at Maladori's secret laboratory:
Professor Maladori: Hmmm. Not exactly what I was hoping for, but a vast improvement over my prior rotting husk. I am glad it's a female. The very concept of learning new *biological functions* makes me want to vomit...
Starling (to Professor Maladori): Oh! Excuse me, ma'am, I was looking for Professor Maladori... I must have taken a wrong turn... I do beg your pardon.
Professor Maladori (to Starling): And you have found her, Starling. Have you anything to report? Stop your gawking. You're an automaton for God's sake! I finally rid myself of that increasingly cancer-ridden meat sack.
Starling (to Professor Maladori): Oh. I'm sorry, ma'am. I didn't realize you were going to do the transfer in the midst of all of this... Is Mr. Carver still a bun-- a rabbit, ma'am?
Professor Maladori (to Starling): For the moment. That woman I hired was supposed to bring back his replacement after her assignment had been completed. I think we can assume she failed. Still, we know where Tesla is, if not how to get to him, which is worth something. And Ms Sarkozi came in useful after all. Or, at least her body did.
Starling (to Professor Maladori): Waste not, want not, ma'am.
Professor Maladori (to Starling): Precisely. Now, come along. I have a CLANNG matter to see to, and I may need you to disembowel those who take umbrage with my current physical appearance. As if more than the mind should matter. ...Insufferable fools. Bring Mr. Carver, if you wish.
Starling (to Professor Maladori): Yes, ma'am! I am so looking forward to playing with them.
Professor Maladori (to Starling): Try not to get their filth on me this time.
Starling (to Professor Maladori): ... Yes, ma'am.
At the Longfellow bunker, The Tombs; New London, Britannia:
Charles: Damn... W-where am I?
George (to Charles): Oh good, you're finally awake! I brought you some tea and a light breakfast. How are you feeling?
Charles (to George): ... Oof. Like I've been sleeping a week. How long have I been out?
George (to Charles): Well, not quite that long but close. It's been about three days... Miss Eva & I have been taking turns watching after you.
Charles (to George): Oh. Was that supposed to happen? ...Thank you for watching over me, George.
George (to Charles): Miss Eva said that it might be better if you slept through the detoxing. It was quite unpleasant... Do you have enough to eat? I can get you some more.
Charles (to George): No, I think this is enough. Whew! I don't smell like it was pleasant... You're trying to figure out who I am, aren't you?
George (to Charles): Heh. Yes, just a bit... Though, you seem more like Charles than Charlie. The twins weren't sure if anything would actually change or if you'd still be split after the toxins were out of your system.
Charles (to George): I... Heh. Honestly, I'm not sure...
George (to Charles): Oh? Well, I guess that's good... You probably want to get cleaned up after all that. I believe there's a fresh towel & toiletries in the washroom. Do you need a hand getting there or can you manage?
Charles (to George): I think I can... Oh bloody hell! Heh. I think I might need a hand.
George (to Charles): Heh... I can see that. C'mon, put your hand on my shoulder & we'll slowly head that way.
Charles (to George): Heh. Thank you... I'm sorry I'm so, um, bloody unpleasant.
George (to Charles): Charles, my sweet, you have been tossing, turning and swearing in your sleep for the last 3 days. Trust me, this is nothin'. I told you, I'd stick by you while you were going through all of this and I meant it. So, quit your bellyaching & walk. You desperately need a good soak. You smell like something died & then was brought back and then, promptly died again. ;-P
Charles (to George): Heh. I'm sure you didn't think it would be quite this, uh, odiferous, did you, Wildcat? Oh! That's the first time I've called you that, isn't it?
George (to Charles): Heh... Yes, I do believe it is. I don't mind. So, are you Charles or Charlie or something new?
Charles (to George): I-- I guess I'm both... Or maybe I'm just me.
George (to Charles): Well, I know a good way to tell. Gimme a kiss, stinky! ;-P
Charles (to George): Wow... Heh. So? What's the verdict?
George (to Charles): ... Huh? ... Was I supposed to be saying somefin--I mean, something... It was very nice... I think I may need a cold shower. I think you're just you, whoever you want to be... Um, I should go and let you get cleaned up.
Charles (to George): Oh, um... Yes. Of course. I-- I'll see you later.
A moment later:
George: ... Oh my goodness.
Eva (to George): Good evening, George. I'm here to relieve you of... Are you alright?
George (to Eva): … Huh? Oh yes, I'm fine... Charles is in the washroom, presently. He appears to be very good, I mean, feeling very good… I mean, feeling better.
Eva (to George): Oh? ...Well, I'm glad he's up and moving about. How is his mental state?
George (to Eva): He appears to be himself. So far, he doesn't seem to be exhibiting any strange side effects.
Poppy (to Amunet): Are you sure you don't want me to take you to the Sister, honey? I'm sure Luc would love to see you.
Amunet (to Poppy): No, Mrs. Potter, the bunker is just fine. I have some business to take care of in New London.
Poppy (to Amunet): Oh alright, honey… (to Eva & George) Well, hello sweeties! You're both a spot of sunshine in this gloomy tunnel! How's our not-so-little patient doing?
Eva (to Poppy): Good evening, Mrs. Potter. ...What is going on?
Poppy (to Eva): Eva honey, it's a beautiful day out in a normally grey winter day. It has put me in a good mood, that's all… Why? Should I be in a foul mood? What do you know that I don't, honey? … Quite a bit, I would imagine.
George (to Poppy, Eva & Amunet): … Charles is up and about, Mrs. Potter. He's bathing, at the moment.
Poppy (to George): Oh? And, you're not lending him a hand, honey? That's very respectable of you. ;-P
George (to Eva & Amunet): A little help here.
Amunet (to Poppy, Eva & George): … I should go. (to George) You are on your own, small one.
Eva (to George): ...I don't think there's anything I can say that would help.
Poppy (to Eva & George): Really? You both need to get out more, sweeties. Go on dates, act like the beautiful young ladies you are... And, I happen to know just the place.
George (to Poppy & Eva): … I'm confused… What's happening? … You're sending us somewhere, aren't you?
Poppy (to George & Eva): Yes, quite possibly, honey…I need two lovely ladies to go to the Avalon House to spy on someone & take notes.
Eva (to George): It's going to be terrible, isn't it ?
Poppy (to George & Eva): You don't need to talk to anyone. Just enjoy yourselves. I have found you gentlemen for the evening. I need you to sit away from each other, if you come in contact simply act like you're distant acquaintances. Shouldn't be a stretch… This is the man you're watching. His name is Roland Wilkes. If he approaches, just make up something.
George (to Poppy & Eva): … Oh, um, go back to that middle part.
Eva (to Poppy & George): ... Oh. Well. I think we should be able to handle that, shouldn't we, George?
George (to Eva): Oh… Yes, of course. (to Poppy) What was the part about gentlemen?
Poppy (to George & Eva): Yes, honey. They will meet you there. I need to go get your clothing for the night, sweeties.
Eva (to Poppy & George): You need to get our clothing? Well... I trust you'll pick out something, <ahem>, appropriate.
Poppy (to George & Eva): Hardly, honey. Where'd the fun in that be?
George (to Poppy): … (to Eva) I'm ruddy terrified.
Eva (to George): ...You are not alone.
A short time later:
Poppy (to Charles): Charles honey? You decent?
Charles (to Poppy): Um... Very nearly. One moment, please. Oh! Hello, Mrs. Potter.
Poppy (to Charles): Well, you have certainly grown into a healthy young man, Charles. Sixteen does suit you… Speaking of suits. Put this on and sit down. You're not going to pass for a gentleman attending the Avalon house with that hair.
Charles (to Poppy): I-- I'm not going to do what? ... Did you say sixteen? How... How did you know? Um, I mean...
Poppy (to Charles): Oh? Did you want me to continue pretending that you're a wee one, honey? If that's the case, then I should give you quite a talking to for chasing after an older girl like George. And, I would give you some toys & books and tell you to stay here. But, if you'd like to move past all that and get down to business. I need you to accompany a young woman on a mission. And, you're a capable young man. Can you do that for me, honey?
Charles (to Poppy): Um, y-- yes ma'am. ... I'm... I'm sorry for misleading you.
Poppy (to Charles): Charles honey, you never misled me. I knew all along.
Charles (to Poppy): Oh... I suppose I should've figured that, shouldn't I? Um, what are you doing?
Poppy (to Charles): Cutting your hair, honey. You need to look like a toff… If the elder Mr. Wilkes approaches you, your name is Thomas Morgan. And, your parents own a house in Essex. You are training to be an apothecary. Can you remember that?
Charles (to Poppy): Oh! But, um, he's met me before, ma'am... Though, I suppose he wouldn't remember me, would he? I'm the help. I can remember that. I've read a book on drug preparations, so I know a little bit. Enough to bluff.
Poppy (to Charles): That's right, honey… He hardly ever looks at the faces of the help. You'll do just fine. Besides, the young lady you'll be escorting is quite lovely.
Charles (to Poppy): ...Yes. I-- I'm sure she is.
Poppy (to Charles): You know, honey, with your background you would make a wonderful spy… If you ever wanted to learn I could teach you.
Charles (to Poppy): It's because I'm slightly mentally unbalanced, isn't it, ma'am?
Poppy (to Charles): No… Because you managed to pass yourself off for a boy of 12 and stick to your lie, honey. But, the mentally unbalanced part does help. ;-P And, you are done… The young lady you are escorting will be wearing a black sable coat & a blue dress. She'll be meeting you in a carriage on the corner at this time. Don't be late, honey.
Charles (to Poppy): I won't. Um, thank you for the offer of training, Mrs. Potter, but I'm not sure if that's something in which I'm interested. Not right now. I think I need to figure out who I am exactly first.
Poppy (to Charles): Well, the offer is there if you ever change your mind, honey... I need to go finish making arrangements.
Meanwhile:
George (to Vincent): Captain Potter, are you sure this is how your wife wanted me to dress? It's a little, um...
Vincent (to George): Is it the blue one? She thought it would look good with your complexion. Oh, sweetie! You look FAB!
George (to Vincent): It's a little… little, Captain. I don't know how to wear something like this… I think she picked the wrong girl. Is this because I'm the only other girl here besides Eva? Wouldn't Zoe be better for this sort of thing?
Vincent (to George): No, I think she asked you to do it because you've been training with Margaux, and she has confidence in your abilities. You're gorgeous! Don't worry about it. Just sit with your knees together, and have the young gentleman escorting you pick anything up that you may drop. Hold still... There! You needed just a little touch of lipstick. Hee hee. Perfect! Zoe can't go because she has a prior arrangement tonight. Here. You're posing as Florence Fisher tonight. You're a socialite. Daddy owns a tobacco plantation in the Carolinas, and you've been going to school here in Britannia.
George (to Vincent): And, I'm dressed like a trollop because? … It's to piss off Daddy, isn't it?
Vincent (to George): Good heavens! You're hardly dressed like a trollop, George. You're showing nothing more scandalous than your shoulders. And that will be covered by this sable. ...Why would you think it's to make your father upset?
George (to Vincent): No reason… I'm sorry. I'm not used to wearing things like this, Captain… I'm Florence Fisher, my daddy owns a tobacco plantation in the Carolinas and I've been going to school here because Daddy wanted me to be a proper little lady… I should probably go.
Vincent (to George): Come here, sweetheart. It's OK. Will you be alright?
George (to Vincent): Yes… As long as the gentleman Mrs. Potter picked knows what he's doing. I should be fine.
Vincent (to George): Relax. All we need you to do is go to a party, have a good time, and keep your ears open. Don't worry about your escort.
George (to Vincent): Yes, sir. I'll be fine. Thank you for helping me get ready.
Vincent (to George): I know you will, hun. Hee hee. Feel free to rewrite your cover story if it doesn't suit you. Go on. Be off with you!
George (to Vincent): Yes, sir.
An hour or so later, outside the Avalon House; New London, Britannia:
Luc (to Eva): … Well, hello beautiful. I believe I'm to be your escort for the evening. You look quite fetching in green.
Eva (to Luc): Are you? I suppose you're getting your night out with me after all, Mr... What am I calling you tonight?
Luc (to Eva): Gavin Butler… I am but your humble servant, milady.
Eva (to Luc): Was that a *pun*?
Luc (to Eva): A play on words, at most… Put your arm through my arm. Rest your hand, like this… You don't go on many dates, do you?
Eva (to Luc): I know a pun when I hear one, Mr. Butler. ...It was very amusing, I'm sure. I don't think I've ever gone on a proper "date". I'm about as good with other people as I am humor.
Luc (to Eva): …Oh? So, you've been on improper ones?
Eva (to Luc): I wouldn't call them improper dates... They were more along the lines of brief physical interactions, I'd say.
Luc (to Eva): … Oh? … I have nothing to say to all that… Perhaps, we should get a table.
Eva (to Luc): Yes. Let's.
Luc (to Eva): I am yours to command, dear lady.
A couple minutes later:
George: … I do hope this is the right corner & I'm not waiting long.
Charles (to George): I, um, I beg your pardon, miss. I-- I was sent by Mrs. Potter.
George (to Charles): Oh good! I was beginning to worry… I'm Florence. Florence Fisher. And, you are?
Charles (to George): George!?! Oh wow... Heh heh. I'm so glad to seeeee... I-- I beg your pardon. I mean, it's very nice to greet you. Meet you. I'm your escort Thomas Morgan. Of Essex.
George (to Charles): … I have never been so happy to see you in all my life… Thomas. Are you alright? Should you really be up & about like this?
Charles (to George): My ankle is still a bit sore and stiff, so I'm afraid I won't be a very good dance partner. Um, heh heh, hunting accident. I should be right as rain... I've had a haircut.
George (to Charles): I see that… I didn't recognize you. You look very handsome… Not that you didn't look handsome before… Shall we go in?
Charles (to George): It's quite alright. I didn't recognize you at once either. Before we go inside, & pretend we don't know each other well... You look absolutely stunning tonight, Ge... Miss Fisher.
George (to Charles): I would have you right here on this corner, Mister Morgan, if we didn't have things to attend to… If you beg my pardon. ;-) Heh. Apparently, this dress makes me a bit forward and cheeky.
Charles (to George): I, uh, I-- I don't know what to say that... But, I do believe I like that dress even more than before.
George (to Charles): Heh. I haven't even taken off my coat, yet. ;-)
Charles (to George): I know. I don't think that's going to help my concentration, Wildcat. Shall we?
George (to Charles): I suppose we must… Though, I'd honestly like to take that suit off of you in the carriage.
Charles (to George): <ahem> Um... I... I... I'm going to have a very hard time concentrating all evening.
George (to Charles): Well then, this will all seem like a realistic first date, Mr. Morgan… And, you aren't the only one having trouble.
A little while later, in the Avalon House; New London, Britannia::
George (to Charles): … Mr. Morgan? I do believe it's customary to talk with your date rather than to simply stare at her.
Charles (to George): ...Yes, of course. My apologies, Miss Fisher. I, um heh, I seem to have lost my tongue around you. I doubt there's a gentleman in the room who could blame me.
George (to Charles): ... Thank you for saying so.
Charles (to George): Not at all. It's true. So, um, why don't you tell me about yourself?
George (to Charles): Shhh, Mr. Morgan, I'm trying to read lips & dictate at the same time. Just keep talking. I like the sound of your voice.
Charles (to George): Oh. Yes. Of course. I should have realized. My hunting accident seems to be doing well. It's still a bit sore, of course, I'm trying not to limp too much and embarrass you. ...I think my unexpected guest has finally gone back home.
George (to Charles): Oh... I am very happy for you. I know how much a nuisance an unwanted guest can be, especially in such accommodations. I'm glad your ankle is feeling better, Mr. Morgan... I know you're a bit more experienced a hunter than I am. Perhaps, you could show me the ropes some time? ;-)
Veronique (to Roland): Roland, so good of you to join me. I was worried that you were going to stand me up again.
Roland (to Veronique): I regret that my time is so very rarely my own these days. Allow me to fetch you a drink. <snap, snap> I hope you'll forgive me for being unavailable until this moment. What can I do for you?
Veronique (to Roland): … This is merely a social call, Roland. I have our favorite room booked… If you're free?
Roland (to Veronique): This is a surprise, then. I recall you threatening to remove a very intimate part of my physiology if you laid eyes on me again.
Veronique (to Roland): Lovers' spat, Roland… My moods are mercurial. Besides, I have things to celebrate & you're the one that I thought of.
Roland (to Veronique): Yes. Congratulations are in order, I believe. Chatter suggests you've taken over the Bleak House.
Veronique (to Roland): … Yes. You know just how to suck the fun right out of good news… Which in some cases could prove useful. What on earth are you looking at?
Roland (to Veronique): Something about that couple in the corner is very familiar... Some of yours?
Veronique (to Roland): Probably. I try not to pay attention to the servants too much. It gives them lofty ideas.
Roland (to Veronique): Mmm. Very true. Why are you really here, Veronique? As charming as I find your company, you are right. I am not known for my celebratory nature.
Veronique (to Roland): You always could see through me. There's been rumblings about Maladori hiring assassins. I'm not happy about this. I'm locking down on non-sanctioned Bleak House assassin activities. Have you heard?
Roland (to Veronique): Yes. She's proving to be much more adept at running CLANNG than one would think. My sources suggest she's been using Romany.
Veronique (to Roland): That explains why we've been having such trouble.
A couple hours later:
George (to Charles): They seem to be leaving... I think we can relax.
Charles (to George): Oh thank the bloody heavens! Heh... I have to admit you flustered me more than a bit.
