At Aiden's house; New London, Britannia:
Joseph (to Persephone): Ow! Seph, can I please open my eyes? I've banged my shins on the stairs like three times, already.
Persephone (to Joseph): Stop your whining! I want it to be a surprise. I've been fixing it up for days.
Joseph (to Persephone): Is it a towel filled with ice & an aspirin? Cuz I think I'm going to need it.
Lily: Heehee.
Persephone (to Lily): Hush, you. You'll ruin the surprise. (to Joseph) Open your eyes, you bloody whiner...
Joseph (to Persephone & Lily): Oh shit! This place is fuc--freakin' huge… And, Aiden really said we can stay here?
Lily (to Persephone & Joseph): Yay! you get to live here with us! It's going to be so much fun.
Persephone (to Lily): Lilian, would you be a dear & go see if Mrs. Esterly needs any help?
Lily (to Persephone & Joseph): … Oh yes, of course. Heehee. Have fun!
Persephone (to Lily): Don't worry. We will.
Joseph (to Persephone & Lily): Seph!
Persephone (to Joseph): What? It's not like we're not.
A few minutes later, in the kitchen:
Lily (to Mrs. Esterly): Mrs. Esterly? Do you need any assistance? Miss Persephone & Mister Joseph sent me away.
Mrs. Esterly (to Lily): Did they? Well, their loss is my gain, isn't it? How are you and snapping green beans, dear? It makes my arthritis act up.
Lily (to Mrs. Esterly): I can do that. I had to do it all the time when I talked back to Mama… That and peel the potatoes… I just asked questions, she didn't like… Which was pretty much any question.
Mrs. Esterly (to Lily): Well, I don't mind questions at all.
Lily (to Mrs. Esterly): Heehee. That's why I think you're wonderful.
Mrs. Esterly (to Lily): You know, my mother would give me a good scolding whenever I asked too many questions as well. Not that it stopped me any.
Lily (to Mrs. Esterly): Did you ask a lot of questions when you were a little girl?
Mrs. Esterly (to Lily): Oh goodness, yes. And the more I learned, the more questions I had. I rather think that's why I became a spy.
Lily (to Mrs. Esterly): A spy? Like in that book we were reading last night?
Mrs. Esterly (to Lily): Hee hee. Similar, but not exactly.
Lily (to Mrs. Esterly): Wow.
Mrs. Esterly (to Lily): Hee hee. Most times, it wasn't that fascinating, dear. Most of the work was sitting quietly, watching & chatting with people.
Lily (to Mrs. Esterly): … Oh. So, you didn't pretend to be other people? And wear fancy clothes?
Mrs. Esterly (to Lily): Hee hee. Oh no. Not me, dear, but my friend Ms. Dvorak did work like that sometimes. Would you like to go with me when I call on her this afternoon? She's feeling poorly, I'm afraid.
Lily (to Mrs. Esterly): If it wouldn't be too much trouble. I would love to.
Meanwhile, at Vernian Industries; Coventry, Britannia:
Hiiri (to Martin): Ah, Mister Wilkinson, what a pleasant surprise! And, why on earth do I deserve such a privilege of a visit?
Martin (to Hiiri): My end game approaches, Miss Hiiri.
Hiiri (to Martin): Oh? Is it that time already? How time flies when you could honestly care less about your little family drama.
Martin (to Hiiri): … But, this benefits you, as well. Why else would you join forces with me?
Hiiri (to Martin): HAHAHA! You think I've joined forces with you? That's adorable, Martin. May I call you, Martin? You see, Martin, I find your little one man feud against your biological family to be a very good distraction. Not to mention, HILARIOUS.
Martin (to Hiiri): But...
Hiiri (to Martin): No, no. That's all you are & all you've ever been. Simply a distraction. Do you seriously think you're the only illegitimate child of Lord Wilkes? Oh? You did? See? Simply adorable. He doesn't care one fig about you. But, while you've been keeping him & the ISS busy. I've been consolidating my power through legitimate means… Vernian Industries is about to fund my new "army". We will take out CLANNG, the ISS, and anyone who stands in our way. As your reward… Well, you get to say you helped… For all of five minutes.
Martin (to Hiiri): What are you tal--
Hiiri: … I do hate wasting a good monologue on an idiot. (to Carver) Carver! Could you please send for some men to clean this mess up?
Carver (to Hiiri): Of course, ma'am. We wouldn't want him ruining your carpet, ma'am.
Hiiri (to Carver): Thank you, Carver. I will miss him slightly. It was fun to watch him scurry around like a rat in a maze. Heehee. He honestly thought he was doing something remarkably clever.
Carver (to Hiiri): Did he, ma'am? We're afraid we wouldn't know.
Hiiri (to Carver): Heehee. I'm sure you wouldn't... Now everyone will be waiting for him to make his big "final gambit" & we'll be consolidating our power, first with CLANNG & then the ISS. It will be delicious… like, custard.
Carver (to Hiiri): Yes, ma'am.
Hiiri (to Carver): Heehee… Oh! Make sure you have the men leave him on Roland Wilkes is doorstep with a little bow & this note.
Carver (to Hiiri): Yes, ma'am. Is there anything else you wish from us, ma'am?
Hiiri (to Carver): Not that I can think of… Wait. Do you have any custard? Talking about it has made me want some…Oh. Nevermind. I don't eat.
Carver (to Hiiri): Of course. We'll see to the tasks you've assigned us, ma'am. Excuse us.
Hiiri (to Carver): Have fun, Carver!
A few hours later, at Ms. Dvorak's house; New London, Britannia:
Mrs. Esterly (to Ms. Dvorak): We'll take our leave of you and let you get some rest. I can be by tomorrow with more soup if you're still feeling poorly. (to Lily) Why don't you go say goodbye to George before we leave, sweetie?
Lily (to Mrs. Esterly): Yes, of course. I'm sure you need to talk privately, anyway.
Mrs. Esterly (to Lily): Yes, we do, dear. Thank you. (to Ms. Dvorak) Good heavens... I had forgotten what having a Wilkes child in the house was like!
Ms. Dvorak (to Mrs. Esterly): Heh. You love it & you know it, dear. Thank you again for the soup & sherry. It did me a world of good.
Mrs. Esterly (to Ms. Dvorak): Hee hee. I never claimed anything else, dear...We're missing something, aren't we, Margaux?
Ms. Dvorak (to Mrs. Esterly): What do you mean, dear?
Mrs. Esterly (to Ms. Dvorak): This whole business with Wilkinson... I can't help but think there's some aspect to this that we're missing. Beyond petty revenge, what's his end game? He, or someone, has invested quite a bit of time and money into his plot, but to what end? What could possibly be the return on their investment. It's not as though CLANNG is in the business of helping mid-level members of the organization realize personal vendettas, no matter how clever and ambitious they may be. Or I may be getting paranoid in my old age.
Ms. Dvorak (to Mrs. Esterly): That's a very good point, my dear. I'll look into it. Perhaps, I can dig something up that points us in the right direction. And, we're all a bit paranoid. That's what got us to old age, dear.
Mrs. Esterly (to Ms. Dvorak): Hee hee. I suppose that's true, isn't it? Get to bed, dear.
Ms. Dvorak (to Mrs. Esterly): I will. I'll let you know if I find out anything. Thank you again for the pick me up, dear.
Mrs. Esterly (to Ms. Dvorak): You're quite welcome. (to Lily) Come along, Miss Lilian. I already know you're there.
Lily (to Mrs. Esterly): Heehee. I didn't want to interrupt.
Mrs. Esterly (to Lily): Of course you didn't. You can't "accidentally" overhear interesting conversation if you interrupt. ;-)
Lily (to Mrs. Esterly): I'm sorry. I didn't hear much of anything. Ms. Dvorak has very thick doors.
Mrs. Esterly (to Lily): She has those doors for a reason, dear. I'm not going to be cross with you for being curious, Lilian. I'm afraid we're all nosey buggers, and I can promise that I will be as honest with you as possible. Hee hee. Why do you think I told you I was a spy, dear? But, if I'm having a conversation I don't want you to hear, I can also promise that I have a very good reason.
Lily (to Mrs. Esterly): Yes, ma'am. I promise I won't do it again.
Mrs. Esterly (to Lily): Thank you. Now if you could get Persephone to promise the same thing, I'd be over the moon.
Lily (to Mrs. Esterly): Heehee. I don't think that's possible.
Mrs. Esterly (to Lily): I'm afraid not. Let's get home, shall we, dear?
Lily (to Mrs. Esterly): That sounds wonderful, Mrs. Esterly.
Several hours later, at Casino de la Renard; Nice, French Republic:
Delphine (to Ariadne): Oh, mon petite chou, you look very familiar. Have we met somewhere before?
Ariadne (to Delphine): … I don't believe so, Madame. Would you like a table? We have one with a wonderful view & the dealer's not bad looking.
Delphine (to Ariadne): C'est magnifique! Bring a bottle of bubbly, too. I feel like celebrating.
Ariadne (to Delphine): Of course, I'll have one sent over to you.
A moment later:
Ariadne (to Grigori & Ji Yong): Excuse me, gentlemen… I'm not feeling very well this evening. Is it alright if I go to my room?
Grigori (to Ariadne): Of course, sestrenka. Would you like me have something sent up for you?
Ariadne (to Grigori): No. That's alright… Could you please keep an eye on the pink-haired woman who just arrived? I-- I get a very bad feeling about her.
Grigori (to Ariadne): Your instincts are very good, golubka. (to Ji Yong) Mr. Yong, please make her your special project of the evening.
Ji Yong (to Grigori): ...Yes. I will take extra care with her.
Ariadne (to Grigori): Thank you, dyadya. (to Ji Yong) Be careful, Mister Yong. She's very sneaky.
A minute or so later:
Ariadne: Keep it together, Hari. She's not the same person. It's a different time & place… I'm gonna be sick.
Ji Yong (to Delphine): Yes, miss?
Delphine (to Ji Yong): Well, aren't you a lovely sight to behold, mon bel inconnu. Did I scare off the little ballerina?
Ji Yong (to Delphine): I'm afraid I don't know who you mean, mademoiselle.
Delphine (to Ji Yong): The little one that brought me my bubbly. I seemed to make her nervous. I can't understand why… She's not really my type.
Ji Yong (to Delphine): I really couldn't say.
Delphine (to Ji Yong): So, what can I help you with, mon brave cœur? Or do you do this sort of male posturing for all the female clientele? If so, I very much approve & would love to finish this conversation in my room.
Ji Yong (to Delphine): No, mademoiselle. I'm here about the chips that you've been putting in your purse. They belong to the man on your left.
Delphine (to Ji Yong): …Oh? Is that all? My apologies, I have a condition. You might need to frisk me to make sure I haven't hidden them anywhere else.
Ji Yong (to Delphine): No. You do not. Kleptomaniacs steal things randomly, compulsively, and horde them. Thieves steal items worth money. I work in a casino. I know the difference.
Delphine (to Ji Yong): Well, aren't you a clever one? Fine. Take the chips. I'm just killing time, anyway. I am waiting for a Monsieur Walliams. He and I have an appointment.
Ji Yong (to Delphine): I'm afraid he won't be able to meet you here. He was asked to take a few days away from the casino last night. I assume he's abusing the employees at another casino this evening.
Delphine (to Ji Yong): Oh? And, he didn't tell me. Tsk, tsk. Well, I suppose I should look for him then. Please give my regards to la petite ballerine. Au revoir!
Ji Yong (to Delphine): Au revoir.
A few minutes later:
Ariadne: Who on earth is knocking on my door? Go away!
Delphine (to Ariadne): Oh, do you really mean that, little one? I'm hurt… Imagine my surprise that on a simple meet n' greet, I discover a skipper. It took me a moment to figure out where you went & to distract your little security man. But, you can't really hide from me.
Ariadne (to Delphine): … I'm not sure what you mean, Madame.
Delphine (to Ariadne): You're not very good at this game, petite fille. I can track skippers.
Ariadne (to Delphine): Grebanyy der'mo.
Ji Yong (to Delphine): Turn around slowly, and I may let you live. I don't know who you are or why you're here, but the young lady you're harassing is a relative of Mr. Rodchenko, and as such is under my protection.
Delphine (to Ji Yong & Ariadne): Oh, that is cute. You have no idea who you're dealing with, Monsieur. And, the girl is coming with me.
Ariadne (to Delphine): Um, I don't really want to do that.
Ji Yong (to Ariadne & Delphine): No. You do not.
Delphine (to Ji Yong & Ariadne): … This should be fun. I haven't had a good fight in ages.
Ji Yong (to Delphine): If you insist, miss.
Ariadne (to Delphine): He is so going to kick your ass, Delphine.
Delphine (to Ji Yong & Ariadne): Well, damn. You called my bluff. I'm wearing the wrong shoes… A bientot!
A moment later:
Ariadne (to Ji Yong): … Um… Thank you.
Ji Yong (to Ariadne): She was asking about you, and then left a little too easily and quickly. Why was she after you? Who is she? How do you know her?
Ariadne (to Ji Yong): Whoa there, cowboy… Let me get my bearings… She's Delphine Delacroix. She's a mercenary & tracks skippers... I don't know her, per se… Not here, anyway. You don't want to hear it. It's personal stuff. Just she's bad news & I shouldn't stay here. I'll pack my things.
Ji Yong (to Ariadne): Why?
Ariadne (to Ji Yong): She's dangerous & if she knows I'm here… more bad people probably aren't far behind. I don't want to put anyone in their path.
Ji Yong (to Ariadne): ...That explains her meeting with Mr. Walliams. I will inform Mr. Rodchenko. You should stay here.
Ariadne (to Ji Yong): Aren't you listening to me? If I'm gone, she won't bother you all.
Ji Yong (to Ariadne): Yes, I heard you. I understand, but that doesn't change my assessment.
Ariadne (to Ji Yong): … Really? I thought your chief duty was to protect Mister Rodchenko & the casino? Why would you want me to stay here where I put them in danger? … Oh. Is it that you like me? You do! You totally like me. You don't know why but you do.
Ji Yong (to Ariadne): Mr. Rodchenko is still recovering from his illness. He's trying to give the appearance that all is normal, but it is not. I have been with him a long time. I know him well. He's very fond of you. The stress of worrying about will hurt his recovery.
Ariadne (to Ji Yong): Fine… I'll stay for dyadya, but if it gets too dangerous for me to be here, I'm running, okay?
Ji Yong (to Ariadne): I hope you don't. If you'll excuse me, I must report to our employer... Is there any way to set up a kind of, I'm not sure, barrier or alarm to protect the house against people with your ability?
Ariadne (to Ji Yong): Yes… They're called inhibitor fields. I don't know where to get them but, Mrs. Esterly or Ms. Dvorak does.
Ji Yong (to Ariadne): Very good. I'm sure Mr. Rodchenko can locate one. ...Please understand, Ms Fenris. I meant what I said to Mlle Delphine.
Ariadne (to Ji Yong): Which part, Mister Yong? I was a bit busy trying to be invisible & worrying that she was going to take me bac-- Nevermind. It doesn't matter. Just go do whatever you need to do. I'm just going to go to my room and have a good cry.
Ji Yong (to Ariadne): Of course. Excuse me.
Ariadne (to Ji Yong): Will you come check on me afterwards?
Ji Yong (to Ariadne): Yes. If you would like.
Ariadne (to Ji Yong): I would, actually.
Ji Yong (to Ariadne): ... I will see you then. Please lock your door until I return.
Ariadne (to Ji Yong): Yes, of course.
