At the Longfellow bunker; New London, Britannia:
Zoe: I'm going out for a supply run! I'll be back as quick as I can!
Felix (to Zoe): Wait a moment there, pretty girl. Why are you running off so quick?
Zoe (to Felix): Huh? No reason. I promised to get supplies earlier & I'm running late…Heh. You caught me. I was going to meet my secret lover. He's a ballet dancer. Very limber. You'd like him. :-P
Felix (to Zoe): Ha ha! Somehow I doubt that. Who else could compare? ;-) Come find when you're back.
Zoe (to Felix): Heehee. Of course! I won't be gone long. Just going to the market.
Felix (to Zoe): You'll be careful, won't you? I don't like the idea of sending you out alone.
Zoe (to Felix): Well, come with me, then… Or does Dad & Victor got you working on stuff?
Felix (to Zoe): I'm sure they won't mind if it's to keep an eye on troublesome little you. What will the ballet dancer say?
Zoe (to Felix): Who knows? I can hardly understand him myself. ;-P Besides, I was just hoping that you'd come with me. We haven't really had a chance to talk since mom & dad arrived.
Felix (to Zoe): In that case, how can I refuse?
Zoe (to Felix): Heehee. Good. Come on, sexy man.
Felix (to Zoe): With distinct pleasure, pretty girl. You already know I'll follow wherever you lead.
Zoe (to Felix): Heh. You're awfully trusting.
An hour or so later, at The Raven's Nest; New London, Britannia:
Amunet Al-Ghurab (to Starling): Excuse me, little miss, but you shouldn't be here.
Starling (to Amunet): Oh? I'm looking for a Mister Al-Ghurab, Miss. I believe he is a collector of lost things.
Amunet (to Starling): That would be my uncle and he is presently away on business. May I help you with something?
Starling (to Amunet): I can wait, Miss. Would you like to play with me?
Amunet (to Starling): Not in the slightest. I suggest you leave immediately.
A short time later, on the street:
Starling: I like it when they run.
Amunet: Bloody hell! She moves fast! Oof… (to Zoe & Felix) Pardon me. I'm sorry… I highly suggest you run!
Felix (to Amunet & Zoe): What the ruddy hell!?!
Zoe (to Amunet & Felix): What? Oh shit! Come on, Felix.
Starling: Where did she go!?!
Zoe (to Amunet & Felix): Shhhh...
Amunet (to Zoe & Felix): I beg your pardon. Is the little automaton still there?
Zoe (to Amunet & Felix): No, I think she's gone… That was bloody close.
Starling: I suppose I should try the next place on my list.
Amunet (to Zoe & Felix): Thank you for the assistance. Sorry for the bother. I really need to get back to the shop.
Felix (to Zoe): Who the hell was that!?!
Zoe (to Felix): … I'm not sure but, the thing chasing her was Starling… Let's go find out why.
Felix (to Zoe): Lead the way. Heh. I can't say that an evening out with you is boring. I just wish I'd thought to bring more weapons...
Zoe (to Felix): Heh. Here. Have one of mine… My mom would kill me if I left with less than 6. :-P
Felix (to Zoe): … Where on earth were you hiding that?
Zoe (to Felix): Heh. I'm not sure you want to know. ;-P I think she went this way. Have you ever been in this part of New London?
Felix (to Zoe): ... Can't say that I have. I never wandered to far away from the docks. My old captain didn't like it.
Zoe (to Felix): Did you see where she ducked in? She couldn't have completely disappeared. She's not a skipper. I would have noticed.
A moment later:
Amunet (to Felix & Zoe): Don't take another step or your little girlfriend gets it! … Why are you following me?
Felix (to Amunet): I wouldn't advise that, child.
Zoe (to Amunet): Seriously. You are messing with the wrong people…
Amunet (to Felix & Zoe): What the!?!
Zoe (to Amunet): Here, you can have your knife back. We're not going to hurt you.
Felix (to Amunet & Zoe): We know the monstrosity that was chasing you. Well, Zoe does.
Zoe (to Amunet & Felix): That would be me… This is Felix. Look, is there somewhere safe we can talk?
Amunet (to Felix & Zoe): … Yes. Follow me… My name is Amunet.
A short time later:
Amunet (to Felix & Zoe): This is where I live with my uncle. He owns the shop in the front… Would you like some tea? … So, why did that terrifying little monstrosity come to see my uncle?
Zoe (to Amunet): Oh yes, please.
Felix (to Amunet): No thank you... (to Zoe) You really shouldn't take tea from a girl who just pulled a knife on you, Zoe.
Zoe (to Felix): She's not going to poison me, Felix. (to Amunet) You wouldn't do anything of the sort, would you? She just had a fright.
Amunet (to Felix & Zoe): I would never! I have invited you into my home. If I intended to kill you, it would have already happened. I wouldn't desecrate this place with your blood…
Felix (to Amunet): ... Of course. I apologize for my crass assumption.
Zoe (to Amunet & Felix): We apologize for offending you, Amunet. What exactly does your uncle sell in his shop?
Amunet (to Felix & Zoe): He is a finder of lost things… mostly just odds & ends.
Felix (to Amunet): What about people?
Amunet (to Felix & Zoe): Yes, sometimes he finds people, too. He's out of town on a job, presently.
Zoe (to Amunet): Did she ask you anything?
Amunet (to Felix & Zoe): … After I told her my uncle was out of town, she just asked me if I wanted to play with her & then pulled out a ruddy big knife. It practically dwarfed her. Then, I ran.
Felix (to Amunet): Based on the scars I've got from her buddy, I'd say you did the right thing. ...Will you be safe here?
Amunet (to Felix & Zoe): I don't really know. You two seem to know more about her than I do… Am I safe?
Zoe (to Felix): … Write a note to your uncle telling him that you're visiting friends & then pack a bag. You're coming to stay with us until he comes back. I think you'll be safer with us.
Amunet (to Felix & Zoe): … Will I?
Felix (to Amunet): Heh heh. Despite all appearances, lovely, we're more or less bloody well harmless... I know it sounds a bit odd, but she may be right.
Amunet (to Felix & Zoe): Alright. Against my better judgment, I'm going to trust you… I'll be back in a minute. Oh, and don't eat those cookies.
Felix (to Zoe): Heh. Told you.
Zoe (to Felix): I know but it wasn't the bloody tea. :-P
Felix (to Zoe): True. So what is Momma Bear going to say when you show up with this wayward child?
Zoe (to Felix): Um, I don't know but you can't expect us to leave her here with Starling possibly after her… Do you have a better suggestion? Also, I don't think she's that much of a child… I mean, she passes for a kid but there's something a bit off about her.
Felix (to Zoe): Heh. As you say then. And no. Can't say I've got a better idea for you, pretty girl.
Zoe (to Felix): Well then, she'll come with us… Um… How long does it take to pack & write a note, Felix?
Felix (to Zoe): ... Much shorter than the time our little miss has taken.
Zoe (to Felix): That's what I thought… Shit! She's gone. Out the window, I suspect… Do we chase after her or leave her on her own?
Felix (to Zoe): If we chase her we don't look very trustworthy do we? Any ideas how to leave her a message on how to find us without telling that ruddy nightmare where we are?
Zoe (to Felix): Hold on… There might be a way. Hand me that stuffed toy on her bed… I'm going to try something.
Felix (to Zoe): What are you doing?
Zoe (to Felix): I'm imprinting a message on the bunny. So, when she touches it, only she will see it… I think. I've never done it before.
Felix (to Zoe): ...You're doing what?
Zoe (to Felix): I'm making a little pocket of time that can only be accessed by her, that has me inside it telling her where to go… And, that is exhausting… Woo.
Felix (to Zoe): You are something else, pretty girl. You know that.
Zoe (to Felix): Heh. Well, I have to do something to keep you interested, don't I? Should we go home, now? … I may need help walking.
Felix (to Zoe): Come on. Let's get out of here. Hop up. I'll carry you home.
Zoe (to Felix): This is humiliating…
Felix (to Zoe): Heh heh. Is it now? I thought you women liked being swept off your feet. I'm afraid you'll have to endure a while longer.
A little while later:
Zoe (to Felix): Felix, have you ever thought about getting married? Not necessarily to me, I mean, I wouldn't want to be presumptuous. I just mean in general.
Felix (to Zoe):
Zoe (to Felix): Heh. I know. But, I like talking to you. I mean, Victor & Yuki are engaged and they're not much older than we are… And, we love each other. Would it be so wrong?
Felix (to Zoe): Shhh. Exhaustion is making you talk crazy. Zoe...
Zoe (to Felix): … I'm sorry. I'll shut up.
Felix (to Zoe): I love you, pretty girl. Get some rest. I'll get us home safe as houses.
Zoe (to Felix): … Yeah, I know you will.
A short time later:
Zoe (to Felix): Felix, are we home?
Felix (to Zoe): Just about. I'm waiting for that group of lovely looking blokes over there to bugger off. They thought we looked like we might be a good mark for the night. I'll have you home in no more than 10 minutes.
Zoe (to Felix): Oh... You can put me down. I think I can get around on my own, now. I don't want to be a bother. It might help make us look less desirable.
Felix (to Zoe): You're no bother, pretty girl... Don't worry on it. Looks like the coast is sparkling. Let's go.
Zoe (to Felix): You go on without me. I'm going for a walk.
Felix (to Zoe): Like hell you are! That-- that whatever she was is still out and about and you're still wobbling.
Zoe (to Felix): Fine... I'll just go to my room, then.
Felix (to Zoe): Fine! Do that then. Good night.
Zoe (to Felix): Yeah well... Good night to you, too.
Poppy (to Felix & Zoe): What's with the slamming doors & yelling? Is there a ruddy fire, sweeties?
Felix (to Poppy): ...No, missus. Sorry to wake the household. Good night.
Poppy (to Felix): Good night, Felix. (to Zoe) Care to explain, honey?
Zoe (to Poppy): Not particularly, Mom. It's just been a long day & Felix is an ass.
Poppy (to Zoe): … Oh? I am so not getting involved in a domestic squabble, honey. Either go talk it out or don't. I really don't care, just don't wake Lucas. He's teething something fierce & I only just now got him to sleep.
Zoe (to Poppy): I'm sorry, Mom. I'll be quiet.
Felix (to Zoe): Thank you, sweetie. Now, give me a hug. Go get some sleep. I'm sure everything will be better in the morning.
Zoe (to Poppy): Heh. Good night, mom.
A little while later:
Zoe (to Felix): Felix? You still awake? ... I just wanted to apologize for my behavior, earlier. It was childish.
Felix (to Zoe): ...I'm awake. For my part, I'm sorry I shouted. You didn't deserve that.
Zoe (to Felix): Anyway, I just didn't want to go to sleep upset with each other. So, um, sleep sweet & I'll see you in the morning, I guess.
Felix (to Zoe): ... I do love you, you know. I hope you never doubt that. Good night, Zoe. Sleep well.
Zoe (to Felix): Wait a minute. Why would you say that, for Pete's sake? And, right before I go to sleep. I'm going to be laying there trying to figure out what you meant by it. And, I never doubted you. I just wonder if that's all we've got between us. I'm sorry I'm babbling again. Forget it. I love you. Good night.
A couple hours later, somewhere near the docks; New London, Britannia:
Starling (to Carver): Mister Carver, I believe I have found Cavanaugh. How would you like me to proceed?
Carver (to Starling): Let's go talk to him, shall we, miss?
Starling (to Carver): Yes, sir. Let's.
Carver (to Starling): You have done very good work. We hope this next bit will be more enjoyable, miss. Other Carver is especially keen to play.
Starling (to Carver): I can't wait, sir.
