In the brig, at Tesla's Monastery; Colorado Springs, Colorado, American Colonies:
Josette: I am so very tired of being in this cell… I really need to get out of here.
Eva (to Josette): Here is your dinner.
Josette (to Eva): … I'm not feeling very good.
Eva (to Josette): It's astounding how little I care how you feel. Your vitals are fine.
Josette (to Eva): Really? … Then, feel this!
Eva (to Josette): Oof!
Josette (to Eva): I don't envy the headache you're going to have tomorrow.
Una (to Josette): And, I don't envy the one you're going to have… (to Eva) Sister dear, are you alright?
Eva (to Una): I think my pride is more injured than my head... Oh. Or perhaps not.
Una (to Eva): I'm sorry I made you go in there alone… She clearly was waiting for the right opportunity to try to escape. I don't think you have a concussion but, you may not want to sleep tonight.
Eva (to Una): It's my own fault. I shouldn't have let her get the drop on me. <sigh> I suppose I'll busy myself tonight. What needs doing?
Una (to Eva): Nothing at the moment. Mister Tesla is building the device & told me no one is to disturb him… What do you need, sister dear?
Eva (to Una): At the moment? A bandage. Beyond that, I don't know. I'm sure I'll find something with which to entertain myself.
Una (to Eva): Heh… I'm sure. Say hello to Mister Vadrouiller for me. ;-P Oh! Look, I made a joke… I think that might have been my first.
Eva (to Una): But, I wasn't planning to go to New London with a head wound... Oh! I understand. Yes. Very funny.
Una (to Eva): Thank you. I've been practicing… Do you like Mister Vadrouiller?
Eva (to Una): Don't be ridiculous, Una. If I couldn't tolerate him, I wouldn't waste my time. No matter how good-looking he may be. Or is that not what you mean?
Una (to Eva): So, you do like him? That is very interesting… You're going to want to spend more time with him then, I suppose. And, leave me on my own… I should find myself one. Where does someone do that sort of thing?
Eva (to Una): Don't be ridiculous, dear sister. I've seen him twice. I'm hardly abandoning you... And I have no idea where one finds men. I suppose now that we aren't being dragged to anymore dreadful parties, we're on our own for -- socialization.
Una (to Eva): That is a very terrifying thought.
Eva (to Una): ... Oh lord. Yes. Yes, it is. Ouch. My bloody head... Thank you, Una.
Una (to Eva): Hmmm… I found some aspirin for you. We should probably tell someone about Ms. Sarkozi's attempted escape.
Eva (to Una): You're absolutely right. Come on. Let's go find someone who feels important, and make Ms Sarkozi his or her problem. We should probably increase her security, while we're at it.
Una (to Eva): I agree… Where are we going?
Eva (to Una): East... Aren't we?
Una (to Eva): Yes? … I think when Mister Tesla is in the lab, we're in charge… I'm not sure how I feel about all this. Oh! Dear god, we're in charge! Now, I know I don't like this. Not one bit… Let's run away.
Eva (to Una): Calm down. Una, calm down! Think about it. Who else here is more qualified? Most are too kowtowed by Mr. Tesla's genius to have a single original thought. Ruddy twits!
Una (to Eva): True… But, I don't want to be in charge.
Eva (to Una): ... Fine. If you don't want to do it, I will. Everyone is already afraid of me as is. I trust you're willing to be a force behind the scenes?
Una (to Eva): That's not what I meant, sister dear. It wasn't a you or me question… I just meant that we always get put in charge. Sometimes, it might be nice to be the plucky comic relief… :-/
Eva (to Una): ... Yes, I'm sure it would be, but for that to be an option, one of us would have to be funny.
Una (to Eva): Oh, yes. I suppose you're right… Well, come on then. Let's go frighten the masses.
Eva (to Una): At least we know where our talents lie, sister dear.
A few hours later, in the streets, The Tombs; New London, Britannia:
Smitty (to Charles): Your leg seems to be doin' better, boss.
Charles (to Smitty): Back off ya' bloody... Smitty! I've been looking for you.
Smitty (to Charles): Have you, now? Why?
Charles (to Smitty): Calm down, Smitty. I know someone who wants to help you and your wards get off the streets. She said if you want three squares a day, and a warm place to sleep, you'll meet us at this address tomorrow night.
Smitty (to Charles): ... Well. Who doesn't want that? What's the bloody catch?!?
Charles (to Smitty): There's no ruddy catch, mate. ...Look, Smitty. I ain't got any incentive to steer you wrong, do I? Miss Poppy's the one who helped me out of the Smiths in the first place. If she can help you too, you owe your lads and lasses at least a chat.
Smitty (to Charles): ... Get this right. You don't tell me what's best for my group, Mr. Turner. No matter what you've done for us in the past. 'Ow does we even know you was in a gang?
Charles (to Smitty): You're just going to have to trust me, Smitty... Think about it, awright?
A short time later, at the Longfellow bunker, The Tombs; New London, Britannia:
George: Okay, George, you can do this. Just read the damn letters & get it over with..You barely remember Mother. And, Father was a bit of a monster. It'll be like saying goodbye. You can do this... No, I can't. I'm just going to put them in my drawer, for now.
A couple minutes later:
Charles (to George): 'Ullo, George? Is you... Excuse me. Are you awake?
George (to Charles): I am but, just barely. Whatcha need, Charlie?
Charles (to George): Nuffin'... <ahem> Not much. Just a kind word if you can spare one. I'll let you alone after that. I promise.
George (to Charles): I can spare lots of kind words for you. Any in particular you'd like to hear?
Charles (to George): Heh. Just that you love me, Wildcat.
George (to Charles): Oh well, that shouldn't be hard to get me to say. Heh... I love you, Charlie.
Charles (to George): I love you too. I'll let you get back to bed, shall I?
George (to Charles): You can't come in here being all sweet & sexy and then expect me to go to sleep. That's just not right. You better give me a kiss before you go.
Charles (to George): Innit? Oh. I should come inside then, and keep you company 'til you fall asleep, shouldn't I? 'Specially if you think I'm sexy. Heh. Or, I could give you a kiss, and be off...
George (to Charles): I should say so... I'm very happy to see you, Charles, I was a bit nervous that you were avoiding me. I'm glad that I was concerned for no reason... And, if you kiss & run, I'll give you such a smack. :-p
Charles (to George): Oi! No need to resort to threats. Heh heh... I was out looking for Smitty, and I found him... For all the good it may do. Have you ever known me to be able to stay away from you, gorgeous?
George (to Charles): ... Yes, I have, as a matter of fact & it was downright frustrating, if you ask me. It took terrible bodily harm & the possibility of death to get you to finally show me a sign of your affection, Mister Cool. Heh. But, I forgive you. You were clearly in awe of me. And, who can blame you. ;-p And, I am totally full of it. I probably would have run off screaming.
Charles (to George): Oh. Um... Ha ha ha! That's the truth, isn't it? I suppose that's no less than I deserve for trying to be flirtatious. For the record, I was in awe of you. Still am... May I come inside?
George (to Charles): Of course, Charles... I missed you.
Charles (to George): I missed you too.
