Hysteria was not normal for Aleska, she could admit.

She was a grounded, steady sort of person. It had been one of the things that had made her rise in school so possible, despite the hurdles in place because of society, her family, her religion, her gender… But with Jupiter back in her arms it was all she could do. Be hysterical, that is. Sob nothings into her babe's hair and hold her closer and closer. Smother her in affection that she felt she had denied giving to her in the thirteen days she had gone missing.

"Ma'am?" the young officer, he is smiling, wide, eyes a little teary. A sensitive boy, she can see.

Aleska looks quickly to his badge, sees 'Hendricks', and gives him a smile. Trembling and horribly wide she knows. Too many teeth and looking insane, but she does not care.

"Yes, Officer Hendricks?"

"Would you like to meet the woman who brought in your daughter?"

It is then that the questions come, the questions, and the worry. Where had Jupiter been, in the near two weeks she had been missing?

"Yes," she whispered, still clutching to little Jupiter, because how could she not.

Sergi hovers over them, a more steadying presence than she would have ever guessed. His hand is on her shoulder, and he doesn't press further than that. Simply giving support.

"This way, please."

Aleska follows. Holds her baby in her arms and she knew she would not set her down as long as she could. She tentatively looks at her child every few minutes, sees that she looks tired and that the cast on her leg is gone, cutaway, by who she does not know. Her hair is neat and clean, pulled back in a thick, functional set of braids. Precise and carefully done as was Jupiter's habit. Her skin is clean and smells vaguely of something medical. Sharp, strong, but not something that Aleska recognizes. She is dressed in a combination of the clothing she had last been seen in, cleaned, and a large coat that does not belong to her child… A curious thing that is rich looking, the softest thing Aleska has ever felt. The color of summer skies, and meant for a much older woman, she knows from the way it dwarfs her child. The embroidery in the coat is beautiful, wonderful flower shapes, sliver, and precise...

They reach one of the many little rooms of the station, one of the ones meant for questioning. On one side, more men in uniform, taking notes and filling out the paper, on the other is a young woman, barely out of her teens, Aleska knows with a curious glance to her sweet looking face. She is dark-skinned, hair a riot of luscious brown curls behind her head, and she is sitting in a coat that is similar to Jupiter's but in a different color, a dark and crisp-looking grey with embroidery that is in a nice black. She is well dressed, rich, and but in black boots that make her even taller. They enter the room and the young woman smiles, her lips a curious shade of plum, and her large owlish eyes are a brown so dark it seems to gleam black. Her eyes immediately turn to Jupiter.

"Hello, Jupiter," her voice is startlingly high and musical, rich with a similar accent to Sergi, Aleska notes.

"Hi, Grey! This is my Mama, Aleska Jones, and my grandfather, Sir Sergi Jones!"

Jupiter wiggles, and with some reluctance, Aleska allows her daughter back on her two feet. The young woman stands as soon as Jupiter is on her own feet. She is startlingly tall and thin, very much in fashion with her boyish figure, and everything from her sharply cut coat and thin pants show someone in complete control of themselves and aware of it. She does not hesitate, however, to drop to her knees in her fine-looking pants when Jupiter rushes her and hugs her tenderly to her own form. Over Jupiter's head, she smiles again, and Aleska… Aleska feels warmth from the other woman's expression. She stands again, carefully patting Jupiter's head. She walks forward and presses two quick kisses on each side of Aleska's startled face.

"Venus Greyson," introduces the young woman, taking a step back. She tilts her head to the side and makes a curious noise in her throat to clear it, "Pleasure to meet you, Mrs. Jones. Jupiter has told me a lot."

Jupiter is beaming.

Aleska is concerned but manages a smile.

"Pleasure to meet you," her own voice is hoarse and a stark contrast to Venus' high voice, especially when her rougher accent is put into play.

The young woman tilts their head.

"You must have questions."

"Yes."

Another smile.

"Than sit, Mrs. Jones, and I will tell you of how I met your daughter."


Happy Native Peoples Day!