At the Longfellow bunker, The Tombs: New London, Britannia:
Zoe: … My head is killing me… I think I need to lay down… Wait… Lucas… No...
At the airship docks; New London, Britannia:
Luc Vadrouiller (to Starling): I don't understand why mother insists on you being my escort around the city. I realize I've been away for awhile but I think I can handle myself just fine… Besides, your rabbit is a bit unnerving.
Starling (to Luc): I'm sorry, sir, but the Professor insisted… And, you know how much she hates it when you call her mother.
Luc (to Starling): … Why do you think I do it, Miss Starling?
Starling (to Luc): Because, you're contrary, sir.
Luc (to Starling): That was a rhetorical question, Starling… Where's a good place to get a drink around here?
Starling (to Luc): I don't think that's such a good idea, sir… Blast! (to Carver) What are we going to do with him, Mister Carver?
Luc (to Starling & Carver): If you're going to be my shadow, you best keep up.
Carver (to Starling & Luc): ...
Starling (to Carver): I know… I would very much like to play with him, but the Professor said I was most definitely not allowed. It's quite unfair.
Carver (to Starling & Luc): ... <sigh>
At the Longfellow bunker, The Tombs: New London, Britannia:
Felix (to Zoe): Zoe? You alright, pretty lady?
Zoe (to Felix): Felix? … Something is wrong… I feel ill… I wrote something in the notebook, I think.
Felix (to Zoe): Shit. There's something about your brother... Come on. Let's get you to bed. I'll give this to your mom.
Zoe (to Felix): … Thank you, Felix… I'll be very happy when these things go away... I'll be right here… Or possibly on the floor.
Felix (to Zoe): I can imagine.... You'll be alright, pretty girl. Just take it easy. I'll be right back.
A short time later:
Felix (to Poppy): Ms Meriwether? I need to speak to you, ma'am.
Poppy (to Felix): Oh, of course, honey. Let me just get Lucas tucked in. He hasn't been feeling very well… What can I do for you, Felix?
Felix (to Poppy): Zoe had another one of her episodes. She, uh... She wrote something about Lucas in her notebook.
Poppy (to Felix): Oh… I take it that it's not good.
Felix (to Poppy): No, ma'am. Here it is. Zoe's not doing well. This one took a lot out of her, it seems.
Poppy (to Felix): Bloody 'ell! I should say it would… This can't be true, honey... Get me Fiona & Fox. I don't care if he has to be wheeled in. And, where the hell is my husband & Victor?
Felix (to Poppy): On the Sister. I'll round up the lot, ma'am.
A little while later, in the infirmary:
Felix (to Fiona & Winchester): Sorry to disturb you two, but Ms Meriwether needs to see you both. She said to wheel you in if needed, Mr. Fox.
Winchester (to Felix & Fiona): … That can't be good.
Fiona (to Felix & Winchester): ... I shouldn't say so. Tell her we'll be right with her, Mr. New York. Let me help you up, Fox.
Winchester (to Fiona): Thank you, firebug… Have I told you lately how much I hate gut shots?
Fiona (to Winchester): Heh. Not for at least an hour or two. Not that I blame you. You'll live, me lovely lad.
Winchester (to Fiona): Heh… Seems you're going to be stuck with me, firebug. I'm sure you're right pissed about that. ;-P
Fiona (to Winchester): Somehow I think I'll survive that as well. The question is will YOU? Ha ha ha!
Felix (to Victor & Vincent): Captains, Ms Meriwether needs to see you and now.
Victor (to Felix & Vincent): ... Is everything OK?
Felix (to Victor & Vincent): I'm afraid not.
Vincent (to Victor & Felix): Don't worry, kiddo. It'll be alright. C'mon. Let's go see what's going on.
A short time later, in Poppy & Vincent's living quarters:
Fiona (to Poppy): What to you need us to do for you, missus?
Poppy (to Fiona & Winchester): I want you to close off all none essential or useless tunnels. Those we can't close off, I want double the traps set. I don't want anyone getting in here whom we didn't expressly invite.
Winchester (to Fiona): That is a very tall order, Miss Poppy.
Fiona (to Winchester): ...That depends, Chess. (to Poppy) Can I close the tunnels permanent like, missus?
Poppy (to Fiona & Winchester): Yes, but you can't draw attention to us. No large scale explosions.
Fiona (to Poppy & Winchester): Of course. I can have a good chunk of them closed in 2 days. Three at the most. I'll need you to make some traps for me, Fox. Don't worry. I've got plans already drawn up.
Winchester (to Fiona & Poppy): Good. I can probably get them made while I'm recuperating. I have plenty of free time as it stands… Do you mind telling us why we're doing all this, Miss Poppy?
Poppy (to Winchester & Fiona): Zoe had another one of her episodes. She's been getting herself to write them down as they come to her. She wrote that something was going to happen to Lucas… And that it was here. But, sadly no other details.
Fiona (to Poppy & Winchester): Understood. Do we have a timeframe?
Poppy (to Fiona & Winchester): Well, most of her "visions" have come true in less than a month.
Fiona (to Poppy & Winchester): Then we'd best get to it. Come along, Chess. We'll get you lying down and wiring explosives.
Winchester (to Fiona & Poppy): Heh. Will do.
Poppy (to Fiona & Winchester): Thank you, sweeties.
Fiona (to Poppy & Winchester): Of course. It's the least we can do, Magpie.
Meanwhile, at the Maladori residence; New London, Britannia:
Luc (to Professor Maladori): Hello Mother… I seem to be a bit drunk & may have misplaced your little toy.
Amunet (to Luc & Professor Maladori): Heh. I was wondering when you were going to show up, sexy. You were supposed to be here days ago.
Luc (to Amunet): I am very sorry, sweetness. I got a bit distracted in Paris… Guillaume sends his regards. I take it your little errand went according to plan?
Amunet (to Luc & Professor Maladori): Heh. Yes, they fell for my tale of woe hook, line and sinker, just like you said they would. I even made the assassin drop her guard by feigning interest in her. The trigger went off without a hitch... I'm still a little fuzzy as to the point of all of this.
Luc (to Amunet): All will be revealed in time, sweetness…
Professor Maladori (to Luc & Amunet): Tsk. Must you be so vulgar? I'm sure Starling will find her way back. (to Luc) And if you call me mother again, I will break your wrists.
Amunet (to Professor Maladori): My apologies, ma'am.
Luc (to Amunet): Kiss up. (to Professor Maladori) Heh... Yes, Professor. And, here I was hoping you would miss me while I've been away… What do you plan on doing with Hiiri's brain? Can I have it? I'd like to put it in a jar on my mantel as a keepsake if you don't have plans for it.
Professor Maladori (to Luc): Dissect it. What did you think I plan on doing with it, Luc? Don't be a simpleton.
Luc (to Professor Maladori): Heh... Do you think she sensed the end was coming? Or was it a complete shock to her?
Professor Maladori (to Luc): I can only assume it came as shock or else she would have some sort of precautions against me in place. Unless she has a contingency plan into which we're currently bumbling. No matter. We'll know soon enough, I imagine.
Luc (to Professor Maladori): Heh. Human unpredictability beats automatronic brains every time… So, why did you send for me, Herr Professor?
Professor Maladori (to Luc): I am tired of playing second fiddle to maniacs, morons and megalomaniacs. You'll know what I need from you soon enough.
Luc (to Professor Maladori): It certainly wasn't because you missed my handsome face. (to Amunet) Stop your smirking, sweetness.
Amunet (to Luc): I can't help it. You get a little dimple in your cheek & a gleam in your eye when you're being snarky.
Professor Maladori (to Luc & Amunet): You will have to wait for Starling. I'm not explaining this twice.
Luc (to Professor Maladori): … Fine.
A couple minutes later:
Starling (to Professor Maladori & Amunet): Professor…I may have lost-- (to Luc) .There you are, sir! That was very rude. Mr Carver & I are not amused
Luc (to Starling): I AM terribly sorry, Starling, but I couldn't go into a pub with a little girl & a rabbit trailing after me. What would people think?
Starling (to Luc): … Is this another of your rhetorical questions, sir?
Luc (to Starling): Quite possibly.
Carver (to Luc): <hiss>
Luc (to Carver): I will make rabbit stew out of you, Mister Fluffy Bun-Bun.
Professor Maladori (to Luc): I wouldn't advise it. That's Mr. Carver. Now that you're all here, follow me.
Amunet (to Professor Maladori): Yes, ma'am. (to Luc) Knock it off, Luc.
Starling (to Luc): That is not his name, sir… And, you are upsetting him.
Luc (to Professor Maladori, Amunet, Carver & Starling): HAHAHA! Really!?! Good ole Mister Carver? … Well, it must be Christmas.
Professor Maladori (to Luc): You realize, of course, a rabbit's teeth can bite deep enough to reach your jugular veins, don't you?
Luc (to Professor Maladori): Yes, I do. And, I wouldn't be of much use to you if I couldn't handle myself. Isn't that why you left me alone with Carver when I was a wee bairn?
Professor Maladori (to Luc): Oh? I was under the impression children liked being left to their own devices together.
Luc (to Amunet & Professor Maladori): Yes, my princess… I'll behave.
Professor Maladori (to Luc, Starling, Carver & Amunet): Are we all done with our dawdling?
Amunet (to Professor Maladori): Yes, I believe so. (to Luc) Hush you.
Luc (to Amunet): Yes, my princess… I'll behave.
Professor Maladori (to Luc, Starling, Carver & Amunet): Good. Come along, then.
Luc (to Professor Maladori, Amunet & Starling): Of course.
An hour or so later, in Longfellows bunker, The Tombs; New London, Britannia:
Victor (to Poppy): We've checked all the rooms and tunnels, Mum. We're all clear. Dad's taking the first watch, then me and Felix.
Poppy (to Victor): Thank you, honey. (to Vincent) Lover, I want you to make contact with all of your little pirate buddies & find out who might be after us. And who would be ruthless enough to get at us through the children… If you need muscle, take Percy or Yuki.
Vincent (to Poppy): Of course, lover. I'll take Percy. I'm sure things will be easier without him lurking about.
Poppy (to Vincent & Victor): Thank you, sweeties… I'm having terrible deja vu about this whole situation. Do you think it could be Hiiri again, lover?
Vincent (to Poppy): ... It could be, but if it is her, she's been awfully low key. Whoever it is, we'll work it out, lover. Don't worry.
Victor (to Poppy & Vincent): Deja vu? ...This 'appened before?
Poppy (to Victor & Vincent): In a manner of speaking, honey, it was before you were born. Achilles Smith kidnapped Persephone when she was a baby to manipulate me into doing a job for him. Thankfully, we were able to get her away from him in short order with no harm done.
Vincent (to Poppy): Oh. Oh! That's what he meant... Don't worry, Mum. We won't let nothing happen to Lucas. Promise.
Poppy (to Victor): I know, honey… (to Vincent & Victor) I should go check on him.
Vincent (to Poppy): Go on, hun.
Poppy (to Vincent & Victor): I hope so. Look at two of my boys... I love you both so very much.
Victor (to Poppy & Vincent): Oh. I, um... I love you too. Both of you.
Vincent (to Victor & Poppy): Group hug! We love you too. And our little Lucas.
Poppy (to Vincent & Victor): And Zoe, of course... She'd kill us if we forgot her. :-p
Vincent (to Poppy & Victor): Good heavens! Of course Zoe too. Hee hee. I don't know when we adopted all you chil'ens, but I'm glad we did.
Poppy (to Vincent & Victor): Heh. I wouldn't have it any other way.
Victor (to Poppy & Vincent): ... Heh. I wouldn't either. Wake me up when you want me to take over the watch, Dad.
Vincent (to Victor & Poppy): I will. Good night, kiddo.
