The man was very helpful. However, Roger did not come back with a snappy reply. He smiled politely. "Can you get him?" He asked. Though the mechanic didn't seem to mind that they boarded, still, a ship was like a house. You didn't just walk on without permission. Many ship captains didn't like just anyone on their vessel wondering around and though Roger knew he'd probably fine - as he knew the man - he still didn't want to overstep his place.

The mechanic looked at him like he was an idiot. "I'm waiting for a," he paused glancing at Bea before saying what probably was going to be a curse word due to the pause and the rephrasing. "I'm waiting for a part. Should have been here by now." He said, clearly not wanting to be bothered by them. "Just go in. The ol' man is no doubt on the bridge or something."

Roger raised an eyebrow at the insult. No doubt if William would have heard that he would have not been pleased. What ever happened to that older mechanic. That nice man? He was a bit nicer and would have either gotten the captain or escorted them to him. Roger glanced toward the door. "And Rebeca?" He asked.

"She's the one I'm waiting for." The mechanic pulled out a cigar and lit it up. He crossed his arms and sighed. "Where is she?" He muttered annoyed. He really wanted to get this stupid part fixed so he could head out. She no doubt got lost but he wasn't going to go find her.

Estella declined the offer with a slight shake of her head and a smile. She listened to Rebeca. If she was given a nickel for every time she had been blamed for something that wasn't her fault, she'd be rich...well not really but still have quiet a few nickels. She tilted her head slightly at what to her seemed like an interesting statement. Was their an implied question behind it? She took a drink and decided not to answer it. She gave no defense, no reasoning as to why or how she knew. Instead she glanced over.

"Was anyone hurt?" She asked. There was slight concern. She didn't think so. Rebeca looked fine but you never knew. It all depended on how high they got before the Helacoptz went out. She didn't think it would have gotten that high but you never knew. She hoped no one got hurt. As it was, she was wondering if she should have voiced her concern to the captain. Immediately, she dismissed it. She had reported it to the mechanic. Though, she could have gone over his head, it hadn't been her call to do so. There were times you did but times you didn't.

Thankfully no one was hurt. For that Estella was grateful. She looked back at her drink. She was slightly curious as to why Rebeca had come looking for her. From the earlier statement, she didn't think the woman blamed her for the accident. Was she here because she figured Estella paid for the part? Oh she hoped not. She didn't want a big scene from it. But she couldn't think of why else she'd be here. So she waited. She could be patient and she wasn't going to come out and rudely ask.

Beatrix sighed and rolled her eyes at him some. "Well, thank you for that, " she said, sounding not very thankful at all. She doubted that he would show them on if they asked, and Roger had said that he was friend with the captain so she saw no point in not just going on board and finding the man himself.

So she swept past him, gesturing Roger after her as she went. It took her a moment before she could orientate herself, but she struck out with confidence down a hallway and was right in choosing as she brought them right to the bridge like the mechanic had said the captain was likely to be found.

And sure enough, Will was there in his chair, sitting sideways in it with his long legs over the arm. He was reading over the newspaper, glasses perched on his nose when he looked up at the sound of feet in the bridge. He blinked in a moment of surprise before he folded up the paper and swung his legs back over to stand up. "Well well, long time no see," he said, extending a work roughed hand to Roger with a grin spread wide on his face. "What brings you and this fine lady to my humble ship?"



Rebeca smiled at her some. "No," she said in answer to her question about anyone being hurt. "Nothing damaged aside from the ship some, and someone's pride a little." She sipped at her drink a bit more before she went on. "I was hoping you might be so inclined to come back with me to the Valkyrie. Might be in née of your help. Even if just to carry parts back with me." Though it was obvious that Rebeca was after much more than just the errand running.

The mechanic was not at all helpful. Roger missed the old one. This one he didn't trust. He had seen a couple 'discrete' glances toward Bea that the man shot. It seemed strange that William would hire this man but then again, one did what they needed to do. The old mechanic probably retired and finding a replacement isn't as always as everyone thought.

Following Bea into the ship, Roger followed. Considering she never had been on this ship before, she seemed to know where she was going. Entering the bridge he smiled at the Captain and shook the worn hand. "Passage. We're looking at traveling to Glasglow probably next week." Remembering his manners, he introduced Bea to the Captain. "William, this is Miss Beatrix Brown. A good friend of mine and daughter of the professor I used to work for. Bea, this is Captain William Axford. We met last summer." He didn't elaborate how they met or that it entailed security detail for some valuable cargo.

With the formal introductions out of the way and the pleasantries taken care off, Roger went back to the business at hand. "We're seeing if we can find passage to Glasglow and then back here to London probably mid-next week. I thought I saw your ship and was wondering if you were headed that way."


That was a relief. Pride was something that could be hurt and in her opinion was better than actual injury. But then again, from her brief encounter with the man, she doubted the mechanic would agree with her. But it wasn't her place to judge. In a way, she could possibly see his point. You get some girl come in and say something that doesn't make any sense. Then it happens and he gets the blame. Not that she was going to provide any pity. Though not an airship mechanic, if someone genuinely gave her a warning, she might look into it - even if she didn't believe them.

Anyway, she set her drink down and looked at Rebeca. "Sure, I can bring the parts back." She didn't mind delivering parts or heading back to the ship. She doubted though that the mechanic would want her poking around the ship. Not to mention she wasn't sure about that as well. It wasn't her place - she'd help if asked but at the same time, as her mother used to say, "gayst deyn eygn gesheft" - mind your own business. "Did Rufus get all the parts you needed?" She asked.

Her surprise was evident when Rebeca mentioned there was only one part. "Only one?" She blinked surprised. Had the schmuck even looked at the rest of the engine or had he just looked at the one part? She wanted to give him the benefit of the doubt but with an airship starting to take off only to crash back down again - there had to be more than one part needed. She hoped for their sakes that he didn't just assume it was the one. It would just make things worse and delay them more.

Will shook Bea's hand gentler than he'd done Roger's, but not because she wasn't a man, just because she looked more the bookish type and not the work with their hands type. "Just Will is fine," he said to her. "No need to worry about mister or anything, won't offend me any."

"As you wish, Will," Bea nodded, taking her hand back as Roger spoke with him about why they were there.

He seemed to pounder this some before nodding his head. "I can take you to Glasgow and back next week," he said with another little nod of his head. "Had been looking to go soon, but I'll stick around for a friend."



She took a few draws of her smoke before replying. "He didn't look at anything before he sent me." She shrugged her shoulder slightly, rolling her eyes. "He's honestly not as good of a mechanic as he said he was. I mean, he's not been terrible so far, I suppose. But I'm pretty sure he's only here because of me."

She took another drag of her smoke before going on, "I think he's just used to having underlings that make sure the work gets done. He's just so lazy."

Roger smiled. "Thank you, Will. We'd probably want to head out," he looked at Bea. "Tuesday?" He didn't want to make his friend wait to long. He knew the man was no doubt eager to get moving again and though they needed a couple days to get everything ready, he didn't want to press him to long. At her affirmation, Roger glanced back at Will. "Yes, Tuesday."

There was of course the discussion of the fare but he wasn't to concerned. Whatever it was, the price would be reasonable and he would pay it. What was important was that they find this book that Bea's father left quickly. That and figure out who murdered her father. Roger wondered briefly if he should let the man in on it. Let him know that there was danger. He doubted it would change the offer to take them but it would be courteous, not to mention part of their friendship, to bring it up. But he wouldn't do it now. No. He'd wait until he was alone and bring up his concerns. The man did have a daughter and as much as Roger hoped to travel with him, he didn't want to put anyone else at risk IF for some reason those who killed Bea's father came looking for her.

He wondered where they were and what they were after. Would they still be watching her or was the year enough time for them to believe she didn't have it. He doubted that. They probably had some sleeper agent watching but not really closely. Just someone to make sure there wasn't any major changes in her itinerary. For that, he was going to have to come up with something to make this trip seem nothing out of the ordinary. Last summer they had gone somewhere. She had needed to get away and he obliged her (much to Ms. Mortimer's annoyance). Perhaps if anyone was watching they would think this was the same. Just another summer holiday.

Estella frowned slightly. Well that was stupid of him. She didn't say it though. What mechanic didn't check everything for damage after something like that? But what did she know? She was just a tinkerer. She raised an eyebrow at Rebeca's comment. She could see that. Unlike her, Rebeca was definitely endowed as - as her mother put it - 'the Rachel of old'. She was the kind of woman that men would be willing to work seven years for. Well - minus the sleezebags of course.

She took another sip of her drink and nodded. "Yeah, that occasionally happens." Probably more so than most realize. Her one tour on an airship had proven that. In all fairness, there were a lot of great mechanics out there. But there were also a lot of people who just shifted the blame to some underling. And though she didn't mind getting yelled at, she preferred it was because of something she did, not something someone else did.

"I can go back with you," she said. "You probably should have your mechanic do a check of everything though before taking off again. Once the Helicoptix is replaced you can take off but if anything else got damaged, you want to know about it before you have any troubles. Maybe he's doing that now." She liked to give people the benefit of the doubt even though, Rebeca was right. He didn't seem like the type to do so.

"Here's your food. Packaged up like Rufus likes it." The bartender set a box in front of Estella. "Oh. Thanks." She said paying him, making sure there was a bit extra for his trouble.

Beatrix had nodded when Roger looked at her, something that Will noted. He addressed her more than Roger when speaking about the fare. He was of course very reasonable, even more so since he and Roger were friends, and it was such a short flight. Beatrix agreed without much thought about it after only a glance to Roger.

"Well that's settled then," Will smiled. "Couldn't leave now even if I wanted, got repair work to be done. Waiting on Becs to get back with the part. But there was a pretty girl involved, she might be a little distracted."



"I'm sure my father will insist that he look through it all," she nodded, taking a drag of her smoke. "He's done mechanic work before, but it's not really something he is the best at. I certainly appreciate you coming back sith me."

She watched Estella with the bartender before speaking again. "Would you like me to finish this up quicker so we can go back sooner? Or are you fine spending time with me here?"

Roger frowned. "I hope its nothing to serious." It was not concern on if they would leave but more concern from a friend. Repairs were never fun - but needed. He genuinely hoped everything would be fixed. Thankfully it sounded like only one part.

He smiled at Will's comment. "Yeah sometimes that happens. I noticed you got a new mechanic. Met him on the way in." He didn't mention the man was rude, a bit annoying, and not someone he liked. That was none of his business. "I assume Radcliff retired?" He asked referencing the former mechanic. They had briefly met and had gotten along. "Shame to see him go. He seemed very decent."

Knowing that they probably had to get Bea back to the boarding house soon, Roger kept the conversation short after that. Shaking Will's hand again he nodded. "Well, again I appreciate you taking us. We'll see you Tuesday then? First thing or did you want to leave a bit later in the day?"

Estella shrugged. "It's no trouble at all." Though she did wonder, was Rebeca wanting her to look over the ship? She didn't mind. She had some experience on airships but that wasn't what troubled her too much. She doubted the mechanic would be pleased. And though it wouldn't be his final decision, Estella didn't like stepping on people's toes. But then again, she could be overthinking it. Maybe Rebeca just wanted her to bring the part back. It didn't seem like that was the only reason but she'd worry about it later. No doubt she'll find out when she got there.

Finishing up with the bartender, Estella glanced at Rebeca. "No, no rush. Rufus would probably ignore it anyway until it got cold and then scarf it down not noticing. Especially if he's in the middle of something." She smiled. "Take your time."

She sat back down and picked up her drink. She didn't care that it was tea or that some people thought her weird for ordering tea at a pub. But that's what she liked. She didn't grow up drinking alcohol. It was not something the women in her family did. Or in culture. And though she had tried it sense, old habits were hard to break and she preferred tea anyway.

"So you travel a lot?" She asked.

"Doesn't seem anything too bad," Will shrugged, leaning against his chair some. "We could be back in the air by tomorrow, in theory, so I wouldn't worry too much." The older man sighed some at mention of the old mechanic. "His old lady had grown tired of being alone I suppose. He stayed landslide back in the states a few weeks ago. Not so certain I'm happy abut it all myself."

He pushed up off the chair and shook Roger's hand then Beatrix's. "Whatever works for you all. I'm not going anywhere without you after all and I've got nothing specific waiting for me otherwise. You two talk about it and send me word."

"Thank you," Bea said with a little smile and a nod of her head. "We will see you Tuesday."



"Well if he won't care either way, let us enjoy our drinks, whatever they may be." She toasted a little with her own, looking mildly amused that Estella wasn't drinking anything more than tea. To each their own she supposed. She drank more than most women she knew, so she was used to being the odd one anyways.

"A fair deal," she nodded after taking a drink and putting her mug down on the bar top again. "My father has a bit of wanderlust. We don't tend to stay anywhere too terribly long. Sometimes it bothers me, but on the general whole I like it. Like seeing new places, meeting new people. That sort of thing."

After saying goodbye, Roger led Bea back out of the ship. "The captain's a good man." He informed her. "He's one of those you can trust to watch your back."

They exited the airship. The mechanic looked over at them, a cigarette in his hand. Dismissing them, he went back to smoking, grumbling to himself about airhead girls who didn't know what they were doing. Of course, women weren't supposed to think. That was the realm of the man. But still, if she was going to go and get something how long would it take? No doubt the ingrid got lost. He just hoped the captain didn't come out and make him go look for her.

Giving a polite tip of his hat - despite the fact he disliked the man - Roger took Bea's arm and walked her back toward her apartment. The sun was already in the west, hanging over the horizon. The shadows were long and dreary. He could already hear Ms. Mortimer complaining and yelling about how he should have had her back before then and how it was improper for the two to be alone and whatnot. He pushed the thoughts aside. As much as he respected his elders, Ms. Mortimer could be eccentric. And he wasn't going to worry about it now.

"So what do you think of the airship?" He asked looking over at Bea.

Estella nodded. She understood. She liked seeing new things herself. She wondered a lot as well - part of it was work but part of it was she enjoyed it. Not to mention she wasn't a crazy fan of big cities. Oh she could be in them but she didn't want to live there. Thus, she always kept moving. Little towns couldn't support her - or thought her being a female tinkerer to liberal for them. She didn't mind. It was life.

She took a sip of her drink. "Yes, it's always nice to see new places. New cultures. New architecture and mechanics." She smiled thoughtfully. She had been to a lot of places. Both rural and urban.

Estella glanced over at Rebeca. "I take it from your accent, you're American?" She inquired. "I've never been there before but I hear it's the peak of innovation. Is that true?"

Beatrix tried to not think about heading back to her rooms. She didn't want to right now. She felt restless and had no desire to try her will against Ms. Mortimer's just then. And she rather spend that time with Roger instead. He'd been a rock for her for the last year, and even more so lately with the newest revelation. But it was there never the less and she just tried to steer them away from her rooms instead.

"I think the mechanic is an ass," she sighed, but smiled. "Other wise, it was lovely. The captain is indeed a good man. So I think we'll be fine next week."



Rebeca nodded and smiled. "That I am. Saint Louis born, though grew up mostly in a smaller farm town about an hour away. I dunno too much about innovations though. I mean, there's a lot going on there, yeah, especially in big cities like New York, and especially out in California. But London is very similar in that respect. Guess maybe since I've mostly been to big cities since joining up with my dad, I don't really know what the rest of the countries are like."

Roger nodded. "Yeah, it's a shame you couldn't meet their older mechanic. He was a good man. Very savvy and knowledgeable." Roger had learned quiet a few things from him about engines. Not that he could do anything with it - he didn't know it that well. But it was interesting to learn and the mechanic had been fairly with his information. He had explained how the airship managed with the heavy winds - especially over the Atlantic and what they did to keep the beast in the air. Not to mention the man was just courteous. Something this new guy was lacking.

"But yes, Will is a good man. A bit quiet and likes to travel a lot, you'll probably won't find many men like him." Roger smiled. The sun was now down in the east. The street lamps glowed lightning their path as they made their way back to Bea's boarding house. "It's amazing we caught him. He doesn't stick around long." He glanced ahead. His eyes searched the dark making sure there was no trouble. There wasn't really. They were away from the dock and it wasn't too late. Still, he stayed alert - though not obviously. It was good to be vigilant as long as you didn't worry people.

"I'm thinking if we can, we leave early Tuesday morning. No point in delaying. We might even make it the whole way by the end of the day." He tried to remember how long it took by air to get Glasgow. It couldn't be that long. They'd get there. Probably spend not even a day there and then head back. Assuming they didn't find something to extend their stay or take them elsewhere.

Estella tilted her head slightly as she listened. She really wasn't sure where St. Louis was but America was a big place. Far bigger than tiny Denmark where she was born - or even the British Isles. If she remembered her geography right, it was as big - if not bigger than Europe. She couldn't remember. But then again, she hadn't really gone to school. Her learning had come after she had left home. The fact she could read and write, speak and understand English was impressive. But she had worked hard at it.

She smiled. "Yeah, I understand. Even in a place like England, there are so many locations that one can visit it's crazy. And America," she shook her head. "I can't imagine." She took a drink of her tea.

"So..how is New York? I've heard it's the epicenter of the world." She chuckled. "Of course that was by another American. Many French people beg to differ." Her face turned slightly serious. "I can't imagine how people can handle being in such a big city." A slight shock hit her face. "I hope I didn't offend." Rebeca had mentioned she had been in many big cities. Maybe she liked them.

Estella had done a lot of travel and had ended up in several larger cities. But she was still a country girl at heart. It was just a shame you really couldn't make a living in a small village or something. She had hoped her little stint on the Aurora would have helped. Not to crowded, occasionally visiting cities but overall being in the open sky with a steady job. But that hadn't worked out. And with her experience - or lack thereof - she doubted she'd find something like that.

She nodded in agreement. "Early is better, I agree," she murmured a little distracted for a moment before focusing back on him. "We can spend Monday making sure we're all packed, and if Will won't mind, possibly bring our things aboard so that way we won't have to worry about it in the morning. I should also probably post a letter to Glasgow to inform him of our arrival."

Bea slowed her pace for a moment, slowly, so it wasn't terribly noticeable. "What do you say we go to dinner somewhere? Together." It was obvious that she did not wish to return home soon and that she had no desire to have a meal with Ms. Mortimer right now either. "Nothing crazy or anything. Just..." she trailed off, unable to think of anything more than that. She was just hopeful that he would be so inclined to indulge her small rebellion.



Rebeca laughed a little, blowing out smoke towards the ceiling and away from Estella's face. "Culturally, it is more than Pairs. There are so many people there from all over the world. You can almost travel the world in at least foods without leaving the city. Paris is very...Parisian. which is perfectly fine. I don't think I'd want it any other way. Nor would the French."

Shrugging a little, she went on, "they're both their own power houses of advancements. But New York is all chrome and machines and smoke. Paris is integrated beauty of the old and new. And London is the nice in between I guess. And that's not even addressing the people..."

Roger nodded. It would be good to give him some headsup instead of just showing up at the door. Though... He looked at her. "Don't tell him why you are coming. If someone is watching your mail they might expect something." He frowned thoughtfully. "In fact, as much as I hate to admit it, we might not want to let him know we are coming." But then again what if he wasn't there? Or not home? It would be a shame to go all that way only to find he isn't there.

It was a toss up really. In one instance they needed to let him know they were coming. Yet, if anyone was watching Bea it would tip them off - especially if they find out he's an 'old' friend of Doctor Brown. No. It would just be good to go. If he's not there, they could spend a few days in Glasglow until he returns. OR go find him if he won't be returning for some time. Let everyone think it's just a vacation or some summer trip. "Yes, the more I think of it, the more I believe we don't say anything. If he's not there, we'll cross that bridge when we get to it."

Glancing over at Bea, a bit surprised at her comment, he gave a slight nod. They could do that. If she suggested it than she either wanted to talk or just have a bit more peace and quiet. Ms. Mortimer could be a bit overbearing. In some ways, Roger assumed it had its benefit but he didn't think too overbearing would work with Bea. She just wasn't the type. "I think I know a place." He said turning slightly, directing her toward another street. "There's a small shop that I go to sometimes in the evening. They serve soup and some of the best bread you'll ever try." He shrugged. "Unless you prefer something else?"

There was a tavern nearby but he wasn't sure he wanted to take her there. The food was good but it was a bit rough. Not a place young women usually frequented.



Estella gave a slight incline of her head. That made sense. She was glad that Rebeca didn't take offense at her comment. She glanced at her companion. The woman was different - not at all like Estella figured. She had assumed her to be some lady. She had the bearing of one yet... She acted a lot different than women that Estella had met over the years. Not that she meant to judge or anything. No, it was just strange.

Went to show you that you can't always judge a person by appearance. It wasn't that Rebeca was bad or not lady. It was just that she was different than what Estella had guessed. Not that it was bad... In a way she was glad no one could read her thoughts, though she feel slightly guilty.

Finishing her tea, her eyes took in the crowd. She glanced away spotting the first mate and several others from the Aurora. She didn't want to deal with them right now. They wouldn't try anything stupid - not with the bartender and bouncer there but they might harass her when she left - assuming they saw her. She was painfully aware of the fact that despite her attire and living with several brothers, it wasn't the safest to be out walking late at night. Most wouldn't take a second look at someone dressed like she was, her being able to pass off as male in the shadows. But these men knew her. It wouldn't work.

Of course that made her immediately think of Rebeca. She was evidently female. Thankfully, they'd probably leave her alone if they saw a 'young man' with her. But it was the docks. Estella's foot tapped slightly. She wasn't going to rush the other woman but at the same time, the longer they stayed the more dangers it would be. Her hand felt the gun in her waistband tucked under her shirt. It brought some comfort

Beatrix pursed her lips in thought. He had a point. She wasn't planning on saying why they were going there, in case her mail was intercepted. But perhaps it was the wiser thing to shown up rudely without warning than risk either their own safety, or his. "Perhaps we forgo tradition and politeness," she agreed.

"I prefer not Ms. Mortimer," she sighed, giving him a little smile. "So where ever you would be going on your own is fine with me. Soup is fine, anywhere is fine. I trust your judgement. You've never steered me wrong with food before."

She let him steer get along whereever he liked. She truly did trust him. And for far more than just food opinions. She trusted her life with him.



Rebeca easily noticed her eagerness to leave. Her father was not very good around a lot of people. It was part of the reason their crew had never been much more than six people ever, and normally not even that. He could handle it for a little bit, especially if there were drinks involved. But he still got antsy easily and normally headed back to the security of his ship before too long.

So when she started tapping her foot, Rebeca smiled and and finished off her drink rather quickly. "Let's get going. Yeah?" She didn't bring up that she noticed her anxiousness, bot knowing what it stemmed from she didn't want to make the other girl feel jumpy or anything. She paid for her drink and stood up, still smoking her cigarette she gestured for Estella to head out in front of her.

Roger smiled at her remark. He completely understood. The woman...yeah. He lead her away from her apartment, even as it got darker. It didn't take long for Roger to lead her to a small, out-of-the-way restaurant. It was one of those places that most people wouldn't look twice as they passed it but was a favorite of those who had tried it. The only reason he even knew it existed had been due to a friend from work taking him here.

Opening the door, he let Bea pass through first. It was fairly empty. Most people who knew it existed came during the lunch hour. Not many came out in the evening. He led Bea over to a table and pulled her chair out before sitting. "It might seem a bit quaint," He said. "But the food is excellent."

But then again, he was a bachelor on his own who didn't really cook a lot. He had stayed in a boarding house for some time where meals were provided but had recently moved. And of course anything was better than his poor attempts at cooking. He was a terrible cook. It was amazing how people made it look so easy. But all that said, this was one of the best places he had eaten. There was no options here. You got a bowl of whatever the day's soup was and bread. But the bread was always freshly baked, the soup having some additional spice enhancing it. It was wonderful.

An older man, Italian origin, came by. "Hey, Roger. Welcome." He glasped the younger man on the shoulder and then looked at Bea. His eyes widened slightly and he looked back at the younger man with a grin. Roger resisted the urge to say they were just friends. They were but the man wouldn't listen anyway. "I'm Dominic." The older man took Bea's hand and kissed it. "And you, my lovely lady?"



Estella didn't really note the fact her foot was tapping or that she seemed a bit agitated. She didn't mind people. She liked people - to some extent. She was very personal and usually was well liked in return. Still, a combination of safety concerns - especially with the Aurora crew here - and the fact she could only handle noise levels like this for so long made her a bit antsy.

Thankfully, Rebeca quickly finished and rose. Estella jumped up, slightly a bit too eager. "Sure."

She ducked her head away slightly, pretending to pick up the carryout for Brutus as one of the Aurora sailors walked by. He didn't notice her and they made it outside without being spotted. The cool, fresh evening air was so much better than the usual muck that London smelled off. There must be a breeze or wind blowing in from the sea. She lifted her nose slightly and inhaled. She loved the smell of fresh air - another reason she wasn't real fond of large cities.

Realizing she probably looked ridiculous she quickly stopped and paid attention to the road ahead. She kept pace with Rebeca, letting the other woman set the speed. "So what brings you to Britain?" She inquired curiously, trying to make conversation. She didn't mind quiet but at the same time a lot of people thought it rude. Thankfully, ships and parts didn't care so she was overly fine. Besides, she was curious. She didn't mind engaging a conversation but at the same time, was fine if there was none.

She ducked her head slightly under her cap as two men walked by. Both looked back at Rebeca and nodded approvingly before moving on. In her slightly large shirt and britches, Estella was easily overlooked.

Dinner went nicely. Bea enjoyed spending time with Roger. Always had. It was even nicer today when it had been a frustrating day over all. She was glad that he was so willing to spend time with her. She of course had other friends. And so did he. But he still was the best person for her to spend time with it. It wasn't the same with other people anymore. Not since her father passed. He understood where others didn't.

So she might have dilly dallied longer than necessary. And not just because she was avoiding her land landy. She was just very glad that he didn't seem to mind too much. But she couldn't delay for ever and eventually he walked her home. She of course insisted that she go in on her own, she didn't want him to have to deal with Ms. Mortimer's ire for something that was entirely her fault.

Just outside the door though, she gave him a quick, spontaneous hug. It wasn't something that never happened before, but she rarely just hugged him out of nowhere with no warning. “Thank you,” she murmured as she embraced him. “For everything,” she went on as she pulled back.



Rebeca happily chatted away with Estella as they walked back to the shop, letting the other woman lead both the walk and the conversation when she felt like it. It had been a while since she'd spoken more than just a few moments with another girl. And better still, one who somewhat understood what it was like to live the life she did, always on the go in a world surrounded by men. Yes, there were plenty of other women like them, but they didn't always meet up either.

She hardly seemed to notice any of the looks any of the passing men gave her. If they said something to her, she might wave, but on occasion, if they were crass to her, she merely shot them a glare and a rude gesture back. She didn't care if it was unlady like.

She was actually a little disappointed when they made it back to the shop. She was already formulating ways to make sure that Estella could come back with her. Even if just a little bit to talk more. Though ideally to help with engine problems as well.

They made it back to the shop without issue. Rufus glanced up. "Ah, you found her." He smiled at Rebeca, his missing teeth a bit obvious. He turned and looked at Estella. "Did you get my food?" He inquired.

She smiled at him. "I did." She held it out but pulled back before he took it. "Probably should wash up if you are going to eat."

The man grumbled something under his breath about women and their finicky ways. But even as he turned away and headed to the back, it was apparent there was a fondness for Estella. He was back shortly and she let him take the food.

"I'm going to carry the part back to Rebeca's ship," Estella said not waiting to be asked. She wasn't going to let the other girl walk home alone in the dark. She could probably get away with it due to her clothing but Rebeca... Estella didn't know the girl but she was very pretty and even though her clothing wasn't the fanciest (far fancier than what Estella herself was wearing) it was still feminine and would catch someone's eye. The woman might be able to take care of herself but Estella didn't know. Besides, she had already agreed to take the part back and it would give her another look at the ship. Though she doubted she'd go inside it again. There was no way that mechanic would even let her near the fascinating engine. Oh well.

She picked up the part and looked at Rebeca. "Ready?" She asked.

Rufus frowned, a chicken wing in his hand. "I can escort you both."

Estella gave him a friendly smile. She lightly touched his arm. "We're good. No one will bother us." She brushed her shirt up just slightly to show the weapon tucked in her belt. "And if anyone tries they'll be a bit surprised. Besides," she nodded to his food. "You should eat."

Exiting she waited until they were a bit down the street before glancing at Rebeca. "He means well. But I had five brothers. Weapon or not, I can take care of myself." Her smile came easily and she seemed to have a light, carefree attitude almost. "You have any brothers or sisters?" She asked curious.

She waved her goodbyes to Rufus, heading out with Estella and the part for the airship. She wasn't really worried about anything happening to them. Nothing ever really had before, it was unlikely to do so now. But she wouldn't turn down the company either.

"I can take care of myself too," she chuckled. "My dad taught me how to fight and he's teaching me how to fence now. Can't be unprepared when you end up at the docks a lot at night." She shrugged a little bit, lips pursed slightly. It wasn't that she'd ever really had to defend herself, but her father felt better with her knowing. "Besides," she went on, slipping a knife out of somewhere, she smiled up at Estella, "I'm armed too."

Laughing, she shook her head a little bit. "I'm an only child, actually," she smiled. "My parents were very young when they had me, and my mother never really met anyone else after I was born and my father has been a lot more cautious. I mean, I suppose there might be another sibling somewhere, but it's really unlikely. At the very least, I was raised like an only child.”

A smile played on Estella's lips at Rebeca's comment. So she wasn't the only one who knew how to take care of herself. And people - especially men - thought a woman couldn't protect herself. But then again, she had made the same judgement with Rebeca. It was nice though to see that the woman carried a knife. Of course, now that she saw it, Estella didn't know why she hadn't expected her too. The short time she had talked with Rebeca had shown that the woman was not your typical female. In fact, she was probably a lot less lady like in some ways than even Estella.

She raised an eyebrow at the only child. "Wow, in some ways I'm envious." She laughed. Her laugh was clear and light hearted. It came from her heart and made evident that she was one who enjoyed life and had no problems with joy. Which was interesting considering her own past. "But then again, I love my family." The smile faded almost as quickly as it came and she looked away into the night. The hurt returned but she pushed it down. She had learned how to cover pain and hide it easily.

Estella looked back at Rebeca. "I take it then you're a spoiled brat?" Again her smile returned showing she was just teasing. "I hear most single children get whatever they want." Her eyes danced with merriment as she looked at her new found friend. And that's what she considered Rebeca - friend. They hadn't known each other that long but already Estella liked the woman. She was refreshingly different than the people Estella was around and she wasn't the judgemental type like a lot of other females Estella met. Estella wasn't exactly the most 'feminine' when it came to her mannerism and attire. Oh she was very in some aspects but from a first glance, it was easy to dismiss her under several labels that most 'civilized' women would not want to associate themselves with. So the fact that Rebeca had no problems talking with her was something she enjoyed. Of course having been with Rebeca a bit, she knew that the woman probably received the same judgemental glares from the same women who glared at her.

Rebeca laughed softly. “I don't think I am, but I might be in comparison to others. My grandparents, which is who me and mom lived with growing up, they made sure that I understood the value of work. But I was also the only grandchild, so yeah, I might be a little spoiled, but I don't think I'm a brat either.”

She shrugged some as they came up to the Valykrie. "I'd ask how it was with siblings, but my dad's painted me a dark enough picture of his childhood with siblings. Though I certainly hope yous was better than his."

She looked up at the huffing sounds of Frederick, who was obviously annoyed at how long it had taken her to get back. But she said nothing to him about it. Merely stated him down form her point down the gangplank like she wasn't some tiny girl half his age.