Back in the Future, Day 122

At Aiden's house; New London, Britannia:

Mrs. Esterly (to Nathaniel): Good morning, Nathaniel. Would you like a cup of tea or coffee?

Nathaniel (to Mrs. Esterly): Just coffee's fine. Thank you, ma'am. What are you making?

Mrs. Esterly (to Nathaniel): It's called a Clootie Dumpling. It's a steamed spice cake, dear. I'm visiting an old friend to help her with a problem, and I thought I'd bring along something sweet. Would you like me to show you how to make it when I get back?

Nathaniel (to Mrs. Esterly): Oh. Um... Heh. Yeah. Sorry. I'm that obvious, huh?

Mrs. Esterly (to Nathaniel): Hee hee hee. Just a bit. There's no need for an apology, dear. It's not a bother. If it was, I wouldn't have offered to show you. Now, I'm off. You and Master Aiden may need to fetch your own tea today, I'm afraid.

Nathaniel (to Mrs. Esterly): Heh. I think we can manage.

Mrs. Esterly (to Nathaniel): Hee hee. With you in the house, I have nary a doubt. If it were Master Aiden alone, I'd leave him something cold. Be good!

Nathaniel (to Mrs. Esterly): Yeah. You too.

Mrs. Esterly (to Nathaniel): Hee hee hee! I do try, but I'm not sure I can promise that, dear.

A short time later, at Ms. Dvorak's house; New London, Britannia:

Sylvester (to Ms. Dvorak): Please let me go, ma'am. I can't tell you anything I don't know.

Ms. Dvorak (to Sylvester): Well, we'll just have to agree to disagree, dear. Now, if you'll excuse me, I hear the doorbell. (to Mrs. Esterly) Hello dear! Come in, come in. Would you like something to drink?

Mrs. Esterly (to Ms. Dvorak): Oh yes. A spot of tea would be lovely. I do hope I'm not calling too early.

Ms. Dvorak (to Mrs. Esterly): Oh, not at all. I was just checking on our guest. He's still being quite obstinate.

Mrs. Esterly (to Ms. Dvorak): Oh, you know how boys can be. Especially when it's a woman involved. They have no sort of manners at all these days. Would you like me to go and speak to him?

Ms. Dvorak (to Mrs. Esterly): Here's your tea, dear. I've got him down in the cellar, it's the door to your left. Whenever you're ready.

Mrs. Esterly (to Ms. Dvorak): Of course. Let me just get the tray situated. Do you want to come watch, darling?

Ms. Dvorak (to Mrs. Esterly): No, I think it will be better if I stay up here. You always do your best work alone, sugar.

Mrs. Esterly (to Ms. Dvorak): Hee hee hee. That is very true. Here you are. Have some dumpling while I go have a chat with your young guest.

A few minutes later:

Mrs. Esterly (to Sylvester): Oh my. Here's where she has you. There's not much light in here, is there, dear? Are you hungry? I've brought some tea.

Sylvester (to Mrs. Esterly): What? Who? ... Is this some kind of trick?

Mrs. Esterly (to Sylvester): No, dear. It's a dumpling. Are you sure you're not hungry? You look like you could use a few good meals. I'm Mrs. Esterly.

Sylvester (to Mrs. Esterly): Sylvester Kingsley, ma'am... And yes, I am a little hungry.

Mrs. Esterly (to Sylvester): Hee hee hee. I thought so. And even if you're not, there's always room for something sweet, isn't there? Oh, and at your age you can eat whatever you like, can't you? You wouldn't believe it to look, but I was the same once. Hee hee. Here you are Mr. Kingsley. Would you like a cuppa? Oh, dear! You can't eat properly with those shackles, can you? I'll get those for you. Hee hee. Don't tell Margaux. ;-) Now, why has she got a polite young man like you down here?

Sylvester (to Mrs. Esterly): No... Oh well, thank you. She seems to think I can tell her about my employ-- former employer. But, I can't.

Mrs. Esterly (to Sylvester): Oh, of course, dear! Sworn to secrecy and all that. Would you like a scone? I get them at this charming little inn. Very fine.

Sylvester (to Mrs. Esterly): Oh, thank you... It looks like one of Miss Persephone's scones.

Mrs. Esterly (to Sylvester): Oh? Is she the blond girl who runs the inn? Do you know her? What a pretty thing she is!

Sylvester (to Mrs. Esterly): Yes, I know her and she is quite pretty.

Mrs. Esterly (to Sylvester): Hee hee. Trust a young man to notice. ...Or is she not exactly your type, dear? Hee hee hee! Don't looks so scandalized. Every old person was young once. Though some of them hardly seem the type, do they?

Sylvester (to Mrs. Esterly): It's hard to imagine Director Carver ever was a chil-- Um, damn. Sorry, ma'am.

Mrs. Esterly (to Sylvester): Hee hee. I've hear saltier language in my time, dear. Have a little more jam. Director Carver... Why does that name ring a bell? Oh! I've read about him in the papers, haven't I? He died in some sort of explosion with a rebel factor or some such thing. Hee hee. Never had much of a mind for politics. That was Mr. Esterly. I find it much too distressing. I think I remember now. He was a nasty sort, wasn't he?

Sylvester (to Mrs. Esterly):  Very much so... His boss was much worse, though. 

Mrs. Esterly (to Sylvester): Good heavens! Worse than that?

Sylvester (to Mrs. Esterly): Yes... I'm sorry I really shouldn't be talking about this sort of thing.

Mrs. Esterly (to Sylvester): Wait a moment. He was the Director. Hee hee. He didn't have a boss, dear. You must be mistaken. Oh, don't fret, dear. It's just us.

A little while later:

Mrs. Esterly (to Sylvester): Oh, Sylvester! Whatever is the matter? You look quite distressed. Are you alright?

Sylvester (to Mrs. Esterly): ... Mrs. Esterly, before I left CLANNG I overheard Hiiri talking to a skipper named Delacroix about getting 4 "fresh skippers". It can mean only one thing... She's going to use the machine.

Mrs. Esterly (to Sylvester): Good heavens! That sounds dreadful. Whatever is "The Machine," dear?

Sylvester (to Mrs. Esterly): It's this horrific device that Maladori created to help Hiiri go back in time. It drains the skipping ability, possibly forever... I think she's planning to go back in time and do something. But, I don't know what... Only Maladori, Hiiri or Starling know for sure.

Mrs. Esterly (to Sylvester): Sylvester, you're shaking. Here. Have another cup of tea, and put my shawl over your shoulders, dear. Sugar, dear. Is it too sweet? If you would like something a little stronger... Now, don't tell anyone, but I have a flask in my handbag.

Sylvester (to Mrs. Esterly): Excuse me, ma'am... but what was in that tea? I shouldn't have told you all of that. Hell, I shouldn't have come back to the city but I was hoping a young lady would be happier to see me than she was.

Mrs. Esterly (to Sylvester): Well, I've always found good food and good company makes people a bit more chatty than they might otherwise be. Have a nip, dear.

Sylvester (to Mrs. Esterly): Thank you.

Mrs. Esterly (to Sylvester): You'll forgive an old lady for being frank. You seem like a very nice young man, Sylvester. Ambitious, but that's not always a bad thing, is it? I do hope you're done running about with the likes of these people. You are done, aren't you, dear?

Sylvester (to Mrs. Esterly): Yes, I am, ma'am... I was thinking of getting a position on an airship or sailing vessel.

Mrs. Esterly (to Sylvester): Well, good. I'm very glad to hear it. Here. Have another sip. You look like you could use it, dear. Now, if you'll excuse me, I should really get home and start supper for my young master. Keep the rest of the dumpling for yourself. No, no. I insist.

Sylvester (to Mrs. Esterly): Thank you, ma'am.

Mrs. Esterly (to Sylvester): Goodbye, Sylvester. I'll talk to Margaux, and ask her to let you out of this dreary place.

Sylvester (to Mrs. Esterly): You're probably right. Thank you.

Mrs. Esterly (to Sylvester): You're welcome. You should go by ship when you leave, dear. They'll be watching the airships, I should think.

A moment later:

Mrs. Esterly (to Ms. Dvorak): Margaux? You can release your guest back to the wilds, dear. I have quite a lot to tell you. Hee hee hee. Poor boy thought I'd drugged the tea.

Ms. Dvorak (to Mrs. Esterly): Heehee, did you actually have to drug him? Or was he simply won over by your charms?

Mrs. Esterly (to Ms. Dvorak): Oh no. I didn't need to. Though I did give him a couple of nips from my flask, so he should be taking a nap shortly.

Ms. Dvorak (to Mrs. Esterly): Good, I'll have a few local boys come round and put him somewhere safe until he wakes up. (to Walter & Fred) WALTER! FRED! I have a job for you!

A short time later:

Mrs. Esterly (to Ms. Dvorak): Hee hee. You always did like having a few young lads hanging about, didn't you?

Ms. Dvorak (to Mrs. Esterly): Heh. They often come in handy, don't you think? So, now that they've carried our young guest off. What can you tell me?

Mrs. Esterly (to Ms. Dvorak): I think we're going to need a bottle of wine and a pile of your case files for this, dear.

Ms. Dvorak (to Mrs. Esterly): Oh? I've got a nice Bordeaux perfect for the occasion. Which case files do I need to grab, dear?

Mrs. Esterly (to Ms. Dvorak): Hiiri was controlling Carver, as you suspected, and found some way to harness the abilities of skippers, to open a portal in time, from the sounds of it. We should try to find out who she's rounding up, don't you think?

Ms. Dvorak (to Mrs. Esterly): Oh, quite right... Did he say who's doing the rounding up?

Mrs. Esterly (to Ms. Dvorak): A skipper named Delacroix. French, I would imagine.

Ms. Dvorak (to Mrs. Esterly): Hmmm... I swear, dear, as much as I enjoy being right. I'd really like to kick that Wilkes idiot in the teeth for going along with the whole CLANNG thing in the first place. I warned him about Hiiri being a sneaky bugger, but he wouldn't listen.

Mrs. Esterly (to Ms. Dvorak): The men of England. They never do, do they, dear? Then it's always up to us to clean up their ruddy messes.

Ms. Dvorak (to Mrs. Esterly): To true... Well, here's the first stack of files. Let's start digging.

Several hours later, the Old Piedmont Inn, West Piedmont:

Fiona: Oh bloody... Don't go in there you daft git! It's a fucking miracle any of these women survived long enough to grow tits & get slaughtered! (to Winchester) You don't have to stay with me and watch this ridiculous clap, Chess. Or has the doctor bribed you to make sure I behave?

Winchester (to Fiona): ... I may have been bribed a bit. But honestly, I've been enjoying these terrible movies.

Fiona: Oh for... Don't just stand there you, s e Luid a th'annad! Kick him in his teeth! You've got those bloody ridiculous shoes! (to Winchester) I can't believe you like this tripe. They're like penny dreadfuls set to some kind of screeching that passed for music.

Winchester (to Fiona): Heh. Honestly, I just like the scantily clad women.

Fiona (to Winchester): Ha ha... Gonadh... At some bloody point I will remember it hurts like fucking bloody hell to laugh. Keep smirking like that, and I'll give you a matching scar when I'm able to get up and about.

Winchester (to Fiona): Heh. You're welcome to try, firebug... So, did you hear the good news?

Fiona (to Winchester): What's that, then? The doctor felt I'd be best suited spending all of yesterday drooling all over myself.

Winchester (to Fiona): We can go home... When you're better.

Fiona (to Winchester): Can we now? Blacklist has been rescinded, has it? Heh... Bet that old walrus Wilkes hated that. Most of our lot's gone back, haven't they? Thought it seemed a bit quiet around here.

Winchester (to Fiona): Quite a few have. The doc is thinking about staying here. And, I thought you could use the company while you're recuperating.

Fiona (to Winchester): Didn't think I could be trusted on my own, did you? You're quite right, of course... I'll tell you true, Fox... I don't know that I'll be going back either.

Winchester (to Fiona): Oh? Why not? You like it here?

Fiona (to Winchester): Can't say that I'm any fonder of this place than others I've been, but it's not as though I've got anything waiting for me.

Winchester (to Fiona): ... Oh.

Fiona (to Winchester): Don't make that face at me, Fox. Can't speak for you, but I can't go back to the ISS. I'll expect every assignment to be to get me and the inconvenient reminder I'll no doubt be to the high muckety mucks out of the way. I've got no family to speak of. The crown will have seized anything worth seizing when I was declared a traitor... That's not a lot of options left to me.

Winchester (to Fiona): ... I've got a house in London that's not on the books, if you're interested. Don't make a face. No strings attached.

Fiona (to Winchester): ... What? Move into your house? Heh... As what? Your maid? If you want to scandalize the neighbors there are easier ways.

Winchester (to Fiona): ... I'm sorry I bloody offered. Nevermind... I wonder if Fifi would be willing to stay & keep me company?

Fiona (to Winchester): Fifi? Is that a bloody person or a poodle? Heh... ouch. Why are you so hot under the collar about this, Fox? You really want me beholden to you? It won't end well. It may not seem it, but I like you too much to do that to you.

Winchester (to Fiona): That is not what I'm trying to do, you great big git! ... Enjoy your bloody movie!

Fiona (to Winchester): Christ Almighty's uncircumcised cock! What the fuck is shoved up your arse?

Winchester (to Fiona): Why the bloody hell do you think there has to be a catch with everything?

Fiona (to Winchester): Ha... oh. When did you get hit in the head, Chess? Have you forgotten who you're talking to? There's usually a catch, isn't there? 

Winchester (to Fiona): Fine... I wash my hands of the whole thing. You can lie here feeling sorry for yourself & I'll go home.

Fiona (to Winchester): But... if you wouldn't mind housing me for a while... Only until I get myself situated, you understand.

Winchester (to Fiona): Of course. Now, drink your medicine... And, don't tell Hari that I brought this to you.

Fiona (to Winchester): Oh! Ignore everything I've ever said about you. You are a saint!

Meanwhile, at Mouse & Eep's house, West Piedmont:

Gabriel: ... MY LITTLE CHINA GHOUL... OH BUNNY JUST YOU SHUSH YOUR MOUSE!

Mouse (to Gabriel): Gabe sweetie, what are you doing in here?

Eep (to Gabriel): Gabe... Why are you wearing your mom's kimono? And her underwear? On your head?

Gabriel (to Mouse): ... Listenin' ta music? Dancing? I haven't brokes anything. Today. (to Eep) ... Well how else am I goin' ta be tha china ghoul in the song, dad?

Eep (to Gabriel): I have no idea how to answer that. Ask before you borrow your mom's clothes.

Mouse (to Gabriel): The song is called China Girl... Though, I suspect you knew that already, you little weirdo. :-p

Gabriel (to Mouse): He's saying girl!?!

Mouse (to Gabriel & Eep): Heehee, hold still. I want a picture so I can scar you later in life. :-p

Gabriel (to Eep & Mouse): Like a pirate scar!?! Can I get the cat for the picture too!?! He makes the BESTEST grumpy pirate face!

Eep (to Gabriel): That's fine with me if it's OK with Otto. You know he's a grumpy old man.

Gabriel (to Eep): I'll go gets him! (to Otto) COME ON OTTOS! It's picture time! 'Member that face? That pirates one? We's doin' THAT!

Eep (to Gabriel): Be careful! (to Mouse) He is SO your son. :-P

Otto: MROUCH! Rrrr...

Mouse (to Eep): Well yes, and the delivery man... I meant to tell you about that sooner. :-p (to Otto) Sorry, old man... You're the best cat? No, I really mean it. Don't look at me like that.

Otto: Fsssss! Ssssns a bitchssss...

Eep (to Mouse): Heh. As long as we can start charging him child support, I'm cool with it. (to Otto) You know you love that kid, you grumpy old bastard. Play along.

Mouse (to Eep): Really? Damn, if I had known you were going to be so easy going about this, I would have been way trampier. :-p

Gabriel (to Mouse & Eep): ... trampier, mom? Likes... a hobo? Like in Lady and the Tramp?

Mouse (to Gabriel & Eep): ... Yes?

Eep (to Gabriel & Mouse): Yes. Your mother used to be a hobo.

Gabriel (to Mouse & Eep): Cool! Were you a hobo cause you really liked trains and also hated baths when you were littler? Like I did? ... does that mean I can bes a hobo when school let's out for summer?

Eep (to Gabriel): No. Not until you're at least 16.

Gabriel (to Eep): Awww... but I'll be OLD by then!

Mouse (to Eep & Gabriel): What? I thought we were going to make him get a job this summer. Now, who am I going to get to vacuum?

Gabriel (to Mouse & Eep): Uhh.... mars? Otto? Dad?.... not me...

Mouse (to Eep): Hmmm... I don't know. Hobos are known for their vacuuming skills. (to Otto) Picture has been taken you can retire back to your pillow, Mister Grumpy Cat. (to Gabriel) Speaking of retiring, isn't it bedtime for you, Mister Pirate Hobo?

Gabriel (to Mouse & Eep): NeberMIND then! I'll be uh.... pirate-cowboy then.

Otto: Fffffssst!

Eep (to Gabriel): Heh. Alright. How bout you let Otto go back to taking a nap? I think he's had enough.

Gabriel (to Eep): Okay Dad! (to Otto) Loves you, grumpy Otto!

Otto (to Gabriel): Prrrrrrrow! (to Eep & Mouse) Mrow! Mrrruna.

Eep (to Otto): Heh. Alright, you pain. I'll get you some tuna. (to Gabriel) Come on, Goober. I'll tuck you in. (to Mouse) See you in a bit.

Gabriel (to Eep): but.. but... I'm no.. *yawn*..t. sleepy dad..

Eep (to Gabriel): Yeah. You look bright-eyed and bushy tailed. Come on. Tomorrow is Saturday. We can watch some Godzilla movies. 

Mouse (to Gabriel): Give your mother a good night kiss.

A short time later:

Mouse (to Eep): Heh. Kid all tucked in? 

Eep (to Mouse): Yep.

Mouse (to Eep): And this is why I haven't run off with the delivery man. ;-)

Eep (to Mouse): Heh heh. Glad to know that the delivery man isn't a push over. :-P

Mouse (to Eep): He wishes he could be all up on this... I need to stop drinking this beer.

Eep (to Mouse): Heh. Yeah? You sure you don't want another one?

Mouse (to Eep): Heh. Only if you want to deal with the consequences.

Eep (to Mouse): Would that be getting all up on that?

Mouse (to Eep): ... You totes want me to say yes. I can tell.

Eep (to Mouse): Heh. Isn't the answer *always* yes?

Mouse (to Eep): Heehee, yes.

Eep (to Mouse): Heh. Glad to hear it.

Back in the Future, Day 121

At the Old Piedmont Inn, West Piedmont:

Fiona: Mo chreach! Bloody, fucking, cunting hells...Ouch. No moving quite yet. Bloody body na Galla!

Ariadne (to Fiona): DUDE! What the hell did you do to yourself? You have a 12 inch incision across your gut. Are you insane? Don't make me keep you drugged up until you're better!

Fiona (to Ariadne): Heh... Ouch. Oh fuck me... You might have to, Doctor. Sorry. I'm not very good at laying down with naught to do.

Ariadne (to Fiona): I know it's tough, Fiona, but it's a pretty bad injury. Would you like a book, a crossword magazine or I could bring in a TV?

Fiona (to Ariadne): Well, that would be all fine and good if I could read, Doc.

Ariadne (to Fiona): Wait. What? Are you pulling my leg? ... How do you write the reports if you can't read?

Fiona (to Ariadne): Heh... Rach-air-muin... I've got to stop bloody doing that... You're too quick for me, Wisp. I can read well enough. Chess tried to bring me some magazines from around here... Couldn't understand a damned word in them. Or who was in them. Or rightly why I should care. New time, new place, same boring gossip.

Ariadne (to Fiona): Well then, television it is... I'll bring you some old movies to watch, if you'd like.

Fiona (to Ariadne): Whatever you think won't make me want to shoot the screen or myself, Doc. Promise I'll think harder about staying still.

Ariadne (to Fiona): I'll see what can I do.

Fiona (to Ariadne): Thank you, I... What was I saying? You... you, leam-leat! You upped my dosage on me didn't you? ... Good show, doctor...

Ariadne (to Fiona): Heh. Sorry.

A short time later, at Marlena's apartment, West Piedmont:

Aiden, on the phone (to Yukiko): Kobayashi, do you read me?

Yukiko (to Aiden): ... Yes, Wilkes, I do. What can I do for you?

Aiden (to Yukiko): Could you get word to the Inn that the blacklist has been revoked? Anyone who wants to can return to the empire.

Yukiko (to Aiden): Really!?! That's wonderful to hear.

Aiden (to Yukiko): I certainly thought so. Also, if you & Victor are interested, there's a guest room at my home with your name on it.

Yukiko (to Aiden): Thank you, I'll mention it to him. I should go. (to Victor) Victor? Wake up.

Victor (to Yukiko): Hmm? Good morning.

Yukiko (to Victor): I have news! The blacklist has been lifted, it's safe for me to go back to Britannia. I need to go tell the others.

Victor (to Yukiko): Heh. Alright. Let me get some clothes on and we can go off bearing the good news.

Yukiko (to Victor): Aren't you happy? We can now go to Britannia without me having to hide & your parents can go home.

Victor (to Yukiko): I am happy you're not about to get shot, hanged or arrested. I just, uh... Heh. I liked crewing with you all the time. And Mom and Dad probably can't go anywhere for a while. Not while Mom's still pregnant, and with Zoe's in school...

Yukiko (to Victor): Victor, who said I was going to stop crewing with you?

Victor (to Yukiko): Oh! I assumed you'd want to go back to doing spy work. I KNOW repairing steam line and delivering sick sheep is glamorous...

Yukiko (to Victor): I'm done with all that... I want to keep crewing with you.

Victor (to Yukiko): Really? Excellent! Heh. My current mechanic might be a bit upset, however.

Yukiko (to Victor): Oh? I'm sure I can talk some sense into her. :-)

Victor (to Yukiko): I hope so. She's a little crazy, to be honest. She wanted to eat this squirrel we found on the ship, and you should SEE the kind of company she keeps. Fringe of society types. :-P

Yukiko (to Victor): Heh, I'll show you crazy. :-p

Victor (to Yukiko): Ha ha ha! No! That's against the Queen's Rules, you ruffian! No! Never mind! The position is filled! Thank you for your interest, but I'm keeping my old mechanic, crazy woman!

Yukiko (to Victor): Heehee, don't run away! I like it when you run! :-P

Victor (to Yukiko): Heh. You know, if you don't give me my pants, I'll just take us to see all your spy friends in my undergarments.

Yukiko (to Victor): I doubt anyone would complain. Fiona is constantly asking me for details about what you have under your suits… I usually just tell her another suit. ;-P

Victor (to Yukiko): Heh. Honestly, I don't understand people's obsession with my wardrobe. One, have you met my parents? Two, I like suits. Three, have you met my PARENTS. Heh. Nate thought I was dying the first time he saw me in a t-shirt.

Yukiko (to Victor): Heehee. I think you look quite fetching in a suit. But, I do have to admit that you are damn sexy in a t-shirt & jeans. It's probably simply since you dress so dapper most of the time.

Victor (to Yukiko): Heh. Again, you have met my parents, haven't you? Let's freak out your former co-workers. I'll wear short pants & a tank top... I don't think I actually own a pair of short pants.

Yukiko (to Victor): Heh... I think what you have on is just fine.

Victor (to Yukiko): Heh. I'm only half dressed. Is that the point, or are you just trying to hurry me along?

Yukiko (to Victor): Heehee, I can't help that I like what I like.

Victor (to Yukiko): Heh. Alright, alright. I'm done. Happy? Look, I even have on a t-shirt.

Yukiko (to Victor): ... Huh? ... Sorry. I was busy objectifying you in my mind. :-P

Victor (to Yukiko): Heh. Yes, and I promise I'm properly offended. Oh! Should we tell my mom, or do we think she already knows?

Yukiko (to Victor): We should probably tell her just to be on the safe side.

Victor (to Yukiko): Good idea. Come on.

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

Mrs. Esterly (to Nathaniel): Is that all you're going to eat, dear?

Nathaniel (to Mrs. Esterly): Heh. Yes, ma'am. Honestly, I'm stuffed. I really couldn't.

Mrs. Esterly (to Nathaniel): As you say, but I expect you to eat more than that at supper. You're nothing but skin and sinew. People will think I'm not feeding you.

Nathaniel (to Mrs. Esterly): Heh. I'll assure anyone who asks it's not from a lack of trying.

An hour or so later, at Poppy & Vincent's apartment, West Piedmont:

Victor (to Poppy): Mom? How are you feeling? We have good news.

Poppy (to Victor): I'm feeling much better, honey. I think your little brother has decided to let me off the hook early today.

Victor (to Poppy): That's good. Yoyo got a transmission from Aiden this morning. He said the blacklisting has been rescinded in Britannia.

Poppy (to Victor): That's wonderful news, honey. I'm sure my little rebellion will be happy with the opportunity to go home... And when I'm allowed to skip again, I'll head right to Bernard & Molly's. I can't wait to see their youngest.

Victor (to Poppy): You totes already knew that, didn't you?

Poppy (to Victor): Heehee, yes, honey. But, I didn't want to disappoint you. You seemed too excited. Your father received word from her Royal Majesty that she sent her condolences for his loss and to let him know that all the "rebels" had been absolved of their crimes & were to be celebrated as 'Heroes of the Empire', both living or dead. I think she may have thrown in a personal invitation to the palace for your father but he wouldn't tell me. He just grinned and walked away... The sneaky bastard.

Victor (to Poppy): Oh God... Dad's not gonna start showing up at royal balls again, is he?

Poppy (to Victor): Knowing your father, honey, quite possibly.

Victor (to Poppy): He's going to milk this for all it's worth. Hopefully he won't get himself arrested this time.

Poppy (to Victor): Well, he'll be in real trouble if that happens, honey. I won't be over there to bail him out. Heh. It'll be up to you.

Victor (to Poppy): Great. If he gets thrown in the brig again, I'm going to leave him there for a few days to teach him a lesson!

Poppy (to Victor): Heehee. Good luck with that, honey. If he hasn't learned his lesson by now, I doubt you teaching it to him is going to help. Besides, he could get out of the brig easily, if he wanted. He enjoys the scandal & attention too much.

Victor (to Poppy): Heh. No kidding. I think Yoyo wants to pass along the good news to the lot over at the Inn. Is that alright?

Poppy (to Victor): Yes, of course it is, honey. I was going to waddle over that way shortly, but that will save me the trouble... How are you handling the news?

Victor (to Poppy): I'm doing fine, Mom. Yoyo said she still wants to crew with me, so that's a bit of a relief.

Poppy (to Victor): Oh well, I'm glad to hear that, honey. You make a good team.

Victor (to Poppy): Heh, Me too.

Several hours later, at Mrs. Esterly's apartment; New London, Britannia:

Mrs. Esterly (to Ms. Dvorak): Oh! Hello, dear. Come inside. What can I get you? Have you come here about that young man you've picked up?

Ms. Dvorak (to Mrs. Esterly): Yes, dear. I think it's time for your gentle touch. I can tell he knows something, but he's not budging.

Mrs. Esterly (to Ms. Dvorak): Oh yes. Of course, dear. Would you like me to come now?

Ms. Dvorak (to Mrs. Esterly): Whenever it's convenient, dear. He probably could use a day of rest. :-)

Mrs. Esterly (to Ms. Dvorak): Hee hee. Oh, I don't doubt that, dear. I can be there tomorrow. Shall I bring a clootie dumpling when I call?

Ms. Dvorak (to Mrs. Esterly): That would be lovely.... Would that be for me or my guest, sugar?

Mrs. Esterly (to Ms. Dvorak): Hee hee. It will depend on who needs it more, I should imagine.

Ms. Dvorak (to Mrs. Esterly): Heehee, you devil woman.

Mrs. Esterly (to Ms. Dvorak): Hee hee hee. Oh, you know that kind of flattery won't get you anywhere with me, darling. I'll see you tomorrow with the kit.

Ms. Dvorak (to Mrs. Esterly): Until then, dear.