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ewt.
"Oh, nothing, Newt. I've been working and packing. We're booked on a flight
down to Earth tonight."
Newt was ecstatic at the news, as Madoka Arai expected. She'd save the full
explanation for their departure for when they were on Earth soil again.
As planned, shortly afterwards Hicks turned up again, his possessions in
hand. After a good-sized meal (her last of artificial food, hopefully) Newt
and Ripley slept together fitfully on the bed while Hicks had the hammock,
until the alarm went off an hour before their departure time.
Madoka Arai cleaned the scratches Jonesy left on Hicks's arm before the feisty
feline was safely confined in his box, then probably for the last time,
Ripley and Hicks cuddled and held each other when the time came to leave.
Bill was waiting by the airlock. What? Oh, good. Get ready for an earful,
you Bastard. Sleep was evident on his face. This obviously wasn't a courtesy
call. Well, she'd repay the favour in kind.
"I'm here to see you off, and thats all. Don't expect any sympathy. You
brought this on yourself, Ripley."
"Newt, go ahead. You'll only have to show your ID to get in. Try and grab a
pair of window seats. I'll join you in a minute."
"Okay."
When Newt was out of earshot, Ripley slowly
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