When Strange Worlds Collide, Day 67

At the Longfellow bunker; New London, Britannia:

Charles (to George): Um? Hullo? George? I know I'm to be staying in bed right now, but I, um... May I speak to you?

George (to Charles): ... AAAAHH! Charles, what are you doing in here!?! I was-- Could you please hand me my robe? It's on the chair behind you. This towel is hardly appropriate.

Charles (to George): Oh my God! I-- I am so sorry! I didn't realize... I-- Is this it? I, um, I... I'll just go back to my room now.

George (to Charles): Yes, thank you... Why bother going now, Charles? You've already gotten an eyeful. It may be months before you get another chance. Heh. Besides, I thought you had something you wanted to say to me? ;-)

Charles (to George): I, um, I... <ahem> Um, yes. ... I, uh, I can't remember what I was going to initially say now. Oh! Yes... I, um, I wanted to speak to you about what Charlie said yesterday. Um, i-- if you'll allow me to that is.

George (to Charles): ... Are you going to try to convince me that he made all that stuff up, Charles? Because, I honestly don't care which of you came first.

Charles (to George): Um, no... I wasn't. He, uh... Charlie has a very cynical way of looking at things, but he, um, he wasn't lying exactly... B-- but... It wasn't a con. Not really. I... I, um, I didn't want you to think I lied to you about, you know, everything. This is how I was before Mum died. I mean to say, it's how I remember being... Heh. It's a bit hard to recall what you were like when you were nine. When I started working at the Inn, I thought I had a chance to start over, a clean slate. You know. Be someone better and nicer... It wasn't that hard to do, really. It's why I didn't want Mr. Tesla to merge me and Charlie. I-- I wasn't sure what would happen to me... I didn't mean to... I-- I wasn't trying to mislead everyone, or run a con.

George (to Charles): Heh. I know, Charles. If you think I'm foolish enough to take everything Charlie says at face value, than you have a lot to learn about me... Hold on a second... I've got a photograph to show you... Before you see it, please remember that I was nine in this photo and it was before my life went to hell and I ran away... And, I really liked pink, as most nine year old girls do... Here. Don't laugh.

Charles (to George): Oh. That, heh... Um, there are quite a lot of ruffles on that dress. You were a very pretty... Oh! Um, not that you aren't pretty now, I mean. Why did you run away?

George (to Charles): Heehee. I knew what you meant, Charles... I ran off after I discovered that my father was experimenting on people... People who weren't willing participants, to be exact. And, he was using me to do those experiments. I told you that I affect skippers. Well, he figured out how to harness the energy, or whatever it is, so he could have a wireless energy source for his inventions. However, he didn't seem to care or even, remember most of the time, that I was his child. So, I ran & thankfully Ms. Dvorak found me. She said I was clever and that I could be useful, if I wanted to be. And voila! So, you're not the only one that wishes you could go back to who you once were, Charles. Luckily, you found a way to do it. But, I don't think everyone should go about it quite the same way. ;-P

Charles (to George): Heh heh. No. I don't think I would recommend it.

George (to Charles): ... So, how old are you now, Charles? Charlie mentioned pretending to be younger than you really are. I believe you told the Potters & Longfellows you were 12 when they found you and that was some time ago...

Charles (to George): Uh, yes. I've always been a bit small for my age. Um, I mean, I *was* small for my age... I was actually 14, so I'm 16 now. My mum died when I was almost 10. I was with the Smiths for four years.

George (to Charles): Heh. Well, that certainly explains a lot.

Charles (to George): Does it? Oh. Um, yes. I, um, I wasn't quite sure how to bring it up.

George (to Charles): Heehee... I'm actually quite glad. I'm not sure I'm capable of being the older woman, at my age. :-P Though, I should be mad at you... All this time here I was thinking you were a couple years younger than me & that it was cheeky of me to flirt with you. And, here you were actually my age the whole time.

Charles (to George): Oh, um, heh... I-- I didn't think it was cheeky.

George (to Charles): Well, that's good.

Charles (to George): Um, may I... I kiss you?

George (to Charles): Get over here, Charles...

Charles (to George): Heh. You are very good at that. I, um, I wanted to tell you... If Charlie and I are still, um, how we are after all these toxins are gone, I'm going to ask Mr. Tesla if he can merge us. I know things are confusing as they are... We can't carry on like this, both in the same head, forever, can we?

George (to Charles): If you think that's the best course of action, Charles. Just stay focused on being the person you want to be & it'll be ok. And, I'll be here to help you sort it out.

A couple hours later, in the brig, at the monastery; Colorado Springs, Colorado, British Colonies:

Josette: This place is very secure… My employer is not going to be very happy if I return empty-handed. But, I do believe my time is up... Blast! There's something preventing me from leaving this body… This is SO not good.

Una (to Josette): Having trouble?

Josette (to Una): No, not at all. I was just admiring the craftsmanship of this cage. It's very well-made.

Una (to Josette): Heh. Yes, I know… And, we know all about you, Miss Sarkozi. You shall not be returning to your body anytime soon. Oh? I do believe that's fear in your eyes… Is there something you'd like to tell me?

Josette (to Una): … I need to return to my body. I can only switch for 72 hours at a time. If I don't go, my body will die. I've read all your files. You're not cold-blooded murderers.

Una (to Josette): … That's where you're wrong, Miss Sarkozi. I'll be back shortly with your last meal.

Josette: Well, this is a fine mess you've gotten yourself into, Leahlabel… I was told this was going to be an easy job.

A couple hours later, at the Longfellow bunker; New London, Britannia:

Charles (to Una): O-oh. Um... Yes, miss. Of course.

Una (to Charles): Pardon me, Mr. Turner, my sister is dealing with something back at the monastery. So, i'll be administering your medicine this round. … I don't mean you any harm, Mr. Turner, honestly. I'm trying to help. You're important to George & she is like a little sister to us… If we had known she ran off, we would have looked for her. Our mother never bothered to mention her disappearance to us… And yes, Eva said I made you uncomfortable for some reason.

Charles (to Una): Um, yes. You do a bit, miss. I'm sorry.

Una (to Charles): Hmmm… I can't really imagine why.

Charles (to Una): Um, because you're very difficult to read, and you're a bit more... uh, capable than you pretend to be. It make me nervous.

Una (to Charles): … And, here I thought I gave off an air of capableness at all times. Hmmm. Thank you for the insight, Mr. Turner.

Charles (to Una): I-- I didn't mean to imply you weren't, um, you weren't capable... I... I mean, um... Sorry. I'll be quiet.

Una (to Charles): Heh... As much as I do like messing with you, Mr. Turner, I should get back to the monastery.

Charles (to Una): Oh. Yes. Um...Thank you for helping me, miss.

Una (to Charles): It looks like you're on the mend... And, should be feeling of one mind very shortly, Mr. Turner. Good night.

Charles (to Una): I will? ... Oh. That's, um, that's good.

Una (to Charles): ... Don't tell me that isn't what you wanted, Mr. Turner? I was under the distinct impression that you were quite unhappy with the arrival of your companion, Charlie... I'm sorry. There's still time to stop it. I have a neutralizing agent here.

Charles (to Una): No! Um, excuse me. No, it's quite alright... I-- I'm just a bit concerned what my mental state will be after it's all done.

Una (to Charles): ... I imagine you'll be like you were before unless, I miscalculated horribly. Heh. That was a joke, Mr. Turner.

Charles (to Una): Oh. Um, yes... Very funny.

Meanwhile, in the brig, at the monastery; Colorado Springs, Colorado, British Colonies:

Felix (to Josette): I've been sent in with your dinner. I'm told it's your last.

Josette (to Felix): Yes, very dramatic… What do you want, Felix? Trying to lessen your guilt?

Felix (to Josette): ... And what I've I got to be guilty over?

Josette (to Felix): Perhaps, because you're going to let them kill your sister.

Felix (to Josette): Really? The way I see it, you're the one who did that when you hopped into her skin. I'm just here to make peace.

Josette (to Felix): Oh? But, she's still in here, Felix… I could let her live when I leave. I just normally choose to leave no witnesses… You must know how it is. Big strapping pirate like yourself. You crewed on the Black Bart, correct? Your lady would probably love to hear the tales I've heard about that ship.

Felix (to Josette): ...You can't save her. If you could, you wouldn't be trying to blackmailing me over my former crew. She knows all about my time on the Bart.

Josette (to Felix): She does? That's surprising. I wouldn't have shared that sort of thing… Well, fine. If I don't leave soon, my body will die & I will be stuck in here forever. I won't be able to jump again.

Felix (to Josette): So, you won't be able to do this to anyone else again? Good. Doesn't sound like a problem to me.

Josette (to Felix): ... Well then, I suppose there's nothing left to say.

Felix (to Josette): No. There isn't. Good night.

A short time later:

Zoe: Would someone please tell me what the fuck is going on!?! (to Eva) Bloody hell, Eva! Would you please tell me what's going on? Why am I still on bedrest? Is this some weird test or something? I've been playing the good little patient for 2 days now, but this is as far as it goes. If you don't tell me, I swear...

Eva (to Zoe): Good heavens! Calm down, Zoe. This is why I preferred working with Mr. Turner. Sit back down!

Zoe (to Eva): ... Are you just saying that to get my goat? Because, if so, it's totes working.

Eva (to Zoe): ...Why would I want your goat? It seems that Ms Sarkozi tried to skip into you, but she was unable to do so. We're trying to figure out why, and if we can use that immunity to force her out of Miss Baldwin's body... We also want to make sure you're not suffering any ill effects.

Zoe (to Eva): Why didn't anyone just say that in the first place?

Eva (to Zoe): I think they wanted to make sure you were entirely yourself.

Zoe (to Eva): Oh… Well, I guess that makes sense. Thank you, Eva.

Eva (to Zoe): You're welcome... I believe Mr. Baldwin spoke to that Sarkozi woman. If you'd like to spend the night with him tonight, I'm sure everyone will understand. Good night, Miss Zoe.

Zoe (to Eva): Good night, Eva... Thank you again for telling me what's going on.

When Strange Worlds Collide, Day 66

At the Longfellow bunker; New London, Britannia:

Eva: <tsk> Still running quite an impressive fever, aren't you, Mr. Turner? (to Charles) Mr. Turner? Mr. Turner! Drink this. All of it. There's a good lad.

Charles (to Eva): Hmmm? What...what's going on, miss?

Eva (to Charles): It's something to bring your fever down. Go back to sleep.

Charles (to Eva): <yawn> Yes, miss...

A moment later:

George (to Eva): Is he going to be alright, miss?

Eva (to George): That tracking device began dumping all kinds of toxins into his system after it activated. To keep him immobilized, I should think. We're still analyzing them. Nothing deadly so far. The professor wanted him alive, it seems.

George (to Eva): Oh... That's good, I guess... Isn't it?

Eva (to George): He's ill, but we've dealt with far more dire cases than his. I wonder... Never mind! Don't fret, George.

George (to Eva): What is it, miss? You hesitated. Please tell me.

Eva (to George): We assumed it was the strain of having his personality split that was wrecking such havoc on Mr. Turner's body. Perhaps it was actually due to the tracking device. I wonder if it was also facilitating or causing the Charlie personality.

George (to Eva): ... So, you think Charlie may be gone?

Eva (to George): I honestly don't know. The mind is tricky. It's never as straightforward as the other organs. It's such a bloody fiddly thing... I'm sorry, George.

George (to Eva): I understand, Miss Eva... Did Miss Zoe ever show up? Has anyone mentioned it to you?

Eva (to George): Yes. Apparently, the woman posing as Felix's sister incapacitated her. They found her mostly unharmed. I must admit that I've been focusing my concentration on providing antidotes for Charles, and avoiding that situation. It's been a bit too emotionally charged for my tastes.

George (to Eva): ... I'm glad she's alright. Is it alright if I bring Charles some soup?

Eva (to George): Yes, of course. I'll let you know as soon as I have something worked up for him.

George (to Eva): Thank you.

A little while later:

Charles: What the bloody hell was that?! It was probably George or Miss Eva, Charlie. Please calm down. I ... I think we need more sleep...

George (to Charles): I'm sorry... It was just me. I brought you some soup.

Charles (to George): Heh. Sorry, Wildcat. All this rot we're detoxing makes me feel a bit on edge.

George (to Charles): I understand. I'm glad you're still here, Charlie. Eva seemed to suggest that with the removal of the device, you might go. It's the device that was causing the troubles to your body & not you being about. So, that's good news, right?

Charles (to George): Oh? Heh heh. Sorry to disappoint you, but you two ain't rid of me yet. I suppose Charles will be happy we don't have to be merged. He was all kinds of paranoid about who it would make him.

George (to Charles): I'm not disappointed, Charlie. Quite the opposite. I happen to like you.

Charles (to George): Heh. Yeah. I kinda figured you do. What's not to like? It's you liking the other guy I can't quite ken.

George (to Charles): What's not to understand? He's sweet, caring, dependable & I wish I was more like him.

Charles (to George): What? Stuffy and bland? God fucking forbid. Stay you. You are FAR more interesting than that boring faker.

George (to Charles): You're just saying that cuz you want to see me naked, Charlie. I used to be like Charles... Until everything changed. But you can't go back. Not after things have changed so much. He makes me feel like a normal girl. I like that.

Charles (to George): If I didn't mean it, I wouldn't have said it! Don't matter how good you'd look outta that suit, I wouldn't bother with you if you weren't worth bothering with. Course if you WANTED to get naked, I wouldn't stop you... Normal is bullocks, if you ask me. Just people pretending things are better than they are.

George (to Charles): Heh. Very funny. What would be the point of me getting naked right now, Charlie? You're ill. Hardly the right time. ;-p

Charles (to George): Can't blame me for having my priorities straight. We'll just have to do it another time, yeah?

George (to Charles): ... Charlie? Can I ask you a strange question & get an honest answer?

Charles (to George): ... I suppose.

George (to Charles): ... Are you the original Charles, Charlie?

Charles (to George): ... Heh. Suppose it depends on what you mean by original, Wildcat.

George (to Charles): I mean, is Charles who you wanted to be all the time you were in the gang? I just get the feeling there's more to all of this than you're letting anyone know & until you decide to deal with it, you're stuck like this.

Charles (to George): ... I don't know if I can answer that question.

George (to Charles): Can't or won't, Charlie?

Charles (to George): CAN'T. I dunno. I dunno if Charles was the daydream I made up in the gang, or if I'm the one the daydreamer made up to cope with the bloody Smiths! What does it matter? Afraid I'm the real Charles, and then you've got no one to play at normal with?

George (to Charles): No, that's not why I was thinking that, you bloody twat! I happen to like BOTH of you & it's ruddy confusing!

Charles (to George): Yeah? You think THAT'S confusing? Try bein' the nasty footnote to everyone's ruddy favorite little golden boy! Wouldn't matter even if I was the original, would it? None of Charles's "family" would see me that way.

George (to Charles): That's not true, Charlie, and you know it. If anyone would be understanding & accept you, it would be these people. Look at who they've taken in. You just don't want to belong, anywhere.

Charles (to George): ... That's stupid. Everyone wants to belong somewhere, don't they? Human bloody condition an' all.

George (to Charles): Oh... Are you worried they won't accept you if they know all the things you did in the Smiths? It can't be any worse than what anyone else has done. I mean, I've heard most of them & I'm still here.

Charles (to George): ... Sure you heard 'em. Who's still could still be talking about me two years later?

George (to Charles): I was in the gang when you were a part of it, Charlie. I don't need people to tell me about it. I heard from folks who were with you... "Tremendous" Richard Crimmins being one of 'em & Shawn Hobbs being another.

Charles (to George): I'm not ashamed, if that's what you're getting at. I did what I had to do.

George (to Charles): You are really infuriating, you know that?

Charles (to George): ... So? What are you waiting for me to say? Most folk don't like doing awful things, but they will if they have to.

George (to Charles): I understand that. So, who you trying to convince?

Charles (to George): You say I'm bloody infuriating? YOU'RE infuriating! What are you trying to get me to say? That I hated being in the gang? That I hated who I WAS in the gang?! No shite! We all did. You're right! If you must know! Charles--*I*-- wouldn't have been reading no books, or talking like a gent in the gang. I'd have been slaughtered. It was a con, alright? A bloody scam! Speak real proper, tell 'em you're younger than you are, give 'em a nice sob story about how you ended up in the gang, and people will fall all over themselves to help you. It's depressing how bloody well that works... I didn't expect I'd be given a straight job that I liked of all things, or get access to more books than I'd ever seen... So yeah. I started believing the shite I spewed. THAT what you wanted to hear? 'S no wonder I wound up balmy.

George (to Charles): ... It's alright, Charlie. I won't say anything... Um, here. You look like you could use this...

Charles (to George): I don't need... Oh. Never mind. ...Thanks.

George (to Charles): ... Did you just grab my ass, Charlie? ... Way to ruin a moment.

Charles (to George): Heh. Wasn't ruined for me.

George (to Charles): I-- I should go.

Charles (to George): If you say so. Thanks for the food, Wildcat.

George (to Charles): You're welcome. Get some sleep... I'll come by later with some supper for you.

Charles (to George): Yeah... I could use a few more hours. Night...

A couple hours, at the monastery; Colorado Springs, Colorado, British Colonies:

Zoe: ... How much longer do I have to lay in this stupid bed?

Felix (to Zoe): Hello, pretty lady. I brought you... Well, that's certainly a face you're making.

Zoe (to Felix): Don't say another word unless it's to tell me that I can get out of this bloody bed!

Felix (to Zoe): ...Actually, I was wanting to know if you wanted supper.

Zoe (to Felix): No... I want to get out of here & I want to throttle your "sister".

Felix (to Zoe): Are you sure you're all right, Zoe? Why have the twins still got you on bed rest?

Zoe (to Felix): I don't know! Una won't tell me. She just keeps coming in, taking blood samples & mumbling. Am I dying... Again? ... Or is this all some plot to stop me from killing your assassin sister? And, why won't anyone tell me what's going on with her? ... Who is she?

Felix (to Zoe): I don't think anyone knows. Or if they are, they're not telling me anything, since sbe pretty much killed my sister.

Zoe (to Felix): Well, that's just peachy... She certainly packs a mean wallop. I'm not sure what she got me with but OW.

Felix (to Zoe): I don't know. She has Josette's body and some of her memories, but she's not my sister... Sounds like she's done this sort of thing before. I'm glad it wasn't anything to strong.... Come here for a moment.

Zoe (to Felix): ... That was nice... You know you're not rid of me that easily, right? I just wish someone would tell me what's going on.

Felix (to Zoe): I know, but you'll forgive for needing a little bit of reassurance. Come on. Let's go find Una and find out what's going on.

Zoe (to Felix): You go. I'll stay here. The last thing I want to do is get yelled at for leaving the bed... If you see any of my family, send them this way. I might be able to wrangle something out of them.

Felix (to Zoe): I will. I love you, Zoe. I'll be back whenever I learn something.

Zoe (to Felix): I love you too, Felix... And, I know I probably don't need to say this but I'm totes going to anyway... I'm not mad at you.

Felix (to Zoe): ... I should have known better. She played me like a sentimental sap.

Zoe (to Felix): Anyone would have made the same mistake. You're not a sap, just human. Try not to beat yourself about it too much, okay?

Felix (to Zoe): ... I will. I'll see what I can find out.

Zoe (to Felix): Alright.

A short time later:

Felix (to Luc): Mr. Vadrouiller. Is Miss Una about?

Luc (to Felix): I believe she is in the lab conversing with Mr. Tesla.

Felix (to Luc): Blast! ...You don't happen to know what's going on with Zoe, do you? They've got her in bed, taking blood every hour...

Luc (to Felix): ... I have no idea. All I heard is something about a condition & being an impossibility. But, I'm not sure If they were referring to Zoe, Mister Turner or our "guest".

Felix (to Luc): Damnation! I don't like being kept in the dark, especially considering... 'Scuse me.

Luc (to Felix): ... Considering an assassin disguised as your sister took out your girlfriend?

Felix (to Luc): Yeah. You could say that.

Luc (to Felix): Oh right, of course... I'll just continue to sit here going through all these files on known assassins.

Felix (to Luc): ...Learn anything?

Luc (to Felix): Mostly that assassins are a weird bunch... Did you know there was one that raised porcupines to use there quills?

Felix (to Luc): ... And I thought Mr. Park was odd.

Luc (to Felix): Oddly, not as weird as these others... Oh wait! There was one that was called the "skin trader"... I didn't quite get the name until right now. Where's that damn file? Help me find it... It had an odd name on it.

Felix (to Luc): ... Alright. What kind of odd?

Luc (to Felix): The name was Romany, I think. It was something like Leonora Surrender... No, um, Lavender Salander. No... It was definitely an L & S.

Felix (to Luc): Leahlabel Sarkozi?

Luc (to Felix): Yes! That's it... Did you find the file?

Felix (to Luc): Yeah... Is all this true?

Luc (to Felix): I believe so... I'm sorry. She seems to be some sort of skipper but instead of skipping locations, she is able to skip into bodies in both worlds... And, people think I'm creepy.

Felix (to Luc): ... Judging by the way you snatched that file from me, nothing good happens to the bodies she's skipped into.

Luc (to Felix): ... They tend to die. Which could be what's got Una & Tesla in a tizzy. Maybe, there's a way to save her? 

Felix (to Luc): Oh. Yes. That would be... It would be good... Some kind of mother who sells her children off to be slaughtered, isn't it?

Luc (to Felix): Um, I'm not very good at this whole comforting thing... I'm sorry.

Felix (to Luc): It's quite alright. There's not much to be comforting about. 

Luc (to Felix): … Well, as the only mother I remember is Maladori, I am not a good person to ask regarding proper motherly behavior. But, I seriously doubt Poppy would behave in that manner.

Felix (to Luc): Heh. No I wouldn't imagine she would. I expect her and the Captain will by soon enough dragging a thundercloud with them. Someone has been mucking with their family... They tend not to take kindly to that kind of thing.

Luc (to Felix): ... You have no idea.

Felix (to Luc): ... No. I wouldn't, particularly. But I'm trying to learn. As are you, I'm guessing.

Luc (to Felix): Feel free to take the file, Felix. I can tell you want to.

Felix (to Luc): I do... Thank you.

Luc (to Felix): And, I'm sure Zoe will be fine. My sister is made of sterner stuff.

Felix (to Luc): ... I know she is. Doesn't mean I'm not going to worry.

Luc (to Felix): ... She is lucky to have you, Felix. You're alright.

Felix (to Luc): Oh... Heh. Thank you, Mr. Vadrouiller. I'm still getting used to hearing that as well. I'm going to bring this over to Zoe.

Luc (to Felix): If I see either of the twins, I'll send them your way.

Felix (to Luc): Thank you, sir.