At Casino de la Renard; French Republic:
Bianca (to Eugenia): Good day, Captain de Beauville. What a pleasant surprise to find you here! We met once at a party in Marseilles… Bianca Aslan.
Eugenia (to Bianca): Bonjour, Madame Aslan. I remember you quite well. I believe my husband found your company deliciously charming. I was hoping to find a Mister Rodchenko. Would you by any chance know where I can find him?
Bianca (to Eugenia): Yes, of course. I believe he's out on the verandah enjoying breakfast. Would you like me to show you?
Eugenia (to Bianca): No, I think I can my way. Merci beaucoup.
Bianca (to Eugenia): You're welcome… (to Ariadne) Hari darling? Is there a reason you're lurking in that corner like a shadow?
Ariadne (to Bianca): … Oh, uh, no reason. I didn't want to disturb you.
Bianca (to Ariadne: Sit. Have some coffee. You look like you could use some.
A short time later:
Eugenia (to Grigori): Dobryy den', Mister Rodchenko. I hope I'm not disturbing your breakfast.
Grigori (to Eugenia): Not at all. A beautiful woman is always a boon to digestion. Please have a seat.
Eugenia (to Grigori): Thank you. I was told that you might have information regarding a woman named Delphine Delacroix. On some occasions, she has worked for my family. She has disappeared with a large amount of our money & I'd like to get it back.
Grigori (to Eugenia): Ah. I'm afraid that's going to prove to be a bit of a chore for you, Kapitan. She's dead. Whatever company she was keeping at the time, decided to storm the casino with guns blazing. Mr. Yong was not amused.
Eugenia (to Grigori): Vot der'mo. My family would be quite grateful for an assistance that you might be able to offer towards it's retrieval... She not only stole money but a few heirlooms of unknown value. We're still not quite sure how she was able to do it.
Grigori (to Eugenia): Heh heh. As you can imagine, there was not much time made for talking. The money, I would imagine, is likely gone. Especially if she was taking additional jobs on the side. What heirlooms are you looking for, Kapitan? I can't promise anything, but I can certainly keep the eyes and ears of the casino looking and listening.
Eugenia (to Grigori): … She stole one of the Tsar's scepters of office, along with a few knickknacks - cufflinks, cigar & cigarette cases. The scepter was locked in a secure vault with guards posted around the clock.
Grigori (to Eugenia): Bozhe pravyy! She had more than sticky fingers it seems. ...I will learn what I can and pass along anything I think will help.
Eugenia (to Grigori): Spasibo. Oh, and I thought you might like to know where your family is… Your daughter & her family are in New York City. Here's their address, if you care to visit them.
Grigori (to Eugenia): ...She got out. Ha ha ha! I suppose I raised her to be sneakier than I thought. Spasibo za informatsiyu.
Eugenia (to Grigori): Pozhaluysta. Khoroshiy den' dlya vas.
A moment later:
Grigori: Well... That was certainly a surprise. (to Ji Yong) You can go back to work now, Mr. Yong. Everything is fine.
Ji Yong (to Grigori): As you say, sir.
Ariadne (to Grigori): Dyadya? What did Captain de Beauville want?
Grigori (to Ariadne): It seems she wants my help retrieving some items that seem to have gone missing due to Delphine.
Ariadne (to Grigori): Oh... Well, that's terrible.
Grigori (to Ariadne): And foolish. As she threatened my family to do it. I think I shall be calling in a few favors...
Ariadne (to Grigori): Oh... OH! Dyadya, please don't do that. I know she's awful but... Well, she's my mother.
Grigori (to Ariadne): Kto ona? Ona tvoya mat'! Chert poberi... Heh. I suppose I should have figured that one out, shouldn't I have, sestrenka? How many beautiful, blue-eyed Russians can there be who have run off to become pirates. Well, this certainly makes handling her a bit more tricky...
Ariadne (to Grigori): I can deal with her.
Grigori (to Ariadne): You don't have to do it alone, sestrenka. I'm sure Agatha will be more than willing to lend you her big, beautiful brain, and feel free to borrow Mr. Yong if you think you'll have need of him. Before you go... You should know; my daughter & granddaughter aren't dead. It seems my son-in-law was more clever than I thought. He smuggled them all out of the country to the colonies. He had connections in the ISS who helped. Heh heh. It was this information that caused me to flip, I think.
Ariadne (to Grigori): I'm glad your family is safe, dyadya. I'll go see Mrs. Esterly now, I suppose.
Grigori (to Ariadne): I was too when I heard the news. I may not be able to see them, but I'm glad to know they're alive and well.
Ariadne (to Grigori): I hope you don't mind, but I think we both could use a hug... I won't let my mother hurt you or your family. I promise. You've been so good to me. I'd feel just awful if something happened & I could prevent it.
Grigori (to Ariadne): Thank you, sestrenka. You really are too sweet a girl for the likes of me. Captain de Beauville must be desperate to resort to a gambit like this. I will find out what I can learn about the Tsar's scepter, but only for your sake. Make sure she knows this.
Ariadne (to Grigori): I will… Though, I have to admit. My talking to her may do no good. She abandoned me & my brother when we were kids. My loyalty towards her is only so deep. If I think she won't do the right thing, I'll let you call in your favors.
Grigori (to Ariadne): We shall see, my gorgeous girl. I truly hope it doesn't come to that, but I can't say I take kindly to people threatening my family. Present company more than included.
Ariadne (to Grigori): Heh. Spasibo, Dyadya. That means a lot. Alright, I think I've dawdled long enough & besides Bianca is looking for you.
Grigori (to Ariadne): Heh heh. Alright, sestrenka. Please take care of yourself.
A couple hours later:
Ariadne: … Well, fuck me. I guess, I shouldn't have gone by myself. That'll learn me… (to Bianca) Bianca? Help.
Bianca (to Ariadne): Hari? Damn it, girl. What have you gotten yourself into? Lean on me… Shit.
Ariadne (to Bianca): I went to see my mother. It didn't go so well.
Bianca (to Ariadne): I can see that. Keep pressure on the wound. I'll be right back. Ok?
Ariadne (to Bianca): Okay, I'll wait here.
A short time later, in Grigori's office:
Bianca (to Grigori, Mrs. Esterly & Ji Yong): Sorry to interrupt your brainstorming session. But, Hari needs some doctoring. Any of you able? Sadly, this is not a skill I possess.
Mrs. Esterly (to Bianca): Good heavens! What happened?
Bianca (to Mrs. Esterly): I'm not sure. She went to see her mother. She said it didn't go well. She's been shot… I've got her in her room.
Mrs. Esterly (to Bianca): Shot? Oh good dear! Talk while we're walking, dear. (to Ji Yong) Go and fetch my medical kit out of my room, and Nathaniel.
Ji Yong (to Mrs. Esterly): ... I will.
Grigori (to Mrs. Esterly): Agatha...
Mrs. Esterly (to Grigori): I'll take good care of her, sweetie. Don't worry. It wouldn't be the first gunshot wound I've treated now, would it?
A little while later:
Mrs. Esterly (to Ariadne): Oh dear... Hari? Sweetie? Are you conscious? Can you hear me?
Ariadne (to Mrs. Esterly): Huh… Hi, Mrs. Esterly… I hope you brought some soup. I'm feeling really cold.
Bianca (to Mrs. Esterly): Oh dear, she looks terrible. What do you need me to do, Agatha?
Mrs. Esterly (to Ariadne): You've lost a lot of blood. What happened, dear? You need to tell me exactly what happened. (to Bianca) Find me whatever bandages and medical supplies you can.
Bianca (to Mrs. Esterly): Of course. I'll be back shortly.
Mrs. Esterly (to Bianca): Thank you, dear. (to Ariadne) Hari? Sweetie? I need you to stay awake for me. What happened?
Ariadne (to Mrs. Esterly): I went to the Mirrored Queen to speak to my mother. We were on deck talking when I heard a noise & felt something hit me. She was falling in front of me, I ran. As soon as I got to a safe place I skipped here. I don't really remember much else.
Mrs. Esterly (to Ariadne): Alright, sweetie. Just take it easy...
Meanwhile:
Ji Yong (to Aiden & Nathaniel): Excuse me. I apologize for interrupting, but Mrs. Esterly asked for Mr. Jones. Ms Fenris has been shot.
Aiden (to Ji Yong): Good god, man. Is she alright?
Ji Yong (to Aiden & Nathaniel): I don't know.
Nathaniel (to Aiden & Ji Yong): What the fuck is going on? Can't a man take a fucking bubble bath in... What's going on?
Aiden (to Nathaniel): Nate. Hari's been shot & Mrs. Esterly wants your help… I'll stay here with Lily.
Nathaniel (to Aiden): What?!? Why the fuck didn't you say so? Come on!
Aiden (to Nathaniel): … I believe I just did.
Ji Yong (to Aiden & Nathaniel): Oui, Monsieur Jones, suivez-moi, s'il vous plaît.
Nathaniel (to Aiden): Smart ass. (to Ji Yong) Come on, Mr. Giggles. I dunno what you said, but I can take a guess.
A short time later:
Bianca (to Mrs. Esterly): Here, you are, Agatha. All the bandages & medical supplies I could get my hands on.
Mrs. Esterly (to Bianca): Thank you, dear. (to Nathaniel & Ji Yong) Oh thank goodness! She needs more help than I can give her. Mr. Yong, do you know of a good hospital we can take her? Distance doesn't matter, but she may need a blood transfusion.
Ji Yong (to Mrs. Esterly): ...Yes, but it's too far to be of any use. You should perform surgery immediat...
Ariadne: Oh, am I going to have a gnarly scar? … Good excuse to get that tattoo I've always wanted.
Nathaniel (to Ji Yong): Did you miss the part where she said it didn't matter, dude? (to Mrs. Esterly) She alright to move?
Mrs. Esterly (to Nathaniel & Ji Yong): She'll have to be.
Nathaniel (to Mrs. Esterly): Got it. (to Ariadne) Alright, Itty Bitty. Come on. We're blowing this pop stand. You can't be that hurt if you're making jokes. (to Ji Yong) Grab a hold, Suit. I need you ta clear you mind and not think of nothin' but that hospital. Just that. (to Mrs. Esterly) I'll be back as soon as I can. ...This is gonna hurt like a bitch. I might be down and out a while.
Mrs. Esterly (to Nathaniel): I understand, dear. I'll let Aiden know.
Ji Yong (to Nathaniel): ... As you say.
Ariadne (to Nathaniel): I'd help but--
Nathaniel (to Ariadne): Heh. Just clear your mind, and try not to knock the robe open. I'm goin' commando under here you know.
Mrs. Esterly (to Bianca): Bianca, dear, I need you to forget everything you're about to see. If you tell anyone else about this, I will kill you.
Bianca (to Mrs. Esterly): You don't have to make threats, darling. It's forgotten, as if this never happened. Let us get this room cleaned up. We don't need questions about all this blood… Will she be alright? Grigori & Mr. Yong will be quite heartbroken if she dies.
Mrs. Esterly (to Bianca): I hope so, dear. And thank you. You've been a huge help. I don't know about you, but I could use a large whiskey.
Bianca (to Mrs. Esterly): Dear god, yes.
Mrs. Esterly (to Bianca): Come with me then. I've got something much stronger in my room than Grigori serves. That man is so cheap with his liquor.
Bianca (to Mrs. Esterly): Heh. So true. Lead the way, Agatha.
Mrs. Esterly (to Bianca): Hee hee hee. You know, dear, if this were 20 years ago, I'd be trying to tap you for the ISS.
Bianca (to Mrs. Esterly): Heh. I doubt they could afford me. ;-P
Mrs. Esterly (to Bianca): Ha ha ha! Oh good heavens... I suppose not. Although, the crown always finds a way, doesn't it? Here you are, dear. Have as much as you like. I brought plenty.
Bianca (to Mrs. Esterly): Heh. You are a godsend. I have been dying for a good Irish whiskey. I swear if I had another vodka, I'd stab someone myself.
Mrs. Esterly (to Bianca): Hee hee. I know Grigori well enough to bring my own supply.
A couple hours later, at a hospital; Nice, French Republic:
Ariadne: … Huh? Where the hell am I!?! Who are all these people?
Nathaniel (to Ariadne): Woah, woah, woah! Calm down, Itty Bitty! You're in the hospital. (to Ji Yong) Will you fuckin' talk to her?
Ji Yong (to Ariadne): Hari. Please calm down. You've been shot. These people are trying to help you. We're tying to stop the bleeding. I need you to lie still. S'il vous plaît. Restez immobile, ma jolie fille.
Ariadne (to Ji Yong): … I don't like this place. I want to go back home. I'll be fine… Or not...
Ji Yong (to Ariadne): I understand. I promise, as soon as you're well enough, we will take you home. Until then, I promise I won't leave your side.
Ariadne (to Ji Yong): … Spasibo, krasavchik. I don't feel so good.
Ji Yong (to Ariadne): I wouldn't imagine. Please get some rest. No one will hurt you. I would eviscerate them before they got a chance.
Ariadne (to Ji Yong): … You say the sweetest things.
Ji Yong (to Ariadne): ... I do?
Nathaniel (to Ji Yong): Heh. I think she means... You killin' someone 'fore they had a chance to hurt her's a... s'a big ol' turn on... Don't let me cramp yer style... Don't think I'm staying 'wake much...
Ariadne (to Nathaniel): Heh. Thank you for the lift, Nate… (to Ji Yong) He's right, though. I think you're wonderful.
Ji Yong (to Ariadne): I am... I'm pleased you think so. Please be well... Tu est une femme incroyable et je pense que je t'aime.
Ariadne (to Ji Yong): … I really need to learn French… And, in case, I don't get a chance to tell you this later… I love you, Ji Yong.
Ji Yong (to Ariadne): ...I do too. Tu as besoin de repos. Vas dormir, s'il vous plaît.
Ariadne (to Ji Yong): I'm feeling really tired… I'm going to rest now.
Ji Yong (to Ariadne): Yes. You should rest.
A little while later:
Ji Yong: Cher Dieu, laissez-Hari être bien bientôt, s'il vous plaît.
A day or so later, at the hospital:
Ariadne: Ugh… Where the fu-- Oh, right. Hospital.
Nathaniel (to Ariadne): Hey. You're awake. How you feelin'?
Ariadne (to Nathaniel): Like somebody shot me… Oh wait. Someone did.
Nathaniel (to Ariadne): Heh. Well, that would fucking explain it, then. Mr. Suit over there finally passed out like 20 minutes ago. You were kinda touch and go there a while. He's been doing a whole lotta pacing and even more yelling in French.
Ariadne (to Nathaniel): Oh… The poor guy. Can we get out of here? I'm not too crazy about hospitals after the whole Maladori thing.
Nathaniel (to Ariadne): It would be my distinct fucking pleasure. I've been wearing this damn blood-stained bathrobe for like 37 hours. (to Ji Yong) Hey. HEY! Wake up.
Ji Yong (to Nathaniel): Ne me touchez pas! Je vais vous tuer avec... (to Ariadne) Hari. You're awake!
Nathaniel (to Ji Yong & Ariadne): Jesus fat farting Christ! Don't mind me or my fucking torn rotary cuff...
Ariadne (to Ji Yong): Hi there, lover boy. (to Nathaniel) Excuse me… Girl who's been shot over here & I wasn't whining like a little bitch… Sorry. I still feel like crap. Nate, can you get us back to the casino? I think I'd rather be there.
Nathaniel (to Ariadne & Ji Yong): Heh. Yeah yeah. I'm gonna skip us to the hallway outside my room, cuz taking people through that field kicks my ass.
Ji Yong (to Ariadne): Here. Let me help you up.
Ariadne (to Ji Yong): … Woo, thank you. (to Nathaniel) I might be able to give you a little boost. But, I wouldn't count on it being a big one.
Nathaniel (to Ariadne): Don't worry about it. I can do it. Just don't expect me to make brunch tomorrow morning. :-P Save your strength, shortie. Grab my hand, Mr. Yong, and clear your mind. Let's get the fuck outta here.
Ariadne (to Nathaniel): Thanks. (to Ji Yong) I'm glad to see you.
Ji Yong (to Ariadne): I'm very glad to see you awake.
Nathaniel (to Ariadne & Ji Yong): Can you two turn down the kissy face for like 2 minutes so I can get us the fuck home and put on some underpants?
Ariadne (to Nathaniel): Fine. But, the next time you & Aiden are doing it I'm totally making rude comments out loud.
Nathaniel (to Ariadne): Yeah? And how's that gonna differ from usual?
Ariadne (to Nathaniel): Heeh-- Ow. Don't make laugh, you sadistic bastard! It hurts.
Ji Yong (to Nathaniel & Ariadne): Excuse me. Are we leaving or not? Ms Fenris should really be in bed.
Nathaniel (to Ji Yong & Ariadne): Yeah, yeah. Here we go. One... Two...
A moment later, at Casino de la Renard; Nice, French Republic:
Nathaniel (to Ji Yong & Ariadne): Threee--MOTHER FUCKING ASS-RAMMER! Ouch. Why's... Why's going in hurt so much fucking more than going out?
Ariadne (to Nathaniel): ... There's a dirty joke in there somewhere but I am too exhausted to think about it. Thank you, Nate. I wouldn't have made it without you.
Nathaniel (to Ariadne): Heh. Hee hee hee. It always hurts... Hurts more going in. Heh. S'not... Wasn't a thing. Figured... I figure I owe you one...
Ji Yong (to Nathaniel): ...Yes. Thank you, Mr. Jones. I very much appreciate it. Can you stand?
Nathaniel (to Ariadne & Ji Yong): Huh? Oh. Heh. I'm on the floor, huh? Yeah. Don't worry 'bout me. I can... Shit. No I can't. Heh heh...
Ji Yong (to Nathaniel): Stay there. (to Aiden) Mr. Wilkes? Are you awake? I apologize for calling at this late hour.
Aiden (to Ji Yong): No, it's fine. I take it Hari is doing well. (to Nathaniel) Nate, my goodness! Come one, handsome, let's get you to bed. (to Ji Yong) I suggest you get her to bed. She's going to be out of commission for a bit, I fear.
Ji Yong (to Aiden): Yes. I assumed so. I thought recuperating at home would be less stressful for her. Please thank Mr. Jones for his assistance.
Nathaniel (to Aiden): Hey. Heh. My fuckin' legs aren't workin' right...
Aiden (to Ji Yong): I will. If you'll excuse us... (to Nathaniel) Upsy-daisy. No need to worry about legs.
Ariadne (to Ji Yong): They're fucking adorable... I think I can make it to my room if you need to go make your rounds.
Ji Yong (to Ariadne): You shouldn't strain yourself. I've been out of the casino for nearly two days. I believe my rounds can wait another 30 minutes. I would like to assure you're well and settled in your room before I go back to work... Please.
Ariadne (to Ji Yong): Yeah, of course. Heh. You're probably right... I'm sorry. I've never been shot before.
Ji Yong (to Ariadne): It's not pleasant.
Ariadne (to Ji Yong): That's for sure... Thank you for staying with me the whole time. It was very sweet.
Ji Yong (to Ariadne): ...I was concerned. Here you are. You may have to sleep sitting up tonight, I'm afraid. ...I'll get you more pillows. Can you reach the service bell from here?
Ariadne (to Ji Yong): Yes, I think this will work... So, are we going to talk about the elephant in the room or simply pretend it's invisible?
Ji Yong (to Ariadne): What... I don't understand.
Ariadne (to Ji Yong): Sorry... Somethings were said on my way to the O.R. & I just want you to know that I meant it. Every word.
Ji Yong (to Ariadne): Ah. Yes. I understand. ...I meant it as well. I... Je t'aime, Hari. Je suis désolé. Je suis mal à m'exprimer... I was... I was very concerned you wouldn't wake back up.
Ariadne (to Ji Yong): I love you, Ji Yong. And, I hate to say it but you are very much stuck with me, now.
Ji Yong (to Ariadne): ... I don't mind. I should speak to Mr. Rodchenko and make my rounds. Please ring Nicolette if you need anything at all. I will be back to check on you.
Ariadne (to Ji Yong): I'd like that. I think I'm going to pass out for awhile.
Ji Yong (to Ariadne): I would imagine so. ...I will see you later.
