At the Longfellow bunker, The Tombs; New London, Britannia:
Una (to Eva): Eva! There you are! I've been looking all over this wretched place for you. I got your message regarding the device... (to Luc) Hello, Mister Vadrouiller. My apologies for disturbing you... Perhaps, you'd like to put on some clothes?
Luc (to Una): ... I beg your pardon. I wasn't really expecting visitors.
Una (to Luc): Don't worry, Mr. Vadrouiller, I'm not concerned about what you & my sister did last night. Furthest thought from my mind in fact.
Luc (to Una): Good to know. I'll just go get cleaned up. I'm sure you have things to discuss. (to Eva) Would you like some breakfast?
Eva (to Luc): Not right this moment, thank you. (to Una) Did you say you got my message? Excellent! I meant to be up before now, but I think I overextended myself a bit too much I slept like the dead... What on earth did I do with my clothes!?!
Luc (to Una & Eva): Alright. I'm going to get myself some food after my shower.
Una (to Eva): I believe there's a trail of breadcrumbs... Heh. Here.
Eva (to Luc): Yes, of course. Thank you for your help last night. (to Una) Thank you, sister dear. George has offered to go with me to her father's house to help us find the plans.
Una (to Eva): Is that wise?
Eva (to Una): I don't think it's a particularly good idea, but she seems to think we won't be able to find them without her help.
Una (to Eva): Hmmm... Perhaps, she simply wants to see the place? I know I sometimes have momentary pangs of loss about our home. Mostly, the library, of course. I had some very nice first editions that took me weeks to find.
Eva (to Una): I didn't think of that. Oh, I DO miss that library. Una, do you ever... miss Mother?
Una (to Eva): Of course. Don't you? ... I know she was not a very likable person but she was our mother. I'm sure if we were to weigh her good deeds against her bad... Well, they'd probably be about even.
Eva (to Una): Actually, according to the charts I made, she lists a bit more towards the bad... but I still miss her.
Una (to Eva): Heh. I know... I was trying to be nice. I should have known you had made a list, as well. Would you like me to accompany you? Or would that be bit of overkill?
Eva (to Una): It might be, but I'd feel better if you came with me. The more eyes we have looking for the plans, the sooner we can get out. I've never been overly fond of Franklin Manor.
Una (to Eva): I agree... Oh! I feel I should say something about your tryst? But, I'll be damned if I know what I should say... Any thoughts? Should I shake my finger and say 'tsk, tsk'? Or perhaps a high five as Zoe likes to do?
Eva (to Una): ... I have no idea. Why would you tsk OR high five me? Or is this one of those things we're supposed to do?
Una (to Eva): Yes. I think so. I feel a strange desire to give you a hard time about it. Hmmm. Interesting. I don't believe I've ever felt this way with any of your other encounters.
Eva (to Una): ...I appreciate your restraint then. Have you seen my other boot?
Una (to Eva): I believe it's there on the headboard.
Eva (to Una): Very good! There we are. I'm finished. Let's go talk to Mrs. Potter, and see about getting ourselves transportation then.
Una (to Eva): After you, sister dear.
Eva (to Una): Thank you. What is it I'm forgetting, Una? Oh! I should eat. I'm not sure the last time I did that...
Una (to Eva): Well, let's get you fed before we go on our little adventure.
Eva (to Una): Heh. Yes, let's. Did you forget to eat as well?
Una (to Eva): ... I may have, yes.
Eva (to Una): Heh heh. Sometimes, we are far too much alike, sister dear. I hate to say it, but I rather hope Mr. Turner has ignored my orders has been working in the kitchen...
Una (to Eva): I dare say you are right, dear sister…
A short time later, in the kitchen:
Una (to Eva): Oh, look. (to Charles) Mr. Turner, ignoring my sister's instruction again, are we? Oh, don't go making a face! We're not here to scold you… Honestly, we're starving.
Charles (to Una & Eva): ... In that case, I trust you won't be too angry with me then. I've got some cold chicken if you're hungry now, or I'm making a quiche, if you'd rather have something warm.
Una (to Charles & Eva): I don't know about my sister, but I think I would like some cold chicken for now & then see how I feel about the quiche when it's done… Do you have anything to drink? Tea or coffee would suffice.
Eva (to Charles & Una): Some chicken and a cup of tea would be gorgeous, Mr. Turner... How is your ankle? You're limping less than I thought you would be.
Una (to Eva): Heh. I think he's in shock, sister dear… (to Charles) Can you hear us, Mister Turner?
Charles (to Una): ... I can hear you just fine, Miss Una. I was concentrating. Here you are. (to Eva) Oh? It hurts a bit, but it seems to be more healed than not. I'm sorry I didn't listen to you, Miss.
Eva (to Charles): You'll have no one but yourself to blame if you walk with a limp for life. ...Thank you for the meal.
Charles (to Eva & Una): Heh. Duly noted.
Una (to Charles & Eva): Have you seen either of the Potters, Mister Turner?
Charles (to Eva & Una): Not since this morning. Mrs. Potter said she had an errand, and asked me to stay in the bunker.
Eva (to Una & Charles): Well. That's not convenient.
Una (to Eva): No, not convenient at all… (to Charles) What about the Captain? Did he say where he might be found?
Charles (to Una & Eva): No, but I usually don't see him until afternoon when he and Mrs. Potter become, um, enamored with each other.
Una (to Charles & Eva): Oh? Does that happen a lot, Mister Turner?
Charles (to Una & Eva): With a shocking amount of frequency.
A couple hours later, at Hotel Britannia; Las Vegas, Nevada:
Poppy (to Aiden): Hi there, honey… Is Nate about?
Aiden (to Poppy): No, he's off having a massage, we are on our honeymoon after all. I read the file you left for me. It made for a very interesting read… Can I ask you one question?
Poppy (to Aiden): Yes, of course, honey. I have no secrets… Well, that's not really true. I have loads but, I'm good at compartmentalizing. :-P
Aiden (to Poppy): … Are you insane? I mean, really. Opening a school for... what is you call it, troubled youths in the middle of the Tombs... Are you serious? This just seems… mental.
Poppy (to Aiden): Honey, you'll hurt my feelings. I am completely serious. I know that there people who have retired from our line of work that miss the excitement and danger but realize what we were working for is questionable. Why not use our skills to help children get out of the hell that they were thrown? Give them skills that might possibly keep them alive. Sure, we won't help all of them. Some won't want the help, some might be too far gone. But, wouldn't you like to doing some good? Besides, think of the danger & excitement. You might be in a classroom 1 day or out rescuing a kid from a slave pit the next.
Aiden (to Poppy): … And, where exactly is this school going to be?
Poppy (to Aiden): The bunker will serve for some classes and housing, at first. But, we need something a little more stylish for the public... That's where you come in, honey. We need a place to do this… I believe your brother owns the old Charring Cross Hospital land.
Aiden (to Poppy): He does. But, if you think I'm going to be able to talk him into donating it, I am the wrong person to ask.
Poppy (to Aiden): I know… I just want you to teach at the school. I can handle your brother, honey.
Aiden (to Poppy): Heh. If you say so. I'll want to talk to Nate about all of this. I think he was kinda looking forward to returning to West Piedmont. I'll let you know what I decide shortly.
Poppy (to Aiden): I understand. I should go. Give my love to Nate… And, honey, it's alright if you say no. No one will hold it against you.
Aiden: … Why on earth would she say that!?! … Very effective technique.
An hour or so later:
Nathaniel (to Aiden): Hey there, sexy!
Aiden (to Nathaniel): Hey. Did you enjoy your massage?
Nathaniel (to Aiden): Heh. Apparently, I'm too tense and distrustful to "get the full massage experience." And I almost made the massage girl cry.
Aiden (to Nathaniel): That's my man… You know everyone of the hotel's employees have been thoroughly scrutinized? I'm fairly sure, it's safe.
Nathaniel (to Aiden): Heh. I figured, but you know... It's a stranger. Behind me. Where I can't see her. Heh. When I walked in, she thought I worked for the hotel cleaning crew. She yelled at me to get the hell out, cuz she had a "dumb ol' VIP" coming in soon.
Aiden (to Nathaniel): Oh? That's not very professional. I shall have a chat with her manager... Your aunt says hello, by the way. I'm sure you know she was here, in that strange way, you all seem to know when each other are about. Were you wondering if I was going to say anything or were you hoping to question me? ;-p
Nathaniel (to Aiden): Heh. Give her a break. She was pretty fucking mortified when she realized who I was, & I don't exactly look like the husband of a bigwig, Vegas hotel owner, do I? Yeah. I knew Aunt Poppy was here. There's always, like, static when the fam skips over. You gonna tell me what's goin' on, or are you *hoping* I interrogate you? :-p
Aiden (to Nathaniel): Your aunt wants to open a school for troubled youngsters... In the Tombs, using former operatives. She seems to think that it will provide just the right amount of danger we all crave and we would be helping a new generation to find a better alternative to the street gangs. She wants me to be one of the instructors. I told her, I had to discuss it with you.
Nathaniel (to Aiden): Whoa. Wow. Heh. Damn, Aunt Poppy isn't gonna rest until she saves the damn world, is she? So... Do you wanna do it?
Aiden (to Nathaniel): Possibly... I'm thinking there might be more to this than I presently know. She mentioned wanting the old Charring Cross land for the school, knowing full well that Roland owns it. But, she said she'd take care of it. It made me a bit concerned.
Nathaniel (to Aiden): Shit. No kidding. I'm always concerned when fucking Roland is involved... Alright. If you wanna help her out, let's do it.
Aiden (to Nathaniel): Really? Just like that? I was expecting a little more resistance. I had a speech full of salient points, and a backup plan that involved a small dosage of begging... On second thought, I'm glad you agreed so quickly. I love you, husband o' mine.
Nathaniel (to Aiden): Heh. Oh? Yeah? What kinda begging are we talking about?
Aiden (to Nathaniel): Nope. Too late. You should have thought of that before you agreed... Heh. C'mere.
Nathaniel (to Aiden): Huh... Well, shit. Heh heh heh... Guess I'll just have to see what else I can do to get you to beg, huh?
A few hours later, in the streets, The Tombs; New London, Britannia:
Smitty McSmitts (to Charles): Oi, boss. Spare a coupla coppers? It's a cold one tonight, innit?
Charles (to Smitty): Smitty? I was wondering when you'd show up. I was afraid you weren't coming.
Smitty (to Charles): Mr. Turner? Bloody 'ell, mate! I didn't recognize you wif that posh new topper yeh got.
Charles (to Smitty): Heh. Yeah. I've heard that. Here you are. I'm sorry it's not more, but I've haven't been at the Inn lately...
Smitty (to Charles): Yeah. Noticed that. Heh. Don' worry. You know we ain't complaining 'bout whatever little you can spare. You've kept me an' mine from a good number of lean nights, an' all... You in some kinda trouble, Mr. Turner?
Charles (to Smitty): ... Um, yes, you could say that. More than a bit.
Smitty (to Charles): Thought as much. You 'ad some ugly types asking after you, you know. Wasn't sure they had the right chap at first... Don' worry. I didn't tell them nuffin'. Nobody in our group will. You always wear them high collar shirts an' ties, yeah?
Charles (to Smitty): Yes.
Smitty (to Charles): It's true, innit? The blokes askin' after you said you had a gang tat on your neck. Was you REALLY in a gang, Mr. Turner?
Charles (to Smitty): ... Oh. Bullocks. I was with the Smiths out of Liverpool for... Well, for longer than I would have liked.
Smitty (to Charles): Ha ha! That's the first time I've 'eard you curse. Longer than you liked, eh? Yeah. That's the way wif all of 'em, innit? Don' worry. Like I said. We won't let 'em know where they can find you. Don' matter how much they're offering. You done more for us than those ruddy bastards. They're most likely the ones grabbin' kids outta the neighbor'ood.
Charles (to Smitty): Bloody 'ell. Have kids been disappearing? ...No one in your group's gone missing, have they?
Smitty (to Charles): Yeah... Marie and Tony. No one's seen them for a fortnight or so. Don't fret, Mr. Turner. I'm sure they'll turn up. I should go get this to the group 'fore the cold gets too biting.
Charles (to Smitty): Good night, Smitty. Please be careful.
Smitty (to Charles): Thanks again for your 'elp, mate! Cheers.
