Onboard the Wicked Sister:
Zoe: Well, that was something... I don't think I've ever been so tired in my life. But, it was wonderful to see everyone.
Nathaniel (to Zoe): Heh. Hiding out or have you finally reached your threshold for holiday family togetherness?
Zoe (to Nathaniel): Heh. Just hiding out & enjoying the quiet this morning before I start making breakfast. I'm glad you guys decided to stay aboard a little longer.
Nathaniel (to Zoe): Heh. Yeah. Lily was too damn excited, and we don't have anywhere we gotta be just yet. Thanks, by the way, for putting all this together. She loved the shit out of it. It was pretty sweet seeing her all excited.
Zoe (to Nathaniel): You're welcome... It was fun watching the littlest ones running around. Heh. Even, Luc smiled a couple times.
Nathaniel (to Zoe): Really? I'll believe that lie when I see it. :-p
Zoe (to Nathaniel): It's true! He was trying to look all serious & stoic but when Goo & Lily were playing on the floor with Lucas, I caught him. We've got quite a family, don't we? It's really amazing when you stop and think about it. And, I can't remember a time when we were actually all together in one place.
Nathaniel (to Zoe): Heh. Last time I can remember was the first Christmas you and me spent with your mom and dad. And there sure as shit weren't this many kids, and significant others, and alternate timeline brothers, and shit there.
Zoe (to Nathaniel): Heehee. Pretty good for a couple of misfits, huh? Want some coffee or breakfast?
Nathaniel (to Zoe): Yeah. Not too fucking shabby. Heh. We done alright... Speaking of family, I wanted to ask your opinion on something. Just coffee. I'm still not big on food first thing in the morning. Aiden and I were talking about when and how we wanted to get married an' shit. Heh. Lily still wants to wear a tux... My mom's been texting me an' shit behind my dad's back. I was... I kinda wanna tell her. About us being engaged and Lily. Give her, and my dad, a chance to be there and be part of Lily's life if they wanna. And can handle not being dicks about it.
Zoe (to Nathaniel): ... I don't mean to shit on your desire to have a relationship with your parents, but are you sure that's a good idea? I mean, historically they haven't been the most supportive family in this or any other timeline.
Nathaniel (to Zoe): No. It's probably a shitty idea, and I think they'll act just like they've always acted. I mean, even if my mom is keeping in touch-- technically-- she's still skulking around to do it. Like caring about me is some dirty ass secret of hers. But, I've got a fucking awesome kid & I'm gonna have awesome husband, & I'm willing to give them a chance to be part of it. If they can't handle that, or they're shitty, so fucking be it. But, at least I tried. For the record, Aiden thinks it's a shitty idea too.
Zoe (to Nathaniel): Heh. Well, for your sake, I hope we're both wrong.
Nathaniel (to Zoe): Yeah... Heh. If we are, that means my brother Bubba will be at next year's Christmas. Won't that be fine?
Zoe (to Nathaniel): ... I'm disowning you, if that happens. :-P
Luc (to Zoe & Nathaniel): Who are we disowning this morning, Zoe? And more importantly, is there coffee?
Zoe (to Luc & Nathaniel): Yes, there is. And, I'm disowning Nate if his brother comes to visit us... ever. He's awful.
Luc (to Nathaniel & Zoe): Heh. Not too long ago, the same could have been said for me, sister o' mine. Thank you for the coffee.
Zoe (to Luc & Nathaniel): Well, your point is valid. Truthfully it could have been said about most of us at one time or another.
Nathaniel (to Luc & Zoe): Ha ha ha! Yeah it could. Shit, I think the only one here who can't make that claim is Victor.
Victor (to Nathaniel, Zoe & Luc): That depends on who you ask, and when. What's there to eat? I'm starving!
Zoe (to Victor): Heh. When aren't you hungry? I've got French Toast, sausage and bacon made. Do you want eggs of some sort, too?
Nathaniel (to Victor): How the hell are you hungry after all that food yesterday?
Victor (to Zoe): Please. That would be brilliant. (to Luc & Nathaniel) How AREN'T you two hungry? You're both all ruddy angles.
Luc (to Victor): How can we eat when you eat it all for us, little big brother? ;-P
Zoe (to Victor, Nathaniel & Luc): HAHAHA! Heh. Eggs coming right up.
Victor (to Luc, Nathaniel & Zoe): Heh. Tease away if you must. I'm not going ruddy for being well fed.
Nathaniel (to Victor): Heh. Heh. How the fuck did you keep yourself fed enough when you were on the streets?
Victor (to Nathaniel): Skills, Cousin Nate.
Zoe (to Nathaniel, Luc & Victor): Heehee. He's all talk. He had Persephone sneaking him food from the Inn.
Victor (to Zoe, Nathaniel & Luc): Heh heh. Of course I did. No one is THAT good a pickpocket.
Zoe (to Victor, Nathaniel & Luc): Mom was... If you can believe Dad.
Luc (to Zoe, Victor & Nathaniel): Which we probably shouldn't.
Nathaniel (to Zoe, Luc & Victor): Heh. No. No we shouldn't... Jesus farting Christ this shit's itchy.
Victor (to Nathaniel): What are you... Nate, are you wearing a nicotine patch!?! You're giving up smoking. Clearly he's an automaton sent here to kill us. Run! Save yourselves!
Nathaniel (to Victor): Ha ha.
Luc (to Nathaniel, Zoe & Victor): While all of this is very fascinating, I'm going to go explore the Monastery for a bit.
Zoe (to Luc): Heh. "Exploring", huh? You sure it's not to chat up the twins? (to Nathaniel) I was wondering why I didn't see you go outside to smoke... Who put you up to it?
Luc (to Zoe): Nothing wrong with talking, dear sister. Besides, they're practically family.
Victor (to Zoe, Nathaniel): That totes means yes. (to Luc) Have fun with your flirtation, big, little brother!
Nathaniel (to Luc): Later. (to Zoe & Victor) It's not that big a deal. Both Aiden and I promised Lily we'd stop smoking so much.
Zoe (to Nathaniel & Victor): Heehee... I really want a smoke just looking at that thing. :-P
Nathaniel (to Zoe): You and me both. Why do you think I've got two of 'em on?
Victor (to Nathaniel): ...I don't think that's how they work, Nate.
Zoe (to Nathaniel): Can't do anything half-assed, can you?
Nathaniel (to Zoe & Victor): Heh. Can anyone in this family say anything else?
Zoe (to Nathaniel & Victor): Nope. We're all one trick ponies.
Victor (to Zoe & Nathaniel): Oi! I've got more at least two tricks! Possibly three. :-p
Nathaniel (to Victor & Zoe): No, you don't.
Zoe (to Victor & Nathaniel): Heh. Yeah. I have to go with Nate on this one, big brother.
Victor (to Zoe & Nathaniel): Thanks for having my back, sister dear. Still, glad to see you cut back on the cigarettes. Lily will be happy.
Nathaniel (to Victor & Zoe): Yeah, well... I still have to go talk to my parents, so I'm making no promises it'll last. Speaking of, I'm gonna find out what Lil' Bit is up to. I get suspicious when she's not looking for food.
Zoe (to Nathaniel & Victor): You'll be fine, Nate. And, Victor, you know I'm just teasing. Now, get out of here so I can clean up this place.
Victor (to Zoe): We're moving! We're moving! Brute. (to Nathaniel) Why do you have to talk to your parents. Haven't they just about disowned you? Why bother with the tossers?
Nathaniel (to Victor): I'm letting them know about Aiden and Lilian, and that if they wanna see me, and her, now's their chance.
Victor (to Nathaniel): Um, is that a good idea? I mean, our grandad barely admitted Dad was his son after he ran away. And none of the Joneses ever bothered with me or Zoe. Isn't it more like for them to get ugly?
Nathaniel (to Victor): Yeah, it is but at least then it's on their heads. Not mine. It'll be fine. I survived being Hiiri's pet, didn't I? What the hell is the Jones family gonna do? They can't hurt me worse than that.
Victor (to Nathaniel): I dunno, mate. Family can hurt you worse than anyone else.
Nathaniel (to Victor): Heh. Victor. Seriously. It'll be fine. I've gotta go find Lily before she gets in trouble. I'll see you later.
A couple hours later:
Zoe (to Felix): Hey there, sexy man! Have you recovered from the Potter Family invasion, yet?
Felix (to Zoe): Heh. Very nearly. Your clan is something else, pretty lady.
Zoe (to Felix): Heh. Are you trying to be polite?
Felix (to Zoe): Ha ha ha! Not at all. Your family can be a bit overwhelming, that's for damn sure, but they're good folk. Truth be told, this is the nicest holiday I've had in a long time, and it's entirely due to you. I'm looking forward to more.
Zoe (to Felix): … Oh, um, I'm glad you like it… Is it warm in here? … You know just the right way to make a girl blush, Felix. Heh. And, I want you to spend plenty more holidays with me-- I mean, us too.
Felix (to Zoe): Good... I got you a little something for the holiday. I wanted to give it to you when we were alone. It's not much, but I hope you like it... Heh. It's not an engagement ring, so maybe it's not too bad that it isn't much. I'm not quite there yet, but I want you to know I'm serious about you, Zoe. And about us. I want to be with you as long as you'll have me... Damnation this all sounded much better in my head.
Zoe (to Felix): I think it sounded perfect… And, I don't need an engagement ring, Felix, to know that you want to be with me. I'm sorry if I've been acting crazy about that sort of thing. I think I've been a little jealous of everyone else that's been getting hitched or engaged. It's like a drug… And, I'm sure I'll love whatever it is because it's from you. Thank you.
Felix (to Zoe): Heh. Well, you and your siblings ARE a bit competitive. Here you are, pretty lady. I'll remind you said you'd like it... :-p
Zoe (to Felix): … Oh my, Felix! I totes love it! And, I'm not just saying that.
Felix (to Zoe): Heh... So I see. I love you, Zoe.
Zoe (to Felix): I love you, too, Felix… Now, will you move in with me, for real? No more of this two bedrooms bullshit. Please? We can ask Victor if we can join two rooms, if it's a matter of space. I'm not planning on going anywhere without you & if it's to keep up appearances, I think it's a bit too late for that. Everyone knows. ;-P
Felix (to Zoe): ... Heh. When you're right, you're right. I think I'd like that. I'd like it very much.
Zoe (to Felix): Really!?! Oh, wow. I thought that was going to be harder than it was… Wait. Did Victor talk to you?
Felix (to Zoe): Heh... He might have mentioned that anything worth having is worth doing something that scares you to get.
Zoe (to Felix): Well, score one for big brother… And now, I feel guilty for picking on him earlier.
Felix (to Zoe): Heh. I think the Captain can handle a bit of fun poked at him. He certainly isn't shy about doling it out.
Zoe (to Felix): Heh. No, he isn't… So, can I ask you a question? It's not personal so, don't make that face. It's about Charles.
Felix (to Zoe): Charles? What about him?
Zoe (to Felix): Do you think he's going to be okay?
Felix (to Zoe): … I don't know. I wish I could tell you yes, but I'm not sure I can say that. He's got a hard road. Why do you ask? Did something happen?
Zoe (to Felix): Sort of… The twins told me that Tesla has come up with 2 things that might work to help him. But, neither sounds ideal. However, he says something has to be done soon or Charles may not have long to live. His body can't handle having the split personality in there forever… I haven't told him, yet. I thought it should wait until after the holiday.
Felix (to Zoe): ... I can understand you not wanting to deliver that news over the holiday.
Zoe (to Felix): I have no idea how I'm going to do this.
Felix (to Zoe): There's no easy way to go about it. Do you want me to be there?
Zoe (to Felix): No. That might make him a bit uncomfortable & on edge… I'll deal with it. I guess I should do it now before the twins say something to him.
Felix (to Zoe): All right, lovely. I'll go talk to the captain about combining our quarters, and be waiting for you with a big bottle of wine.
Zoe (to Felix): Heh. It's a deal, sexy.
A short time later, at the Monastery; Colorado Springs, Colorado, British Colonies:
Zoe (to Charles): <knock, knock> Charles? Are you decent?
Charles (to Zoe): Oh... Um yes, Miss Zoe. Just give me a moment... Sorry to keep you waiting, miss.
Zoe (to Charles): It's alright, Charles. How are you liking the Monastery so far? Is Mr. Tesla & the twins treating you okay?
Charles (to Zoe): Um. They've been very... thorough. Not that I don't appreciate their willingness to help, of course! But, that scientist seems like he wants to cut our ruddy head open.
Zoe (to Charles): Oh… He wouldn't really do that… without your permission. Which is what I wanted to talk to you about… Um, here, drink this.
Charles (to Zoe): Oh, uh, th-thank you... <cough> It's, um... It's quite... It's fine. ...What's going on? No one ever tries to give Charles hooch unless pain is following.
Zoe (to Charles): Tesla has two possible ways of fixing this situation… I'm not sure I like either one of them. One of them is to completely integrate both personalities into one new personality or the other is to separate you two into different people… Both have advantages & disadvantages but something has to be done or you both might not survive. Charles' brain can't handle having you both in there… You could be fine for years or a month. Tesla couldn't narrow it down to a specific time. But, it's up to you guys to decide what to do.
Charles (to Zoe): So... Either he breaks Charlie and I into two people, or I end up someone else entirely or I die? Oh... How would he make us two people?
Zoe (to Charles): Yeah, I know it's not much of a choice… Well, he could either clone another body or make an automaton. He's had a long time to perfect those procedures. I know it's a lot to take in & no one expects you to decide right this second.
Charles (to Zoe): Well. Yes, it, um, it's quite a bit to consider, isn't it? ...Either procedure could kill me, couldn't it?
Zoe (to Charles): Yes, there is that possibility… But, you don't have to do either. He could be totally wrong about you dying. And, you could live to a ripe old age.
Charles (to Zoe): I appreciate your candor with me, Miss Zoe. Do you know if Mr. Tesla were to, um, combine the two personalities... Would there be any part of me left? Or Charlie for that matter? ...Oh! I'm sorry, miss! I'm sure you don't know.
Zoe (to Charles): … I imagine that there would be elements of you both but I don't know how much of one or the other would be there.
Charles (to Zoe): I apologize, miss. That wasn't a fair question to ask. Thank you for telling me. What the fuck are you thinking, Charles?
Zoe (to Charles): I'll leave you guys to discuss all of this. Just remember to ask Tesla questions. He'll be honest & straight with you.
Charles (to Zoe): Thank you, miss l Zoe... Good night. Charles... Just leave it until later, Charlie. Please. Charles ... CHARLES! I'm talking to you. What the bloody hell are you thinking? ...I can't tell. Usually, I can tell.
George (to Charles): ... That was close... I was worried that we were going to get another lecture... What's wrong?
Charles (to George): Huh? Oh! George! I'm so very sorry. I just got some, um, distressing news.
George (to Charles): And, you look like you don't want to talk about it... I'll just sneak back to my room.
Charles (to George): If... If you don't mind, I think I would very much appreciate the company.
George (to Charles): Of course, Charles. Scoot over.
Charles (to George): Thank you...
