A Strange Old World, Day 70

Onboard the Wicked Sister:

Zoe (to Yukiko & Felix): About fucking time you got back! I was beginning to wonder if I needed to send the cavalry.

Yukiko (to Zoe): … I'm surprise you waited all this time, Zoe.

Zoe (to Yukiko & Felix): I was mad, at first… And then, I decided to follow the 24 hour rule. Are you guys okay?

Yukiko (to Zoe): Yes. It was quite uneventful… Though, our Mister Baldwin was the toast of the party. You might have lots of competition. :-P

Felix (to Zoe & Yukiko): Hah! Rich old women aren't really where my tastes lie. Besides, there's no comparison for Zoe. Sorry to worry you, pretty lady.

Zoe (to Felix): I wasn't worried. I'm just glad you're alright.

Yukiko (to Felix): Heh... (to Zoe) I think you better watch this one, Zoe. He's clearly trouble. And, speaking of trouble, your brother is making a face at me. If I do recall we were rudely interrupted last night. Try not to need us, alright?

Zoe (to Yukiko & Felix): That was, so, not an image I needed in my head.

Felix (to Zoe): Heh heh. Those two are something else. ...I'm sorry you were left behind.

Zoe (to Felix): I'm not mad at you. I should have seen it coming. Damn sneaky spies. So, how was the party? Did you really get hit on by a bunch of old biddies? Were there lots of glamorous outfits? Did you see the twins?

Felix (to Zoe): Heh. I don't know how glamorous they were, but I saw plenty of dresses that looked like they cost more money than I've ever had in my life. I did see the twins. They were sharp enough to pretend they didn't recognize me.

Zoe (to Felix): Heh… You very discreetly didn't answer my first question… How many marriage proposals did you refuse? 20? 50? 100? :-P

Felix (to Zoe): Oh, I'm not the kind of man they want to marry. They want to keep me in the stable house or a convenient, nearby flat for late-night rendezvous. They all thought I was so "exotic looking."

Zoe (to Felix): Heehee. I bet they did… Did you or Yuki get any information worth knowing?

Felix (to Zoe): I hope so. She used me as interference most of the night. She didn't share much of what she learned.

Zoe (to Felix): She probably won't until mom & dad get back… Plus, they're going to be busy knocking boots until then… So, do you really think there's no one comparable to me or were you just saying that?

Felix (to Zoe): Ha ha. Judging by the way they were eyeing each other, I'd say we won't see them for days. And of course I don't think there's anyone comparable to you. I've said as much before, haven't I?

Zoe (to Felix): Yeah, but that was the first time you said it front of anyone else.

Felix (to Zoe): Ah. I see. You thought that was just a line I was feeding you to have my way with you, did you. Heh...

Zoe (to Felix): Heh. One can only hope.

Felix (to Zoe): Ha ha ha! Oh? How much were you hoping? Because I can arrange that.

Zoe (to Felix): Quite a bit, actually. I really did miss you while you were gone. I hadn't realized how much I enjoyed your company until then… Well, when I was conscious, anyway. I ended up sleeping well into the late morning. That nerve pinch packs a doozie.

Felix (to Zoe): Mmm. I would imagine. Yuki and I had some words about that. Well, not words, more like extended silences that she took rather frighteningly accurate guesses as to their cause. How about I make sure you don't miss me any more today?

Zoe (to Felix): I would like that. A lot, actually. I went home & grabbed some movies to watch in my room, if you're interested?

Felix (to Zoe): Heh. How on earth are you going to fit a whole movie in your room, pretty girl? Heh. Or is that not the point? :-P

Zoe (to Felix): Heehee. There are small devices to watch them & I brought one to my room. I figured we could curl up in my bunk & watch one. My parents will probably be back tomorrow so this may be the last time we get to spend any time together for awhile.

Felix (to Zoe): Well then, it would be my pleasure, pretty lady. Lead the way.

Jacob (to Zoe & Felix): Zoe! There you bloody well are! I was hoping that Colin was wrong but then I put two & two together. And, you know what I got?

Zoe (to Jacob): Um, Four, Mister Rathbone?

Jacob (to Zoe): No, not four, smart ass. I got you with the double of Colin… Now, I know why your parents were in such a hurry to get me off this boat. And, at the theater in town no less? Do you not know the word discretion?

Zoe (to Jacob): Oh, um, I honestly didn't think he would be there. It's been my tradition to go to the marathon ever since I was well, you know I never intended to hurt him… This is Felix Baldwin. (to Felix) Felix, this is Jacob Rathbone. One of Colin's dads.

Felix (to Jacob & Zoe): … Ah. Hello, Mr. Rathbone. I'd say it's a pleasure, but judging by your face that would be a lie.

Jacob (to Felix & Zoe): Very nice to meet you, Mister Baldwin. I'm very sorry to interrupt your evening… This is an old argument, the Potters have a bit of a history of hiding things from me.

Zoe (to Jacob): Only when they were trying to protect you or someone else they cared about.You're not going to tell him, are you?

Jacob (to Zoe & Felix): Of course, I'm not… Are you two dating or just friends?

Felix (to Jacob & Zoe): You'll forgive me for saying so, sir, but what business is it of yours who I am? I understand I look like your boy, but Ms. Meriwether found me bleeding on the docks, and offered me a job with the youngest Captain Potter because I didn't have any better options. Zoe had nothing to do with it. As I understand it, the Mr. and Mrs. make a habit of that sort of thing.

Jacob (to Felix & Zoe): Yes, they do… I'm more concerned about the boy at home who thinks he saw his ex with a guy that looked exactly like himself… only, how can I put this… more muscular. It was a bit of a blow to his ego. I don't care who you spend time with. Honestly. But, I'd appreciate it if you're going to be spending time on the other side, that you let him know. I know it's silly, but trust me, it'll make things easier.

Felix (to Jacob): No worries, mate. It shouldn't happen again. I don't make a habit of visiting the other side.

Zoe (to Jacob): … Jacob Rathbone! You're still fucking bearing a grudge because I-- um, Emma-- never mind. Yes, I can call him before I head over that way again… If it's such a big deal.

Jacob (to Zoe): … I'm going to ignore all that & just say thank you… (to Felix & Zoe) I'm sorry for bothering you both. I should go.

Zoe (to Jacob): Oh, uh, that's okay. Goodbye, Mister Rathbone. I really am sorry about the ambush. (to Felix) Well, now I feel like a big jerk… Oh god! What if he saw us kiss in the lobby? I'm such an asshole.

Felix (to Zoe): You know, when Yuki said I looked exactly like your ex, I didn't think she meant EXACTLY. Heh. Only more "muscular."

Zoe (to Felix): Some folks have look-alikes in the alternate world from the one they're from… you & Colin are each other's doubles. There are differences. You're not exactly alike or anything. Sometimes, they're not even the same sex.

Felix (to Zoe): Well... I'm not sure I know exactly how to respond to that.

Zoe (to Felix): … I should have told you. And, I probably should have warned Colin. But I, stupidly, thought he wouldn't be there… I guess, we won't be watching a movie in my room, huh?

Felix (to Zoe): Depends. Is the only reason you're interested in me is because I'm a much sexier version of your ex, pretty lady?

Zoe (to Felix): What!?! No. I like you for you. I had actually forgotten you looked similar because you're nothing like him. You're a bit older, far more confident & sure of yourself, you have a totally different kind of sense of humor. And, yes, you are more muscular You also have scars where he doesn't, a slight accent… And, you make my heart race when you enter a room. Do you want me to go on? Cuz, I'm sure I could find a few more things that explain why I like you.

Felix (to Zoe): Ha ha ha! No. I think that's more than enough.To tell you the truth, I was going to follow you to your bunk even if you had said yes. I just wanted to know where I stand.

Zoe (to Felix): … Oh? You mean, I made up all that stuff for nothing? Damn. ;-P

Felix (to Zoe): So it was all a lie, then?

Zoe (to Felix): Heh. No… I'm a big sap and I meant every word.

Felix (to Zoe): Good. Show me that tiny movie theater you have in your bunk.

Zoe (to Felix): Heh. Follow me, sexy man.

A Strange Old World, Day 69

An abandoned building; The Tombs, New London, Britannia:

Hiiri: It's amazing what you can discover with a barrel of money & an ounce of persuasion... Of course, I mean, the threat of bodily harm.

Carver (to Hiiri): Yes, mistress? What can we do for you, ma'am?

Hiiri (to Carver): I want you to find this Delphine Delacroix. I would like to meet with a former employer of hers. It seems we may have a common interest. And, it might be mutually beneficial to cultivate a relationship... And, by relationship, I mean, not stabbing them in the eye until AFTER I'm done with them.

Carver (to Hiiri): Of course, ma'am. That is what we assumed you meant. We shall find her for you, ma'am.

Hiiri (to Carver): Thank you, little brother... I have missed you and your wonderful talents while I've been away. Feel free to put Starling back together, if you feel the need for a traveling companion. I made sure not to punish her too terribly. I know how much you like her.

A short time later:

Carver (to Starling): Miss Starling? Are you back online?

Starling (to Carver): … AFFIRMATIVE… <insert name here>.

Carver (to Starling): We don't think so, miss. Pity. We never were good at putting things back together, miss.

Starling (to Carver): … I seem to be wrong way round… ASSISTANCE REQUIRED...

Carver (to Starling): Oh? Oh. Yes, miss. It would seem so. We shall fix that when we return, miss. We have someone to find for our mistress.

Starling (to Carver): ASSISTANCE REQUIRED… <insert name here>… Don't leave me like this… <insert name here>.

Carver (to Starling): We won't, miss. Next time you wake up, you should be properly sorted, miss. Good night.

A few hours later, at the docks; New London, Britannia:

Delphine (to Felix): Ooooo, fancy running into you here of all places, mon brave cœur. You look much better than the last time I saw you.

Felix (to Delphine): Bonjour, Delphine. I was lucky enough to find a soft touch to take me in. I must have been quite a pitiable sight.

Delphine (to Felix): Yes, it was quite painful to see… Are you, by any chance, interested in making a bit of fast money, mon cheré?

Felix (to Delphine): Heh heh. Depends. I'm still working off the favor from the soft touch. What kind of job is it?

Delphine (to Felix): It's working security. Ms. Greymalkin needs two more bodyguards for a petite soirée. She throws the absolute best parties. It pays quite well… And, you will LOVE the dress I'm wearing… I might even let you help me remove it afterwards.

Felix (to Delphine): Heh heh. So, what's the catch? I'm not usually your first choice for these high-society gigs.

Delphine (to Felix): … My first two choices were sadly shanghaied & arrested, respectively. Besides, you clean up trés bien & I need something handsome to look at. And, if I recall you owe me a bit of a favor… You do this & I'll call us even.

Felix (to Delphine): Mmmm. That I do. When is it? I've got a new captain these days. I'd rather he not take these stitches back.

Delphine (to Felix): In a couple hours. I can skip us there… Oh… And, I also need another bodyguard. Any suggestions, mon cheré? Like I said, my first two choices were unavailable.

Felix (to Delphine): ... I might. Let me go talk to my Captain. I'll see who I can wrangle up for you. Can you meet back here in an hour or so?

Delphine (to Felix): You are perfection, mon chére. I'll see you shortly.

Felix (to Delphine): A bientôt, jolie dame.

A short time later, onboard the Wicked Sister:

Felix (to Yukiko & Victor): Ahoy, Captain? Boss Lady?

Yukiko (to Felix): Good evening, Mister Baldwin. What can we do for you?

Victor (to Felix): You have really shitty timing, Felix. It's like a curse with this family.

Felix (to Yukiko & Victor): Oh? Heh. Sorry for that, Captain. Delphine just asked me to work to cash in my favor to her by working security for a party Ms. Greymalkin is throwing. I seem to remember your lot expressing some interest in her.

Yukiko (to Felix): Oh yes, we did… Are you going to do it?

Felix (to Yukiko & Victor): Seems like an easy enough way to repay her, and she needs a second body guard if one of your people wanted to tag along and dig up some dirt.

Yukiko (to Felix & Victor): Well, it should be someone she's never worked with before or really met… That leaves Chess & Fiona out.

Victor (to Yukiko & Felix): That's Nate, Aiden and I all out too...

Yukiko (to Victor & Felix): Heh. I guess that means me… Unless, you think Zoe could handle it?

Victor (to Yukiko & Felix): Heh. Do you really want Zoe in the same room with Delphine when she starts flirting with Felix?

Yukiko (to Victor & Felix): Heh. Not at all… We could send that Percy fellow with him… But, after all the stories I've heard that might be too cruel. Heh… It looks like you're stuck with me, Mister Baldwin.

Felix (to Yukiko): Heh. I'll count myself lucky, then.

Yukiko (to Felix): So, when is this party?

Felix (to Yukiko): In a few hours. I'm not sure where. Delphine said she would skip us there. Most likely so we can't find our way back.

Yukiko (to Victor & Felix): Great… I'd feel a bit better if we had a skipper tail us. Just in case, we need one. Victor? You think you can tail Delphine?

Victor (to Yukiko & Felix): I can. Delphine might be very good, but I'm better. Besides, you'll be with her, which will make it easier.

Felix (to Yukiko & Victor): ... Ah. So that's a family trait, is it?

Yukiko (to Victor & Felix): It certainly would appear to be… I need some time to gear up. I'll meet you up top in 20 minutes. One of you may want to let Zoe know what's going on, so she doesn't worry or interfere.

Felix (to Yukiko): Aye aye, boss lady.

A moment later:

Victor (to Felix): So, Zoe told you she was a skipper, did she?

Felix (to Victor): She did, Captain. Don't worry. I told her I won't tell anyone what she, or you, can do, and I won't.

Victor (to Felix): We would appreciate that. Do you want to tell my sister what's going on, or shall I?

Felix (to Victor): I think I'd better do it, sir.

Victor (to Felix): Remember: you asked to do it. Try to convince her to stay here, please. I'll see you topside. And PLEASE stop calling me "sir." It's more than a bit odd.

Felix (to Victor): Heh heh. Aye, Captain.

A little while later, in Zoe's quarters:

Felix (to Zoe): Zoe? Are you awake, pretty lady?

Zoe (to Felix): Huh? Oh. Hi there, sexy… What's wrong? Something's wrong, isn't it?

Felix (to Zoe): Heh. Nothing's wrong. I'm going to go get myself out of Delphine's debt. Don't worry. Your brother and Yuki are helping.

Zoe (to Felix): Oh… Is it worth asking, if it's dangerous? Would you tell me, if it was?

Felix (to Zoe): Well, if you wanted to know, I suppose I'd tell you. It's not dangerous. My job is to go look intimidating to room full of the highest of society. Heh. Avoiding Delphine's advances will be the most challenging part of the night. Yuki's coming along to spy on Mrs. Greymalkin, and the Captain is going to provide transportation if we need to get home tout de suite.

Zoe (to Felix): And, you want me to stay here, I take it?

Felix (to Zoe): That was what Big Brother told me to say to you.

Zoe (to Felix): If that's what Victor wanted you to say to me… Do you want me to stay here? Just so you know, I'm often really bad at doing what I'm told.

Felix (to Zoe): Heh heh. I may have heard that said about you, pretty lady. I believe I told you once that I'm not in the habit of telling fine, opinionated ladies such as yourself what they should do.

Zoe (to Felix): Heh. I do recall you saying that sort of thing… So, you have no opinion, at all? What if I told you I was coming with you? I can actually behave around Delphine. I'm not an idiot… I can't believe Victor or Yuki don't trust me.

Felix (to Zoe): Heh. Your brother did make that joke, pretty girl, but I don't think that's the reason he's hoping you'll stay home. Lady Greymalkin is the one that runs Vernian Industries as far as I know, & Franklin has been doing experiments on skippers.

Zoe (to Felix): I understand all that…Which means that he would be in danger, too. He's just trying to play hero. He's got a serious complex.

Felix (to Zoe): Heh. Heh.

Zoe (to Felix): Go on, go… Tell, Captain White Knight, that I'll stay here like a good little helpless girl.

Felix (to Zoe): Will you?

Zoe (to Felix): … Yes. No… Maybe…

Felix (to Zoe): No you're not. Come on.

Zoe (to Felix): Aren't you worried about disobeying your captain?

Felix (to Zoe): Heh. *You're* the one doing the disobeying. I told you to stay put like I said I would. :-P

Zoe (to Felix): Heh. You are really something, you know that?

Felix (to Zoe): I do recall hearing you say something like that.

A few minutes later:

Victor (to Zoe & Felix): I was wondering when you two were gonna get up here. Couldn't convince her to stay, huh?

Zoe (to Victor): He tried his very best, big brother… I'm just too stubborn.

Victor (to Zoe & Felix): I didn't think he would, but it was worth a shot. I thought maybe sexiness would work where logic failed. :-P

Zoe (to Victor & Felix): Heh. Cheap shot, big brother… I promise I'll stay away from the actual party.

Yukiko (to Zoe): Yes, you will, Zoe… Far, far away from it… I'm very sorry.

Zoe (to Yukiko): Wha--

Felix (to Yukiko & Victor): What the hell did you do to her?

Yukiko (to Felix & Victor): Don't worry, she's just asleep. She'll wake up pissed but safe. I knew you'd cave in. She's not trained for this sort of thing… Victor, can you go put her on her bed?

Victor (to Yukiko & Felix): Yep. Got her. She can't come with us, Felix. Delphine can track skippers and having the two of us jump at the same time would be like setting a lighthouse on fire. I'm not sure the inhibitors could cover that.

Yukiko (to Felix): You can be angry at me all you want but, you know it was the right call. As soon as Victor gets back, we'll go meet Delphine.

Felix (to Yukiko & Victor): I'm not saying it wasn't the right thing to do, I just didn't care for the method.

Victor (to Yukiko & Felix): I don't like it either, Felix, but we don't have time to argue.

Yukiko (to Felix & Victor): Besides, anything else she would have seen coming.

Victor (to Yukiko & Felix): And it doesn't hurt to have someone on the sidelines who can come find us if we get caught.

A few minutes later:

Yukiko (to Victor & Felix): Come on, lets get this over with.

Felix (to Yukiko & Victor): You're the bosses.