In the guest quarters; Monastery, Colorado Springs, American Territories:
Zoe: Ugh... I feel like ass. Why did Tesla take sooo much blood?
Felix (to Zoe): Hello? Zoe? I've got food if you're interested in it.
Zoe (to Felix): Really? That was very thoughtful of you. I'm so tired of all the tests... Yuki's & Tesla's. If I could move, I'd run off. Ugh.
Felix (to Zoe): Heh. You don't have to sound so shocked that I can be thoughtful. Mr. Tesla does seem awfully interested in your blood.
Zoe (to Felix): I didn't mean to sound shocked. I just figured you were busy with Victor & dad.
Felix (to Zoe): They're having a bit of an argument at the moment. I thought I'd seek out some more enjoyable company. Heh heh. I'm sure they'll come looking for me sooner or later.
Zoe (to Felix): Oh... Do I even want to know what they were arguing about?
Felix (to Zoe): Heh. Being a bit too much alike, as near as I can figure.
Zoe (to Felix): Heh. Well, you made a good decision to run off. They'll be at it for awhile. At least until mom steps in... Woo. I'm a little wobbly.
Felix (to Zoe): Whoa! Easy there, pretty girl! You need something solid in you before you go running about.
Zoe (to Felix): Heh. I think you might be right about that... You're really sweet, you know that? All worrying about me. :-)
Felix (to Zoe): I'm not sweet; I've got an angle. I want you to keep liking me, don't I? ;-)
Zoe (to Felix): Oh... Well then, thank goodness that you are a devious, sneaky pirate who is only sweet to me because you have an angle. :-p
Felix (to Zoe): Ha ha ha! Somehow, I get the impression you're humoring me.
Zoe (to Felix): Heh. If you keep pampering me like this, I'll say whatever you want... Do I really look that bad? I mean I feel pretty rough.
Felix (to Zoe): Who said anything about you looking bad?
Zoe (to Felix): Heh... No one at all. Thank you for the food.
Felix (to Zoe): You're welcome. Thank you for the kiss...
Zoe (to Felix): I thought you deserved something for all your trouble... You're really handsome... Um, who gave you this food? It tastes kinda funny.
Felix (to Zoe): There were a couple of plates in the galley. Shit… I wonder if one of the twins tried to make it.
Zoe (to Felix): Heh. They didn't seem to inherit Emma's cooking ability, that's for sure.
Felix (to Zoe): No. Not for lack of trying, however. They're insisting on making meals until it "works." They seem to like this place quite a bit. They've been cleaning laboratories and rearranging libraries.
Zoe (to Felix): Cool. Victor was hoping they'd like it here enough to stay on... Tesla gets a little weird if left to his own devices. The continuous poking & prodding as evidence... Crazy scientists. Sheesh.
Felix (to Zoe): ... He is a strange man. He was trying to get your brother to agree to an examination this morning.
Zoe (to Felix): That doesn't surprise me. He's been trying to analyze the technique Maladori used to make me & the twins possible. He seems to think if he can look at Victor's DNA, he'll be able to separate out the differences between us & figure out the process... He also very tactlessly informed me that he doesn't think we'll be able to reproduce. Which on the one hand is awesome but on the other... He just could have done it a bit nicer.
Felix (to Zoe): That is, uh... That is--something. Why does he think you'll be baby-less?
Zoe (to Felix): Something to do with his analysis & us being clones. It was all very technical, I didn't understand half of it. Most of it.
Felix (to Zoe): Heh. Seems like the kind of thing you shouldn't trust when coming from a man who hasn't had much human contact.
Zoe (to Felix): That's what I thought, too... Besides, I don't have any plans of getting myself knocked up any time soon or possibly ever.
Felix (to Zoe): Ha ha ha! Not interested in being a mother, are you?
Zoe (to Felix): Haven't really given it much thought, actually... What about you? Have you thought of being a father? Heh. With your way with the ladies, whose to say that you aren't one already? :-p
Felix (to Zoe): Ha ha ha! Are you daft? I can't provide for myself, let alone a family. I took cares not to leave any little ones in my wake. I certainly hope I didn't.
Zoe (to Felix): You don't have to look so worried... Besides, WE can always adopt. :-p Heehee. I was just teasing, Felix.
Felix (to Zoe): That's not funny, you know?
Zoe (to Felix): ... Oh. I thought it was. I'm sorry.
Felix (to Zoe): ... Sorry, Zoe. I know it was a joke.
Zoe (to Felix): I clearly hit a nerve, I'm sorry. You don't have to tell me about it. I'll try not to make jokes like that again.
Felix (to Zoe): Don't worry about it, pretty lady. It's fine. It's old, dead news. Do you want anything else to eat?
Zoe (to Felix): No, I think I'm good for right now. I might curl up & take a nap... Care to keep me company until I fall asleep? Please?
Felix (to Zoe): ... Heh. Alright. Only if you stop making those sad eyes at me. You'll have to shove over. How such a little thing takes up so much room, I'll never know.
Zoe (to Felix): Heh. It's a gift.
Felix (to Zoe): If there's one thing I've learned about your family, it's the smaller the member of it is, the bigger their personality. I'm sorry about earlier, pretty girl. Fatherhood is a bit of a touchy subject with me. I'm sure you noticed.
Zoe (to Felix): I did notice that, a little... I just didn't want you thinking I was planning out our whole future together or that I had any expectations. I just apparently went about it wrong.
Felix (to Zoe): Heh. You went about it fine. You didn't know there was a landmine there until you stepped on it. Don't worry about it. Get some rest, pretty lady.
Zoe (to Felix): Okay... I love you, Felix.
Felix (to Zoe): ... I love you too.
A couple minutes later:
Felix (to Zoe): ... You're not sleeping because you're too busy wondering what the fuck happened, aren't you?
Zoe (to Felix): ... Heh. Yes. It's true. Gah. It's killing me. But, I understand that you have secrets.
Felix (to Zoe): No you don't. You hate secrets and don't like people having them around you. It makes you crazy. Like a cat that can't get at a rat.. Do you remember me telling you about Elizabeth? Why am I asking. Of course you do.
Zoe (to Felix): ... Is this the part where I say something?
Felix (to Zoe): Heh. Honestly, I was hoping you'd fallen asleep. I... I mean, we... Not really "we." She. SHE got pregnant at one point. Before she was married... The baby never made an appearance. Which, if you consider the surroundings, was a bloody blessing.
Zoe (to Felix): ... Oh. That must have been rough on you both... Um, can I ask a question? You might not like it, though.
Felix (to Zoe): What is it?
Zoe (to Felix): How soon after this, did she get married to whatshisname?
Felix (to Zoe): The greengrocer. Randall... It was a few months. This happened in spring. She was married at the end of summer.
Zoe (to Felix): I thought so... Felix, I'm not Elizabeth. I'm sorry that you & she went through that, but you've got to let go of all of it.
Felix (to Zoe): Heh. I know that, pretty girl. I'd be a fool if I didn't. Like I said, you're not like any other girl I've ever met.
Zoe (to Felix): Heh. I'm going to take that as a compliment... I think.
Felix (to Zoe): You should. It WAS a compliment.
Zoe (to Felix): Heh... You are amazing, Felix. And, I have faith that one day you're going to make someone a wonderful husband & father.
Felix (to Zoe): Ha! Now I know you're delirious. Who said anything about me wanting to be either husband or father? Get some rest, crazy girl.
Zoe (to Felix): No one at all... Shhhh. Sleeping.
Felix (to Zoe): Heh. That's what I thought. Go to sleep.
A short time later:
Poppy (to Felix & Zoe): ... Oh, I beg your pardon, honey. I didn't realize Zoe was sleeping. Could you give me a hand with something?
Felix (to Poppy): Of course, ma'am. Just let me...
A moment later:
Felix (to Poppy): Heh. Sorry for the delay, miss.
Poppy (to Felix): Heehee. It's alright, honey. You had your arms full of... my daughter. Could you please hold Lucas for a minute? Here you go…
Felix (to Poppy): Oh! Um, Yes, ma'am.
Poppy (to Vincent & Victor): Sweeties, sweeties! You are both pretty, smart & very good at being in charge... Now, quite arguing. I love you both but I will shoot. As you can see I have two guns, one for each of you.
Vincent (to Poppy): So you do... Hee hee! I don't doubt for moment you WILL shoot us, lover. Isn't that right, Victor?
Victor (to Vincent & Poppy): Yes, sir. Sorry, Mum.
Poppy (to Victor, Vincent & Felix): Good. Now that I have your attention... The Falcon is fueled and ready to go. Victor are you & your crew going to stay here while Tesla's crew handles the repairs & upgrades? (to Felix) Honey, he won't bite.
Felix (to Poppy): Uh, yes, ma'am.
Victor (to Poppy, Vincent & Felix): I'd like to stay here to oversee everything. ...If that's alright.
Poppy (to Victor & Vincent): That makes sense to me. Plus, it's probably the safest place for you all after the trouble Nate & company has gotten themselves into... Is that what you were arguing about? (to Felix) He's a baby not a plague rat. You hold him like this, not like he's going to explode.
Vincent (to Poppy): Hee hee. Right in one, sweetness. Our darling boy is concerned, but not so much that he wants to stay in the colonies.
Victor (to Vincent & Poppy): If Aiden and Nate are in trouble, and we can help we should! They're family, and we... Sorry. It's just... It's not like crew ISN'T family, Mum, but it's fine with me. It's not like we're not grounded anyway. Zoe's staying here, though, right?
Felix (to Poppy): Oh. Yes, ma'am. Of course.
Poppy (to Victor & Vincent): Worried that she's going to get to do something fun? And yes, they are family & we're not leaving them out in the cold. But, you've got a ship & a crew, which should be your first priority... Besides, while you're staying here, I'm going to borrow Felix. (to Felix) If that's alright with you, honey. Of course.
Felix (to Poppy): Oh? Of course, ma'am. If it's alright with the captain, it's alright with me.
Victor (to Poppy & Vincent): Mum! You and Dad won't tell us what's going on, and all I know is that some creepy motherfuckers had our descriptions and ship, and tried to grab Zoe. Then a few days later, Nate get's jumped and almost murdered! I'm very sorry if I'm coming off more than a bit paranoid. I'm going to go see to the bloody repairs!
Vincent (to Poppy & Felix): Whoof! Where the hell does he get that attitude? :-P
Poppy (to Vincent): Where on earth does he get that attitude from, lover? (to Felix) I need you to find out why my darling daughter sent someone into CLANNG without letting us know she was doing it. So, you & she are going New York on a "mission". I have an old friend who runs a bookshop & needs a delivery.
Vincent (to Poppy): Hee hee. I always assumed he inherited that from his mother. :-P
Felix (to Poppy): Ah. So, you're giving us a job to do while I spy on her?
Poppy (to Felix): Spying is such an ugly word, honey. I strongly suspect that Zoe knew about her kidnapping attempt because of her friend. love my daughter but I know she feels responsible for Hiiri's actions, just like Emma does. With one big difference being that Zoe is a hell of a lot sneakier. I just want to make sure she's not putting herself in danger.
Felix (to Poppy): ... I understand, ma'am, and with all due respect, I don't like this one bit.
Poppy (to Felix): ... Oh, honey, and why is that? (to Vincent) Why are you grinning like that, lover?
Vincent (to Poppy & Felix): Oh. Was I grinning? My mistake. Don't let me interrupt you.
Felix (to Poppy & Vincent): Uh, right... I'm sorry, ma'am. I just don't like the idea of gathering information on your daughter behind her back. Seems easier just to be direct with her, if you ask me. Also seems like the kind of thing she wouldn't like. I don't suppose she'd like it at all.
Vincent (to Felix): What if we ordered you to do it, kiddo?
Felix (to Vincent): You're not my captain, sir.
Poppy (to Felix): Well honey, I don't like finding out that Zoe went behind our back in the first place... But, I am curious to know why you're concerned about what Zoe thinks, honey. Care to explain?
Felix (to Poppy & Vincent): I, um, I thought that would be rather clear, ma'am. Are you going to, uh, you know, take back this little one... I, uh.... I think you should probably take your boy, ma'am. I should think that Captain Potter will be...
Poppy (to Felix): I think Lucas is fine where he is, honey. He must like you, he doesn't usually fall asleep so easily.
Vincent (to Felix & Poppy): I wouldn't imagine she is, kiddo. What exactly is your relationship with our daughter, Felix?
Felix (to Poppy & Vincent): Or you might be a bit happier if I wasn't holding him when I answer that question.
Poppy (to Felix & Vincent): Oh fine... I get the distinct feeling we're not going to like the answer, lover.
Vincent (to Poppy): Or he thinks we won't, gorgeous. (to Felix) What's going on with you two, Felix? Are you in love with her?
Felix (to Poppy & Vincent): ... I--I don't know what to say to that, sir.
Poppy (to Felix): So, is that a yes or a no, honey?
Felix (to Poppy & Vincent): ... It's a yes.
Vincent (to Felix): Hee hee hee. You can stop wincing now, Felix. No one is going to stab you with anything.
Poppy (to Felix & Vincent): We thought as much... Now, will you act as an escort for Zoe to New York? No spying, I promise.
Felix (to Poppy & Vincent): ...Yes, ma'am. I don't mind escorting her. I just wasn't sure I wanted to be doing anything behind her back.
Poppy (to Felix & Vincent): Good for you, honey. I wasn't really going to ask you to spy on her, just so you know. I just wanted to see what you'd say or do.
Vincent (to Felix): She's telling the truth, Felix. Besides, why would we ask you to spy on our daughter. No offense, but you seem to be awful at keeping secret when hard pressed. And Zoe is nothing if not the nosiest of Parkers.
Felix (to Poppy & Vincent): Heh heh. Well, yes. She is that.
Poppy (to Vincent): Heehee. Should we go, lover? We promised Molly & Bernard we'd be back to the inn tomorrow. (to Felix) And, try not to let Victor get in the way if you can help it. We need him to stay here. Nate's bringing Emma here tomorrow to visit the twins.
Vincent (to Poppy): I would LOVE to get you all to myself for a bit, beautiful. Hee hee. That's if Mr. Man here will let us have a moment's rest. (to Felix) We've left all the information about the New York job with the twins, kiddo. They'll give you the skinny whenever you and Zoe are ready to go. Make sure she gets some rest and eats something before you leave.
Felix (to Poppy & Vincent): I'll see what I can do... I have to ask. Why do you want me going on this trip with her if not to spy?
Poppy (to Felix): Because, if you love her like you say you do, honey, you'll make sure nothing happens to her & that she doesn't do anything stupid.
Vincent (to Felix & Poppy): And with this family, that can be an accomplishment in and of itself. Ask my long suffering wife. :-P
Poppy (to Vincent): I'm glad you realize how much you drive me crazy, lover.
Vincent (to Poppy): Hee hee. I do. I also know you wouldn't have me any other way.
Poppy (to Vincent): Heehee. That's very true... (to Felix) Felix, you may want to run off now. We're about to get embarrassingly familiar.
Felix (to Poppy & Vincent): Oh. Ah. Uh, yes. I'll just go... Find someplace else to be, shall I?
Vincent (to Felix): Good plan. (to Poppy) Come here, lover. I want to get embarrassing familiar with you. Quite embarrassing familiar. The royal family would be shocked. Possibly appalled.
Poppy (to Vincent): I am shocked and appalled, lover... And, completely willing to let you.
Vincent (to Poppy): Hee hee. That's what I like to hear.
A few hours later, in the kitchen:
Eva (to Una): Una! There you are, sister dear. Try this. I think it's much more edible than my last attempt!
Una (to Eva): Oh... Yes, it does look more edible... What is it, sister dear?
Eva (to Una): ... Chili? Yes. Chili.
Una (to Eva): Oh. I think I've decided to become vegetarian, sister... Yes, I think so.
Eva (to Una): ... Does one normally put meat in chili? Oh. Yes! Of course they do... Oh fine! I'll call it a loss then! No one else is cooking, and I'm bloody starving, and I cannot shake the feeling I could do this if I tried...
Una (to Eva): Sister dear, I think we need to use a book, like this one. No more experiments, let's just follow a recipe.
Eva (to Una): Oh, alright. If you insist.
Yukiko (to Eva & Una): Excuse me, ladies. Have either of you seen Victor recently?
Eva (to Yukiko): I last saw him arguing with his father in the... it was the east hangar, wasn't it?
Una (to Eva & Yukiko): I believe it was, Eva.
Yukiko (to Una & Eva): Oh bloody hell... He's going to be in such a mood... Wake up Zoe from her nap & get her to make some food. No offense, but I'm not eating whatever that is.
Eva (to Una & Yukiko): Well you don't have to be rude about... Oh, alright, fine. I don't blame you!
Una (to Eva): Heehee. She does have a point, Eva. Even if she was rude about it.
Yukiko (to Une & Eva): Stop wasting the food on your cooking experiments. Money doesn't grow on trees. I need to go find Victor.
Eva (to Una & Yukiko): I wasn't... I was just trying to... FINE. I'll go find Zoe and stay the bloody hell out of the kitchen, then.
Una (to Eva): Oh, don't be like that, Eva. You'll get the hang of it, eventually. I have faith in you.
A short time later, onboard the Wicked Sister:
Yukiko (to Victor): Victor? Are you in here?
Victor (to Yukiko): Oi! Yuki! Heh, you startled me.
Yukiko (to Victor): Sorry. Are you alright? Eva said you & your dad were getting into it earlier. Is there something wrong?
Victor (to Yukiko): No, nothing's wrong. My father and I get... Well, whenever we disagree about something, we usually end up shouting.
Yukiko (to Victor): Heh. So, you're up here doing whatever it is you're doing simply because everything is completely normal?
Victor (to Yukiko): More or less. My parents are about as ruddy cross with me as I thought they would be...
Yukiko (to Victor): I'm sorry, watashi no ai... Is there anything I can do to help?
Victor (to Yukiko): They want me to go to school to learn how to ruddy well be normal... They DON'T want me to go to school if it means I'm going to go about crashing the bleeding ship into the water... Heh. No. I'm sorry. You don't want to hear me complain.
Yukiko (to Victor): I think that's what being in a relationship is about, Victor. Talk to me. Maybe, I can help.
Victor (to Yukiko): It sounds like whoever tried to grab Zoe is working for Wilkinson. They grabbed Nate as well. It sounds like they were going to murder him and leave his body someplace for Aiden to find. Not to mention Hiiri's back. They're scared. I think they're trying to convince me I'm not ready to captain a ship, so I'll go back to the other side for a while.
Yukiko (to Victor): Oh... Well, I would miss you if you headed back early but we are grounded for awhile. There's not really much captaining to do here.
Victor (to Yukiko): Where it's nice and safe. I'm not going to head back! Someone is targeting my family.
Yukiko (to Victor): And, what do you propose to do about that? If your parents are scared, I think they have good reasons to want you safely out of harm's way... Besi-- Nevermind.
Victor (to Yukiko): What?
Yukiko (to Victor): It's nothing really, Victor. I just think you need to talk to your sister... I promised her I wouldn't say anything.
Victor (to Yukiko): Fine...You want me to go back, don't you?
Yukiko (to Victor): Honestly, I don't want you to ever go back. But, I know you have school there & I don't belong on that side. You should be grateful that you have parents that worry about you & are willing to let you be a kid for a little while. I know you want to help but no one seems to know what to do just yet.
Victor (to Yukiko): ... I am. I know exactly how lucky I am. Honestly. Heh. That doesn't mean that it's not frustrating as fuck!
Yukiko (to Victor): Heehee. You're funny when you swear.
Victor (to Yukiko): What? I am not! That's the same thing Mars says.
Yukiko (to Victor): There is nothing wrong with that, Victor. I think it's endearing.
Victor (to Yukiko): You do, huh? You don't think it's so endearing when I get all Tombsy on you. :-P
Yukiko (to Victor): Well, that's because I have no idea what you're saying when you talk like that... So, you staying here or going back?
Victor (to Yukiko): I'm staying. You're not rid of me yet.
Yukiko (to Victor): Good...
Victor (to Yukiko): You are incredibly irresistible when you smile like that, did you know that? And I'm wondering if I should just wait until tomorrow to talk to Zoe, and risk getting myself irritated once again, or stay here and figure out ways to make you keep smiling.
Yukiko (to Victor): I think I like the second option the best but I'm probably biased... Victor, will you marry me? HAHAHA! I'm just kidding. You should have seen the look on your face. LIke you had swallowed a frog.
Victor (to Yukiko): ...You caught me a bit off guard with that question, I'll admit. I'd say yes if you asked, you know.
Yukiko (to Victor): ... Oh. Heh. I guess it's my turn to be caught off-guard... I'm not sure what to say to that.
Victor (to Yukiko): Would you say yes if I asked you? Not right now, but in the future?
Yukiko (to Victor): I'd say yes, Victor... I can't imagine being without you & I live in dread the day you go back to school.
Victor (to Yukiko): Ha ha ha! You took so long to respond, I was a little worried you were going to say no. And don't worry. I'll be coming back here so often to see you, I'll most likely flunk out. :-P
Yukiko (to Victor): I don't want you to flunk out... C'mere.
Victor (to Yukiko): Heh. I would like that very much.
