When Strange Worlds Collide, Day 99

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

Luc (to Vincent): ... Alright, Vincent, I'm here... You know I'm going to speak to someone about this whole waking up before noon thing.

Vincent (to Luc): Shhhhhh! Shhhh. Too early. Here. Coffee.

Luc (to Vincent): Thanks... Why did you want to see me this ruddy early?

Vincent (to Luc): I have some deliveries to run, and supplies to pick up. I thought you might want a break from the school.

Luc (to Vincent): Yes, please... I don't think I've been around this many people, let alone children since I was in school myself. It makes me a bit twitchy.

Vincent (to Luc): Hee hee. I thought it might. Honestly, the combination of a mess of ill-behaved kiddlettes and those bloody tunnels, more than just a tad overwhelming for me as well. Heh. Which is why you got saddled with fencing duty, I'm afraid.

Luc (to Vincent): I was wondering about that. Do the tunnels really bother you?

Vincent (to Luc): They do a bit. I've always been a touch claustrophobic, and the tunnels remind me too much of particularly nasty run-in I had with Hiiri in my youth. Plus, crowds? Crowds of CHILDREN? What on earth would I do with them? Hee hee. In case you haven't noticed, I tend to act inappropriately when I'm nervous. Those kids have enough problems.

Luc (to Vincent): True... Heh. Poppy seems to be in heaven. I don't think I've ever seen someone smile so much with all the chaos.

Vincent (to Luc): Hee hee. She does love it doesn't she? Still, someone has to try to do better for the next generation. God save her. And she THRIVES on chaos. Your brother and sister are the same. They love a good shake up.

Luc (to Vincent): Heh. I think I've had enough shake ups to last me a lifetime... I could stand for a little bit of a normal routine.

Vincent (to Luc): Heh. I can imagine. Well, if you want to get out of the Bunker from time to time, I certainly wouldn't say no to some help. Your mother seems to think I can't b trusted on my own. ;-)

Luc (to Vincent): Well, history would agree with her. :-P

Vincent (to Luc): Heh. I resemble that remark, you know. You don't have to say yes. I know things are a bit strange between us right now.

Luc (to Vincent): Honestly, I don't mind lending you a hand. It's nice to feel of use.

Vincent (to Luc): I could use it. Hee hee. If it makes you feel any better, Zoe didn't know quite how to treat me at first either.

Luc (to Vincent): It's not you that makes me uncomfortable. Strangely, sometimes there's something in your voice I recognize from a long time ago. Same with Poppy. It's just weird knowing there's this little version of me that's going to have the life I didn't. I guess I'm a bit jealous, if I had to be honest to myself... I'll try not to make a habit of it. ;-P And, I hate to tell you this, Vincent, but you're not nearly as shocking as you think you are. You are far too domesticated Anyone with half a brain can see that you are in love with Poppy & you wouldn't do anything to risk that.

Vincent (to Luc): Hee hee. Well, I hate to ruin your illusion of me, but I'm honestly not trying to be shocking. Well... not REALLY. Hee hee. Is it my fault Victorians are so easy to shock? I love my wife, my family and my life. And I'm very glad you're a part of it, Luc. You may not have had the best start in life, but you're here now. Heh. And you're certainly not alone.

Luc (to Vincent): Heh... Speaking of not being alone. Have you heard from Zoe or Victor recently? Are they getting on alright? Is she still mad at me?

Vincent (to Luc): Hee hee. Yes. Like every nosy father, I enjoy checking in with the kids from time to time. They're doing well. Victor seems to be doing better. I worry the only reason he's running the Sister is because he thinks it's expected. But none of you kids are inclined do something just because it's expected of you. Which make me glad. Zoe doesn't seem to be mad at you, but it's a touchy subject for her, as you can imagine. Have you tried talking to her?

Luc (to Vincent): Not really. How do I brooch the subject? "Hey sis, I happen to fancy one of the older versions of yourself. You don't mind too much, do you?" Honestly, I have no idea what to say.

Vincent (to Luc): I can't tell you what to say, hun, but even if it's awkward, it's better to talk about it, and acknowledge the situation than pretend it doesn't exist. Trust me. Ignoring a problem doesn't help. You and the twins didn't grow up with the same Hiiri baggage as Zoe or the other clones. I think letting her know you understand how weird it is for her will help.

Luc (to Vincent): Alright, if you think it will help... For some reason, I don't like the idea of her being upset with me. And, I'd really like to continue seeing Eva, that is if she wants to. Heh. I can never quite tell if she's happy or annoyed to see me.

Vincent (to Luc): Hee hee. That's because you like having people around that care about you. As we all do. And you'll get a chance to see Eva today. We're stopping by Colorado Springs to pick up supplies. And to remind Eva she said she would provide medical exams for the Bunker. I daresay, Tesla has her working on something that takes all her attention at the moment.

Luc (to Vincent): Yes, she and Una have been busily coming up with a solution to remove Ms. Sardozi from Felix's sister. I believe they're nearing completion... according to Una, anyway.

Vincent (to Luc): Let's hope they've been getting enough sleep.

When Strange Worlds Collide, Day 98

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

Viola (to George): Here, George, let me lend you a hand with that. Addie's sleeping soundly and I've got 2 hands for a change.

George (to Viola): Oh, um, thank you, Miss Viola. The kids left the room in quite a state & it's my turn to do the tidying.

Viola (to George): So you been here awhile & I imagine you've heard a lot of things, right?

George (to Viola): Oh, you know, my fair amount, I suppose. But I don't really like to gossip or nothing.

Viola (to George): I'm not looking for gossip… I was just wondering if you knew Turner's girl?

George (to Viola): … Charles has found himself a girl!?! Pull the other leg it's got bells on. I mean, I suppose there's some gel out there dumb enough to fall for that stuck-up gentleman act of his but I don't know a name. Sorry.

Viola (to George): Oh well, no matter… I was only curious.

George (to Viola): Miss Viola, may I offer you some advice?

Viola (to George): … I guess so. What is it?

George (to Viola): Leave Mister Turner alone. Stop focusing on the past and try helping your future.

Viola (to George): That's exactly what I'm doing, George. But, I appreciate the concern… I'll let you get back to it. I shouldn't leave Addie alone for too long.

George (to Viola): See ya later.

Viola (to George): Yeah, you too... Bossy lad. Who the hell does he think he is? … I can't wait to get the hell out of here.

A few hours later:

Fiona (to Charles): There you are, Mr. Turner!

Charles (to Fiona): Ms McGillivray! ...You...You really enjoy doing that, don't you?

Fiona (to Charles): Ha ha! Of course I do! Don't stop on my account. No one wants me holding up the food. What can you tell me about Miss Viola before she joined the Smith gang?

Charles (to Fiona): Not much, I'm afraid. She and her brother Phillip joined the gang to get away from a workhouse, I believe. I'm afraid I don't know her last name. Or much else about her.

Fiona (to Charles): Well, we wouldn't want it to be too easy now, would we? One more thing, what exactly does the tattoo on your neck mean? Clashes a bit with that Little Lord image you've cultivated.

Charles (to Fiona): ...I didn't have a choice about the tattoos. I, um, I used to collect the "dues" from the brothels Achilles controlled. I, uh, I had a pretty good rapport with the girls... This mark was how I proved to the new ladies I was with the gang. The one Maladori removed, according to Achilles, was a code that only he knew. It had my name and the amount it would cost me to buy my freedom from the gang. Everyone who owed him money had one.

Fiona (to Charles): Thought it might be something like that. Alright, lad. That's me sorted for now. I'll leave you to your work. Cheers!

Charles (to Fiona): Yes, ma'am. Good evening… Ruddy 'ell... She's gonna give me a fit one of these days.

A couple hours later:

George (to Fiona): Hi Miss McGillivray! I have some information for you, if you want it.

Fiona (to George): I always want information, lad! I'm the nosiest of Parkers. What did you learn, lovely?

George (to Fiona): The last name's Locklear. Their Pa was a bloke name of "Lockjaw" Locklear. he was an enforcer for the Fleet St. Gang. Their Ma was at Madam Wong's, you know one of those places.

Fiona (to George): Awww! The Fleet Street boys. I've got a history with them. Well, well, well... This promises to be a fun assignment. Good work.

George (to Fiona): Thank you, Miss.

Fiona (to George): No reason to thank me, Fitzroy! You were the one that did the leg work. I don't hand out false compliments, so there's no need for false humility.

George (to Fiona): I wasn't offering false humility, Miss. I appreciated the compliment… Um, one of the girls I spoke to said that Viola had been attacked & changed a bit afterwards. She apparently had no memory of it. Shock, I guess. That might be why-- Oh. Nevermind. It could explain a few things at any rate.

Fiona (to George): ...Thought it might be something a bit like that. <tsk> Too ruddy common a story, if you ask me.

George (to Fiona): Yeah… I still don't like her much.

Fiona (to George): Heh. No one's asking you to. Doesn't matter how broken some of us are. We're still all responsible for our actions.

George (to Fiona): I know… I guess I should go get some dinner before there's nothing left but salad.

Fiona (to George): Go on then. I've got a ponce to annoy before I head off to shove my nose into business that isn't mine.

George (to Fiona): Yes, ma'am. Good luck on your assignment, Miss McGillivray.

Fiona (to George): Heh. Save your luck for those that'll need it. ;-) Keep on your toes, Fitzroy!

A short time later:

George (to Charles): Excuse me, Mr. Turner, is there anything left to eat?

Charles (to George): Oh, yes, of course, Mr. Fitzroy. I saved you a plate. I can reheat it if you like. 

George: Oi! Shut your gobs, you lot! This is how polite folks talk to one another. Try & learn somethin'. (to Charles) I don't want you to go to any trouble.

Charles (to George): Ignore them, Mr. Fitzroy. They've been taking an inordinate amount of pleasure in teasing me this evening.

George (to Charles): Heh. Well, they better can it, if they know what's good for 'em. Chore assignments are getting doled out tomorrow. Heh. That shut 'em up.

Charles: ... Keep up your sniggers and you'll get no other scraps. Nothing wrong with bein' well read. (to George) Heh. I believe you're better with the students than I am. Here you are. Is that enough?

George (to Charles): Yeah. That should be fine… Your problem is that you're trying to reason with 'em. It's bloody useless with this lot. Sure, if they stick around and start developing some actual brains in their little skulls, you can do that. But, right now, it's simply easier to threaten them. Isn't that right, you little monkeys?

Charles (to George): Heh. I acquiesce to your greater knowledge, sir. Means he's right 'bout you lot. Now clear off 'fore I make you clean up!

George (to Charles): Heh. See? Works like a charm.

Charles (to George): Heh... Sorry. I keep trying to treat them like I wanted to be treated. At least they're not muttering at me darkly when I walk the tunnels now. Mostly.

George (to Charles): Yeah well, one on one you can probably do that but when they're in groups. Don't bother. It's all pack mode with 'em then. Thank you for setting food aside for me.

Charles (to George): I was never very good with groups, even in the gang. It was no trouble to set aside a little something for you, sir. I'm sure you'll find a way to forgive this small kindness should you find yourself so inclined.

George (to Charles): ... I'm sure I'll think of something... I should go. I don't want to get in trouble with Mr. Vadrouiller.

Charles (to George): Yes. Of course. I won't keep you, then.

George (to Charles): Oh! Mr. Turner, do you know anything about um, plumbing? Because, my sink seems to be have issues & I could use some help repairing it.

Charles (to George): I wouldn't call myself an expert, sir, but I know a bit about pipes. I'm at your service. Shall I call after your rounds?

George (to Charles): Yeah, that would be perf-- swell, you know if it's not too much of a bother.

Charles (to George): Of course not. I shall see you then. Um... Before you go, if I may be so bold to beg your help, would you be so kind as to step into the pantry and smell something for me? I fear some of our supplies have gone bad.

George (to Charles): Oh yeah, I guess so... Heh. Don't ever use that line on a girl, Turner. Come into my stinky pantry. Heh.

Charles (to George): I-- I beg your pardon, sir! I'm sure I have no idea what on earth you could possibly mean. C'mere! ... Heh. Sorry, Wildcat… You should go... I'll see to your sink later, yeah?

George (to Charles): After a kiss like that, you better. ;-p

Charles (to George): You can count on it... Thank you for your help, Mr. Fitzroy. I'll get those grains sorted straight away.

George (to Charles): See you later, Mister Turner.

Charles (to George): Yes, sir.