Chapter 3: Mia Famiglia and ARK
An older gentleman sat behind a wooden desk. The G.U.N. cargo ship had set sail a few weeks ago and the papers for Gerald's adoption for Scarlett were being completed quickly as the Professor was a man of high status.
"Professor Robotnik, it's nice to meet an old friend once again." the man looked up from his paperwork.
"Same it is to you, Commander Grey!" the Professor approached the Commander easily, "This is Scarlett, the girl whom I wish to adopt."
"Ah! Scarlett! It's nice to meet you. I hope Gerald here has been telling some good stories about me." he laughed heartily, "You know, Gerald. When I captured that airforce based with my crew of men." he elbowed the Professsor.
"Yes." she whispered.
"What?" he turned to the Professor.
"She's rather timid around new people." he gently grasped Scarlett's hand and pulled her from behind him and to his side.
"So I see." he chuckled, "As far as I can tell, Scarlett, Gerald wants you to be a part of his family and you want him to be a part of yours, is that right?"
"Sì."
"Well, then, I have your adoption papers right here. Professor, may I have you sign right here?"
"Of course. However, before I sign, Scarlett wants to keep her maiden name. Is that possible to do so?"
"Yes! Yes." he scribbled out what the Professor supposed to be his last name next to Scarlett's would-be name, and wrote in her Italian name, Macioci, "Here you are."
"Wonderful!"
"Well." Gerald and Scarlett walked heartily from Commander Grey's office, "How about that, mio Scarlatto?"
"Buona, Professor." she ran up ahead of him toward the elevator.
"Scarlatto, you don't have to call me that you know."
"Sì...I like 'Professor,' for now, padre." she grinned mischievously at the man as he laughed once more, "Where to?"
"Home."