A Rewritten Family History
In the time Fenton Crackshell Cabrera had been employed at McDuck Enterprises it was a rare occasion for his boss Doctor Gearloose to not be in the lab bright and early.
Pulling out a calendar the young intern went to double and then triple check that there wasn't some important pitch or appointment or booster club function that he'd overlooked there wasn't…
Letting out a slight sigh as he headed toward his work space to look over his notes, he began to think back to the time he first set foot in the lab.
January 2017:
It was a new year and time for a new opportunity as his ma'ma had told him about the internship opportunity at McDuck enterprises in their science division.
"Do you bake?," Gyro asked as he looked up from his clipboard with a raised brow, "Keep in mind when you answer this is not a deal breaker and you definitely show the most promise it's just my sons school somehow thinks bake sales are the gold standard of fundraising and it would be nice to have an intern who I could delegate that chore to….among others of course."
"Of course," Fenton repeated with a nod before curiosity got the better of him. He had assumed the great Gyro Gearloose lived only for his work after all. "Anyway….a son?"
He watched as the chicken nodded his head before crossing over toward his desk only to return moments later with a framed photo of a young boy dressed in a Woodchuck Uniform.
"This is my Hubert, nine years old and already a promising young mind. Though he also has a strong sense of adventure which he gets from his mother's side of the family."
Fenton nodded his head soon noticing that he didn't see a ring on the other man's finger though he assumed now that it was just because jewelry probably got in the way of science.
"And what is it that Mrs. Gearloose does?"
It was clear from the way the Doctor's expression shifted that mentioning his wife was a clear faux pas.
"She's unfortunately not in the picture anymore."
Listening to the forlorn tone of his interviewer's voice, Fenton began to nervously fidget with his tie...he'd gone and threw away his shot before he'd been given an opportunity to do something great and life changing he just knew it.
"I-I'm sorry for your loss."
Biting his bill he hoped that he said the right words and was slightly relieved when Gyro shrugged back his shoulders and picked up a clipboard from one of the lab tables.
"It's been almost ten years, a part of me wants to doc you points for not doing your research on me like some of my other applicants however I find your neivite kind of refreshing. I know I said not being able to bake wasn't a deal breaker but IF you did I'd hire you on the spot."
"Well following a boxed mix is nothing more than basic chemistry but my ma'ma bakes a mean Triple Chocolate Chip cookie that is legendary among the detectives of the Duckburg PD."
There was a lingering moment of silence….maybe there was hope after all.
"Well then….I guess I'll hire you as an intern on a preliminary basis…."
The preliminary basis had lasted over two years and counting and while he had received a significant pay bump from once he'd taken on the mantle of Duckburg's resident vigilante Gizmo Duck he was still paying his dues by being personal assistant and occasional babysitter in exchange for the privilege to have access to the labs resources.
It was then the sounds of the hydrolator doors pinged open and Doctor Gearloose materialized followed by a woman who was a stark contrast to the preened and polished booster moms whom on occasion would be there for "important school business "and yet there was something familiar about her…
"Doctor Gearloose is everything alright? You always show up to the lab before noon unless there is an appointment and to my knowledge…."
Gyro simply nodded as he began to cross the room.
"It was a personal matter intern."
Personal Matter… Fenton thought wondering if the female duck had anything to do with it as he turned to her doing what any good scientist would do and observe.
He watched as she placed her hands in the pockets of the oversize tux jacket she'd been wearing, her eyes scanning the room.
"I love what you've done with the place," she spoke with a smile as one of Gyro's little bulbs began to flock to her as if it were a woodland creature and she were a fairytale princess which was odd as they didn't take to outsiders like that.
"I….came into a windfall," Gyro's voice spoke as he continued to rifle through his draw.
He swore he could hear the woman mumble to little bulb about 'impressive' upgrades before she took a seat, her eyes finally meeting his.
"And I see you've gone and hired yourself an assistant I see being a father has given you a lesson on sharing your toys."
"Intern actually," Fenton found himself speaking up, holding out a hand for her to shake, "Fenton Crackshell Cabrera at your service miss…"
"I'm Della, an old friend."
Della...why did that name sound so familiar to him.
"Old friend…" Gyro's voice spoke in a tone that was both tinged with annoyance as well as a bit of laughter as he'd turned away from his desk and began to walk toward her stopping a few inches away before getting down on his knee.
No...now Fenton knew why that name sounded familiar but he held his tongue watching as the scene played out.
"Fiancé has a better ring to it don't you think? I know you haven't even been back for a day and who knows what you've been through but now that you are here I'd be a fool to lose you again."
"I did just get back and I have been through quite the ordeal. I need time and space to heal. But with living in the manor for the time being and a prolonged engagement I'd be a fool to tell you no."
The blue of the sapphire shimmered against her white feathers as he watched his boss slip the ring on the woman's finger.
"Should I… give you two a moment?" Fenton soon asked watching the couple as they tenderly were holding one another's hands.
It was Della not his boss who took the lead in answering the question as she shook her head before leaning forward to begin to detach the prosthetic leg that he just now noticed she had.
"The reason I came here was so that Gearloose could critique and improve upon my attempt at field medicine and as his intern I'd be honored to hear your opinion."
Fenton smiled as it was rare that the engineer asked him for opinions outside of Gizmo Suit enhancements.
"I'm more of a chemist but I'd be glad to give you my prospective."
"I have a feeling we're going to be great friends Fenton," Della said before turning toward Gyro, "and as for you maybe when Huey gets back from school he can put a hold on his homework so we can do something as a family before I head back to the manor and suss out what happens next?"
"It's a date," he replied with a wink before turning toward Fenton, " are you coming intern."
