When Strange Worlds Collide, Day 56

At Aiden's house; New London, Britannia:

Persephone (to Charles): Wakey, wakey, Charles... Breakfast! I do believe I have brought you enough food to choke a horse.

Charles (to Persephone): Huh? Oh! ... Miss Persephone. Thank you. I... I must have been exhausted last night. I was fast asleep. Thank you.

Persephone (to Charles): Heehee... I don't blame you. It sounded like you had quite an eventful day according to Mrs. Esterly... So, you're going 'round with George, huh? That's Moo if you ask me. She's certainly something. Though, I wish she'd wear more dresses. She's too pretty to be hiding in those suits all the ruddy time... Don't you agree? ;-P

Charles (to Persephone): Oh! She, um, she told you that? Heh. She is very pretty... N-- not that I mind what she wears, of course! I know she doesn't much care for dresses. So what do you wanna know, huh? You're trying to get Charles relaxed. What for?

Persephone (to Charles): ... I don't always have a reason, Charlie. Though, I am curious to know what you have decided to do when you're mobile?

Charles (to Persephone): Please ignore him, um, me when I speak like that, miss. "Charlie" is pouting. I, um, I'm not sure what to do with myself. I certainly can't impose on you and Mrs. Esterly for much longer. I was thinking of accepting Ms. Zoe's offer. If she and Captain Potter could use the help, that is.

Persephone (to Charles): Fiddlesticks, Charles, you're not imposing on us. But, it would probably best to get you out of New London for a bit. That terrible professor might be interested in finding you. And, I'm SURE Victor could use the help. He's practically useless aboard that ship, having to relearn everything. He's more than likely driving everyone insane.

Charles (to Persephone): I would much rather be useful than not, miss. You're gonna get us conscripted, you over-trusting, brainless twat. I am not. You already know that isn't true, so be quiet. I'm sorry, Miss. I-- it must be rather disturbing when I do that.

Persephone (to Charles): Heehee. It's not as disturbing as you think, Charles. I have brothers, after all. It's a bit like listening to them bicker at each other. Though, it's interesting to watch how your face changes ever so slightly when Charlie's talking. Heehee. I feel sorry for George... Or maybe, I don't. Who hasn't wanted two boyfriends? ;-P

Charles (to Persephone): Oh! B-- but there aren't two of us. Not really... I can understand why it seems that way, but I suspect thinking that way will reinforce the psychological rift... God's BALLS, Charles. She was making a damn joke.

Persephone (to Charles): Heehee... So, you think Charlie being here is only temporary, Charles? I'm not sure he would agree. Don't look at me like that. I may play at being a mindless twit, but I AM actually quite smart. I just find it easier to just be pretty. It makes people more likely to say things in front of me that they wouldn't if they thought I could understand. :-P

Charles (to Persephone): Ha ha ha! I can see why he fancied you so much. Got a thing for pretty, smart, kinda bossy women, doncha Charles? Good heavens. Honestly,who doesn't? ... I'm sorry, Miss Persephone. That wasn't appropriate. I... I'm not sure if "Charlie" is temporary or not. It wasn't like this before, as if there were two brains in one skull. And I certainly didn't talk to myself. Of course we didn't! This sort of lunacy would have got our bloody throat slit.

Persephone (to Charles): Oh! ... I just had a terrible thought... How was it before, Charles?

Charles (to Persephone): ... Jesus, Charles. Like you should be worrying what they think about you at this point. Bit too late for that, ya know. It was like this, when our mum had taken ill and died, we learned a few hard truths 'bout how the world really worked, and 'bout what a single mum, with a man away, had to do to keep her and her boy housed and fed. There were arrangements made not that the landlord didn't offer. What was his name Charles? Smitts? At first it was just anger, a blind, screaming sort, anger at Mum for dying, at our so-called dad for not helping, at the world for being what it was. Charles used to get so the anger built up inside him, he'd black out. Then, later, when we were with the Smiths, he couldn't stomach doing what needed to be done to survive, so he started thinking of it almost as if it were someone else. Started living inside his head more often than not. Had all kinds of fantasies about Dad coming back and saving us. Read too much. Spoke too fancy. That's where you went odd, Charles! But he's right. We didn't talk to ourselves.

Persephone (to Charles): Oh my...

Charles (to Persephone): ...I'm sorry for misleading you, Miss Persephone. Button your yap, Charles. What is it you're thinking, gorgeous?

Persephone (to Charles): ... That it wasn't an accident that it was you the professor grabbed for Carver... They must have been watching you for some time and realized that you had this "two-sided" personality... I mean, I could be completely wrong & it was just random happenstance.

Charles (to Persephone): ...And you think that's why she injected me with something?

Persephone (to Charles): Yes... Though, the part where it gets foggy is why bother if she was planning on scooping you out & letting Carver move in?

Charles (to Persephone): I know. When the doctor told her goons to grab us for the "procedure," Charles nearly lost his shit. Charles blurted out that we're Achilles Smith's son, and that he wanted us back. Heh. Turns out it wasn't a bad idea. She probably wanted some part of us intact, either to get info out of us, or cuz she wanted control of the Smiths.

Persephone (to Charles): Heh. Fast thinking, Charles.

Charles (to Persephone): Oh. T-thank you. You, um, you don't seem surprised. ...Did Mrs. Esterly tell you?

Persephone (to Charles): No, but why should I be?

Charles (to Persephone): Oh... No. I suppose it shouldn't. Ha ha ha! She isn't insulting you, Chuckles.

Persephone (to Charles): Heh. Seriously, Charles. Have you met my extended family?

A few hours later, onboard the Wicked Sister:

Zoe: C'mon, you stupid ruddy thing, TURN! ... I fucking hate you, ship. (to Risu) Risu, get off my head.

Victor (to Zoe): <tsk, tsk> C'mere, Risu. Leave your mummy alone. Need a hand my littlest sister?

Zoe (to Victor): ... Yes... Yuki fixed the hot water to my room & forgot to open the release valve... How the hell did she close it? She's so teeny... Is she secretly She-Hulk or something?

Victor (to Zoe): Heh. Don't let her size fool you; she's tough as ruddy hell. Heh. Like Mum and Dad... You ever wonder how they do it? Mum and Dad, I mean. You know. Be... Be them? ...Oops! That's got it!

Zoe (to Victor): Thank the bloody gods! ... What are you going on about? Mum & Dad are just themselves... Merde. What happened?

Victor (to Zoe): Nothing. Nothing happened. Well, that's not entirely true... Wanna grab a pint with me?

Zoe (to Victor): ... You need to vent, huh? Okay, let's go get a pint. You're buying, though.

Victor (to Zoe): Not vent, precisely. Just... it's all a bit confusing.

Zoe (to Victor): ... Did Yuki kill somebody? HAHAHA... Geez, calm down, I was just kidding.

Victor (to Zoe): Funny you should say that... Find us a quiet corner, will you? I'll get our drinks.

Zoe (to Victor): Okay...

Victor (to Zoe): Here we are. Cheers!

Zoe (to Victor): Thanks... So, what's with the questions about the parentals & what-not?

Victor (to Zoe): ...One of the members of the Bleak house who put a hit on Mr. Park showed up at the Sister. Yuki warned Liesel if she saw her in Nice, she'd kill her. Seems Liesel was counting on it...

Zoe (to Victor): Oh? Did she have a grudge with Yuki?

Victor (to Zoe): Yeah. Seems that way. Liesel manufactured it, counting on Yuki or Mr. Park to kill her. She was dying. Inoperable tumor.

Zoe (to Victor): Shit.

Victor (to Zoe): By the time I found her, she'd already killed her. I moved... Got rid of her body last night.

Zoe (to Victor): Damn, big brother, no wonder you're upset. You should have gotten me. What? It's not like I haven't dealt with bodies before. Well, I haven't personally but I have plenty of memories of doing it.

Victor (to Zoe): It wasn't that. I mean, it's always awful when it's someone you've met. But, I've dealt with bodies before. People die in the Tombs as often as not, you know. ...Oh. Wait. Heh. Guess I've only got memories of doing it as well, huh? ... Heh. Or at least until last night. It wasn't the hit. I mean, it wasn't just that... I was OK with it, Zoe. I was so relieved she was all right, and so happy she wants to marry me... I hardly cared...What kind of bloke does that make me?

Zoe (to Victor): Human.

Victor (to Zoe): ... Well, that wasn't the response I was expecting.

Zoe (to Victor): What? I'm being honest. Or did you want me to lie to you & give you a long winded explanation about how you're not a bad person and your response was only natural, blah, blah, blah?

Victor (to Zoe): Heh. Well, I didn't expect you to say I was normal. The very idea!

Zoe (to Victor): Heh. Sorry, big brother, but you are the normalest of normal... Which is quite odd in this family, so buck up, little camper, there's hope for you yet... And, if you really want to know how mum & dad deal with this shit, go ask em. I'm sure they'd be more than happy to tell you in graphic detail... And, I'll stay back here and start saving for the therapy bills. :-p

Victor (to Zoe): Honestly, you know what really worries me? I'm not bad right this moment, but how do I keep from becoming a monster? How do both of us avoid it? ... Heh. Ignore me. I'm most likely drunk.

Zoe (to Victor): Heh. We watch each other's back, big brother.

Victor (to Zoe): Damn straight we do! ...Heh heh. I can't tell if I'm being overly sensitive or not sensitive enough. :-p

Zoe (to Victor): A little of both, probably... So, she finally agreed to marry you, huh? Heh. How relieved were you when she told you?

Victor (to Zoe): Relieved enough that I forgot all about the dead Dutch assassin, if that tells you summit.

Zoe (to Victor): Heh. Just that you're crazy hot in the pants for our teeny assassin.

Victor (to Zoe): Heh heh. Yeah. That's certainly true. I more than love her. I'm mad about her, Zoe. Overwhelmingly, terrifyingly mad. We don't do anything half arsed, do we?

Zoe (to Victor): No, I think we inherited that whole 'go big or go home' motto of Dad's... Heh. I'm very happy for you, big brother, and slightly jealous. Every time I mention anything long term to Felix, he just says 'not yet' or 'I'm not ready'. It's enough to drive me mad.

Victor (to Zoe): Heh. Well it's not because he isn't in love with you, that's for bloody sure. What's the problem? Or won't he say?

Zoe (to Victor): Heh. I know he loves me & I love him. That's not the problem. I think there's a small part of him that doesn't trust me or the situation. Like, he's so rotten that he doesn't deserve to be happy & so he's waiting for the other shoe to drop.

Victor (to Zoe): What? Really? ... Has he not met the rest of us? Bloody hell! I feel like I should let him read some of Mum & Dad's old files.

Zoe (to Victor): The funny thing is that I don't necessarily want to get married but the fact that he won't even entertain the idea, just makes me crazy and obsess about it, even more. If he would just ask, I would probably be all like, 'Yeah, sure, whatever' & then I'd never bring it up again but because he acts all aloof and distant whenever it's mentioned... I'm sorry, we were talking about you & Yuki and I went all babblemouth.

Victor (to Zoe): You listened to me ramble, what kind of brother would I be if I didn't listen to you? ...Not that I have any good advice.

Zoe (to Victor): Heehee. Thank you for listening, anyway... Did you ever think this would be our life? Sitting around concerned about our significant others or our lack of proper emotional responses? ... Wait. Probably the second isn't all that far-fetched. ;-P

Victor (to Zoe): Heh heh. I can honestly say I figured I'd always have to worry about the second. I've always been a bit of a freak. As are we all.

Zoe (to Victor): At least, we've got each other.

Victor (to Zoe): Heh. That we do. I wonder if Felix -- and Luc and Charles for that matter-- realize exactly how much they fit in.

Zoe (to Victor): HAHAHA... Oops... Floor... I think I might be drunk.

Victor (to Zoe): Heh heh. So I see. Come on, Little Sister. Let's get you... Whoops! Ha ha ha! I think I might be drunk as well.

Zoe (to Victor): HAHAHA! Just leave me here... I'll be fine. Maybe, one of those nice gentlemen over there will entertain me or not... Jerks. You just can't find a good scoundrel in a bar these days. Not like you used to... I think Mom met Dad in a place like this. It was a little nicer... But, not by much.

Victor (to Zoe):  Heh heh. I think between the two of us, we'll manage. I thought they met in West Piedmont.

Zoe (to Victor): Well, yeah as adults. But, Mom said that she always had this weird feeling like she had met Dad before. And, Ms. Dvorak regaled me with a tale of a run-in at a place kinda like this, way before they met "officially". She told me about it when I was bugging her about my fortune and asking her to teach me how to do it... She promised me to secrecy and that I shouldn't mention it to them. She said it would ruin the romance of their little love story if they knew how awkward & inept they were upon first meeting.

Victor (to Zoe): Ha ha ha! WHAT? Oh you have to tell me now. Heh. According to Aunt Mouse they weren't even all the suave then.

Zoe (to Victor): Heehee. Not even in the slightest... Ms. Dvorak said it must have been shortly after he started working for Alistair. She was teaching Mom the ropes of negotiating with "unsavory" types. Mom was not quite the fashion plate she is now & was dressed in baggy boy's clothes. Heh. Dad apparently was so nervous that he tripped and fell on to Mom, grabbing her very inappropriately. Mom yelled and ran off quite embarrassed to the powder room. Ms. Dvorak said she had to finish the talk without her, while Dad blushed quietly in the corner. They never got each other's names or anything, so Ms. Dvorak never thought about it again until a few years ago when she had a moment of deja vu during a meeting with our parents. Heehee.

Victor (to Zoe): Ha ha ha! Oh shit! Makes you feel a bit better about being us, don't it?

Zoe (to Victor): Yeah, and also nice knowing that they weren't always so smooth, calm & collected like they are now.

Victor (to Zoe): Heh. Yeah... Woo! I'm a bit unsteady on my feet. Ha ha ha! So are you!

Zoe (to Victor): Heehee. I don't think anyone is coming to rescue us so we're just going to have to help ourselves. C'mon.

Victor (to Zoe): Heh. I think we can manage it. I have confidence in our abilities to get home.

Zoe (to Victor): I'm glad one of us does... Which way is home?

Victor (to Zoe): Heh heh... Uhhh, that is a very good question. This way? Yeah... This way.

Zoe (to Victor): ... We're going to die here.

Victor (to Zoe): Ha ha ha! All the trouble we've gotten ourselves in, and THIS is how you think we're gonna die? As if! AS IF!

Zoe (to Victor): It would be ironic.

Victor (to Zoe): Heh heh. Calm down. If we get too lost, we can always skip back... Whoops! We're being followed.

Zoe (to Victor): Shhhh, I know... That's why I'm playing at being drunk. I think they were paying too much attention to us in the pub.

Victor (to Zoe): What? Shite! Then why the ruddy hell did you let me get for real drunk?

Zoe (to Victor): Cuz you're a terrible actor.

Victor (to Zoe): I'll terrible actor you...

Zoe (to Victor): Don't do anything stupid, Victor.

Victor (to Zoe): Urk! ...I'm not! I'm not! Calm down. So what's your plan?

Zoe (to Victor): I was trying to draw them out, so we could get a better look at them and then... I was kinda hoping Yuki would show up in the nick of time, like she does... Um, clearly it's a work in progress.

Victor (to Zoe): Heh. So I see... Anyone you recognize?

Zoe (to Victor): I don't think so... How about you?

Victor (to Zoe): Heh. Want me to distract them?

Zoe (to Victor): Sure.

Victor (to strangers): Oi! 'Ullo, mates! Which one of you blokes fancies me sister! T'ain't right! In front of her family an' all! (to Zoe) Well?

Zoe (to Victor): Heh... show off. :-p

Victor (to Zoe): Heh. I may be a cruddy pirate, a terrible actor, and a questionable gent all around, but I'm a GREAT distraction.

Zoe (to Victor): Heehee. C'mon, big brother. It may be time for us to pull anchor, don't ya think?

Victor (to Zoe): Heh. I couldn't agree more. (to Felix, Yukiko & Luc) We're waying anchor, crew!

Felix (to Victor): Uhhh... Aye, Captain. I'll be on the bridge shortly.

Victor (to Felix): Good. Heh heh... Cuz I'm more than a little drunk.

Felix (to Victor): Oh dear.

Zoe (to Felix & Victor): It's a long story.

Felix (to Zoe & Victor): It's a funny thing, pretty girl. The more of you Potters that get together, the longer the story gets. ;-)

Zoe (to Felix & Victor): ... Well, wouldn't the world be a dull place if we were all the same?

Felix (to Zoe): Heh. I don't think I could ever get bored with you around.

Zoe (to Felix): Heh. I'm glad to hear it.

Victor (to Zoe & Felix): Bloody 'ell! If you two are gonna shag, go get to it! Don't flirt all over the cabin.

Zoe (to Victor): Yessir! (to Felix) C'mon, sexy man! Let's go before he realizes what he just said.

Felix (to Victor & Zoe): Heh. Why don't I help to get us in the air first, sir?

Zoe (to Felix): ... Damn you & your sense of duty.

Felix (to Zoe): Heh. Sorry I don't want us all to die in a fiery crash. Trust me. I'm worth the wait. ;-p

Zoe (to Felix): I know you are... Oh! Tell Victor congratulations. He & Yuki made it official. They are once again engaged.

Felix (to Zoe): Heh. Are they? (to Victor) Congratulations, Captain.

Victor (to Felix & Zoe): Oh lord... Ha ha ha! Stop making a face and take the first mate away. Go on! I promise not to kill us.

Zoe (to Victor): No, no. I'm good with waiting here & making faces at you.

Victor (to Zoe): I'll bet.

Felix (to Zoe & Victor): Heh heh.

An hour later:

Felix (to Victor): That's us in the air, Captain. I believe I have an appointment to keep. (to Zoe) Come on, pretty lady.

Zoe (to Victor): About time! See ya, big brother. Try not need us for a couple hou-- make that the rest of the night.

Victor (to Zoe & Felix): Heh heh. Cheers!

A Strange Old World, Day 10

At the Longfellow house; The Tombs, New London, Britannia:

Victor (to Otto): Otto! I thought you were getting too old to make this trip.

Otto (to Victor): I am! Do I look like one've them young kittens to ya', boy? I wouldn't be here if my girl weren't worried about you. She ain't heard from you in a while, so it's yer fault I had to haul myself over here. Whatcha got I can eat.

Victor (to Otto): I'm sorry. Please let my aunt and uncle know that I'm fine. I think I have some milk in the icebox. I don't think there's any cream left on top of it, though...

Otto (to Victor): Can't eat that stuff no more. Upsets my insides to no end. I'll find myself something. Smells like you got rats around here. So, why ain't you living at the Inn like you told my girl, eh?

Victor (to Otto): I can't stay there. I'm wanted by CLANNG. Last time they tried to find me, the bastards broke both Uncle Bernard's wrists... And, before you ask, Aunt Mouse and Uncle Eddie have been put through enough because of us. I'm fine. I've got shelter and food, most days... Besides, I've got someone else depending on me now, so I have to stay.

Otto (to Victor): If you say so. Seems damned stupid to live as a stray if ya got someplace warm and safe to go.

Victor (to Otto): I'm not a stray!

Zoe (to Otto & Victor): Otto! Oh my god, you're here.

Otto (to Victor): ... How do I know you, girl?

Zoe (to Otto & Victor): ... Oh, I'm sorry. I thought you were someone else.

Otto (to Victor): Know a lot of other talking cats named Otto, do you? My eyes ain't what they used to be, but you smell damn familiar.

Zoe (to Otto & Victor): No, you're the only one. How's the family?

Otto (to Victor): Fine. Keep yer secret. Family's fine. Worried about this one here, cause he's as stubborn as his sire.

Zoe (to Otto & Victor): It's not a secret. I just don't want freak you out, old man. And, Victor's okay. We've got each other.

Otto (to Victor): Huh. You're a clone or somthin' of my girl, ain't cha? That explains it. Right. I'm goin' home. You watch his tail, girl.

Zoe (to Otto & Victor): I will. Don't worry.

Victor (to Otto): Goodbye, Otto. Take care. Say hello to everyone for me.

Otto (to Victor): Yeah, yeah.

A moment later:

Zoe (to Victor): I'm sorry for interrupting, Victor.

Victor (to Zoe): Heh. The only thing you interrupted was Otto chiding me. You being here actually helped, I think.

Zoe (to Victor): I'm glad my being here helps somebody... I'm feeling pretty useless, at the moment.

Victor (to Zoe): Oh. I'm sorry to hear that. I like having you here. Would you like breakfast?

Zoe (to Victor): Yes, please... I'm sorry. I'm just feeling homesick.

Victor (to Zoe): I can't say that I blame you. From what you've said, it seems like everything was going rather well...

Zoe (to Victor): In a lot of ways it was, but Nate & Aiden were having a rough time. Mom had to fake her death... But, at least, we were in it all together.

Victor (to Zoe): You know, if you want to go back to the other side, you can. I don't want you to feel like you have to stay here.

Zoe (to Victor): Where would I go? If I went over there I would be alone & you would be alone here. I'm sorry, I'm just feeling sorry for myself. Besides, I like staying with you. You're my big brother.

Victor (to Zoe): Heh. I'm not going to pretend I'm not relieved to hear that, but I didn't want to force you to stay here because I'm lonely.

Zoe (to Victor): Gimme a hug, big brother. You don't have to be alone, anymore. I promise.

Victor (to Zoe): You don't have to be alone either. ...We're still going to try to save Mom and Dad, aren't we?

Zoe (to Victor): I hope so, but I don't know how, yet. Mrs. Esterly told me to be patient, a good plan takes time.

Victor (to Zoe): I suppose that's true... Can you skip in time?

Zoe (to Victor): Oh, um, yeah… It's one of the reasons why Hiiri made us. I mean, the clones. She used DNA from Mom, Dad & Emma. She wanted to be able to give herself the abilities… Or at least, that's what I assumed. I thought she had wanted a human body for herself… But, that was before I knew she was still alive.

Victor (to Zoe): Hmmm. Even though she's "alive," she might still want a body. She's not QUITE like a regular automaton, is she? If she were purely mechanical, she wouldn't go out of her way to fuck with us, would she?

Zoe (to Victor): No, she's not. Maladori & Smythe based her design on the schematics that they stole from Tesla. And, Maladori isn't known for creating things completely mechanical. She likes to use more "biological" elements for her experiments.

Victor (to Zoe): ... Gross. Well, if we can figure out when she planted the bomb, we can go back and stop her.

Zoe (to Victor): I think that's the plan. Thank you for breakfast… Why did you ask if I could skip in time?

Victor (to Zoe): I assumed that's how you planned to "fix" everything. And... honestly, I was curious. When I was a kid, I was able to slow things down or speed things up. I wondered if I could do something more dramatic. You mentioned I did it before. I saved someone doing it in your timeline, right? It's only right I should do it in this one for Mom and Dad.

Zoe (to Victor): Victor, you're not going to be the one to do it… Messing with the timeline is going to mess with someone's brain. I don't have a whole life over here, so it won't be so bad.

Victor (to Zoe): I'm certainly not letting you attempt this by yourself! I already did it once, didn't I? I'm assuming I didn't come out of the experience a nutter. I'm not going to send you off to face a killer automaton all alone.

Zoe (to Victor): No, but you had memories of both timelines in your head, it messed with you for a bit. You kept remembering the wrong things. I won't have that worry, Victor. I didn't become the Zoe here… I don't even know if she's even here.

Victor (to Zoe): What if something happens to you? Then I won't have Mom and Dad OR you. I'm going. You said I was your older brother, didn't you? Well, family sticks together. You're stuck with me.

Zoe (to Victor): Fine… I still don't think it's a good idea, but we'll argue about it when we know what we're doing.

Victor (to Zoe): Thank you. We have enough money for a few more days. Since we don't have to work, what would you like to do?

Zoe (to Victor): Oh, I don't know. What's there to do for fun? What do you like to do?

Victor (to Zoe): Heh. Well, I don't really thing that's a family activity. Do you want to go to the market? We can't buy much, but it's usually interesting, to say the least. We could probably at least get some pastries or something sweet if you want.

Zoe (to Victor): … Okay, the market sounds good. What is it that you usually do? Do you do something naughty, Victor? You know, I'm not that much younger than you… I don't think.

Victor (to Zoe): Really? From your height, I assumed you were about 11. Ouch! Ha ha ha! I was only kidding.

Zoe (to Victor): Jerk.

Victor (to Zoe): Heh. At least I'm not a violent delinquent. Come on.

Zoe (to Victor): … I'm not a delinquent.

Victor (to Zoe): Oh no? Who stole some man's purse without a moment's hesitation. Heh. Don't make a face. I'm only teasing. Besides, I'm an expert delinquent.

Zoe (to Victor): Heh. Some role model you are. :-P

Victor (to Zoe): Me? A role model? Mom and Dad would be SO disappointed. 

A short time later, at the market; New London, Britannia:

Victor (to Zoe): Oops! Quick! Duck.

Zoe (to Victor): Oh.

Victor (to Zoe): Heh. Sorry. CLANNG officer. Does he really think he's incognito with that outfit? Shit! The square is CRAWLING with them. What's going on?

Zoe (to Victor): I don't know… Why are there so many?

Victor (to Zoe): I'm guessing they're looking for something or someone. They're not usually out of uniform, are they? Let's get back to the house.

Zoe (to Victor): There goes our fun day. I'm right behind you.

Victor (to Zoe): SHIT! More of them! Can you find your way back to the house from here?

Zoe (to Victor): Yeah. What are you going to do?

Victor (to Zoe): Distract them. What else? I'll meet you back there as soon as I can.

Zoe (to Victor): Please, be careful.

Victor (to Zoe): I will be. I've been dodging CLANNG for months. Don't worry! See you soon!

Zoe (to Victor): Alright. See you back at the house.

A few minutes later:

George (to Victor): Watch where you're going, Mister!

Victor (to George): I beg your pardon. Excuse me, I have to go. There's no money in that wallet, by the by. I lifted it off that gent over there.

George (to Victor): Damn… Sorry.

Victor (to George): Which means... Oh. Yep. He's just realized it. Run!

George (to Victor): Crikey! See ya!

Victor: What? That little brat... (to George) You planted a bloody tracking device on me?

George (to Victor): What!?! No, it wasn't me. Let go, you big bully.

Victor: What ever happened to honor among thieves? (to George) Gowon and pull the other one! Oh shit! We're both collared. Clear your head for a moment...

George (to Victor): Huh?

A moment later:

Victor (to George): We've got a good 10 minutes before they figure out where we went, so answer sharp, and I'll let you go. Who told you to put that device on me?

George (to Victor): … Fine. It was Ms. Dvorak. She wanted to keep an eye on you & make sure you didn't do anything stupid. I was sloppy.

Victor (to George): Damn straight you were, girl. Besides, it's not me she should be worried about, it's... Shit! Zoe! You'd better go! CLANNG will have traced that jump. I've got to get home.

George (to Victor): Wait! Where are you going?

Victor (to George): To find my little sister.

George (to Victor): Oh... Good luck. I should get back.

Victor (to George): Tell Auntie Margaux to just come SPEAK to me next time! Bloody spies...

George (to Victor): I will.

Meanwhile, on the street; New London, Britannia:

Zoe: I think this is the right street… Oh, there's the house.

A few minutes later, at Aiden's house; New London, Britannia:

Nathaniel (to Zoe): Zoe? What the hell are you doing here?

Zoe (to Nathaniel): I need to go now… Is Mrs. Esterly here?

Nathaniel (to Zoe): No. She went out to do some shopping. What do you mean you have to go?

Zoe (to Nathaniel): I need to go back in time, now… Somethings going on with CLANNG, we saw a bunch of undercover soldiers in the market. It can't be good. Victor is insisting on going with me… I don't think that's a good idea. So, I need to go now while he's distracted… What's the date of the explosion?

Nathaniel (to Zoe): What are you planning on doing?

Zoe (to Nathaniel): I'm going to go warn my parents about the bomb. Mom should be able to diffuse it.

Nathaniel (to Zoe): You sure about that? What if she doesn't? Then you'll just end up blown up along with Aunt Poppy and... I mean... Whatever! You'll end up blown up too.

Zoe (to Nathaniel): Yeah, but the me in this timeline may still be out there… So, I won't really be dead. And, no one will know I fucked up.

Nathaniel (to Zoe): I fucking will.

Zoe (to Nathaniel): What!?! No, you won't… You won't even remember any of this.

Nathaniel (to Zoe): How do you figure? I remember the other timeline don't I? And what happens if you DO get blown up, huh? I get stuck being with fucking CLANNG. I'd still fucking be there if it wasn't for you... I'm going with you.

Zoe (to Nathaniel): What!?! Why?

Nathaniel (to Zoe): Cause I know how to diffuse a fucking bomb.

Zoe (to Nathaniel): … Oh. I guess CLANNG is actually good for something. Well then, let's go. Do you know the date of the explosion?

Nathaniel (to Zoe): Yeah. March 15. Hiiri and I came to Britannia about a week after that.

Zoe (to Nathaniel): Okay, then. Let's go. Clear your mind. This is going to be tricky.

Nathaniel (to Zoe): Hold on... 

Zoe (to Nathaniel): What is it?

Nathaniel (to Zoe): I know it's stupid and it doesn't make a difference. It's time travel. If we die, he won't even know I existed, but I... I wanted to leave a note for Aiden.

Zoe (to Nathaniel): Okay… Take all the time you need.

A few minutes later:

Nathaniel (to Zoe): I'm done. Thanks. I... I don't know why I needed to do that, I just did.

Zoe (to Nathaniel): Heh. It's okay. If we do this right, we'll be seeing him soon enough. Take my hand. Clear your mind. I'm going to try to get us onto the Falcon a day before the accident.

A short time later:

Zoe (to Nathaniel): Nate, wake up! We're here… I think we both passed out from the strain. We need to get to work.

Nathaniel (to Zoe): Jesus. Fuck... sorry. OK. Do you know where the boilers are? That's where the explosion started.

Zoe (to Nathaniel): Yes. This way.

Nathaniel (to Zoe): WOW. Your dad modified the hell out of this ship, didn't he?

Zoe (to Nathaniel): Yeah. It's his baby… The boilers should be at the end of this room.

Nathaniel (to Zoe): Alright. Try to find the bomb. It should be next to something explosive or flammable. Just DON'T TOUCH IT.

Zoe (to Nathaniel): … Um, you mean something like this?

Nathaniel (to Zoe): Fuck. Yeah. Back up slowly... Alright. I'm gonna try to disarm it. If I tell you to go, you open a portal and go, alright?

Zoe (to Nathaniel): … Okay.

Nathaniel (to Zoe): You'd better fucking go... Shit. Goddamn this is fucking complicated.

Zoe (to Nathaniel): I have an idea… Can you unhook it from the housing safely?

Nathaniel (to Zoe): Yeah. I think so. Why?

Zoe (to Nathaniel): Well, if we can't stop it, then we need to take it somewhere where it can't do any harm. Bottom of the ocean sounds good.

Nathaniel (to Zoe): And how the hell are you going to get back before it goes off? I think I can...

Zoe (to Nathaniel): I'll portal fast. I've done it before… Um, is it supposed to hum like that?

Nathaniel (to Zoe): ... No. Shit. Go! Now! Leave!

Zoe (to Nathaniel): Not without you… Fuck it. Give me the bomb… Be right back.

Nathaniel (to Zoe): No! I can... ZOE! Wait... Oh fucking shit.

A couple minutes later:

Zoe (to Nathaniel): Brrrr… God that water is fucking freezing. Achoo! Shit… I'm going to be sick… We need to get the hell out of here.

Nathaniel (to Zoe): You crazy fucking little... Come here! Fucking... Jesus! You scared the shit outta me. Yeah. Let's go.

Zoe (to Nathaniel): Heh. Like you're the only one capable of being heroically stupid. It's a family trait… Okay. Take my hand... Achoo! God, I'm going to be in bed for a week after this stunt.

A moment later, in the garden at Aiden's house; New London, Britannia:

Nathaniel (to Zoe): Heh... Seriously. We really went back in fucking time to diffuse a fucking bomb, didn't we? Heh. Ha ha ha! Oh, Jesus... Heh. So, what happens now?

Zoe (to Nathaniel): I don't know… I guess we see if everything is back to normal. How do you feel? I think I brought us back to the moment we left, but I don't know what that's going to mean… Achoo! Remind me to never do that again.

Nathaniel (to Zoe): I dunno. The same, I guess. Hold on... Have I still got that CLANGG brand and all that shit on my back?

Zoe (to Nathaniel): No.

Nathaniel (to Zoe): What? SERIOUSLY? Holy shit! I... holy shit! I guess we did change things, huh.? Wow... Are you alright?

Zoe (to Nathaniel): Yeah… I just want to see everyone, but I'm also exhausted & feel like ass… I'm gonna go home. Gimme a hug. Call me, if you need anything… I'll see you later.

Nathaniel (to Zoe): I'll bet. I'm getting one hell of a headache. Go home.

Zoe (to Nathaniel): Go, see your man… I hope we did the right thing.

Nathaniel (to Zoe): I will. Take it easy. Um, thanks. For staying.

A moment later, at Poppy & Vincent's apartment; West Piedmont:

Zoe: Mom! Dad! Are you home?

Vincent (to Zoe): What took you so long? You were supposed to come right back home. You scared the hell out of us, young lady.

Zoe (to Vincent & Poppy): Oh my god! I'm so sorry… I'm so glad to see you both. Gimme me a hug.

Poppy (to Zoe): Honey, are you alright? You're burning up… Let's get you to bed.

Zoe (to Vincent & Poppy): I'm fine now… I think I just overtaxed myself.

Vincent (to Zoe): You're running a fever, hun. Get some rest. We can talk in the morning.

Zoe (to Vincent & Poppy): Okay. I-- I love you both.

Poppy (to Zoe): We love you too, honey. (to Vincent) I'll go fix the little monster some soup.

Vincent (to Poppy): You're an angel, lover. Do you want me to pick up some OJ and cold medicine?

Poppy (to Vincent): I think that might not be such a bad idea, lover… Can you pick up some cookies for me? I'd like some ginger snaps.

Vincent (to Poppy): Your wish is my command, lover.

At Aiden's house; New London, Britannia:

Nathaniel (to Aiden): Aiden? C'mere, sexy!

Aiden (to Nathaniel): Nate, is everything alright?

Nathaniel (to Aiden): Right. Uh, yeah. It was... It was something.

Aiden (to Nathaniel): Oh! Heh. You should stay at your cousins more often, if this is what happens when you get home. Did you have a nice time?

Nathaniel (to Aiden): Oh. Yeah. Heh. You know what? I suddenly feel like I could eat a whole shit load, and drink a bottle of wine to boot.

Aiden (to Nathaniel): Well, I'm glad to hear it. I know it was only one night, but I have to say that I missed you. Are you hungry? I'm sure Mrs. Esterly has some dinner for us in the icebox. Oh? … That must have been some visit.

Nathaniel (to Aiden): Oh. Yeah. It was... shit. I can't do this.

Aiden (to Nathaniel): What is it, Nate? Can't do what?

Nathaniel (to Aiden): Pretend everything is fucking normal and OK. I'm sorry. It was Hiiri. She... She was planning on going back in time and killing my au--the Potters, right? She did it.

Aiden (to Nathaniel): … What are you talking about, Nate? Hiiri was destroyed three years ago in an explosion. 

Nathaniel (to Aiden): Wait. What? No. That's not right... what?

Aiden (to Nathaniel): Everyone thought she had been destroyed years ago, but it seems she was in hiding. She was apparently mounting some sort of terrible plan & the reports say she was on a sailing vessel that exploded. Strangely, not far away from your aunt & uncle's airship. It was rumored that she was on her way to plant it on their ship & it malfunctioned. If it had been anyone else, it would have been a terrible tragedy.

Nathaniel (to Aiden): Oh my God... Zoe! You...you crazy, BRILLIANT fucking little... Listen. Please listen to me, OK? She DID plant that bomb three years ago. She planted it and it went off. She must have gone back and done it when Zoe and I were skipping back to Britannia. In that timeline, I never went to West Piedmont, because she broke me outta the asylum. I've been in CLANNG for the past 3 years, but I remembered! Cause we were skipping, Zoe and I remembered the way things were. We went back in time and stopped her... But everything is different now. Don't look at me like that. I'm NOT fucking crazy.

Aiden (to Nathaniel): … Nate, I don't think you're crazy. It's just a lot to take in.

Nathaniel (to Aiden): Shit. Yeah. I'd fucking imagine... Why the fuck did I say all that? Jesus. I can't seem to shut up around you in ANY reality.

Aiden (to Nathaniel): Heh… I'd like to think it's because of my brilliant smile.

Nathaniel (to Aiden): Heh. Wow... You DO have an amazing fucking smile. You're not freaked out?

Aiden (to Nathaniel): No, not at all. Why should I be? Clearly, whatever you & Zoe did fixed whatever Hiiri did or was going to do. There seems no real reason to freak out. Unless, you'd like me to, for dramatic effect. :-D

Nathaniel (to Aiden): Not really. I'd much rather be getting nekked. How bout you?

Aiden (to Nathaniel): Heh. I would like that quite a bit. C'mere.

Persephone (to Nathaniel & Aiden): Would you two please keep it down? Honestly, I cannot wait until you both go back to West Piedmont & I can have the house to myself.

Aiden (to Persephone & Nathaniel): I apologize profusely, my dear. I was just excited that Nate had returned from his visit to Zoe's parents. (to Nathaniel) Remind me again, why I agreed to let Persephone stay here? :-P

Persephone (to Aiden): I heard that… :-P

Nathaniel (to Persephone): Oh. Um, sorry, Seph. I didn't realize you were here.

Persephone (to Nathaniel & Aiden): Haha, very funny, Nate. You're the one who suggested that I stay here so that Mrs. Esterly wouldn't be alone and that I could act as caretaker for the house while I decide what I want to do.

Nathaniel (to Persephone): Oh. Um, yeah. Heh. Sorry.

Aiden (to Persephone & Nathaniel): Forgive him, Persephone. He's had a bit of a rough day. It probably just slipped his mind.

Persephone (to Nathaniel & Aiden): Heehee. It's okay. I'm gonna go help Mrs. Esterly tidy up the kitchen. Have fun, you two. ;-P

A moment later:

Nathaniel (to Aiden): Heh. That was something, wasn't it. NOW can I get you the fuck outta those clothes?

Aiden (to Nathaniel): Heh. I insist on it.

Nathaniel (to Aiden): Good. Here. Take this and follow me.

Aiden (to Nathaniel): Oh my.

Nathaniel (to Aiden): Heh. Bring that bottle of wine with you. :-p

Aiden (to Nathaniel): Of course. How could I refuse?

Nathaniel (to Aiden): Ha ha ha! You can't. Not in any reality, apparently. Heh. Shit, I fucking missed you...

Aiden (to Nathaniel): I missed you, too.

A Strange Old World, Day 1

At CLANNG Headquarters; New London, Britannia:

Nathaniel: What the fuck was THAT? Jesus Christ!

At Aiden's house; New London, Britannia:

Zoe: OW! What the fuck was that!?! ... Nate, are you okay? Nate? Where the heck are you?

Aiden (to Zoe): Miss? I don't know who you are or what you think you're doing here, but you have made a very big tactical mistake. My house is not so easily robbed. (to Mrs. Esterly) Mrs. Esterly? Check her for weapons, if you please.

Zoe (to Aiden): Haha, very funny, Aiden. It's me, Zoe... You really need to practice your jokes more. 

Mrs. Esterly (to Aiden): Of course, Master Aiden. (to Zoe) (to Mrs. Esterly): Be a good girl. I wouldn't want to have to hurt you, dear.

Aiden (to Zoe): I don't really do jokes... How do you know who I am?

Zoe (to Mrs. Esterly): Really? I can't believe you're going along with this, Mrs. Esterly. Bad jokes don't seem your style. 

Mrs. Esterly (to Zoe): They aren't dear. And if you know us as you claim, you know jokes aren't Master Aiden's style at all. You need to start talking and quickly, I think.

Zoe (to Aiden & Mrs. Esterly): … I'm Zoe Meriwether, your boyfriend's cousin. He's been staying with you for the last couple months because Hiiri ruined your lives on the other side... Mrs. Esterly is a whiz in the kitchen & with questions. Any of this ring a bell?

Mrs. Esterly (to Zoe): No. It doesn't. You need to tell us why you're really here.

Aiden (to Zoe): Are you crying? (to Mrs. Esterly) Is she crying?

Zoe (to Mrs. Esterly & Aiden): Oh... Shit. She did it... She really fucking did it... Go ahead shoot me. What's the fucking point of anything? My parents are dead. Nate's gone to I don't know where. You're back to being all stodgy... I don't know where my brother is... I'm on my own.

Mrs. Esterly (to Aiden): Yes, dear. I believe that's what she's doing. (to Zoe) Come along into the kitchen, Zoe. Sit down. Good girl. No one is going to shoot you. (to Aiden) Master Aiden, please put your gun away and put the kettle on.

Aiden (to Mrs. Esterly): Yes, Mrs. Esterly.

Mrs. Esterly (to Zoe): Why don't you tell us exactly what's going on, dear? What happened to your parents?

Zoe (to Mrs. Esterly): I-- I think Hiiri killed them.

Aiden (to Zoe): Hiiri? As in the chief advisor to the director of CLANNG?

Zoe (to Aiden): ... Yes, I guess so.

Aiden (to Zoe & Mrs. Esterly): That's ridiculous. Ms. Meriwether & her husband died in an airship explosion over three years ago. It was ruled an accident.

Mrs. Esterly (to Zoe): Well that wouldn't really surprise me. They're a nasty sort. What do you mean you think your parents are dead?

Zoe (to Mrs. Esterly & Aiden): Well, if you & Aiden don't recognize me then it's already happened. Hiiri must have done it as I crossed over. That's why I'm not changed & I remember what it was supposed to be like... Oh my god! Victor!

Mrs. Esterly (to Zoe): Wait a moment, dear. You're not headed anywhere just yet. Not until Master Aiden and I understand. What did Hiiri do?

Zoe (to Mrs. Esterly & Aiden): ... Don't you get it!?! She went back in time & killed my parents, Vincent Potter & Poppy Meriwether.

Mrs. Esterly (to Zoe): Young lady, you sit your bottom down this instant. Now. You're quite upset, so I'll forgive you your tone, but, if this situation involves myself & Master Aiden as you say, then we need to understand. You will be calm.

Zoe (to Mrs. Esterly): I'm sorry... I just lost everything... I'm sorry.

Mrs. Esterly (to Zoe): Oh, sweetie. Have a biscuit. I understand. I very much do, but now is not the time for hysterics. Master Aiden is right, you know. Their deaths were ruled an accident three years ago. And more to the point, as far as I know, the Potters only had a son. What was his name, Master Aiden?

Aiden (to Mrs. Esterly & Zoe): That would be Victor Harrison Potter… Last I heard he was hanging about the Longfellow Inn doing odd jobs. But that was some time ago. He could be anywhere by now.

Zoe (to Mrs. Esterly & Aiden): I was adopted by them a year ago... I mean, I would have been.

Mrs. Esterly (to Zoe): You have to know this sounds all a bit far-fetched, dear. Isn't if far more likely you've had a shock of some kind, and you've concocted this whole elaborate story?

Zoe (to Mrs. Esterly & Aiden): ... Aiden had a younger brother named Theodore who was killed when he was eight. Aiden still blames himself. As does your father Lord Wilkes to some extent. You have an older brother Roland, who Mrs. Esterly thinks is an ass.

Aiden (to Zoe): How do you know that?

Mrs. Esterly (to Zoe & Aiden): Oh my...

Zoe (to Aiden & Mrs. Esterly): Because... Where I came from, you're dating my cousin, who tells me everything... Thank you for the tea & for not shooting me. But, I really need to find my brother & see if I can fix all this.

Aiden (to Zoe): ... Miss Zoe? If what you're saying is true. You're not going to be able to do this on your own.

Zoe (to Aiden): It seems I don't have much of a choice.

Mrs. Esterly (to Zoe): Don't be ridiculous, dear. If you know us, you know we're not about to let you go wandering off on your own. (to Aiden) Master Aiden, please take Zoe down to the Longfellow Inn. See if you can track down Victor. I'm going to go visit with an old friend. If Hiiri did indeed murder Poppy Meriwether, she'll want to know.

Aiden (to Mrs. Esterly): Of course, Mrs Esterly. (to Zoe) Come along, Miss Zoe.

Zoe (to Mrs. Esterly & Aiden): Oh, um, thank you.

Mrs. Esterly (to Zoe): Of course, dear. (to Aiden) Go ahead and get your coat, Master Aiden. I want to ask Zoe something in private.

Zoe (to Mrs. Esterly): I'm not crazy. Honest.

Mrs. Esterly (to Zoe): No, dear. You seem quite lucid. That's not what I was going to ask. What you knew about Master Aiden... You said you learned it from your cousin?

Zoe (to Mrs. Esterly): Yes, my cousin, Nate.

Mrs. Esterly (to Zoe): Nate, you say? Hee hee. Well, I can't say that's a surprise. Were they happy together?

Zoe (to Mrs. Esterly): Yes, I think so. They certainly seemed like it. They were always smiling and touching. Heh. They had even moved into together.

Mrs. Esterly (to Zoe): Had they? Good heavens. I can't imagine Master Aiden acting like that, which is a bloody shame. Shoo now. I won't keep you.

Zoe (to Mrs. Esterly): Thank you.

Meanwhile, at CLANNG Headquarters; New London, Britannia:

Hiiri: Where on earth has that boy gotten off to? He's going to be late for his debriefing with Carver & Parliament.

A few minutes later:

Hiiri (to Nathaniel): Nathaniel? Where the bloody hell have you been? Carver has been waiting for you.

Nathaniel (to Hiiri): I'm sorry, ma'am! I kinda passed out. I don't know what happened. I just woke up on the floor outside the armory. Director Carver isn't too angry, is he? Like, gut me in the board room, angry?

Hiiri (to Nathaniel): Not, if you hurry... you weren't gambling again, were you?

Nathaniel (to Hiiri): Heh. Not this week, ma'am. I haven't got anything left to gamble with right now, do I? I think I overdid it with the training last night. My damn head is killing me.

Hiiri (to Nathaniel): Get some aspirin into yourself & then get to Carver's office. I'll send up Starling to let him know you're on your way. How are we ever going to teach you the ropes if you keep missing meetings?

Nathaniel (to Hiiri): Yes, ma'am. I keep telling you I'm too dumb to get this shit. Goes right the hell over my head.

Hiiri (to Nathaniel): Yes... That country bumpkin act may work on other people, Nathaniel. But, you are sadly barking up the wrong tree.

Nathaniel (to Hiiri): ... Yes, ma'am. Let Director Carver know I'll be right there, and that I'm sorry he had to wait.

Hiiri (to Nathaniel): I will.

Nathaniel: Jesus... I am gonna fucking die in this place.

An hour or so later, at the Longfellow Inn; New London, Britannia:

Aiden (to Zoe): I'll wait for you out here, Miss Zoe.

Zoe (to Aiden): Oh... okay. You sure you don't want to come in? I'm sure Perse-- won't know who you are-- nevermind.

A moment later, in the back garden:

Victor (to Persephone): Yeah? Is there something you need, or do you have something else gross that Uncle Bernard wants cleaned?

Persephone (to Victor): I think that's it... You should probably hose yourself off. You smell like a pig sty.

Zoe (to Victor): Oh my god! Victor, you're okay! I'm so glad to see you! (to Persephone) And, Persephone, you're here, too! I'm glad to see you, too.

Persephone (to Zoe): Do I know you?

Victor (to Zoe): Uhhh... (to Persephone) Hey! Don't look at me! I don't know her either. (to Zoe) I'm sorry, love. I don't quite remember your name. And you'll want to back up. I'm a bit on the foul side.

Persephone (to Zoe): If you're one of his girlfriends I'm sorry to say he never remembers any of your names. I hope he didn't tell you that you were special... Though, you don't look like his normal type.

Zoe (to Persephone): I'm not a bloody girlfriend! I'm his sister... Or at least, I used to be... I'm sorry. I don't know what I was expecting to happen here... I just wanted to see my big brother.

Persephone (to Zoe): HAHAHA! That's a new one on me.

Victor (to Zoe): I don't know what kind of scam you're trying to run here, but I don't have a sister. Plus, I hate to be the one to shatter your illusions, but lordship isn't all it's cracked up to be. Take a deep whiff if you don't believe me. I've been mucking out chicken coops all day, so I'm afraid that I don't have any grand inheritance to share with a "long lost little sister."

Zoe (to Victor & Persephone): I'm not after your inheritance, you big ninny! I'm here to stop Hiiri from killing our parents or at least, fix what she already did... You're supposed to be captaining an airship with your fiancee right now & Seph you were helping out at the inn while your mom was busy with the new baby... I know it sounds crazy, but it's true! I'm Zoe Meriwether, Mom & Dad adopted me a year ago... I was crossing over with our cousin when Hiiri changed the timeline.

Persephone (to Zoe & Victor): ... Wow. That's quite a story. Victor, did you get drunk and natter on again?

Victor (to Persephone & Zoe): ... Who can bloody well remember? You look SO familiar. Tell us the truth! How do I know you?

Zoe: ... God. I'm really going to regret this... Deep breath. (to Victor & Persephone) I'm one of your Aunt Emma's clones that Hiiri made I was considered defective so Maladori didn't bother to complete my maturation process. In this timeline, I could be anywhere... Still in the stasis pod in Siberia, working for Hiiri or dead, for all I know. Look, Hiiri killed ou-- your parents, I can't prove it, yet but it's true.

Victor (to Zoe & Persephone): ...I don't doubt for a second Hiiri killed my parents, but even if she did... What the fuck am I supposed to do about it?

Zoe (to Victor & Persephone): Fine. You know what!?! You stay here & keep wallowing & feeling sorry for yourself. I'm going to try & fix it with or without your help. I'll just do something stupid that's what we Potters are good at. Besides, if I fuck it up, it can't be any worse than it is now.

Persephone (to Zoe): Wait! You can't be serious... Grunt! (to Victor) She's going to get herself killed.

Victor (to Persephone): I know. I KNOW! (to Zoe) Wait a minute, will you? You can't go up against Hiiri. She has all of CLANNG AND half the bloody Empire in her pocket. What are you hoping to do?

Zoe (to Victor & Persephone): I don't know... I need to go back and stop her from killing our parents. I just don't know when she did. If she made it look like an accident, she could have set the bomb at anytime... You once went back and stopped Hiiri from killing Seph's parents, do you remember doing that?

Victor (to Zoe): I... I did WHAT?

Zoe (to Victor): ... Oh... Well, you were a different Victor then... You were following in dad's footsteps. Heh. you even had a spy for a girlfriend... God, everything is going to be different over here... Um, when was the last time you saw Mars?

Victor (to Zoe): ... Not since a little while after Mom and Dad died. Aunt Emma wanted me to live with her, but it was too bloody confusing. You really ARE from an alternate timeline aren't you? I haven't opened a portal in... That isn't how you got here, is it?!?

Zoe (to Victor): Yeah, I'm a skipper like you... Do you mean, to the inn or in this timeline? Cuz, I walked over with Aiden. He & Mrs. Esterly were nice enough to offer to help me find you.

Victor (to Zoe): ANYWHERE. Bloody hell! CLANNG tracks all portals opened within the confines of the Empire. Director Carver will be sending Hiiri's little "pet" over to ask questions soon enough. I should make myself scarce... Who's this Aiden who escorted you?

Zoe (to Victor): ... Oh, shit. No wonder Mrs. Esterly was so insistent about Aiden going with me. He's Lord Wilkes, the youngest. In my time, he was dating our cousin... who you probably haven't met yet. And, I should probably not tell you about, just to be on the safe side. He's out front. Or at least, he was. 

Victor (to Zoe): THAT Aiden? Ha! Now I know you're lying. Little Lord Wilkes is a few gears short of being an automaton. (to Persephone) I'm going and taking my "little sister" with me. Tell Uncle Bernard and Aunt Molly I'll be back in a couple of days when the coast is clear. Probably.

Persephone (to Victor): Heh. Okay... Don't get yourself into too much trouble. If Francesca comes by, what should I tell her?

Victor (to Persephone): Tell her the truth. I've run off for a few days with some other girl. ;-P

Persephone (to Victor): Heehee... I can't wait to see the look on her face. It's going to be so moo.

Zoe (to Victor): Um... Where are we going?

Victor (to Zoe): We're going to my mother's house in the Tombs. Now that CLANNG's "respectable" they don't bother with us riff raff as much.

Zoe (to Victor): Oh... (to Aiden) Thank you for the assistance, your lordship. You'll probably want to get back home.

Aiden (to Zoe): <yawn> Of course, Miss Zoe... I'm sure Mrs. Esterly would thrash me soundly if I did not tell you to check in with us in a few days.

Zoe (to Aiden): Oh, right... I will.

Victor (to Aiden): My apologies, Wilkes. We seem to be keeping you awake.

Aiden (to Victor & Zoe): I just got back from abroad. Good day to you both.

A moment later:

Zoe (to Victor): Gosh, I even miss our Aiden... He's stuffy but, not that stuffy... Shit! Colin! I almost forgot... This timeline sucks.

Victor (to Zoe): I refuse to believe there's a timeline in which Wilkes DOESN'T have a very large stick stuck up his arse. 

Zoe (to Victor): Heehee, oh don't worry, he did when I first met him.

Victor (to Zoe): He was the one who finalized the report that said my parents died in an accident. He told me this when he tried to tap me for the ISS. He advised me that I was holding onto a grudge for no reason, and needed to think of my future. Stuck up bastard.

Zoe (to Victor): ... Oh. I'm sorry. I didn't know. If it makes you feel better, I know all sorts of embarrassing things about him. :-\

Victor (to Zoe): Heh. The more you say shit like that, the more I think you've got to be running the greatest con I've ever seen. This way.

Zoe (to Victor): I wish I could prove to you that I'm telling the truth... I just want things back to normal. We were going to have a new baby brother... Who I guess won't exist now... Shit... I promised myself I wasn't going think about this stuff.

Victor (to Zoe): Are you seriously trying to sell me on the idea that my parents were gonna have another baby?

Zoe (to Victor): I'm not trying to sell you on anything... His name was going to be Lucas Potter. Mom & Dad were in discussion about the middle name. Mom had been teasing him about making it Walker. Heh. When I asked them to come up with a new name for me, you teased them about going for the sci-fi names.

Victor (to Zoe): ... I believe you. Which might make me a moron, but... You mentioned I could skip in time. No one, NO ONE, knows that. Not even Seph knows that. I haven't done it in YEARS.

Zoe (to Victor): ... Thank you. So, uh, this is where you live? This is… Nice… How come you don't stay in the bunker?

Victor (to Zoe): The bunker? Mom reinforced a couple of rum running tunnels, but I wouldn't call it a bunker.

Zoe (to Victor): Heehee, well then I have something to show you. There's a secret door. She told me she had them built a long time ago. I'm hoping that they're here, anyway.

Victor (to Zoe): What the hell are you... Holy shit!

Zoe (to Victor): Heehee, there should be food & living quarters down here… At least, in theory.

Victor (to Zoe): Wow. How long has Mom been working on this? This is...

Zoe (to Victor): Amazing?

Victor (to Zoe): Yeah. Exactly. Heh. It's been three years, and I'm still finding stuff from them...

Zoe (to Victor): Heh. That sounds about right... So, tell me about yourself.

Victor (to Zoe): Oh no. You already know all about me, minus three fucking years or so. Tell me about you. What's your life like? In your time, are Mom and Dad still enormous pains in the arse?

Zoe (to Victor): Well yeah, of course... Um, I lived with Mom & Dad in west piedmont. I'm a junior in high school... I don't really know what else you want to know.

Victor (to Zoe): Shit. Heh. I don't know... Who's Colin?

Zoe (to Victor): Oh, He's my boyfriend... Or I guess, he was.

Victor (to Zoe): Wait right here...

A couple minutes later:

Victor (to Zoe): Here. It tastes like arse, and you'll probably feel like you're about to go blind, but it does the job.

Zoe (to Victor): Heh. Is this Uncle Bernard's hooch?

Victor (to Zoe): ... Heh. Yeah. It is SO strange having you know this kind of thing. So. I'm guessing you have questions too. Go on!

Zoe (to Victor): Gah! This stuff is as bad as I remember... At least, somethings don't change... Oh, um, have you been staying with Seph's family this whole time or have you traveled? How come you're not off pirating?

Victor (to Zoe): Heh. It's tough to be a pirate without money or a ship, you know. I tried joining a few crews, but it didn't really work out. Turns out I have opinions on how shit should be done, and that doesn't always go over so well with the captain. I stay at the Inn as much as I can, but that's getting to be less and less these days...

Zoe (to Victor): Oh? Why is that? ... Cuz of the women?

Victor (to Zoe): No, of course not! That's only 1/3... No, 2/3 of the problem at the most.

Zoe (to Victor): Heehee... So, what's the real reason, then?

Victor (to Zoe): CLANNG knows I'm a skipper. They're SALIVATING to catch me violating a law or ordinance so they can get their hands on me.

Zoe (to Victor): ... That doesn't surprise me.

Victor (to Zoe): They don't need that kinda trouble at the Inn.

Zoe (to Victor): I suppose they don't... I'm going to see if I can find a crash space down here, if that's alright with you... I'm sleepy.

Victor (to Zoe): Suit yourself. I'm not sleeping in this hole if I can help it.

Meanwhile, at Aiden's house; New London, Britannia:

Nathaniel (to Mrs. Esterly): Good evening, ma'am. I'm awfully sorry to disturb you so late, but we had a report that a portal was opened in this vicinity.

Aiden (to Mrs. Esterly): Mrs. Esterly, is there any wine left? ... Oh, I beg your pardon.

Nathaniel (to Aiden): Aiden? I... I mean, have we... Don't I... Do I know you?

Mrs. Esterly (to Aiden): Oh no, dear. I was just about to explain to this young man, he must have had a faulty reading.

Aiden (to Nathaniel): ... I'm sorry, I don't think so. (to Mrs. Esterly) Quite right. We don't make a habit of opening portals in our domicile.

Nathaniel (to Aiden): Oh! Oh. Yes... Of course. I'm... Excuse me. (to Mrs. Esterly) What did you say, ma'am?

Mrs. Esterly (to Nathaniel): Hee hee. I believe Master Wilkes already explained everything better than I ever could, dear.

Aiden (to Nathaniel): You know, if you're going to keep staring at a gentleman like that, someone might get the wrong idea...

Nathaniel (to Aiden): What kinda idea would that be, Lord Wilkes? Cause I got plenty of ideas. Fact that they're wrong is what makes 'em fun.

Aiden (to Nathaniel): ... I am not quite sure what you're referring to, sir. I do believe my family has immunity from these sort of intrusions or does being the son of the director of ISS now mean absolutely nothing?

Nathaniel (to Aiden): Now, now. I ain't intruding. I'm following up on a lead. Just doing my job. We all gotta do our part, right? And it's a crying shame you don't know what I mean... Night!

Aiden (to Nathaniel): ... I know exactly what you mean, however there's a lady present... Good day, sir.

Nathaniel (to Aiden): As you wish…

A moment later:

Nathaniel: Am I fucking Wesley? Why the hell did I say that?