Her introduction to the Warehouse was, in a word, overwhelming.

She deeply suspected it was that way for everyone – the curly-haired agent next to her, who she remembered was Myka, was wearing a sympathetic expression and seemed to be trying hard not to pat her on the shoulder. Wise choice on Myka's part, because if she had dared to touch Claudia at that precise moment, she would have been the recipient of a roundhouse kick faster than you could say "endless wonder".

Claudia didn't play well with others. That was what report card after report card had said, sent to one foster family or another over the years. Some of her families had been nice about it, telling her to just do her best and they'd love her anyway. Some families had been….not so nice. Claudia unconsciously rubbed the scars, forever gifts from the foster father who had taught her by example how to do a roundhouse kick.

It was funny, all those months she'd spent hacking into the Warehouse, trying to pinpoint its exact location, she'd dreamt about what it would look like. The images in her mind had varied wildly, but never once had she imagined this. It was exhilarating and terrifying and breathtaking all at once and it never, ever ended. The shelves stretched as far back as her eyes could see.

And she had never stopped to really consider what her life would be like when she finally found the Warehouse. Somehow, in her mind, she thought that she would find the Warehouse and the rest of her life would somehow follow in a fashion. She had been so focused on freeing Joshua for so long, her own life had completely escaped her. Now Joshua was free, Joshua was real and solid and reassuring. And the Professor – Artie – was making amends for abandoning her way back when. Artie was helping her. For the first time in twelve years, she felt like someone wanted her.

"Well?" Artie's voice was in her ear. "How do you like it?" Claudia couldn't tear her eyes away from the view.

"It's perfect." She breathed. And though she'd done her share of lying over the past few years, this answer was entirely truthful. She was awestruck. In her heart, she knew then that this was the place for her, this incredible place full of endless wonder. This was where she would spend the rest of her life, and she couldn't think of anything better.