On the street, The Tombs; New London, Britannia:
Viola: I am not happy about this at all… (to Starling) Look, little miss, I have no idea who you're ruddy talking about… Never heard of any bloke named Turner.
Starling (to Viola): Not at all? Well, that is a shame. Perhaps, you'd like to come and play with me? I have plenty of toys… and food at my home. Maybe, it will jog your memory.
Viola (to Starling): Can't jog what isn't there. Besides, what's an automaton be wanting with food? … I'm gonna go, now. I got folks waiting on me.
Starling (to Viola): Oh? Of course… (to Carver) This is very interesting, isn't it, Mister Carver?
Carver (to Starling): ...
Starling (to Carver): I do believe there's more children hiding hereabout. I think the Professor will be very interested in them, don't you think?
Carver (to Starling): … <snort>
Starling (to Carver): Are you laughing or getting a sniffle, Mister Carver? Is poor widdle bun-bun getting a cold?
Carver (to Starling): ...
Starling (to Carver): You are getting a cold… Poor Mister Bunny. We should get back to the Professor. She can fix you.
Carver (to Starling): <sniff> ...
A short time later:
Viola (to Smitty): Smitty! We've got problems. Some creepy little girl robot was asking about Turner.
Smitty (to Viola): Huh? Wot? Oh, ruddy 'ell... Yeah. The kinds been asking round after our Mr. Turner ain't up for saint'ood. No one followed you did they?
Viola (to Smitty): No… But I think we need to get everyone outta here to somewhere safe.
Smitty (to Viola): Yeah. Guessin' she knows we know Turner. You an' whatever kids is left go lay low fer a while. I'll warn his people, an' make a few public appearance. That should take some of the pressure off, yeah?
Viola (to Smitty): Okay… You want me to take the kids to that school Turner & that lady was yakking about, dontcha?
Smitty (to Viola): Yeah. If you got a dog on you heels, go find a wolf. You ain't gotta stay if you wanna once the coast is clear.
Viola (to Smitty): Fine. I'll do it for the others… I'll go get 'em all packed & ready to move.
Smitty (to Viola): ...Thank ya, Vee. I'm glad glad the little 'uns got someone ta look after 'em. I'm glad it's you.
Viola (to Smitty): Are you gonna be up for it, Smitty?
Smitty (to Viola): I'll be fine. I've survived worse than this.
Viola (to Smitty): … Yeah, I know you have. It's just-- Nevermind. I should get everyone ready 'stead of yakking. Be careful.
Smitty (to Viola): Yeah, I know. No need to say it, luv. I know... Go. Get yourself going.
Meanwhile, in the Longfellow bunker, The Tombs; New London, Britannia:
George: This patrol duty is so ruddy boring.
Luc (to George): Very much so, but it's necessary.
George (to Luc): Aaah! Where the bloody hell did you come from!?!
Luc (to George): You will have to figure it out, Fitzroy. In the meantime, Mother thought you might need something to warm you up. Here.
George (to Luc): Thanks.
Fiona (to George & Luc): There are all kinds of places to hide 'round here, gel. Come along, pretty boy! We've got things to do.
Luc (to Fiona): Oh, we do? … Lucky me. (to George) Pray for me, Fitzroy.
George (to Luc & Fiona): Heh.
Fiona (to Luc): Please. As if anything that interesting is gonna happen. (to George) Later, little miss!
Luc (to Fiona): I was more concerned about boredom. :-P
Fiona (to Luc): Here. If you get too bored, launch this at something. Just... Not at me. That's how I lost the pinkie. It ended worse for the other bloke. :-p
Luc (to Fiona): I was wondering about that but was afraid to ask in case you actually told me.
Fiona (to Luc): Heh. Lost it reuniting a grenade with its owner. Fox insisted I get it seen to so I didn't end up with a hook hand. Isn't that just darling?
Luc (to Fiona): Well, considering how much attention he pays to his own hands, not really surprising.
Fiona (to Luc): Heh. Don't be fooled. He don't mind getting his hands dirty if the case calls for it. ...Course, neither do you, do you?
Luc (to Fiona): Not at all… Why do I have a feeling I'm about to get dirty?
Fiona (to Luc): Ha ha ha! Because you're a smart lad.
An hour or so later, outside of Aiden's house; New London, Britannia:
Smitty (to Persephone): 'Scuse me, luv. C'n I get a word?
Persephone (to Smitty): ... Depends on the word, young man. What can I do for you?
Smitty (to Persephone): Won't be much of a word. Promise. You know, Mr. Turner, yeah? Used to work with him? If you know ways to get word to him, 'e's got some automaton askin' after 'im. Been puttin' the squeeze on my folk. Might show up 'ere lookin' t'squeeze you too.
Persephone (to Smitty): Oh grunt! I'll get over to school. How many are you bringing? I want to make sure we have enough beds made up...
Smitty (to Persephone): I'm not bringing no one. I'm givin' you time. Should be 'bout five or so. Cheers. Tell your Mam thanks for that last meal.
Persephone (to Smitty): You're hard-headed lad but I'll respect your wishes. Thanks for the heads up. Take this, you look like you could use a meal.
Smitty (to Persephone): Probably could, but I ain't eating much these days. Thanks all the same. I'll make sure it finds a belly.
Persephone (to Smitty): Be careful.
Smitty (to Persephone): You too.
A short time later, on the street:
Smitty (to Carver): Ouch! Get off yer, mangy, sonova... Oh. Yer that automaton's pet ain't cha?
Carver (to Smitty): ...
Smitty (to Carver): Yeah. I'm real ruddy intimidated, rabbit. Go on now! Run off and fetch yer master. If you was gonna go for me, you'd 'ave done it by now. So get. I'll wait. I ain't got no where else t'be.
