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| Scene Title | Blame It On Bad Luck |
|---|---|
| Synopsis | A long lost Ferryman returns, as has Nora's eyesight and hey, an extra Lynette! |
| Date | March 01, 2011 |
Pollepel Island: Castle Dining Hall
The room converted into Bannerman's dining hall, although long and narrow, can accommodate up to one hundred people, but despite the amount of use that it sees, it isn't hooked up to the castle's electrical grid, which means that after dark it's lit up by gas lanterns strategically positioned on the wooden tables with bench-style seating that occupy the space. A giant hearth set into one of its walls provides the hall with additional light and warmth, as well as a place for the castle's residents to convene when it isn't in use during the hours when breakfast and dinner are being taken.
The walls themselves are bare stone with no decoration except for the four windows opposite the fireplace, and these are covered with heavy pieces of plain canvas cloth at night to prevent the light from leaking outside, where it might be visible from the shore or the air. During the day the canvas is pulled back to brighten the room and make the gas lanterns unneccessary, but on mornings and afternoons when the sky is overcast, there is very little to combat the gloom and so the fuel is burned anyway.
The dining hall is quiet tonight, with but two bodies taking up space this late at night. The oddity is that both those bodies are Lynette. One sits with a bowl of soup, the other with a cup of coffee. You wouldn't believe how long it took her to decipher which Lynette was hungry and which was thirsty. It's been a long day.
There's a definite air of grumpiness hanging over the women there at their table. But they dine in silence. What do you say to yourself anyway?
Silence does not last long, of course. The door opens to admit a new person, and that person is… "Well I never thought I'd see two of my favorite people in one place!" Tobias Cameron Benton-Ward, he who vanished after the escape from Gun Hill, he who is warm of heart and light of loafer, has returned. He slings his bag down on a bench and smiles brightly in Lynette's direction. "It seems like things are exciting here! How's the food? Terrible? I bet."
Converse sneakers and a light step make for an almost silent approach of a teenager in search of a late night cup of coffee. Nora comes in not far behind Toby; not recognizing, if she can hear them through her headphones, either (any) of the two (three) and only hearing Toby's voice, she simply gives a slight nod to those present before moving to the stand where the hot water and coffee accoutrements are kept.
The music leaks out a little, and the Doors' People Are Strange may or may not be recognizable in the tinny miniscule tones. Nora begins making a cup of coffee with lots of creamer and sugar — what's clear is that she can see what she's doing, which is a change of events for the one (two) person(s) at the table who's seen the sometimes mysterious and formerly blind teen before.
Today was Babrara's night out of helping in teh infirmiry. That doesn't mean it wasn't speant doing work, though. SHe speant most of the night back in teh kitchen helping to prepare the food for tonight, particularly since she didn't seem to be one of the sick ones on the island. No signs of sniffling, sneezing, runniness, nighttime coughing or any of those other things that cold medicines indicate people are supposed to have when they're sick.
But being in the back making food, pand then cleaning up, doesn't really leave one much time to get out and see the people who are actually eatting outside. So, when Barbara steps out from the kitchen area for the first time since she got back there, and spots not only Toby and Nora, but two Lynettes… she's confused. Very confused. Enough so taht she takes a moment to rub her eyes and make sure she's not seeing things. "Hellow everyone…"
"Toby!" The greets comes happily in stereo, but a moment later one Lynette looks at the other Lynette with a huff and the latter gives a not-at-all-sorry shrug back before she hops up to come greet Toby with a warm hug. "Worse than you imagine, darling," she says to him, but whether she means the excitement or the food, who knows. Probably both.
The grumpier of the Lynettes, staying put at the table, is the one that noticed Nora. Or rather, that there's something different about her. "If I ask you how many fingers I'm holding up," she starts dryly, "is it still a very cruel joke?"
But both Lynettes look toward Barbara when she comes in. "I've been getting that all day," the happier Lynette says as Barbara checks her sight, "Don't worry, you're no crazier today than yesterday." Grumpy back at the table greets with a simple wave.
Upon the arrival of Happy-nette, Toby sweeps her up in a twirling hug. "Oh, I imagine plenty bad," he comments with a cheeky smile. "I see one is sunshine, and one's a cloudy day!"
As more people arrive on his heels, Toby spins and smiles. "Ah! Hello, hello! So this is the great Castle I've heard so much about, hm? Seems rather drafty. And it could do with a few accents… What do you say, darling: don't those dreadful canvas things need some color?" He gestures at the windows, hands on his hips. "And I'm sure we could salvage some nicer shades for those lamps… My goodness, it's like people don't even care about color!" His hands go up in a huff!
Leaning against the table, Nora smiles wryly at Lynette. "Depends on if you both hold up fingers in some sort of trick question," she says, but her eyes have a focus now that they didn't before. "I can see. I … a friend of mine arranged for me to be healed back on the mainland," she says quietly. "I don't recognize your voice, I'm sorry, off hand."
Barbara gets a more certain and confident smile from the teen and she gives a wave before taking a sip of coffee. Her brows arch at the flamboyant assessment of the interior design of Bannerman and she chuckles into her cup.
"That's wonderful news, Nora!" Barbara enthuses with a return wave, momentarily distracted from the two Lynettes. A nod is given to Toby. "Long time no see, Toby. I'm glad you've found your way around to here. Anyone given you a tour yet? This place is really quite nice now that it's not as cold."
But taht brings her up to Lynette, taking a seat next to the one that had greeted her more cheerily, looking between the two of her. "Lynette. I trust you that I'm not crazy. But… what in the world happened? Or do you have a twin we didn't know about?"
"Toby, only you would walk onto a secret base and immediately comment on the decor," Lynette says with a crooked smile up at him. As he mentions their demeanors, the happy one looks over at the grumpy one with her soup. "To tell you the truth, we're both in a fairly rotten mood, considering everything. But she didn't get any sleep last night and I passed out the minute there was anything even remotely resembling a bed near by."
Nora's comment gets a wry chuckle from around a spoon, but Lynette looks up at her and also smiles crookedly. "I promise I'm not that underhanded. Lynette Rowan. I'm on the council. Congratulations, by the way." Barbara always has been better at the enthusiasm. The question, though, gets a grimace from Lynette sitting at the table. "I have Brian's ability. We were ambushed last night while we were getting supplies." She doesn't say it was Tyler Case, but then, she figures anyone who knows can figure that much out.
"Well, it's true," Toby huffs to Lynette. Barbara is met with a sunny smile. "Barbara! Why, hello! No tour, yet, no! I only just walked in the door. I've been in Florida, you know, since the eighth. Beeee-autiful."
He sighs, and picks up his bags, listening to the ensuing conversation, looking thoughtful before he makes his way over to the table of food and drink. "Oh, please tell me there's alcohol. I would just simply die for a martini right now… Oh hello, there, miss! My name is Toby, and I am most emphatically not on the council. But I am, I suppose, a coyote. Of sorts." He flashes Nora a friendly smile. "How's your coffee?"
Nora's lips curve into a smile at Barbara, and then her brow creases with both anger and worry for Lynette. "Shit. Are you okay? What does… does Brian have your power? Is he okay?" she asks, moving forward to come closer to the woman and her clone and Toby.
"Hi, Nora," she says, though she doesn't offer a hand to shake. "Coffee's on the overdone side, but it's late, to be expected. Be better with Kahlua. And sadly, it's BYOB or whatever in regards to alcohol. We're pretty much on a strict diet of stew and bread and the like. Some people have personal stashes of course, and rumors are Epstein's got some moonshine somewhere, but I don't think I'd recommend that."
Her eyes return to Lynette, and she chews her lower lip, head tipping and eyes narrowing as if concentrating on something far off.
"It was nice here, over Christmas. You should have been here for that, Rue, Liza and a few others were keeping the place looking colourful for the season." Barbara smiles at Toby, looking around the room. "It is rather drab, but it's not like we can really paint the place blue or anything, as much as I'd like to."
But with that, she focuses her attention on Lynette, eyes almost lke magnest as they lock on to her and narrow. "So… he's back out and about, again? That's three Ferry affiliates he's hit. But… I don't understand why." She looks between the Lynettes, rubbing her chin. "There's something to be said about having more than one of you around, but I can't understand why would go out of his way for it." She looks over to Nora, quirking an eyebrow. How did she know that? "Chances are, he does. Or well… that Brian does. I don't know how that will work with teh rest of him."
"I'm… handling it," Grumpy Lynette says, which is just Lynette-speak for 'not okay at all'. "I imagine Brian's having a rough time of it. I'm not sure if he has mine, but I wouldn't at all be surprised. Unfortunately, this has Happy Lynette looking not so happy as she adds, "I'm just mad I didn't get to kick that bastard before we took off."
Thing One and Thing Two look over at Barbara, though. "I don't understand why, either. It all feels like some giant prank. Usually when the men in armor show up, they're trying to kill you, but this guy is just messing things up and taking off," says the Lynette standing with Toby. "And I haven't figured out how to put her back yet," adds the Lynette at the table, which has the former putting a hand on her hip.
"Pleasure to meet you, Nora. It's BYOB? Then I suppose I'll have to BYO-Whole-Liquor-Store. Unless there are rules about that? Because I don't think I can stand the idea of anyone being cooped up in here without a decent Cosmopolitan. Ugh!" Oh, Toby. "Why can't we paint the place blue? I mean, aside from the obvious drear-factor." As for Lynette's situation, Toby's going to stay quiet. Mostly because he hasn't the faintest idea who they're talking about, or what's gone on, and he assumes there will be a great big catching up session later! Yes. So his only contribution is: "Well, look at it this way, darling: you don't need to choose anymore between two fabulous pairs of shoes anymore!"
"No rules against alcohol that I've noticed," says the teenager who isn't legally allowed to drink. "I didn't see anything posted when I first got here, so I'm going by it's fine," she quips, a mischievous smirk curving her lips, since she didn't see much of anything when she first arrived on the island.
"But I'm sure Lyn and Barbara will tell you if I'm wrong. What brought you back from Florida?" she asks Toby, sipping from the mug again, her bandaged hands wrapped around it for warmth. It may be warmer but the dining hall is drafty when it's nearly empty.
"KEep it out of control and away from the kids," Barbara notes with a nod between Toby and Nora. "We're not making a habit of bringing too much alchohol, and we don't want too many drinking in case something awful happens, but you're allowed to have some as long as you keep it quiet and don't overdo it."
Looking back to Lynette, Barbara shakes her ehad "First Hana, then you and Brian. And I've heard there's others too. I'm sure there's a reason, knowing who it is, but I can't even begin to understand what it might be. Does anyone else on Council know yet? As for how to, uh…. merge? THere was a Brian here on the island. If he didn't poor or freak out, you might be able to go ask him."
"There better not be a rule against alcohol, with the week I'm having. And I just acquired double the addiction, too," Grumpy Lynette says with a gesture over her double. But the double looks at Toby, a bit of a frown on her face. Shoes, for some reason, making her mood a little worse. But it's just a moment before she shakes it off and gives him another smile, "But now we'll have to fight over who gets to wear what." For every silver lining, there is a dark cloud.
Looking over to Barbara, the grumpier of the two nods, "I'll have to see if he's willing to have a chat. I'm sure, if he has mine, he won't be happy about sparking all over the place. Tips. Tips would be good. As for who else knows, I haven't directly mentioned it to anyone, but there has been two of me walking around today."
"Florida was nice and all, but I'm a New York kind of man," Toby comments with a bright smile. "Plus no one in Florida appreciates my parties!" But he nods sagely. "Then I shall be keeper of the great alcohol stash. Control is my middle name!" Well, not really. But he can dream.
With that, Toby stretches and leans over to peck a friendly kiss to Lynette's cheek. "Well, it's good to see you, darling. Both of you. And if there's anything I can do to help, just ask me. For now, I am exhaaaausted. Nice to meet you Nora, and to see you again, Barbara!"
Picking up his bag, the ebullient man waves a hand and traipses off into the castle to… well, explore, I suppose, until he finds empty quarters!
That she's not one of the kids to keep it away from earns an appreciative smile from Nora, and she takes another sip of her coffee before giving a bandaged hand wave to Toby. "G'night," she murmurs before looking at Lynette.
"Um. I think it's through touch — the clones have to touch the original. Is that your only …" she doesn't know if the one she's looking at is the original or clone, and the fact she's talking about one as if it were less human makes her wrinkle her nose in distaste, and she shakes her head, cheeks coloring slightly. "I'm sorry." Her eyes move from one to the other, taking them both in as equals. "Are there only two of you? Do you know which one is the … first? Other than that you have to touch, I'm not sure."
A small wave is given to Toby as he starts to make his way off. "Don't be a stranger. If there something you need while you're getting used to things here, feel free to ask about. She chuckles at Nora's suggestion, shaking ehr head. "Unfortunately, I don't really know much about Brian's ability, outside of the basics and the strange mental connection he had going. I'm sure that's driving the Brians nuts. That must be rather terrible, suddenly being out of touch with… well, youself, like that." She sits up a bit straighter for a moment, before leaning forward against the table. "I am guess our happy Lynette is the original," Barbara notes, patting her on the back. "I don't think a fresh, um- her would be as exhausted as said she was."
Lynette return the kiss to Toby's cheek, and shoos him off toward bed, "If you can't find an empty room, there's always mine. It's crowded in there anyway." As Nora goes on, the other Lynette looks her way, "Unfortunately, everything gets a little muddled. Since I didn't get this power until after all the wounds were passed around, we both look the same, and the way it works is very… hard to…"
"It's just hard to figure out which of us was looking at the naked one, since there's a whole hive mind effect going on." "Like, I can see the room how she sees it right now. But as far as I know, there's just two." At that, the other one just shrugs a shoulder. But there is a bit of mischief there that might mean there isn't just two, or she might just be messing… with her own mind.
When Barbara pats her on the back, there's a little chuckle, "I guess I'll have to ask Brian if there's a way to tell. I would say that a bunch of Lynette's could all touch each other and see which one has the magic fingers, but that just seems like a bad porn waiting to happen." Neither of them has moved to touch the other, though, nor does it seems they're itching to.
At 'bad porn,' Nora raises her brows and her cheeks color a little. "On that note," she says, smirking, "I'm gonna get outta here and let you council types counsel or whatever you do. If I see Brian, I'll let him know you're looking for him, Lynette." She smiles at each of them before moving toward the door, stifling a yawn despite the coffee. "It was nice to see you and finally put faces to the names and to the voices," she adds, a little self consciously over her shoulder.
Even Barbara can't help but laug at that joke, before nodding at Nora. "Please do," she remarks. "I'll have to speak to him anyway. Learn a bit mre about what this means for all of him. And be well, Nora. I'm glad to hear that you're well again."
Shifting a bit, Barbara looks over to Lynette with a bit of adarker expression. "So… that Richard in Tyler is still running about doing swapping… I wish we could find out more about why in the world he's doing all of this. It just…. doesn't make sense," she reiterates, shaking her head. Then comes a sympathetic look, angled between both Lynettes. "It sounds confusing. This whol replication thing. I don't envy you at all."
"It's good to be seen by you, Nora," the happier Lynette says to the girl as she makes her way out. But both Lynettes look at Barbara at that name. "Seems so," says the grumpier one, "And it doesn't make sense to me, either. And frankly, this ability is terribly uncomfortable. But I'm hoping I can get mine back before I manage to get used to this."
"It's good to be seen by you, Nora," the happier Lynette says to the girl as she makes her way out. But both Lynettes look at Barbara at that name. "Seems so," says the grumpier one, "And it doesn't make sense to me, either. And frankly, this ability is terribly uncomfortable. But I'm hoping I can get mine back before I manage to get used to this."
"I never really… talked with Tyler about the specifics of his ability. I don't know if you can get yours back save for his intervention." Barbara gives a bit of an uncharacteristic sneer at that. "All the more reason to get that asshole out of his head. Wish I knew a way to do that…" She sighs, looking back over at the other council woman. "I don't envy you, Lynette. While it'll be nice to have the extra hands on top of the Brians… it must be so strange."
"I don't know, either. And I really don't think he's in a helping mood. The real Tyler, he was a nice guy?" Lynette looks up from her soup and over at Barbara there, her head tilting curiously. The other Lynette shakes her head some, "I've been having the worst luck since coming to New York, but it seems to be a common problem out here. Strange is definitely a good word for it all."
"I didn't know him that well, t' be honest. Him or his sister," Barbara replies after a moment of thought. "But he was a nice guy who got caught up in some unfortunate events. Story of all our lives, really. If I'd known when he was taken from Thompson that this was what was going to happen with him, I wouldn't have left. I would have fought harder for him, Libby, and Delphine." She lets out a sigh, leaning back a bit. "Well, I can't say I've had the worst luck. I've met one of my sisters, found out what became of my brother and father, and apparently that my mother's still alive. But that's not without the black spots between. That we all keep going shows a lot about us, I think."
"Sometimes you live for the bits of good news," Happy Lynette says, sounding very much like she's quoting someone there. But the grumpy one considers a moment before she asks, "Did Ben Ryans make it back here? After the dome and all that?" She does, for the record, seem a little less grumpy just then. And the happier one looks over at Barbara, too, curious. Casually curious.
"He was a part of the vaccine raid the other day, if I'm not mistaken," Barbara replies with a curious tone. "I think he came out of it largely find, but I don't kow if he stuck around on the island afterwards, I'm afraid. But there's a good chance he's about." A pause. "Planning a surprise?" the redhead teases, smirking at Barbara. She doesn't actually know anything at the pair, jsut taking a joke while she can.
"I admit, I was thinking of getting some matching clothes and seeing about making him think he's seeing double," Lynette says with a smirk while the other Lynette reaches over for the cup off coffee for a drink. It's hard to say if she's happy about the news, but she's not grumbling about anything. "Maybe I should borrow some of Epstein's moonshine for that. Make it a little more believable."
"You're awful," Barbar a replies with a bit of a chuckle, shaking her ehad at Lynette. "Let me know how that goes, if you do, I think everyone could use a funny story iright nhow, and that's bound to be a good one. "Just don't make him think he's too crazy. Or drunk. We need him as capable as possible," she adds with a smirk.
"Only some of the time," Happy Lynette says with a chuckle of her own, but as Grumpy Lynette stands up, she mirrors Barbara's smirk instead, "Oh, don't worry. I'm sure he's made of sturdier stuff than that. Plus, I like him capable." And that even comes with a wink before the pair starts for the hall. They still keep some distance, as neither really wants to learn they're the duplicate at the moment. Lynette, after all, has enough pride to spread over endless clones.
Again, Barbara laughs, shaking her head. "Well, then, if I see him, I'll send him your way. Same deal with Brian." barbara rises up from her seat, intending to follow Lynette(s) at least out of the dining hall, before she heads off. "But… until then, best of luck, Lynette. I'm sorry you had to go trhough this. Hopefully, we can get this fixed soon."
"I appreciate that, Barbara, thanks," one Lynette says, waving back over her shoulder at the other council woman. The grumpier of the two, instead of final farewells, she puts a hand against the wall as she walks, a bit slower than the other. But it isn't long before both turn a corner, out of sight.