AN: Mass Effect and its Characters are property of BioWare, I just try and make you laugh. Original Characters are of my own creation.
this is my sampling of the playlist I'm listening to as while writing this chapter, so let's just assume that's what our dear Shea is playing in her car, much to the dismay / or pleasure of her passenger:
Breaking Benjamin - The Diary of Jane
Evanescence - Bring Me To Life - Live Version from the Anywhere but Home album (and the entire album actually)
Seether ft. Amy Lee - Broken
Green Day - Boulevard of Broken Dreams
Three Days Grace - Just Like You
Clutch - Electric Worry
As experienced as the young human was in broadcasting, her involvement was one of entertainment. She would be first to admit she was no reporter, no news hound. But, she knew how to handle herself in an interview, both as the interviewer and as the one being interviewed. With this mindset she entered her closet to select an outfit. With a wardrobe more suited for casual and partying, Shea did not possess a wide variety business attire, so she chose to forgo a suit. Instead the statuesque blonde chose her from her comfort zone of club attire. A pair light tan trousers, similar to riding pants, highlighted her well defined legs, and went well with the chosen silk blouse. For shoes, she selected knee high camel skin leather boots and matching form-fitting jacket. With a four inch heel, the boots not only presented her legs and posterior beautifully, they effectively made the already tall woman that much more so.
Satisfied with her wardrobe, Shea took her time in preparing her makeup and hair. Having braided the golden locks, with a smirk Shea nodded.
"You look delicious. I certainly hope the commandos and other personal aboard the ship do not get any ideas regarding your availability." Lenea stood in the doorway of the sitting area of the bedroom, right outside the walk-in closet of the master bedroom.
"Thank you. I'm quite sure my aunt made everyone aware that I am married. They can't be that stupid. Besides you, my dear Asari, have nothing to be concerned about. Trust me."
"Of course. I will need to ask Thea to make sure to send me any holos of you. I have not seen you in this outfit before. Is it new?"
"No, I just don't wear it often." Shea stood to face the Asari.
"Goddess, those boots Shea." Lenea breathed as the tall woman looked down into her eyes, smile dancing in the dazzling green eyes.
"I take it you want me to wear these more often?" Shea smirked, resting her hands on the Asari's waist, pulling her close.
"Definitely. We will need to get you more heels like these." Lenea whispered, eyes closed as she leant into the woman.
Kissing the top of Lenea's crest, Shea breathed deeply as Lenea continue "Do try and behave my love."
"I will. Guess it's time to get to gettin'. I'll be home a little after dinner. Do you want me bring something home or cook when I get back?" Shea asked as the couple left the quiet of their master bedroom.
In the family room, Aria and Thea were watching a vid from the human's vast collection, the children oblivious as they played with their toys inside the comfort and safety of their playpen. Sitting on opposite ends of the couch, the adults regarded each other, silently at first, Aria looking at Tevos, contemplating what to say to the father of her daughter now that they were alone.
Thea was the first to speak however, "Shea seems to have calmed since last we met."
"Yea, well getting hauled to get a lecture from her aunt by a damn spectre seems to have that effect. Goddess Thea, I didn't know what you expected her to do. I warned you if she were to ever find out she'd be livid. And I was right. Now, fortunately she has seen the error of her ways, for now at least."
"How were you able to convince her to continue her education. SHe certainly has no shortage of ideas in how to legitimately earn a living."
"She is ambitious, I'll give her that, but she's still young and stupid. But enough about Shea, I see her enough. How have you been?"
"Good as could be expected. The prime minister of Nevos has expressed an interest in retiring in a few years. The Matriarchs have asked my office to select and vet a replacement."
"They're not just going to send a lapdog from Thessia?"
"No. Although an Asari world, the Matriarchs feel we should consider someone from the population of Nevos. I have over eighteen months to decide, so I am in no rush."
"How long would her term be?"
"Three centuries I believe, but there is potential for a lifetime appointment for the proper candidate. "
"Lenea would be perfect for it."
"Her name has been out forward as a potential candidate. Dare to guess who made the suggestion?"
"Aethyta?" Aria raised a questioning brow.
"Yes, however she was not the first. Lidanya holds your sister in high praise. She had considered Shea, but she is far too young for such a position."
"You are not concerned with the fact she is my younger sister?"
"On the contrary. Aethyta, Benezia as well to my surprise, argued that placing Lenea in such a position, with Nevos' close proximity to Omega, would provide a greater alliance between the Asari Republic and those under your rule throughout the Terminus. In other words, nominating your sister as prime minister of Nevos would be a way to garner your support, bringing your influence back to Thessia."
"Thought those old hags couldn't stand me. I'm too ruthless and hedonistic for them remember."
"You appear to have a growing number of supporters, throughout Serrice and Armali in particular, after the unfortunate incident on Illium. Apparently someone wants you to be taken seriously as a leader."
Aria shook her head, smiling. That scheming little human. "Far cry from my days as a merc huh?"
"Quite."
The two fell back into silence, each thinking about the conservation that just took place as Shea and Lenea entered the room. SHea sat on the loveseat, her Asari in her lap. Aria cocked a brow ridge, smirking. "Nice outfit Shea. Trying to impress someone?"
"It's not every day I'm interviewed for a broadcast to be aired for an audience of over 10 billion. Gotta look good for the camera." Shea replied, manicured hand resting on Lenea's thigh.
"Can't keep your hands to yourself for more than five minutes can you." Aria teased. Lenea blushed, but continued to caress the visible red mark on the human's neck, evidence of their passion expressed the night before. This was not unnoticed by Aria or Thea who shared an amused expression. "Marking your property there sis?"
"We bonded remember." Shea smirked back.
"Shea, you wreak of Asari pheromones. If there was any Asari, or any species for that matter, who would doubt you are bonded, they'd either be desperate or suicidal."
"Suicidal?" Thea questioned.
"Yes. Shea. Is. Mine." Lenea asserted, winking at Aria. "I would challenge any Asari foolish enough to pursue that which is mine. They would be on the receiving end of a enraged bondmate."
Shea smiled at Lenea's possessiveness "Ready Councilor?"
"Yes." Tevos replied, standing to grab her suitcase beside the sofa.
Sliding a reluctant bondmate from her lap, the human stood, shooing Tevos away from her luggage "Please Thea, I'll get it. I may be in heels but my arms still work. Shall we."
The pair left the comfort of the family room. "Cold today. I almost feel underdressed." Shea's breath visible in the cool morning air.
"The weather report mentioned a cold front moving through the region, possibly even a chance of rain by the evening."
"Well, hopefully I'll be home before it opens up." Shea lead the councilor to the estates garage, choosing to once again drive her charger. Despite having the skycar, Shea still preferred driving the muscle car over the technologically advanced family skycar. As for her rover, with the kids, and now a baby possibly on the way, exploration for an extended length of time was put on hold, at least until the kids were old enough to travel comfortably with the Tevura.
Turning the key in the ignition, the high-horsepower engine rumbled to life."This cold out I need to let it warm up a bit." Shea mentioned while browsing her MP3 player, settling on a her modern rock playlist. Other than the low growl of the engine and Shea's music selection, the two sat in relative silence. "Thea, I've been dying to ask you or Aria this. Both of you seem to know Nevos fairly well. You know any place round here I can open this thing up? I mean, I've had a few jaunts around town, running errands, but I've yet to find an open stretch of roadway where I can put this baby through its paces."
"There should be a thirty kilometer thoroughfare which connects New Lusia to the outlying communities along the southern coastline. It stretches throughout the next three colonial settlements and loops back around. You may want to investigate that, but I would suggest you take security with you."
"Bandits?"
"Minimal, but the native wildlife can be rather troublesome. Just, be cautious. You may however wish to take the vehicle along with you during your next expedition, as I understand several of the planets on your itinerary present an ideal location for you to test your toys." Thea smiled.
"Couldn't talked you in to joining us on one of those could I. I could teach you how to drive this or my rover."
"I am confident your ship will be able to accommodate my security team. I will put it under consideration for my next vacation. Will Aria be joining you?"
"I doubt it, but that'll be at least two years off. I gotta finish my classes first." Shea smiled, putting the now warmed up vehicle in gear, leaving the estate. With such precious cargo, Shea resisted all urges to lay her foot on the gas, keeping speeds below 65 as they drove toward the New Lusia space port, where the Destiny Ascension sat docked.
For the duration of their journey, the woman's focus while driving fell to singing along with the human music, something that earned a smile from the often reserved councilor. The young woman was always so full of energy, never caring what others thought of her. She matron could only hope this was a common trait among humans, but from what little interaction she had with the human and her conversations with her mother, Shea was unique not only among Asari, but among her own species. The upcoming interview was sure to be interesting indeed.
The aggressive vehicle garnered attention from all Asari around the car pulled to a stop within the cargo bay. Matriarch Lidanya was there to greet her niece and superior. The commanding officer of the council flagship hoped the tall blonde did not do anything foolish, either while being interviewed or aboard, but in surveying the reaction of various crew members as the woman exited the vehicle, she could see already that it was going to be a very long evening.
Having parked her vehicle within the cargo bay, Shea exited the car, offering a hand to Thea as she herself got out of the low seat. Turning to face her aunt after taking the councilors luggage out of her truck, Shea grinned with amusement "Hi Aunt Li. Wasn't expecting you as a welcoming committee."
"I just wanted to make sure you arrived without incident. Most abourd have already encountered you, but we have a recently transferred unit from Serrice."
"Expecting problems?" Thea asked the commanding officer.
"No, but Shea is an attractive young woman and I have a bunch of fresh of the shuttle maidens who would give anything to capture such a prize."
"I guess they'll be very disappointed then. I don't plan on hanging around long after this interview. I still have to go to the store and make dinner tonight."
"You're going shopping." Lidanya raised a brow "In that lovely ensemble?"
"No..." Shea said, gesturing to the backpack slung over her shoulder "Brought another outfit. I'll change before I leave. As nice as these boots are." Shea huffed "I do not want to walk around a grocery store in four inch heels."
"I don't know Shea. The merchants may give you a discount upon seeing you presented in that fashion." Tevos teased, to which Shea rolled her eyes.
"Li, is it okay if I leave my car here or do you want me to move it?"
"It's fine. And if you'd prefer, I can send someone out to do your shopping for you while you're in your interview, as I understand the weather is going to take a turn for the worse this evening."
"That's okay I can handle it. I need to pick up some stuff for the kids and something to make for dinner. Thank you for the offer though, I appreciate it."
Lidanya lead Shea toward the CIC, the councilor having excused herself to her private quarters. Placing the young woman in a large conference room, a young matron who Shea assumed was either the Asari interviewing her or the producer approached the family members.
"Shea, this is Alanis Erintarra from Citadel News Network. She will be conducting your interview. Alanis, this is my niece Shea Nelson. Now remember the instructions the councilor gave you both. No classified information is to be discussed. And you, try not to curse on the air." Lidanya smirked at her niece.
"Hey, I only did that one time. And how did you even find that out anyway, that was on radio, what almost three years ago. Geesh. Your worse than mom Li!" Shea huffed, but laughed through her mock offence.
"Pleasure to meet you Shea. Lidanya's staff tells me you are a fellow journalist yourself?"
"Well, I got paid to talk shit and throw parties so I wouldn't call what I did journalism. That would do professionals such as yourself a disservice."
"Be that as is may, I have seen a few of your broadcasts which the Councilors office was kind enough to provide. I must say you had a rather unique flair in your approach to entertainment. One might say you have a knack for selecting new talent." The Asari raked her eyes over the human, appraising the athletic form before her.
"I as I was just playing what my listeners wanted to hear. Doesn't take much to figure out most people get tired of the same 100 track playlist given to them by corporate assholes who wouldn't know what's popular in the clubs."
"Interesting." Alanis jotted a few notes in her data pad "Well, let us get ready. Shall we take our seats?" The two sat opposite each other in plush chairs, similar to those one would see in a lounge. An Asari technician attached microphones to Shea's lapel, Alanis already having hers, before retreating behind the camera to give the hand signal as the camera began to record.
"Alanis Erintarra, Citadel New Network. Many of our viewers have been patiently awaiting our next guest, Shea Nelson. Hailed as a hero for rescuing the survey team sent to investigate Earth, a newly discovered planet, the young human has garnered attention all across Citadel controlled space."
"Thank you Alanis. But I must confess, I'm no hero. I did what anyone would have given the situation."
"I applaud your humility Shea, however I doubt few humans would have reacted without caution, risking their own lives to save aliens they have never met simply because it was the 'right thing to do.'" Shea blushed, which did not go unnoticed by either her interviewer or her producer, who shared an approving glance. "So tell me Miss Nelson, how has your introduction to the galaxy been."
"It would be cliché and a bit of an understatement to say the whole ordeal on that beach has completely changed my life, but it's the truth. I don't regret my actions at all. If anything I'm glad it happened. If it hadn't I wouldn't be where I am now. Bonded with children."
"And bonded to an Asari no less. And not just any Asari, but Lenea T'Loak, younger sister of the infamous Pirate Queen, Aria T'Loak, leader of Omega, defacto ruler of the terminus. Is that correct."
"Yea, and damn proud of it two. We have two little girls and our expecting a third child." Shea smiled. "But let's not forget, Lenea is also a respected member of the Asari military. She was in fact part of the team I rescued on that fateful night."
"Three kids already. You've been rather busy in such a short time." The interviewer drawled suggestively.
"Our eldest are twins. And I'm plan on carrying our third." Shea's blush crept over her face, darkening her already tan features, highlighting her green eyes, darkening with embarrassment.
"That is quiet the accomplishment, as twins are not commonplace among Asari." Alanis commented on the admission, continuing the interview "And you are baring the third. So this third child will be human?"
"Correct." Shea left out the exact details of the conception "With the aid of our physician, we attempted a procedure to impregnate me yesterday, and if all goes well and it was successful, i should deliver before the end of the year."
"So soon?"
"Human gestation is only nine months. Shorter than that of an Asari. However, from my experiences with pregnant friends back home and Lenea's reaction, it appears how we deal with it is quite different."
"How so."
"Well, Lenea never got crazy mood swings, she was always even tempered. And while she did have an increased appetite, as one would expect, there were no crazy food cravings. I suspect it has to do with the hormones humans are subjected to when were pregnant, for we u run the gamut of emotions and eat some of the strangest things while pregnant. I'm just glad my bondmate's a patient woman, because Goddess help her, I'm probably going to be a damn big baby about the whole thing."
The interview continued as they discussed the events of Illium, Shea's growing reputation as a brawler, and other facets of the young woman's personality and family life. And much to Shea's delight, they avoided any damning conversation regarding Aria, her mother, or her Aunt. The human suspected either her Aunt or Tevos had instructed the journalist that these areas of questioning were off limits, and was relieved when the whole ordeal was over.
AN: This week has sucked ass to put it bluntly. Busy as hell both at work and in my personal life. Promotions are cool, but damn it they're a lot of work sometimes. Anyhow I did some holiday shopping last week but my hubby and I are wrapping it up this weekend so we can get everything shipped off to the family in time. My readers may find this funny so I thought I'd share this little shopping tidbit. I couldn't decide for the life of me what to get my older sister. My husband and I were talking about getting everyone gift cards and he made the suggestion 'get her an Adam and Eve gift card'. All I could do is laugh, but hey, I gave in eventually. Me get my prudish Catholic sister a hefty gift certificate to a porn shop...I just hope she doesn't open the damn envelope with my mom in the room. I'm going to hell for damn sure if that happens. In any event, this is why my writing has kind of suffered this week, as my mind is everywhere BUT on my writing. Thank you to everyone again for the kind reviews and pms. Each one motivates me to keep writing, so please, I beg you, keep 'em coming.