In the garage, Aiden's house; New London, Britannia:
Starling: <zzzRRRttt> ... Scheduled Reboot Initiated... Homing Beacon Activated... That was very unpleasant. I do hope that I can play with those people, now. Isn't that right, Mr. Carv-- Oh, yes. He would have gone… I should really go and find my bunny friend.
In the kitchen, onboard the Wicked Sister:
Luc (to Zoe): Good morning, sister o' mine... Is there any-- Trouble sleeping last night?
Zoe (to Luc): Huh? What makes you think that?
Luc (to Zoe): Perhaps, it's all the baking and cooking you appear to be doing and have done... What's on your mind?
Zoe (to Luc): Oh, right... Here's your coffee. I thought I'd get a jump on the bread I wanted to make for today and then I just kept going... Cooking is very relaxing to me. I was just thinking about our new guest, Felix's sister... Something is fishy but I just can't put my finger on what it is.
Luc (to Zoe): ... Perhaps, you're just jealous that Felix now has someone else to spend time with?
Zoe (to Luc): What!?! No. That's not it. I'm glad he has family around. It just seems awfully coincidental, that's all.
Luc (to Zoe): There are no coincidences, sister dear.
Victor (to Zoe & Luc): <yawn> Morning. Is there coffee, or should I put the kettle on for... Oh! Coffee! Brilliant!
Zoe (to Victor): There's also breakfast, big brother... Give me a second to poach you some eggs.
Victor (to Zoe & Luc): Been up all night with... Ruddy hell. I ain't the only one. Who's invading us then?
Zoe (to Victor): No one that I know of...
Luc (to Victor & Zoe): Zoe is concerned about Felix's guest.
Victor (to Luc & Zoe): You too, eh? Least you were productive about it. You've made food fer days!
Zoe (to Luc): Hush you.
Luc (to Zoe): What? It's true. You just told me that yourself.
Zoe (to Luc): Yes, but I didn't want to worry Victor, yet.
Victor (to Zoe): Heh. You didn't wanna worry me? Awwww, that's precious.
Zoe (to Victor): Oh... Eat your Eggs Florentine and shut it. Want some sausage or bacon?
Luc (to Zoe & Victor): Heh... You two are very amusing.
Victor (to Zoe): Yes, please. (to Luc) Aren't we all just that? :-p
Luc (to Zoe & Victor): And… I'm taking a piece of bacon & wandering off to help Yuki with something or other. Thank you for the coffee.
Zoe (to Luc): Heh. Here. Bring her some tea & toast.
Victor (to Luc): Thief!
Zoe (to Victor): So, you're concerned about Josette, too?
Victor (to Zoe): Yeah. I don't like the timing. I think we can safely assume Franklin is the cause of Maladori's sudden interest in Nate, then she grabs Charles for summit, then this girl shows up with a connection to Franklin, and Mum and Dad's name in her noggin... It's all connected. We need figure the how and why.
Zoe (to Victor): Yeah, we do... I took us the long way 'round when we came back. I didn't want her knowing I'm a skipper. I mean, if she doesn't already.
Victor (to Zoe): Well, no reason to clue her in if she don't know... I hate to say it, but I think George is involved as well.
Zoe (to Victor): I was just thinking the same thing... You don't suppose that what happened to Josette was one of the experiments Franklin was using George for? I mean, it would make sense.
Victor (to Zoe): Yeah... If she worked out who George was, could be why Maladori wanted to grab Charles in the first place.
Zoe (to Victor): Shit... Should we keep an eye on her?
Victor (to Zoe): Yeah. Couldn't hurt. I've been thinking... What if the reason she can't touch you, me or Nate isn't because were skippers, I mean, Hari stayed with Auntie Margaux with no mishaps, right? What if we're the oddballs cuz all of us skipped in time?
Zoe (to Victor): Oh... I hadn't thought about that but, it would make sense. We're already kinda "super-charged" & she's some sorta battery. It would be like trying to jumpstart your car when the battery is full... But, if you're just an ordinary skipper, she might be able to increase the output. Which is probably how Franklin was able to merge the 2 Josettes. Shit... What is Maladori up to? There's gotta be a reason she's done all of these things. We're just not seeing the big picture, yet.
Victor (to Zoe): I know. I've been running over everything in my head all night, and I've got nothing to show for it. You at least made bread.
Zoe (to Victor): I've also got 6 quiches, a pot of soup, and 3 baked chickens... Heh. I've been up for awhile, stressing about all this.
Victor (to Zoe): Bloody hell! Heh. Well, I can help you with at least one of those quiches.
Zoe (to Victor): Heh. Why do you think I made so many? Besides, at the rate we seem to be taking on passengers and crew, I'm going to need to make dishes that can stretch for a few meals. If I wasn't concerned that Charles might be dangerous, I'd ask him to stay. He's a deft hand in the kitchen.
Victor (to Zoe): ...You think Charles is dangerous?
Zoe (to Victor): Yes... No... Maybe? I'm not sure. But, if it was no accident that he was the one grabbed & it's related to George... Shit. And, they just totally came here together... What if this was all part of it? Maladori had to know that at some point Tesla was going to want to meet with George. And, if anyone had been spying, they'd know that she & Charles are friends. Outside of our family who knows where Tesla lives?
Victor (to Zoe): Shit... Oh SHIT.
Zoe (to Victor): You go find them! I'm going to go warn the twins!
Victor (to Zoe): On it!
A few minutes later, in the library, at the monastery; Colorado Springs, Colorado, British Colonies:
Victor (to George & Charles): George! Charles! Where are you two?
George (to Victor): What's with all the shouting? We were just sitting here reading.
Charles (to Victor): Captain Potter? I was just writing out... What's wrong?
Victor (to George & Charles): We've got to go, and we've got to go now! We think Maladori was using us to find Colorado Springs.
Charles (to Victor): Wha-what? But... Oh no!
George (to Victor): Oh! But, Mister Tesla was just finishing up some tests on me... Are you sure we need to go, right now?
Victor (to George & Charles): I think the longer we're here, the more dangerous it's going to be. Zoe is warning Tesla and the twins now. I can get us to the bunker. We should be able to regroup there, but... Heh. You two will be on your own.
George (to Victor): We understand, Captain. Do we have time to get our things?
Victor (to George & Charles): I don't know... Just be quick about it.
George (to Victor): Yessir!
Charles (to Victor & George): I-if I'm the problem, sir, perhaps you should take me someplace where I can't attract trouble to anyone... And where is that, Charles? I don't know, but if Maladori is tracking me, no one should be near me.
George (to Charles): Quit your bickering, you two! We're going together or we're not going at all. So, shut up & pack.
Victor (to Charles): Heh. Listen to your lady, Charles. We're not leaving you alone to deal with this alone.
Charles (to Victor): ...Yes, sir.
A short time later:
George (to Charles): Charles, are you ready? I'm all packed up.
Charles (to George): George... I-I'm not feeling very...
George (to Charles): Charles? You don't look so good, Charles... Charlie, what's going on?
Charles (to George): I'm sorry... I-- I think I'm all right...
George (to Charles): Charlie? Charles? … (to Victor) Captain Potter, there's something wrong with Charles!
Victor (to George): What? ... Shit! What happened? Charles? Charles! C'mon, mate!
George (to Victor): He said he wasn't feeling well and then… Well, this. Is he going to be okay?
Victor (to George): ... Right. Go tell one of the twins what's happened. I'm going to get Charles to the bunker and I'll be back.
George (to Victor): Alright… Please, make sure he's okay.
Victor (to George): I will. See if one of them can accompany us to help with Charles or you'll be stuck with two unconscious blokes. Don't worry. He'll be alright.
George (to Victor): Yessir!
Meanwhile, onboard the Wicked Sister:
Josette (to Felix): Felix? I'm very sorry about this...
Felix (to Josette): Josette? ...What the hell are you doing?
Josette (to Felix): ... Doing what I'm told. Please, don't make me shoot you, Felix. Now, sit in that chair so I can tie you to it.
Felix (to Josette): That's a problem since I'm not very good at doing what I'm told, at all. ...Who are you, really?
Josette (to Felix): Why I'm your sister, Felix? Well, the body & some of the memories are, anyway... You can just call me Josie. I don't normally like people to know my name. Truth of the matter is, I've had so many I can't quite recall what it is. But, I will shoot you since, we're not playing nice anymore & I'm on a strict timetable. I was told minimal bloodshed but, I'm sure the boss won't mind too much.
Felix (to Josette): Who the hell is your boss? This is an awful lot of trouble to go through over a two-bit pirate ship.
Josette (to Felix): Heh. It's not the pirate ship we're interested in... Now, hush.
Luc (to Josette): ... But, there's so much interesting things onboard... Like, this. (to Felix)Mister Baldwin, are you alright? … Don't worry, I didn't kill her. Zoe & Victor were very clear about me doing that sort of thing.
Felix (to Luc): ... I'm fine. Thank you. I think I'll feel much better when she's in the brig. Thank you, Mr. Vadrouiller.
Luc (to Felix): No problem. I just happened to be walking by... Let me go get her in the brig.
At Maladori's secret laboratory:
Starling (to Professor Maladori): Professor? The beacon has been activated. The agents are in place. (to Carver) Who's a good bunny? You are, Mr. Carver!
Carver (to Starling): ...
Professor Maladori (to Starling): Very good. (to Carver) See, Mr. Carver. Patience.
Starling (to Professor Maladori): Would you like me to make the appropriate arrangements, ma'am?
Professor Maladori (to Starling): Yes. I have things to which I still need to see... We seem to be having trouble with the beacon.
Starling (to Professor Maladori): I will check the receiver. (to Carver) C'mon, Mister Carver. I think I have a carrot for you.
Carver (to Starling): ...
Starling (to Carver): Soon, we'll have you right as rain, Mister Carver.
A short time later, at the monastery; Colorado Springs, Colorado, British Colonies:
George (to Una & Eva): Miss Una! Miss Eva! Charles passed out. Victor is taking him away. We need one of you to come with us!
Una (to George & Eva): Calm down, George. We have our own problems to deal with, at the present. Mister Baldwin's sister is locked up in our brig. We're trying to figure out who she's working for, but she won't talk, presently.
Eva (to George): Where is Captain Potter taking Charles? Why is he moving him. Especially while injured!
George (to Una & Eva): He's taking Charles to the bunker… Didn't Zoe tell you?
Eva (to George & Una): No... She didn't mention it to me. Did she say something to you, Una? What was she supposed to tell us?
Una (to George): … I have not seen Zoe since dinner, last night.
George (to Una & Eva): That is not good… Victor thinks Maladori is using Charles to find Mister Tesla. And, Charles passed out. Are you sure Zoe didn't come and tell you all this? Victor seemed to think she did.
Eva (to George & Una): Oh? Maladori is certainly welcome to try. As if we're some simpering idiots passively waiting to be found. I think we know who this Josie character is working for, don't we, Una? If you'll put the Monastery on alert. I'll accompany George and Captain Potter to see what I can do for Mr. Turner.
Una (to George): My sister is correct, George. We are prepared for attacks. This is a fortress. (to Eva) Yes, of course. Don't forget your satchel, sister dear.
Eva (to Una): Thank you, Una. (to George) Come along, George.
George (to Eva): Yes, ma'am… Should we be concerned about Zoe, Miss Eva?
Eva (to George): Absolutely. My sister will put the Monastery staff on alert. They'll find her.
George (to Eva): This is where Victor & Charles skipped from. He should be back any moment.
A moment later:
Victor (to George & Eva): ... Ouch. Inhibitor's on full blast, huh? Good idea. Right. You two ready?
George (to Victor & Eva): Yes… But… Um, Zoe never went to see the twins, Captain.
Victor (to George & Eva): WHAT!?!
George (to Victor & Eva): It's a big place… Maybe, she just got lost or distracted?
Eva (to Victor & George): Don't worry, Captain. We're on alert now. We'll find her if she's missing. I believe at the moment we have more pressing concerns, yes?
Victor (to Eva & George): ...Yeah. We do. Try not to zap me too bad, George, alright?. I've got to get back here and find my sister.
George (to Victor & Eva): … I'll try my best. Um, perhaps if you wore a glove? Bare flesh seems to trigger it the most.
Victor (to George): I'm just kidding, George. I know you can't control it. Don't worry. I'm sure I've survived worse. ;-)
George (to Victor & Eva): … Oh.
Victor (to George & Eva): Right. Here we go. Clear your minds and hold tight... C'mon George. Grab on. We need to get to Charles. It's gonna be alright. I promise.
George (to Victor): Okay.
A moment later, at the Longfellow bunker; New London, Britannia:
Victor (to George & Eva): Whoo! WHOOO! Bleedin' 'ell! You gels FEEL that? ... Heh heh. I fink I should sit down, yeah? Charles is through there... Ouch. Heh. You pack one hellova punch, George...
George (to Victor & Eva): I'm sorry… I should go see Charles.
Victor (to George): Heh heh. Don't apologize, George. S'not like you can help bein' what you are any more than the rest of us freaks... Go an' see your boy... I'm gonna sit right here for a spell...
George (to Victor): Thank you, sir.
A few minutes later:
George (to Charles): Charles? Are you awake?
Charles (to George): George?! ...George please ... run. We're back... that woman...
George (to Charles): What woman? What are you talking about? Charles? … Charlie, are you in there?
Charles (to George): George? What the bloody hell is going on? ...My head's bleedin' on fire.
Eva (to George): Will you please calm him down? He thinks I'm Maladori. Or working for her. I need to locate and remove the tracking device. The longer it's active, the harder it will be on his body. The more he flails about, the harder that is... He's already bent my glasses.
George (to Eva): Yes, ma'am. I'm trying. (to Charles) Charlie? It's George… Please, be okay… I think I-- I'd miss you, terribly.
Charles (to George): Who? ...That creepy broad with the white hair? Fuck off! Keep her the ruddy hell away... I'm sorry, George. I'll try...
George (to Charles): I know, sweetheart… Miss Eva is trying to find the tracking device. I need you to stay calm. Can you do that? Please? Charlie… Look at me. In the eyes… Do you trust me?
Charles (to George): ...I don't know. George... Ignore him. I trust you... We both do.
Eva (to George): That's got him! That injection should have him feeling quite well in a moment or two.
George (to Charles): Everything is going to be okay. (to Eva) Thank you, Miss Eva.
Eva (to George): It was for my sake as much as his. He's quite a large young man. If he got it in his head to be violent... Never mind. He didn't, so it doesn't matter. George, keep talking to him, please. And help me get him out of his shirt and trousers. I'll get this done as quickly as I can.
George (to Eva): Oh! Um, yes, ma'am… (to Charles) Charles, I um, need you to take off your clothes… It's for science.
Charles (to George): Heh... George, what are you doing? George... G-- George! <whispers> There's another lady here...
George (to Charles): Yes, I know.
Charles (to George): Oh. Um... Yes. Al-- alright.
George (to Charles): Could you please cooperate, Charles? It's important.
Charles (to George): You, um, you don't need me more... you know, exposed than this, I hope... You don't do you?
George (to Charles): I don't think so. (to Eva) Is this alright, Miss Eva? I think we're both getting a little uncomfortable.
Eva (to Charles & George): Yes, yes. Very scandalous. What... Sit up and lean forward, Charles. More. A bit more... Don't fall over!
Charles (to Eva): Sorry! (to George) Hee hee. Even Charlie's embarrassed. Sorry. I, um, don't think I've been this undressed in front of anyone else in a while. I am not! Just gotta ruddy headache, s'all. ...What's the matter, Wildcat? Don't like what you see?
George (to Charles): … I am not going to answer that, Charlie. Especially, since you're just saying that to try and embarrass me.
Eva (to George & Charles): Help him, will you George? I think I've found it...
George (to Eva): … Yes, ma'am. (to Charles) I'm very sorry about all of this, Charles.
Charles (to George & Eva): N-- no. It's my fault. I'm sorry I've been such a botherrrrAAAH! …M-- miss Una. That... That hurts.
Eva (to Charles): I would imagine so. Hold still!
George (to Charles): You are doing so well, Charles. Just a few minutes more. I promise.
Charles (to Eva & George): I don't feel so well, miss...
Eva (to Charles): To use the vernacular, suck it up, Mr. Turner! I've nearly got it...
George (to Eva): Miss Eva, I don't mean to be rude or pushy, but could you please do that a bit faster?
Eva (to George & Charles): I'm going as quickly as I can! It's nestled by his spine. If you'd like me to hurry and cripple him...
Charles (to George & Eva): I'd really appreciate it... I'm... I'm not squeezing your hands too hard, am I? Sorry... It's... HAAAhhhh...
Eva (to George & Charles): Yes! That's got the bugger! ..The worst is over, Mr. Turner. Breathe.
George (to Eva & Charles): Thank goodness!
Charles (to Eva): ... Thank God. (to George) ... Thank you, George. I don't... I don't know what I would have done if you weren't here...
George (to Charles): You would have been fine, Charles. You're very resilient.
Charles (to George): Heh. Not that resilient... If you weren't here keeping me calm, I fear Charlie... Charlie would have hit Miss Una by now.
George (to Charles): Well, it's all over, now. And you were both very brave... I'd give you both a kiss if we didn't have company. ;-P
Charles (to George): I'm very... very lucky you were willing to endure... G-george I think, I might... I mean we both...
Eva (to George): I wondered how much longer he would stay conscious... That's him out now at any rate.
George (to Eva): Oh... Is it alright if I stay with him while he sleeps? I'd hate for him to wake up in a strange place all alone.
Eva (to George): That isn't a bad idea. His clothes are here, and I believe there are blankets somewhere. I'll see if I can rouse the Captain and get back to the Monastery. I'll be back to check on him tomorrow.
George (to Eva): Thank you, Miss Eva, for all your help.
Eva (to George): Tell him to mind those stitches! ... Good night.
