Doors Closed - Please Knock

[alora]

Okay so the intial firing squad was over. And they both seemed to be taking it well. She let out a burst of air she had been holding in. "So I get to stay!?" Her eyes lit up instantly. The biological experiments had never been like those that had been experimented. River people. The experiments had personalities of their own, and were rebellious at times, but they were like any other kids really. They just didn't know anything but the alliance.

"So about me, I guess. Um where to start..OH I'm 19 well that's the age I'm suppose to be. In reality I'm only 3 years old. All biological experiments were giving and aging injections that aged them over the course of three years to be the age 19, and then it stops. I'm Alora Serra-Reynolds. Two last names. I was their star pupil like River was. When i was their I looked up to River and her reputation...and well I guess I kind of also followed in her footsteps. Being a run away and all." She pushed her black hair behind her ear, and looked from Inara to Mal.

"But a question. Where will I be staying. It seems you all havea full ship..." She let out a slight giggle. "And I know it will take a bit to get used to. You two have never had kids, and well i've never technically had 'parents'. I had a sort of foster mom that looked after me when I was little, but that was about it." She played with the hem of her jacket as she explained everything to them.

[zoe]

"Until we get things sorted out, room wise, you may stay with me of course. Mal was right to give Bella Kaylee's old room as those are crew quarters after all. lets see, Vincent and River will have Rivers room in the guest dorms, so that just leaves, james and Gene I believe...no I'm missing someone, who is it?"

Inara was off on one of her random side thoughts, a habit when she was nervous.

[Captain Malcolm Reynolds]

Mal was thinking. His daughter was a playtoy for the Alliance. “So you’ll never get old?” That’s what was making his head spin the most. Would she be young forever. Just stop aging? Shaking his head, he downed the rest of his tea, wanting something stronger.

Watching her, he smiled. “You can stay. Just no more kidnapping me please.” He laughed as he was only teasing. “There’s Dave too. We have one free guest room that she can use We’ll just make sure we talk to River.” He was slightly agitated about Vincent staying in River’s room so just grunted. It was weird.

[alora]

just stop agin, oh no she had mixed her words. "Oh no no. You mis understood me. I meant we stopped fast aging. I age normally now. My birthday is in March. March tenth to be exact. I'm sorry. I didn't mean to confuse you." She blushed. She could be a real air head sometimes. At the mentioning of Vincent and River, alora let out a visible shudder. She had been trying to block out their passionate escapades. She shook herself out of the moment and stood.

"Are you sure you have enough room for everyone. I mean I don't want to put anyone out. I can sleep in the common room if I need to..or something." She shrugged and paced the room a couple times. This was nice. How accepting they were, it was nice.

[zoe]

"Keep in mind, it's going to take time for Malcolm and I to get used to the fact that we have daughter. Especially since we've only just agreed to try an actual relationship, so things may be a bit touch and go for a bit." Inara said.

"But my door will always be open to you Alora, for anything, even just to talk." she added with a reassuring smile.

"I figure I need to hold another Girl's night seeing as we have two new female members to the Crew, how does that sound? Also, do you want the others of the crew to know that you're our daughter, or would you rather they not know?"

[Captain Malcolm Reynolds]

“Oh ok. That‘s fine. People confuse me a lot.” That clarified a lot up. March. Lately they kept a stock aside for birthdays-sugar and cake mixes. After the doctor’s rather interesting birthday cake, they decided to keep a stock aside.

“Don’t be silly. We have enough room for you. You can stay here with Inara or in the passenger dorm.” he would not let her sleep on the couch. He’d kick Jayne out of his bunk even to accommodate her. “My room is by the bridge, but it’s the smallest passenger dorm. Storing things and what not. I don’t want you sleeping on boxes.”

Looking at Inara, how would this change things now. They were just starting out in a steady thing now and already had a daughter thrust into their lives. It seemed to be a blessings and challenge they would enjoy exploring. “If we tell them, wait until the morning. I think half of them are asleep.”

[alora]

Alora couldn't help but smile brightly. "I never expected you guys to be so accepting. Well Inara I did, but you Mal...it's just all that I've read about you on the cortex. Just nevermind, I'm glad this is working out." She sat down again.

"I'll stay here in Inara's room tonight, until there's room." Alora nodded her head along with what she was saying. "what's a girl's night?" A girl's night? They'd never had those in the Academy. They weren't really allowed to talk to each other unless they were out training in the mountains.

Waiting till morning sounded likea brill idea. No need to give them nightmares to sleep on. "Yes, let's tell them in the morning. Perhaps at breakfast, or maybe lunch." She stood and paced again. "There's one problem. With the whole spur of the moment kidnapping and what not. I have nothing else to wear...Until we go planet side agian and I can buy things."

[Captain Malcolm Reynolds]

“I guess it’s settled then.” Mal wiped his hands nervously on his pant legs. He was unsure of what to say really. At least right now. He stood. “Well, I’ll let you two get to your girls night. I am off ot bed. To look over the layouts for this job.” Clearing his throat he kissed Inara’s cheek and hesitated moment. Then he kissed the top of Alora’s head. He hoped that’s what fathers did. “Good night you two.” Then he left.

[out]

[zoe]

Inara returned Malcolm's Kiss as he left, staring after him until he'd shut the door behind him. Then she turned to Alora.

"Well my dear, you must be tired after such a long day." she said, picking up the tea settings and taking them to the small sink to rinse them out.

"That couch there unfolds into a bed, It's a piece of my old room on Sihnon, and it is almost as comfortable as the main bed." she said, talking just for the sake of filling the silence.

The shuttle hadn't changed too much over the years, different colors now and again, to suit Inara's changing person. The focal points of the room were the large bed, the smaller couch and table, and her Altar sitting in the corner. She lit the candles earlier in her prayer. There was picture of people she'd lost in her lifetime, including Wash and Book amongst the candles.