Omen 104: You're Mine Now
Transcript & Credits
Narrator: Omen is intended for an adult audience. This episode touches upon themes of kidnapping and human trafficking, and contains instances of dramatized violence. Full transcripts of each episode can be viewed at omen cast dot com.
SCENE 1
[[SFX: sea ambience, creaking boat planks, jangling chains]]
Toby: [[worried]] Quent! Quent! Come on, big guy! If you don't keep talking to me, I'm gonna die of boredom.
Quent: [[slurred]] That's… that's not funny. [[groans]] Just lemme rest my eyes for one--
Toby: [[interrupting]] Oh, no you don't! Hey! Come on, Quent! Quent! Don't make me kick you awake again.
Gwen: [[gasps awake, startled]] No! Leave them alone! [[heavy breathing]]
Toby: Shh, hey… it's okay, Gwen. [[defeated]] Well, not really but… yeah.
Gwen: [[heavy breathing, exhausted]] Are we dead yet?
Quent: [[chuckles weakly]] Not quite.
Gwen: Oh gods, Quentin. Your poor face.
Quent: [[slurred]] Eh. Never was a looker.
Toby: [[putting on airs of annoyance]] It's his walnut-sized brain I'm concerned about. Pretty sure the bastards gave him a concussion last night.
Quent: [[slurred]] Pff. Bigger'n your brain.
Toby: [[worried]] It will be if you don't learn to keep your mouth shut! At least wait until the swelling goes down before egging them on again.
Gwen: [[sigh]] What about you? Is your jaw feeling any better?
Toby: [[trying to lighten the mood]] You're joking, right? I survived a direct blow to the face from you, didn't I?
Gwen: [[laughs weakly]]
Toby: And you were holding back! These scurvy-ridden weaklings could never hope to live up to Gwen's backhand.
Quent: [[slurred]] Yeah. [[pained groan]] I'd say they're definitely more about quantity over quality.
Gwen: [[sigh]] I know what you're doing--both of you. And I hate it.
Toby: [[confused]] What we're doing? I don't--
Gwen: [[interrupting]] Whatever silly rule or code you feel obligated to follow… forcing yourselves to "suffer in a lady's place" or whatever such nonsense… it's ridiculous and it's wrong.
Quent: [[consoling]] Gwen--
Gwen: [[interrupting]] But more than that, it's pointless. [[tearing up]] It's my fault we're here, you know. If I hadn't let him get so close… [[sobbing]] if I hadn't been so stupid--
Toby: [[upset]] Stop it, Gwen. You're wrong. It's Temperance's fault we're shackled to the bottom of this damn boat, not yours. You hear me?
Gwen: [[crying]] If I hadn't taken that job… if I wasn't so stubborn--
Quent: Then it wouldn't have been you, Gwen. And if we hadn't gone along with you… then we wouldn't be your friends.
Gwen: [[sobbing]] I am so, so sorry. [[breaks down weeping]]
Quent: [[softly]] It's okay, Gwen. You don't have to punish yourself any more. None of us could've known this would happen.
[[SFX: Gwen continues crying]]
Toby: [[awkward but staying positive]] Tell you what--we'll promise to stop pretending to protect you if you promise to stop pretending that this is in any way your fault. Right, Quent?
Quent: [[smiling]] Sounds fair to me.
Gwen: [[sniffing]] Oh, you two. [[shuddering laugh]] If my hands weren't chained and I could magic myself to smell better, I'd give you each the biggest hug ever.
Quent: That'd be nice. The hugging part, I mean.
Toby: Yeah, I'd say we've definitely broached the hugging phase by now.
Gwen: [[sniff]] Well… that's good to know, at the very least. [[dry cough, groan]] No water yet, I see.
Quent: You'll get the first drink when they bring more.
Gwen: I already told you--I don't need any special treatment.
Toby: Actually, you do in this case. Aside from temporary paralysis, being dosed with azure lily pollen causes severe dehydration.
Gwen: [[sigh]] Very well. What is this now--day four?
Toby: [[somber]] Five, by my count. Though I'm only about 85% sure of that. I am 100% certain we haven't changed course, though.
Quent: Five days south… [[sigh]] which means we'll be in sight of Diobel by now. And then… [[depressed]] another day or two to Absalom.
Toby: [[insistent]] If we bear east. There's still a chance we could be headed straight for Osirion.
Quent: [[mirthless laugh]] You make a lousy optimist, Toby.
Gwen: Wait, what's wrong? I thought we agreed that Absalom was our best bet.
Toby: [[reluctant]] It was. Until I overheard who our gracious hosts actually work for.
Gwen: [[deep breath]] How bad is it?
Toby: [[reassuring, hurried]] Okay, so the good news is--and continues to be--we are still alive. Temperance made a huge mistake relegating her dirty work to this pack of morons. And, with a little more luck, she--and also probably Malik, who most likely ordered the hit--are going to regret the day they ever--
Gwen: [[interrupting]] Tobias. How bad is it?
Quent: [[ominous]] It's pretty bad, Gwen.
Toby: [[reluctant]] My Osirian is a bit rusty, but… I'm pretty sure they answer to a guy named Stoddard.
Gwen: [[pressing]] And what does that mean?
Quent: Stoddard's notorious among the pirate gangs. He deals in unsanctioned abductions, ignores local rules of conduct, is infamously sadistic--
Gwen: [[disgusted]] Sounds like just another thug to me. One whose mother never taught him that kidnapping is wrong.
Toby: Yeah well, I wouldn't risk mentioning that to our captors.
Quent: [[hesitant]] It gets worse. Stoddard is ranked number three on the Steel Falcons' top bounties list. The ranks above him belong to his two best customers.
Gwen: All right, so he's a very successful thug.
Quent: [[sigh]] Yeah, and there's a reason for that--
Toby: [[interrupting]] Come on, Quent. Aren't things bad enough right now?
Quent: She deserves to know what we're dealing with.
Gwen: [[annoyed]] Excuse me, but I'm shackled right here next to you. Will one of you please just tell me already?
Toby: [[warning]] Don't you say it, Quent! No possible good can come from it.
Quent: [[reluctant]] Stoddard is known for… trafficking kids.
Toby: [[upset sigh]] Nice.
Gwen: [[dumbfounded]] What? What do you mean?
Quent: [[bitter]] He kidnaps children and sells them, Gwen.
Gwen: [[realization]] But… surely he… [[horrified]] he can't do that!
Quent: Unfortunately, he can… and he does.
Toby: Okay, she's heard enough. Can we please talk about something else?
Gwen: [[fuming]] That's… that's not just wrong. That's… inhuman!
Quent: [[hesitant]] There's more, Gwen.
Toby: [[angry]] Don't you dare! Shut your hatch, damn you!
Quent: [[hurried]] If Stoddard has people working in Almas, then--
Toby: [[interrupting]] Stop, you idiot!
Quent: --there's a decent chance he might have Hannah Nesmith.
Toby: [[to self]] Oh, Hell. [[nervous]] Gwen, listen to me--
Gwen: [[horrified]] Oh, gods. [[louder]] Oh, gods!
Toby: Gwen, keep your voice down! Please! They're going to hear--
Gwen: [[furious]] They can't do that! [[screaming]] They can't do that!
[[SFX: footsteps, hatch opens]]
Thug: [[yelling]] Oi! Shut it down there!
Gwen: [[furious]] Burn in Hell, you child-abducting monster!
Toby: [[under breath]] Gwen, please! [[calling up]] Whoops! Sorry about that! [[sheepish laugh]] We're just playing the cursing game down here. Looks like we've got a winner, huh? I promise we'll try and keep it down.
[[SFX: footsteps on ladder, ominous footsteps approach]]
Thug: [[darkly]] What was that you called me, sweetheart?
Toby: What, you? No! She was talking to me! We would never--
[[SFX: heavy kick]]
Toby: [[wind knocked out]] Oof!
Gwen: [[alarmed]] Stop it! What are you doing!?
Thug: Now then, sweetheart… What was it you was yelling at me?
Gwen: [[through clenched teeth]] My name is Gwen. And I called you what you are… a child-abducting monst--
[[SFX: heavy punch]]
Toby: [[wheezes in pain]]
Gwen: No! Stop it!
Thug: [[amused]] Sorry… Gwen, was it? I'm a bit deaf in one ear. What was that you called me again? [[scoffs]] It's funny. I could've sworn you just called me a handsome devil. Isn't that right, sweetheart?
Gwen: [[desperate]] Please, listen to me. Did you take a little girl? Eight years old, blonde hair with a gray ribbon--
[[SFX: heavy kick]]
Toby: [[wheezes in pain, coughing]]
Gwen: Stop it! Leave him alone, you coward!
[[SFX: Toby wheezing in pain]]
Thug: [[tuts]] You really shouldn't say such nasty things, sweetheart. Especially seeing as we ain't allowed to touch that pretty face of yours. But that mouth is gonna get your friends here in a whole pot of trouble. Isn't that right, big man? [[pause]] And just what are you smiling about, eh? You got something more to say? You want a nice, tight gag instead of food and water? [[pause]] Yeah, that's what I thought. [[to Gwen]] See? If that bellowing donkey of a boy can learn his manners, why can't you?
Gwen: [[pleading]] Please… I just need to know--
Thug: [[interrupting]] You were saying what a handsome devil I was, remember? Or should I stomp on this scrawny little rat until something cracks?
Gwen: [[hurriedly]] You are handsome! The most handsome devil I've ever seen!
Thug: [[amused]] Aw go on, sweetheart. You're gonna make me blush.
Gwen: [[fighting back disgust]] What is your name, handsome sir?
Thug: [[chuckles]] Just call me Loverboy for now, yeah? But don't go getting all weepy-eyed on me, sweetheart. I hear the Captain's planning to ship off to Manaket once we make port. So we'll have plenty of time to get to know each other aboard the Teat, don't you worry.
Gwen: That… sounds lovely. Umm… Loverboy? Could my friends and I please have some water? And… perhaps some food?
Loverboy: [[sly]] Hmm… Might be I could do that. For a kiss, that is.
Gwen: [[repulsed]] Uhh… of course! I think I should… very much enjoy… that.
Quent: [[under breath, warning]] Gwen--
Loverboy: [[violent]] You got something to add, big man? Huh? One more peep outta you and I'll button that lip shut with my bootheel! You understand? [[pause]] Now… where were we, sweethea--aaah! [[pained scream]]
Gwen: [[vicious snarl]]
[[SFX: Loverboy screams, flesh tearing]]
[[SFX: hard slap]]
Loverboy: [[screaming, mush-mouthed]] You bloody harlot! You bit my lip clean off, you filthy bloody tramp!
[[SFX: heavy kick]]
Gwen: [[wheezes in pain, coughing]]
Quent: [[angry, desperate]] That's enough! You want to get crazy? I'm right here!
Toby: [[wheezing, strained]] Forget it, Quent. [[coughing]] He's too scared to fight someone his own size.
Loverboy: [[furious roar]] I'll kill the lot of you!
Nat: [[calling down, angry]] Hey! Quit messing around down there and get back on the rigging!
Loverboy: [[shouting]] This harpy bit off my bloody face!
Nat: You think I give a damn? You deserve it if you were stupid enough to get that close! [[threatening]] Now get up here!
Loverboy: [[breathing heavily]] Probably think you're pretty clever, eh sweetheart? [[spits]] We'll see how feisty you and your friends stay down here without rations for the next few days.
[[SFX: footsteps on ladder]]
Loverboy: [[pained]] Gods damn it!
[[SFX: hatch closes]]
Toby: [[coughs, groans]]
Gwen: [[coughing, spitting]]
Quent: [[worried]] You two okay? Anything broken?
Toby: [[coughing]] Like I said… they've got nothing on Gwen.
Gwen: [[wheezing]] I'm sorry, Toby. I just… I couldn't…
Toby: It was worth it.
Gwen: No… it was stupid. I… I just couldn't stand it any longer. He deserves what he got, and more. [[ashamed]] But getting you hurt was incredibly selfish of me.
Toby: [[chuckles]] Well, you'll have to pardon me if I respectfully disagree. Just the thought of Loverboy's mother thinking twice before kissing him makes me feel all warm and fuzzy inside.
Quent: [[laughs weakly]] Always the optimist.
[[SFX: sea ambience, creaking boat planks]]
Gwen: [[somber]] Things are going to get worse, aren't they?
Quent: [[weary sigh]] Yeah. I think so.
Toby: [[ominous]] Then I say bring it on. Something tells me they won't like us at our worst.
[[SFX: OMEN MAIN THEME]]
SCENE 2
[[SFX: harbor ambience, creaking boat planks]]
[[SFX: hatch opens, footsteps on ladder, loudly banging pots]]
[[SFX: Gwen, Toby, and Quent groan]]
Nat: [[shouting, cheerful]] Rise n' shine! Better not whine! [[chuckles]] Augh! You lot smell ghastly! See--that's what you get for pissing off Loverboy, though. After that little stunt, I wouldn't have emptied your bucket neither!
Quent: [[weakly]] Please… water…
[[SFX: heavy kick]]
Nat: I didn't tell you to speak! I said get up! All of you!
[[SFX: chains jangling]]
Nat: Come on! That's right--up you get, you smelly goblins! Right then! Now before I take you up, I want you sad lot to know that if it hadn't been for me you'd all be barnacles on Gozreh's ass by now. It was me what convinced the others to sell you instead of just slitting your throats like we was supposed to. [[condescending]] So? What do we say, hmm?
Toby: [[weakly]] How about "huff my smallclothes"?
[[SFX: Gwen and Quent chuckle weakly]]
Nat: [[mock amusement]] Oh! We've got a pack of hyenas today, do we? A bunch of hooting bugbears, yeah?
[[SFX: chains jangle loudly; Gwen, Toby, and Quent groan]]
Nat: [[vicious, through gritted teeth]] Here's how this is gonna work. First, you lot are gonna show me a little gratitude for what I done for you. And you'd better make it count. 'Cause once we're aboard the Teat, if you mouth off like that, I ain't gonna threaten you. I ain't even gonna rough you up any. [[sinister]] But I promise, if any of you utter a single bloody word to me or the Captain topside, you're gonna see me tonight… below deck where you're chained.
[[SFX: dagger unsheathing]]
Nat: And let's just say I'll be holding this little knife here… standing over you where you sleep. And if you see that, it means you'll be holding your own bleeding tongue soon. And as I'm cutting it out of your miserable head, you'll remember that your old friend Nattie warned you.
[[SFX: harbor ambience, creaking boat planks, dagger sheathing]]
Nat: [[cheerful]] All right then, my little goblins! You can thank me for saving your lives now. [[pause]] Go on then! Say "Thank you, Nattie! We love you, Nattie!"
[[simultaneously]] Toby: [[weary, resentful]] Thanks?
[[simultaneously]] Gwen: [[weary, resentful]] Thank you.
[[simultaneously]] Quent: [[weary, resentful]] Thank you.
Nat: [[tutting]] Is that the way your mothers taught you how to show gratitude? Mumbling through long faces? Looking down at the floor?
[[SFX: chains jangle loudly; Gwen, Toby, and Quent groan]]
Nat: [[vicious]] I told you to say, "Thank you, Nattie! We love you, Nattie!" Now say it right, you stinking ingrates!
[[simultaneously]] Toby: Thank you, Nattie. We love you, Nattie.
[[simultaneously]] Quent: Thank you, Nattie. We love you, Nattie.
[[simultaneously]] Gwen: Thank you, Nattie. We love you, Nattie.
Nat: [[cheerful]] Aww, now that's more like it! Come along then, gobbos! It's time to meet your new master.
[[SFX: jangling chains, shuffling footsteps]]
[[SFX: footsteps up ladder, harbor ambiance intensifies, seagulls]]
Barlow: [[shouting]] Steady on with that line! [[hacking cough]] You're towing my skiff, not hanging her from the gallows! [[to Nat]] Ah, good. They give you any lip? [[hacking cough]]
Nat: Or take any, you mean? [[chuckles]] Nah--they're the sweetest little angels today, ain't they? Look at 'em, blinking like newborn pups.
Barlow: Whew, but they're ripe! [[hacking cough]] If Loverboy's drying them out hurts our commission any, I'm taking it out of his share. [[hacking cough]] Here, get them to stand up straight. The Captain's likely to throw them all overboard if they look too sickly.
[[SFX: heavy pulleys lowering]]
Nat: You heard him, gobbos--look alive! Here comes our chariot!
Barlow: [[hacking cough]] Right, you three bunch up on this end. And none of you fall off or you'll all go into the drink.
Nat: [[chuckles]] Like that group of prisoners last year, d'you remember?
[[SFX: heavy pulleys ascending]]
Barlow: [[hacking cough]] [[annoyed]] I remember losing five gold and a perfectly good set of manacles, if that's what you mean.
Nat: [[aroused]] Mmm. Watching 'em thrashing about in those chains…
Barlow: Stow it, Nat. [[hacking cough]] And keep the merchandise from slouching. It's showtime.
Nat: You hear that, gobbos? Keep yer shoulders up and your eyes down for the Captain… [[threatening]] and remember what we talked about.
[[SFX: footsteps approach]]
Stoddard: [[calling warmly]] Barlow, my dear friend! How in Hell have you been?
Barlow: [[respectful]] Captain.
Stoddard: And Nat--so lovely to see you again!
Nat: [[respectful]] Captain.
Stoddard: [[teasing]] I'd welcome you both to Absalom but we'll be departing soon, now that you've finally arrived. Always the slow and steady dragon turtles, aren't we?
Barlow: Sorry to keep you waiting, Captain. [[hacking cough]] Got good stock for you though. I think you'll be quite pleased indeed.
Stoddard: [[cheerful]] My, but this is a haggard sampling! You must have really packed them in tightly this time. Fortunately, there's always enough room aboard the Witch's Teat to accommodate new guests. So! How many more have you brought me today?
Barlow: [[nervous]] Uhh… actually, Captain, this here's the entire lot. [[hurriedly]] But these ones will fetch good coin! [[hacking cough]] As you can see, the big one's got a soldier's build to him. And the girl has a noble look about her. [[hacking cough]] We would've gotten more for you, but we had to leave Almas in a right hurry and--
Stoddard: [[amused, reassuring]] Barlow, Barlow it's fine! [[chuckles]] There's no need for excuses. I of all people understand what it's like when business is slow and opportunities are few and far between. [[pause]] Hmm… didn't you always have three to your crew?
Barlow: Yes, Captain. [[hacking cough]] That'd be Loverboy helping with the tow line over there.
Stoddard: [[cheerful]] Call him over, won't you?
Barlow: 'Course, Captain. [[shouting]] Oi! Loverboy! [[hacking cough]] Captain wants a word! [[to Stoddard]] He's not the sharpest scimitar on the rack, [[hacking cough]] but he's got good muscle.
Stoddard: [[disinterested]] Mmm. Can't have enough of that these days.
[[SFX: approaching footsteps]]
Loverboy: [[mush-mouthed]] Hoy, Captain Stoddard, sir. You called for me?
Stoddard: [[concerned]] My dear boy! What happened to your lip?
Loverboy: [[accusing]] It was that one, Captain. Don't let her pretty face fool ya. That strumpet is a bloody wildcat, she is!
Stoddard: [[tutting]] Poor thing. Here, let's have a closer look.
Loverboy: I was just mindin' my own business, when she leapt up and--
[[SFX: wet punch, loose teeth scatter on the deck]]
[[SFX: Loverboy screams, holding his mouth]]
Stoddard: [[annoyed]] That's for making me wait four days, Barlow.
[[SFX: heavy kick, Loverboy wheezes in pain]]
Stoddard: And that's for bringing me a few pieces of bruised fruit when I asked for a bushel. Help him fetch a pail, won't you Nattie? When you're through cleaning his blood off my ship, you can both get to swabbing the rest of the decks. Above and below.
Nat: [[resentful]] Aye, Captain.
[[SFX: Loverboy blubbers as Nat leads him away]]
Stoddard: [[annoyed sigh]] Well? What have you brought me then?
Barlow: [[taken aback, nervous]] Uhh… yes, of course! [[hacking cough]] They may not look it, but these three are quite a catch. Put up one Hell of a fight in Almas. [[hacking cough]] As you can see, the big one needed a bit of softening up. Has combat training, this one. And the boy's had some serious schooling as well. [[hacking cough]] Pockets were filled to the brim with potions. Home-brewed, from the look of 'em.
Stoddard: And the girl?
Barlow: Her clothes got a Taldan cut to them, don't they? [[hacking cough]] Might fetch a hefty ransom. That pretty face just screams "rich parents", wouldn't you say? Or if not, the brothels in Manaket always pay well. [[hacking cough]]
Stoddard: [[indifferent]] A bit green behind the gills. But yes, quite the beauty indeed. I'll have my people cross-check any missing person reports from Taldor while we enjoy our last night in The Coins.
Barlow: [[excited]] Ah! I can't tell you how long I've been [[hacking cough]] looking forward to a hot meal and a cold pint!
Stoddard: [[amused]] Oh, my dear sweet Barlow! But if you and your ragamuffins were to join my crew in their merrymaking tonight, then who would be left to watch my ship?
Barlow: [[confused]] Oh, but… [[hacking cough]] Surely you don't mean--
Stoddard: [[interrupting]] You don't think me unreasonable, do you Barlow? [[threatening]] Are you saying your people deserve a night of shore leave for this?
Barlow: [[deflated]] No of course not, Captain. It's just… [[hacking cough]] it'll be several weeks before we're at port again, is all.
Stoddard: [[condescending]] Then while you're all swabbing tonight, you can pass the time daydreaming about our adventures in Manaket next month. Does that sound fair enough to you, Barlow?
Barlow: [[defeated]] Yes, Captain.
Stoddard: There's a good fellow. Now, show our guests below deck and be sure to check in with Lola. She'll set you up with a sturdy mop.
[[SFX: walking away]]
Barlow: Right away, Captain. [[under breath]] Bastard. [[hacking cough]] See? You lot aren't the only ones that have it bad. Besides, [[hacking cough]] it's not like you have to do any chores.
Gwen: [[weakly, hoarse]] It's wrong.
Barlow: [[confrontational]] What'd you say to me, girl?
Gwen: What you're doing to us… it's wrong.
Barlow: [[amused]] You think so, do you? [[hacking cough]] You're just some noble's brat. What do you know about the wider world, eh? Well let me tell you-- [[hacking cough]] you're wrong, little girl. This is business.
[[SFX: chains jangle loudly; Gwen, Toby, and Quent groan]]
Barlow: Now come along. [[hacking cough]] Time to meet the other inventory.
[[SFX: TRANSITION MUSIC]]
SCENE 3
[[SFX: harbor ambience, creaking boat planks]]
Lola: [[under breath]] Psst! Hey! Princess! Wake up!
Gwen: [[tired groan]] [[startled gasp]] No! Don't-- [[muffled cries]]
Lola: Nope. Hollering's not going to work for me, love. Even full of rum, Barlow and his stooges ain't deaf. [[pause]] So, you done wigging out then? [[pause]] Promise? [[pause]] Okay, I'm taking my hand away now.
Gwen: [[under breath, suspicious]] What do you want?
Lola: Well, I'm glad you asked. I need to ask you something. And please do be honest, 'cause this is important. For both of us. I'm guessing you already know who I am?
Gwen: [[disdainful]] You're the one Barlow was talking to. The "inventory manager". Lola, was it?
Lola: [[cheeky]] That's me, Princess. Quartermaster, human resources, on-again-off-again flame of that pig I have to call "Captain". You name it, I've probably done it. Okay, your turn.
Gwen: My turn?
Lola: Your name, dummy. Specifically your surname, if you don't mind.
Gwen: And what if I do mind?
Lola: [[sigh]] Listen, Princess. This is one of those--what do you call it?--one of those crossroad moments, yeah? You may not understand what's going on, but this is kind of a big deal.
Gwen: And why is my name so important to you?
Lola: [[annoyed]] Gods, you're difficult. You know that?
Gwen: [[hateful]] I don't typically go out of my way to help pirates.
Lola: [[offended]] Okay, I'm gonna let that slide 'cause you're new around here. But let's get one thing straight, Your Highness--I'm trapped here, same as you. [[bitter]] I was just lucky enough to get promoted out of the whole "chained to the wall" career path.
Gwen: You work for pirates. Which means you're no better than a pirate.
Lola: [[frustrated sigh]] Fine. Just forget it. Stay down here for all I care. It never would have worked anyway.
Gwen: [[suspicious]] What wouldn't have worked?
Lola: Breaking you and your friends out and taking the Witch's Teat for ourselves, of course. Though I doubt I'd last long as her new captain if the whole crew's going to be as cranky as you.
Gwen: Are you serious? You'd do that?
Lola: Who do you think gave Barlow and his crew that rum? They're the only ones up there, you know. [[coy]] Bet it'd be pretty fun to settle the score, yeah?
Gwen: [[excited]] This is really happening? This isn't just some cruel joke?
Lola: [[under breath]] Shh! Keep your voice down, Princess!
Quent: [[groggy]] Ugh… Gwen? What's going on?
Toby: [[groggy]] Whuzzah? Huh? [[surprised]] Whoa! What the-- [[muffled cries]]
Lola: [[under breath, annoyed]] Can you get your mates to shut their bleedin' hatches already?
Gwen: [[under breath]] It's all right! Lola's here to rescue us!
Lola: Whoa, hold on now! I never--
Toby: [[under breath, wrestling free]] Well? What is she waiting for?
Quent: [[under breath]] Hold on, doesn't she work for Stoddard?
Gwen: I think she's starting a mutiny!
Toby: Nice! Count me in!
Lola: Oi--shut it! All of you! I'm not doing anything until "Little Miss Duchess" here tells me her full name.
Toby: [[hurried]] It's Gwendolyn Gainsborough!
Quent: Yeah! Now undo our cuffs!
Lola: [[suspicious]] Gainsborough? That's your real name, is it?
Gwen: [[guarded]] It is. Why?
Lola: [[coy]] Oh, I dunno. Sounds more like some commoner's name than a proper half-elf House. Almost deliberately common, wouldn't you say?
Gwen: [[offended]] Hmph. Not all elven ladies marry noblemen, you know. I dare say there is such a thing as romance in the Taldan Empire.
Lola: [[amused]] Riiight… Well if that's true, then it looks like I've wasted my time. Sweet dreams!
Quent: Hold on! We can still take the ship!
Toby: Yeah! Why does Gwen's name matter?
Lola: [[coy]] No reports of any Gainsboroughs gone missing. Which means my little scheme is all risk and no reward. [[sigh]] Ah well. I guess I'll see you in a month, Princess.
Gwen: Wait! [[pause]] I may have… adopted an alias or two in my travels.
Quent: Huh?
Toby: What!?
Lola: [[coy]] I'm listening.
Gwen: [[hesitant]] My name is… Lady Gwyneth… of House Karthis.
Lola: Karthis… as in Senator Oberon Karthis?
Gwen: [[defeated]] Yes. He's my father.
Quent: [[shocked]] Gwen… you're actually a noble?
Toby: [[to self]] I knew it!
Lola: [[pleased]] Wonderful! That's all I needed to hear!
[[SFX: Lola snaps her fingers, manacles unlatch/fall to the floor]]
Toby: [[relieved]] Sweet Sarenrae's tits! I thought I'd never get out of these gods-damned manacles!
Quent: How'd you do that?
Lola: Little trick I picked up from my last job.
Gwen: So--my family's finally put out a bounty for me, have they?
Lola: [[amused]] A reward for your safe return, if that's what you mean.
Toby: Hmm… how much?
Quent: [[disapproving]] Toby!
Toby: What? I'm just curious.
Lola: [[excited]] Two thousand gold! Five hundred for information leading to your whereabouts. Paid in full by one "Lord Reginald Dismouth". [[coy]] Friend of yours?
Gwen: [[ornery]] No. And I certainly hope you're not planning to drag me back to Oppara in order to collect. Because I'm never going back there. Ever.
Lola: [[dismissive]] Eh--we can talk about that later. [[excited]] All right! So! Weapons are in the back room. Barlow and his stooges are upstairs, first door to starboard. You kids have fun now!
Toby: Oh, you bet your ass I'm going to enjoy this!
[[SFX: Toby walks off, begins rummaging through cargo]]
Quent: Hold on. What are you going to do?
Lola: The Teat needs a new crew, yeah? We'll need a minimum of twenty to work the deck and rigging. And, not counting ourselves, I tally eighteen warm bodies down here.
Quent: [[suspicious]] So your plan is to hijack a pirate ship using a skeleton crew of malnourished prisoners?
Lola: Something like that, yeah. If it makes you feel any better, this is the best chance I've had in three years to stab Stoddard in the back.
Quent: And do you have any idea what will happen to us if this doesn't work?
[[SFX: Toby returns laden with equipment]]
Lola: Better than you do. So you'd better not screw it up, Beefcake. Now get going. I have a lot to do down here and we need to be shoving off sooner than later.
Gwen: Don't worry.
[[SFX: heavy mace being taken off rack]]
Gwen: [[darkly]] We won't be long.
[[SFX: TRANSITION MUSIC]]
SCENE 4
[[SFX: harbor ambience, creaking boat planks, distant tavern music/hooting]]
[[SFX: cards being shuffled, liquid poured from bottle]]
Nat: [[seething]] Bastard. Dirty rotten bastard. [[drinks from bottle]] Listen--I swear I can hear him laughing from here.
Barlow: Well, [[hacking cough]] he must've heard some good news if Lola came back with liquor.
Nat: [[resentful]] Hmph. Pisswater, more like. [[burp]]
Barlow: [[bored]] Knowing my luck, he'll probably [[hacking cough]] stiff us on our cut of the ransom as well.
Loverboy: [[mush-mouthed]] Don't know what you two're moaning about. I'm the one what look[s] like a cannonball went through my bloody fa[c]e.
Nat: [[annoyed]] Will you quit that damned whistling! You're giving me a headache!
Loverboy: [[mush-mouthed]] I didn't even do nothing! Ba[s]tard goe[s] and knock[s] out my bloody teeth! A[s] if my fa[c]e wa[s]n't [s]poiled enough a[s] it i[s]!
Nat: [[angry]] I said stop that whistling, you idiot--before I put another hole in your empty head!
Loverboy: [[mopey]] [S]orry.
Barlow: [[bitter]] We were lucky to catch him in a good mood. [[hacking cough]] Captain's had a few full days of brothel-hopping before we showed up. [[bored sigh]] Full pantry. Your deal. [[hacking cough]]
[[SFX: cards shuffling]]
Nat: Oh, what I'd give to carve out his smug little eyes! [[spit]] Why haven't we gone into business for ourselves already? We've got a bloody ship!
Barlow: I've got a bloody ship. [[hacking cough]] And if you know a way to pack more than a week's rations into that tub, I'd love to hear it.
Nat: We could always just work around Absalom. We don't need Stoddard's fancy contacts to turn chattel on The Coins.
Barlow: We do if we want to avoid getting pinched and sold ourselves. [[hacking cough]] You know this is a long-distance game. You shouldn't piss where you eat. [[hacking cough]] 'Specially if you don't want mistakes coming back to bite you in the ass.
[[SFX: door creaks open]]
Barlow: [[annoyed]] Yes, Lola. I told you we were starting rounds soon. [[hacking cough]] Just hold your--
Loverboy: [[surprised]] Hey!
[[SFX: chairs knocked over, bottle clatters to the floor]]
Nat: [[shocked]] How in the Hell…?
Toby: [[intense]] Oh, we're sorry. Is it too late to deal us in?
Barlow: [[startled]] Don't let them escape!
[[SFX: swords unsheath]]
[[simultaneously]] Nat: [[furious warcry]]
[[simultaneously]] Loverboy: [[furious warcry]]
[[SFX: swords clash; Gwen, Toby, and Quent grunt]]
Toby: [[strained]] Thanks for stowing my smoke bombs for me!
Loverboy: Wha--?
[[SFX: smoke bomb explodes]]
Loverboy: Augh! [[coughing]] [[mush-mouthed]] Why you [s]crawny little--
[[SFX: Gwen grunts, blunt impact, Loverboy collapses]]
Loverboy: [[pained cry]] [[mush-mouthed]] No! Wait!
[[SFX: sword stabs, Loverboy emits a gurgled gasp]]
Nat: [[rage-filled scream]]
[[SFX: swords clash, Quent grunts]]
[[SFX: metal scraping, sword clatters on the floor]]
[[SFX: heavy kick, Nat collapses]]
Nat: [[pained]] Ugh! [[enraged]] You dirty, filthy--
[[SFX: slicing sword, blood spray]]
Quent: [[panting]] Thank you, Nattie. We'll miss you, Nattie.
Barlow: [[terrified]] Stop! Please! [[hacking cough]] I'm unarmed!
Gwen: [[panting]] So was I… when you took my life from me…
[[SFX: blunt impact smashing wood, Barlow yelps]]
Gwen: [[panting]] When you had my friends beaten… and tortured…
[[SFX: blunt impact smashing wood twice, Barlow yelps twice]]
Gwen: [[panting]] You owe me answers.
Barlow: Please! It's that Temperance woman you want! I don't work for Pepperbox--I swear! [[hacking cough]] We were paid to kill you but we didn't, did we! [[hacking cough]] No harm, no foul yeah?
Gwen: [[through gritted teeth]] Hannah Nesmith… eight years old… blonde hair… with a gray ribbon.
Barlow: [[flabbergasted]] W-what?
Gwen: [[violent]] Did you take her?
Barlow: [[terrified]] N-no! I swear! [[hacking cough]] I don't deal in kids! [[hacking cough]]
Gwen: [[quietly]] How many?
Barlow: [[dumbfounded]] What?
Gwen: How many people have you abducted? How many have you sold? Like animals?
Barlow: [[hacking cough]] Please! This is just business!
Gwen: [[deep breath]] [[screaming, furious]] These… are… PEOPLE!
[[SFX: two blunt impacts, one wet blunt impact]]
[[SFX: Gwen, Toby, and Quent breathing hard, mace drops to the floor]]
Quent: [[out of breath, worried]] Gwen… you all right? [[pause]] Gwen?
Gwen: [[out of breath, interrupting]] I'm fine. I just… I just need a moment.
Toby: [[out of breath, shaken]] Yeah, me too. I'll be honest--that wasn't as… satisfying as I thought it'd be. Is that normal?
Quent: I hope so. [[disturbed]] So do we just… leave them here, or…?
Gwen: [[detached]] There isn't time. We'll have to throw them overboard once we're well and away.
Toby: The "away" part I think we can manage. It's the "well" part I'm worried about. Being hunted by a bunch of pissed off pirates doesn't seem like much of an improvement from where we were this morning.
Quent: At this point, I don't think we have much of a choice. [[mirthless laugh]] Are we really about to steal Stoddard's ship?
Gwen: That's one way to think of it, yes. But, from a different perspective… [[smiling]] this is our ship now.
[[SFX: dramatic stinger, OUTRO MUSIC]]
CREDITS
Narrator: Omen, episode 104: "You're Mine Now" was written and directed by Tim Krause. Featuring Mamito Kukwikila as Gwen, A.J. Beckles as Tobias, Charlie Wes as Quentin, Brandon Jenkins as Loverboy, Sarah Golding as Nat, Graham Rowat as Barlow, Anthony Morales as Stoddard, and Méabh de Brún as Lola. Original music composed by Matt Lee.
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