A Strange Old World, Day 152

At Longfellow Inn; New London, Britannia:

Mrs. Esterly (to Charles): Oh excuse me, young man. I was expecting Mr. Turner. Are you new?

Charles (to Mrs. Esterly): ... Yes. That's very funny Mrs. Esterly. I haven't seen you in a while. What can I get you?

Mrs. Esterly (to Charles): Good heavens, Charles! You've certainly grown since last time I saw you! I was hoping to get some of your scones, dear.

Charles (to Mrs. Esterly): Yes, I suppose I have. It's been quite annoying. None of my clothes or shoes fit any longer. Oh! Let me get your order.

Mrs. Esterly (to Charles): Hee hee. I can imagine. Thank you, Mr. Turner. ...You've become quite a handsome young man.

Charles (to Mrs. Esterly): Oh. Um... T-- thank you, ma'am. Here's your order.

Mrs. Esterly (to Charles): You're welcome, dear. Have a good evening.

At Vernian Industries; Coventry, Britannia:

Hiiri: I am very annoyed.

Carver (to Hiiri): <cough> ... Yes, mistress. We... thought you would be...

Hiiri (to Carver): … Are you still here, Carver? How many more times do I have to stab you? You practically look like Swiss Cheese.

Carver (to Hiiri): We're... not sure, ma'am... We've never died before ...

Hiiri (to Carver): Well, get on with it… And, try not to get blood on my carpet. It's the third one this month.

Professor Maladori (to Hiiri): I shouldn't think the carpet is the largest of your concerns at the moment, Miss Potter.

Hiiri (to Carver): Maladori? What on earth are you doing here? And, what exactly do you expect to do with that thing you're holding?

Professor Maladori (to Hiiri): I think that's more than enough from you. (to Starling) Well. That's one broken toy sorted. 

Starling (to Professor Maladori): Yes, mistress. What should we do with Mister Carver?

Professor Maladori (to Starling): I'm afraid your pet is rather doomed at this point. If you'd like to keep it, gather it up and take it along.

Starling (to Professor Maladori): I would, ma'am. I've strangely grown quite fond of him over the years. Would you like me to dispose of Miss Hiiri?

Professor Maladori (to Starling): I've got Hiiri's brain. Waste not, want not. And at my age, I'm not about to muck about with a ton of broken clockwork. We can raise the rest to the ground... It is a pity. I hoped this one would be different. But, they always end up the same. Plans that are far too complicated... Petty vengeances... I suppose if one wants something done properly, there is no substitute for doing it oneself.

Starling (to Professor Maladori): Yes, ma'am. (to Carver) There, there, Carver sir. My mistress will save you. She's very smart.

Carver (to Starling): ...Yes, miss...

Professor Maladori (to Starling & Carver): Oh! It still talks, does it? We'll see to you, boy. Not to worry. Come along, Miss Starling.

Starling (to Professor Maladori): Yes, ma'am.

A few hours later, onboard the Wicked Sister, Longfellow bunker, The Tombs; New London, Britannia:

Yukiko (to Victor): Victor? Are you alright? You've been asleep in here for days according to Felix & Zoe.

Victor (to Yukiko): Huh? No, no. I'm awake... Yuki? What are you doing here? ...Where the bloody hell am I?

Yukiko (to Victor): You're on the Sister and it's docked in the bunker. I was going to let you sleep but I missed you. Care for some company?

Victor (to Yukiko): If it's your company that you're offering, of course! ...Where did you say we are? ...What happened?

Yukiko (to Victor): We're on your ship, which is dock-- Something is wrong. Who the hell are you!?! What have you done with Victor? Start talking or I will not hesitate to kill you.

Victor (to Yukiko): Who the hell am I?!? Who the hell are you? I don't have a bloody ship! I don't know who gave you your information, but they clearly didn't do their research.

Yukiko (to Victor): The Wicked Sister is Victor Potter's ship. Wow. You almost had me fooled. You look a lot like him but there's something off... Who the hell sent you? You have two minutes before I holler for his parents & then, you're in big trouble.

Victor (to Yukiko): Ha ha ha! Go right ahead. I know for a fact Vincent Potter doesn't have a ship and that both his parents are dead. Try your next empty threat.

Yukiko (to Victor): … Who said it was empty? The only reason I haven't killed you is that I want to know what you've done with my fiancé. (to Vincent & Poppy) Captain Potter! Miss Poppy! I need your assistance! We have an intruder!

Victor (to Yukiko): You're fucking mad.

A moment later:

Poppy (to Yukiko & Victor): What's going on in here, sweeties? Yuki, why are you pointing a sword at Victor?

Yukiko (to Poppy & Victor): … This isn't Victor.

Victor (to Poppy & Yukiko): ...Mum? You can't be my... What the ruddy 'ell is goin' on?!?

Poppy (to Victor & Yukiko): Very funny, you two. Is this punishment for my sending Yuki off on a mission for a few months? Because, it's a little over the top… Victor, why do you have a pistol behind your back?

Victor (to Poppy & Yukiko): I don't know what kind of scam you lot're runnin' but I want no part. What's next? Is "Dad" gonna come in?

Poppy (to Victor): Your father was in the middle of putting your brother to bed… Victor, what was the last thing you remember? (to Yukiko) Yuki, put the sword down… It's Victor, I know my own son. I'm just not sure it's our Victor.

Vincent (to Victor): Victor Harrison Potter! Put that gun down this instant. That's no way to treat your mother.

Victor (to Vincent): Dad... Zoe... Zoe saved you, didn't she? She said she was going to...

Poppy (to Victor): And, she did… You didn't trust her, did you? What did you do, honey?

Victor (to Poppy): I did. Sort of. But what could she do? Really? She gave me the slip. I tried to follow her... To see if there was something I could do… 

Vincent (to Victor, Yukiko & Poppy): Good heavens! Nothing is ever easy with this family is it?

Poppy (to Vincent): Not in the slightest, lover. 

Yukiko (to Poppy, Vincent & Victor): I can't bloody stand around here and listen to this… I need a fucking drink.

Poppy (to Yukiko): Calm down, Yuki, we'll sort this out. There's a bottle of saké in the mess hall. Help yourself. (to Victor & Vincent) Zoe & Nate changed everything ages ago. Why show up now? What triggered it? 

Victor (to Yukiko): Were we really engaged? ... Jesus. Sorry. (to Vincent & Poppy) I don't know. I was trying to jump three years back, use Zoe as an anchor. I don't think I quite managed it.

Yukiko (to Victor): … It's fine. (to Vincent & Poppy) I'll be in the mess, if you need me.

Poppy (to Victor): Oh… Before we go any further with the questions. Come here, honey. We missed you. And, it's only been a few months for us. I can't even begin to imagine what its been like for you.

Victor (to Poppy & Vincent) ... It really is you, isn't?

Poppy (to Victor): It is, honey… (to Vincent) You picked a terrible time to turn contemplative, lover. Say something reassuring to your son.

Vincent (to Poppy): Sorry, lover. Take his gun. (to Victor) It's alright, kiddo. We've made it through weirder than this, haven't we?

Poppy (to Vincent): Of course, lover. (to Victor) You heard your father, hand me the gun, please. I assure you, we're harmless... To you.

Victor (to Vincent): Heh. I guess so... I never thought I'd see you guys again. (to Poppy) Here.

Poppy (to Victor): Thank you. We love you, lit-- Victor honey... Now, give me a hug.

Victor (to Vincent & Poppy): Oh... Um, yeah. Of course...

Vincent (to Poppy & Victor): Hee hee. Group hug! Don't make it weird.

Poppy (to Victor & Vincent): Heehee. It's the only way to do it.

Victor (to Vincent & Poppy): I-- I never thought I'd...

Vincent (to Victor & Poppy): I know, Victor. It's alright...

Meanwhile, in the mess hall:

Amunet (to Yukiko): Hey Yuki, care for a drink? … Oh… I guess you did… Hey! That was a really nice bottle of whiskey… that you just finished. Um… Things not go so well with your fancy pants reunion? I thought for sure you wouldn't be seen for days.

Yukiko (to Amunet): … You really do talk too much.

A Strange Old World, Day 151

At the airship docks; Ankara, Turkey:

Zoe: Come on, you stupid barrel. Shift!

Kian (to Zoe): Heh. Does yelling at it help?

Zoe (to Kian): No, but it makes me feel better. Nice to see you again, Captain O'Malley.

Kian (to Zoe): Have we met? … I hate to think that I forgot a woman like you. Was it in Paris? Rome?

Zoe (to Kian): Heh. No. It was New London… The name's Zoe.

Kian (to Zoe): Zoe? The only gel I know by that name is… Shit, lass, you grew up fast.

Zoe (to Kian): Heehee. You have no idea. And before you start with your smooth lines, I am still with Felix.

Kian (to Zoe): I wasn't going to say a word… Care for some help with the barrels?

Zoe (to Kian): Yes, please.

A short time later:

Felix (to Zoe): How on earth do I get this squirrel of yours off my bloody... (to Kian) Hello Captain O'Malley. Good to see you again.

Kian (to Felix & Zoe): Good to see you as well, Mister Baldwin. I was just lending a hand to Zoe while I was waiting to see the dock master.

Zoe (to Felix): Heehee. (to Risu) Come here, Risu… (to Felix) Better?

Felix (to Zoe): Heh. Much. (to Kian) Just Felix is fine, Captain. Heh. I'll be grateful for whatever help you offer. These ruddy things are heavy.

Kian (to Felix & Zoe): What the hell is in these things? And where are the dock automatons? There's usually a few about.

Zoe (to Kian & Felix): I have no idea on both counts. Victor said to move them onboard so that's what we're doing. He's been so damn grumpy lately. I'm certainly not going to mess with him.

Felix (to Kian & Zoe): Oof! Lead, if I had to judge by the weight. (to Risu) Oy! Squirrel! Fuck off! You are not helping! (to Zoe) Why is she so keen on my damn noggin?

Zoe (to Felix): I think she likes the way your head smells… Or she thinks you're a boy squirrel. ;-P

Kian (to Felix & Zoe): HAHAHA!

Felix (to Risu): Heh. Sorry to disappoint you, squirrel, but there's only one lady on the ship whose attention I want.

Zoe (to Felix): Heehee. You're going to hurt Risu's feelings.

Kian (to Zoe & Felix): Heh. And on that note, I see the dockmaster. If you're still struggling when I'm finished, I'll send some men over to assist you both.

Felix (to Kian): Cheers, Captain.

Zoe (to Kian): Thank you, Captain. (to Felix) Maybe, I could skip them onto the ship?

Felix (to Zoe): Do you think that's a good idea?

Zoe (to Felix): Not at all… I'm just annoyed. I mean why the hell isn't Victor helping us?

Felix (to Zoe): I couldn't tell you, pretty lady. He's been more than a bit on edge, lately. If you ask me, we can get it done faster and with less trouble without his shouting.

Zoe (to Felix): … You're probably right. Heh… It makes me miss the other version of him a little. He was way more fun. Of course, I don't like the reason why he was like that… So, I guess I'll deal.

Felix (to Zoe): Don't fret too much. I'm sure he'll be back to himself soon enough.

Zoe (to Felix): Heh… Who are you and what have you done with the real Felix?

Felix (to Zoe): What do you mean?

Zoe (to Felix): Not a week ago, you were complaining about him making you repair the fishing nets all by yourself & now, you're all fine about all this… Wait. You totally know what's going on, don't you?

Felix (to Zoe): Damn... You've been spending too much time around spies, do you know that? ...We may have gotten into a bit of an argument. He's worried about his girl, of course, and hasn't been sleeping too well. Said he's been getting headaches.

Zoe (to Felix): … What kind of headaches?

Felix (to Zoe): ... I'm not sure. He just said they were "splitting headaches." Why? What are you thinking?

Zoe (to Felix): I'm not sure… I'm worried he's been pushing himself too hard or doing something stupid.

Felix (to Zoe): Heh. Well, if he doesn't get any better, I'm sticking him with a sedative. I find knowing I might jab him gives me a world of patience.

Zoe (to Felix): Heh. I'll hold him down.

An hour or so later:

Victor (to Felix & Zoe): Are you two finished yet? I wanna get the ruddy hell out of here.

Felix (to Victor & Zoe): Just about, Captain. These barrels are heavy, and we're only two much bruised folks of flesh, blood and bone.

Zoe (to Victor): Yes, we just have one last barrel to go.

Victor (to Felix & Zoe): ... Right. Sorry. Hurry it up then.

Zoe: Jackass.

Victor (to Zoe): ... So sorry I'm making you do some bloody work, Zoe. Welcome to the glamorous life of--

Felix (to Victor & Zoe): Captain? Captain! Whoa there... Why don't you go take a bit of a rest? I can get the Sister in the air.

Victor (to Felix & Zoe): I'm fine...

Zoe (to Victor & Felix): No, you're bloody well not! You're acting like an asshole. I don't mind doing work but you've been acting like a fucking evil dictator. Expecting us to do the work of 5 people when we're only 2. What the hell is wrong with you?

Victor (to Zoe): ... If you're quite finished, I should get us in the air.

Felix (to Victor & Zoe): No you're not, Captain. You're in no shape to do anything. You can't navigate like this. You're not even steady on your feet. You told me not to let you put us in danger, and I'm not.

Amunet (to Victor, Felix & Zoe): There you are! You lot are hard to track down… Am I interrupting something?

Zoe (to Amunet): Amunet! You're here. Please tell me Yuki isn't far behind.

Victor (to Amunet): Shit! Has something happened?

Amunet (to Victor, Felix & Zoe): No… And, before you ask, she's fine. She asked me to let you know that she'll be back at the bunker soon… Well, actually, tonight. It took me a few days longer than I expected to figure out where you were. She, um, has a something to bring to your parents that may help with Madame Cheng.

Victor (to Amunet, Felix & Zoe): Oh! Good…

Amunet (to Victor): Is there room for one more aboard your ship, Captain?

Victor (to Amunet, Felix & Zoe): Yes, of course... What was I doing?

Felix (to Victor): You were laying down, Captain. I was starting the prep to get us in the air. (to Zoe) Will you get your brother to his bunk, Zoe?

Zoe (to Felix): Of course. (to Victor) Come on, big brother. (to Amunet) Amunet, if you could give Felix a hand that would be great.

Amunet (to Zoe): Sure.

Felix (to Amunet): Heh. I'm guessing the Captain will want us to set a course for New London.

Amunet (to Felix): I think you're probably right.

A few minutes later, in Victor's cabin:

Victor (to Zoe): ...Sorry I was acting like a jackass, Miss... Zoe. Heh. Sorry. I thought you were someone else for a moment...

Zoe (to Victor): What's going on with you, big brother? Felix said you've been having headaches… Is it because of me?

Victor (to Zoe): What? Why would you be giving me headaches? You aren't the only Potter who slides about the timeline... I'm not sure what's going on. I've been getting headaches, and I keep getting confused... Perhaps I haven't been getting enough sleep.

Zoe (to Victor): Victor, have you been playing around with the timeline?

Victor (to Zoe): No. That's what's odd... The headaches, the confusion... it feels like that time I went back and warned Mum and Dad about Hiiri... Heh. I'm half worried I'm going mad...

Zoe (to Victor): Why didn't you tell me, you big dum-dum? I've been having visions of the future, but I can't remember them. Felix has been writing them down for me, if he's around when they happen.

Victor (to Zoe): ...Do you think I'm getting static from your visions?

Zoe (to Victor): Maybe… Heh. Or it's the future you trying to tell the present you something important.

Victor (to Zoe): If it's future me, I wish he'd just bloody well show up and have his say rather than driving me looney.

Zoe (to Victor): Well, it's just a theory…

Victor (to Zoe): I know. I was only joshin'. Bloody hell my cobbler aches...

Zoe (to Victor): Get some sleep. You'll want to look your best for when we get back to the bunker.

Victor (to Zoe): Heh... Yeah. G'night little sister.

Zoe (to Victor): Good night, big brother.