[A/N: Gavin Rinc belongs to C R Majors and appears here with permission. | This ran a bit long for an Episode Zero, and didn't quite fit the format of those stories, but I've decided to leave it as is instead of forcing it to be a second prologue. | I think it's plausible in the A.C. era for the kids to be talking as advanced as they are for their ages -- after all, Mariemeia tried to take over the world when she was only seven! ;-) ]

A.C. 184
The science laboratory looked rather standard to Ludmila Reaves, seeming to be a few steps up from what she recalled her high school biology and chemistry classrooms looked like. The half dozen tables and the counters against the walls were all at a height of four feet, a scattering of beakers and burners here and there. More equipment was stored in the drawers under the tabletops and in stark white cabinets over the counters to her left. To her right were frosted windows. She walked over to a mirror propped up aganist an unlabeled box on the closest table and studied her reflection.
Her fair-skinned face was framed by short, dark brown hair, slightly curly with a number of locks falling low over her forehead. The same hair graced the head of the four-year-old boy she held balanced on her hip. He reached toward the mirror but she deftly angled herself just enough to keep his stubby arms from touching it. He gave up squirming and gazed at his own gray eyes through the glass. In that respect he had his father's coloring. Her eyes were green.
She then turned toward the front of the room where her husband was conversing with a tall, be-spectacled, orange-haired man in a lab coat. She leaned up on her tiptoe a bit to try to catch a glimpse of the small figure that should have been standing near them. Sure enough, a mop of red-brown hair that matched her father's was swaying back and forth as the five-year-old girl swung her arms restlessly even though she obediently remained in the men's shadows. Ludmila smiled. Her daughter, although usually well-behaved, was incredibly energetic, yet never made a pest of herself. Her brother was somewhat less cooperative, but there would always be a difference in the genders. Such as that morning, when they had to dress for a formal meeting. One had calmly donned white stockings, a purple skirt, a dark pink sweater with green kttens sewn on it, and pink high tops, while the other spilled juice all over his blue plaid shirt and navy corduroys. A prompt switch to gray plaid and denim jeans, with white sneakers, and all was right for the time being.
The only issue she'd had with the children after that was her daughter being stubborn about wearing the high tops instead of maryjanes. It was one of the child's quirks. Mila counted it as harmless.
She and her husband wore plain and simple suits, cream and gray respectively. So far the meetings had gone well; now if only the two men would get down to business and leave the current chitchat for another time. She was getting more antsy than the children. At last the door opened to admit a third man, one who looked about ten years her senior, with early graying in his thick moustache, although his platinum hair was untouched. He wore a pair of small, rectangular glasses perched on his square-ish nose, and his eyes were a steely grey. The patch over the pocket of his whte coat proclaimed him a special member of the staff. His face lit with a smile as he spotted the two men, although his fellow employee gave a quick nod and a saute of farewell, implying that he had almost been caught dillydallying. Ludmila drifted over as the new man put his hand out to heartily greet her husband.
"Aleksandr Reaves! It has been a while! Good to see you!"
Alek grinnned as he shook the man's hand. "The same. This is my wife, Ludmila."
"Very nice to meet you, madam." He smiled and nodded, winking after glancing at the boy in her arms, excusing the lack of formal handshake.
"'Mila, this is Advisor V, the counselor from school I told you about all those times."
She smiled and bobbed her head in a partial curtsy, yet couldn't stop herself from asking, "Vee?"
"Yes. Just V. It's a nickname of sorts." He gave an odd smile, near to nostalgic. He then looked at the boy again. "Who is this young man..?"
"Dimitri." Mila then laughed gently when her son shyly hid his face in her neck.
Advisor V took a step back then lowered himself to one knee to be more level with the little girl who was still swinging her arms, although she was turned toward the wall and tracing the path of the cement between the cinderblocks with her gaze. "And this young lady is..?"
She did not respond, too distracted by her own diversion. Alek placed a hand on her shoulder. "Alexa." He said it to inform as well as get her attention. She looked up, her expression indifferent, and sniffled once.
The Advisor chuckled. "That's rather vain, naming your daughter after you."
"So? Dimitri is named after my father."
The Advisor only chuckled again, then turned back to the little girl. "So, Alexa," he carefully enunciated her name, "Do you want to be a scientist like your daddy?"
She looked up at him with innocent yet intelligent green eyes. "I dunno, mister." She then politely covered her mouth as she coughed twice, then sneezed delicately.
"Here you go, young lady." He took a handkerchief from his pocket and held it toward her.
"Thank you, mister." She daintily patted her nose.
Aleksandr cleared his throat. "She seems very susceptible to colds..."
V did not respond to him right away, instead looking at the girl. Yes, very intelligent eyes. And something...else... He stood up before the little girl might become nervous and hide; or maybe annoyed and suspicious. He tightened his smile, his expression becoming slightly grim. "Do you have all of the paperwork and information available?"
Mila inadvertantly hugged her son closer. There was a cold feeling growing in the pit of her stomach, one that always occurred when this topic came up, even though they had been prepared to face it when they decided to have children; even though she had known what the day's meetings would end with. Alek sighed uncomfortably and reached into his jacket's inner pocket, removing a set of folded papers. He met his wife's eyes for a brief second, and she saw the same thing in their pale depths as what she was feeling. Without further hesitation Alek handed the packet to V. The doctor straighted the bends and skimmed the first page with a practiced glance.
"All right," he said thoughtfully, "We'll let you know within a week." He shook Alek's hand but merely nodded to Ludmila, for Dimitri had begun to squirm, making it difficult for her to free a hand -- something she was actually grateful for.
About ten minutes later they were on their way to the parking garage. Alexa skipped along between her parents and Dimitri was now being held by his father. Mila fiddled with her wedding ring self-consciously. She knew Alek was just as anxious, but she kept silent until after they had reached the blue sedan and buckled the children into the backseat, and after she had sat down and buckled her own seat belt. Then she spoke quietly, "Do you think it's the right decision? She's only five...It-It's still so early."
"It will take several months to go over all the bloodwork and additional tests. Who knows, maybe only that much time will prove our worry unnecessary."
She reached over and squeezed his hand. "I hope so." She gave him a brave smile, which he returned, even though the confidence failed to reach his eyes.

In November of the following year, Alexa turned six and her world changed forever. A ripple was created that would affect several lives in the decade to come.

A.C. 185. November.
Ludmila was wringing her hands again. Her husband wasn't sure if it was even a conscious gesture anymore, but he would admit he felt exactly the same way. The past month had been a strain based around phone calls and decision making. Tonight they were waiting for one last phone call. Aleksandr made his tenth circuit around the small living room of their two-story home. The children were already in bed upstairs. A dozen paces later, the phone finally rang. Mila uttered something like a panicked yip, then grabbed for the receiver on the endtable. She greeted the person in Russian before correcting herself. Yet then she switched back to Russian He felt a lump rise in his throat. When she hung up three minutes later and turned to him, she did not have to repeat the other half of the conversation. Her eyes told all, pain and fear gazing at him clearly.
"Mama! Mama!" Alexa suddenly came tearing down the stairs and attached herself to her mother's leg, sticking her thumb in her mouth. Ludmila traded startled glances with her husband; there was no way the child could have known. She leaned over and pried the little arm away, then picked up her daughter and cradled her on her hip. "What's wrong, Alexa? I thought you were asleep."
"Bad dream," the girl mumbled around her thumb.
Ludmila gently brushed aside strands of red-brown hair, then kissed her daughter's forehead. "About what?"
"Mean people!" Alexa then burst into tears, ending that particular conversation and delaying the one her parents had been about to have.
Mila swayed a little, kissing the child again. "It's okay, my baby. We'll go back upstairs and read a nice story, okay?" There was a noisy snuffle, then a nod. Mila caught and held her husband's solemn gaze. He opened his mouth to speak, but instead he patted her shoulder then motioned for her to go on her way. After she had padded up the stairs with their daughter still sniffling in her arms, he ran his hand back through his hair then glanced at the phone. A small, dark spot appeared on his shirt from the teardrops collecting on his chin.

Alexa clutched tightly to a loose-limbed, white teddy bear with one arm while keeping a deathgrip on her mother's hand as they walked down the long, tan and white hallway. She wasn't sure where they were, but she knew she didn't like it. Yet, for some reason she couldn't manage to throw a tempertantrum. She knew she should be on her best behavior. She twisted her head to the side, looking for her father. He was there, to the right, with Dimitri hopping along beside him. Her brother was taking everything in with wide eyes, but not much concern. Her father was frowning, his knuckles white around the handle of the suitcase he carried.
She felt the urge to plant her feet and yell so they would stop, but her little legs kept right on moving, and they all continued onward, turning left through a doorway into a room with a high table on one side, a raised counter and three chairs on the other. Alexa blinked up at the man waiting there. She thought she knew him from some other place with lots of white walls and hallways.
"Aleksandr," the man greeted with a gentle tone and firm handshake. Alexa's father drew back his free hand afterward, setting it on the suitcase's handle as well. He seemed to have trouble replying, so the man said, "I'm very sorry things turned out this way." He cleared his throat before continuing. "But we will do everything possible to help." He held out both of his hands in a gesture of welcome.
Alexa hugged both arms around her teddy bear as her mother released her hand to crouch in front of her. "Alexa, my baby, you're going to visit this nice place for a while. They're going to help you stop sneezing and coughing so much, okay? That will be nice, right?"
The little girl nodded even though she really wanted to cry.
"Mommy and daddy can't stay, but we would like to. We're going to take your brother to school, and we'll all come back to see you again. We love you, baby, and we want you to get better." She hugged Alexa tightly. Her father lowered himself to one knee and put his arms around them both. Not really understanding the occasion, Dimitri nevertheless pushed his way into the middle of the group hug.
There was a light knock on the door. The doctor cleared his throat again. "I won't interrupt. When you're ready, I have someone to introduce." After a moment, Alexa's parents managed to agree to end the embrace. They stood to face the door and the petite brunette standing there, her brown eyes alight with a kind smile. She wore a white camisole and a pale green, knee-length skirt. "Alek, Mila, this is Rene. She will watch over Alexa while she's here."
The young woman stepped forward, offering her hand. "A pleasure to meet you. I've worked with several of the children here, and I hope I can make your daughter feel comfortable here." She smiled down at the little girl. "Hello, Alexa." She neatly tugged her skirt down as she kneeled. "That's a nice teddy. Does he have a name?"
Alexa stared back with uncertainty. "Fluffy."
"That's a nice name. I have a bear like that. He's in my room, and Fluffy can sit with him if you like." She held out her hand. "You can call me Ree. We're going to share a room so I can take care of you when your mom and dad can't visit, okay?"
Alexa continued to stare at her, then nodded mutely.
Rene rose and clasped Ludmila's hands between hers. "I know telling you not to worry won't make you worry any less, but I promise you I'll watch over her like my own sister."
Mila roused a brave smile. "I appreciate it."
Rene then motioned to the door. "Would you like to see the room? We have time."
Aleksandr nodded. "That would be reassuring. Come here, Dimitri." He reached to pull his son up; the boy had been about to lie down on the floor. Rene offered her hand to Alexa, Mila taking her daughter's other hand. The little girl remained quiet but attentative as they went out and down the hall, passing other doors, adults, and a few older children.
The tour went quickly for Ludmila. All she seemed to find herself doing was nodding along in agreement that the room with its two twin beds and frilly decorations was nice and homey, and, yes, it was very kind of them to give Alexa a new doll to welcome her. Mila could guess her husband felt the same way. Towing Dimitri along with her since Rene had the sole hold of Alexa's hand, Mila returned to the entrance doors with dragging steps. Aleksandr put his hands on her shoulders.
"We'll come back as soon as we can, Alexa. Rene and the doctors will make sure you get better." Mila knelt to kiss her daughter's forehead. "You be a good girl for them." Alek knelt and did likewise.
When they finally walked away, Dimitri looked over his shoulder in confusion. He waved back at his sister until the doors shut, cutting them off from view.

A.C. 185. December.
The first month was about slowly helping the little girl adjust to her new home. Rene played dolls with her and read her stories, then began introducing her to the dozen other children her own age who became her classmates when she was brought into the schooling program. They were later mixed with the older children in group areas to encourage a range of socializing and learning. Half the time Alexa took storybooks into a corner to read on her own.
One morning she got ahold of a reading book for the next class up. She was content to struggle through it for half an hour before something else caught her attention. She had happened to pick the corner beside a small medical room the nurses sometimes worked out of. The door was ajar, and someone inside was not very happy -- and was making that fact known.
"Ow! Be more careful! I wasn't scheduled for this today!"
The nurse's voice was dispassionate. "Schedules change."
"I have a math test today, think someone can change that?!"
Alexa edged the door open just enough to peek inside. A boy about twelve years old sat on the inclined table-chair while a tired looking nurse was being none too gentle about drawing a vial of blood. The boy's face was pinched in distress in spite of his irked frown, curtained on either side by raven hair cut just above his shoulders. He wore a plain, dark blue teeshirt with black jeans and sneakers, a red and silver patch sewn below the left knee, something she didn't recognize although she could read the word 'Autobot' underneath the image. His eyes were ice blue. Alexa slipped inside without a noise, careful to close the door as it had been.
"Ow," the boy continued to grouse through clenched teeth. "You're still pinching my arm. Let up, will you?" The nurse only sighed, checking her watch. He muttered too quietly for the words to be clear, grimacing. He was then startled into glancing at his free hand when something touched it that felt much like a smaller human hand. Which it was, and it belonged to a little girl with a sympathetic look on her face as she closed her fingers over his. "What the--?"
"Hm?" The nurse looked over. She scowled. "What are you doing in here? Go out and play with the other kids."
Alexa made no indication of moving. The boy stared at her in confusion. The nurse checked the vial then glanced at the wall comm, sighing in annoyance since she couldn't leave one to page some help on the other. She glared at the little girl then sat back huffily, deciding to ignored the situation.
The boy stared. "Who are you?"
"My name is Alexa." She bobbed her head.
He hesitated a moment. "...Gavin." He turned his gaze to the door and noticed the doorknob was separate from the jamb. He gave a small smirk. "You're nosy."
"You were hurting."
He stared at her again. "You're weird! How old are you, anyway?"
"Six."
"Huh."
The room lapsed into silence. Gavin was amazed the girl could hold still as long as she did. Most of the kids her age in that place were hyperactive and usually underfoot of the adults -- which was fine since it meant they weren't bothering him. Two minutes later the nurse finished, still not taking much care even when applying a bandaid. "There. Done. Go study for your test." She turned away to clean up cotton swabs. Gavin stuck his tongue out at her back, then hopped down from the chair. Alexa drifted along behind him.
He gestured for her to hurry. "C'mon, 'Lexie, before you get in trou-ble!"
"My name is Alexa," she said with typical little girl indignation.
He grinned. "I'm calling you 'Lexie." He waited for her to clear the doorway, then, chortling, he slammed the door shut. Alexa paid it no mind, returning to the corner to get her book. When she turned back, Gavin had already left.
Then she saw Rene hurrying toward her. "Alexa! There you are. One of the nurses said you were misbehaving."
"I was not." Alexa pouted as her caretaker knelt beside her.
"Then why were you in there when you weren't supposed to be?" Rene was more curious than scolding.
"I dunno." Alexa glanced around her. "I wanted to be nice to him."
Rene tried to take a quick glance to follow the girl's line of sight. "Him who?" She then gave a patient smile. "Did you make a new friend?"
"I dunno." Alexa looked at Rene now. "I was reading." She held the book up. Rene took it from her.
"Wow! You're moving fast with reading, aren't you? Did you get far?" She opened it to the chapter index. Alexa pointed to the third one. "That's very good! Maybe I can find someone to help you read more?"
Alexa nodded, although her expression was neutral. Rene had noticed that it was often so. She wondered if the fact was relevnt enough to tell the Advisor.

Continue to Episode Zero, Act Four, Part Two