In one of the guest rooms, at Aiden's house; New London, Britannia:
Winchester (to Fiona): Firebug? It smells as though breakfast is being made to entice us downstairs… Shall we go?
Fiona (to Winchester): Cé go bhfuil tú, cantankerous, agus conas a fuair tú anseo? ...Oh! Fox. Sorry about that, lovely. I was dead asleep.
Winchester (to Fiona): Heh. So I see… Wore you out, did I?
Fiona (to Winchester): Ha ha! Did I seem worn out to you? Suppose I was more exhausted than I thought. There used to be a time I could stay up for a few days without ill effect. Suppose us unlucky ones're doomed to get old. :-p
Winchester (to Fiona): Heh. I've just never seen you sleep so soundly, firebug.
Fiona (to Winchester): I don't usually. I must be coming down with something. Shall we get some breakfast?
Winchester (to Fiona): Yes, let's.
A short time later, in the kitchen:
Mrs. Esterly (to Fiona & Winchester): There you two are. I was wondering when you'd come down to get something to eat. Help yourselves. We're eating in the kitchen, I'm afraid. I know better than to waste my time serving you, or trying to get you to act civilized company at a proper table.
Fiona (to Mrs. Esterly): You know there's no use treating me like anything other than the heathen barbarian I am, Artemis.
Winchester (to Mrs. Esterly): Thank you, Mrs. Esterly. It looks lovely.
Mrs. Esterly (to Fiona): Hee hee hee. Good heavens, Fiona. Save your lies for someone who will believe them. ...Good gracious, dear! (to Winchester) You're welcome, Mr. Fox. (to Fiona) Don't you slink away! I wasn't done with you. Did you break a rib again? You'll puncture a lung one of these days, and that will be the end of you. Mark.
Fiona (to Mrs. Esterly): Heh. It's just bruised, missus.
Mrs. Esterly (to Fiona): Mmm. As you say, dear. If you two will excuse me. I have a host of rooms in utter disarray, I'm sure.
Winchester (to Mrs. Esterly): Of course. I take it this is the file we should read?
Mrs. Esterly (to Winchester & Fiona): Why else would it be out, dear? I'm old, not sloppy.
Fiona (to Winchester): Ha ha ha! Artemis is LOVING lording over all this chaos, isn't she? It's been a while since she lectured me like a mother.
Winchester (to Fiona): Heh... Oh, look we get to go to France & play in a casino. And, I'm partnered with Kobayashi... Her little man is not going to like that one bit. Heh. Five pounds says she doesn't tell him. You in?
Fiona (to Winchester): Heh. I'll take that bet. She's all shades of twisted up over that boy.
Winchester (to Fiona): Oh? Do you think it's serious, that she'll go off and be a happy homemaker with the little gentleman?
Fiona (to Winchester): Ha! A homemaker? In case you haven't noticed, Fox, the kind of women who stay in the ISS don't happy homemakers make.
Winchester (to Fiona): Well yes, I bloody well know that. But, she's out of it, isn't she? I mean, for all intents & purposes Kobayashi is dead to the ISS. What if she'd rather be toiling about on that ship with the pirate lordling? Who will we have to torment? ... Or do the dirty work? I really do hate getting blood on my suits.
Fiona (to Winchester): Poor Fox! I fear you might actually have to do some work sometime. Heh. In case you haven't noticed, I'm not exactly on anything closely akin to "active duty" myself. Methinks Wilkinson is pouting because you lot kept him from getting me killed. With the little lordling retired, Kobayashi dead, and me a persona non grata, you're a bit on your own, aren't you... Bloody hell!
Winchester (to Fiona): What? Have you finally realized how put upon I am?
Fiona (to Winchester): Put upon my pale Scots arse. You're next on the list, lovely. Double or nothing your next assignment from Wilkes' office has you paired with some bloke you've never met that's on his ruddy payroll.
Winchester (to Fiona): Heh... Are you worried about me, firebug? That's very touching. Not to worry, if I die I'm leaving everything to you. Besides, I was already paired with a bloke I didn't know who was on Wilkinson's payroll... Sadly, he didn't make it.
Fiona (to Winchester): Ha ha ha! I should have known you're too nasty to kill that easily. And don't put me in your ruddy will! What will I do with a wardrobe full of suits too small to fit me, and a collection of love letters from sappy women?
Winchester (to Fiona): I thought you could erect a shrine to my good taste & charm. ;-)
Persephone (to Winchester & Fiona): I apologize for the interruption but Ms. Dvorak says to get yourselves to the docks in 3 hours & board the airship docked at Pier 78, La Fae Vert. She's got you all booked on it to Nice.
Fiona (to Persephone): Thank you, missy. We'll be there.
Winchester (to Fiona): Heh. Thank you, Miss Persephone... By the way, that is quite a stunning color on you. You should wear it more often.
Persephone (to Winchester): Heehee. I've been warned about you, Mr. Fox. And, I know I look good in this color, that's why I wear it almost every day.
Fiona (to Winchester): Ha ha ha! Don't worry, Fox. I'm sure that's bound to be at least one young thing will fall for your lines in Nice.
Winchester (to Fiona): ... What is the state of this world coming to when you can't offer a compliment without being accused of something lecherous?
A little while later, in the attic guest room:
Nathaniel (to Yukiko): Hey, Yoyo. Heh. My cousin finally go home?
Yukiko (to Nathaniel): Yes... But, I'm sure you knew that. Just like how you knew he was here in the first place. Can you button this for me? I'm to dress like a "proper lady" and be on my best behavior until needed. Thank goodness I'm better prepared this time.
Nathaniel (to Yukiko): Heh. Not my fault he's got an energy signature like a goddamn hippo in tap shoes. Here... Almost... Stop fucking wriggling!
Yukiko (to Nathaniel): Sorry. I'm not used to wearing so many layers... What ridiculous assignment do you have?
Nathaniel (to Yukiko): Fiona and I are playing bodyguards to Ms Dvorak's Duchess. Aiden's posing as her son. Guess Mrs. Esterly didn't think your partner and I could pass for royalty. :-P
Yukiko (to Nathaniel): Heehee. Well, I'm supposed to be Chess' companion. I'll happily trade you.
Nathaniel (to Yukiko): Sure. I'm not sure your dress is gonna fit me, though.
Yukiko (to Nathaniel): You're probably right. Fiona is going to laugh herself blue in the face when she sees me in this getup.
Nathaniel (to Yukiko): You look fucking fine. Heh. You really hate skirts, don't you?
Yukiko (to Nathaniel): No, skirts are fine. It's all this extra stuff I could do with out. But, if I'm to play the part correctly I need to wear it. Thankfully, the dress I'm supposed to wear at the casino is a bit better. Heh. I hope I get to keep it. I think Victor would like me in it. But I learned a long time ago not to get too attached to clothes on a mission, they often get ruined.
Nathaniel (to Yukiko): Heh. Yeah. I had a few of those moments myself. Thank god most of the uniform was black... Shit. Heh. Wrong life. Never mind.
Yukiko (to Nathaniel): Heh... Thank you for the help. Shall we go? I'm sure they're all chomping at the bit to get a move on.
Nathaniel (to Yukiko): Sure. Think I got time to smoke a cigarette?
Yukiko (to Nathaniel): Probably. Heh. I'm sure Aiden is already out in the garden. He always smokes like a fiend right before a mission.
Nathaniel (to Yukiko): Heh. Yeah. I've noticed that. Alright. See you inside in a bit.
A couple minutes later, in the back garden:
Nathaniel (to Aiden): Hey. Can I join you, or do you wanna be alone with your smoke cloud. :-P
Aiden (to Nathaniel): ... Huh? Oh... Sorry. I was just out here thinking. I can't believe Roland got himself into this kind of mess. He's always held me in such contempt, telling me that my behavior was unseemly for one of our standing but apparently gambling away a small fortune is quite acceptable... And, here I am going to his rescue. I bet he won't even say thank you.
Nathaniel (to Aiden): Of course he won't. He's a fucking douche nozzle. That's why you save his ass, and remind him how his baby brother, your gay as fuck boyfriend, and an old lady had to rescue him.
Aiden (to Nathaniel): Heh. You have such a way with words. Come here and give me a kiss before we have to act all civilized.
Nathaniel (to Aiden): Heh. Yeah. I'm a goddamn poet. You're the one who's gotta act all civilized.
Aiden (to Nathaniel): Heh. Well then, give me a kiss before I have to act all civilized.
Nathaniel (to Aiden): With fucking pleasure. C'mere, sexy.
Fiona (to Nathaniel & Aiden): Oi! Get yer hands off each other and your arses moving, boys! We've got to meet the Firebrand. There'll be time for a show later. :-P
Aiden (to Fiona): I'll remember that, McGillivray.
Several hours later, at Casino de la Renard; Nice, French Republic:
Ms. Dvorak (to Fiona, Aiden & Nathaniel): Oh my, it looks like Grigori has a new right hand man, darlings... To be 20 years younger. Where's Yuki?
Nathaniel (to Ms. Dvorak): 20 years younger? So, what? Then you could be his mom instead of his grandma? Yuki's over there trying not to stab Fox in the eye. (to Fiona) 10 bucks says she will if he tries to grab her ass again.
Ms. Dvorak (to Nathaniel): Oh good, dear... (to Aiden) Sweetie, why don't you go and say hello?
Aiden (to Ms. Dvorak): Oh... If you insist.
Grigori Rodchenko (to Park Ji Yong): Well. I think tonight has just gotten infinitely more interesting, my young friend. If I'm not mistaken, that's Margaux Dvorak.
Ji Yong (to Grigori): ... Shall I accompany you, sir?
Grigori (to Ji Yong): Oh, no. Don't worry. If she tries to kill me again, I'm quite sure I'll start screaming. Just stand there and look intimidating. Good work.
Aiden (to Grigori & Ji Yong) : Good evening, Mister Rodchenko. My mother suggested I come over & introduce myself, I'm Cecil Holmwood. She has spoken very highly of you & your casino.
Ji Yong (to Aiden): You aren't that woman's son.
Fiona (to Nathaniel): Ha ha ha! See what happens when you annoy the Firebrand? She sends your gentleman to talk to the pretty Korean man.
Nathaniel (to Fiona): Yeah. So I noticed. ...Should I be more upset about this than I am?
Aiden (to Ji Yong): I beg your pardon? She happens to be my stepmother but she's the only mother I've ever known, if you must know. And, you are?
Ji Yong (to Aiden): My name's Park Ji Yong. I work for Mr. Rodchenko, who has already informed me that woman is Margaux Dvorak. Also known as the Firebrand. She is single.
Fiona (to Nathaniel): No. Not in the slightest.
Nathaniel (to Fiona): Shhh... I wanna see where this goes. They're either gonna fight or fuck. I... Yeah. I'm on board for seeing both.
Aiden (to Ji Yong): Oh, fine... I'm Aiden Wilkes. I'd like to talk to Mr. Rodchenko about buying my brother's debt.
Ji Yong (to Aiden): Hello, Mr. Wilkes. It's nice to meet you. I'm familiar with the name.
Fiona (to Nathaniel): Ha ha ha! You dirty little pervert! I knew I liked you for a reason beyond your nice arse.
Nathaniel (to Fiona): Heh. Don't be fooled. My ass is my only redeeming quality.
Aiden (to Ji Yong): Heh... I'm sure I'm supposed to say something humble but I can't really think of what that could be.
Ji Yong (to Aiden): Why would you do that?
Aiden (to Ji Yong): Heh. You have the advantage. I really don't like to resort to this sort of banter with unknown persons.
Ji Yong (to Aiden): As you say. Is there a reason your "stepmother's" bodyguards are staring at us? They're going to blow your cover with that kind of behavior.
Fiona (to Nathaniel): Heh. So we are. Looks like you'll be in trouble later, bonny boy.
Nathaniel (to Fiona): Oh shit. We're getting the fucking stink eye. Heh. We'd better get back to work.
Aiden (to Ji Yong): Bloody hell! I think they're hoping we'll make out... I beg your pardon. I shall kill them later.
Ji Yong (to Aiden): Why would we do that? We're both working.
Aiden (to Ji Yong): ... I have no response for that.
Winchester (to Yukiko): Yuki, go talk to the man cornering Wilkes.
Yukiko (to Winchester): Why would I bloody do that?
Winchester (to Yukiko): ... You're Nipponese... He's Korean... Things in common?
Yukiko (to Winchester): Do we? Like what? ... Besides, being Asian?
Winchester (to Yukiko): Yes?
Grigori (to Ms Dvorak): Hello, gorgeous woman.
Ms. Dvorak (to Grigori): Hello, Grigori... Ruining our little game I see?
Grigori (to Ms Dvorak): Ha ha ha! Not me, darling, but I fear my right hand man is a bit more literal minded. He has no romance in his soul. Do you see what I've been reduced to? YOU on the other hand...
Ms. Dvorak (to Grigori): ... I can see how that would be a problem for you. Grigori darling, is there somewhere a bit more private where we can chat?
Grigori (to Ms Dvorak): My gorgeous little flower, you know I will always happily follow you anywhere.We can go to my office.
Ms. Dvorak (to Grigori): Wonderful... And, don't try anything foolish, dear. I'm not against stabbing you again.
Yukiko (to Winchester): ... Dance with me, Fox.
Winchester (to Yukiko): Seriously? After all that?
Yukiko (to Winchester): Yes. Fiona may kill you after this & I want you to go with a smile. Besides, it'll be a good distraction, you bloody racist.
Winchester (to Yukiko): I am your humble servant... Forgive me.
Yukiko (to Winchester): Keep groveling, I may let you live.
A short time later, in the office:
Grigori (to Ms. Dvorak): Surely by now you're used to having men behave like fools around you. What can I do for you, Margaux? Somehow, I think you are not here for the vodka or gambling.
Ms. Dvorak (to Grigori): Heh. You always did have a silver-tongue, you old dog... I'm here to ask a favor. I need you to buy Roland Wilkes gambling debt from Padgett's. A nasty fellow named Wilkinson is interested in buying it & I'd hate to think what he'd get up to with Roland being under his thumb.
Grigori (to Ms. Dvorak): Oh? How big a favor is this? How deep did Lord Wilkes' favorite son manage get himself?
Ms. Dvorak (to Grigori): Quite a substantial sum I'm afraid. Here's the sheet...However, Agatha says if you do this for us, we'll be square, darling.
Grigori (to Ms. Dvorak): Yebany v rot! That is quite an impressive amount. If I were you, I'd leave the opezdol to his own devices. I'd be square with both you and Agatha you say? I wondered when she would call in that favor. Ahhh, Kiev... Very well. You have yourselves a deal. Let us drink on it.
Ms. Dvorak (to Grigori): Of course, darling... spasibo.
Grigori (to Ms. Dvorak): You realize, of course, I'll have to go to New London to work the deal out in person. Perhaps you and Agatha would do me the favor of dinner and light entertainment while I am in town?
Ms. Dvorak (to Grigori): If you insist, dear... I know Agatha is simply dying to say thank you to you in person.
Grigori (to Ms. Dvorak): You're a such an unrepentant liar, Margaux. It's what I love about you? How did you manage to stay so beautiful for so long?
Ms. Dvorak (to Grigori): Heh. Now, who's the liar, Grigori? Here's the address to my house in New London. You & your man are more than welcome to stay with me while you're in town. It's the least I can do.
Grigori (to Ms. Dvorak): I'm sure I will be MORE than happy to take you on on that offer, my little...
Meanwhile, out in the casino:
Winchester (to Yukiko): Yuki? Be a dear & fetch Aiden for me... I think our time for stealth has come. I'll start heading for the exit, shall I?
Yukiko (to Winchester): What? Why? Oh shit... Is that the D'Anjou brothers? Yeah, it may indeed be time to depart.
A few minutes later:
Yukiko (to Aiden & Ji Yong): Pardon me, gentlemen... Mister Holmwood, we're about to have some nasty company. We may want to leave.
Ji Yong (to Yukiko & Aiden): Yes. So I see. It was nice meeting you, Mr. Wilkes. Excuse me.
Aiden (to Yukiko): Yes, of course. (to Ji Yong) It was very nice to meet you, Mister Yong, was it? I'm sorry I'm sometimes terrible with names.
Yukiko (to Aiden): It's Park Ji Yong, Wilkes... (to Ji Yong) Heh. I didn't think you approved of gambling, Yong.
Ji Yong (to Yukiko): I do not. Mr. Rodchenko thinks that makes me a very good person to oversee it. Excuse me. It's good to see you alive Kobayashi.
Yukiko (to Ji Yong): Heh. Likewise. (to Aiden) What?
Aiden (to Yukiko): You know him? How do you bloody well know him?
Yukiko (to Aiden): We get the same newsletter... How do you think we bloody well know each other? We were both sent to kill the same person. Long story.
Back in the office:
Ji Yong (to Grigori & Ms. Dvorak): Sir. We have a situation on the floor. The D'Anjous are back.
Grigori (to Ji Yong & Ms. Dvorak): EbAt'sya-koovyrkAt'sya! You would think they would learn. Excuse me my exquisite one, I have business. Until then. Clear the floor, will you, Mr. Yong?
Ms. Dvorak (to Grigori & Ji Yong): Yes, of course, Grigori. I'll just see myself out.
Ji Yong (to Grigori & Ms. Dvorak): Yes, sir.
Out in the casino:
Winchester (to Fiona & Nathaniel): Alright, you two gawkers, time to earn our keep. Those two weasly looking fellows with the bruisers are about are about to rob the place. It's time we left.
Fiona (to Winchester): What do you think we've been doing, Fox? Filing our nails. We see them.
Winchester (to Fiona): With those cuticles? Clearly not.
Nathaniel (to Winchester & Fiona): Can we talk nail care later? What's the plan?
Winchester (to Nathaniel & Fiona): Heh. Spoilsport. It looks like Yuki & Wilkes are heading for the nearest exit. I suggest we do the same.
Ms. Dvorak (to Winchester, Fiona & Nathaniel): Oh my! It looks like a casino robbery. It's been ages since I've seen one of these.
Winchester (to Ms. Dvorak): I would really prefer to keep it that way, ma'am.
Nathaniel (to Ms. Dvorak, Winchester & Fiona): … Holy Shit! That is one HUGE fucking gun Mr. Sexy is carrying.
Winchester (to Nathaniel, Ms. Dvorak & Fiona): ... Clearly, he's over compensating for something.
Fiona (to Winchester): Ha ha ha! You think so? (to Nathaniel) What do you reckon, Bonnie Boy?
Nathaniel (to Fiona): Tough to say from here. It's not all about size anyway. Or doesn't Red know that?
Ms. Dvorak (to Winchester, Fiona & Nathaniel): HA! Not that I'm not fascinated by how the younger models handle these types of things, but I believe you were suggesting we leave, Mr. Fox, weren't you?
Winchester (to Ms. Dvorak): Yes. I beg your pardon.
Nathaniel (to Winchester, Ms. Dvorak & Fiona): Oh shit! Not that way. Goon fuck number 2 is blocking the exit. Where's the other one?
Winchester (to Nathaniel): Blocking the other exit, apparently... Damn! We missed our exit window.
Ms. Dvorak (to Winchester, Fiona & Nathaniel): Relax, sit back and enjoy the show, children. If I know Grigori, this will be very educational. Besides, we don't have anything they want. All my jewels are fakes.
Fiona (to Winchester & Ms. Dvorak): Let's not blow our cover then. Get behind us you two. (to Nathaniel) You're up front with me, wee bit.
Nathaniel (to Fiona): Got it.
In the rafters:
Aiden (to Yukiko): Can you see them?
Yukiko (to Aiden): Yes. It looks like Fi & Nate are acting the part. Chess & Ms. Dvorak are hunched down behind like good little aristocrats. I'm not seeing an opening at the moment to get 'em out. What about you?
Aiden (to Yukiko): I've got a clear head shot on the brothers, but we may want to see how this plays out, before we resort to that.
Yukiko (to Aiden): You're the boss.
Back on the floor of the casino:
Winchester (to Fiona): I love it when you're all take charge, firebug.
Ms. Dvorak (to Winchester): Hush, dear.
Fiona (to Winchester): Will you at least attempt to look concerned, you bloody blaigeard?
Winchester (to Fiona): Oh yes, of course.
An hour or so later:
Nathaniel (to Winchester, Ms. Dvorak & Fiona): Shit. We're about to have company...
Fiona (to Nathaniel): Heh. It's about damn time! Sitting here waiting is making me twitchy! Right. I'll go for his gun. You get around him and try to knock him out. If that doesn't work... We'll just sit here and do nothing.
Winchester (to Nathaniel & Fiona): Heh... Or we could just signal to the little lordling & ninja girl, who appear to be above us in the rafters.
A moment later:
Fiona (to Ji Yong): Bloody hell, Mr. Machine Gun. You didn't let us have any of the fun.
Ji Yong (to Fiona): My apologies, ma'am. My employer doesn't like the guests to have to bloody themselves. (to Ms. Dvorak & Winchester) I'm quite sorry for the evening's unpleasant turn of events. Please allow me to escort you to the exit.
Ms. Dvorak (to Ji Yong): It's quite alright, Mister Yong, couldn't be helped. You are quite handy. I see why Grigori keeps you around, dear.
Ji Yong (to Ms. Dvorak): Yes, ma'am. (to Fiona, Winchester & Nathaniel) This way, please. I assure you the way is now quite safe.
Nathaniel (to Winchester & Fiona): I dunno. Doesn't seem like he's got anything to overcompensate for to me.
Fiona (to Nathaniel): Ha ha ha! You're alright, Nate.
Nathaniel (to Fiona): Ouch.
Yukiko (to Aiden): C'mon Wilkes. Let's get back to the carriage.
Aiden (to Yukiko): Yes, yes. Of course. Lead the way, Kobayashi.
Ms. Dvorak (to Ji Yong): Thank you, Mister Yong... Would you happen to be single, dear? Inquiring minds would like to know.
Ji Yong (to Ms. Dvorak): I don't believe that would be any of their business, ma'am. Thank you for visiting. Have a nice day.
Ms. Dvorak (to Fiona, Nathaniel & Winchester): Brrr. I've met icebergs with a warmer personality than that man. Let's not dawdle, children. I'm sure Kobayashi & Wilkes the younger are chomping at the bit.
Fiona (to Ms. Dvorak): Right behind you, Firebrand. (to Winchester) What are you pouting about, Fox? You didn't even rumple your shirt this go.
Winchester (to Fiona): ... Nothing of import, McGillivray. I was just thinking about my date tomorrow evening & wondering if I should cancel it. I strongly suspect that once Mister Machine Gun arrives in town all my dating prospects will dry up.
Fiona (to Winchester): Awwww, poor pretty boy. Don't worry, Fox. You're still the prettiest princess in the room.
Winchester (to Fiona): ... And, that is supposed to be comforting to me, firebug?
Fiona (to Winchester): Ha ha! Don't ask me, Nancy Boy. I never put much stock in being pretty.
