When Strange Worlds Collide, Day 116

At a cottage; Thurso, Scotland, Britannia:

Poppy (to Vincent): … Well, I certainly feel properly punished, lover. Unless, you'd like another go? ;-P

Vincent (to Poppy): That is tempting. So very, very tempting... But, I should really get back to the kids. You, woman, are NEVER allowed to die on me again, or I will be REALLY mad. ...I love you.

Poppy (to Vincent): I love you, too, honey… I've thought of a way to deal with this… I'm going to be in the apartment in West Piedmont tomorrow. Bring the children… I think if I stay there, it'll keep everyone safe and you all can visit me without arousing too much suspicion from Roland and the ISS.

Vincent (to Poppy): I knew you wouldn't let anyone put you on your back, lover. Heh. Present company excluded. We'll be there.

Poppy (to Vincent): … Are you sure you have to go right now, lover? I'm not quite sure if I'm apologetic enough. Maybe, you should stay and make me sorry. ;-P

Vincent (to Poppy): ... Goddamn. You sure know how to get my attention, don't you? ...Oh! Heh. I think I could stay for a little while longer.

Poppy (to Vincent): I'm very happy to hear that, honey.

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

Yukiko (to Zoe): Whoa there, Zoe! I think we've been sparring long enough. You've got to be worn out by now. You can't even throw a punch properly, anymore. I could have killed you three times, already.

Zoe (to Yukiko): No, let's go again.

Yukiko (to Zoe): … While I'm more than willing to do this with you. I'm not going to let you kill yourself. So, just stop… Please?

Zoe (to Yukiko): Fine.

Felix (to Zoe & Yukiko): ... Am I interrupting?

Yukiko (to Felix): Thankfully, yes. Would you please talk some sense into that thick skull of hers? I'm getting sick & tired of all the Potters self-destructing & behaving like idiots.

Felix (to Yukiko): ...They do all seem to be doing that, don't they? (to Zoe) Come on Pretty Lady.

Yukiko (to Felix & Zoe): Thank you… I've got to go wrangle my little helper, Tony. Who knows what kind of trouble she's gotten into while I've been mucking about with her… Zoe, get some rest.

Zoe (to Yukiko): Yeah, yeah… (to Felix) Where are we going?

Felix (to Zoe): We're getting some fresh air. You've been drunk, fuming, and hiding inside all week. Before you say anything... I know. And you have every right to feel as rotten as you do. But, how about you let me try to take your mind off things for a while?

Zoe (to Felix): Because, I don't want to take my mind of it… My mother is dead & I want to kill the person who did it. But, there's no point. It was fucking Starling. And, as far as that walking toaster is concerned my mom was just one more of her toys. I'm very angry, hurt & I don't know how to make these feelings go away.

Felix (to Zoe): I know. And I know nothing I can say or do will make you feel better, just like I know you really can't forget this. But, I'm worried about you. You can't keep going like you have been.

Zoe (to Felix): … Are you serious? You've been avoiding your sister for weeks even though she's been asking to see you & you're going to give me the "you've got so much to live for. you can't keep going on like this." speech?

Felix (to Zoe): ...Fine. If you want me to go talk to my sister, let's go talk to my sister.

Zoe (to Felix): … I can't do this, Felix. Not right now… Just leave me alone.

Felix (to Zoe): ... Shit. I know I'm making a hash of trying to say the right thing. And of helping you. But I don't think I can leave you alone.

Zoe (to Felix): … Lucky me.

Felix (to Zoe): ...

Zoe (to Felix): … I haven't cried, Felix. Not at all. Not even one tear. Why can't I cry? You'd think this would be something that would make me cry. But, I just can't seem to do it.

Felix (to Zoe): I don't know. If I had to guess, I'd think it's because you can't bring yourself to believe the worst. Your family tends to be unbelievably optimistic, you know.

Zoe (to Felix): I'm not feeling very optimistic right now.

Felix (to Zoe): Come here, Zoe.

Zoe (to Felix): … I'm sorry I've been such an asshole.

Felix (to Zoe): It's fine. I love you all the same. Good. Bad. Crazy.

Zoe (to Felix): Heh. You got a thing for broken chicks, huh?

Felix (to Zoe): Heh. No more than you've got a thing for damaged, ridiculously attractive men.

Zoe (to Felix): … It's not men like that I have a thing for, just you.

Felix (to Zoe): Good.

Several hours later, on the street; New London, Britannia:

Amunet: Well, I give up for today. I'm just having no luck finding Miss Poppy. I don't know what Luc was thinking.

Nathaniel (to Amunet): Hey. Any luck?

Amunet (to Nathaniel): Not at all… Which is a bit odd. Usually, I can find traces of a person even if they're dead but it's like her existence was scrubbed clean… Are you just humoring Luc? It's okay, if you are. I've never seen him like this before & we've been partners forever.

Nathaniel (to Amunet): I thought you were gonna say something like that. For the record, no. I'm not just humoring him. This whole thing is way too fucking squeaky clean to be trusted. It's like goddamn Disneyland. It stinks... How's he holding up?

Amunet (to Nathaniel): He's not sure how to act. He spent his whole life being told how horrible his birth parents were, only to discover that it was all lies. Not to mention, he has a "girlfriend" that has been freaking out because it would appear that her sister switched sides... Honestly, I think giving him something to focus on no matter how ridiculous is better than letting him wallow. He's a terrible wallower. This one time at school… Nevermind, he would kill me if I told you.

Nathaniel (to Amunet): What? I'm gonna fucking judge? I can bet I've done something stupider. In one lifetime or another. Besides, he's not the only one who's trying to keep busy cuz he doesn't know how to act.

Amunet (to Nathaniel): …We seem to have picked up a tail. Recognize him? That looks like a CLANNG jacket or at least, it used to be.

Nathaniel (to Amunet): Shit. Yeah. We ran into him in a bar. He tried to get Victor to buy him a drink last night. Wanna go terrorize him with me?

Amunet (to Nathaniel): Heh… You had to ask?

Nathaniel (to Amunet): Heh. (to Craine) What's the matter? Don't know how to take no for an answer?

Amunet (to Craine): The gentleman asked you a question, soldier. Speak up.

Craine (to Amunet): What makes you call me "soldier," beautiful? I'm hardly the armed forces sort.

Amunet (to Craine): Are you now? Then where'd you nick the CLANNG jacket?

Nathaniel (to Amunet): He was fucking in CLANNG. Trust me. (to Craine) ... What the fuck do you want!?!

Craine (to Amunet & Nathaniel): ... Let's say I WAS with CLANNG. I'd suddenly have found myself without a job or a place to life.

Amunet (to Craine): Yes, that is very sad. But that doesn't explain why you're following us.

Nathaniel (to Craine): Oh yeah? Sucks to be you, then.

Craine (to Amunet & Nathaniel): Isn't it obvious? I have no idea what's going on, but you two seem to have a pretty good idea. Plus, you're both pretty adorable, so it hasn't exactly been a chore...

Amunet (to Craine): No one has ever referred to me as adorable... (to Nathaniel) Can I kill him?

Craine (to Amunet): I find that hard to believe.

Nathaniel (to Amunet): Let him alone. He's got bigger problems than us. (to Craine) Not that this hasn't been a slice, but we gotta go. If you're smart, you'll forget you saw us.

Craine (to Nathaniel & Amunet): Heh. I've never been accused of being particularly smart. Wait! Clearly you have some familiarity with, uh my former employers, shall we say. I'm just trying to work out what happened. I come back from a little unscheduled R & R, and the whole world has imploded. Well, my whole world, at any rate.

Nathaniel (to Craine): Yeah. The world fucking does that sometimes. Just be glad you didn't implode with it. Look. We can't answer whatever questions you got, alright? And even if we could? We wouldn't.

Craine (to Nathaniel): If that's the case, fancy a shag? It would have to be at your place, I'm afraid, as mine seems to have exploded. It's an open invitation, by the by. You, her, your gingery friend from the other night, all three of you... (to Amunet) Any friends you may want to bring along, adorable.

Amunet (to Craine): ...

Nathaniel (to Craine): What?

Craine (to Nathaniel & Amunet): I'll admit neither of you seems like my usual type, but I appear to have some free time in my hands.

Nathaniel (to Craine): Yeah? What's your usual type like? Deaf?

Craine (to Nathaniel): No. Someone who likes to be bossed around in the bedroom.

Nathaniel (to Craine): ... Ha ha ha! Shit! Oh...ha ha! Oh shit! (to Amunet) C'mon. Don't kill him. Heh. He's got enough problems. Let's go.

Craine (to Nathaniel & Amunet): Wait! I was serious about the open invite! You can bring the knives if that's your thing... Where did they go?

A few minutes later:

Amunet (to Nathaniel): HAHAHA! Was he serious? I've heard some strange stories about CLANNG but that... HAHAHA! He talks way too much, but he was very attractive. It's a shame, really.

Nathaniel (to Amunet): Heh. Judging by my past experience? He was fucking serious. If you wanna go get you some, go for it. You'd better bring a gag, though. Bet he runs his mouth the whole damn time.

Amunet (to Nathaniel): Heh. As tempting a thought as that might be, I have a feeling I'd be stuck with him... or have to pay. Neither strike me as very pleasant... And then, I'd have to deal with a body & you know how Miss Pop-- Oh. Sorry. I beg your pardon. I forgot.

Nathaniel (to Amunet): ... S'alright. It's... <cough> It's Fine. We should get back, anyway.

Amunet (to Nathaniel): You are probably right... Do you want me to keep looking? I could make some inquiries with some people I know.

Nathaniel (to Amunet): Yeah. Be as quiet about it as you can, though. I'm probably being paranoid, but something about this makes my hair stand on end.

Amunet (to Nathaniel): I'll be as discreet as possible... I'm not quite sure what the proper level of paranoia is when dealing with spies, former or otherwise. Whatever it is, it's probably not nearly enough.

Nathaniel (to Amunet): Not nearly. If someone can get to Aunt Poppy that person can get to us all... You coming back with me?

Amunet (to Nathaniel): No. I need to head back home. I promised Mars that I'd model for her latest painting. If I'm gone too much longer, she'll kill me. I'll be back soon to continue my search. Please, say hello to Luc for me... I can get back on my own. No need for you to waste your energy.

Nathaniel (to Amunet): Yeah she will. Tell Stretch I'll see her soon. I'll pass along your regards to Luc. Later.

Amunet (to Nathaniel): Bye.

When Strange Worlds Collide, Day 115

At a cottage; Thurso, Scotland, Britannia:

Poppy: I seriously hate this place… Well, I guess I should get used to it… Maybe, with a little gasoline & some matches? No problem.

Thaddeus (to Poppy): What's the ETA on that breakfast, stinkblossom?

Poppy (to Thaddeus): ... I'm not your housekeeper, honey, I'm your sister. Mrs. Newcomb will have your breakfast ready for you momentarily, I'm sure. Are you comfy?

Thaddeus (to Poppy): Yes. I have to say this is a step up from my previous accommodations... but, only just.

Poppy (to Thaddeus): Yes, well, you're a former, thought to be dead leader of CLANNG so, hiding in a hovel in Scotland is it for you... I can always put you back in the ISS holding cells if you'd prefer. I'm sure they'd love to have you back, honey.

Thaddeus (to Poppy): Touchy, touchy, stinkblossom. This will do just fine.

Poppy (to Thaddeus): Good. I sacrificed a lot to get you out of that hellhole... And, I could use some sleep. I've been running non-stop for 48 hours. If you need anything, ring the bell. Mrs. Newcomb will take care of you.

Thaddeus (to Poppy): All kidding aside... Thank you, Poppy. I mean it. I'm glad you got me out of that place.

Poppy (to Thaddeus): You're welcome, honey. I'll see you after I get some beauty sleep.

A short time later, outside:

Vincent: That should be the place... Goddamn. I dunno what's worse. Thinking she's there, or thinking she's not.

Thaddeus (to Vincent): Don't move, we don't like skulkers 'round here. Besides, it would be quite sad to get shot by an old man in a wheelchair. Especially, one still waiting for breakfast. Makes me cranky.

Vincent (to Thaddeus): I'm sure I've been shot by stranger folk… Thaddeus? That can't be you, can it? Good God...

Thaddeus (to Vincent): ... Thaddeus? Never heard of him... I'm called-- Blast this damn memory! Fine. Thaddeus, it is, I suppose. Who be you, boy? Come to check out the new neighbors, have you? I swear news travels fast in a small hamlet like this... Don't be spreading the name around too much, wouldn't want the little miss to get upset with me. You know how women are.

Vincent (to Thaddeus): I thought I did, but the older I get, the less I realize I know. My apologies, sir. I thought for a moment you were my brother-in-law. He died some time ago. I was clearly mistaken. I don't live around here. I was looking for someone. Heh. You can always do what I do, shove it in your face when she's not looking, and insist you never got any.

Thaddeus (to Vincent): I don't recall being married before but my memory isn't what it once was... You do look a wee bit familiar to me. Who might you be looking for? I've got a couple folks in the house I'm anxious to be rid of... I'll give 'em to you cheap. Especially, the old battle-axe that's making me breakfast. She never gives me enough bacon. At least, I assume so. She strikes me as the kind that would do that.

Vincent (to Thaddeus): Heh. You can always do what I do, shove it in your face when she's not looking, and insist you never got any... I was looking for my wife. My lady and I spent very nearly every day together for the past twenty years. People usually think me a fairly capable man, but the truth is I don't know what to do without her. Nor do the kids.

Thaddeus (to Vincent): Heh. I like you, my boy... Come in & have breakfast. I don't know about a wife but, no one should be sent off into the great, wide world on a quest without a cup of tea and some nourishment. Wives are a slippery lot. It's probably why I never bothered with one... that I recall. One could be showing up at any minute, for all I know. ;-P

Vincent (to Thaddeus): A cup of tea would be nice. Thank you… Any kids of your own, Commander?

Thaddeus (to Vincent): In a manner of speaking, I did once... Nice lad. There was a bit of a war on, so to speak & I had to send him away. (to Ginny Newcomb) Mrs. Newcomb! Add one more for breakfast, if you please. Shouldn't much matter since you're slow as molasses.

Ginny (to Thaddeus): Fine, you old goat... (to Vincent) Hello sir, I'm sorry for my rudeness. It's been a bit of a nightmare getting the place in order at such short notice. I've got tea for you both & brekkie will be up in a tick.

Thaddeus (to Vincent): See? What did I tell you? She's an evil dictator and I ought to know.

Vincent (to Ginny): Don't go to too much trouble on my account, Miss. I wouldn't want to trouble you. (to Thaddeus) You don't seem much like an evil dictator type to me. More like whimsically malevolent.

Ginny (to Vincent): It's no trouble & it's missus, been happily married five years, Mist-- I'm sorry, the Commander didn't give me your name.

Thaddeus (to Vincent): Heh. I like that... whimsically malevolent. (to Ginny) Write that down, Mrs. Newcomb.

Ginny (to Thaddeus): Write it down, yourself... Here's breakfast for you both. I'll bring something upstairs in a bit. I'm sure the little miss will be wanting something after the last few days she had.

Vincent (to Ginny): ...You can bring her mine, Mrs. Newcomb. I haven't touched it. I accepted the Commander's offer more out of manners than hunger. Thank you for the tea. I... <ahem> Excuse me. I really should go.

Thaddeus: zzzZZZzzzZZZZzzz

Poppy (to Ginny): Ginny, the lure of bacon was too strong to resist... (to Vincent) Oh bloody 'ell! Vincent, what are you doing here? Were you followed? You shouldn't be here. It's not safe.

Vincent (to Poppy): … It was Percy. I wasn't followed. I've been listening to the chatter around town. I... I was just leaving.

Ginny (to Poppy & Vincent): ... Oh, you DO know each other... I'll just wheel the commander into his room, shall I?

Poppy (to Ginny): It's alright, Ginny. This is my husband. (to Vincent) Vincent, stay... Please?

Ginny (to Poppy & Vincent): I could tell, ma'am. He looks like the picture in your room... If you need me, holler.

Poppy (to Ginny): Thank you. (to Vincent) I know you're mad at me, lover, and I deserve it. I didn't do it because I wanted to leave you... I wanted to keep you safe... And, you're just going to keep on walking, aren't you? Fine. I don't blame you, at all.

Vincent (to Poppy): Poppy... I don't know what to say. I don't even know what to THINK! Do you have any, ANY idea what you put the kids through? Do you know heartbreaking it's been, not only to lose you, but to think Lucas was going to have to grow up without you? ...

Poppy (to Vincent): ... They were going to kill you all, if I didn't help them. And, I do mean, all. You, the kids, my brothers, their families. Everyone... I just figured if I was out of the picture, you'd be safer.

Vincent (to Poppy): What if Victor or Zoe had gone back to "save" you? We could have lost one of them!

Poppy (to Vincent): I knew you wouldn't let them do it... Well, I hoped you wouldn't... I am totally going to kill Percy. I hope you know that it broke my heart to do it. But, I thought that mourning one person was better than losing you all... I'm so sorry.

Vincent (to Poppy): ... So. What do we do now?

Poppy (to Vincent): I guess that's up to you, honey... I need to make sure Thaddeus is alright here. Mrs. Newcomb & her husband are former trainees of mine, so I know he'll be protected. But, his memory is a bit spotty, I'm worried about what the ISS did to him.

Vincent (to Poppy): I noticed that. A guy tries to kill you a few times, you think he'd remember you. 

Poppy (to Vincent): I'm just not sure Roland will honor our agreement to the letter... So, it may be best if I stay away, for now. As long as I'm dead, he'll leave you alone & you'll be safe. On the plus side, you won't have to worry about CLANNG anymore... And, you're making the angry Vincent face, at me... Go ahead, say whatever it is. I deserve it.

Vincent (to Poppy): ... I can't keep lying to the kids, Poppy.

Poppy (to Vincent): That's why I didn't tell you in the first place, lover... I know it probably doesn't mean much at the moment but I missed you, desperately.

Vincent (to Poppy): You have no idea. Come here! I'm going to be SO furious with you later, but right now...

Several hours later, at a pub; Colorado Springs, Colorado, American Colonies:

Craine Wolfram: Oh bugger… (to Victor) Hey. How about you buy a guy down on his luck a drink?

Victor (to Craine): Nope.

Craine (to Victor): Wha-- what?

Victor (to Craine): You heard me. We're all havin' a bad ruddy day. (to Nathaniel) I'm gonna get us another couple of pints.

Nathaniel (to Victor): Sure. (to Craine) Don't look at me. I ain't buying you shit either. ...You might wanna loose that ring you got on. CLANNG ain't real popular right this second.

Craine (to Nathaniel): Bullocks. I didn't realize I was still wearing... Wait! How did you know this was... Hey! That was bloody odd.