all.
Zoe (to Eva): You're welcome. Enjoy your breakfast! You get to clean up.
Eva (to Zoe): Oh. Goody.
In Victor's quarters:
Victor (to Yukiko): Yuki, I'm fine, really. I believe I can handle getting out of bed, getting on the radio and contacting Colorado Springs.
Yukiko (to Victor): Fine… You scared me half to death… I-- I thought I had lost you for a moment there. You passed out & wouldn't wake up. It just made me realize how lost I'd be without you in my life… You big jerk.
Victor (to Yukiko): Ow! You respond to fear I was hurt with abuse? You are a strange woman. :-P Hey... I'm just kidding. Come here. I'm alright. I just hit my head and rattled my brain a bit. We are all fine. Thank God.
A moment later:
Zoe (to Victor & Yukiko): knock, knock. I REALLY hope I'm not interrupting. Are you both okay? Eva told me about the raid & landing.
Victor (to Zoe & Yukiko): You're not interrupting. We all just had a bit of a scare, that's all.
Zoe (to Victor): Well, I'm glad you two are okay. I need to go apologize to Felix for my sleepy rudeness.
Victor (to Zoe): Alright, little sister. I'm glad you made it back. No more letting disguised CLANNG officers get the drop on you, OK?
Zoe (to Victor): Heh. Clearly, I'm getting soft in my old age & domesticity. It would never have happened before I had a family. :-p
Victor (to Zoe): Yes. Clearly you have lost your edge now that you eat regularly, are well loved, and not half crazy. How tragic for you. :-P
Zoe (to Victor): Heehee. It's SO true.
Victor (to Zoe): Heh heh. Go. Go see the first mate.
A short time later:
Zoe (to Felix): I have come to make peace with your people… I'm sorry I was mean to you in my sleep. I can be a real jerk sometimes.
Felix (to Zoe): Yes, you had some strong opinions when I tried to move you. I had to crawl into the panel with you to brace you for the crash.
Zoe (to Felix): I'm sorry. Skipping through an inhibitor field takes a lot out of me & then, escaping from the brig was a bit stressful. Heh. If I were in your place I would have let me get tossed about, it would have served me right. So, thank you, Mr First Mate.
Felix (to Zoe): Heh heh. I think your brother would have demoted me immediately if I let that happen. I take it your brother told you about my new position, eh?
Zoe (to Felix): Not in so many words… Are you excited about it?
Felix (to Zoe): Heh. I'm not sure, yet.
Zoe (to Felix): Well, it definitely sounds more prestigious than being just a crew member. He & Yuki must have talked about it. He never even mentioned it to me that he was going to ask you.
Felix (to Zoe): Heh. That is true. I can't say that I was expecting it.
Zoe (to Felix): There you go being quiet & enigmatic, again… Well, if that's all you have to say, I'm gonna go topside & look at Boston.
Felix (to Zoe): Heh. I thought you said that you had all my secrets figured out. ;-)
Zoe (to Felix): No, I said I had one figured out. Just one. I think it would take me a lifetime to figure out all of them. :-P
Felix (to Zoe): Heh heh. Well, I've got to keep you interested somehow, don't I? You've got me curious as to what deep, dark secret you think you've got nailed down, pretty girl.
Zoe (to Felix): Heh… I'm not sure I should tell you. The city looks so pretty from here. I've never been to this Boston. Do you think I have time to go explore?
Felix (to Zoe): Ha ha ha! Hmm, maybe you just want me to THINK you've got me figured out. I don't know what our time frame is. I know the captain wants to leave as soon as we're able. I think the run in with Roth has him twitchy.
Zoe (to Felix): I don't blame him. I'm trying not to freak out & hide in my room. But, if I keep thinking about it, I'm gonna totes freak... Um, so when I was missing & onboard the Grendel who was the one that figured out I was gone? Was it Victor or Yuki?
Felix (to Zoe): Uh, they didn't notice at first. I got suspicious when you didn't run up to the bridge as soon as Captain Roth's folks left.
Zoe (to Felix): I knew it! You are totes in love with me! Don't deny it. I figured you out, Felix August Baldwin. You've got it bad for lil ol' me. You don't have to say it, but I know. The proof is in the pudding. You've turned down women, protected me during the crash, worry about me when I go missing. Heh. Not to mention, concerned about me being around other boys. You totes LURVE me. L-O-V-E.
Felix (to Zoe): ... Just because I didn't let you bust your head open, I'm in love?
Zoe (to Felix): … Fine. You're not. My mistake… I was just joking, anyway…
Felix (to Zoe): Oh for... You were not! I know you weren't! And you're goddamn right, alright?
Zoe (to Felix): … Why are you so upset about it?
Felix (to Zoe): I'm not upset about it. I'm just... This is all... I'm at a loss, pretty lady. I've never had a title, or much of anything to worry about beyond my own skin. Or anyone else, for that matter. I, uh, I felt more than a bit terrified when I realized you were missing.
Zoe (to Felix): … Welcome to being part of a family, Felix. And, you are, you know? Victor wouldn't have offered you first mate, if he didn't think you deserve it. He & Yuki trust you. Hell even, my parents do. And, just so you know, even when you decide to toss me aside like an old shoe, we'll all still be here for you… Though, I may need some time to be grumpy at you for a bit. So, just relax. No one's going to throw you off the ship or run off and leave you on your own. Okay?
Felix (to Zoe): ... Heh heh. OK. I don't know what to say to that.
Zoe (to Felix): Well, I know what I'd like you to say. ;-)
Felix (to Zoe): Heh. You want me to tell you I love you. If I do that, there's no turning back from it, you know.
Zoe (to Felix): Is that supposed to scare me? Look, I fell in love with you the second time we met, you big dumbie. I've been telling you that practically the whole time we've been together. You're stuck with me so get used to it.
Felix (to Zoe): I... I'm not stupid! You are an infuriating woman, do you know that? You are an amazing, ANTAGONIZING woman. And I'm completely in love with you.
Zoe (to Felix): Heh. I love you, too.
A moment later:
Una (to Zoe & Felix): Pardon me… Victor wanted you two to get below deck. The ship to tow us to the Monastery is about to arrive.
Zoe (to Una & Felix): You have really terrible timing, Una.
Felix (to Una): Yes. Ahem. Of course. (to Zoe) Let's get below decks.
Una (to Felix & Zoe): I am very sorry for interrupting… I can tell Victor that I didn't find you, if you'd like me to.
Zoe (to Felix): Alright. (to Una) It's okay, Una. I didn't mean to be gruff with you.
Felix (to Una): Actually... Could you not have found us for about five more minutes?
Una (to Felix & Zoe): Heh. Sure. Just be below deck when the ship gets here… I'll go look for you in the living quarters.
Felix (to Una): Thanks, gorgeous. (to Zoe) Come with me, pretty lady.
Zoe (to Felix): Okay… Where are we going?
Felix (to Zoe): Someplace quiet for five minutes. I wanted to give you a kiss.
Zoe (to Felix): Well, I'm always up for that.
A little while later:
Victor (to Zoe & Felix): Heh. Here you guys are. Mr. Baldwin, I could use some help on the bridge. I asked Yuki, but she told me to fuck off and threw a wrench at me. I think she's mad at me.
Zoe (to Victor & Felix): … I am tempted to do the same.
Felix (to Zoe): Oh, stop whining. You can snog after we're on our way.
Zoe (to Victor & Felix): … It wasn't about the snogging… I'll be in my room.
Victor (to Zoe): But... What the hell... (to Felix) What the hell?
Felix (to Victor): Heh heh. If you're asking me for insight into Zoe, Captain, I'm afraid I can't help you.
A couple hours later, in the engine room:
Yukiko (to Felix): What do you need, Felix? Has the Captain sent you down here in his place? Heh. He thinks I won't throw a wrench at you.
Felix (to Yukiko): I think that was his thought. He wanted to know if there's any way we can get at least the thrusters back online. We have to get ourselves out of the water, and he's afraid the gasbag alone won't be enough.
Yukiko (to Felix): That man has no faith in me, sometimes… What does he think I've been working on down here for the last 6 hours? My nails? I hate being down here. It's hot. It's cramped. I've burned myself at least 7 times… Tell our good captain, the engine will be online in… Three… Two… One.
Felix (to Yukiko): Heh heh heh. Well, for someone who hates the engines, you sure do a damn fine job of it.
Yukiko (to Felix): Heh. You've just got to know how to talk to it… And, threaten it with a hammer.
Felix (to Yukiko): If you don't want to be in the engine room, why don't you just say so?
Yukiko (to Felix): Because, clearly I'm good at it & I want to help. I'm not sure my other skill set would be helpful on here… Well, except when we get boarded. Which hopefully, won't happen too often. Besides, this is the only time I have with Victor. Once summer's done, he'll be heading back to West Piedmont for school.
Felix (to Yukiko): Oh? He's going to school? Ha ha ha! He is a strange one.
Yukiko (to Felix): Is he?
Felix (to Yukiko): For an airship captain? A bit. Can't say I've ever met his like. Never met one who didn't want to be addressed as captain or who went to ruddy school.
Yukiko (to Felix): Heh. Well, I've never met a pirate that pretended they couldn't read or turned down Delphine Delacroix to be with a unique young lady like Zoe. So, I suppose we're all a bit strange.
Felix (to Yukiko): Heh. I suppose so. Did Zoe tell you I can read, or did you notice that yourself, Miss Spy?
Yukiko (to Felix): Heh. I caught you reading a book in the galley one morning. I walked back out and then made some noise so you could hide it. Speaking of Zoe… What's going on between you two?
Felix (to Yukiko): Bloody hell, you're quiet! ...Zoe and I are... We're seeing each other, I suppose.
Yukiko (to Felix): You suppose? You do realize that at some point one of her family members are going to ask you what's going on. Saying you suppose you're seeing each other just might get you hanging upside down from the rigging. I'm asking simply because I like you, Felix & I'd hate to see you get hurt. Just choose your words a bit more carefully when you answer next time.
Felix (to Yukiko): I appreciate your concern, Boss Lady, but I'm not sure I'll know what to say next time any more than I do this time. What do I say? I'm in love with her? Somehow I don't think that will keep me free from the rigging.
Yukiko (to Felix): Heh. You'd be surprised how often honesty works in this family… Are you in love with her?
Felix (to Yukiko): I think... Hell. Yes. I am.
Yukiko (to Felix): Good for you… Remember that answer when they ask. Now, go tell the bossy captain that the engines are as good as I can get 'em.
Felix (to Yukiko): Heh. Aye, miss.
A little while later, on the bridge:
Felix (to Victor): Captain? Ms. Yuki's got the thrusters back online, so we should be able to get out of this water at the least.
Victor (to Felix): Excellent! I hope she didn't throw a wrench at you for asking. Tesla's men have already got us hooked up, so we just need to keep the Sister steady.
Felix (to Victor): You alright, Captain?
Victor (to Felix): Yes... Sorry. I still seem to be a bit dizzy.
Felix (to Victor): You'll forgive me for saying so, but you've probably already done a bit more than you should. You should lie down. I can keep her steady until we're well on our way.
Victor (to Felix): It's my fault we're in the water, Fel... I mean, Mr. Baldwin. I can handle it.
Felix (to Victor): If you want me to be First Mate, Captain, you're going to have let me act like it. Get some rest. I'll make sure it's nothing but smooth sailing and smiles up here.
A moment later:
Victor: ... How the hell did I end up in the galley? Shit. I think I do need to go lie down.
Una (to Victor): Victor? Are you alright?
Victor (to Una): Hmmm? Una! Heh. Sorry. You caught me off guard. I think... I think I'm just exhausted.
Una (to Victor): Do you need assistance? Or should I just let you slide along the wall all the way to your room?
Victor (to Una): Uh... No. Probably not. I'll end up stumbling off in the wrong direction. I AM pointed in the right direction, aren't I?
Una (to Victor): Yes. I believe your room is at the end of the hallway to your right. Come on. Put your hand on my shoulder… You know, the sign of a good captain is that he can trust his crew to operate the ship when he needs them to. No one expects you to do this all by yourself, Victor. You have had your first hardship as captain & all your crew came out of it alive. I would say that it was a victory.
Victor (to Una): Heh... You're saying that like I'm not claiming it as a victory. I'm just grateful we're all alive and well. I know I have... I'm a bit reluctant to ask for help. I'm learning this is a piss poor idea. Heh... Rather the hard way...
Una (to Victor): Heh. I can see that… But, on the plus side, you ARE learning. You will make an excellent captain someday, Victor. You can't expect to be one over night. But, you've made a very good start of it. And, you seem to have a good crew with Miss Yuki & Mister Baldwin. Here, we are. Can you make it to your bed? Or should I carry you?
Victor (to Una): Heh. I think that's a difficult and profoundly bad idea, Una. Thank you, but I'm sure I can make it to bed. ..And thanks for the vote of confidence. It's very reassuring to hear.
Una (to Victor): Heh. Sleep sweet, Victor.
Victor (to Una): Good night. Thank you for the help.
A short time later, in Victor's quarters:
Yukiko (to Victor): I see you finally came to your senses… Who talked you into laying down?
Victor (to Yukiko): Felix more or less shoved me off the bridge, and Una helped me find my way here... I'm sorry.
Yukiko (to Victor): Apology accepted… I'm just glad you listened to someone about resting.
Victor (to Yukiko): To tell you the truth, I didn't really. I just kind of stopped being able to function in any useful way. Una may have implied I have trust issues. :-P
Yukiko (to Victor): Really? I find that so hard to believe. :-P Ew… I am desperately in need of a shower.
Victor (to Yukiko): Heh. Yeah you do. Lay down with me for a little bit first...
Yukiko (to Victor): … I'll get you & the bed all gross.
Victor (to Yukiko): I don't mind the grease. Oh. Right. You might. Not want grease on the sheets, I mean. Heh. I think I'm slightly delirious...
Fifteen minutes later:
Yukiko (to Victor): Heh… It's a good thing that I love you, because sometimes you can be a real pain in my arse. Move over.
Victor (to Yukiko): Heh. Fuck yeah I am. Cor, I'm exhausted... Night, Yuki. Mmm. I love you...
Yukiko (to Victor): I love you, too. Get some sleep, watashi no ai.
On the bridge:
Zoe (to Felix): Are you up here on your own?
Felix (to Zoe): I am for now. Your brother finally went to bed. Come keep me company, pretty lady.
Zoe (to Felix): I'm glad. He was looking a bit rough, the stubborn ass. I don't want to get in your way… Can I sit in the co-pilot sit?
Felix (to Zoe): It's more than fine.
Felix (to Zoe): It's more than fine.
