Chapter 28

Disclaimer: I do not own Mass Effect or any of its characters. Those belong to Bioware and EA. Any movies or music I may mention belong to their rightful owners.

Thanks everyone,

I lay stretched out on the bed with Miranda watching an old Earth vid when Arisa walks in.

I quickly get up to help her to the bed but she slaps my hand away "I'm pregnant not wounded Bosh'tet!" She snaps.

I jump back in surprise "I'm sorry Eric... I'm just not feeling very well." She said going over to the bed.

I nod and Miranda shifts so she can lay down. I lay down beside her and she snuggles her face into my neck.

It's quiet for awhile as we watch the movie. Soon I hear Arisa's soft snoring. 'she's so tired. I wonder If this is natural for Quarian's during pregnancy.'

I yawned as the movie continued to play. It was an old scifi film. Well it would technically be new to me since it came out 50yrs prior to this apparently.

Thinking about it I turn to Miranda "You want to know something funny" I say to her.

"What?" She asks.

As she turns to me I can't help but smile. She's wearing an oversize t-shirt and a pair of sweat pants.

"In my time just about all Human's believed that Aliens were just a myth... well almost all." I said.

She nodded "True.. I've read our history." She said glancing back at the vid as some giant robot started smashing buidlings.

"I guess the skeptics were wrong" I said looking down at Arisa as she made small moaning noises in her sleep.

"Eric... Commander Shepard asks that you three report to the Briefing room immediately." EDI said over the com.

I look to Miranda "I wonder what this is about?" I ask she just shrugs her shoulders.

I look down at Arisa and gently shake her when I hear a growl come out of her throat.

XXX

As we walk into the Briefing room Shepard turns to me "Eric! What happen to your face?" She asks in shock.

I reach my hand up and rub the mark on the side of my face.

"Apparently waking a pregnant Quarian is a bad idea." I said.

She nodded and it was then that I noticed Tali was the only other person in the room.

"What's up Shep?" I asked.

Her face takes on a more serious look and I inwardly cringe. "It's something serious isn't it!" I asked.

She nodded.

"If I may interrupt commander?" Tali asked said.

Shepard nodded "It's your show Tali. Were here to support you and Arisa" She said.

"Wait what do you mean?" I asked.

Shepard turned to Tali "Go ahead and explain"

I turned to Arisa and noticed her wringing her hands furiously. Miranda was chewing on her bottom lip. 'god that is so sexy' I mentally slapped myself to focus on the here and now.

"I have been called back to stand trial for treason!" Tali said.

"WHAT!" I said shocked.

"What why? What are the charges!" Arisa cried rushing over to her cousin.

"I do not know. Their keeping very quiet about it for some reason" Tali said her shoulders dropping a little.

"Don't worry Tali were here to support you" I said placing a hand on her shoulder.

She looked up at me and her eyes seemed to brighten. "Thank you... but Arisa I have something else to tell you" She said looking at her cousin.

Arisa looked puzzled "What is it?" She asked.

"I sent a message informing Shala of your condition and for the rights of The Bond" She said as she started to fidget with her hands.

"What! Why did you do that. You know how Shala is!" Arisa said suddenly turning angry.

Tali took a step back from the anger that her cousin was showing towards her.

"I'm sorry Tali but I know you love Eric. And I know you want the rights of the bond. It's tradition. Believe me I was angry at Eric for not waiting until the bond to well... ya know" She said shifting her hands together.

Arisa growled and grabbed Tali by the front of her suit catching all of us by surprise "It was my choice. I wanted to share myself with him. I don't need anyone's permission. Not yours Not Shala's!" She growled.

All of us stood in shock at Arisa's reaction.

"I...I.." Tali stuttered.

Arisa released her and stormed out of the room.

Tali stood there with her head hanging down. I gripped her shoulder firmer and she looked up at me "I screwed up didn't I?" She asked.

I shook my head "She'll be ok... you know she'll find you and apologize. She just has to realize that you were thinking about her happiness" I said.

"Thank you Eric... I can see why Arisa and Miranda loves you so." She said glancing at the Operative.

"Tali... was there anything about the bond or Arisa and I in the message you received?" I asked.

"There was a another message sent a little awhile ago that simply stated that Shala demanded that we meet with them on the fleet immediately" She said.

I grew nervous at that. I was worried about how the Quarian people would react to Arisa's and I bond and of the new found Child coming into this universe. I sighed and turned to Tali.

"Well deal with it when we get there." I said.

"I guess I'll go check on Arisa." I said.

Shepard stopped me as I started to turn towards the door.

"Oh before I forget Eric... Miranda... I pulled a few strings and I have a surprise for you both." She said smiling.

Miranda and I both looked at each other before turning towards Shepard "What is it?" I asked.

She smiled "EDI go ahead and tell them to come in" She said.

Now I was puzzled "Who?" I asked.

The door opened and I turned and my eyes went wide before one of the biggest smiles on my face appeared as I felt myself start to cry. I turned to Miranda as she too started to cry.

Celestia walked in carrying Arianna. To her right was Oriana Lawson. Both sisters immediately embraced each other as they shared tears of joy. I took my baby girl and held her close as I gently stroked her head as she cooed at me.

I turned to Shepard "Why?" I asked.

She smiled as she walked over to us "It's my wedding present to you both. I figured you'd want the most important people here for your wedding." She said giving me a nod and heading towards the door.

"Shepard!" I called out causing her to stop and look back at me "Thanks!" I said as she nodded and left.

XXX

As the door to our room opened Arisa was spread out on my bed face down.

"Hey... we have a few guests" I said causing her to turn over.

She gasped when she saw me carrying Arianna with Celestia behind me. She got to her feet and came quickly over to us. Without a thought she took Arianna from my hands which surprised me and started cooing at the baby and making strange noises. Said noises started to make the baby giggle which brought a huge smile to my face.

I also heard Arisa mutter some words I couldn't understand. "Arisa what are you saying to her. My transmitter is not picking it up." I asked.

She looked up at me "It was a small prayer that my mother used to say to me whenever she would return home from a mission when I was a child well before... anyway it means Through the darkness I traveled but I've returned to the light that is my home." Sh e said looking back down at the baby.

I smiled and leaned in close and tapped my head to her helmet. "Arisa I love you and I always will. Now why don't you come out to the mess and meet Orianna. Miranda's sister." I said.

She was quiet for a moment before nodding and we all turned and headed out the door.

I turned to Celestia "You know you might as well consider yourself family right?" I ask her.

She looks at me slightly puzzled "What do you mean?" She asks.

I laughed as we approached the table to see a number of crewmen even Joker gathered and were talking to the two sisters.

I came up behind Joker who after giving him a glance I noticed he had a strange look on his face.

"What's wrong Joker?" I asked.

"Well... They don't look like exact twins." He said.

I laughed "There not exact twins just only on the genetic level." I said.

He chuckled some but I noticed something else in his expression as he turned back to look at Oriana. 'ah ha Joker's always made jokes and what not.. but I can actually see a real attraction to her... maybe I can get Miranda to set the two up on a date or something.'

XXX

We all chatted for awhile. Mostly catching up and our upcoming wedding.

I yawn and lean back placing my hands behind my head as I look around the table. I had to stifle a chuckle when I looked at Arisa. She didn't want to let Arianna go much to Celestia's discomfort. 'its the motherhood thing already kicking in' I mused to myself.

I turned to Miranda who was busy talking excitedly to Kelly which blew my mind. Miranda never really seemed to like the perky red head. I turned to Oriana who much to my surprise was now sitting beside Joker and both were talking about various things.

I got up and headed over to grab something to drink. As I was pouring me some water Shepard stepped up beside me.

"Well be at the flotilla within two days." She said grabbing a glass.

I felt my body tense up at the mention of the flotilla. I turned to Shepard "So... any more clues as to what's going on with Tali's trail?" I ask.

She shakes her head "Haven't got a clue yet. But well be there supporting her." She said taking a sip of water.

She turns to me "And well be there to support you as well" She said.

I nodded.

XXX

The next two days had soared by as I was now painfully aware as the Normandy exited the Relay and we all stared out the view ports at the sight of the flotilla.

I exit the elevator with Arisa and Miranda in tow as we meet up with Shepard in the Armory.

"Shep I'm surprised they just let us come this close ya know with this being a Cerberus vessel and all." I said.

She chuckles "Don't worry Tali took care of that."

I look puzzled at the commander until Arisa speaks up "She said the pass phrase that all who go on pilgrimage are given for when they return to the flotilla they are welcomed back." She said.

I smiled and nodded as I put my arm around Arisa. I could feel the tension in her body.

XXX

As we exited the Normandy and we exit the airlock onto the Rayya.

We make our way forward but soon stop as a Quarian followed by three marines steps up to us.

"Commander Shepard I am Kar'Danna vas Rayya." The man said shaking Shepard's hand.

He turned to Tali "Tali'Zorah you are charged with bringing Geth into the fleet. I've been ordered to place you under arrest. Until the Trial is over your confined to the ship. Please head to the garden plaza." He said.

"Thank you" Tali says and moves off towards the plaza.

We jog to catch up to Tali and Shepard grabs her shoulder stopping her "Tali what did he mean you brought Geth into the flotilla?" She asks.

Tali turns to Shepard "My father ordered me to send back pieces that I could salvage. He said he was studding the Geth. I was under orders by my father. Which is why I don't understand what this is about." She said before turning and heading towards the plaza.

Shepard glanced at me before we made our way towards the plaza. As we got near the entrance Tali ran up to another Quarian standing there and gave her a hug. I felt Arisa stop in her tracks as she catch's sight of the Quarian.

"What's wrong?" I turn looking at her.

Before she can answer the Quarian in question makes her way over to us.

"Hello my daughter" The female Quarian says. I realize then that its Shala.

I extend my hand to her "I am Eric *****. I am your daughters future bond mate"

She looks at me and her eyes narrow for a moment before she turns back to Arisa. "It is good to see you again my daughter. We will talk after the trial." She says turning to Shepard.

And just like that We were ignored until She had finished talking to Shepard and departed to the attend the trial.

Shepard turned to me. "I'd appreciate it and so would Tali if you were in the audience." She says to us.

"Tali is my cousin! I will always stand for her" Arisa says.

Shepard smiles and we turn and head into the plaza.

XXX

There are a lot of Quarian's gathered for Tali's trial. Many offer their support for Tali but most kept quiet as the Admirals file into their positions presiding over the Trial as Tali and Shepard take their places on the podium in the middle.

Soon the Trial starts and I find my mind wondering to Arisa who is ridged against me as she stares at her Foster parent. I glance at Shala who in return is Staring not at Arisa but at me with her eyes narrowed.

Soon I hear gasps and I snap out of my train out of thoughts as I hear Tali yelling at an Admiral.

Shala breaks out of her thoughts and quickly brings order back to the trail.

"Admirals! Now is not the time for this trial. The safety of the fleet is the number issue. Let us try and retake the Alarei. And Tali can try and find her father." Shepard said.

The Admiral's look at each other for a moment before one speaks up "Very well. The trial will be recessed until either you return or the news of your death has reached us. Should the latter occur know that your name shall be cleared." The Admiral said stepping back from the podium.

As Quarian's began to file out of the plaza I made my way over to Shepard.

"What's going on?" I asked.

"The lab ship that Tali's father is working on has been over run with Geth" She says.

"We must go now Shepard! To waste time is wasting what little time my father may have" Tali says quickly.

I can hear the panic in Tali's voice.

"I'm sure your father is alright Tali. He's a very strong willed individual." Arisa said trying to encourage her cousin.

I turn to Shepard "When do we leave?" I ask.

Shepard starts to answer but is interrupted "Shepard, Tali, and one other will leave as soon as they are ready. You! However will stay here" Shala says making her way over to us.

"Admiral?" Shepard asks with an eyebrow raised.

Shala turns to Shepard "Yes Commander?"

"Is there a reason you are denying one of my crewmen from going on this mission?" She asks.

Shala turns to me "If he dies he cannot answer for what he has done!" She says. She then turns and leaves leaving us slightly puzzled.

Everyone's quiet for a moment before Miranda speaks up "Well She sure Is charming. I can't believe she'll be your mother-in-law... err. I just realized she'll be mind of sorts as well."

A/N: Thanks everyone for reading and supporting. :D