Odea and Ada are sitting on the floor of their private sitting area. This used to be Jennifer's room but they simply moved the door from the hall onto the wall. Now they have this cozy little area.

Odea surprised Ada after the work was done with a 1937 Porcelain Hotpoint Automatic Electric Stove with a side Oven. They used it for times like these, private moments.

Ada take the diagram and tapes it to the wall at eye level when they are sitting at their large folding table.

She places the fan at the open window and goes to the hooks and puts on a sweater and wool hat.

"We don't want to burn your sleeves." Odea comes over and rolls them up to mid arm.

"What did your sister say when she gave you this project?"

"She said that we are intelligent enough to build this on our own and not to tell our mothers."

"Do you suppose everyone has the same kit?"

"Of course. I hope we complete ours first."

The two lay out the components on the table.

Odea makes a checklist while Ada reads off the instructions.

"Do want to listen to music?"

Odea looks up from her paperwork, "No, please. I want to work on this and talk to you. I hardly got to see you this week. The morgue has been busy."

"I know," Ada hold the cool end of the component while Odea solders. "I now have a new assistant."

"This is going to be difficult. I am used to seeing your face when we talk," Odea says without moving the soldering equipment. "I am interested, make no mistake. Tell me what is your assistant like."

"First his name is Master Albert Nithercott. Quite capable and was born in South Africa. Completed university with dual degree in philosophy and mathematics."

"What else?"

"Nothing."

"What does he look like?"

"I don't know."

Odea put the soldering iron in a safe position, "What do you mean you don't know what YOUR assistant looks like?"

"I have never seen him."

"Do you talk to him."

"Every single day and his desk is outside my new office area."

"So how is it that you have never seen him."

"He wears a mask."

"You must be joking!"

"I am."

The last words sink into Odea's brain as she bursts out laughing. "I thought. You got me."

Ada adores her wife's laugh. "Truly?"

"Your face was sending signals of factual information. Not a hint of a lie. I thought maybe he was like Dr. Griffin. I imagined he would go mad one day and cause havoc."

Ada goes back to holding the next component, "Come my dear, we have so much to do to complete this on time."

Odea take the soldering iron with her coil and connects each component Ada is holding while continuing the discussion.

"My assistant's real name is Miss Florence Nithercott. She was born in South Africa and completed university with dual degree in philosophy and mathematics."

"That part is true?"

"Yes dear. She is about as tall as Kay, brown short hair and pale. Very pale."

"How did she come to work for you?"

"I came to work and there she was sitting, waiting."

"What is she like?"

"Kind, quiet and almost can read my mind."

"It might be a family trait."

"To read minds?"

"No, to being kind."

Ada taps her wife under the table.

"Ouch!"

"Did that hurt?"

Odea smirks, "No."

"The odd thing is Miss Florence Nithercott is almost void of personality."

"Is she good at her job?"

"I guess. Yes."

"Is she a good assistant."

"To me?"

"Is she assigned to someone else?"

"No. Well she works for THEM."

Ada takes a deep breath, "I have never seen her eat, drink or even take a mint."

"Not unusual for professional settings."

"True. I just know something about emotional self-control. This is more than that."

They found a rhythm to their soldering.

It makes Ada smile as the discussion is quite personal, she feels safe. "I can't put my finger on it, but something is odd."

"Do you have an example?" Odea tilts her head to clarify, "Besides not eating or drinking."

"When she has nothing to do, she sits looking out the window."

"That doesn't sound odd."

"She sits. Just sits. When I was younger I would have a book to pass the time. Miss Florence Nithercott just sits."

"Did you talk to someone?"

"Who?"

"Mr. Blue Eyes?"

"He is out on assignment."

"Where?"

"I am told New York."

"Have you ever wanted to go to New York?"

"Never."

"Why?"

"I am told it is a dirty place."

"Good to know."

"Is there anyone else you can discuss Miss Florence Nithercott?"

"I could make a call to Them."

"Have you thought about talking to Miss Florence Nithercott directly."

"Should I?" Ada points to the diagram on the wall, "I believe that goes there and then this goes there."

Odea nods, "Thank you. You should talk to Miss Florence Nithercott. It is a logical place to start. She might be under strict instructions. Or ... Or you could let my mothers meet her, they would get to the bottom of it all."

"That is a great idea."

Odea shakes her head yes, "That is settled. We will have her for supper. My mothers are quite itchy cooped up inside. We might have to bring the world inside if they cannot go out to the world."

Ada takes a deep breath, "I know something about a family member."

"Who?"

"I know what Jennifer is doing."

"Why are you teasing me? We know very well you can't tell me anything."

"I just thought it would be nice to know somebody in this family can keep a close watch."

"I have a few questions; I hope you are able to answer."

"I will try."

"If mother Vastra knew what she was doing, would she be jealous?"

"Bored, exhausted, excited and jealous all at the same time."

"Jennifer, according to her letters, she and Molly are exhausted and excited. I just assumed that managing the bookstore was the cause."

"No, they have a very strict schedule. I think the bookstore is a good distraction."

"Please, don not let mother Vastra know about your knowledge to Jennifer's position."

Ada laughs, "I know. She can be quite persistent."

Odea giggles, "Can you tell me if she is happy?"

"I don't know if she is happy. You can ask her yourself."

"Is she making a difference?"

"It is a team effort of heroes and heroines."

"Good."

"Anything else you would like to talk about?" Odea feels the hesitation in the air. "I sense there is more and it is not about your robot assistant Miss Florence Nithercott."

November 24, 1939
Canary Wharf Park, London

Ada enters the building and Miss Nithercott is waiting.

"Good Morning Miss Nithercott."

"Good Morning." Miss Nithercott stands and hands her a note. "We are to report to room 201821208-A as soon as you get here. I decided to come greet you directly."

"How do you know to be at this particular door?"

"You always enter through the park."

"I do?"

"Yes you do."

"How do you know that?"

"I was told."

"By whom?"

"Our superiors."

"I see. What else do you know?"

Miss Nithercott looks at her watch, "We must get going."

Ada and Miss Nithercott navigate the corridors, stairs and doors until the two are standing door marked 201821208-A.

"Miss Nithercott, have you ever been to this room?"

"Once."

"When?"

"Before I was assigned to you."

Ada takes a deep breath and enters the familiar white windowless room. There are two empty chairs at the table and the lights are out at the far end. She listens to check if they are alone.

She sits.

Miss Nithercott sits to her right.

They wait.

"Greetings Mrs. Mosin and Miss Nithercott."

"Good Morning," Ada responds with confidence.

"Good Morning," Miss Nithercott response without a quiver in her voice.

"Mrs. Mosin we need your help."

"Anything."

"Your family has information."

"Olvia and Robert Mosin were assassinated August 14, 1912."

"We are referencing more about your wife's family. We need to know about the war."

"What exactly are you asking?"

"We need to know what we are up against."

"I don't know how I can help. I will do whatever it takes to gather information."

"We want to know what your family knows."

"I can't help you."

"Can't or won't?"

"I cannot confirm nor deny any information that you suspect my family might have in their possession or knowledge."

"Your words are familiar."

"How so?"

"That is the same response as Madame Vastra, Mrs. Jenny Flint and our own Captain Harkness."

"I am sorry that I don't have what you seek or need."

Ada is annoyed at the line of questioning and adjust her seat slightly to send a message with body language.

Silence.

Ada and Miss Nithercott sit in silence.

"Ms. Mosin are you happy here?"

"I feel that I am contributing, making a difference and I am very happy to be working here."

"That pleases us."

"May I ask a question?"

"Of course."

"My skills and abilities have proven themselves. You ask what I cannot provide. Do you want me to resign?"

"We find your skills..." Silence for about four seconds and the voice continues, "Essential and unique."

"Thank you. My skills, which you deem essential and unique, are my own."

"Your skills are a combination of genetics and upbringing. Your acquaintances and relations by marriage have made you an ally."

"If I was never married, would I be your enemy?"

"Your previous associates were the enemy."

"You make it sound as if I had a choice. My associates? They raised me." Ada controls herself and a simple question pops into her mind. "Whose enemy, was I?"

Silence

"Your wife's family."

Ada sits back emotionally exhausted. She looks at her watch. It is not even nine and I want to take a shower. Then she comforts herself as she reminds herself of Odea's bravery and the generosity of her family.

The voice in the darkness continues, "We need to know if your wife's family is our enemy."

"No."

"They are an ally?"

"Yes."

"Our position of withholding information from a competent source is a violation of our mission and is not ever justified. Our relationship with our allies and employees must be one of candor. Since it will be impossible for the organization to trust the employee or ally without regular candid information. Withholding information does not benefit the organization in the long run and can actually cause more harm than good."

"I see. You want me and my family to candid and open?"

"Yes."

"You seek a candid and open relationship?"

"Yes."

"You find my skills..." She is silence for about four seconds, "Essential and unique. But I say this, I know nothing. You seek a candid and open relationship? With all due respect ... I am not hiding behind lights. You have my dedication with unlimited enthusiasm. Your response has been harassment of demanding intel by besting me against Madam Vastra. Before I cross the line of forsaking my wife and her family ... I will walk away from your organization."

Silence

A voice comes from the darkness, "A few have left us, most have mundane lives."

Ada laughs, "You think my life without your organization will be mundane? I say to the singular voice of the shadow; you have no idea what you are talking about." Ada stands up, "Before I go back to my office and continue my research, let me ask you two questions, and I want a candid response ... Are my skills just as valuable if I never met Madam Vastra? Do you just want Madam Vastra?"

Silence

Ada stands waiting.

Silence

She sits back down in her seat.

Silence.

She turns to Miss Nithercott, "We shall wait ten more minutes."

Miss Nithercott nods and watches the dials of her watch.

Silence.

Nothing but silence.

The voice speaks, "Ten minutes have passed."

Ada stands and heads for the door.

Miss Nithercott walks outside the room first.

The door shuts on its own. The lock is bolted.

The voice speaks, "You are more essential than your wife's family. Your Father and Mother took chances to give up their family to be an asset to our Organization. We just ask that you consider their sacrifice before you hastily ignore our pleas."

Ada faces the darkness, "You have insulted. Threatened. There was no plea." She waves her hands to the ceiling, "This room seeks truth from others while the mechanics hide yourselves. As far as my parents sacrifice you should be kissing Alexandra Trofimova and Galina Shikalova feet." She pounds her fist to her chest, "They made me."

"We have an assignment." An accordion folder slides from the darkness towards Ada.

She sits down, opens the folder and begins to read.

The darkness waits as she reads each page, carefully.

"Is this true?"

"Yes."

"I need time and to talk to my wife and family."

The door unlatches and opens.

Ada heads out to the hallway to be greeted by Miss Nithercott.

They walk back to their office area without a single word shared.

"I fear that my curiosity has gotten the best of me. I want to know about Fiona's mother, April."

Odea becomes still and she almost burns a hole. She quickly puts the hot iron in a safe position. "Why?"

Ada looks at the diagram on the wall, "I know most things. I am just curious if you know the future."

"Nobody knows the future."

"Do you know who will win the war?"

Odea turns to her wife, "Why ask now?"

"They, Them."

"I see."

"Well it is not my information to share. Have Them talk to Fiona."

"They will."

"What are you saying."

"They fear we shall lose the war."

"Does it matter who wins or loses?"

"It matters to Them."

"I see."

"Have they pressured you?"

"They have strongly hinted again yesterday first thing in the morning."

"Mr. Blue-eyes?" Odea answers the question herself, "New York. Which explains the pressure."

Ada shakes her head yes, "I want to respond."

Odea stands up and grabs a pencil. She draws a line on the wall, "This is us, our lives. Our past and present." She draws a circle at the end of the line, "This is us right here at this very moment."

Ada shakes her head yes.

Odea continues to draw a long line after the circle, "This is our future, our lives."

"Okay. That is easy enough."

"What would happen if They, Them," Odea rolls her eyes, "Were giving information about the future how would the line be altered?"

"The line would be the same."

"For whom?"

"For us. For Them. It would not change."

Odea draws another circle, to the right of the original by about two inches, "This represents the moment you share information about the future to powerful decision makers."

"So you know about the future."

"I am simply making a hypothetical situation." Odea taps the circle she just created, "What happens to the line if you share information about the future?"

"Decisions would be made in hope to change the future for the better."

Odea draws another line from the circle up and parallel by a few inches. Then erases the original future line. "That is what will happen."

Ada sits back and ponders the erased future.

Odea sits back down waiting to continue their project.

"I don't want that responsibility," Ada shakes her head as she mourns erased line. "What have you erased?"

"I don't know."

"I see."

Odea grabs Ada's hand, "What if you erased our hypothetical children?"

"We have children?"

"I don't know. But what if the new future doesn't but the original did? Or we have children but one dies young? Or what if the new future has a longer war time and we are killed. I am killed and you are alone. You are killed and I am alone. Decisions based changing the future, because you don't like the possible outcome ... doesn't do anything except erase, it never adds or enhances. It simply erased what would have been which means ..."

"The information is now completely worthless."

"Exactly."

The air becomes tense. Ada places the next component down to be soldered, "I have to tell you something."

Odea continues to work her iron and coil, "You can tell me anything."

"My parents, no my father, did something terrible by mistake."

1911
Lago-Naki, Republic of Adygea

Ivan Yunevich leads the small group, "The flashlights are new. Do not lose them I had them ordered special from Joseph Milkilo."

They enter the cave and follow the white chalk marks on the wall.

Robert shakes his head, "You be careful. Joseph has a terrible reputation. Worse than his father. Olivia had to deal with his family multiple times."

"His father and Mother! Atanislav and Yesfir Milkilo taught their son well. I still wonder how they get past customs."

"The rumor is ..."

Ivan stops to give instructions, "Olga and I planned this well." He pulls out a map, "We are here and anything Olga draws it means we have been there. We are going here," He points to an open area. "There is air flow. The only reason we did not venture further, it was getting late. It will take us three hours to arrive. Be careful."

The begin their descent.

August continues, "Rumor has it they have a boat."

"A boat?" Joanna laughs as it echoes through the caverns. "Did he row it back and forth from America?"

"Good one. My wife the comedian nurse. Now we know why so many from our village like to get ill." August share in his wife joke. "No what I mean Joseph has access to a trading boat from Norway. They deliver special fish to Norwegians who have moved to America."

Robert asks confused, "What there is no fish in America?"

"They miss their fish from their Fjords," Joanna teases. "Since when does Norway have special water?"

Ivan is caught off guard and sends a belly laugh through the cave that sounds like a bear is charging.

"Maybe we hold off jokes." Joanne suggests, "Olga says the best part of hiking is the peacefulness."

"Da!" Ivan agrees.

For the next few hours they hike through the caverns, stopped for lunch halfway and now successfully reach their destination.

Ivan holds up his hand, "Feel the cold breeze?"

Robert, August and Joanna hold up their hands.

"Where is that coming from, we have been traveling down. It can't be air from the surface."

Ivan points his flashlight down, "It is a slow slope. Keep tethered and go slow. We are traveling where Olga and I have never have gone."

"What if something happens?"

"Olga is expecting us home." Ivan holds up the map, "She has made two copies and one is in the hands of your Mother. If we are not home by tomorrow for kasha they will come here." He makes a mark with his chalk that looks like cog, "She knows we were here."

"What is that?" Joanne points to the cog.

"Saint Olga's crown."

"That is beautiful."

"My Olga is beautiful." Before any more conversation delays their journey, Ivan starts into the tunnel. "Remember slowly and talk only if it is absolutely necessary."

The four almost shuffle their walk into the opening. About every twenty steps Ivan stops to draw on the map and marks the wall with a cog.

After about thirty minutes walking Ivan lets out a yelp.

"Are you okay?" Robert asks from the rear.

"Da, the ceiling is lower." Ivan stops marks the wall with a cog and the map. "I will crawl a bit and return in a minute. If I need help I shall yank on the rope."

"I understand." August quickly secures his wife's tether to the wall and then he connects to Robert. "We are ready."

Ivan crawls on his hands and knees.

The three Russians watch the rope slowly unravel at their feet.

The rope stops unraveling.

Joanna grabs August's hand.

They listen and wait.

Soon Ivan pops his head out and stands, "Come you must see." Ivan draws an H inside the cog.

"What does that mean?"

Ivan looks at his friends excitedly, "We have found something."

Ivan leans the small group to the end of the tunnel. He climbs down and quickly aids his friends to find their footing.

It is black. It is so black Robert can't see his own hand centimeters from his nose.

Ivan points his flashlight, the one he brought from Joseph who runs the local American Black Market, "Point your light this way."

"What is that?"

August steps forward, "Is this First Emperor tomb?" He quickly panics and movies his flashlight on the ground. "According Sima Qian there will be mercury painted rivers and above the models the ceiling is supposed to be decorated with heavenly bodies." He walks further and points up, "I see nothing more than a cave ceiling."

"My friend, keep your wits." Ivan comes to his side. "I know you are excited, but if you twist and ankle or break a leg you must stay here while we get help. I will not carry you back. Let us look a little longer. We can come back next week with Olga."

Joanna looks at her watch, "What time do you want to return to the surface?"

Ivan sighs, "Yes, we have to be practical. I suggest we be in our homes before night fall."

"That gives us three hours to look around."

Robert pulls out his tripod, attaches his Eastman Brownie No 2 Model F portrait camera and puts it on his shoulder. He walks around looking for the best place to take a picture. He notices a switch. He yells to companions, "I have something here."

Ivan, August and Joanna come to his side.

Ivan traces the wire, "It goes into the rock."

"Shall we turn the switch?"

"I think we need more information." Joanna attempts to give a voice of reason with three male companions.

"I agree." August hopes his wife is smiling with his vocal support.

"I would like to wait for Olga." Ivan still investigating with his flashlight for any more switches or wires.

Robert studies the switch, "This handle is unique. It has grips and the technology isn't very old. He wipes away the cobwebs. He suppresses his urge to move the switch and continues to walk the perimeter.

He finds another switch. He looks at more closely and sees the wire going to the cave.

"These things are ugly." Ivan holds up his flashlight to the face.

Robert puts his tripod on his shoulder and moves towards Ivan's voice. The tripod catches the switch, "I need help here!"

"Where are you?"

Robert waves his flashlight, "Here my camera is caught."

"I am coming." August is the first to respond.

Robert listens at the footsteps come closer towards him.

August lets out a sound, "Oomph!"

Robert is slammed back against the cave wall.

"What happened?" Ivan asked.

"August tripped over something and took me with him." Robert response, "We are fine."

Robert's tripod bottom feet are on the ground while the camera is hooked around the switch, which is now in the opposite position. "Um!"

August regains his footing and sees the switch now activated, "Ivan! Joanna!"

Robert and August watch sparks and listen to a hum.

"Joanna!" August yells in panic. Seconds later he feels his wife's hand in his and whispers, "Stay close."

"What happened?" Ivan does his best to remain calm.

Before anyone could reply lights blink on in the far back section and soon the entire cave is flickering to life.

The four companions remain still and wait.

The low hum of the lights fill their ears.

They all jump as one light pops and watch it dim.

August regains his composure. He quickly sets up his camera and snaps pictures as quickly as the Brownie will allow.

Ivan looks at Robert packing up his camera and turn the switch off.

The four make their way to tunnel exit before all the lights go dim.

"He is the one who found and reported the Silurians Hibernation Unit at Yaroslavl Oblast in Russia. He found the chambers by accident as he was spelunking with his brother August, his wife Joanna and brother-in-law Ivan."

"Oh." Odea continues to solder down each component her wife lays but with fights the distraction to stop and hug her wife.

"That is when my parents fled to London. Ivan, Joanna and August were killed soon after. "

"Who killed them?"

"Galina Shikalova."

"Not Alexandra?"

"No."

"How do you know?"

Ada hands her wife the accordion folder.

Odea begins to read carefully.

"I see."

"She is still alive!"

"Where?"

Ada pulls out another piece of paper, "Córdoba, Argentina."