Ensign Haukea-Willow - Going Home.
Aly Drolet
((StarBase 118 - Commercial Sector - Quo’Nos District))
Ikker was certainly a determined young man. Taking a swing at one of the officers gripping him he ended up flat on top of Amar, struggling to right himself. It then became Amar’s turn to struggle, giving a weak set of punches to throw the older child off. Even then, when standing upright, Ikker held onto his snarky attitude, biting back at Willow.
Ikker: Oh yeah? And what are you going to do to a kid - huh?
Willow: Nothing. I’m going to let you go, Ikker.
Amar: Let him go? I think he can go find Vanla again, then..
Ikker: That's right. ::he glared at her.:: You know what will happen then.
Willow: Walk away. But don’t drag Amar into this.
Amar: I think this is goodbye, Kayden.
Ikker: Yea, for now. ::he poked his finger at her.:: Just wait till you’re dead weight. ::his comment had double meaning.::
Willow: Amar is wanted. With me.
Amar: ::Eyes widening in surprise, speechless::
Ikker: Pffft whatever lady.
Through all of Ikker’s arrant behavior, it was clear to Haukea that Amar no longer had a place where she was wanted. Not with Ikker or Vanla at least. Despite that, Haukea-Willow adamantly wanted Amar in her life. It was an emotion she had not felt before, unable to express it. Yet, without Amar, knowing that she was safe, she, for a moment, figured she would cry, a rare occurrence.
Amar: I don’t think I can go back to them anymore.. I thought we would just drop something off for someone, and then we would be off to have fun. I never thought that this would all happen, but if they did.. I don’t want to be a part of that anymore. ::she hesitated before going on:: Do you think I could stay on the station here, at least for a while?
Willow: Whether temporary, permanent, unofficial, or official, you are more than welcome to stay on the station Amar.
Haukea had not so much as officially asked Amar if she wanted to live with her for the time being. Instead she had hinted at it, letting Amar know, as clearly as possible, that she was wanted, was safe, was to be with the Risian for however long she wanted. Nevertheless, in the aftermath, there would be paperwork, child services, likely a long talk with Taybrim. On the other hand, Ikker, from nearly the beginning, had made it entirely clear that he wanted no part with the station, with Amar, with her, and more importantly with an adult, parent-like figure. It wasn’t that Haukea disliked the young man, not in the slightest. They merely clashed in personality, interest, need. Ikker could find his place, far out of reach, away from trouble. And sure she would wonder, fret over his well being, but honestly not feel responsible like with Amar.
Ikker: just wait till they see the real you :: he added bitterly to her tears::
Thoughts wandering, Haukea gazed with Amar up at the sparkling, bedazzled ceiling, full of stars, the moon. A wonderful intertwining of the universe that existed in the vastness beyond the station as well as the melding of species within. A large smile crept up on her face as she watched tears spill down Amar’s.
Willow: You may leave now Ikker. I wish you well. Goodbye. ::Turning to Amar:: How are you? You alright?
Ikker: ::he curled his lip.::
Ikker probably took that opportunity to walk away, slip out of sight. Haukea certainly was remiss to notice him go, unbothered to look for him again. She did however turn, noticing Amar nod her head. The young child had unquestionably seen a great deal during her short life, if not at least her short time on the station. More trauma, unhinged from lack of parental input, than any child should have to experience. Haukea would be damned if she let it go unchecked, temporarily or not, with Amar in her care. There were at least two medical specialists she would lovingly suggest Amar see; and to sweeten the blow she would accompany Amar however far she required in such an endeavor.
Amar: I’m alright. Everybody is happy, is all.
Willow: Well I know I am.
She had wished she had expressed such emotions with more grandiose terms. Nevertheless, her statement, while simple, if not blunt, was the honest truth. Nothing more, nothing less.
Amar: I know.. and I am too.
Willow: Do you want to keep looking for your Aunt or…? ::Haukea was asking more for clarification than anything::
Haukea, mostly as herself, in combination with being a Risian, highly valued personal autonomy of choice. As such, while she had been sure Amar did not want to go hunting for her aunt, it was the kinder, respectful, choice to ask. So ask she did.
Amar: I don’t want to. I think she has something to do with what happened here today, and I want no more part of that. I want to make things right.
Willow: Well you can always come home with me. I don’t mind giving up my bedroom for a while.
Amar: ::blinking in surprise:: you .. mean that?
Perhaps she would have offered up a statement explaining that she would never have to go back to living with her aunt, she only had to say the word. Though she expected that the sentiment was implied in her offer of living with her. No matter, her honesty had once again shown through, heart beating wildly behind her rib cage in anticipation at Amar’s response.
Willow: Out of personal habit I don’t tend to lie. Yes I mean it.
Shock spread across Haukea as Amar suddenly locked her arms around her, tears wetting her uniform as they rolled down her cheeks. It was usually said that one couldn’t learn to, nor grow, to love someone so intensely in so little time. One day, even two, was not long enough to fall in love, cry when the person dies. Not that those exact experiences occurred today. In spite of that, Haukea, with all her heart, values and beliefs, disagreed with any individual who would scoff at her for wanting to bring a strange child into her life after only one day. Starfleet missions, while often short, imprinted vastly deep physical and emotional experiences on the officer. Amar, had imprinted on her. In the way a teacher cared for their students from the first day. Like a parent that loved a child from before they were born. Amar was her’s and she wanted Amar to know that love, kindness, comfort, for the rest of her life.
Amar: I would like that very much.
Willow: I’m over in the habitat sector of the Station. I have some wonderful neighbors. You’ll love them.
The neighbor that Haukea referred to was Madison Marsh, resident doctor of Starbase 118 Operations. And while the two had yet to have their first date, the Risian knew for a fact that Madison would love Amar when they met. Even then, she would introduce Amar and Madison later. Currently the child looked exhausted.
Amar: I think I should sleep some first, though.
Willow: Though I imagine you’d be hungry after all that’s happened. Food, then rest?
Amar had likely not eaten since before she arrived on the station. And as a growing child, Amar was likely starving after running around a space station all day with little rest. Bsides, who appreciated going to bed on an empty stomach.
Amar: Food.. I’m hungry. But.. ::looking around:: it doesn’t seem like right now there will be a lot of places here that sell food.
Willow: We can always go straight back to my apartment if you rather?
Amar: I don’t know.. I’m hungry, I’m tired, but I don’t know what to do first. Maybe you have a replicator at your place?
It was understandable that Amar would question her access to such amenities. She had likely been to places that had limited access to such equipment, or even had limited quantities of equipment such as replicators or sonic showers. However, being in her care, Amar would never lack again. She would have everything she could ever want, need and more.
Willow: I have a replicator and a kitchenette.
Amar clearly looked skeptical.
Amar: You must be very important here, to have one in your own room..
Willow: When you live and work on a Federation Space Station there is plenty of room. ::breathing out:: Amar, you will be cared for here. You’ll have food, clothes, anything and everything.
If they had been on one of the many Fleet ships that may not have been so true. Space was more limited there, offering up more opportunity for communal gathering at bars. Yet, on a Station as large as Ops, they were able to provide nearly, if not all, residents with luxury equipment such as replicators and sonic showers.
Amar: ::shaking her head:: I think that will take some getting used to. ::Eyes widening as she realized something:: but.. that means.. does it.. can it make chocolate?
Willow: ::Smiling:: Take all the time you need Amar. ::holding back a laugh:: Of course it can make chocolate. Hot chocolate, chocolate croissants, you name it.
It must have been a shock to learn she had access to such wonderful equipment, to foods she could only dream of. The combination of shock and happiness sent tears dripping down her cheeks again, creating rivers. Another hug was in order too, showing simply how grateful she was.
Amar: That sounds amazing.
Willow: We’ll get you some food, I’ll replicate some Pj’s, you can take a nice warm sonic shower and have some rest.
Amar: Response
Willow: It’s not going to suddenly disappear, Amar. I’ll make sure it stays for a long time.
Amar: Response
Willow: Shall we?
Amar: Response
With that, Haukea held out her hand once more to Amar, showing her kindness as she allowed Amar the choice. Once ready, the pair, led by Haukea, trudged towards the closest turbolift, ready to head back to Haukea’s apartment, ready for what the rest would bring.
END FOR HAUKEA-WILLOW
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yj5iS1InIww
OOC: I would love to write a shore leave scene with Amar. Perhaps something where she is settling in. Let me know what you think @Korras.
