At Mama Samedi's; New Orleans, French Colonies:
Delphine (to Maisie Baldwin): Bonjour, Miss Maisie! Do you have some place we could talk in private?
Maisie (to Delphine): Of course, Delphine… Head upstairs, I'll get Gus to bring up some coffee and beignets.
Delphine (to Maisie): That would be lovely. Merci.
A short time later:
Maisie (to Delphine): So, what is it you be wantin', Delphine? You don't normally want to have talks with me in private.
Delphine (to Maisie): Heh. True, chérie… I know where your youngest boy is.
Maisie (to Delphine): … Pull the other one, il a des cloches.
Delphine (to Maisie): I am tres serious, chérie. He's crewing on a ship called The Wicked Sister. I've heard it's somewhere in Colorado right now. You should invite him here to visit…
Maisie (to Delphine): And?
Delphine (to Maisie): And what?
Maisie (to Delphine): What do you get out of this?
Delphine (to Maisie): There's a petite fille named Zoe that I want you to get him to bring. One of my employers is interested in talking to her.
Maisie (to Delphine): … I'm sure that will end well. As much as I want to see my boy. The cost is too high. Anything one of your employers wants just can't be good. Enjoy your breakfast. I have work to do. Au revoir.
Delphine: Merde! Ce n'est pas bon.
In the infirmary, at Tesla's Monastery; Colorado Springs, Colorado, American Colonies:
Felix: Ouch... (to Zoe) Heh. I can't believe you slept there all night.
Zoe (to Felix): What? The chair was fine… Oof… How you feeling? Need some food?
Felix (to Zoe): I'm not feeling quite that hungry yet... And that was not the answer you wanted to hear. I suppose I should try to eat.
Zoe (to Felix): I can go see if I can scrounge up something for you. Nothing too big or fancy.
Felix (to Zoe): Thank you, pretty girl. Heh... I can't remember ever having someone fuss over me like this.
Zoe (to Felix): Is it too much? Am I smothering you? I'm sorry… It's just during the surgery you stopped breathing… I thought I lost you. It freaked me out… Besides, I want you to get better.
Felix (to Zoe): Did I? ...Heh. That would explain why you're so worked up. I can promise you, Zoe, that I'm not going anywhere without one hell of a fight. You aren't rid of me so easily just yet.
Zoe (to Felix): Good. The feelings mutual.
Felix (to Zoe): You say that like I want to get rid of you, pretty girl... I wasn't complaining about your fussing, you know. It's just -- new, I suppose.
Zoe (to Felix): I know. Really I do… I guess, I'm just worried that you're going to leave because I don't deserve to have something good. Which I know is completely silly but, I can't help it.
Felix (to Zoe): Ha ha ha! ...Ouch. Heh. I suppose it's a good thing you ended up with me then, isn't it?
Zoe (to Felix): Heehee. Yes, I'm very lucky that you put up with me. But, seriously stop getting hurt.
Felix (to Zoe): Heh heh... I would like that too.
Zoe (to Felix): So, I have a weird question… Will you tell me about your family?
Felix (to Zoe): ... I suppose. What do you want to know?
Zoe (to Felix): The usual. I don't know. Tell me about them… What did your parents do? What happened to them? Do you have any siblings?
Felix (to Zoe): Heh. I've a gaggle of siblings: three older sisters and a big brother I've never met. I had a little sister, Susan... Suzie. She died of the flu when she was five... Can't say I've ever met any of our fathers. The four before me have the same poppa. He was killed in some war, or so the story goes. Suzie and I were of the same brood, but I couldn't tell you what our father was like. I was the youngest for a while. I'm not sure who might have shown up after I was sold.
Zoe (to Felix): Shit… I forget sometimes what this side is like. Do you know whatever happened to your parents? Did you look for them when you escaped?
Felix (to Zoe): Heh. Of course I didn't. Like I said, I never knew my Poppa. How would I even go about finding him? And my mother... Well, she was the one that sold me to that hellhole in the first place, wasn't she?
Zoe (to Felix): … Damn.
Felix (to Zoe): Hey, now, pretty girl. Don't look like that. They're old wounds. I've had plenty of time to muse on it and forget about it. Heh. Almost everyone in the mill had a story like that, you know. I'm luckier than most.
Zoe (to Felix): I know, but it sucks that you had to go through that… I don't know how to tell you this… But, I think your mother contacted the ship.
Felix (to Zoe): What?!? That's... Ouch. ... Heh. That's impossible.
Zoe (to Felix): She didn't say she was but a Maisie Baldwin sent a message to the ship saying that there's a mercenary looking for you… and, me. And to stay out of New Orleans.
Felix (to Zoe): ... Goddamn it.
Zoe (to Felix): So, that is your mom, huh?
Felix (to Zoe): ...That'd be her.
Zoe (to Felix): So, what do you want to do?
Felix (to Zoe): ... Stay out of New Orleans, I suppose.
Zoe (to Felix): Really? That's it? Your mother makes contact after who knows how long & you just want to stay away.
Felix (to Zoe): ... Zoe, I haven't spoken to my mom in years. Clearly someone is looking for me, and knows where to find me. I sort of doubt she found my ship on her own. If she's telling me to stay away, then someone nasty wants me in New Orleans. If that's the case, I think it's best to do as she says. Especially in this condition. Don't you?
Zoe (to Felix): I know & I agree… But, I want to know why & how does she even know about me.
Felix (to Zoe): ...She knew about you!?! ...If it's someone nasty enough that my mother doesn't want to get involved, then we should DEFINITELY stay outta Louisiana.
Zoe (to Felix): Yes. Look, here on the message. It says 'If you know someone named Zoe, keep her away. Someone wants her bad.'
Felix (to Zoe): Zoe... I don't want someone using me to get to you, pretty girl. Heh heh. Even if they're foolish enough to use my mother.
Zoe (to Felix): Okay, you're right. I won't bring it up, anymore. I know. I'm not stupid enough to go. I just thought you might be a little curious.
Felix (to Zoe): ...I am. Of course I'm curious. But, my mother... She sold my sisters, you know. When we were especially desperate. I know we were in desperate straights. Even as a little boy, I understood that, but it's a hard thing to forget.
Zoe (to Felix): Look, I know. Mom's brothers were all sold to workhouses when they were young… But, if she's in New Orleans. Doesn't that mean she's free? I'm sorry. I'll stay out of your family stuff… I'll go make you some food.
Felix (to Zoe): I didn't mean she sold them off, like she sold me... She sold their company. I'm not judging the ladies who choose to support themselves that way, you know. We all have to make ends meet. Lord knows I did worse. But my sister Marie, she was the one closest to me in age after Suzie died... She hated it. I remember her sitting in the kitchen while I rolled cigarettes listening to her cry after a client left...
Zoe (to Felix): … Oh.
Felix (to Zoe): ...Sorry, pretty girl. I didn't mean to get so upset.
Zoe (to Felix): Heh. It's okay. I actually like seeing your slick veneer crack from time to time. It lets me know you're human. :-P
Felix (to Zoe): Heh. I figured all the bleeding I've been doing lately would more than prove I'm human.
Zoe (to Felix): Nah, that can be faked. :-P
Felix (to Zoe): Heh... I suppose so. I'll tell you what, after all this blows over, f you're still curious, we can try to find my mother.
Zoe (to Felix): Really? To be honest, I AM curious. I was actually thinking that both of your parents were dead. Also, it's usually a good thing to meet your in-laws at least once… Heh. I'm just kidding.
Felix (to Zoe): For all I knew they were both dead. My father might be... I doubt Mommy Dearest kept in touch with him.
Zoe (to Felix): Heehee. I knew it was a mistake to show you that movie.
Felix (to Zoe): Heh. As I recall, we didn't watch much of the movie...
Zoe (to Felix): We didn't? I can't imagine what distracted us.
Felix (to Zoe): I'm not sure what distracted you, but I know EXACTLY what distracted me.
Una (to Felix & Zoe): Sorry for the interruption but Zoe you promised to go with us to the party….Oh. You're not even dressed yet. We're going to be late. What a wonderful first impression on the mayor we're going to make!
Zoe (to Una & Felix): Calm down, Una. It'll take me ten minutes, fifteen minutes top to get ready.
Felix (to Una): It's my fault entirely.
Una (to Felix & Zoe): Oh… My apologies for being so brash. I know you're still recuperating. Zoe, if you don't want to go, we can go alone. Eva's getting the car ready.
Zoe (to Una & Felix): Yeah, I think I'd like to stay here. I'm not really in a party mood.
Felix (to Zoe): What party are you missing on my account?
Zoe (to Felix): Oh, it's some fancy shindig at the Mayor's home to celebrate Tesla's contribution to the town. It's out on the lawn, there's a band, a bar, dinner & dancing. But, everyone has to be all dressed up. Eva & Una bought me a ridiculous dress with silk stockings and folderol. I'm just not comfortable in that sort of stuff.
Felix (to Zoe): Heh. Too bad... I would have liked seeing you in all that folderol...
Una (to Zoe & Felix): You looked lovely. But, if you insist. I'll tell Eva… Have a good night, you two.
Zoe (to Felix): Really? Why?
Felix (to Zoe): Because you're a very pretty girl, pretty girl. I suppose I'm just too irresistible in all these bandages...
Zoe (to Felix): It's true… Hold that thought. I'll be right back.
Felix (to Zoe): Mmmm... Alright...
Twenty minutes later:
Zoe (to Felix): Sorry it took me so long, it took me awhile to get this right. I even put on makeup… How does this look?
Felix (to Zoe): ...Wow.
Zoe (to Felix): You like it?
Felix (to Zoe): I do. I do indeed.
Zoe (to Felix): I'll have to wear it out with you, some night… I'll go change.
Felix (to Zoe): Heh. I would like that. Not that I don't like how you normally look. You... You are such a beauty...
Zoe (to Felix): … You're really sweet.
Felix (to Zoe): Heh. No I'm not...
Zoe (to Felix): Clearly, you are… I'm still dressed. ;-)
Felix (to Zoe): That's only because I'm injured. I assure you...
Zoe (to Felix): Heh. Unzip me & I'll go put on my pajamas.
Felix (to Zoe): I think I can handle that... Whooo! You DO know how to get a man's blood pumping, don't you, pretty girl? You're not thinking of camping out in that chair again, are you?
Zoe (to Felix): I was thinking of sleeping back in the guest room I'm staying in. You look like you're doing better. Do you have a suggestion? Because, I think you still need to rest.
Felix (to Zoe): Heh. All my suggestions aren't going to involve me getting much rest... And are a bit too ambitious for my current state.
Zoe (to Felix): … If you're not careful, I'll forget that you're injured.
Felix (to Zoe): Heh. I'll heal, won't I?
Zoe (to Felix): Heh. Scoot over, then. You can help me get out these complicated undergarments.
Felix (to Zoe): Heh heh. I'm here to help.
A few hours later, at Fiona's hidey-hole; New London, Britannia:
Winchester (to Fiona): McGillivray! It looks like we have company incoming…
Fiona (to Winchester): Bloody hell! What are we looking at, lovely lad?
Winchester (to Fiona): It looks like three large redheaded blokes… Who all look vaguely related & a bit like soccer hooligans.
Fiona (to Winchester): ... Shite. I know those boys. Stay here, Fox. Only shoot AFTER one of them stabs me.
Winchester (to Fiona): Should I be concerned?
Fiona (to Winchester): Mmm. You should. They're family... Be back in a tick.
Winchester (to Fiona): Oh goody...
A short time later:
Fiona (to Winchester): Déanann Teaghlaigh dar liom dÚsachtach. Tá mo chol ceathracha bastairds. Bloody hell, Fox! It's me!
Winchester (to Fiona): … What was that all about?
Fiona (to Winchester): Nothing you need to worry about. You didn't drink all my alcohol, did you? I need something large and sense-killing after all of that "Family Bonding."
Winchester (to Fiona): I believe there's a gigantic bottle of whiskey, firebug.
Fiona (to Winchester): Thank the bloody gods! Heh. I only had to punch two of them before they listened to me. I think it's a new record... God almighty... What is wrong with me? They were asking me about you, pretty boy. It looks like whoever is watching you, has gotten frustrated with watching your empty flat. He or she is calling in street gangs to find your finely coiffed arse.
Winchester (to Fiona): Well, that's just bloody marvelous… I guess it's time for me to leave town.
Fiona (to Winchester): ... I suppose that would be the smart thing to do, wouldn't it? You've got some time, of course. I told them last I heard you were headed to Qin. I happen to know there's a prissy, red-headed man going by the name of Hooper who set sail about a week and a half ago. I can sprinkle about some false trails to muddle things up further, of course.
Winchester (to Fiona): That's very thoughtful of you, firebug.
Fiona (to Winchester): Heh. What? Did you think I'd kick you out on the streets and bid you good travels and good luck?
Winchester (to Fiona): … It wouldn't be the first time. You did that to me after we were holed up in Manchester for a week chasing that arms dealer.
Fiona (to Winchester): Ha ha ha! Still holding a grudge over that, are you? They weren't looking for YOU, lovely. As deadly as you may be 6 foot and more, and burly as a highland ox doesn't exactly describe you, does it? As I recall, you kicked me out of an airship over the English Channel in January three--four years ago during that Ulster debacle.
Winchester (to Fiona): … Oh? Heh. You remembered that? And, here I thought you were being sentimental. :-P
Fiona (to Winchester): Ha! You know... One does remember being dunked in the channel in the dead of winter and never being given an explanation. Don't worry, Chess. I'll keep gnawing at this problem while you're away. We'll know who's looking for you soon enough.
Winchester (to Fiona): … Come with me.
Fiona (to Winchester): What?
Winchester (to Fiona): Let's go somewhere exotic together, firebug. We could relax, sit on a beach, drink fancy rum drinks with umbrellas. It could be a vacation… Just you and me. What do you say?
Fiona (to Winchester): That's... That's bloody madness, Fox! You'd never be able to blend in with the likes of me traipsing along after you! You might as well hang a bloody sign on your damned neck... Which you already ruddy well know… Are you serious? You want me to come along with you?
Winchester (to Fiona): Why the hell wouldn't I want to spend time on an island with you? Who else would I bring? My mission with ISS has finished. Clearly, it's not safe for me to be in New London right now. And, I know you'd have my back since you have vested interest. Or am I wrong? Do you want me to meet a gruesome end? Are you tired of me so quickly?
Fiona (to Winchester): Ha ha ha. Have I seemed bored to you, Fox? ...Well, if you want someone to be watching your finely formed arse, I'm more than willing.
Winchester (to Fiona): Heh. Not to worry, firebug. I don't plan to be out in the sun but, I hear the nighttime swimming is exquisite. And, there will be booze aplenty.
Fiona (to Winchester): Ha ha! Well, you do know how to get my attention, don't you? Alright, lovely lad... Where are you proposing we go?
Winchester (to Fiona): The Caribbean? The American Colonies? South of France? Which would you like, firebug?
Fiona (to Winchester): Heh heh. Any place with half dressed men and a lot of rum works for me, lovely. I know a man who owes me a favor in Jamaica.
Winchester (to Fiona): Then Jamaica it is… So, you have cousins in town… What other family members are around? Could I have run into a McGillivray at some point?
Fiona (to Winchester): Heh. It's entirely possible. The clan does get about. They weren't McGillivrays. They're O'Donnells out of County Cork. They're second cousins thrice removed or third cousins twice removed... Who can keep track? Every older man is an "uncle," and every younger relation a "cousin." Who knows? I have a whole host of sisters, but none of them carry the clan name.
Winchester (to Fiona): … You're not related to any Coburns or Begbies, by any chance? It's just I once hooked up with one of each. Meghan Begbie & her friend Brigid Cogburn… They were fun. I had to spend a week in bed recuperating.
Fiona (to Winchester): Ha ha ha! Afraid you've developed a bit of a fetish, are you, lad? Don't wrinkle your perfect little brow. None o' my sisters could ever be described as anything that resembled "fun." Least not the way we think of it. Heh. And none of them seemed to inherit my singular physique. Betsy, Mary, Joanne, Tessa and Caitlin were all wee things... They might still all be itty, ickle women. I wouldn't know.
Winchester (to Fiona): Heh… I guess I lucked out that I got the giant of the litter then but, my apologies for your ending up with the runt of the Fox family.
Fiona (to Winchester): Heh. Here you are. You may call yourself a runt, lovely lad, but you've never heard me complaining about your size have you?
Winchester (to Fiona): One day, I'll introduce you to my mom and sisters… You'll probably get along famously. On second thought, I probably shouldn't… I need another drink.
Fiona (to Winchester): You still have contact with your mum and sisters, then? You still get on?
Winchester (to Fiona): Not very often but, I try to see them & their broods at Christmas if I can. I'm the only son… Not that my mother held much stock in that sort of thing. All my nieces & nephews have the surname, Fox. There's only four of them, last I heard.
Fiona (to Winchester): Ha ha ha! No matter who their sires, they're still Foxes, eh? Somehow that seems right for the kind of woman who would birth you. And no, that's not a slight. It's the highest compliment I can think to pay a woman I don't know. :-P I may have nieces and nephews by now. I'm sure I do, but none of the lasses have much to do with me now that they've gone all proper. They don't approve of the way I supported us after our Mum died. Heh. That's their right, I suppose.
Winchester (to Fiona): … I know that look. You're curious about the Fox brood, aren't you? You know, you could see them anytime. My mother's smithy is here in the city, Granville's Livery & Smithy. You can see them all there.
Fiona (to Winchester): Heh heh heh. Of course I'm curious! I'm a bloody spy, aren't I? Maybe after all this business with you is done, I'll do just that. ...That's your mum's actual smithy, isn't it? You're trusting me with the real name of your mum's place?
Winchester (to Fiona): After everything we've been through both professionally & personally, of course I'd trust you with this information. Besides, my family has absolutely nothing except the smithy. And, if I got killed my mum would more than likely say that I deserved it for being sloppy and getting caught… She's really a wonderful, caring woman.
Fiona (to Winchester): Ha ha ha! I like her already. I wish I could give you a bit of tit for tat, but you know as much about my family now as I do.
Winchester (to Fiona): I try not to hold onto the past, firebug. Besides, I don't really care where you're from, only where you're going. You're a remarkable woman and I--I am drunk. What on earth is this we've been drinking? I usually have a much higher tolerance.
Fiona (to Winchester): Heh heh... This is a bit of my old friend McTavish's "special brew." You looked like you could use it. Remarkable, eh? I can't argue with you there. I may not be pretty, proper or perfect, but I'm not akin to any other you're like to meet. Ha ha ha! Do feel free to tell me more, however. :-P Heh. I think I might be a bit tipsy myself...
Winchester (to Fiona): Shall I compare thee to a summer day, firebug?
Fiona (to Winchester): Oh Lord in bloody hell! Please don't! I forgot about your proclivity towards poetry. I was just trying to get you to say something filthy to me. If you start on in iambic pentameter, I may have to kill you.
Winchester (to Fiona): There once was a lady named McGillivray; Who ordered a strawberry daiquiri. The lime made her smart; (For it was rather tart). And her face ended up somewhat lacquery.
Fiona (to Winchester): Blast & buggery! He's started in on the bloody limericks. At least now I know where to send the card after you're murdered.
Winchester (to Fiona): You know, you're sexy when you're fuming at me, you fiery minx… I'm having delicious fantasies of you & I on the beach. Me in a nice sarong… You carrying me over the sand so I can avoid getting it my sensitive areas. It will be divine.
Fiona (to Winchester): Heh. Well, if you wanted me to pick you up and carry you to bed, you should have just said so...
Winchester (to Fiona): Oof! Warn a man before you pick them up, firebug… Oh, my sensitive bits… Okay, I don't mind this so much...
Fiona (to Winchester): Heh heh. Didn't think you would...
Several hours later, at Casino de la Renard; Nice, French Republic:
Ariadne (to Grigori): Mister Rodchenko! This place is fan-freakin-tastic! Is it all yours? Or is it just a front?
Grigori (to Ariadne): Ha ha ha. For you, little sister, I show you only the impressive sights that are real. The front is next door. That's why the front door is so much more impressive.
Ariadne (to Grigori): I love this place…The first drinks are strong, the seconds are watered down. The dealers are shady, the customers are idiots. Your bouncers are scary impressive, the chairs are comfortable… I want to marry this place & get it pregnant. Can I live here? I'm tiny. I don't take up too much room. Please?
Grigori (to Ariadne): eh heh. As intriguing as that sounds, my little lovely, I think perhaps you are not here to see me, OR impregnate my casino. Here. Let me pour you a drink that's worth getting drunk on. Please stop trying to cheat at blackjack. I know you are here with me, but it does so annoy my dealers.
Ariadne (to Grigori): Well, I wasn't until I saw it but, NOW… I think I'm here for the casino. Thank you for the drink.
Grigori (to Ariadne): Fair enough. So why did you decide to travel all the way to Nice to pay me a visit, poppet if it wasn't first for my casino?
Ariadne (to Grigori): Honestly? I was bored & I needed to get out of town for a bit. So, I'm wandering. You intrigued me with your smooth talking… And, I'm disappointed that you haven't said anything about my dress.
Grigori (to Ariadne): Lyubimaya moya, do you really need this old man to tell you how amazing you look in that dress. I would think the eyes of every woman-minded man in the casino would do that for you.
Ariadne (to Grigori): Yes, but you verbalize it so nicely, dyadya.
Grigori (to Ariadne): Ha ha! At my age, I have to, don't I, krasivyye? Take my arm, Little Sister, and we'll see if we can find Mr. Yong for you.
Ariadne (to Grigori): …Why would I want to see Mister Yong, Mister Rodchenko? He & I had our fun. I doubt he has any interest in seeing me again, anyway. Besides, you remind me of my great uncle Aleksandr… And I miss him. Can't I just follow you around for a bit?
Grigori (to Ariadne): I would be most grateful for your company. Most pretty young things would much rather follow about my bodyguard than me. I apologize for assuming that was the case here. Would you allow me to buy you drinks until you are too inebriated to remember my foolish trespass?
Ariadne (to Grigori): Heehee. Of course. Heh. Ty mne nravish'sya. Yesli by ya byl na dvadtsat' let starshe… You'd be in trouble.
Grigori (to Ariadne): 20? Heh heh. By then you'd be nearly old enough to be my daughter. Come this way, milaya moya. The back is where we keep all our truly enjoyable gambling. There's no way to beat the house, you know. Good thing you're with me.
Ariadne (to Grigori): Spasibo, krasavchik… Ooooo, it's so shiny… and big. Uh oh, looks like the fun is over. Your man is glaring at us.
Grigori (to Ariadne): Heh heh. Yes. That is what I pay him to do. (to Park) Hello, Mr. Yong.
Ariadne (to Grigori): Heehee. I hope he's worth it. (to Park) Privet… Oh right. Bonjour, Mister Yong.
Grigori (to Ariadne): Very much so. Why do you think I'm still alive, milaya moya?
Park (to Grigori & Ariadne): Bonsoir, mademoiselle et monsieur. Que faites-vous ici?
Grigori (to Park): English, Mr. Yong. English! I never did have a mind for French.
Ariadne (to Park & Grigori): Hanging around with Mister Rodchenko, obviously. He's giving me the grand tour… It is the grand tour, right?
Park (to Ariadne & Grigori): Yes, very good then. I'll leave you to it.
Ariadne (to Park): Tres bien. (to Grigori) He didn't even comment on my dress. I must be losing my touch.
Grigori (to Park): Of course! (to Ariadne) It's not you or your dress, beautiful. That's just how Mr. Yong operates.
Ariadne (to Grigori): He's like a dead fish when he's working… You need someone more alive. Oh! Do you need a personal assistant? I'm available. I'm very personable, not to mention that I notice things like the fact that the man in the red tie at the roulette wheel is totally cheating… He's got a magnet in his right pants pocket.
Grigori (to Ariadne): Ha ha ha! Of course he's cheating. EVERYONE here is cheating. That's what makes it a casino.
Ariadne (to Grigori): But, shouldn't you stop him?
Grigori (to Ariadne): Heh heh. Don't worry, dorogaya moya. You see those two men approaching on either side of him? They work for me. They will sort him out. But, if you're looking for a job, Little Sister, here I can help you.
Ariadne (to Grigori): Really? That would be excellent. I am so incredibly bored & just need somewhere to fit in, Dyadya.
Grigori (to Ariadne): Heh heh. Well, if you can't fit in here, there may be no hope for you. Come along. We'll go see where my personal assistant, Michelle, says we need smart and capable young ladies.
Ariadne (to Grigori): … I won't have sex for money, Dyadya.
Grigori (to Ariadne): Ha ha ha! Do you see anyone here selling themselves? Well, not physically at any rate. ;-)
Ariadne (to Grigori): Well then, what would I be doing?
Grigori (to Ariadne): Security. Dealing cards. Looking for cheats. Getting lonely businessmen to buy drinks. What would you like to do?
Ariadne (to Grigori): I could do any of those things. What do you need?
Grigori (to Ariadne): If you'd like, you can do them all. We'll have to train you to deal cards. I hope you don't mind being a cheat yourself.
Ariadne (to Grigori): HAHAHAHA. As if I didn't know how to do all that. You're so adorable. I want to put you on a shelf & keep you forever.
Grigori (to Ariadne): Yes. I am an adorable, innocent old man. Which is why you shouldn't steal my wallet from me, sestrenka.
Ariadne (to Grigori): Heh. Sorry. I just wanted to prove a point. Oops. And, now Mister Grumpy is heading back over here. He should know I don't have any pockets in this dress… Unless, he wants to frisk me somewhere privately.
Grigori (to Ariadne): You will have to ask him that. I think this is where I'll take my leave of you, gorgeous girl. Come see us tomorrow. And we will see about your job. I will count the moments. (to Ji Yong) Do not scare our new employees, Mr. Yong.
Ji Yong (to Grigori): New...? As you say, sir.
Ariadne (to Grigori): Goodbye and thank you for the opportunity, Mister Rodchenko. (to Ji Yong) Don't look so shocked. I'm not here for you. I'm here because I sensed a kindred spirit in dyadya Grigori. Besides, I know how much you hate mixing business with pleasure, fun or anything remotely enjoyable. So, don't worry.
Grigori (to Ariadne): Please call me Grigori. Or better yet, dyadya. Spokoynoy nochi.
Ji Yong (to Ariadne): I apologize. It wasn't my intention to look shocked or make you uncomfortable.
Ariadne (to Grigori): Of course. Spokoynoy nochi, dyadya Grigori. (to Ji Yong) Oh... Well okay, then. Here, you may want these chips back. I may have nicked them off that guy over there. He's been stealing them out of that old lady's bucket. She's not paying enough attention to her surroundings.
Ji Yong (to Ariadne): Yes. Monsieur Accueil is a regular. Of sorts. ...Je déteste cet homme... Thank you. Give them to me and I will take care of him.
Ariadne (to Ji Yong): ... Be careful there. You may have actually expressed an emotion about someone. Even if I do agree with you. He's a dirtbag. I guess I should go & find myself a place to stay. Seeing as how I'll be working here. Any suggestions where I should look?
Ji Yong (to Ariadne): Yes. Of course. Excuse me. I know Mlle Rochard rents rooms to several of the young women who work at the casino. Her boarding house is two blocks to the east and a block down.
Ariadne (to Ji Yong): That sounds promising. Merci. I'll see you tomorrow, handsome... Heehee. The booze just kicked in. Damn! He mixes a good drink.
Ji Yong (to Ariadne): Yes. You should avoid drinking with our employer. He is... He is a singular man.
Ariadne (to Ji Yong): Heehee. That's a very nice way of saying that he's a lech & a sneaky bastard. Which is what I like about him. You're crazy handsome, you know? Wow. I'm sorry. I usually can hold my liquor better.
Ji Yong (to Ariadne): It's quite alright. Several people have expressed the same opinion. No matter what they say, I don't seem to display any symptoms of being insane. Good night, Ms. Fenris.
Ariadne (to Ji Yong): Good night, Mister Yong.
