A new arrival
Gibson was in his lab. He was busily creating a new chemical substance, one that was highly unstable and could blow up if there was a loud noise. He was just about to stabilize it with another mixture.
When the alarm went off.
It blew up, blackening his face. What was that for? He yelled up at the sky, to no one in particular. Did I deserve that? He sighed, and then went for a rag to clean up the mess and gloves to pick up the glass. He peered out of his lab, to see why the alarm had gone off. Just a mistake! Otto called. Sorry! Gibson huffed, then decided to go for a walk.
As he walked down the street, he heard laughter. He went around the corner to see what was going on. A group of teenagers was standing in an alley in a circle, chucking rocks at something that was apparently the source of their amusement. He saw that it was a monkey, as he went closer. She was bruised and cut from the stones and other crap they were throwing at her. Stop! He yelled, but obviously, they did not understand him. He got out his robovac drills, and stood protectively in front of her. The teens stopped laughing, and walked away, cursing Gibson for spoiling their fun. Are you okay? He asked the monkey. She just stared at him, as if he hadn't said anything. He repeated himself, but she still didn't respond. Sighing, he led her back to the robot. She followed warily.
Who's that? Was the question from everyone on the team. I don't know, he admitted, she won't talk. Antauri went up behind her and clapped his hands, she didn't even flinch. He went and got a frying a pan, then slammed it on the floor just behind her. She didn't do anything. That's it. Antauri said. She's deaf, that's why she won't respond to us. I wonder… he made a few odd hand signals. The girl finally smiled, and made a gesture with her hands. Its sign language, said Gibson. Antauri nodded. She says her name is Snowberry, he said. She also says she is lost and doesn't have a place to stay.
Tell her she can stay with us, said Chiro firmly. It isn't safe out there for a lone monkey, especially not a deaf one. She say's okay, said Antauri, interpreting each signal she made.
That night, at team plan, they discussed their options. She can't fight, Chiro said. It's too dangerous. And she also can't be left alone, she could be easily kidnapped. Gibson, would you give her a health check, just to be sure she doesn't have any other problems? Gibson nodded. He went off, and led Snowberry into the lab. Antauri went too; to interpret anything Snowberry wanted to say. All went well, until Gibson did an internal scan. What the , Gibson cursed. Antauri looked startled. Gibson, what's wrong? He asked. Snowberry should never have been alone, he said. It's a miracle she didn't die, being alone, deaf, and pregnant! Antauri whipped around, Snowberry was sitting quietly, her head hanging. He patted her gently. At least she's safe now, he said. And she has us around to help her out. She looked up at Gibson, her eyes shining with tears. She seemed to understand that they would help her. Gibson went to his cabinet, and removed a small device. He attached it to the back of her head. She can hear now, he said. Snowberry grinned. Hi, she said slowly. Her voice was lovely. She was a light peach color, with silver eyes. She had odd star markings encircling her wrists. You can stay with us, Gibson said, we will take care of you. He began to show her around.