A terrible truth and a new baby
After Gibson gave Snowberry a tour of the robot, he took her back into the main room, which was empty. Everyone else was either in bed or doing other activities. He had her sit down on the couch, and then asked her the question he had wanted to ask.
Snowberry, he said quite seriously, who is the father of your baby? She wouldn't meet his eyes; she just kept staring at the floor. I… can't tell you, she said. You would… hate me. I wouldn't hate you, Gibson said. I just need to know. It's easier if you just get it off your chest, but you don't have to tell me until you're ready. He put his arm around her as she started to cry. Then she blurted out suddenly, it's Mandarin. Gibson was stunned; he was so shocked he couldn't even say a word. He… kidnapped me, she said. He wanted me to stay with him. But as soon as I knew I was having this baby, I knew I couldn't. I didn't want any child I had growing up like that. So… I ran away. He doesn't know about the baby, and I never want him to ever find out.
Gibson listened as she talked more about what had happened to her. He couldn't believe the horror she had witnessed. It made him ache inside. She was so young… she didn't deserve that. As he studied her, he realized she couldn't be more than 5 years old. He gritted his teeth, wishing nothing but torture and misery on Mandarin. How can I help her? He thought desperately. He took her hand, trying to sooth her. Then he heard Antauri calling him. I'll be back, he told Snowberry. She nodded. As Gibson was about to leave the room, he saw her stand, then suddenly fall to her knees. He ran back in, and went to her. The rest of the team walked in. What's wrong? Said Nova quickly, bending down beside Snowberry. As they helped her to her feet, they realized she was soaked, and shivering. Her water's broken, cried Nova. Sprx, take the quints out of here! Sprx did so, leading the curious children into their playroom. As they got Snowberry into med bay, Nova said she would stay with Snowberry. Antauri and Otto went with Sprx. They dried her off as best they could. Snowberry was crying as Nova told her to push. It wasn't easy. Her labor lasted almost 5 hours, within which Nova had her hand crushed by Snowberry, who was screeching just about every cuss word ever created. Gibson swore he would kill Mandarin for causing Snowberry so much pain. Finally, Gibson held up a tiny baby, and wrapped it warmly in a blanket. Two! He shouted, its twins! He wrapped another baby in a blanket. He handed the first one to Snowberry, but seemed to be troubled by the second.
Snowberry pulled the blanket off her firstborn's face, and then she smiled. The baby was a soft peach color, with bright blue eyes. Then she looked at Gibson, who had his back to her. Is it alive? She asked, fright in her eyes. Gibson turned and smiled gently. This little one just needs a little help with his breathing, he said. He handed him to Snowberry. But her eyes grew wide as she pulled back the blanket. The little guy was orange, with black eyes. But they did not hold his father's hatred. They were kind-looking, and he smiled at his mom, even with the oxygen mask on his face. She relaxed; he wasn't a mutant like Mandarin. This one's a girl, said Gibson, gesturing to the other. Snowberry cuddled them. What are their names? Asked Nova. I was thinking… maybe Sacha for the little guy, she said. It's Russian for helper and defender of mankind. Nova grinned. It fits, she said. Takara for the girl, she said. It means precious or beloved treasure. Snowberry liked it. Sacha and Takara, she said. She went outside with Sacha, after he could breathe on his own. The new moon had just risen. My Sacha, she said. You are my hope. You give me the hope that perhaps you will rise to be good, and a keeper of peace. You are destined for great deeds, perhaps ones of great importance. See that moon? I hope you can gaze upon it every night, and remember who you are. You are so special… despite who your father is. He peeked up at the sky, then began squealing and trying to crawl out of her arms. She caught him. No little guy, not yet. You're still too tiny to try and be on your own feet. Gibson came outside, holding Takara. He took Sacha, who immediately began snuggling into his fur. Snowberry smiled and reached to take Takara, who was asleep. Daddy… said Sacha before falling asleep. Gibson looked up at Snowberry. He thinks I'm his father. Snowberry smiled. Gibson caught the point and grinned too. Let's let them believe that, he said. I'll be a dad to them. They'll find out when they're old enough. Taking Snowberry's hand, he led her inside.