A sidewalk café; New London, Britannia:
Egon (to Percy): Thank you very much for meeting with me, Mister Meriwether. I was told that you are the person to speak to regarding items difficult to procure. A Madam Dominique gave me your name. She said you had many skills. I hope she wasn't wrong.
Percy (to Egon): Oh? Dominique said that? About me, honey? Heh… I should hire her as my agent. But, she's not wrong. However, this is not the best time or place to discuss these sort of things. It's much too exposed… My airship is docked at Pier 32. Meet me there in two hours. And, I will see what I can do for you, alright?
Egon (to Percy): Fine… Two hours at Pier 32.
Percy: Oooo, a man of few words… I like it.
George (to Percy): … Um, Mister Percy? I've finished with the shopping. Should we head back, now?
Percy (to George): Yes, honey. We definitely should… Appointments to keep and all that.
George (to Percy): Was that a friend of yours, Mister Percy?
Percy (to George): Never you mind, George… I would be very grateful if you didn't mention it to anyone. Hardly worth mentioning really.
George (to Percy): … Yes, sir.
An hour or so later, at the Longfellow bunker, The Tombs; New London, Britannia:
Charles: I'm sure this will be delicious... plain bloody beef stock. Heh. Been a while since you've had to eat such thin soup, hasn't it Charles?
Percy (to Charles): Supplies, honey! (to George) George, just put it all on the counter. I'm sure Charles will need some vegetables.
George (to Percy): … Yes, sir. (to Charles) What are you making over there?
Charles (to George): Nothing very interesting, I'm afraid. (to Percy) Thank you very much, Mr. Meriwether. I, um, I'd like the reimburse you, of course.
Percy (to Charles): Don't be silly, honey. This was paid for by the Longfellows. I believe you'll find some biscuits from Molly & cards from the boys in the second box… Now, if you'll excuse me. I have somewhere to be.
Charles (to Percy): Oh. Thank you.
George (to Percy): Thank you for the assistance, Mister Percy. (to Charles) He's a strange one, isn't he?
Charles (to George): Quite. But that's to be expected, I suppose. He's an automaton, isn't he?
George (to Charles): That's what I've been told but, he doesn't really act like any other automaton I've ever seen.
Charles (to George): ... No. Not quite. He definitely acts more like a person than a clockwork person. I've never... Oh wait. Yes, I have. It was a long time ago... Well, this should be a pretty decent soup after all. Are you hungry?
George (to Charles): Yes… What did you mean, Charles? Have you really met an automaton like Percy before?
Charles (to George): ... No. Not like Percy, exactly, but she was an automation who seemed like she had a personality.
George (to Charles): Oh? Tell me about it. I'm bored and going to steal a cookie while you stir.
Charles (to George): There's really not much to tell. She was there to speak to Achilles. She looked like some posh little girl. Braids, ruffled dress, gloves, patent shoes, the whole nine. One of the older boys thought he'd scare her a bit. She snapped his arm as though it were nothing at all. Then she stared at us all like she wanted to open us up...
George (to Charles): Sounds like Starling the automaton that always followed Mr. Carver around.
Charles (to George): ... I would imagine he's the only one who could stand her presence. I'd met some awful people by then. People who enjoyed inflicting pain. She more than enjoyed it. She *reveled* in it... Heh. I really used to think I was going to die in the gang.
George (to Charles): Good gracious... Could you imagine if there was another Starling? That would be terrifying. And, I know what you mean about the gang. I was only ever on the periphery of it but I saw what it did to people. I'm glad you were able to get out of it, Charles... Percy was meeting with someone earlier, Charles. I didn't like the look of him. Do you think I should tell an adult?
Charles (to George): ...Shit. Yeah. Probably. I don't like it, but yeah.
George (to Charles): Heehee... Sorry. I shouldn't laugh. This is serious business but it's still strange to hear you swear like that. I'm not sure who I should tell... He asked me not to, but it just made me more concerned.
Charles (to George): ... I'm not sure. I think Mr. or Mrs. Potter would be our best bet. Mrs. Potter always seems to have a plan.
George (to Charles): Alright. I'll go speak to them after we eat.
Charles (to George): Do you want company? Or will I slow you down too much?
George (to Charles): Heh. You can come with me... I wish we had thought to bring the chair for you.
Charles (to George): I'm glad you didn't. I don't really like being wheeled about in that thing. I asked Miss Eva when she thought I could be rid of this ridiculous cast. She said it would be healed when it was healed and then told me to button my lip.
George (to Charles): Heehee. She's always had a way with people.
Charles (to George): Ha ha! Um, yes. She certainly has a definite opinion about what's best for me and what isn't. She was, um, quizzing me. About you, I mean. She wanted to make sure I was, um, behaving gentlemanly towards you.
George (to Charles): Oh? That's... Well, honestly a bit surprising. What did you say?
Charles (to George): Heh heh... Um, that I try to act as gentlemanly as you want me to act. I don't think she liked that answer. I'm not the only one who has people fretting over my well being, it seems.
George (to Charles): She's one to talk, anyway. I highly suspect she took Mr. Vadrouiller to her room the other night.
Charles (to George): REALLY? ... Although, if I think on it, I don't suppose as surprising as all that. She mentioned he was flirting with her, and it was very confusing for her.
George (to Charles): Heh. Yeah, Eva's never been very good with flirting. But, I know for a fact that she has had her share of lovers, though never anything serious or long-lasting. I'm not sure she would know what do with an actual boyfriend. I've never known her or Una to express any interest in having one. They always seem contended with their books and each other's company.
Charles (to George): Oh! ... Heh heh. I can see what you mean about the twins behaving however they pleased. They both care about you quite a bit.
George (to Charles): I suppose they do in their own way… I hope she didn't scare you off, Charles.
Charles (to George): Ha! Not in the slightest, Wildcat.
George (to Charles): That's good. Because I'd really hate to have to kill the closest thing I have to a sister. ;-P
A short time later:
George (to Poppy, Vincent & Charles): Ahem... I'm sorry to interrupt but there's something I thought you both should know.
Poppy (to George & Charles): Calm down, you two. We're not doing anything scandalous… yet.
George (to Poppy, Vincent & Charles): … Oh, um, what was I saying? Right! I saw Percy talking to a strange man earlier & he told me not to say anything about it… which seemed odd so, of course, I had to tell you.
Poppy (to George & Charles): Oh… I had heard rumors that Percy was doing freelance work. I will talk to him... Don't worry, honey, I won't mention you. Thank you for telling me.
Charles (to Vincent): Um, Captain? Your trousers seem to be a bit... askew.
Poppy (to Vincent, Charles & George): Heehee… How on earth did they get like that, lover!?!
Vincent (to Poppy): Who can tell? Clearly, this is the direction they want to go. Who am I to argue?
Charles (to Vincent): ...I take it that's our cue to leave, Captain?
Vincent (to Charles, George & Poppy): You're more than welcome to stay... Of course, we are about to get *embarrassingly* familiar.
George (to Charles): ... I think we best go, Charles.
Charles (to George): Um, y-yes. I think so. (to Vincent & Poppy) Um, goodbye, Captain. Ma'am.
Vincent (to Charles & George): Toodles! Don't do anything we wouldn't do, kids!
A moment or two later:
George (to Charles): ... Are they often like that?
Charles (to George): Every time I've seen them together they have been... Seems to be a family trait.
George (to Charles): Heh... It's very clever.
Charles (to George): What's clever?
George (to Charles): Their distraction technique... Make people uncomfortable with their overly familiar behavior. It causes them to want to leave & then, they don't have to explain what's going on.
Charles (to George): Oh! Heh heh heh. Well, that IS ruddy clever, isn't it?
George (to Charles): My guess is they already knew about Percy & he's doing something with their knowledge. C'mon, Charlie, I'll help you to your room. Don't make a face! If you can call me Wildcat. It seems only fair.
Charles (to George): Heh. I suppose it is... I, uh, I honestly don't mind if you call me Charlie.
George (to Charles): Good... Do you want some company?
Charles (to George): ...I wouldn't mind your company. I, uh... Heh. I never do.
George (to Charles): Heh. You always know the right thing to say, Charlie. C'mere.
Charles (to George): I try...
