At the Longfellow bunker, The Tombs; New London, Britannia:
Luc (to Vincent): ... Alright, Vincent, I'm here... You know I'm going to speak to someone about this whole waking up before noon thing.
Vincent (to Luc): Shhhhhh! Shhhh. Too early. Here. Coffee.
Luc (to Vincent): Thanks... Why did you want to see me this ruddy early?
Vincent (to Luc): I have some deliveries to run, and supplies to pick up. I thought you might want a break from the school.
Luc (to Vincent): Yes, please... I don't think I've been around this many people, let alone children since I was in school myself. It makes me a bit twitchy.
Vincent (to Luc): Hee hee. I thought it might. Honestly, the combination of a mess of ill-behaved kiddlettes and those bloody tunnels, more than just a tad overwhelming for me as well. Heh. Which is why you got saddled with fencing duty, I'm afraid.
Luc (to Vincent): I was wondering about that. Do the tunnels really bother you?
Vincent (to Luc): They do a bit. I've always been a touch claustrophobic, and the tunnels remind me too much of particularly nasty run-in I had with Hiiri in my youth. Plus, crowds? Crowds of CHILDREN? What on earth would I do with them? Hee hee. In case you haven't noticed, I tend to act inappropriately when I'm nervous. Those kids have enough problems.
Luc (to Vincent): True... Heh. Poppy seems to be in heaven. I don't think I've ever seen someone smile so much with all the chaos.
Vincent (to Luc): Hee hee. She does love it doesn't she? Still, someone has to try to do better for the next generation. God save her. And she THRIVES on chaos. Your brother and sister are the same. They love a good shake up.
Luc (to Vincent): Heh. I think I've had enough shake ups to last me a lifetime... I could stand for a little bit of a normal routine.
Vincent (to Luc): Heh. I can imagine. Well, if you want to get out of the Bunker from time to time, I certainly wouldn't say no to some help. Your mother seems to think I can't b trusted on my own. ;-)
Luc (to Vincent): Well, history would agree with her. :-P
Vincent (to Luc): Heh. I resemble that remark, you know. You don't have to say yes. I know things are a bit strange between us right now.
Luc (to Vincent): Honestly, I don't mind lending you a hand. It's nice to feel of use.
Vincent (to Luc): I could use it. Hee hee. If it makes you feel any better, Zoe didn't know quite how to treat me at first either.
Luc (to Vincent): It's not you that makes me uncomfortable. Strangely, sometimes there's something in your voice I recognize from a long time ago. Same with Poppy. It's just weird knowing there's this little version of me that's going to have the life I didn't. I guess I'm a bit jealous, if I had to be honest to myself... I'll try not to make a habit of it. ;-P And, I hate to tell you this, Vincent, but you're not nearly as shocking as you think you are. You are far too domesticated Anyone with half a brain can see that you are in love with Poppy & you wouldn't do anything to risk that.
Vincent (to Luc): Hee hee. Well, I hate to ruin your illusion of me, but I'm honestly not trying to be shocking. Well... not REALLY. Hee hee. Is it my fault Victorians are so easy to shock? I love my wife, my family and my life. And I'm very glad you're a part of it, Luc. You may not have had the best start in life, but you're here now. Heh. And you're certainly not alone.
Luc (to Vincent): Heh... Speaking of not being alone. Have you heard from Zoe or Victor recently? Are they getting on alright? Is she still mad at me?
Vincent (to Luc): Hee hee. Yes. Like every nosy father, I enjoy checking in with the kids from time to time. They're doing well. Victor seems to be doing better. I worry the only reason he's running the Sister is because he thinks it's expected. But none of you kids are inclined do something just because it's expected of you. Which make me glad. Zoe doesn't seem to be mad at you, but it's a touchy subject for her, as you can imagine. Have you tried talking to her?
Luc (to Vincent): Not really. How do I brooch the subject? "Hey sis, I happen to fancy one of the older versions of yourself. You don't mind too much, do you?" Honestly, I have no idea what to say.
Vincent (to Luc): I can't tell you what to say, hun, but even if it's awkward, it's better to talk about it, and acknowledge the situation than pretend it doesn't exist. Trust me. Ignoring a problem doesn't help. You and the twins didn't grow up with the same Hiiri baggage as Zoe or the other clones. I think letting her know you understand how weird it is for her will help.
Luc (to Vincent): Alright, if you think it will help... For some reason, I don't like the idea of her being upset with me. And, I'd really like to continue seeing Eva, that is if she wants to. Heh. I can never quite tell if she's happy or annoyed to see me.
Vincent (to Luc): Hee hee. That's because you like having people around that care about you. As we all do. And you'll get a chance to see Eva today. We're stopping by Colorado Springs to pick up supplies. And to remind Eva she said she would provide medical exams for the Bunker. I daresay, Tesla has her working on something that takes all her attention at the moment.
Luc (to Vincent): Yes, she and Una have been busily coming up with a solution to remove Ms. Sardozi from Felix's sister. I believe they're nearing completion... according to Una, anyway.
Vincent (to Luc): Let's hope they've been getting enough sleep.