Onboard the borrowed airship:
Zoe, via radio: Maltese Falcon? Come in, Maltese Falcon. This is the... uh, Wayward Daughter. Do you copy?
Vincent (to Zoe): Zoe? Sweetie? Is that you? Come in. We copy. What can we do for you --heh-- Wayward Daughter?
Zoe (to Vincent): Dad! We were leaving the docks in New London when Carver attacked Felix... Apparently, he was after me. Not sure what to do. We were going to head back to the Monastery, eventually. Thought you should know.
Vincent (to Zoe): Oh my god! Oh god, Zoe! Are you alright? Are you both OK? Do you need anything? We can send your brother over. I don't like the idea of you flying back to the Monastery alone.
Zoe (to Vincent): Yeah, I'm fine. Felix got messed up a bit, but I think he'll be okay... I hope he'll be okay. Victor should come and take him back to the Wicked Sister. He is part of the crew after all. I'll fly around a bit more & then make my way to Tesla's. He didn't sign up for having to deal with Carver.
Vincent (to Zoe): Did Felix ask you to get him off the ship?
Zoe (to Vincent): ... No. He insisted on staying but, I'm worried about him.
Vincent (to Zoe): I know you are, hun. Don't worry. We'll make sure he's alright. We'll send Victor over with some medical supplies. If you guys think he's in bad shape, Victor can get him to the Monastery, but if he's able, and wants to stay, you should probably let him.
Zoe (to Vincent): ... Okay. I just feel like it's partially my fault.
Vincent (to Zoe): Sweetie, it isn't your fault. But, I'm afraid you're going to have to have a very uncomfortable talk with Felix. It will be alright, sweetie.
Zoe (to Vincent): Thanks, Dad. I love you.
Vincent (to Zoe): I love you too, Monster. Please, please, please be careful.
Zoe (to Vincent): I will. I promise.
Vincent (to Zoe): You had better.
A few minutes later:
Felix (to Zoe): ... Hmmm? Zoe? What's... Are we in trouble?
Zoe (to Felix): No, we're fine. I was just coming to check on you. Victor's coming with some better medical supplies. How are you feeling?
Felix (to Zoe): Heh... Sore. ...Tired. I'll be alright... Williams. Was Williams mad? ... He didn't hide you did he? S'not your fault I got sick...
Zoe (to Felix): Felix? Felix, it's Zoe. No one hided anybody... Shit. You've got a fever.
Felix (to Zoe): ...Heh. No. Can't be... I'm too cold...
Zoe (to Felix): I'll get you some more blankets... Are you hungry?
Felix (to Zoe): No... You eat my share. It's fine... I'll be alright by tomorrow...
Zoe (to Felix): ... I'm making you some broth, at least. It'll help warm you up. Here, take this. It'll help with the infection.
Felix (to Zoe): ...Zoe! ...Thank you. What... What's going on?
Zoe (to Felix): You've been having fever dreams. Just stay there, ok?
Felix (to Zoe): ...Heh. Sure. I'll be here if you need me.
A couple hours later:
Victor (to Zoe, via radio): Zoe? Can you read me?
Zoe (to Victor): Yes! Finally... Felix isn't looking too good.
Victor (to Zoe): Hold on... Be right there.
A moment later:
Victor (to Zoe): ...Oof! Mum sent me over with a small pharmacy of things.
Zoe (to Victor): Will you take a look at him? I'm going to fix him something to eat.
Victor (to Zoe): Yeah. Of course. Here. Mom sent over some of those instant noodle things.
Zoe (to Victor): Great! That'll work. I'll go make some.
A short time later:
Victor (to Felix): Felix? How are you feeling?
Felix (to Victor): ...Who? ...Captain! I... I'm sorry I'll be up...
Victor (to Felix): Felix! Felix, lay back down. You're not well. Take it easy. Wow. You're running a hell of a fever.
Felix (to Victor): I can...
Victor (to Felix): No you can't. You need to rest. Just take it easy, please? My sister is worried about you.
Felix (to Victor): ...Oh. Aye, sir...
Zoe (to Felix): Here. Eat this. (to Victor) What do you think?
Victor (to Zoe & Felix): His fever is quite high, and that shoulder wound looks nasty. We should probably get him to the Monastery.
Felix (to Victor & Zoe): Like hell you are. I'm staying here...
Zoe (to Felix & Victor): Felix, this is beyond my ability. You need a real doctor to look at it. Please? I'd hate for it to get worse. I promise I'll be right behind you in the ship. Victor can even come back & help me... Right?
Victor (to Zoe & Felix): Heh. You say that like it wasn't already the plan. She's right, Felix. You've got some kind of infection. If it goes septic, we won't be able to do anything while we're in the air.
Felix (to Victor & Zoe): ...Fine. I've got the man in charge and the woman I love both making the same face at me. I know when I'm beat.
Zoe (to Felix): Thank you, Felix. I promise I'll be okay & I'll be with you as quick as I can.
Victor (to Zoe & Felix): Heh. Why don't you take Felix back, Zoe? I'll just go check the helm. Excuse me.
Zoe (to Victor): Oh. I could do that. Do you want me to come back & help? Or grab Yuki?
Victor (to Zoe & Felix): I'll leave that up to you, Little Sister. I wouldn't blame you if you wanted to stay with Felix.
Zoe (to Victor): Okay. (to Felix) Hold still.
Felix (to Zoe): Hold on... I can sit up at the least, pretty girl. I'm not that invalid yet...
Zoe (to Felix): Don't joke like that... Clear your mind.
Felix (to Zoe): Heh. It's as clear as it gets...
Zoe (to Felix): Here we go...
A moment later, at Tesla's Monastery; Colorado Springs, Colorado, American Colonies:
Zoe (to Felix): Oof... (to Eva) Eva! Get Tesla. I'm taking Felix to the infirmary. It's an emergency! Hop to it!
Eva (to Zoe & Felix): I beg your pardon? Hop to what, young la... Good heavens! Mr. Baldwin! Why didn't you mention he's injured?!?
Felix (to Zoe): Heh. You're cute when you're bossy... Shit. I need to stop for a min...
Zoe (to Eva): I thought you were smart enough to figure that out! (to Felix) Come on. Let's get you into a bed... Stop smirking at me.
Felix (to Zoe): Heh. I think all this walking about is a bit more activity... I'm alright.
Zoe (to Felix): ... You're not looking so good.
Eva (to Zoe & Felix): Will you two stop lollygagging in the hallway and come along? You clearly need medical attention, Mr. Baldwin.
Zoe (to Eva & Felix): No one is lollygagging... You could help, you know?
Eva (to Zoe & Felix): Oh! Yes. Of course. My apologies. Here we go. Easy, now... Oof. I've already alerted the infirmary staff. What happened?
Zoe (to Eva & Felix): Carver.
Eva (to Zoe & Felix): Oh. Oh dear.
Zoe (to Eva & Felix): Yeah. I'm worried he did something to his blades. I don't remember him using poisons but you never know.
Eva (to Zoe & Felix): No, it doesn't seem up close and personal enough, does it? Although, I wouldn't be surprised if they were drugged. You know, to slow down whoever had caught his attention. Mr. Baldwin? Are you still awake?
Felix (to Eva): Heh. Yep. Still awake...
An hour or so later, at Aiden's house; New London, Britannia:
Roland (to Persephone): Oh. Excuse me. I was hoping to call upon my brother or Mrs. Esterly.
Persephone (to Roland): Oh, of course, Mister Wilkes... I don't think Aiden is here at the moment, but Mrs. Esterly is down in her apartment. I can go get her, if you'd like to wait in the sitting room.
Roland (to Persephone): Tsk... Typical. If Mrs. Esterly is already retired for the evening, I wouldn't want to disturb her.
Persephone (to Roland): It's not a bother. I'm sure she was expecting you. Aiden had to make a trip to Ireland... unexpectedly.
Roland (to Persephone): Yes. I'm quite sure. If you insist. I'll take a cup of tea if you would be so kind. Earl grey. Two sugars, thank you.
Persephone (to Roland): ... I'm not the housekeeper, Mr. Wilkes... But, I'll do it since I was about to make myself a cup.
A few minutes later:
Persephone: Pompous ass… (to Mrs. Esterly) Mrs. Esterly? Roland is upstairs asking after you & Aiden.
Mrs. Esterly (to Persephone): Oh good God... Alright. I'll be up in a moment. Feel free to shoot him if he gets too insufferable.
Persephone (to Mrs. Esterly): Don't think I haven't thought about it... Actually, that was my first impulse when I opened the door. :-P
Mrs. Esterly (to Persephone): Hee hee hee. I wouldn't blame you one bit, dear. Let Roland know I'll be there in a moment.
Nathaniel (to Aiden): Calm down. Will you calm down? I told you I'd get you here, didn't I? As long as Roland isn't... (to Roland) Well, shit.
Roland (to Aiden & Nathaniel): ...Hello, Aide. I thought you were in Ireland.
Aiden (to Roland): ... I was but there were train problems. Nate came to rescue me with an automobile. I don't know see how those things will gain popularity. They're deathtraps.
Persephone (to Roland, Aiden & Nathaniel): ... Roland, here's your tea. I brought extra cups.
Roland (to Persephone): Thank you. (to Aiden & Nathaniel) What kind of automobile did you say it was?
Aiden (to Roland): It's one of those beastly things that Vernian Industries put out... A Model V? I'm not good at that sort of thing.
Nathaniel (to Roland, Aiden & Persephone): Something like that. I borrowed it from my uncle. I'm guessing it's not going to be real popular. The crank is a bitch, and the clutch sticks like nobody's business. I liked the Model H better, but you know Uncle Vincent... He likes whatever is newest and flashiest.
Persephone (to Aiden & Nathaniel): I hope you gentlemen remembered to park it in the carriage house. It looks like it may rain.
Aiden (to Persephone): Yes, of course... Roland, would you care to see it?
Roland (to Aiden, Nathaniel & Persephone): ... No. I would not like to see the no doubt cold automobile you have parked in the carriage house. I really don't care what you were doing to cause you to be late.
Aiden (to Roland): Really? But, I've been practicing my witty retorts for several hours.
Nathaniel: Ha ha ha!
Roland (to Aiden): ...Yes. Well, I hate to cause you such disappointment. Can we get to the matter at hand? In *private*?
Persephone (to Aiden, Roland & Nathaniel): Heehee... I'll be in the kitchen if you need anything... Drinking copiously.
Nathaniel (to Persephone): Hold up. I'll join you. I'm getting the feeling I'm a third wheel. (to Aiden) I'll see you in a bit, sexy.
Roland (to Aiden & Nathaniel): Good heavens! Are you aware that you two are in public?
Nathaniel (to Roland): No, we're not. We're in your brother's home, so you can lower your damn eyelids.
Aiden (to Roland): Calm down, Roland. I'm sure you've seen two people kissing before... Oh wait. It's affection. I take it back.
Nathaniel (to Roland): Oh. I'm sorry. Are we makin' you *uncomfortable*? That must be horrible for you. What a shame you gotta sit here and fuckin' take it outta desperation. (to Persephone) Hold up, Seph.
A minute later, in the kitchen:
Persephone (to Nathaniel): Here. You look like you could use this.
Nathaniel (to Persephone): Heh. Thanks. I know I shouldn't fuckin' bait him like that, but... Christ! It's SO damn hard not to.
Persephone (to Nathaniel): ... You really shouldn't give him the satisfaction. It just encourages his assholery... Heh. Is that even a real word?
Nathaniel (to Persephone): It is now. I know I shouldn't give him ammo... 'Specially since I'm sure everyone is lookin' sideways at me as the cause of the young lord's downfall, or some shit. Ya know, cuz my ass is just that fuckin' fine. :-P
Persephone (to Nathaniel): Heh... Aiden was just asking for someone to rescue him from the mundane.
Nathaniel (to Persephone): Ha ha! Yeah. I don't doubt it. Course, I'm not sure how much "rescuing" I did... I think it was kind of a mutual thing. Even if I'm not the guy he fell for.
Persephone (to Nathaniel): Oh, shut the bloody hell up with all that! You are so much more fun & less whiny than the other you.
Nathaniel (to Persephone): Ha ha ha! Well, I can't argue with that. Pour some of that for me. Don't get me wrong; this is not some woe-is-I shit. I may not be as good or nice as the guy Aiden fell in love with, but I'm trying to be a better, nicer guy. It's the least he deserves. I'd still love to fuckin' smack Roland, though...
Persephone (to Nathaniel): Who wouldn't? The man is an ass.
Nathaniel (to Persephone): Seriously. I haven't hit him yet. As far as I'm concerned, I'm in the running for the next fucking Pope.
Persephone (to Nathaniel): Heehee... I have a sudden urge to make you a silly hat.
Nathaniel (to Persephone): Heh. Knock yourself out. Good luck trying to get me to wear it.
