At the Rotmensen compound; Den Haag, Netherlands:
Egon (to Percy): Mister Meriwether, this is an unexpected surprise... What do you want?
Percy (to Egon): I've come to ask if you're hiring, honey. I've recently parted company with my former "employers".
Egon (to Percy): We're not an employment service... We don't "hire" people. But, I may have use for you. Come to this address in 4 days at 9am.
Percy (to Egon): Of course, honey. Thank you.
On the streets, The Tombs; New London, Britannia:
Fiona (to Smitty): Find whatever it is you're looking for, lad, or do you need another set of eyes?
Smitty (to Fiona): Cor blimey! What is you, a giant? What zoo'd you escape from?
Fiona (to Smitty): Heh. If there's a cage that'll hold me, I haven't found it yet. To what do we owe the pleasure of your visit?
Smitty (to Fiona): ... Got this address from a feller I know. I thought I'd Capt'n Cooke the place. See wotcha might be scammin'. So, what's it t'be, then? Work'ouse? Brothel? Whatcha need kids for? Way I figger, Tombs already 'as plenty a both that don't pretend they's exactly what they is. So what nastiness is this, then?
Fiona (to Smitty): The missus wants to start a school.
Smitty (to Fiona): Wot? In this neighbor'ood? Bullocks!
Fiona (to Smitty): Ha ha ha! Could be bullocks. Could be that me and my fellow giants need British bones to grind our bread. Could be that among all the oddities of this wide, wild world, there are folk who care about kids starving in the streets. Follow me inside if you want to know for sure, lad. But, you'd best be sharp about it. You won't find your way in later.
Smitty (to Fiona): …
A short time later, in the Longfellow bunker, The Tombs; New London, Britannia:
Poppy (to Fiona & Smitty): Honey, is this the only one?
Fiona (to Poppy & Smitty): Not at all, missus. He's got 'bout eight others hiding out at a "safe distance."
Smitty (to Fiona & Poppy): No there ain't!
Poppy (to Fiona): Heehee. I don't doubt it, honey... (to Smitty) And, Mister McSmitts if you're going to hide shivs on your personage, your pocket is a terrible place. Anyone with half a brain will spot it immediately... Case in point. ;-P
Fiona (to Poppy & Smitty): Ha ha! Not to mention, you can't get a good size blade in a pocket. What damage could you do that wee thing?
Smitty (to Fiona & Poppy): Enough. Whatcha want?
Poppy (to Smitty): Honey, I want to invite you & your friends to come live here. 3 meals, warm place to sleep & we'll teach you some valuable skills to help you in your life... In exchange, you just keep an eye for trouble for us. That's all. No catch. No strings attached. I grew up in the Tombs, I know how rough it is & someone helped me. So, I thought it was about time to help a new generation. Besides, there's trouble brewin'. It's good to have friends.
Smitty (to Poppy): Yeah? Might be... I'll think on it. No offence, m'um. Tombs girl or no, I dunno what kinda "skills" you could teach us.
Fiona (to Smitty): Ha ha ha! Aren't you precious?
Poppy (to Smitty): ... Well, for one, honey, I took all this from your pockets... (to Fiona) And, Fiona, would you oblige with a punch?
Fiona (to Poppy & Smitty): With pleasure, missus.
Smitty (to Fiona & Poppy): ... Wow.
Fiona (to Smitty & Poppy): That's nothing. You should've seen me when I was in my prime pugilist days. More into explosions these days.
Poppy (to Smitty): And, that's just one of the many things we can teach you, honey. We have quite a talented & varied group of teachers... We even have our very own ninja, if you're into that sort of fighting style.
Smitty (to Poppy & Fiona): ... Right. Like I said, I'll think on it.
Poppy (to Smitty): That's all we ask, honey. If you & yours decide that you want to join us. Just leave this handkerchief on the corner of Sunshine & Travers Lane. One of my people will find you & bring you here.
Smitty (to Poppy & Fiona): Cheers.
Fiona (to Smitty): Ha ha ha! You can't get out that way, wee bit. This way. (to Poppy) Be back in a flash, missus.
Poppy (to Fiona): Heehee. I'll fix you up a drink for your return, honey.
A couple minutes later:
Charles (to Poppy): I didn't suppose Smitty would want to stay. Do you think he'll come back, ma'am?
Poppy (to Charles): Possibly, honey. I think he's a wee bit intrigued. I'm betting a couple of good meals will seal the deal... Why don't you get a menu together and take George down to the market? I'm sure she could use some fresh air.
Charles (to Poppy): Yes, ma'am... I hope he does, and not just for his own sake. He's got some real young 'uns they all look after... I should get going. We'll be back soon.
Poppy (to Charles): Thank you, honey.
Several hours later, on the streets; New London, Britannia:
George (to Smitty): You know, it's rude to follow people so closely, kid.
Smitty (to George): Kid? You're one t'ruddy talk.
George (to Smitty): I bloody well know what I'm talking about & I really hope that pointy thing is staying in your pocket.
Smitty (to George): Calm down, mate. I don't mean you no harm. I'm just watchin'.
George (to Smitty): Watchin'? What the hell are you watchin'? I'm just trying to buy a present for a friend.
Smitty (to George): You was out wif Charlie Turner before, yeah? So you're connected with that school Ms Sticky Fingers is tryin' t'run too?
George (to Smitty): Ms Sticky-- you mean, Miss Poppy? Yeah, I live there.
Smitty (to George): Heh. I'm guessing yer another lost one then... I'll speak plain. I got some friends wot might be interested in 'er offer. 'Ow can I be sure the deal's square? Will my kids be 'ouses?
George (to Smitty): Your folks will be safe as houses. Miss Poppy & her family have been very good to me. And, I'm not just sayin' that. She's got a little one of her own. She wouldn't do anything to jeopardize kids.
Smitty (to George): Mmm. Good t'know. To tell you true, I was a bit worried when I started askin' round 'bout Mr. Turner. Quite the book a' tales he's collected, ain't it? Still. He's never steered me or mine astray.
George (to Smitty): Charlie's a bit complicated, but he's a good bloke. None of us want you & yours harmed.
Smitty (to George): Right. Tell yer Ms Poppy t'expect some'a my lot then. Heh. Imagine they're takin' less a chance there than in th' Tombs, eh?
George (to Smitty): I will. Speaking of which, I should get back. So long, kid!
Smitty (to George): Cheers, mate.
George: Heh. That was unexpected.
A short time later, in the Longfellow bunker, The Tombs; New London, Britannia:
Charles (to George): Oh! Hullo, George. I'm almost finished. Ms Fiona says some of Smitty's crew are still about, so I'm making some food t'find. Heh. I'm sorry to get so caught up...
George (to Charles): It's okay. He caught up with me while I was on my way in.
Charles (to George): Who did? ... Smitty?!? Bloody 'ell! Are you alright, Wildcat?
George (to Charles): Heh. Yeah, I'm fine. It's not like I don't know how to take care of myself. He was just watchin', mostly.
Charles (to George): About me? Oh. I, um... I don't know what to say to that.
George (to Charles): I'm going to head to bed, Charlie... He was uh, concerned about you. He's been talking to folks. Heh. Your reputation was definitely preceding you. :-p Heehee. I thought that might shut you up. Not to mention why Mrs. Potter sent me out with & without you... I got you a present... Here.
Charles (to George): Y-- you did what? Why on earth did you... Thank you! You didn't have to get me anything...
George (to Charles): Heh. I know. But I needed an excuse as to why I was out & about without you. So, lucky you... It's your own set of cooking utensils. Not as romantic as I might have liked but it wouldn't get me beat up wandering through the streets. :-p
Charles (to George): Wow. Thank you, Wildcat. I... It's been a long time since someone's given me somefin-- I mean-- something this nice... They don't bother you none, um, any, do they? The stories, I mean?
George (to Charles): No. They didn't bother me before, they don't bother me now... Heh. Come with me & I'll show you. ;-)
Charles (to George): Heh. Yeah? Well. Good. Coming along with you sounds like a very good idea to me.
George (to Charles): It's the best idea, ever.
Charles (to George): I don't doubt it. After you, gorgeous.
