ways_infirmary | (no subject)

Current Mood: cheerful

(no subject)

The tale of Snow White and Rose Red has so far managed to go without any blurs of static. The record was a few days back, where she managed to get through two fairy tales with no interference. It was pretty nice.

She's already gotten to where the bear comes in, and nothing's warped or blacked out. Alessa is a happy camper right now.

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There is the familar tread of Hank as he comes by and smiles at her.

"Hello, Alessa."

"Hank." She smiles back. "i was reading."

"Ahhh. Have you been enjoying readng?"

He smiles at this young woman who has come to be a friend. It will eb hard to see her go, but it is time.

"Harper is coming soon to see you."

She nods, then brightens. "really? today?"

"He wants to take you back to his ship, and adopt you, full time. He will love and take care of you... and you will have a home."

He speaks gently.

One hand goes to her mouth. "he... for real? i really get to go?" Tears rise to her eyes.

"he really wants me..."

"He loves you and he really wants you, and you really get to go."

he pulls out a data card and a stack of papers in a folder.

"These are all of your medical records from here. These are yours. When you get to his ship, make sure whoever is in cjharge of helping you gets these okay? But tthey are yours to give."

he gently hands them to her.

"You are a good girl, Alessa, and it has been a pleasure knowing you."

he gently touches her arm.

"I hope you are happy on the ship."

She nods, taking the card and folder carefully.

With an almost pained look, she hugs him.

He gently hugs her back.

"You will be fine. A whole nbew life and a family, all for you."

He grins at her.

Two people entered the infirmary. One of them was a familiar grinning face, a man who was pushing a hovering wheelchair, eyes bright and smile wide.

He was pushing that wheelchair as if when she got in it he was going to push her around in it and make racecar noises, probably because he was.

Coming in behind him was a slightly older women with sharp features and blonde hair. But there was a warmth to her, and a sly smile tugged at the corners of her mouth as she watched Harper motor over to Alessa.

Harper let go of the wheelchair and immediately swept Alessa up off her bed and into his arms.

"Did Hank tellya'? It's official, kiddo!"

There is no vocal reply, just a tight (for her, at least) hug and some choking on tears.

Alessa clings to Harper, burying her face in him.

It's a vaguely familiar feeling.

...Daddy...

Hank grins.

This is a good moment, and Gods willing... things would be better for them all now.

He stands there, watching and smiling.

"Alessa, munchkin, this is my captain--well, first officer, since we're going back to the Andromeda. I figured it'd be best for you there, yanno? Anyway, this is Beka Valentine."

He held Alessa up to face her.

"She kinda adopted me a long time ago, when I was just a scruffy kid on Earth. Gave me a new life. You're probably gonna be seeing a lot of her."

Beka smiled a genuine, warm smile. "You know, I could barely believe it when Harper told me he was adopting a kid, but seeing you, now I can see why," she said, with a voice as warm as her smile. "I hope you realize this makes you an official member of the Maru crew, kiddo. I'm going to teach you to fly and everything, if you want it."

She automatically clings closer to Harper, nervous of this new adult, but manages a shy smile. "i- it's nice to meet you..." Then, eyes gleaming, adds, "fly? like butterflies?"

Hank grins, watching them.

"Sounds like a very great adventure. Maybe someday there will be a storybook abiout the girl who flew..."

His eyes are full of humor and slightly bright.

"Hank's right. Beka here'll haveya' navigating the slipstream in no time," Harper said, and he put her down on her bed again.

"Let's make sure we have all your stuff, huh?"

He reached into the seat of the chair and pulled at a Commonwealth regulation backpack.

"Lessee, pictures." He was very careful with them. "Crayons. Need your storybooks. Ooh, nightlight," he ran over, stooped, and snatched it up.

She points toward a silver container. "Jadis gave me that. Can we take it?"

"Yep." Soon he had everything packed away. "Hank, you got her medical records?"

"I gave them to her. Hard copy and computer chip both, in case the chip isnt compatible between our disparate technologies. Everything is there,"

She holds up the folder helpfully.

"You hold onto that, munchkin." He slung her bag over his shoulder. "Okay then. We're good to go."

She holds the folder protectively against her chest. It's important, after all. Papers tend to be, especially the medical kind.

"okay," she repeats, nodding.

He kneels at her side and gives her a gentle hug.

"Be well, Alessa. It has beena pleasure knowing you. remember me when you fly."

He grins and stands and steps back.

"...can i come visit?" She looks from Hank to Harper to Beka. Multiple permissions are necessary, it seems.

"Oh, hell yeah. Me and Harper come here all the time. It's just a slipstream jump away. If you ever want to come for a visit, just ask one of us--I can fly you in," Beka assured her.

"Anytime... anytime at all that you are in the neighborhood."

he grins.

She beams.

Then, shyly, "thank you."

"You ready to go, munchkin?" Harper asked.

She nods, gripping the folder a bit nervously.

"Ready? I'll help ya' into your new chair." He pushed it next to her bed and held out his arms to support her.

She eyes it curiously for a minute. "it doesn't have wheels."

Still, she reaches out and shakily tries to move forward.

"Doesn't need 'em. Superconductor magnets. It floats." He pushed a button that was meant to have it lock into place and eased her into it.

"There ya' go. Comfy?"

She nods, giving him another smile. "flying chair."

"Flying chair," Harper said with a grin right back. "You ready to go, munchkin?"

Another nod. Then, after some effort, she gives him a thumbs-up and a self-conscious smile.

Harper held out a hand to Hank, while Beka gave Alessa a thumbs up back.

"Thanks Hank. Seriously. You helped her out just as much as I did. Maybe more."

He shakes Harper's hand.

"I just did what I could. It was a pleasure. You all be cafreful out there, and if you need a hand, or a paw, let me know."

he grins.

She smiles over to Hank. "thank you." Then looks from him to Harper and Beka.

"Let's motor!" Harper said, and he flicked the switch on her wheelchair to unlock it and started making racecar noises as he motored her along.

"Brbrbrbrbrbrbrbrbrbrbr!"

She grips the armrests at first, nervous at the unaccustomed mode of transport. But anxiety quickly gives way to amusement, and she giggles at the noises, relaxing already.

She turns to give Hank a final smile before they leave the infirmary.

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