When Strange Worlds Collide, Day 118

At the Greymalkin house; Coventry, Britannia:

Una: Oh... He's still here. That's surprising...

Craine (to Una): Twin sister, huh? That is... Heh. That is bloody hot. Are you two close, and if so, HOW close? "I'd be on board with enough wine" close? I don't suppose she's home, is she? Heh heh. You can put away the weaponry. I'm not robbing you. Just being nosy. Really. Where would I hide my goods?

Una (to Craine): I'm sure you'd manage something... And, to answer your inappropriate question, we were close once, not so much now. It happens generally after you abandon someone to their own devices because you realize they don't share your feelings. So, no I don't think she'll be joining us anytime soon. So sorry to ruin your fantasy.

Craine (to Una): Pity. I'll have to be content with my thoughts, then. Siblings are never up for that anyway. I should find some cousins... Oh. Or maybe orphans who weren't raised together... Yeah. That might work. At any rate, I don't rob people, so your valuables are perfectly safe and snug. Thievery is SO much bloody work for so little pay off.

Una (to Craine): ... You are a very strange man.

Craine (to Una): You aren't the first to tell me that. Since I assume you're here to kick me out, how about we go at it one more time?

Una (to Craine): Oh. I'm not kicking you out. Not yet, anyway. I think we could be of use to one another. And not just in a naked, sweaty way.

Craine (to Una): Oh? Sweaty and naked sounds like A LOT more fun, but I'm listening.

Una (to Craine): I need to make sure that Maladori, Starling & Carver are all truly gone. And, I could use an ally, of sorts. In exchange, I'll let you stay here. You can even have your own room. I believe we have plenty in this place.

Craine (to Una): You want me to find three dangerous psychopaths in return for room and board?!? ...Yeah, alright. But I want a room with a feather bed. It felt like I was sleeping nestled between an angel's tits last night.

Una (to Craine): Fine... Take the last one down the hall on the left. It was a guest room, now, it is yours. I'm ringing down for breakfast. Would you like me to have some sent to your room?

Craine (to Una): Woo hoo! Yes! Absolutely! Unless you want me to stay right here, that is.

Una (to Craine): ... Why on earth would I want that?

Craine (to Una): Ha ha ha! Alright. I can take a hint. I'm off to "my" room. Should you need me for more physical services, just knock. Be naked. It'll save time. Oh! And bring along what ever strange devices you might have hidden under your bed.

Una (to Craine): HAHAHA! You should be very careful what you ask for, Craine. And, please partake in a bath & a change of clothes. Just ask the butler, Mister Winthrop. He'll assist you with that sort of thing... And, stay away from the maids.

Craine (to Una): Heh. Sure thing, boss. ...What about the butler? Wait. What does he look like? Nevermind. What about the butler?

Una (to Craine): I'm not sure he's your type... Though, I'm not sure you really have a type other than breathing. Go for it, I'm sure it will be very amusing.

Craine (to Una): Yes. We shall, won't we?

Una (to Craine): ... Is there anything else? If not, I have work to do. That insane woman has mucked about with the company so much, it's going to take me a month to fix it.

Craine (to Una): That sounds like a lot of work. I'll leave you too it, and go see about the bath, clothes, and the Butler.

Una (to Craine): Good... Oh, and Craine, be in my room after dinner. Clothes are very much optional.

Craine (to Una): You're the boss, boss. Cheers.

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

Viola: Bloody 'ell! How much longer are we going to be kept in this cell?

Charles (to Viola): Vee? Brought you an' the babe breakfast.

Viola (to Charles): Thanks... How much longer do we have to be in here? Aside from folks bringing us food, I haven't seen anyone.

Charles (to Viola): I'm not sure. Everything is more'n a bit chaotic, right now. The headmaster of the school was murdered... Who're you REALLY?

Viola (to Charles): What do you mean!?! I'm Viola. Always have been. I don't know what they're talking about being a clone. I don't even know what that means.

Charles (to Viola): <sigh> I don't have the energy for this. You know what it means, Vee. It was explained to you, and I know you're not a bloody idiot. We found an old tintype of you from about 15 years ago. You look the same. Bloody 'ell! You look the same as two years ago. That's odd at our age, innit? I certainly don't look the same... So either you can keep sitting playing at being daft, or you can tell me what's going on, so I can try to ruddy well help.

Viola (to Charles): ... Fine. What do you want me to tell you? That I'm an experiment gone wrong? That I can't age? I'm stuck like this for the rest of my bloody life because that Franklin bloke was an idiot. Little Addie was one of his, too. She doesn't have much longer in this world. She's never going to get a chance to grow up & I'm stuck never growing any older. Are you happy now? All cuz some nutter wanted to clone his ruddy "special" daughter.

Charles (to Viola): Christ's bleedin' wounds... I'm sorry, Vee. I really am. Were you sent here to look for someone?

Viola (to Charles): No. I really am on my own. I was hoping to figure out a way to get Philip out of lockup. Folks will start asking questions when they realize he hasn't aged. On the street, it's easier to hide. We just blend in with all the other street kids. Franklin didn't want us anymore and he certainly didn't want his precious girl asking questions about us. So, it was run off or stay and be incinerated. Which option would you have gone with, Charlie?

Charles (to Viola): Not much of a choice either way, is it? ... I'll see what I can do, alright?

Viola (to Charles): Thanks, I guess... Just so you know, I don't know who Franklin made us from. Honest.

Charles (to Viola): Knowing what I know about him, that's probably for the best. I'll be by later to grab the dishes.

Viola (to Charles): Thanks... Could you tell the scary women that Addie needs some medical attention? She's not got much longer.

Charles (to Viola): What? Oh... Oh shite! Yeah. I'll go find Miss Eva right away. (to Eva) Eva! Miss Eva! Viola said the baby needs medical attention.

Eva (to Charles): Yes, yes! I know. There's a transmitter in her room. We were listening. I have my kit, and I'm on my way.

Charles (to Eva): Oh! Oh... Um, yes. That's good... I'll just find something to do, shall I?

A couple hours later:

Antony (to Charles): Mr. Turner? Oi! Mr. Turner! Why is you asleep in the hall? Come on! Let's get you... Oof! Um. How 'bout you get yerself up?

Charles (to Antony): Huh? Tony? Where... Where am I?

Antony (to Charles): You was passed out in the hall... You alright?

Charles (to Antony): Oh... Yes. So I am. I... I suppose I haven't been sleeping very well late... Wait! What time is it? Oh bugger! (to Eva) M-- miss Eva! Is George... I mean, she's alright, isn't she?

Eva (to Charles): Yes... She's fine. Are you feeling well, Mr. Turner?

George (to Charles): I'm fine, Charlie. Calm down.

Charles (to Eva): Oh. Oh... Yeah. I'm just a bit discombobulated, I think... I fell asleep.

George (to Eva): Eva, are you done with changing the bandages? I'd like to talk to Charles alone, if that's ok?

Eva (to George): Yes, of course. (to Charles) Make sure you get some sleep tonight, Charles.

George (to Eva): Thank you, Eva. (to Charles) What's wrong, Charlie?

Charles (to George): Nothing new, Wildcat. I don't think I've been getting enough sleep lately.

George (to Charles): I can tell... It's not because of me, is it?

Charles (to George): Well, I've been worrying over you, but that's hardly your fault. And I've been helping out in the kitchen when I'm not here. More like running it at the moment. Mr Jones and Miss Emma had a family matter...

George (to Charles): Heh. That's my guy. :-) Hop up here, Charlie. I think it's okay. Eva said that I was out of the woods & healing just fine. Zoe offered to do her "magic trick" but Eva vetoed the idea. She was afraid something would go wrong so I get to heal the old fashioned way.

Charles (to George): Heh... Are you sure it's alright? Will you have enough room?

George (to Charles): I'll be fine... I've missed you being beside me.

Charles (to George): I've missed you too.

George (to Charles): Good... Curl up and get some sleep.

Several hours later, at the Greymalkin house; Coventry, Britannia:

Una: I do not like to be kept waiting.

Craine: Whose blood is all this?! Ah. It's mine... Heh. Heh. Well, that's bothersome. (to Una) Hello, gorgeous. 

Una (to Craine): Craine... Where have you been? Whoring around?

Craine (to Una): Heh. Did you know, that when you lose blood, beer gets you TWICE as drunk? This is AMAZING! Why doesn't everyone do this? Whoops! Oh. Well... There's a reason.

Una (to Craine): I can see that... Take off your shirt. I'll get my medical kit.

Craine (to Una): Awww. It's not as bad as all that. Get me something clean to press up against it, and it should stop soon enough. Bugger. I've ruined this shirt. Mr. Winthrop will be SO disappointed in me. After he went and picked it out for me and all.

Una (to Craine): Heh... I could think of one or two things. So, what happened?

Craine (to Una): Apparently, most of CLANNG's gone and gotten itself blown up. It wasn't just my regiment. Ouch! Watch it there! I only care for pain under very specific circumstances. Naked ones. It would seem my former employers were not popular. Which in turn made ME unpopular.

Una (to Craine): You're still wearing the ruddy coat... Why do you think I told you to get a change of clothes?

Craine (to Una): I look good in this coat. I took all the skulls off it. Most of the skulls. 80%. 90% of the skulls.

Una (to Craine): Well, the longer you wear that coat, the more times this sort of thing is going to happen to you. So, either get a new coat or start learning to appreciate mindless violence from strangers... Honestly, I have a feeling you're going to chose the the latter rather than the former... It's a good thing you're attractive.

Craine (to Una): Heh. Yeah it is. People have been trying to stab me for one reason or another for years. Least the coat gives 'em an excuse.

Una (to Craine): Did you learn anything interesting? Or are you just going to bleed on my carpet?

Craine (to Una): Nothing yet, so that just leaves bleeding on your floor ...Unless, you've got a better idea for me.

Una (to Craine): I do... Take off your clothes. Ever been in a bathtub the size of a wading pool? Wait. Don't tell me, because if you have, you're just going to go on about it & I think I'd rather not hear it right now.

Craine (to Una): Heh... If that's the case, boss, I'll have to do something else to keep my mouth busy. Fortunately, I've got plenty of ideas.

Una (to Craine): Good... I happen to like ideas. Come along.

When Strange Worlds Collide, Day 117

On the streets; New London, Britannia:

Una: So, it's true, someone blew up Maladori's lab... Well, that certainly solves my problems. I think I shall have a drink in celebration.

A short time later, at Tesla's Monastery; Colorado Springs, Colorado, American Colonies:

Vincent (to Nathaniel): There you are! We've been looking everywhere for you. I've got... We need to discuss more than a few things. As a family. (to Zoe, Victor & Luc) I found Nate!

Zoe (to Vincent): Good... Can we get this fucking over with?

Nathaniel (to Vincent, Victor, Zoe & Luc): What's going on?

Luc (to Nathaniel): We're not sure. (to Zoe) Can the attitude, sister o' mine.

Zoe (to Luc): Make me.

Luc (to Zoe): …

Vincent (to Zoe): Zoe Clair, stop it. Here. Hold your baby brother. (to Victor) Victor, can you get us all to the apartment in West Piedmont?

Zoe (to Vincent): Fine... (to Lucas) Lucas, when you grow up, promise me you won't have a stick up your butt like Luc, ok?

Victor (to Vincent): Yeah. Should be able to, but I'll be on my arse if the inhibitor field's on.

Vincent (to Victor): It's not. (to Luc, Zoe, Nathaniel & Victor) Come on. Everyone join hands. (to Nathaniel & Zoe) You two help him out as much as your hangovers will allow.

Nathaniel (to Vincent): ...Yeah. Alright.

Luc (to Vincent): Are we going to have a sing-along?

Vincent (to Luc & Zoe): Good heavens... Why did all you kids have to get my asshole genes? (to Victor) Whenever you're ready.

Victor (to Vincent): Oh! Right. (to Nathaniel, Luc & Zoe) Oh three, yeah? One. Two. Three...

A moment later, at Poppy & Vincent's apartment; West Piedmont:

Zoe: Oof... Why do I smell bacon?

Poppy (to Zoe, Victor, Luc, Nathaniel & Vincent): That would be because I'm making breakfast, honey... Mars & Amunet went off to a movie so we could have some family alone time.

Luc: I bloody well knew it!

Nathaniel (to Poppy & Vincent): ...What the fuck is going on?

Vincent (to Nathaniel, Victor, Luc & Zoe): Everyone just calm down. Calm down! Sit down, and your mom will explain.

Zoe (to Poppy & Vincent): You giant fucking dicks!

Poppy (to Vincent): Thank you, lover. (to Zoe, Victor, Luc, & Nathaniel) First off, before you start calling us more names. Your father didn't know until yesterday.

Vincent (to Zoe): Zoe! Plant your bottom, young lady. (to Victor) You too, Victor! Victor?

Poppy (to Vincent): Honey, why don't you go grab him? I know he's furious at me, as everyone has the right to be.

Zoe (to Poppy): Damn skippy, we're mad at you, Mom! You lied to us! What you couldn't fucking trust us to keep your secret?

Poppy (to Zoe): It's a bit more complicated than that... Will you please just listen?

Zoe (to Poppy): Fuck off... I need a smoke. Here. Take Lucas. I'm sure he's too young to be emotionally traumatized by this.

Poppy (to Nathaniel & Luc): ... Well, that went better than I expected... You two are being awfully quiet. Go on, let me have it.

Luc (to Poppy): I am reserving my right to comment until after I've heard everything. Seems only fair.

Poppy (to Luc): Thank you, honey.

Nathaniel (to Poppy): Roland's fucking involved, isn't he?

Poppy (to Luc & Nathaniel): You got the nail on the head, honey... He found out my relationship to Thaddeus, whether from him directly or someone else, I'm still not sure. He then threatened my entire family if I didn't help the ISS take out CLANNG once and for all. So, in order to protect you all, I faked my death.

Nathaniel (to Poppy): ... Fuck. I was afraid you were gonna say something like that. Want me to see if I can wrangle Zoe?

Poppy (to Nathaniel): In a minute, honey. She needs a moment to cool off... or figure out how angry she wants to be.

Luc (to Poppy): How did you do it? There were reports of a body. There was blood in the Gervaux's shop.

Poppy (to Luc & Nathaniel): It was Percy's original chassis, the one that looked like me. Tesla had made it able to pass for human, years ago, including a phony circulatory system. If they had opened it up, they would have seen right away that it was an automaton but a cursory glance it would have looked human. I made sure that they didn't have much time to examine it. That's why the attacks on CLANNG happened when they did.

Luc (to Poppy): Who else knew about your plan? You couldn't have done it, alone.

Poppy (to Luc & Nathaniel): Tesla and Percy knew everything & helped me arrange everything. Mars made the energy signature scrubber but she didn't know what I was using it for until this morning when I scared the hell out of her & Amunet.

Luc (to Poppy): Ah, alright then. (to Nathaniel) What? I grew up with this sort of thing.

Nathaniel (to Luc): ... Ha ha ha ha! Oh Jesus! Yeah you did!

Poppy (to Luc & Nathaniel): You both are taking this better than I thought you would.

Nathaniel (to Poppy & Luc): God's hairy cock, this is fucking... Heh. This is so this fucking family. I'm glad you're OK, Aunt Poppy.

Luc (to Poppy): We were out looking for you. Neither of us thought you were really dead.

Nathaniel (to Poppy): He's right. The whole thing was too fucking sterile, ya know? It got us suspicious.

Poppy (to Nathaniel): I'm sorry for doing it, Nate. I just couldn't think of another way to keep you all safe. And, I couldn't tell Vincent. You know, what a terrible liar he is. He'd be sashaying all around the place when he was supposed to be in mourning.

Nathaniel (to Poppy): Yeah. I can see that. He also wouldn't have been able to keep it from us. With good reason too. None of 'em were doing so hot. (to Poppy & Luc) That one included.

Luc (to Nathaniel & Poppy): Who me!?! I was fine... I am relieved that you're okay, Miss Poppy.

Poppy (to Luc & Nathaniel): I swear, Luc, if you don't give me a hug right now, I'll scream... And then, it's your turn, Nate.

Luc (to Poppy): Yes, of course.

Nathaniel (to Poppy): Heh. Yeah. Of course.

Poppy (to Luc & Nathaniel): I think now might be a good time to talk to Zoe. Maybe, she'll listen to you... Luc, you can help me with breakfast and then, I guess we'll all figure out what to do next.

Nathaniel (to Poppy): Yeah. I'll give it a shot. At the least, I'll get a cigarette.

Luc (to Poppy): You want my help with breakfast? Isn't that more up Nate's alley?

Poppy (to Luc & Nathaniel): Yes. However, Zoe is in a snit. Nate & her have a rapport... Besides, it'll give us a chance to talk.

Poppy (to Nathaniel): Thank you, honey.

Meanwhile, on the rooftop:

Vincent (to Victor): Victor? Are you out here?

Victor (to Vincent): ...Yeah. I'm over here.

Vincent (to Victor): How are you doing, Little Man?

Victor (to Vincent): I feel like shit, Dad... You didn't know about Mom's plan, did you?

Vincent (to Victor): No, I didn't.

Victor (to Vincent): You know, when you an' Mum died in the other timeline, I tried to find you... Usually, I can feel where you guys are. If I look for you, that is. When I tried to find Mum, it was... It was just emptiness. Like before. And I knew EXACTLY what that meant, but I had to keep it together for everyone else's sake. There was nothing there, and it... It hurt. It hurt. Bad.

Vincent (to Victor): I know, kiddo. Come here.

A moment later, on the balcony:

Nathaniel (to Zoe): Hey weirdo. Got another one?

Zoe (to Nathaniel): <sob> ... Maybe.

Nathaniel (to Zoe): C'mere...

Zoe (to Nathaniel): ... I think I've been holding that in for days... I can't believe she did that to us. I'm so mad at her.

Nathaniel (to Zoe): Yeah. I'd imagine. I get it. You were worried once you started, you weren't gonna stop... It was Roland. He threatened to go scorched earth on your family if your mom didn't take out CLANNG.

Zoe (to Nathaniel): What a fucking douchenozzle! ... But, why didn't she tell us what she was doing?

Nathaniel (to Zoe): He must have had some kinda leverage on her. And, I'm sure she was scared. You, your brothers, your aunt and uncles, cousins, me, Aide, Lily, and probably poor Mrs. Esterly would all be on the ISS's hit list.

Zoe (to Nathaniel): ... Would Aiden be upset if we killed him? I'm just kidding. We're not the bad guys.

Nathaniel (to Zoe): You think I didn't think about it? Like seriously? You or Victor could find him wherever he was... Not like we'd get caught.

Zoe (to Nathaniel): ... Heh... Victor seemed really upset. I mean, I'm right there with him, but do you think he's okay?

Nathaniel (to Zoe): I dunno. Your dad went off after him. Heh. You know Luc was trying to deny he was worried and upset?

Zoe (to Nathaniel): Well, duh. That's because he still doesn't know how to feel about us. And, honestly at the moment I don't much blame him.

Nathaniel (to Zoe): I don't fucking blame him. I don't know how to feel about us half the time either.

Zoe (to Nathaniel): Heh… Come on. I'm hungry. Do you think I can glare at mom & still get some food?

Nathaniel (to Zoe): Yeah. Seems like she's giving you guys plenty of space to be annoyed.

Several hours later, at a pub; New London, Britannia:

Una: The service in this place is abysmal… <sigh> I miss my sister. She would have gotten our drinks ages ago.

Craine (to Una): Well... Hello, short, dark and annoyed. Can I get you a drink? I mean, I can't actually afford to buy it for you, but I can certainly make sure you get your beverage in a timely manner.

Una (to Craine): … So, what exactly are you offering? Because, I believe I can handle getting myself a drink without worrying about my wallet. I find that holding out a large bill works just fine & it doesn't talk very much.

Craine (to Una): To threaten the bartender into giving you good service all for the cost of a single pint and just a little bit of your time. If I wanted to rob or con someone, I could hit up any one of the multitude of ugly faces in this place. It would be easy. But I'd much rather spend time with you. Your wallet will be perfectly safe.

Una (to Craine): … Does this sort of line normally work on the feeble minded? Because, I find you annoying & off-putting…

Craine (to Una): Heh. I AM annoying and off-putting, but when you're this good looking, no one really cares.

Una (to Craine): Prove to me you're as good as you say & then we shall see.

Craine (to Una): Stay right there, gorgeous. I'll be back, booze in hand shortly. Don't leave, now. I'd hate to have to do ANOTHER runner.

Una (to Craine): Heh. As I have nothing better to do, I will humor you… For a bit.

Craine (to Una): I'd like to humor you for a lot longer than a while. 

A few moments later:

Craine (to Una): Here you are. Booze, strong and plentiful, as promised.

Una (to Craine): Desperation is not attractive. What are you called? Captain something or other judging by the jacket. Or did you steal it?

Craine (to Una): Really? I've found that someone begging and desperate can be a huge turn-on in the right circumstances. Or the wrong ones. It doesn't seem the jacket stands for anything at the moment, does it? And I didn't steal it. Why do people keep asking that? You can call me Craine, as that's my name. Or Mr. Wolfram. Or Captain. Or sexy. Whatever you like. Doesn't matter.

Una (to Craine): … Well, Craine, get yourself a drink and then, sit very quietly. Like a mouse. It looks like I'm meeting someone. If you behave yourself and do what you're told, I just may bring you home with me.

Craine (to Una): Heh... The question I'm left asking, beautiful, is would you WANT to take me home if I'm the quiet, well behaved type? I wouldn't.

Una (to Craine): To be honest, I don't really care what type you are. You're here, mildly attractive & clearly interested. I don't really understand the problem… Am I supposed to like you? Would that make it better? Besides, you never even asked my name. Even, I know to always ask for a name even if it's a fake one… If you're not willing to do what I asked than I'll just go. I'm sure I can find a number of willing applicants.

Craine (to Una): Heh heh heh. You're right. I don't see the problem either. I'll sit here like a little lamb, boss. I figured if you wanted me to know your name, you'd have offered it up by now.

Una (to Craine): You are very strange… My name is Una. Una Greymalkin. Now, if you'll excuse me. I need to see a man about a train… Blast! He's gone. I was afrai-- You don't want to hear about that. So, Craine, do you always proposition strangers in pubs or am I special? Feel free to start with the lying.

Craine (to Una): You don't need the likes of me lying to the likes of you. You and I are the best looking people in this place. What's say you and I get together and lose all these clothes? Or would you like me to start lying now?

Una (to Craine): Heh… I think you are tired of sleeping on a park bench & are willing to say anything to make sure you don't have to do it again. And, the only reason you'e turned your sights on me is either that everyone here turned you down or you owe them money. I could really care less either way. I have a big house with plenty of rooms… Come with me.

Craine (to Una): Well, there's that. It's all true enough. And there's the fact that I am VERY interested in getting you of all those layers. Lead and I'll follow.

Una (to Craine): Heh. You're certainly a cocky one, I'll give you that... Oh, and if I think for an instant that I'm being played, I'll kill you. Do we understand one another?

Craine (to Una): Clear as crystal on a fine summer day. And so we're both clear, if I think you're trying to slaughter me for no good reason, I won't hesitate to defend myself.

Una (to Craine): Fair enough... Now, let us seal the deal with a kiss. Or do you not kiss on the mouth? ;-)

Craine (to Una): What? Ha ha ha! Beautiful, there's no place I don't kiss. Lemme prove it to you...