When Strange Worlds Collide, Day 97

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

Luc: Don't you children ever sleep!?! And no, I will not show you my weapons! How do you know I even have any on me? ... I need coffee.

Charles (to Luc): Mornin', Mr. Vadrouiller. Coffee? I fink... Excuse me. I believe the kettle's still warm if you'd rather have tea.

Luc (to Charles): I'd prefer coffee if it's not too much trouble... I had no idea that adding 10 children in here would be so chaotic.

Charles (to Luc): Um, yes. Chaotic is one way to put it. Here you are, sir. There's cream, but I'm afraid we're out of sugar and honey... Least some of 'em have stopped skulking 'round the tunnels waiting for the roof t' fall in.

Luc (to Charles): Did you get everything sorted with the young lady?

Charles (to Luc): ... You heard about that. Um, yes. I think so. As sorted as it can be. For her, I mean. She still ruddy thinks I... E--excuse me. I'm sure you don't want to hear about that. As far as the students are concerned, I believe it's all sorted.

Luc (to Charles): I'm sorry to say it was a bit hard to avoid. I overheard some of the children talking while on patrol with Fitzroy the other night. She handled herself admirably, though. I could barely tell she was bothered except for the clenched jaw. You get used to that sort of thing after awhile or you don't. And well, those folks don't last very long.

Charles (to Luc): I--I'm sorry, Mr. Vadrouiller. I was a bit lost in thought for a moment. You get used to what sort of thing?

Luc (to Charles): People telling stories about you or the folks you care about. But, like I said Fitzroy took it in stride... Did I say something wrong?

Charles (to Luc): No, no... My apologies. I was thinking about something else. I'm sure George was fine. She's the strongest person I know.

Luc (to Charles): What is on your mind, Mister Turner? If you keep wallowing like that, it's going to make you a bit like a prune.

Charles (to Luc): From some of the things she said... I, um, I think Vee, um Viola, thinks I was the father of her babe. The one she lost.

Luc (to Charles): Would she be wrong? Most people generally know who they've slept with, Mr Turner. It would certainly explain her vitriol.

Charles (to Luc): Yeah. They do, don't they? ...I might've played a little more naive than I was, and I'm not saying we were innocent babes, but I do know how babies are made. I wasn't the father. I know for a fact I wasn't. I was... I was so ruddy mad an' hurt when I found out she was in the family way. Didn't occur to me she thought... Suppose it doesn't matter now, does it?

Luc (to Charles): Not that I can tell... Though, I have a feeling she's going to still be a bit of trouble. Might I suggest keeping her away from Fitzroy? Or at least, not letting her know you're together.

Charles (to Luc): Oh... Um. She might already know about George. Not about George specifically, I mean. She thinks George is a boy. But she thought I was flirting with her, and I, um... I panicked. I told her I was seeing someone.

Luc (to Charles): It's fine, Mr. Turner. You may want to let her go on thinking that, then. To be quite frank, there's something about the young lady that puts me on edge. I can't quite put my finger on it, but I don't think we should trust her.

Charles (to Luc): Yeah... I think you're right, sir.

Luc (to Charles): I think it might be a good idea if we do a little digging on our Miss Viola, don't you? I'll let Mis-- mother know.

A couple hours later:

Charles: Bwahhh! (to Fiona) Ms McGillivray! You startled me. I was just closing up the kitchen... Is there something with which I can help you?

Fiona (to Charles): Heh. If I wasn't good at not being seen when I had the mind, I'd be ruddy terrible at my job, wouldn't I?

Charles (to Fiona): I suppose not. What is it, miss?

Fiona (to Charles): Heh. Just came in for my whiskey.

Charles (to Fiona): B-- but, there's no whiskey in... Oh. Yes. I suppose I should have expected that. If that's all, I'm going to say good night.

George (to Fiona & Charles): Miss McGillivray, you said you were going to show me tha-- Oh hello, Charles, I'm glad I caught you.

Charles (to George): Hullo, George. Heh. Ms McGillivray has been showing me where she's been hiding whiskey in the kitchen.

George (to Charles & Fiona): Is it the top shelf? Cuz with this group that probably would work for most of them. :-P

Fiona (to George): Ha! I doubt it. Monkeys can climb. Our appointment will have to wait, George, my lad. (to Charles) I'll have questions for you tomorrow, Mr. Turner.

George (to Fiona): Oh... Why do I feel like I'm being punished? Did I interrupt something?

Fiona (to George): Heh heh. Aren't you an eager one to learn to blow things to bits. It's not punishment, Mr. Fitzroy. I've got an assignment. There will be plenty of time for explosions later.

George (to Fiona): Oh, alright... (to Charles) It looks like I'm free for the evening, Charles. What about you?

Charles (to George): Um, yes. I suppose I am... Ms McGillivray didn't take her whiskey. I'm not sure where she had it hidden.

George (to Charles): Heh... Judging by the face you're sporting, I think she may have left it on purpose. What's up?

Charles (to George): Pwah! I haven't a doubt. I have a feeling I know what Ms McGillivray was going to talk to me about. We... Um, we probably should speak some place a bit more private... And I should hide this, um, "whiskey" where the students won't find it.

George (to Charles): Bring it with you. We can chat in my room. I already rang the bell of one little sneak trying to go through my stuff. I don't think anyone else will be trying for awhile.

Charles (to George): Heh. It's almost as bad as being back in the gang sometimes, innit?

George (to Charles): Heh. I'll take this any day... Come on in. Sorry about the mess. I haven't had a chance to tidy up. So, what's goin' on?

Charles (to George): Me too... I think Mrs. Potter asked Ms McGillivray to look into Viola. Mr. Vadrouiller thinks she's gonna cause trouble.

George (to Charles): What sorta trouble?

Charles (to George): Dunno. He doesn't trust her... I'm not sure if I do either. She spent two years thinking I'd run off. Abandoned her, Phil an' Charlotte... She just seemed to forgive me too easy. When I knew her, Vee was the type to hold a grudge.

George (to Charles): Yeah, she doesn't really strike me as the easily forgiving type with that chip on her shoulder. I mean, I did only talk to her for a couple minutes, though.

Charles (to George): Um... Mr. Vadrouiller suggested not letting her know we were seeing one another.

George (to Charles): ... Oh.

Charles (to George): ...You don't agree.

George (to Charles): I didn't say that. It's just weird enough her being here but now, I don't even get the comfort of being able to be with you. It just kinda sucks to use one of Miss Zoe's phrases.

Charles (to George): Yeah... It does suck, doesn't it? We can still spend time together if we're careful, I think. She thinks you're a boy. We'll have to be sneaky. Heh. Good thing you've been hanging 'round all these spies, yeah?

George (to Charles): Yeah, I've been learning a lot... I guess we should take advantage of the time we have, huh?

Charles (to George): Heh. I think so... You know those rumors the students were telling are just that, yeah? But, I'm guessing you know that.

George (to Charles): I know you're not the father of any child out in the world, Charlie. She's clearly delusional. I just wasn't expecting it. I'd heard all the Charlie Turner in the gang stories. That was a new one, it just threw me for a moment. I really don't want to waste any more breathe on Viola & her issues, if you don't mind. Can we talk about something else?

Charles (to George): Yeah. I'd like that. I'd like that very much, actually...

George (to Charles): Good... C'mere you.

When Strange Worlds Collide, Day 96

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

George (to Viola): Oh, pardon me. I didn't realize anyone was in here.

Viola (to George): ... Well, aren't you a polite & fancy one? You must hang out with Charlie. He been givin' you lessons on how to put on airs?

George (to Viola): You're one of the new group that just arrived, aren't you? I don't think we've met. I'm George Fitzroy. And you are?

Viola (to George): The name's Viola. Vee to my friends... You can call me Viola.

George (to Viola): Wow. That IS some chip on your shoulder. You should really be careful with that sort of thing 'round here, Viola. Being that exposed around this group is, well, let's just say you won't have many secrets for long. We're not your enemy.

Viola (to George): ... Says you. I'm only here for the little ones. They count on me. And, I promised Smitty I'd keep 'em safe. So, bugger off.

George (to Viola): Fine... Do you want some breakfast? I can bring you & the baby something if you like... You know what, I'll bring you back something whether you like it or not. Shouldn't let the baby suffer because you're pig-headed. Be back in a bit.

Viola (to George): ... Fine.

A little while later:

Charles: I swear t'all that's ruddy holy, if you lot don't start... (to George) Oh! Thank goodness it's you, George.

George (to Charles): Problems, Charles? I thought you had managed to finagle some kitchen helpers out of these little hooligans. Want some help? Not sure what I can do, but I can at least wash some dishes.

Charles (to George): I did have some help, but Vee has been telling the students a host of interesting tales about me, and you know how it is. Comrades before the "obnoxious kitchen boy whose taken t'airs." I'm not the popular figure at the moment.

George (to Charles): Why doesn't that surprise me? I just had the pleasure of meeting Miss Viola. She doesn't make much of a secret about her dislike for you.

Charles (to George): Um... if you wouldn't mind helping with the dishes? I can manage the cooking, if I time it right, but the dishes...

George (to Charles): Yeah, of course. Let me find an apron & I'll get to washing.

Charles (to George): Thank you! ... If I'm being polite, I'd say Vee never was the sort to keep a low profile. As soon as I finish here, I'll give you a hand. I'm happy to see you. I've been so bloody busy, I haven't had a chance.

George (to Charles): It's okay, I understand. I haven't been around much myself. Fiona has had me doing patrols and Miss Poppy's got me assisting with classes. If it wasn't for Luc's help with the patrols, I think I would have fallen asleep from exhaustion.

Charles (to George): I hope they're not working you too much! You will say something if you're too exhausted, won't you? Heh. I almost miss my smashed ankle. Not very much, mind you, but almost. I, um, I liked seeing you so much every day.

George (to Charles): Me too... I'm not scheduled for patrol tonight.

Charles (to George): Oh? Heh. Um, good. I'll have to keep you company, then.

George (to Charles): I'd like that... Um, Charles, can I ask you a bit of a personal question?

Charles (to George): Of course. I've got everything pretty well set up. Let me help you. What is it?

George (to Charles): Is there something you're not telling me about Viola? I mean, she's awfully angry at you for someone that got simply left behind to fend for herself. It seems a little more than that to me.

Charles (to George): ... A bit more, I think. We were a bit sweet on each other... And, um, then she got pregnant. Things got a little strained between us... But, I told her I'd come back for her an' Phil all the same. She thinks I left the gang, an' left her behind cuz of the baby. ...It wasn't THE reason, but... I wasn't a great bloke. I did have a hard time with it...

George (to Charles): ... I thought it was something like that. I'm not mad at you. You said you were told she was dead, it's no wonder you didn't go back to look for them after you got away... I think you really need to talk to her. I mean, really talk to her. She's not going to trust anyone to help her until she stops hating you & the only way to do that is to talk. Don't get me wrong, I'm not crazy about you patching things up with your ex-sweetheart but it'll make things easier for everyone. And, it might get these kids to start listening to something other than her ruddy big mouth.

Charles (to George): ... <sigh> You're right. I'll talk to her.

George (to Charles): C'mere for a second... You're wonderful, you know that, Charles?

Charles (to George): ... Thank you. Heh. I'm looking a bit like a kicked dog lately, am I?

George (to Charles): Just a bit... Don't let her bully you. You thought she was dead. I'm sure you would have gone back for her, otherwise. Besides, I love you, just remember that... Okay? Oh and if you're going to do it now, bring food. I told her I'd be back with some for her & the baby.

Charles (to George): Bloody 'ell. You did that on purpose, didn't you? Heh. I love you too, Wildcat.

George (to Charles): Heh. I'll hold down the fort while you're gone... Oi! You little shiftless layabouts! Git in here & lend a hand.

An hour or so later:

Viola: Shhhhhh sweetie, mama's here. I swear this will soon pass. Just go to sleep, so I can get some sleep. Please?

Charles (to Viola): <knock knock> Vee? I've got sumfi-- something for you and the baby to eat.

Viola (to Charles): Oh... I thought the little nancy boy, George was bringing us food... Addie, it'll be okay. Shhhhh.

Charles (to Viola): Nancy boy? ...Oh! Oh. Yes, I suppose he is a bit at that. Mr. Fitzroy offered to watch the kitchen for me... He said we need to talk. He's right.

Viola (to Charles): ... Do we? I can't think why... Here, you go, little one...

Charles (to Viola): Vee... You know why. I know you don't have any love of me, and I'm not asking you to, but you can't keep telling' the others what a rat I am. No one will come near the kitchen 'les they're trying to knick something. For one, I need the help. For two, this is the best shot some of these kids got, an' you know it. Poisoning them against us isn't gonna help them.

Viola (to Charles): ... Fine. Is that all?

Charles (to Viola): No. I'm sorry I was such a ruddy moron when you knew me. I truly am. I ain't - I mean, I'm not trying to ask for forgiveness for who I was. I know I don't exactly deserve it. I know I didn't handle it like I should've, but I didn't leave cuz of you. Or cuz of the baby. I really did think you an' Phil was dead.

Viola (to Charles): ... You were a ruddy idiot. Not sure you're not still one but I suppose you don't deserve me to keep being mad when you thought I was dead... I'm sorry. After Philip took off, I had to be angry at someone. You fit the bill. I honestly didn't think I'd see you again.

Charles (to Viola): Heh. Yeah... Well, way my luck's been runnin' lately, it's near a bloody miracle you did. I've been damn lucky I didn't wind up dead or worse: as bad as Achilles. You gotta change for some good luck here too, you know. All the kids do. She fussy? I got put some of those biscuits in the basket. Ms McGillivray thought she was gettin' a tooth in...

Viola (to Charles): ... I'd like to believe you, I really would. But, I just don't know... Oh, thank goodness, she's finally asleep... She's not yours... Hell, she's not really even mine. The giant woman, what's-her-name, figured it out, probably all around out in the open now. It doesn't matter, anyway. She's mine, now. I just want to be safe somewhere to see her grow up. That's all. Heh. You're pretty lucky, Charlie, if I wasn't so ruddy tired from crying baby I'd have put up more of a fight.

Charles (to Viola): I didn't think she was mine, Vee. Heh. How would she be? She's not even a year old for one... Honestly? I was half expecting you to try to stab me.

Viola (to Charles): I thought about it, but I didn't think that was a good idea in front of Addie... I named her Charlotte, in case you were wondering. She got sick one day & this man came 'round selling remedies. I knew it was stupid of me but she was laid up for days, so pale. He said it would help... The next day, she was gone.

Charles (to Viola): ... I'm sorry, Vee. I wish I knew what to say.

Viola (to Charles): It's over & done, Charlie... Bloody 'ell, I swore I'd be mad at you until I died... that silver-tongue & puppy dog eyes always did win me over, eventually.

Charles (to Viola): Vee... Vee! I-- I um, I'm not trying to be smooth with you. I meant what I said... I should go... Bullocks. I, um, I don't know how to tell you this, but I... I'm seeing someone. I... I didn't want you thinking I was trying to mislead you, or for you to hear it secondhand cuz of some flapping lips.

Viola (to Charles): Okay. I should really get some sleep while I have the chance, anyway. 'Night.

Charles (to Viola): Good night.

Viola: Heh. I wonder who it is?