Chapter 3

Arriving

"I repeat, flight 316 departing for Mindoir In 30 minutes, Please make your way to boarding."

"Well that's us, we'd better get moving." Stephan stating the obvious to the two ladies.

Now on the ship, the three sitting in a line together, there was room to spare on the ship so Alestia sat with Shepards'. The ship was huge, much bigger then any of them had expected, Space to walk without having to squeeze passed chairs and/or people on your way to the in flight bar or toilets. The upholstery was top quality, they had never expected this from a free flight.

"So instead of keeping this awkward silence, what did you do before coming to earth, Alestia?" Stephan wanting to help his daughter get to know the Asari a little better since they would be seeing more of each other.

"Well right before Earth, I was working on Illium, shaking my as...rear"

"Don't worry Alestia, she's been around a ex-soldier all her life, she has heard the worst of it. And then some"

A flash of relief drew over the Asari "Well I worked in this bar for quick creds, I had studied catering and management at college on Thessia, but it was hard at the time to find work that suited my experience, and well 'dancing' was offered to me, so I gave it a go just to tide me over till I found something more appropriate."

"I can see why they offered it to you." Jane blurted out, quickly covering her mouth when she realised what she had said.

Alestia smiled "Well thank you for the compliment. We, the Asari, are more open or if you will comfortable with our bodies then all over species, they see us all as strippers or exotic dancers, I'll tell you now that's only the minority of us and even then, like I said we don't bat an eyelid at it." Trying to get Jane to be more comfortable, she placed a hand on the young girls arm and gave it a gentle squeeze.

The touch was electric, making her feelings for Alestria a lot harder to cope with "Excuse me." Jane, face as red as a tomato, she rised and ran down towards the toilets.

"Was it something I said?" gazing towards Stephan for an answer to soothe her worry.

"Don't worry about her, she'll be fine." smiling he added. "I know what it is."

"What is it? I'll try not to do it again."

"Well, it would be hard for you not to and she would probably kill me if she found out I told you, but it's worth it." pausing for dramatic effect he continued. "You're her first crush."

"Her what?"

"Oh, I guess you don't know what that means. I'll try and give you the simple version. You're the first person, she has taking a 'liking' to." raising his hands and doing air quotes.

"Oh...oh, Well this could be problematic." Her hand covering her chin.

"More like fun." he giggled

"Stephan, you're evil." Smacking him on the arm.

"I know." the biggest grin now on his face.

"So you're ok, with Jane liking women?"

"Well you're not exactly a woman, are you."

"Well no, but we are considered to be due to our looks, does she have a 'crush' on any human females?"

"You know what, I don't think so, but then again, it's not my place to tell her who she can and cannot love."

"Only if all people felt like that."

"Well, here's hoping. I should probably go and check on her, make sure she isn't tearing out a bulkhead, would you like something to drink? Mite aswell head to the bar while I'm up."

"Sitruuna if they have it, if not, water will be fine." with that he departed, heading in the same direction Jane had vacated in.

Slamming the ships toilet door closed behind her, Jane her fist made contact the wall. Staring in the mirror, hands resting on the sink, she started mumbling to herself. "How could you be so stupid Jane! It was bad enough you hugging her the first time you were at 'Embrace'. But no, you had to make it worse didn't you?"

Turning around, leaning against the door, she slid down, elbows on knees and fists clenched under her chin, she continued. "You all but told her she beautiful, perfect. Well she is, with those long legs, soft purple skin, those deep blues eyes, her loving personality." The few times they had been to Embrace Alestia had always been kind, caring and always fun to talk to. "And her chest, only if mine were like hers. Well maybe, one day, when I'm not fourteen. And the touch...the Touch, made me warm, made me want...more."

"Come on Jane, she may be perfect, but she's just a women like you, talk to her just like anyone else. Like mum always said 'think before you speak', If only she was here, she would know just what to say to make it all alright."

A faint knocking on a door could be heard. "Jane, you alright in there?" No answer. "Jane?"

The door opened. "Oh sorry ma'am, I thought my daughter was in there." his face going red with embarrassment. The woman only gave him a questioning look.

Jane peeked out of the oppersite toilet door. Seeing her dad she tip toed up behind him.

A strong tap could be felt on his shoulder. "Dad, guess you were looking for me."

"You alright girl? I thought you went to the toilet to erm...sort Your head out." He was new to these problems, wording not being correct, but Jane knew what he meant.

"I did dad, just not that toilet." a small smile curling on the edges of her lips.

"No shit. Anyway you alright now kiddo?"

"I think I will be dad. Mum would know what do to, know just what to say." now staring at the floor, shoulders slumped.

Rising his hand under her chin gently to lift her head. "Don't worry, we will get through whatever is thrown at us, just wait and see. Mindoir will be great, you will make new friends, maybe even get a boy...girlfriend, You will come to love aswell as hate these feelings you're feeling."

"I very much doubt that."

"Jane, I'm thirty eight, I've seen and done things you wouldn't believe. Trust me on this." Finding it hard to believe himself, but steeling his expression, hoping his daughter would.

"If you so say dad."

"Now before we start drawing eyes on us, how about a drink?"

With that the pair ventured to the bar and got 2 sitruunas, Stephan opting for a larger, got himself one. Returning to there seats for the rest on the journey, the trio talked about past times and what Mindoir had in store for them.

The sun at its peak, the wind was dull, the trees dotting around the spaceports parking area were gently swaying, the clouds appear fluffier then those of earth. The air fresh, prompting the trio to stop in there tracks of exiting the spaceport to take a deep breath, they had never known air to be this crisp.

"I'm loving this already." Stephan being the one to break the peaceful silence. "So what are you plans from here, Alestia?"

"Well firstly, I have to go my new home and unpack. I have a few days until I have to start work."

"Lucky for you, I start tomorrow."

"Where are you two going to live?"

"On the outskirts, a place that has been dubbed Mistley. Don't be a stranger now."

"Of cause not. Here's my address and omni-tool number." she lifted her left arm up and started sending the information to Stephan. He repeated the motion as he sent the information regarding him and Jane.

"Right then kiddo, we'd better be off. Take care Alestia."

"You to." Shaking his hand, she turned to Jane "And you little one." arms out stretched inviting Jane for a goodbye embrace.

After Jane's' little inner turmoil earlier she tried to resist the hug offered, not wanting the get flustered again. But also not wanting the appear rude, she jumped into the embrace squeezing tightly.

With goodbyes now said Alestia turned waving at the father and daughter and walked towards the taxi depot. Stephan had only just noticed a man holding a sign with Shepard written on it. The mans appearance matching that of his new boss. Stephan didn't know he was going to meet his boss as soon as he got to Mindoir. He walked over to the man.

"Boss?" A questioning look and tone.

"Mr Shepard, I've been waiting." No emotion evident.

"Please, it's just Stephan. What brings you here?"

"Alright then, Stephan. I was think who better to show you to your home and around the colony then the man who has been here the longest?" Looking down at Jane he asked. "And who's this? You said you had a daughter, not little miss Earth."

Jane, was average height, with lightly tanned skin, shoulder length deep red hair with the right side fringe tucked behide her ear. She was slim in build, appearing older then she looked.

"My name is Jane, Pleasure to meet you, ehm..." Puzzled look upon her face.

"Mr Hewitt."

"Mr Hewitt" extending her hand, which he politely took.

"And so polite, you've trained her well, Stephan."

"it wasn't all me. But that's a story for another time."

"Of cause, now, shall we?" Motioning them to follow him to his skycar.

"We shall."

The trio now arriving at the Shepards' new home. It was huge for its price. It had both a front and back garden. The house itself was a pearly white, with a grey roof, the garage mimicked the house in this manner. A cobblestone path leading to the front door just added to the Shepards awe.

Mr Hewitt now standing in front of them, arms out wide. "So what do you think?"

"It looks amazing, but don't judge a book but its cover."

"Trust me the contents of this 'book' will be more then satisfying."

The front door gently swinging open to reveal the inside of there house. Awe struck once more, first they took note of the staircase, its steps, polished wood similar to that of oak and matched the flooring throughout the entire ground floor. The livingroom, partly furnished already, had a Electric fireplace with a mantelpiece surrounding it, the perfect place for Hannahs' ashes. The kitchen, only needed the table and chairs they brought with them to finish it off.

Now upstairs Jane had claimed her room already, the one with a view off the backgarden, rolling hills and the lake. The window ledge had enough room to sit in comfort while staring out of it, a place to retreat for peace and tranquillity. Unlike the groundfloor the upstairs had cream carpets throughout. The bathroom looked like any modern bathroom in a magazine, just no bath, only a shower. Stephans bedroom, although bigger then Jane's', overlooked the side of next doors house. The guest bedroom had been turned in a makeshift gym. With no family or planning for anyone to stay, Stephan decided to leave it as it is. Saving him from having to go to work on his days off for a work out.

"This is much, much better then I expected boss."

"Told you, didn't I?"

"You did."

"Now how about a tour of the colony?"

"Another time boss, Expecting the rest of our stuff within the hour."

"Oh, of cause. How clumsy of me." Turning to leave but remembering something. "You have the directions to the station, don't you?"

"I do"

"Well, you'll be doing paperwork for the first week, until you know you way around."

"I hate paperwork!"

"We all do, but it's a necessary evil."

"True, anyway thank you" Mr Hewitt left the Shepards to their business and returned to the station, the necessary evil awaiting him. Perfect timing as he left the company responsible for the safe transportation of their belongings arrived.