When Strange Worlds Collide, Day 113

At Tesla's Monastery; Colorado Springs, Colorado, American Colonies:

Antony (to Charles): Mr. Turner! ...Why're you sleepin' in a chair? Don't they got enough beds in this place?

Charles (to Antony): Oh bleedin' 'ell! ...Tony. Ouch. What is it you want?

Antony (to Charles): It's the bloke they got in the kitchen. 'E's ruddy awful! Tried t'give us burnt up oatmeal this morn. You're goin' t'be the one workin' the kitchen soon, right? Right, Mr. Turner? I'll help iffin' you thinks you need it.

Charles (to Antony): Tony... I don't work here, so I won't be doing a thing in the kitchen. 'Sides, my friend George is sick. That's where my mind's at right now. I think you lot are tough enough to survive some scalded oatmeal.

Antony (to Charles): Yer only saying that cuz you ain't tried it... I 'eard talk Mr. Fitzroy was gutted. HE'S yer friend, is 'e? Heh heh.

Charles (to Antony): Yes, and he needs rest, so clear off!

Antony (to Charles): Awwright! AWWRIGHT! I'm goin'...

A few minutes later:

Mouse (to Charles): Hi there, Charles. I brought you & George some food... Don't worry, I booted Hugh out of the way. I tasted his oatmeal. Ugh. It was awful. So, I may be sticking around for a bit so we don't have a mutiny on our hands.

Charles (to Mouse): Um, th-- thank you, ma'am. I don't believe we've met.

Mouse (to Charles): Oh sorry. I've heard a lot about you from everyone, I feel like I already knew you. I'm Emma, Vincent's sister. And, this little guy you most definitely already know... I had to rescue him from his father's grip. I've heard that you're a fine hand in the cooking department. Any chance you'd be willing to lend me a hand? I know you've got George to watch over but sometimes everyone could use a healthy distraction from the morose.

Charles (to Mouse): Yes, of course. That's why you seem so familiar. Very nice to have meet you, ma'am. I wish it weren't under such, um, dreadful circumstances. If you help, I'm certainly willing. I-- if George is well enough that is. I was... I was very sad to hear about Miss Poppy.

Mouse (to Charles): Thank you, sweetie... I'm honestly still in shock about it. I keep expecting to hear her squeaky voice saying 'Why the glum faces, sweeties? Did someone die?' ... Sorry. Sometimes, I have a bit of a morbid sense of humor. It's how I deal.

Charles (to Mouse): ...Heh. I'm sure she'd wait for the funeral to make an entrance like that, ma'am.

Percy (to Charles & Mouse): I know I would, honey.

Mouse (to Percy): ... That isn't funny, Percy.

Percy (to Mouse & Charles): You know, honey, that is not the first time I've heard that this week? Did everyone lose their sense of humor?

Charles (to Percy & Mouse): God's bleedin' wounds, Mr. Percy! That innit funny at all! You wanna show a bit'a bloody respect, yeah?

Percy (to Charles & Mouse): You'll do what exactly, Mr. Turner?

Charles (to Percy & Mouse): Miss Poppy jus' died! Not all of us c'n turn off our ruddy hearts! If you bully any of these folks I swear...

Mouse (to Charles & Percy): Cut it out, both of you! Charles, why don't you take George's plate to her? Percy, shut the hell up! Do not say a single word or so help me I'll flip your off switch permanently. Get me? Just nod

Percy (to Mouse): <nods>

Charles (to Mouse): Yes. Of course. I apologize for my outburst. (to Percy) … Mr. Meriwether.

Meanwhile, in the communications room:

Aiden (to Ms. Dvorak, on radio): That is bloody impossible, Ms. Dvorak! Check your sources. No one could pull that off.

Ms. Dvorak (to Aiden): Don't you take that tone with me, boy! Of course, I checked my sources. With 5 trusted informants before I contacted you... Someone destroyed 5 CLANNG bases located around the world last night simultaneously. We may have trouble on the horizon. Any organization that has that sort of a cohesive plan is going to be dangerous... Are you listening to me, dear?

Aiden (to Ms. Dvorak): ... Yes. I'm sorry. I was just remembering something... Thank you for telling me, Ms. Dvorak. I should go.

Ms. Dvorak (to Aiden): Alright, dear. Give everyone my love.

Aiden (to Ms. Dvorak): I will.

At Maladori's secret laboratory; Britannia:

Starling (to Professor Maladori): You wanted to see me, ma'am?

Professor Maladori (to Starling): Yes. Five of our bases were destroyed last night. All at about the same time. Ideas? Are we sure this clone can be trusted?

Starling (to Professor Maladori): I believe so, ma'am. She's the one that told me about Meriwether's rendezvous with Gervaux. She seems content to be left alone now that she's back in the Greymalkin home.

Professor Maladori (to Starling): ...There's no such thing as coincidence, Starling. Rally whomever you need. We're taking that bunker of Ms Meriwether's sooner rather than later. Then we'll reexamine Ms Greymalkin's loyalties.

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

An hour or so later, at Tesla's Monastery; Colorado Springs, Colorado, American Colonies:

Charles (to George): George? You awake?

George (to Charles): Yeah... I was having trouble sleeping. Nightmares.

Charles (to George): I'm sorry t'hear that, Wildcat. Do ya feel up to eating?

George (to Charles): I think so... How are you, Charles? Have you been getting enough sleep? You need to take care of yourself.

Charles (to George): Heh. As much as I could in that ruddy chair. I'm doing alright, I suppose. Aside from almost getting into a fight with Percy.

George (to Charles): Percy? Oh right, him... For a second, I thought it was one those twits who'd been calling me a poof. You're ok, though?

Charles (to George): Yeah. Captain Potter's sister broke it up. Luckily for me, I'm sure. I just lost my ruddy head there. How are you feeling?

George (to Charles): Like I was stabbed in the gut... So, you know, the usual.

Charles (to George): You know what I mean.

George (to Charles): I feel awful... I should have stayed with Miss Poppy. I could have helped & then, maybe Una wo-- wouldn't have done this. Eva has always thought that Una was the more outgoing & friendly one but honestly, she may have been more vocal. I never knew what Una was thinking... And I guess now I know why.

Charles (to George): George, the only thing that would have happened if you had stayed is that you would have been killed along with Miss Poppy. I... I'm sorry to say it, Wildcat, but I don't think you being there would have stopped her. She nearly killed you as is.

George (to Charles): I know.

Several hours later, in the kitchen:

Nathaniel (to Charles): Hey, Chuck. Heh. I should've guessed Emma would rope you into the kitchen too.

Charles (to Nathaniel): Mr. Jones!?! ... Um, what are you doing here?

Nathaniel (to Charles): Same as you. Working on dinner. I work for Emma on the other side as a cook. You can call me Nate, you know?

Charles (to Nathaniel): You... You work in a kitchen? But I was under the impression... I thought Mr. Wilkes was... I mean...

Nathaniel (to Charles): Heh. My husband is the son of a lord, not me. I got a regular job like the rest of us schmucks.

Charles (to Nathaniel): Oh. Um, I'm sorry for assuming otherwise, sir. I suppose I don't know very much about you.

Zoe (to Charles & Nathaniel): ... Who do I have to punch <hiccup> or screw to get some food around here?

Nathaniel (to Zoe): Jesus fuckin' Christ. Sit down. (to Charles) I'll take care of Drunky McGee here.

Nathaniel (to Zoe): Been drinking all day, huh?

Zoe (to Nathaniel): No... Maybe... Fuck off. You're not the boss of me, you bossy you.

Nathaniel (to Zoe): Did you hear me say shit? Here eat this, and drink this. It's water. I'm gonna try to find you some bread. (to Charles) Can you give us a little space, Charles? I promise I can handle setting up dinner.

Zoe (to Nathaniel): And, more whiskey? I seem to have run out... It's very sad when the booze is gone.

Charles (to Nathaniel): Um, yes. Of course, Mr. Jones. Please call me if need any help.

Nathaniel (to Zoe): You don't need more right this second. (to Charles) I will. Thanks.

Zoe (to Nathaniel): Sez you.

Nathaniel (to Zoe): Sez your smell.

A little while later:

Nathaniel (to Zoe): ... Did you finish your food?

Zoe (to Nathaniel): ... Yes.

Nathaniel (to Zoe): Good. Here. You should probably slow your roll after this, but... Shit. I don't fucking blame you. In fact, pass it over.

Zoe (to Nathaniel): Here... If I had known having a family would hurt like this. I wouldn't have-- who am I kidding? I knew. I just was too lonely & fucked in the head to be on my own... Hell.

Nathaniel (to Zoe): Yeah. Me too. Hell, your Mom's done more for me these past couple of years than my family has since... Fuck. Since I hit puberty.

Zoe (to Nathaniel): ... Did you know that dad told Victor that there's to be no time travel? So, not fair...

Nathaniel (to Zoe): What?! Why the fuck not? I thought... I mean, I figured one of you two'd be going back for fucking sure.

Zoe (to Nathaniel): I was going to... Dad thinks messing with time would be bad for Victor, Luc & you. That's why I'm drunk.

Nathaniel (to Zoe): ... Fuck. Well. FUCK! Here. Have another. Yeah... Lemme get this shit set up, and I'll join you. Here. Drink some more water while you're waiting.

Zoe (to Nathaniel): Thanks... Have you seen Felix at all?

Nathaniel (to Zoe): Yeah. He was looking for you earlier ... Why? Are you avoiding him?

Zoe (to Nathaniel): No, I think we just keep missing each other... Possibly, on purpose.

Nathaniel (to Zoe): Go on... Go find him. I know you'd rather be with him than here drinking with your gay ass cousin.

Zoe(to Nathaniel): Heehee, gay ass cousin... You're probably right, though. Thanks for the food.

Nathaniel (to Zoe): You're welcome. Don't worry. You'll get through this. ... We all will, right?

Zoe (to Nathaniel): Yeah, sure... That's what we do, apparently.

Nathaniel (to Zoe): Yeah. We do. C'mere, Weirdo. Take care of yourself, alright?

Zoe (to Nathaniel): You too.

Nathaniel: Guess it's you, me, and a bottle of whiskey, pot roast.

When Strange Worlds Collide, Day 112

At the Greymalkin estate; Coventry, Britannia:

Una: This is fantastic! I never thought I'd see this place again... or how much I'd miss it. It is so good to be home… Well, at one of my homes.

The airship docks; Paris, French Republic:

Percy (to Poppy): Wow... I have seen you pull off some ruthless things before, honey. But, this has to be the worst.

Poppy (to Percy): It's for their own good, honey. What I have to do will put them all in danger if I'm captured. This way, they're safe.

Percy (to Poppy): Yeah, I'm sure it's for their benefit, honey. You sure it's not for yours?

Poppy (to Percy): ... Hush you. If you thought it was such a bad idea, honey. Why did you help me with it?

Percy (to Poppy): For a lark. I was bored. Besides, it's not like I was going to ever use that old chassis again. You made that quite clear the first time around. Might as well put it to use instead of sitting in storage collecting dust... I wish I could be a fly on the wall when the bomb goes off in Maladori's lab. The look on their faces. Heh.

Poppy (to Percy): ... You are not funny, honey. Speaking of which, I've got to go. My ride's here. Please, make sure everyone's okay for me.

Percy (to Poppy): ... I will. Toodles, honey.

Onboard the Maltese Falcon, at Tesla's Monastery; Colorado Springs, Colorado, American Colonies:

Victor (to Vincent): Dad? Wilkes says you can't stay on the ship. It's not safe. We have to move into the Monastery.

Vincent (to Victor): I know! Can't Aiden give me a goddamn minute?! ...I'm sorry, Victor. I'm looking for something of your brother's... I can't remember what it was I needed...

Victor (to Vincent): We can get it later. C'mon.

Vincent (to Victor): Wait. Victor, I need you and Zoe to promise me something; as much as I wish... Sorry... God... As much as I wish this never, ever happened, as bad as it hurts, I need you and your sister to PROMISE me that you won't change the timeline. Will you do this for me?

Victor (to Vincent): Dad...

Vincent (to Victor): No! Do not "Dad" me, Little Man. We've fucked up the timeline too much already. You, Nate and Luc aren't chronologically stable as is, and another change could... Victor, I don't know how I'm going to go on without your mother, but I will. I have to for you kids, but if something were to happen to any one of you... <choke> I-- I couldn't bare it... I just couldn't.

Victor (to Vincent): ...Yeah. Awright, Dad. I promise.

Vincent (to Victor): ... Thank you. I... I know how hard it is to ask...Oh, God. Let's get to the Monastery. I can't be in this ship right now.

A little while later:

Zoe (to Vincent & Victor): ... I've got a room setup for you & Lucas, Dad. Victor, I need a hand with a couple things.

Vincent (to Zoe & Victor): Thanks, sweetie. I think I'm going to lie down for a bit... I'll shout if I need anything.

Zoe (to Vincent): Want one of us to take Lucas?

Vincent (to Zoe & Victor): Not unless he gets too riled up... Heh. Don't worry, I'll be pawning him off on you soon enough.

Victor (to Zoe): He hasn't let Lucas outta his sight, has he? ... Wotcha need me for, Little Sister?

Zoe (to Victor): Not even for a minute... I'm really worried about him. I need a lookout... I'm going back... to change things.

Victor (to Zoe): Zoe, wait. Wait! Dad... He asked us not to change anything. He's worried that cuz me, Nate an' Lucas aren't properly from this timeline, somethin' will happen to us if you or I change anything.

Zoe (to Victor): But, it's Mom.

Victor (to Zoe): I know! ... I know too fuckin' well. But, what if he's right? ...We need Mars. She can suss this out, right? She can figger out all this time shite so's one of us don't blink ourselves right outta exsistance.

Zoe (to Victor): Okay. You're probably right. It just hurts so much. I didn't think it was possible... I mean, Mom was always so careful.

Victor (to Zoe): Yeah. I know. But it happens, don't it? Happened before and... God fuckin' dammit! I just... I really want to hit somefin'. A lot. A lot of times and a lot of somefin's...

Zoe (to Victor): C'mon, big brother, I know just the thing.

Victor (to Zoe): Yeah... How're Nate and Luc doing? I haven't caught nary a glance of either of 'em.

Zoe (to Victor): I think Luc has been too busy dealing with the Una issue to flip out & I haven't seen hide nor hair of Nate. I hope he's ok.

Victor (to Zoe): Yeah. Don't worry. We're all gonna be... We'll survive. S'what we do, innit?

Zoe (to Victor): This really sucks... and blows. How could she do this to us? And, poor little Lucas... He's not going to remember her. Let's go punch something.

Victor (to Zoe): ...Everything. I want to punch everything. 'Cept for what you're punching.

Zoe (to Victor): You can punch that too. I don't care. God, I need a cigarette... and a drink.

Victor (to Zoe): After the punching. Shite. I might take up smoking again just to join you...

Zoe (to Victor): Feel free. What's the fucking point, anyway...

Victor (to Zoe): ... Come on, Little Sister. We'll hit shit later. We're going to go to my room, and put something mindless on the telly.

An hour or so later:

Nathaniel: Fuck... I never wanna have to do that again.

Aiden (to Nathaniel): How you holding up, handsome? ... I think McGillivray, Fox & I have finally gotten the perimeter secure. I could use a nap.

Nathaniel (to Aiden): I just got off the phone with Emma...

Aiden (to Nathaniel): Oh, Nate, I'm sorry you had to do that... How'd she take it?

Nathaniel (to Aiden): I didn't have to, but it wouldn't have been right to make Uncle Vincent or one of her kids make the calls. It went... I dunno. She's worried about my uncle of course, and maybe it was the shock talking, but... We're sure Aunt Poppy's dead? I know how that fuckin' sounds...

Aiden (to Nathaniel): There was a witness who saw Starling and Una with the body, Nate. I'm not sure how it couldn't be true. I mean, if you think for an instant that it's a trick, tell me.

Nathaniel (to Aiden): ... No. I can't figure out how it could be. I just... Emma asked if we were sure, and I... I'm grasping at straws.

Aiden (to Nathaniel): C'mere, handsome.

Nathaniel (to Aiden): Shit fucking sucks...

Aiden (to Nathaniel): I know it does.

Meanwhile, in the infirmary:

Eva (to Charles): How is she?

Charles (to Eva): ... Still feverish. She's been in and out of consciousness all day. We should have never moved her! We just didn't have a bloody choice, did we... Excuse me. We'll... Um, I... I'll see what else I can get her for the fever. (to George) Be well. I'll be back soon.

George (to Charles): Thank you, Charles. (to Eva) ... How bad is it, Eva?

Eva (to George): ... Infection has set in. I... I'm afraid this is the most dangerous aspect to this kind of wound. But, this is the best place you could be. We won't let anything happen to you. ...Anything else, I mean. George, I... I don't know what to say.

George (to Eva): Eva, it's not your fault.

Eva (to George): I didn't say that! I've been told that in so many times and in so many variations, I tire of hearing it! How did I not know? How did *I* not know?

George (to Eva): ... Fine. You want to play it like that... Why didn't you know? You're not only twin sisters but bloody clones of the same person. There had to have been a clue, no matter how small or insignificant that you overlooked... Woo, I should not get that worked up... Is there some water? I feel hot.

Eva (to George): Good heavens! Lay down! You're not in the condition for this. Drink this! ...What are they giving you for the infection? Here. That should stem the fever a bit and help with the pain.

George (to Eva): ... I-- I don't know. Someone just comes with a handful of tablets & tells me to take them.

Eva (to George): Tablets! You should be on a drip at the least! Someone is going to get quite the taking to. I should think that... Oh. Of course. There is no one else managing things, is there? ... Is that better? This medication should be a bit stronger.

George (to Eva): I think so... Thank you, Eva.

Eva (to George): You're welcome. (to Charles) You can come back inside, Mr. Turner.

George (to Eva & Charles): Oh, Charles... Don't you think he's handsome, Eva? I think he's the handsomest boy I've ever seen... And, he's here in the room... You'd think I'd be embarrassed but I'm not cuz... I feel lovely.

Charles (to Eva & George): ...I brought some tea, if you'd like a cuppa.

Eva (to Charles & George): No. Thank you, Charles. Please watch over her for me. She may be feeling a little, um, relaxed.

Charles (to Eva): Yes, miss. (to George) I'd ask how you're feeling, but that grin seems to say it all.

George (to Charles): I feel like a balloon... You really are handsome... So handsome.

Charles (to George): Oh! Uh, thanks, Wildcat. I, uh, I don't think you've ever pet my face before... Feels like your fever broke finally.

George (to Charles): Did it? That's good... I was a bit worried that Una had poisoned me on top of the stabbing.

Charles (to George): I was too. You were a bit delirious for a time, and looked so pale...

George (to Charles): ... I'm sorry I scared you, Charlie.

Charles (to George): Guess we're even now, aren't we? ...You sure you're feeling alright? You can go to sleep if you need. You look exhausted.

George (to Charles): I think I will sleep... I love you, Charlie.

Charles (to George): I love you too, George. I'll prolly be here when you wake up.

A little while later:

Eva: Why does no one in this ruddy place have a single once of brain in one bloody skull?! I just need five damn minutes...

Luc (to Eva): Eva? What's going on? Are you alright?

Eva (to Luc): Everyone keeps running about like headless chickens, needing schematics, or information, or asking me questions I don't have any bloody answers for! I've run every diagnostic that comes to mind, and gone through MONTHS worth of my journals... And if one more person, ONE SINGLE ONE, pats me on my shoulder and tells me that it isn't my fault, I *swear* I'm going to... Oh. Oh my God. Oh my GOD… <sobs>

Luc (to Eva): It's ok, beautiful. Let it out. You're allowed to be angry, upset & confused. You just lost your sister figuratively speaking.

Eva (to Luc): I... I'm sorry. That was... That was inappropriate. I apologize for my outburst. I'm... I am at a loss.

Luc (to Eva): That wasn't inappropriate at all… You clearly need a break. Come with me.

Several hours later, at CLANNG headquarters: Bern, Switzerland:

Poppy: Boy, CLANNG has really upped their security since the last time I snuck in here... And now, I'm apparently talking to myself. Okay, let's just bloody well get this over with once and for all... Roly Poly Roland is going to owe me big time, if I survive this.

Meanwhile, at Tesla's Monastery; Colorado Springs, Colorado, American Colonies:

Nathaniel (to Victor): Hey, Victor. How are you and Zoe holding... Are you smoking? Since when do you fucking smoke!?!

Victor (to Nathaniel): Huh? Oh. Yeah. I don't. Not anymore, that is. I used to. After Mum and Dad died, but I really couldn't afford to keep it up. Before, that is.

Mouse (to Victor & Nathaniel): Yes, when did you start smoking? Filthy habit... Aren't you going to give your aunt a hug? Both of you? And, don't even try getting out of it, Nate. We may not be blood related but what the fuck ever... Git over here.

Victor (to Mouse): Aunt Mouse!?!

Nathaniel (to Mouse): Hey, Emma.

Mouse (to Victor & Nathaniel): Hey kiddos! I would have been over here sooner but SOMEBODY left me a person short with a big catering job. I thought you guys could use some more family getting in your way and asking you how you're doing. :-P

Nathaniel (to Mouse): Yeah... Figured you'd cut me some slack on that.

Mouse (to Nathaniel): Of course. I'm just teasing you, Nate... It's a coping mechanism. (to Victor) ... So, how are you?

Nathaniel (to Mouse): Heh. Like being an ass is mine. (to Victor) Gimme that shit! If I've managed to avoid smoking, you don't get to!

Victor (to Mouse & Nathaniel): Shockingly, I've been better.

Mouse (to Victor & Nathaniel): I know, kiddo... Hell, I was kinda hoping that it was a prank to get me over here. Where can I find Vincent? I actually came to see him, mostly... No offense to you kids but you've got each other to lean on.

Victor (to Mouse): Dad's in the east wing, Aunt Mouse. (to Nathaniel) Here! Blimey. I just wanted the one, ya know.

Mouse (to Victor & Nathaniel): Thanks. Try not to torment each other too much...

Victor (to Mouse & Nathaniel): Heh. No promises.

A few minutes later:

Mouse (to Vincent): <knock, knock> Hello? Vincent? Little brother? ... Can I come in?

Vincent (to Mouse): Mouse! How on earth... Nevermind. I don't care. Give me a hug.

Mouse (to Vincent): That's why I'm here... I'd ask you how you're holding up but I can guess... You look like shit.

Vincent (to Mouse): I'm sure I do. I feel like shit. I know I need to keep it together for the kids, but... What the hell am I gonna do?

Mouse (to Vincent): You're going to mourn and be terrible to be around for awhile and then, you'll figure it out... I'm sure Poppy had plans for this sort of thing happening. She always seemed to have backup plans of backup plans... unlike your tactics. And you know, Eep and I will help you when and where we can.

Vincent (to Mouse): I know you will, sweetie. Thank you...

Mouse (to Vincent): … A more immediate concern is to hand over Lucas. I think his diaper needs to be changed... or is that a new cologne?

Vincent (to Mouse): Oh Jesus! That poor kid. I'm a fucking mess... (to Lucas) Daddy's sorry, Baby Boy.

Mouse (to Vincent): Here. I'll take care of the poopy little man and you dig in my bag and find the Kraken & soda I brought for the occassion. And then, we will drink until you can't feel feelings. Deal?

Vincent (to Mouse): God, fuck yes.