At Tesla's Monastery; Colorado Springs, Colorado, American Colonies:
Charles (to George): I hope you don't mind, but I brought you breakfast a bit early. Antony is going to be in the kitchen this morning, and I... George?
George (to Charles): ... I'm not really hungry, Charles, but thank you.
Charles (to George): Is everything alright?
George (to Charles): I'm fine... I'm just not feeling very well.
Charles (to George): Oh. I'm sorry to hear that. Do you want me to leave the tray? I can leave it outside the door... If you don't want to see me right now, that is.
George (to Charles): ... You can come in, if you like. I was tired of everyone bursting in to check on me & ask me how I'm doing. As if it isn't obvious... I was stabbed by someone I thought of as a sister... And now, I find out that in another timeline my father used me to destroy the world. And, someone wants to do it here... So yes, I'm just swell.
Charles (to George): ... I wish I knew what to tell you to make this all better, Wildcat. Come here… When did you get so short?
George (to Charles): Heehee... I think you got taller, Charlie.
Charles (to George): Heh. Bleedin' 'ell. I was afraid you were gonna say that. There must have been some ruddy giants in my mum's family, yeah?
George (to Charles): Heehee. In no time you're going to be bigger than Miss McGillivray.
Charles (to George): ... Even if I get taller than her, I don't think I could ever be bigger than Ms. McGillivray. She seems less like a person, and more like an Act of God, sometimes.
George (to Charles): Heh. Like, an earthquake.
Charles (to George): ... I was thinking that, but I didn't want to be rude.
An hour or so later, in the infirmary:
Hiiri (to Eva): … You look strangely familiar… No matter. Has anyone ever told you that you are simply gorgeous? ;-P
Eva (to Hiiri): ... What are you talking about?
Hiiri (to Eva): It was a joke... You know, because you look like me... Nevermind. Are you done with all these stupid tests? I'm fine. Zoe's fine. We're just wasting time.
Eva (to Hiiri): ... Perhaps. Are you sure you haven't suffered a head wound? That was a joke. See? I comprehend humor, as well.
Hiiri (to Eva): Yes, I can see that. It was quite good... Can we start doing something actually productive?
Eva (to Hiiri): I would love that. Do you have any suggestions? I think Zoe's family might have some objections if I start whacking away at her skull with a mallet unit I find the chip.
Hiiri (to Eva): ... I don't know anything about it other than it's existence. I wish I could be more helpful. I really do.
Eva (to Hiiri): Well, then scans it is. Rest assured, as soon as I learn anything, we will take action.
Hiiri (to Eva): ... So, you're one the clones, huh? You don't strike me as a Hiiri clone. Did I hear Victor correctly & your name is Eva? I can only imagine your dislike of this whole thing. I'm not all that crazy about it, myself. I almost refused to do this. I was persuaded by a passionate argument from... an unlikely source.
Eva (to Hiiri): We... I mean, I am, and I'm not a clone, I suppose. My mother and Mr. Franklin cloned my sister and I. We were created based on some of Maladori's "abandoned" research. I don't have any great love of Hiiri, it's true. She had our mother murdered and then laughed while she told us about it... Excuse me. It's not my favorite moment to relive. But, if there's anything I can do to help stop her, or to save the reality in which I currently reside, is it not my duty?
Hiiri (to Eva): Heh. That was exactly what I said… I didn't mean to cause you any discomfort. I've just never seen another one of us before.
Eva (to Hiiri): Yes. I understand the fascination. Una and I were most intrigued to meet Zoe and Mrs. Estevez when we learned the truth of our origins... I would appreciate it if you didn't poke me, however.
Hiiri (to Eva): I'm sorry.
Eva (to Hiiri): ...Why were you poking me? Were you expecting tactile experience of touching me to be different than touching yourself? I am not a slime mold, you know.
Hiiri (to Eva): I know… It's just so weird.
Eva (to Hiiri): ... I suppose.
Hiiri (to Eva): Oh, come on! You're not at all curious?
Eva (to Hiiri): About the other reality? Quite. About Zoe? Not quite as much. I'm afraid clones, especially originating from Hiiri, are not as unusual as one would care for in this reality.
Hiiri (to Eva): … Fair enough. Should we get started on these scans?
Eva (to Hiiri): Yes. Lie back and try to relax, please... And stop fidgeting.
Hiiri (to Eva): Yes, ma'am.
A few hours later, In the library:
Nathaniel: <yawn> Shit... I should get some sleep.
