AN: Thanks again everyone for the reviews/follows/favorites. Crazy day at work so I'm not sure how well my funny bone came across.


I did not remember falling asleep with a controller stuck in my back. Not necessarily the best way to get a good night's sleep, but I was able to act like a big kid and get to know Stacy better. We played all the kid friendly games I had. Midnight Club LA and Sonic the Hedgehog were enough to keep her occupied without her asking if I had any other games. Not being one good at guessing Asari ages, when we met, my inital assumption was way off. Based on her build, voice and mannerisms, I would have guessed Stacy was at most 8 or 9, maybe a tall 7. However her size does nothing to diminish her level of intelligence. While only 15 her intelligence is equal to that of a 35 year old human, even though she still possesses the innocence and naiveté of a child.

Getting up, I smile at the sleeping Asari child. Stacy must have decided sleeping on the small sofa in my quarters was not any fun, and she managed to crawl into the bed, bunched up in the covers. It is 0600, but I do not want to wake her yet, as we do not land for a few hours. I quietly grab my outfit clothes and toiletry bag, and head down the hall to Lenea's room and knock.

I am greeted by smiling Lenea "Good morning Shea." We kiss lightly. "Stacy did not look comfortable sleeping in the position she was in when you two fell asleep, so I placed her in your bed. I hope you did not mind. Did you two have a good time last night?"

"Yea, she kind wore me out that one. It was like 20 questions all night. The kid's a smart one that's for sure. She figured out pretty how all of my gadgets worked without my showing her. She even fixed that skipping glitch on one of the music OSD's I got on Omega. Looks like Callia is going to have a shadow in engineering before too long."

"Well, she is your sister after all. I am glad you two are getting along so well. Seeing the two of your interact is quiet endearing Shea."

"Someday I guess. I used to babysit a lot when I was teenager, and it never seemed hard, the kids have always liked me for some reason I can't quiet explain. Maybe its because I don't talk down to them and I try to get them to think instead of just vegging out. Of course, it helps that I can have as much fun acting like a big kid myself."

"You are going to make an excellent parent Shea,. Your loving, patient, kind, "acting like a big kid" as you say is just a bonus in the child's eyes, Is Stacy still asleep"

"Yea, I didn't want to wake her. We have a big day today, as we didn't fall asleep until after midnight, hence why I'm here to use your shower this morning. I'll make us breakfast when I finish my workout. Want anything in particular? And is Aria awake yet, I'll make something for her too if she is.'

"She should be up shortly, as she typically works out around this time to, she should be down in the gym."

"Alright, think of what you want to eat. I'll see you in a bit." Kissing Lenea on the cheek, I head down to the gym on the crew deck.

"You're up early." Aria said as I headed toward to ceiling brackets that looked like they could bare my weight, exercise bar and leg clamps in hand. "What's that shit for?" she asked.

"Kind of hard to explain, I made it myself from some inversion boots and a pull-up bar." I pull a weight bench over to the best spot and place the bracket. After setting my contraption, I put on the inversion boots, pull myself up, then flip so I am hanging upside down."

Aria looked at me as if I was insane, hanging upside down, then I starting my makeshift situps. "That explains why your abs are so cut. I was wondering how you managed that."

"Yea, been doin' this for a few years. It's the easiest way to work my entire core. I'll do this then hit the weights for about an hour then I'm done for today. Tomorrow I'll swim."

'You plan on swimming in the snow?"

"Indoor pool"

"Interesting, so what do you have planned for the next two weeks?"

"Well I've got packing to do. But everyone is pretty much welcome to do whatever they want, aside from wondering off in the wilderness. I don't want anyone to get eaten by something. But I've got plenty of snowboarding and cross country skiing gear. Except for the guys, all of you should be able to fit in the gear. There are a few snowmobiles, sleds, and ice skates.. I'm probably going to go hunting tomorrow, see if I can't bag us dinner."

"You hunt?"

"Not much, but I figure if I bag a deer, will have enough venison for the entire crew. I want to make it one night for dinner, and its not like I can just run to the store to get what I need. The road's gonna be closed."

"You plan on cooking for everyone the entire trip?"

"Not everyone, but those staying in the house yea, got a professional kitchen. I had the kitchen and bar fully stocked, so there should be enough for everyone. I typically use this place for party weekends and entertaining, so we should be set, at least for two weeks anyway."

"Aren't you quite the host?"

"Just trying to make sure everyone enjoys themselves." We continue to talk throughout the remainder of our workout, returning to our quarters one hour later."

"Lenea, this human of yours is crazy." Aria said, as we approach the cabins.

"Oh, how so."

"Hanging upside down to do sit-ups, then she hits the weight machines as if she's krogan,"

"It's not a workout if you don't sweat Aria." I said.

"Yea, I'll stick to the treadmill"

"Ok. Let Lenea know what you want for breakfast, I'll whip something up after I hit the shower."

After my shower, I go into my room to wake up my sister."Hi Stacey, time to get up. Go ahead and wash up then join us in the mess for breakfast. I'm going to make waffles."


Waiting for Shea to finish, Stacy and Lenea join Aria in the mess area for tea.

"Aria, I would like you to meet Stacy T'Saudo. She is Shea's little sister."

"Hi Stacy, I'm Aria, Lenea's sister. Lenea how does Shea have an asari sibling?"

"Shea's mother is bond mate is Delaney T'Saudo, Stacy is their daughter."

Eyeing the small asari, Aria notices many similarities to her human older sister-same green eyes, same high cheekbones, same nose, same smirk, and tall for her age. "So Shea's your sister huh kid? Delaney's your mother?"

"Yes ma'am" the young asari answered.

"Just call me Aria squirt. How old are you?"

"15"

"Tall for you age, I guess that kind of runs in the family huh?"

"Dad always said I was built like Shea."

"Who's built like me?" I asked, entering the mess hall, working my way toward the kitchen.

"For an asari the kid looks an awful lot like you Shea. You'd think she was your kid and not your sister." Aria said, patting me on the shoulder.

"Everyone always said I looked like mom, so guess she does too. Anyhow, who wants waffles?"

"I do! I do! I do!" Stacy answered.

"Well of course you do kiddo. How bout you two? Waffles sound good to you." I say, gathering the ingredients from the pantry and refrigerator.

"Sounds good," Lenea smiled "I've already made some tea if you'd like some.

"Domestic badass huh?" Aria joked.

"Nah, I just like to cook. Always have. Dad couldn't cook very well, so if I wanted to eat something decent, I learned to make it myself." I continued to make waffles for everyone, even making a simple fruit syrup with some berries I found. Good thing I made extra batter, as the aroma of breakfast cooking spread to the rest of the officer deck, and I soon making breakfast for Masi, Sabah, and Asana as well.

"You made all this Shea?" Masi said, looking at the spread on the counter.

"Yea, good thing I don't know how to not cook for a crowd huh?"

As everyone gathers around the tables, now is the time for me to lay the ground rules for the property.

"Ok, when we land the outside temp will be just below freezing, so make sure you're bundled up properly. About 20 centimeters of snow fell overnight, and we're expecting intermittent snow showers throughout the week. Now this property is in a very remote location, so I'm not concerned about humans knowing were there, however I do not want ANYONE going out by themselves. This is prime cougar and wolf territory, and we are a meal to them. As for everyone's sleeping arrangements, I, Lenea, Aria, Stacey and Asana will be staying in the various suites on the main level. You two will have access to the lower level guest rooms, as will Aria's guards. The rest of the crew is welcome to stay in the bunkhouse if they'd like to, however they may be more comfortable remaining on the ship. I have plenty of winter sports gear, so everyone enjoy themselves, but stay safe. If you don't want to go outside, there is plenty to occupy yourselves in the game room and indoor pool."

"Will you need help packing?" Lenea asked.

"Some, but I don't expect you guys to want to pack my crap. I do appreciate any help though. There are some rooms I'll want to pack myself." I lean into Lenea, wink and whisper "Not things small eyes should see." Lenea blushed at the reference.

"I heard that" Aria said displaying a mischievous grin.

"And? As I said, not for little eyes, I didn't say not for Aria."

"What's not for little eyes" Stacy asked.

"Don't worry about it kiddo."

"How big is this place" Masi asked with interest.

"The main lodge has four master suites, and five servant quarters converted to guest rooms. The bunkhouse is about 1500 square feet, has locker-room style bathrooms, and sleeps 20. There is also a garage where all my toys and tools are stored. The property itself is about 30 square kilometers of wilderness, so no worries about nosy neighbors."

"That is good to know from a security standpoint." Asana added. "And it sounds like you have a frozen paradise of sorts."

"You should see it in the summer when the lake isn't frozen over. The waterskiing is great. Alright, looks like we're nearing the Sol system now. Stacy you want to come to my room to see the view?"

"Yea, this is going to be so cool!" Stacy ran toward the room in excitement, dragging me along. Lenea and Aria followed, both smiling at the scene before them. Stacy pulled her vidcam on her omni-tool to record our approach to Earth. The breathtaking view of Earth from orbit has everyone in awe. The beautiful blue marble, blends of green blue and white as we begin our decent. It take us a little under 30 minutes to land. As we are in stealth mode, we are undetectable to any radar or visual surveillance.

"What kind of trees are those Shea? They're huge!"

"They are called sequoias. They can reach over 200 feet tall and live for centuries; some are over 2000 years old."

"They are quite impressive Shea." Asana said "It should provide adequate cover."

"That was the idea." Pulling up the com "Damia, bring us in quiet and set down on the field next to the barn,"

The asari gathered in the room looked out the winter land before them as we made are approach. The property could have easily passed for any hallmark card winter landscape; surrounded by the regal sequoias, the lodge was nestled in a 100 acre clearing in the middle of the property. The meticulously maintained grounds could have easily been used as a ski resort, but this was the Nelson family's family getaway, and per her grandparents' wishes, Shea would never use it for monetary gain.

"Shea this is your home? It's beautiful." Lenea said, impressed with the view before her eyes.

"Thanks, I inherited it from my grandparents. Made it mine though. Even got a small studio set-up installed I could remote into work when I wanted to."

"Studio?" Masi asked,

"I was a DJ, now I just own the radio station. Can't very well host a radio show when I'm not on the planet can I? Guys, once we set down, I'll need to get into the barn to get the snow plow. I'll need to clear all the walk ways, so you can hang back while I do that, no sense standing around for an hour."

"Are you sure Shea?"

"I'm positive. The caretaker plowed before he left, but it's been snowing the past few days, so there is a decent accumulation to clear. That'll give time for the power plant to start anyway"

"Power plant?"

"We're off grid, everything's run on propane and solar power, I just need to press start."

"Got your own little fortress Shea?" Aria asked

"No fortress. But it's private. I enjoy the solitude, helps me think."

I quickly plowed the walkways to allow clear access to the lodge, bunkhouse and other outbuildings. I also unlocked the bunkhouse and main lodge. Afterward, I called Lenea on my omni-tool "Come up to the lodge, everything is ready and unlocked. Make yourselves at home in the great room, I'm gonna grab some firewood. I'll be inside in a few minutes."

"Alright Shea." Lenea ended the call. "Shea says everything's cleared and we are to make ourselves at home. She's getting firewood and will be inside shortly. Put your jacket and gloves on Stacy. Aria, would you please take Stacy and the ladies inside, I am going to help Shea, she went to get firewood."

"No problem. Come on squirt."

Everyone departed the ship with luggage in hand, heading toward the lodge. Lenea found Shea outside of the barn as she was loading firewood onto a cart to bring up to the house."

"You know, there is an easier way of bring that inside?" Lenea said, and with a flick of her wrist, gathered the firewood, lifting in the air, then placing it back into the cart. "You want to try it, this will be a good lift test for you. You should be able to carry this the 50 meters to the house."

"Guess there's one way to find out." Concentrating on the cart of firewood, my hand lit as the biotics began to build in strength. With focused determination, I slowly maneuvered the firewood to the house, Lenea opening the door, as we walked toward the fireplace. "Guess the rookie isn't so helpless with her biotics after all!" I exclaimed to Asana.

"No, but you still have much to learn before you become proficient. Patience is the key."

After setting the firewood down, I quickly built a fire in the great room before giving everyone a tour of the property, ending in showing everyone to their rooms "Each of the suites should already be stocked for firewood, as I asked my caretaker to do that before he left. Aria you're in the first suite to the left. Stacy and Asana, you're in this suite. Lenea yours is next to mine at the end of the hall. Everyone get settled and meet me downstairs at the bar." I said as I went back to my room, not hearing Lenea behind me until she closed the door to the suite.

"Actually Shea, if you would not mind I would prefer staying with you" she said in a low tone, displaying a seductive smile.

"Oh yea?" I turned around, embracing Lenea, kissing her softly. "What do you have in mind?"

"Oh many things, however those will have to wait until later, as everyone is waiting for us downstairs."

"Not before this…"I say as we kiss once again, time slowing.

Everyone has gathered in the great room. "Follow me guys, the funs in the basement" I say and we all head down to the game room. My game room, my sanctuary, was designed with entertaining in mind. Taking up over half of the lowest level of the lodge amenities were certainly abundant. The was a full-size fully stocked bar, similar to one you would find in a sports lounge, just not as big. There was regulation size pool slate table. Further into the room was the viewing/gaming area, with sunken floor and built in circular sofa that seated 10 easily. The entertainment center consisted of a 72" LED LCD display, blueray player, built in surround sound, and of course, the XBOX360, PS3, as well as a Falcon Mach V gaming PC. There were also a large number of plush floor pillows as well for anyone who didn't wish to sit on the sofa.

"Welcome to Casa de Shea. Take a seat. I'm going to make some pizza, but please let me know if you'd like anything to drink from the bar...and Stacy before you ask...soda or juice only for you."

"Damn Shea...this is your house? This is better equipped than the VIP at Afterlife. What the hell do you with a place like this anyway? And is that what I think it is on the corner?" Aria exclaimed as she view the very visible 'pillar' near the bar area."

"Party, what else. No seriously this is where I bring my friends to chill. And yes that's a stripper pole."

"Stripper pole?" Lenea looked at me quizzically. "Why would you need that?"

"Actually, it was a structural brace, but I had it replaced with a pole for a party I had a few years ago. It seemed to be rather popular do I never took it down."

The asari took in the room, looking at all the room offered. Lenea and Aria we drawn to the trophy wall, which contained all of my awards from radio as well as my athletic achievements.

"You were a fighter?" Aria asked.

"I competed in youth muay thai, or kickboxing, until I was 17. Tried pro but only lasted a few fights before I quit to go into radio. Just not enough time to train and work a radio gig you know. Any y'all drinkin'. I got all kinds of liquor, a couple brews in stock, and there's a wine cellar under the kitchen."

"Whatever you suggest is fine." Lenea said, with the rest in agreement. After putting the pizzas that my caretakers wife made into the oven, I made mint mojitos, including a non-alcoholic version for Stacy, taking them to the cocktail table as everyone sat on the sofa.

"These are called mojitos. They're my favorite. Stacy yours is the one in the blue glass, with refills in the blue pitcher. The grown folks stuff is for the rest of y'all, and the refills are in the clear pitcher. Help yourself...but uh don't drink to fast, it is pretty damn strong."

"What is that you are cooking, it smells wonderful Shea." Lenea asked.

"It's called pizza. It's made with a doughy type of flatbread, with seasoned tomato sauce, cheese and whatever toppings people want on them. These are made with pepperoni and spicy sausage, although both are really sausages when you come to think of it. My caretakers wife's an awesome cook, so she made pizzas and other stuff for us that should last the entire trip. There in the walk-in, they just gotta be cooked. Don't worry though, I do plan on cooking some stuff from scratch while we're here. In fact I intend to head out bow-hunting in the morning to see if I can't get a deer. That should last an entire week by itself. And there's a greenhouse behind the barn, the caretaker grows fresh veggies and stuff year round, but I'll show you that stuff in the morning."

"You hunt?" Asana asked, everyone else looking at me intently. "Do you need assistance with it at all."

"No, I'm just gonna head out to one of my blinds and take my chances for a few hours. With my crossbow and knife I'm not too concerned about not catching anything, there's plenty of deer in the area. And I'm not a big hunter, but I will take a deer or two in season for the freezer. With thousands of acres it's not like I can get in trouble for poaching."

"You're going hunting alone. That's foolish." Lenea said

"Don't worry, I will take a gun in case I come across anything that wants to eat me. I'll wear that winter camo armor I picked up at the Citadel yesterday. That's got a built in locator so you'll know exactly where I am. And I'll have my omni, so it's all good. I hunt better alone anyway, less distractions."

Lenea looked at me with apprehension, but understood why I needed to do this alone "Alright, but I want you to keep the communicator up the entire time you're gone. And the minute you're late we will come looking for you."

"Yes mom," I groan, with a silly grin. "Okay so feel free to play pool or do whatever. I'm going to pop in a dvd, it's what we call vids on Earth. This one's called Fast Five. Hope y'all like it."


AN I'll critique the movie and the asari will eat their first pizza in the next chapter. May or may not have sexy times when everyone retires for the evening, depends on when I do that, whether before or after Shea goes hunting.