When Strange Worlds Collide, Day 13

At the Casino de la Renard; Nice, French Republic:

Zoe (to Felix): How badly did I fuck up the wedding rehearsal? Be honest. Is Hari going to kill me in my sleep?

Felix (to Zoe): It's been nice knowing you... Ha ha ha! I'm just kidding, pretty lady. Just kidding. You did fine. It IS just a rehearsal.

Zoe (to Felix): I know. I was just so nervous... Heh. You'd think I was the one getting hitched instead of her. I've never been a maid of honor before. Heh. Actually, I've never even been in a wedding before.

Felix (to Zoe): Heh. You'll do fine, beautiful.

Zoe (to Felix): Thank you for saying that... Should we get to sleep? Busy day ahead & all that. Or can we go for a romantic walk?

Felix (to Zoe): I would love to take a walk with you.

Zoe (to Felix): Heh. I love it when you look at me like that. It makes my knees go wobbly. :-p

Felix (to Zoe): Oh? What way is that?

Zoe (to Felix): Heh. That way.

Felix (to Zoe): Heh. Maybe I should let you get some rest, so you're not all wobbly during your official duties.

Zoe (to Felix): Don't you even dare! Come here, sexy man, I'll show you wobbly.

Felix (to Zoe): ... Damn. I'll say so.

When Strange Worlds Collide, Day 12

 At the Longfellow bunker, The Tombs: New London, Britannia:

Vincent: Heh heh. One of these days, I will learn to keep my big mouth shut... Theoretically.

Luc (to Vincent): Oh, um, pardon me. I didn't know anyone else would be up this early. I was looking for some coffee.

Vincent (to Luc): Hee hee. Believe me, if I wasn't on baby duty, I wouldn't be. I've got coffee going. How do you take it?

Luc (to Vincent): Black with two sugars, please.

Vincent (to Luc): Hot, dark and sweet, coming right up. Do you want anything to eat, kiddo? ... Good heavens. I'm sorry. I'm sure you don't want me calling you kiddo.

Luc (to Vincent): Heh. It's fine. I've been called much worse... And, food would be nice but I don't want to be a bother. The coffee is just... fine.

Vincent (to Luc): If it was a bother, I wouldn't have offered. Heh. It isn't as though we expect you to starve while you're with us, you know. Besides, if I didn't feed you, your mother would be angry with me. I don't need another fat lip. ;-p

Luc (to Vincent): ... Oh, right... Breakfast would be good, then.

Vincent (to Luc): Breakfast it is... You do know I was kidding, right? Poppy didn't bust up my face. That was the result of a bar brawl. If my darling wife did it, I would be FAR more broken. :-p Or is it just the awkwardness of the situation making you quiet?

Luc (to Vincent): Heh. I would say it's the awkwardness of the situation. Also, I may have drunk a little too much whiskey last night. My bro-- um, Victor left a bottle in my room the other night.

Vincent (to Luc): Did he? Heh. Someone will be looking for that sooner enough. That boy and his ruddy sticky fingers this time around... Here you are. Eat what you can. I'm sure either your brother or Fiona will finish the rest. And this is for your hangover.

Luc (to Vincent): Thank you... Heh. I'm usually much more gregarious & charming, I assure you. Not a great first impression, huh?

Vincent (to Luc): Hee hee. I don't doubt it, but I think under the circumstances, you're allowed to be sullen and hungover. Besides, I would much rather get to know the real you than be dazzled by the glittering facade. You don't need to make a grand first impression.

Luc (to Vincent): Heh. Maybe, the glittering facade is all I have. :-P

Vincent (to Luc): Ha ha ha! Oh dear... Oh. Sorry, kiddo. That's not helping your headache, I'm sure. Heh. It's just that I do believe I've said those words myself upon occasion...

Luc (to Vincent): Heh... I guess it's genetic.

Vincent (to Luc): It would appear so. As is our knack for getting in trouble. Good grief. Why couldn't you kids just get our good looks and leave behind the bothersome bits? :-p

Luc (to Vincent): ... I don't think it works that way. If so, I'm sure Maladori would have done something about it, by now.

Vincent (to Luc): No doubt... I know this is odd, but indulge me. I am so, so sorry for what you had to go through, kiddo. I hope you'll let us help you if you need it... Heh. I'm sorry. I'll stop being so embarrassingly familiar. I know we're pretty much strangers, so I promise that's my last hug.

Luc (to Vincent): Heh... When I first met uh, my mother, I thought she was hitting on me. I think a hug is alright. It was actually nice. I didn't get a lot of those growing up... My pops, Thaddeus, was a hugger. Heh. I still kinda miss him & those stupid bearhugs.

Vincent (to Luc): Thaddeus raised you? Thank goodness for that! He never was an entirely wicked man. Hee hee. Even if he did try to kill me more than a few times. His heart was never really in it after Poppy and I married.

Luc (to Vincent): He spoke quite highly of you despite everything.

Vincent (to Luc): Did he? Heh heh. Did he call me Mrs. Meriwether when he did it? He loved that joke. ;-)

Luc (to Vincent): Heh. Yes. Yes, he did. And, sometimes Mrs. Stinkblossom.

Vincent (to Luc): Hee hee. Thaddeus and Poppy always did spend most of their time together bickering.

Several hours later, onboard the Wicked Sister:

Yukiko (to Felix): How do we look, Felix? Ready to take off? Because, if we're not, you're the one that has to tell Zoe, so she can skip there.

Felix (to Yukiko): Aye. I looks like. The ship is ready at any rate.

Yukiko (to Felix): Good... Let's go get the rest of our crew.

Felix (to Yukiko): Heh. Yes, ma'am.

When Strange Worlds Collide, Day 11

At the Longfellow bunker, The Tombs: New London, Britannia:

Zoe (to Felix): Felix, why are you being so bloody upset about this? I thought you'd be glad to have some time away from me & it's not like I won't be back all the time. I mean, you were the one encouraging me to find my own path. I thought you'd be happy. Besides, you're going to be busy with the ship, especially since Victor isn't quite himself, yet.

Felix (to Zoe): I'm NOT BLOODY... I'm sorry. Alright. Yes, I'm upset. It's my own damn fault. I'm going to miss being with you all the time.

Zoe (to Felix): I'm going to miss you, too. But, I'm terrible on the ship & you know it. Victor needs a crew who'll listen & help him, not his sister who will question everything he does, gets in the way & distracts his first mate.

Felix (to Zoe): Heh. I suppose I *do* tend to get rather distracted about you, don't I?

Zoe (to Felix): Heehee. Just a bit. To be fair, you're quite a distraction yourself. Besides, I'm not going right this second. I still plan on going to Nice with you guys. And, I haven't even talked to Mars about it, she might say, "go fuck yourself". So, you're stuck with me for a little while longer. Poor you.

Felix (to Zoe): Heh. Somehow I think I will manage to survive your company a while longer.

Zoe (to Felix): Well, that's good cuz I'm terribly in love with you & that would really put a damper on our relationship, otherwise. :-p

Felix (to Zoe): I am too. Heh. Why else would I be pouting like a babe just because you'll be living off-world without me?

Zoe (to Felix): ... You could come and stay with me any time you like. Say the word & I'll get you wherever you are. I hate to see you pout... even though, you're damn sexy when you do it. Which is really no fair.

Felix (to Zoe): You like fussing and fuming at you like an old man? You've peculiar tastes, pretty lady. Suppose I should be glad of that, shouldn't I?

Zoe (to Felix): Yes, I think you should. :-P

A little while later, in the infirmary, at Tesla's Monastery; Colorado Springs:

Amunet: Huh? Where am I? ... Oh, why do I hurt all over?

Eva (to Amunet): Oh good. You're awake. We worried for a while you might not ever regain consciousness.

Amunet (to Eva): ... Oh... So, I'm not dead? For a brief instance I thought perhaps I was.

Poppy (to Amunet): How you feeling, honey? You scared us for quite awhile there. We thought we had lost you. Don't try & move. You're going to be stiff and sore for a bit.

Amunet (to Poppy): I feel like I was run over by a truck, Mrs. Potter.

Poppy (to Amunet): You practically were, honey. I'll go fix you some food, I'm sure you're starving. The twins will take good care of you.

Amunet (to Poppy): Thank you... (to Eva) I suppose I have you to thank for keeping me alive. Thank you.

Eva (to Amunet): Myself, my sister, oh, and Ms Meriwether's son kept you breathing, I believe. Your young man will be happy you're awake, I'm sure.

Amunet (to Eva): ... My young man? ... Oh, you mean, Luc... He is not my young man. We're just friends. He doesn't like the idea of being tied down to one person. He thinks it's a sign of weakness.

Eva (to Amunet): My mistake. From the way he was carrying on last night I assumed you were more than that. He was most distressed. Extreme circumstances do have a way of forcing one to confront one's feelings the way few other things can.

Amunet (to Eva): Really? ... That's odd… I'm sorry I just realized that I don't know your name... I'm Amunet but you probably already figured that out by now.

Eva (to Amunet): Yes, of course. Where are my manners? I'm Eva Greymalkin. My sister and I work at Colorado Spings.

Amunet (to Eva): Nice to meet you, Eva.

Eva (to Amunet): Quite. <sigh> And yes, I realize I resemble a homicidal clockwork monstrosity. It's where the similarities end, I assure you.

Amunet (to Eva): I wasn't going to say anything about your appearance... You look like a homicidal maniac? I had no idea.

Eva (to Amunet): Oh? So the suspicious sideways glances were for due to something entirely different. Again, my mistake.

Amunet (to Eva): I beg your pardon. It's been a very trying last few days... Mad scientists, imprisonment & near death experiences. I find I can't keep help  from feeling there's another shoe about to be dropped. And, I'm very sorry about your mother.

Eva (to Amunet): Yes, I'm afraid I'm intimately familiar with the feeling. Mad scientists and all. My mother ran Vernian Industries. There may be another shoe. Not to worry. Mr. Tesla is working on it. There isn't a problem he's come up against he cannot solve.

Amunet (to Eva): I think I'd like to sleep for a bit, if that's alright. I feel very tired, suddenly.

Eva (to Amunet): Of course. Get some rest. There's an intercom near your bed should you need anything. ...Thank you for the condolences.

Una (to Eva): How's the patient, sister dear?

Eva (to Una): Awake and lucid, if a bit tired.

Una (to Eva): Well, that's good. I was worried she would need to simply sit at the window doing a very good fern impression.

Eva (to Una): Heh. No. It seems she suffered no ill effects. If we can find a way to stabilize her in this time, she should be quite alright.

Una (to Eva): Well, that does seem to be a bit of a sticky wicket. Mister Tesla is working on the problem, but he's concerned by all the converging and collapsing timelines that seem to be happening around the Potters at the moment. He compared it to a box in which something is neither dead or alive until you open the box, which then solidifies the outcome making all other outcomes impossible. He's trying to find a solution that disturbs the least amount of outcomes.

Eva (to Una): I rather think the smell would clue you in as to the life status of something in a box... And yes, the Potters DO seem to have a knack for disturbing the order of things, don't they?

Una (to Eva): Yes, they do. Do you think it's simply a genetic anomaly or is it a learned behavior, sister dear?

Eva (to Una): I should think equal parts one and the other, shouldn't you, Una?

Una (to Eva): Heehee. Very likely.

A couple hours later, in Victor & Yukiko's quarters:

Victor (to Yukiko): Hmmm? Oof! I slept like a ruddy log. What time is it? Have I slept all day?

Yukiko (to Victor): Practically. It's almost supper time. Heh. I spent the day annoying Felix & Zoe... Are you feeling any better? I need to hop into the shower and wash this grease off of me. I'm sure food is almost ready if you're hungry.

Victor (to Yukiko): Aren't I always? :-p I'm feeling better. I don't suppose you need a hand, do you?

Yukiko (to Victor): ... Well, if you're offering. I could always use a hand.

Victor (to Yukiko): It would be my pleasure, Miss Kobayashi.

At Casina de la Renard; Nice, French Republic:

Ariadne: Oh my god! Oh my god! Oh my god! I'm getting married in 4 days… Am I ready? I think so… Oh god, I'm not ready… Zoe better be here soon. I need help from going crazy… There's so much to do!

Bianca (to Ariadne): Would you relax, Hari? You are making me dizzy just watching you. See? This is why I prefer the simple approach to matrimony.

Ariadne (to Bianca): … I know you're just trying to help, Bianca, but shut it. And for your information, the wedding is very small. Neither of us happen to have a lot of family or folks we'd invite. If I'm going to have a wedding, I want it to be nice.

Bianca (to Ariadne): And, it shall be. Don't worry. And, I found you the perfect dress. You'll look like a princess.

Ariadne (to Bianca): Oh… But, I had a dress picked out, already.

Bianca (to Ariadne): I know you did but the seamstress said she couldn't let it out any more to compensate for your growing shape, so I took the liberty of finding you a new one. I didn't want to bother you with it, you have enough to worry about… I think you'll like it.

Ariadne (to Bianca): Boszhe moy, Bianca! It's perfect! Ty prekrasna, tetushka! Thank you, thank you. I need to go try it on, right now.

Bianca: Heehee. I can now see how that little firecracker thawed the Iceman's heart. (to Ariadne) Go, little one Before you explode…

A little while later, in Ji Yong's quarters:

Ji Yong (to Ariadne): Hari? I'm sorry to interrupt you, but I... Mon dieu. Vous êtes belle.

Ariadne (to Ji Yong): Shit! You're not supposed to see the wedding dress before the wedding. It's bad luck… I'll be changed in a second.

Ji Yong (to Ariadne): ...Is it? Oh. My apologies. Would you like me to leave?

Ariadne (to Ji Yong): No. It's alright. I've got the dress put away… Just forget you saw it. What do you need? Am I late for work?

Ji Yong (to Ariadne): Not at all. I was going to let you know that it's slow, if you wanted to take the evening off.

Ariadne (to Ji Yong): That's very nice of you. But, I'm fairly certain that Patrice was hoping to get off early tonight. She mentioned it was her parent's anniversary. A big one. I think I can handle working so she can go. I've been feeling more like myself, lately. Or are you just being overprotective again? ;-P

Ji Yong (to Ariadne): ...Yes, perhaps a bit. I will see you on the floor.

Ariadne (to Ji Yong): Wait a minute, handsome… Would you prefer it if I took the night off? I don't want to stress you out.

Ji Yong (to Ariadne): Heh. Je suis un idiot... If you want to work, you are more than welcome. Gee has pointed out that I cannot control everything. Or everyone. And that I should not attempt to do so with people I don't wish to push away.

Ariadne (to Ji Yong): Heehee. He's pretty smart for a big pain in the butt. And, you are not an idiot. Tu es un homme doux et attentionné. But, I'm not as fragile as you think. I promise that if I feel awful I will let you know immediately. D'accord?

Ji Yong (to Ariadne): D'accord. I love you, Hari... I should get back. I will see you shortly.

Ariadne (to Ji Yong): I love you, too. I'll be down as soon as I finish getting dressed.

Ji Yong (to Ariadne): I will see you then.

A couple hours later, at the Longfellow bunker, The Tombs: New London, Britannia:

Luc: Oh, my bloody head… Is there any aspirin in this room? For that matter, where the hell is the light switch?

Victor (to Luc): Oi. Luc. You decent?

Luc (to Victor): I've got pants on, if that's decent enough for ya.

Victor (to Luc): More decent than most. Here. Figured you might need some painkillers.

Luc (to Victor): Thanks. I was just wondering if there were any in this room… So, uh, how do we do all this? I mean, you're my brother, right? I mean, you still have your little brother Lucas… How do I fit in? That is why your mother sent the ginger behemoth to grab us. Cuz we're family, right?

Victor (to Luc): ...I dunno. This is fucked up in ALL sorts of interesting ways. Just because Baby Lucas is here, doesn't mean there's not there innit room for you too... If you want to be here. Heh. Mum had Fiona snatch you? That would explain your face. Fancy a drink?

Luc (to Victor): A drink would be dandy… Heh. Big brother.

Victor (to Luc): Lord. Now I've got two of you doing that. Here. I grabbed this off Fox yesterday when he was being obnoxious. And, if I'm not mistaken, Zoe said there was whiskey... Heh. Right here. Excellent! You wanna mixer?

Luc (to Victor): Why bother?

Victor (to Luc): Heh. I don't know how delicate your sensibilities are, do I? ... Oh! The twins called. Amunet woke up. She's stable.

Luc (to Victor): And, she's okay?

Victor (to Luc): Yeah. Seems to be.

Luc (to Victor): Thank god...

Victor (to Luc): Heh. This is awkward, isn't it?

Luc (to Victor): Yeah. Just a bit. What say we drink some more?

Victor (to Luc): Heh. Works for me... How long have you been watching the family? Ha ha! You look a little shocked. Don't be. Nate mentioned you let it slip you remembered him.

Luc (to Victor): Heh. I should have known that he caught that… I figured out you all were my family a year ago. But, it took me a little time o figure out what Hiiri was up to & well, two years from now, I talked Amunet to jump back with me to this point in time. I read Hiiri's files on you. Her information was apparently a bit out of date or incorrect. It never mentioned Nate being in CLANNG or that your parents have a bunker under the city.

Victor (to Luc): Heh. Yeah. I'd say it's out of date. Nate is probably a bit more complicated than his file, and the bunker... Hell, I was living right on top of it for years and didn't know it was here. Wouldn't imagine Hiiri had any clue.

Luc (to Victor): You were doing what? I thought you grew up with the Potters.

Victor (to Luc): I did. And I didn't. Heh. You aren't the only family member to change the timeline. In my version, Mum and Dad died when I was 13. Hiiri made it pretty much impossible for me to be anywhere, so I was living in Mum's old house upstairs.

Luc (to Victor): … Man, that is messed up… And, I thought I had it bad… What the hell is this stuff? I can't feel my tongue.

Victor (to Luc): Heh. It was awright. Nate had it worse. So did Zoe, actually. And Felix. And Yuki... Shit. Does this family 'ave a ruddy aversion to well adjusted? Seems to be the case.

Luc (to Victor): … Heh. I used to be all sorts of resentful about you & Zoe after I found out who my family really were. I thought that I'd been tossed aside cuz I wasn't a skipper. I mean, it had to be the only explanation. But, seeing how much you all have done to protect me... I mean, Little Lucas. Clearly I was wrong... I feel like a right bloody tool.

Victor (to Luc): No offense, mate, but that's fucking stupid. We don't give a shit if yer a skipper or not... Oh 'ell. Heh. I'm smashed.

Luc (to Victor): Yeah well, how was I to know that? It's not like I was raised in much of a loving environment. I mean, my pops was pretty nice to me until he got murdered by that bastard, Fitzroy. But, Maladori always shuffled me off on other people like she couldn't be bothered & that I was some sort of burden. Now, I at least know why. So, sorry if I'm not all instantly hugs & smiles towards all of you. You've had your whole life to be a Potter, mate.

Victor (to Luc): I wouldn't expect you to be. ...Sorry. I didn't mean to be a gruff, suspicious arse. This can't be easy. Heh. To tell you the truth, I'm trying to learn to cope with... Well, with all this family and such myself.

Luc (to Victor): ... Is this the part of the male bonding where we punch each other? Cuz I'd really prefer to skip that bit.

Victor (to Luc): Is that what male bonding usually involves? Cor. ...No. Let's skip that. Oof! I think I should get to bed.

Luc (to Victor): Yeah, me too... Thanks for the drink... Drinks.

Victor (to Luc): Not a problem... I haven't seen much of Dad around lately either. I'm sure he'll make his entrance sooner or later. I think I prolly ought to get back to my room while I can still walk. Night.

When Strange Worlds Collide, Day 10

At the Longfellow bunker, The Tombs: New London, Britannia:

Poppy (to Luc & Victor): Sweeties, I just wanted to let you know that Amunet is doing better. The twins are doing a bang-up job. Go get some sleep the both of you. Victor, show Luc to a room. I think he'll be okay.

Luc (to Poppy & Victor): ... I'm so relieved. I don't know what I would have done... Sleep would be good.

Victor (to Poppy): Yes, Mum. (to Luc) This way. I think there are some empty rooms this way.

A few minutes later:

Victor (to Luc): Oh bloody 'ell. Hang up a moment...

Luc (to Victor): ... Thank you for sitting with me, Victor.

Victor (to Luc): You're welcome. I've been where you are. It isn't pleasant... Sorry. My cobbler is killing me. I need a moment...

Luc (to Victor): Are you alright? Do you need an aspirin? Should I get someone?

Victor (to Luc): Heh, Nah. S'alright. It's not as serious as all that. I should be peaches and cream in a moment.

Luc (to Victor): Have you always had headaches like this? Is it because of the skipping? I'm sorry. You probably don't want to be hit with a ton of questions.

Victor (to Luc): ... I can't say I was expecting a ton of questions, no. Heh. Yeah. Sometimes the headaches are due to the skipping. I think this particular right royal pain in my skull is due to Amunet… I sort of anchored her here until help showed up.

Luc (to Victor): Oh? Well, thank you for that… She's very important to me. She's my best friend. I dragged her into this bloody mess.

Victor (to Luc): I figured she was. Like I said: been where you are. I recognized the look. Can I ask you summi-- something?

Luc (to Victor): I suppose… I mean, I'm sleep deprived, under house arrest and I kinda owe you for helping Amunet, so go for it.

Victor (to Luc): She said something about her past self being killed. Do you know what she meant?

Luc (to Victor): I think so. The Professor told Amunet that she was putting her past self in stasis while we were here. She was concerned that if their paths crossed, it would be a bad thing… I suspect she had Starling kill her. It probably happened when we didn't come back.

Victor (to Luc): Ruddy fucking Maladori! That wicked, soulless old... Oh, shit. Sorry... Still a bit wobbly. Right. If the twins and Tesla can't do more for her, Zoe and I will see what we can do.

Luc (to Victor): The twins? Who are the twins?

Victor (to Luc): Una and Eva: they're Tesla's assistants. We helped them out after Hiiri murdered their mum.

Luc (to Victor): Oh… I apparently missed out on a lot while I was away in school.

Victor (to Luc): Heh. Yeah. Suppose you did. Like I said to your girl, welcome to life with the Potters... It ain't ever quite what you was thinkin' it'd be.

Luc (to Victor): You could say that again… I should get some sleep & let you go rest.

Victor (to Luc): Yeah... I've gone all Tombsy... G'night. Let us know if you need summit.

Luc (to Victor): Good night.

A short time later, in Victor & Yukiko's quarters:

Victor: Cor! My ruddy cobbler...

Yukiko (to Victor): Victor, you look rough. What did you do?

Victor (to Yukiko): Heh. Why do you immediately assume I did something? :-p

Yukiko (to Victor): Because I know you, watashi no ai. And, no matter how your appearance has changed, you are still very much you.

Victor (to Yukiko): Ha ha ha! Oh ouch... That is true. Mum had Fiona grab Amunet the other day. Last night, she stopped breathing. I sort of, I dunno, kept her here.

Yukiko (to Victor): You messed with the timeline again, didn't you?

Victor (to Yukiko): I didn't mess with the timeline as much as slid her back on her own timeline a bit... Sort of the reverse of what Zoe does. Luc thinks Maladori had the version of her in this timeline murdered when they didn't turn up when she was expecting them.

Yukiko (to Victor): … That would explain why your mother sent me to find Maladori's laboratory.

Victor (to Yukiko): Well, hell. Did you find it?

Yukiko (to Victor): Sadly, no. It's not at the house she's been staying in.

Victor (to Yukiko): ... I'll bet Nate and I can find her if we need to.

Yukiko (to Victor): ... Gee, thank you for the vote of confidence... I'm so glad that all of my years of training was for naught because two untrained amateurs can find things better... I shall now go get a job as a serving wench.

Victor (to Yukiko): Heh heh. Please. As if that's the truth at all. You know you're the best at what you do. I can only find folk who I've met b'fore, and Nate's met Maladori... Course, I wouldn't say no to seeing you in a serving wench's kit an' kith. I wouldn't object to that at all. :-p

Yukiko (to Victor): ... I wouldn't be caught dead in that sort of thing & you know it. :-p Zoe was teaching me sarcasm, earlier. She said it was very important if we were ever going to visit her in West Piedmont.

Victor (to Yukiko): Ha ha ha! Consider a lesson well learned, then. Oof! I think I should lie down...

Yukiko (to Victor): Here, let me help you... How's this? Better?

Victor (to Yukiko): Mmm... I'm not sure if it's your actions or your company. Either way, I'm not complaining.

Yukiko (to Victor): You are a very wise man, watashi no ai.

Victor (to Yukiko): ...I'm a very lucky man. Let's get to bed.

Yukiko (to Victor): I love you, too. Get some sleep, silly man.

Victor (to Yukiko): <yawn> I love you. So bloody much...

When Strange Worlds Collide, Day 9

At the Longfellow bunker, The Tombs: New London, Britannia:

Poppy (to Victor & Vincent): Hello my beautiful boys! How are you both feeling? Good, I hope... Um, don't go into the brig for a bit. There's a lot of emotions going on in there, sweeties. You don't want to get any on you.

Zoe (to Poppy, Victor & Vincent): Heh. You should have heard the swearing. You'd think Luc was related to Nate instead of us. I mean, he is but not closer--

Poppy (to Zoe): Honey, it's okay. Just drink your coffee.

Victor (to Poppy, Zoe & Vincent): ...Wait. What's going on?

Zoe (to Poppy, Victor & Vincent): Mom was bad... And, I need to get some sleep. Early morning guard duty kicked my ass.

Poppy (to Victor, Vincent & Zoe): I wouldn't say bad per se, honey, more like I mildly misbehaved.

Victor (to Zoe): Sleep sweet, little sister. (to Vincent & Poppy) You grabbed Luc off the street.

Vincent (to Victor & Poppy): Hee hee. Right on one.

Poppy (to Victor & Vincent): Heehee... I didn't do it, honey. I sent Fiona. He would have seen it coming if it had been me. ;-P I also got Mister Stick in the Mud Wilkes to have the ISS take credit for it.

Victor (to Poppy & Vincent): Heh. I should have known you were up to something... How on earth did you get Lord Wilkes to help? I take it Luc isn't taking our intervention too well?

Poppy (to Victor & Vincent): Roland owed me a favor, honey... It's not the intervention Luc seems to have a problem with, it's the fact that's it's us doing the intervention. Apparently, he grew up thinking we abandoned him to Hiiri & Maladori.

Victor (to Poppy & Vincent): What?!? Why the ruddy 'ell does he think we'd do a daft thing like that? We'd never leave anyone to Hiiri or Maladori, let alone kin!

Poppy (to Victor & Vincent): Who knows, honey? He's got a pretty big chip on his shoulder.... No excuse for him carrying on like a twat.

Vincent (to Victor & Poppy): Victor. Calm down. There's no need to get upset...

Poppy (to Vincent & Victor): We'll work it out, honey.

Victor (to Poppy & Vincent): Oh? Innit there? My mistake.

Vincent (to Victor & Poppy): Victor!

Poppy (to Victor): Come here, honey.

Victor (to Poppy & Vincent): Sorry... I'm sorry. I know we'll work it out. We always did... We always do... I'm sorry. I love you guys.

Vincent (to Victor & Poppy): We know, kiddo. We love you too.

A few hours later, in the brig:

Victor (to Amunet & Luc): I've got supper for you if you want it.

Amunet (to Fiona): Thank you, Victor. Luc has finally stopped ranting & fallen asleep. The poor little dear has worn himself out with his bucket of righteous indignation. I've grown quite tired of it.

Victor (to Amunet): ...Yes. We all noticed. He's got the talent for it, doesn't he? Anything else you need?

Amunet (to Fiona): ... He's really not that bad, you know? He grew up with Von Clegg & then when he was killed, she sent him off to school in Austria. He's never had a real family as far as he can remember. It's not an excuse just an explanation.

Victor (to Amunet): ... That couldn't have been easy, and I am sorry for it. Really. But he innit the only one to have had a hard time of it. He's going to have to decide how much of his life he's gonna let that dictate.

Amunet (to Fiona): True... This isn't a round of 'Whose Life Sucked More?', Victor. Are you looking for reasons to hate him?

Victor (to Amunet): Oh fuck no! No one wins that game. And, I've known my share of folk that can make you ashamed you ever tried to play... My mum included... I don't hate him. Not sure I can. He's my brother, after all. I'm irritated and cross and I'm not sure the reasons I am have anything to do with him.

Amunet (to Fiona): Oh... Well, good. Because, he's going to need help with all this & I'm not sure I'm going to be much use... If your past you is killed, will your future you still exist? I'm beginning to think--

Luc (to Amunet & Victor): Huh? What the!?! Amunet!?! What did you do to her?

Victor (to Luc): I didn't do a ruddy thing! We were just jawing. Is she breathing? Shit! Step back!

Luc (to Victor): Oh my god! She can't ruddy die. I never told her-- well, anything really. And, she came with me, anyway... I'm a fucktard.

Victor: We've got a code red in the eastern block of the brig! (to Luc) Lucas! Either you can glare or you can let me ruddy well help her!

Luc (to Victor): Yes. Help her. Please?

Victor (to Luc): She won't if we can help it. Shit... (to Amunet) Stay with us me twist an' curl! (to Luc) Go find the blasted medical team! I'm gonna start CPR. (to Amunet) Amunet? I'm not sure this is gonna work, so you'd best not bloody well die on me! ...Shit this is gonna hurt.

When Strange Worlds Collide, Day 8

At the Longfellow bunker, The Tombs: New London, Britannia:

Zoe: Gah! Okay, little brother, you better stop squirming and cooperate. Changing your diaper is hard enough without all the wiggling.

Vincent (to Zoe): Hee hee. Would you like some help, Monster?

Zoe (to Vincent): Yes, please. Lucas is being difficult.

Vincent (to Zoe): Hee hee. Let me have at him. Don't listen to her, Lucas. Everyone says the same thing about me… There we are: one clean, wiggling baby. Hee hee. I think we'd better get him someplace he can crawl, hadn't we?

Zoe (to Vincent): Yeah, I think you're right. He is a wiggly thing today.

Vincent (to Zoe): That he is. He's probably getting pent up being in the Bunker all the time. Do you feel up to a walk, hun? Your mom is still nervous about us traipsing about New London. How about we go to West Piedmont and get a cup of coffee?

Zoe (to Vincent): Oh my god, I would love that! I would kill for one of Emma's mochas.

Vincent (to Zoe): Hee hee. I thought I might be able to convince you. :-p Let's go tell your mother where we're going.

Zoe (to Vincent): Okay.

A few minutes later:

Poppy (to Vincent & Zoe): What on earth are you two grinning at? ... What's going on, sweeties?

Vincent (to Poppy): Lover? Zoe and I were going to take Lucas for a walk in West Piedmont. Would you like us to fetch you a vanilla cappuccino?

Poppy (to Vincent): Yes. Yes, I would, lover. I should be back from my errand by the time you get back.

Zoe (to Poppy & Vincent): Mom, you have that look on your face..,

Vincent (to Poppy): Then a cappuccino you shall have. Do you need us to do anything else for you, gorgeous?

Poppy (to Vincent & Poppy): No, lover, I think the coffee will do just nicely. And, Zoe, I do not have a look.

Zoe (to Poppy & Vincent): ... Um, if you say so, Mom. :-p

Vincent (to Poppy): How you look is gorgeous. Give your husband and your littlest one a kiss. We'll be back in a few hours.

Poppy (to Vincent & Zoe): Have fun!

A little while later:

Zoe (to Vincent): Dad, is Mom up to something?

Vincent (to Zoe): Of course! Mind you, she's *usually* up to something. :-p

Zoe (to Vincent): Heh. That's true... You know, I can't remember the last time you & I spent the day together.

Vincent (to Zoe): That is true. I think that means we're long overdue, don't you? Hee hee. Current drooling sidekick included, of course.

Zoe (to Vincent): Heehee. Of course, Drooly McGee over here is included… There's no show without Punch. Isn't that right, Lucas? Heehee.

Vincent (to Zoe): How about you skip us to the apartment? We can get some lunch, and head back with coffees and parties in tow.

Zoe (to Vincent): Of course. Take my hand… One. Two. Three. 

A moment later, at Poppy & Vincent's apartment; West Piedmont:

Zoe (to Vincent): Oof… Gosh, this place needs a good dusting.

Vincent (to Zoe): Oh lord... Look at all those cobwebs. Forget the dusting. Let's get a flamethrower. Hee hee hee. (to Lucas) Would you like that, Lucas? Want to help Daddy set the apartment on fire?

Zoe (to Vincent): Heehee… Maybe, you guys need to sublet the apartment or hire a cleaning service?

Vincent (to Zoe): That's not a bad idea, hun. Though who on earth could we sublet to? We might show up unannounced and bloody. :-p

Zoe (to Vincent): I don't know… Maybe, Mars?

Vincent (to Zoe): Hmmm... That's not a bad idea. I know her mom said she's been having trouble finding a roommate.

Zoe (to Vincent): … I wouldn't mind staying over here a bit. I mean, I love being with you guys but I kind of miss this side now that I'm not here all the time. I wouldn't mind being Mars' roommate if she wanted to stay here. I'd like to maybe get a job & wander back and forth like Nate… If that's okay?

Vincent (to Zoe): Hmmm... That's not a bad idea. I know her mom said she's been having trouble finding a roommate. This might be easier on her pocket, that's for sure. We can make the suggestion, at the least. We'll have to talk to your mother, of course, but I don't see why that would be a problem, sweetie. Awww, our baby birds are starting to leave the nest.

Zoe (to Vincent): … Dad, I'll be living in our house. It's hardly leaving the nest.

Vincent (to Zoe): Shhh. Let me have my delusions. :-p

Zoe (to Vincent): Heehee… Fine, crazy man.

At Maladori's residence; New London, Britannia:

Professor Maladori (to Luc): Enough of your whining, Luc. I have plans for you in a few hours, and I need to know exactly where you will be.

Luc (to Professor Maladori): Fine. I was going to be at the Hanging Man for a bit. I owe Amunet a drink & a gentleman there owes me some money.

Professor Maladori (to Luc): Very good. Do try not to be drunk. It will complicate the... It will complicate your assignment.

Luc (to Professor Maladori): Yes, ma'am.

Amunet (to Luc): Are you ready, se-- Luc?

Luc (to Amunet & Professor Amunet): Heh. Yes, sweetness. Professor Maladori was just letting me know that she will need me later.

Professor Maladori (to Luc & Amunet): I will never understand your insistence on SOCIALIZING...

Luc (to Professor Maladori & Amunet): It's a human condition. You wouldn't understand.

Amunet (to Luc): ... Quick, handsome, let's go before she gets the joke.

Professor Maladori (to Luc & Amunet): Thank god! I weep for the knowledge lost due to things those unwashed plebeians would dub  "human." As if basic biological function is some lofty goal! Never mind. Never mind. Go! See that you're back on time.

Luc (to Professor Maladori): Bye, Professor!

Amunet (to Professor Maladori): Yes, of course... (to Luc) Stop saying that sort of thing to her. Have you lost your mind?

Luc (to Amunet): Perhaps, I have... I've been having these terrible headaches. I think it's from the fact that there is & isn't 3 versions of me. It's playing havoc on me... How have you been dealing with it?

Amunet (to Luc): I've been fine. The me from this year is safely ensconced in a stasis chamber according to the professor.

Luc (to Amunet): … I don't think that's true, sweetness. I'm very sorry that I got you involved in all of this... I thought by jumping back & stopping the kidnapping would make things better but I didn't realize that there were other changes already in effect.

Amunet (to Luc): Forget it. That's in the past... Or future. C'mon, let's go get that drink you owe me.

A couple hours later, at ISS headquarters; New London, Britannia:

Poppy (to Roland): Good day, Director Wilkes. I hope I'm not disturbing you, honey.

Roland (to Poppy): Ms Meriwether... This is an --unexpected-- visit. What may I do for you?

Poppy (to Roland): Professor Maladori has decided to rise up the food chain, honey. I don't know what her game is but she has two young people working for her that I would very much like to see safely out of it. In a few hours, I'd like you to announce that you have arrested them. Here are their names & likenesses. You can be as loud about it as you like. Can you do that for me, honey?

Roland (to Poppy): Well, that would explain why we found Fitzroy, the former director of CLANNG, in the state we did. You do realize that it's most *unusual* for an agent to make this kind or request of her superior, don't you? But considering how instrumental you've been these last few months... I'll make the announcement in two hour's time.

Poppy (to Roland): Heehee. Thank you, honey... And, I won't bother correcting you about my status as an agent. Toodles!

Roland (to Poppy): What do you... Oh, bloody hell. How *does* she manage that?

A few minutes later,  at the Longfellow bunker, The Tombs: New London, Britannia:

Poppy (to Fiona): Fiona, I could use your assistance. Are you up for a little strong-arming?

Fiona (to Poppy): That is music to my ears, missus. With distinct and unfettered glee. Who are we strong-arming?

Poppy (to Fiona): Two of Maladori's minions. They're not to be killed or seriously injured. We just need to get them here & put in the brig.

Fiona (to Poppy): Aye, ma'am. Am I going all by my wee self? Thank the stars! It'll be old times!

Poppy (to Fiona): Yes, all by your lonesome. It hardly seems fair, honey. I'd prefer to come with you but they'd recognize me.

Fiona (to Poppy): 'Tisn't fair at all! I'll try not to damage the poor little lambs too badly. Haha! See you in a few, missus.

Poppy (to Fiona): Heh. See you soon, honey.

An hour or so later, in the brig, at the Longfellow bunker, The Tombs: New London, Britannia:

Fiona (to Luc): Quit your bellyaching, pretty boy! You aren't that hurt. (to Amunet) You just keep your eyes forward wee one, and keep moving or I'll throw you in the sack too.

Luc: You great... ... cow... woman... stab... Where's... knife?

Amunet (to Fiona): I'd very much prefer to stay out of the sack, ma'am. It smells of fish.

Fiona (to Luc): Like I'd leave you with a knife... (to Amunet) What on earth are you trying to do?

Amunet (to Fiona): Who me? I'm not doing anything at all. Simply walking like you told me to, ma'am.

Fiona (to Amunet): Ha! Save your lies for someone stupid enough to believe them. I'll have that, thank you. Well, well... That looks nasty, doesn't it? You realize, of course, that it wouldn't take effect until well after we got where we were going, don'cha? Which is here... In you go! Make yourselves at home.

Amunet (to Fiona): Bloody hell! (to Luc) Luc? Are you alright?

Luc (to Amunet): Just my pride, mostly... And, both my hands, my right eye & possibly a rib. Ouch... Stop touching my face, sweetness!

Amunet (to Luc): Sorry.

A few minutes later:

Poppy (to Fiona): I see you've returned, Fiona. Any luck?

Fiona (to Poppy): They're both in the brig, as requested. The pretty lad is a little worse for wear. I'm afraid he didn't quite believe a member of the "fairer sex" could best both of them in a fight. Heh. Afraid he learned otherwise the hard way. The wee one tried to jab me with this. I was going to bring them some whiskey and a bit of ice. They'll be wanting both, I'd wager.

Poppy (to Fiona): Heh. Yes, I suppose they will, honey... I was planning on letting them stew for the night before I question them. That should help nicely. Thank you for once again doing an exemplary job, sweetie. I don't care what Margaux said about you, you're tops!

Fiona (to Poppy): Oh? Has she moved on from insulting my physique and started slandering my skills instead? Ha ha ha! That old shrew!

Poppy (to Fiona): Heehee. She only says that sort of thing about those she likes. You should have heard the things she called me. ;-p

Fiona (to Poppy): I assume so. I imagine she shoots people she dislikes. Ha! I'll get them food, drink, medicine and see they're tucked in for the night nice and tight.

Poppy (to Fiona): Thank you, honey.

An hour or so later, in the brig:

Fiona (to Amunet & Luc): Heh. Save yourselves the time. You're here for the night. Here: whiskey, a bit of chicken and bread, and some ice and ointment for the poor, ickle lad's busted bits.

Luc (to Fiona): Thanks.

Amunet (to Luc): Don't move, Luc. I'll get it... Why on earth are we here?

Luc (to Amunet): I have no idea.

Fiona (to Amunet & Luc): Couldn't say. When the boss says "fetch," I fetch. Heh heh. You can stop your act, lad. You aren't that hurt.

Luc (to Fiona): Hush you. I'm enjoying having a beautiful girl play nurse to me... I was enjoying it. Ow.

Amunet (to Luc): You can bloody well do your own nursing, you giant idiot! (to Fiona) If he's dead in the morning, he completely deserved it.

Luc (to Amunet): Oh? Ow! Don't smack me! (to Fiona) Could I please have my own cell? I fear this isn't going to end well... For me.

Fiona (to Luc & Amunet): Heh heh. Sorry, no. You made your own hostile cell, you'll have to lie in it. ...The whiskey isn't poisoned.

Luc (to Amunet): You won't stay mad a-- Okay, okay. Maybe, you will. I'm going to sit right here.

Fiona (to Amunet): There are more interesting ways to make a man regret his bad decisions than death, lovey. Behave and I may teach you a few.

Amunet (to Fiona): ... Oh? That might be handy.

Luc: Just great! My girlfriend is going to learn new ways to torture me.

Fiona (to Luc): Torture? You should be so lucky. (to Winchester) Come to watch the show, lovely?

Winchester (to Fiona): Is there going to be a show, firebug? I do love a good bit of theater. But, honestly I was coming to find you.

Fiona (to Winchester): Oh? Heh. Is boredom curing you in a way rest and medicine cannot?

Winchester (to Fiona): I just received a clean bill of health & I was hoping we could break a bed or three... Interested?

Fiona (to Winchester): I'd love to wreck havoc on the magpie's collection of beds, but I'm on guard duty.

Winchester (to Fiona): Oh really? These two look harmless enough... Well, mostly harmless. But, if you insist on being a stick in the mud. I shall go and occupy myself with something.

Fiona (to Winchester): Heh heh. Come off it. You know the harmless ones are the ones who need the most watching.

Winchester (to Fiona): Heh. Suit yourself, firebug.

Fiona (to Winchester): Look me up after I'm done, lovely, and I'll make the wait worth your while.

Winchester (to Fiona): I might... Or perhaps, I'll make YOU wait. We'll just have to see which way the wind blows, won't we?

Fiona (to Winchester): Ha ha ha! Well, well... I suppose we shall.

An hour later, at Maladori's residence; New London, Britannia:

Professor Maladori: ... Where the bloody hell is that boy?!?