The following morning, I woke up to a skull throbbing headache. This served as a lovely reminder that a plant treated me like a ball bearing in a pinball machine.
"Did I get drunk and not even get laid. What the funk?" I joked as I opened my eyes to look at Lenea, who was seated in the chair next to my bed. "It
"Dr. T'Lanin said you are healing nicely Shea. She suggested you may be able to spend the remainder of recovery in our bed if you behave yourself."
"Yea," I said grinning despite the pain from my headache. "That is going to be difficult considering the temptation. But I guess I can manage to be good one night as long as I get to hold you." I teased, sliding my good hand under Lenea's shirt.
"Oh for the love of the Goddess, you've got broken ribs and your feeling her up. Can't you go a few day without sex you Goddess damned horny pyjak." Aria spouted from the medbay entrance.
"Good Morning to you too Aria." Lenea quipped at her older sister.
"Why Aria, are we jealous." I laughed at the elder Asari.
"Hardly. You need to heal before you actually do damage to yourself."
"I love you too Aria." I huffed. "How's the rest of the crew, everyone okay?"
"Everyone's fine. Shiala wants to speak with you regarding the cipher when you're feeling up to it."
"May as well get this over with, send her in." I said, adjusting the bed to sit upright without too much pain.
Shiala entered the room shortly after my request "Lenea, babe, can you go with Aria and scrounge up some breakfast. Shiala and I will need to discuss what happened privately."
"Certainly, would you like some coffee." Lenea asked as she stood.
"No, water's fine. Thanks babe." I replied as the sisters left the medbay.
Turning to Shiala, a look of concern crossed her features as she surveyed the damage to my body. "I am glad you are alright Shea. You gave us all quiet a scare when we saw you dropped after hitting the wall."
"Didn't Aria tell you, I'm a tough bitch."
"Be that as it may, I am still glad that you are alright. I was...concerned."
"Thanks Shiala. So, were you able to get the cipher from Audrey 2?" I asked, thinking to myself we should've killed the fucking plant, but although I am laying ground work to help Shep succeed in the centuries to come, I cannot completely interfere with the future.
"Yes. I will need to meld with you in order for the imprint you received from the beacon on Virmire to make sense."
"Let's do this then." I said without hesitation.
"Are you sure? You are still recovering from your injuries, I do not want to hurt you."
" I know you won't hurt me Shiala. Just tell me what to do so we can get this done."
"Try to relax Shea, slow deep breaths. Let go of all fear, all doubt. Grasp of the ties that bind the universe. We are all connected. Embrace Eternity."
A flash of terror as people are running from mechanized death filling the sky. The pleas of a fleeing people echo through time, a warning to future generations. As Shiala transfers the knowledge of the Cipher the vision from the beacon become as focused as any natural memory, as if it happened to me personally. But this is not the only thing that is viewed in the meld. With all of my barriers lowered to receive the cipher, Shiala sees my life play through her eyes. Losing my mother as a toddler. Growing up in Seattle. Vacations with my father. My rape at the hands of a 'boyfriend' at the age of fifteen. Graduation, my first radio job, watching my father die, through the conception of my children, everything is laid bare.
Every triumph, every accolade, every defeat and every heartache, Shiala sees everything before the meld ends. Feeling tired, as if sedated and I quickly fall asleep. Shiala remains in the medbay, not sure how to process what she has just experienced. This young woman has dealt with so much in her young life. She is amazed but not at all surprised that the initial contact with the beacon did not kill the human.
"The Goddess has plans for you dear Shea. It is up to us to keep you safe and to see that you fulfill your destiny, wherever that may lead you." Shiala exits the medbay with a new found respect for Shea.
Saturday, September 14th, 2013- Lenea and Shea's Place, Nos Astra - Illium
"Shea, I am quite sure you do not need to go through so much fuss over this nursery. We are still going to be on the Tevura most of the year until the girls are 9 years old."
I was wearing an old pair of jeans and tshirt, which perfect attire for the job at hand. I had spent the past three days redecorating one of the guest rooms, turning it into a teddy bear themed nursery, complete with a full wall mural of the Teddy Bear Picnic. Stacy came up with the themed idea after coming across my own baby pictures in one of Mom's photo albums. "I want to do this for you, for our girls." I said, sipping my spiked iced-tea lemonade concoction. With a hand gently rubbing Lenea's swollen belly I contiued. "And remember the room is off limits until I get back with Liselle. That means no peaking T'Loak!" Feeling a kick I grinned "See, they agree with me! Daddy's little girls already."
"Goddess, what will I do with you my stubborn human." Lenea, while shaking her head could not resist kissing my cheek.
"Love me forever." I smiled. "What time do I need to go to the spaceport to pick up Liselle?"
"1800 I believe. Don't forget to go by the ship and pick up Aria and Shiala as well. But Shea my love, please change your clothes. As sexy as you are in your painter's attire, I doubt you will get past security looking like that. And you have managed to get paint in your hair. Could you not find the hat I bought you."
"Ah, humans don't wear those kinds of hats painting babe" I said, pulling my old baseball cap out of my back pocket. "I was wearing this but it got a bit hot so I tossed it. I think we need to have the A/C ducts in that room looked at. I don't think the air is flowing in there as freely as it is out here."
"I will call for repairs when we return from Earth. Go take a shower Shea before your late, you have to be at the spaceport in a hour, and traffic will be awful this time of day."
"Yes ma'am." I mock saluted as I headed toward the shower.
Nearing the end of her ninth month of pregnancy, Lenea was finding it difficult to find a comfortable position for any length of time. To remedy this, the couple had spent the last month on Illium, as the atmosphere planet side made it easier for her. While on Illium Lenea was better able ti sleep through the night, something her body desperately needed during the pregnancy's final months. Sitting upon the Shea's easy chair, Lenea smiled at how her bondmate's favorite chair had become her chair. It was one of the few pieces of furniture in their home in which she found comfort.
With the couple settled on Illium, Aria had taken the Tevura to Omega to manage her business dealings prior to their return trip to Earth. Deciding to make it a family affair, Shea asked Aria if Liselle would like to join them, as she was on her university break through the end of November. The young T'Loak jumped at the opportunity to travel to Earth, and was happy to be included in the family vacation. Having taken a commercial transport from Serrice, she would be arriving tonight, the night before the family was to head to Earth. Shea agreed to pick the Liselle up at Aria's request, as they would be spending the night at the family residence in Nos Astra.
Relaxing in the easy chair, Lenea began to drift into slumber when her omni-tool buzzed. It was Aria.
"Hello Aria."
"Hi Lenea. Where's that human of yours?"
"She's in the shower, getting ready to pick up Liselle. Why, is something wrong?"
"Oh no, I just wanted to tell her Liselle's shuttle's running a bit late, something about a delay in customs. Anyway ask her to pick Shiala and I up first before going to the commercial spaceport."
"Certainly. Do you still want her to have the crew take Liselle's luggage directly to the ship?"
"Yes. Masi will be waiting for it. Alright then Lenea, I'll see you soon."
"Good bye Aria." Lenea replied as she terminated the call.
"Who was that babe." I said, as I walked into the den, towel drying my hair.
"Aria. She asked you to pick her up before heading to the spaceport. Liselle's shuttle was delayed."
"Okay. You sure you don't want to go with me babe? You could use some fresh air."
"No thank you, my feet are bothering me again, so I will wait here for you. You will not be gone long."
"No." I said with a frown, crouching down to my knees. "Tell you what, after I pick the girls up, instead of cooking dinner, I'll get some take out. Then when we get back, you my beautiful blue goddess will receive a Shea Nelson special foot massage. Sound good?"
Lenea smiled gently as she caressed my cheek "Your hands are divine Shea, so yes that sounds very appealing."
Before standing, I kissed Lenea deeply "I'll be back in a few. And you two," I said, hovering above Lenea's stomach "Be good for Mommy and let her rest while Daddy's picking up your cousin and auntie."
Winking at Lenea as I finished combing my wet hair, "I'll be back in a few. Any requests for dinner."
"Yes, get me that Thessian Blue Chowder and those cheese muffins."
"You want the spicy ones?"
"Yes. A double order please."
"Yes ma'am."
Arriving at the Tevura, I was greeted by Aria and Shiala, who patiently awaited my arrival at the dock entrace.
"I see you got my message." Aria said as I pulled up in the charger.
"Yea. Not cooking dinner tonight though. Lenea's not feeling well so were getting take out from Nos Astra Seafood Factory. I've already called our order in. You liked the fried fish and onion rings?"
"Goddess no. The chowder!"
"Good, cause that's what I ordered" I smiled at Aria as I put their bags in the trunk. "Wanna drive?" I asked her.
"You think that is wise, this is not a skycar." Shiala replied.
"How hard could it be." Aria replied as I handed her the keys.
"Just do a shallow meld with me and it'll be a breeze." Aria agreed and we quickly melded as I showed her through my memories who to operate the car. "Oh this is going to be fucking easy." She replied.
"Just don't go too fast." I said as I opened the passenger door, allowing Shiala to sit behind me.
"Do you think it's a good idea to let her pilot this vehicle?" Shiala whispered to me as she sat.
"It's alright, I installed a remote control override last week, so she can't crash it."
Shiala sighed in relief "Thank Goddess."
"What are you bitching about Shiala"
"Nothing Aria, just drive." I said as I put on my seat belt, praying to God Aria wouldn't wreck my car. And I was shocked. She actually drove like she knew what she was doing. Not once on our way to the commercial spaceport did I need to activate the over ride. In fact I would say Aria drove a bit like a little old lady, but I wasn't about to tell her that. She'd warp me six ways till Tuesday.
"See Shiala, I got you here in one piece." Aria said as she parked the car.
"Thank you Aria, I should not have doubted you." Shiala replied.
"Looks like Liselle made it through customs okay." I said, pointing to the young Asari standing in front of the spaceport entrance. I got out of the car and walked over to Liselle, grabbing two of her three bags. "Hey Liselle, how was your trip."
"Fine, we got delays because some stupid volus tried to argue with the stewardess that he required additional 'services'. Illium police arrested him when we landed for disturbing the peace. Little shit kept feeling up the staff."
"Didn't bother you did he?" I said with an angry over protective tone Liselle easily picked up on.
"No. I'm fine Shea, thank you for the concern." She smiled, squeezing my shoulder.
"Come on, your mom's waiting for us at the car." I said as we turned to the two Asari waiting for us in the Charger. "Liselle, go ahead and sit in front, I'll climb in the back seat."
"Mom's driving?!" She looked at her mother skeptically assessing the safety of the situation as she sat in the car.
"Why is everyone afraid of my driving? Get in the damn car." Aria said, turning the key to start the engine.
"It's okay Liselle, she actually drives this car rather well" Shiala assured the younger Asari.
"Everyone buckled in." I asked, receiving nods "Okay Aria lets go get dinner."
The four of us waited patiently for our order to be brought to the counter of Nos Astra Seafood Factory. Similar to the human chowder houses or seafood shacks, Nos Astra Seafood Factory was the best place to go in Nos Astra for fast seafood takeout. They had what many considered the best seafood chowder in the city, a bit of a favorite amongst pregnant Asari as I have come to know the past month.
"Hi Shea, Lenea sent you out for chowder again" the young Salarian counter clerk asked.
"Yes Tranik. Mommy's gotta have her chowder. Were you able to get the pickled pepper berries she likes?"
"Yes, I packed three jars for you. Should keep her happy for your vacation. Where was it you were going again?"
"The Citadel." I lied.
"Ah, understandable. They do not carry this particular type on the Citadel. Should make the mother-to-be very happy. Here is the rest of your order. Have a nice vacation Shea, please come back when you return."
Picking up the box of dinner I thanked the clerk "Thank you Tranik."
Aria smirked at me as we walked to the car "Three jars of pickled pepper berries. Lenea's got you whipped."
Blushing, I replied as I set the box of dinner carefully in the floorboard. " She didn't even ask for them, I just know she likes to shack on them."
"That was very sweet of you Shea." Shiala smiled at the human's thoughtfulness in caring for her bondmate.
"Hmm hmm. She's whipped."
"I think it's cute" Liselle added.
"Let's get home before the chowder gets cold." Mumbling under my breath that I wasn't whipped.
Entering the den, I saw a peacefully sleeping Lenea as I walked toward the kitchen, dinner in hand, the other three Asari following close behind me.
"She looks comfortable in your chair Shea." Aria said quietly as we served dinner.
"I had to give it to her. She's been having trouble staying asleep in our bed. I guess the positioning of the recliner elevates pressure on her back or something." I said as I grabbed beers and juice from the fridge. "Let me go wake her for dinner."
Approaching the chair softly, I whispered into her crest. "Wake up babe, Aria and the girls are here. We got dinner."
"Nnnn...Shea it smells delicious. Did you get the cheese muffins?" Lenea yawned as she slowly woke.
"Yes. And I got you those pepper berries you love. Tranik gave me three jars for the trip."
"Mmm mmm. How did you know I wanted those?" Lenea smiled.
"A feelin'. Do you want to eat in here or at the table?" I asked Lenea.
"We can eat in here and watch a vid."
"Okay, let me grab our food. Do you want water or juice?"
"Juice please. Thank you Shea."
"Anything for Mommy." I winked, going back into the kitchen. "We're going to eat in the den, Lenea wants to watch a vid while we eat." I put two bowls of chowder, the muffins, my own order of fries and drinks on a tray and went back into the den. Aria, Shiala and Liselle followed close behind, carrying their own meals on beverages.
"Damn Lenea, your look like you're ready to pop!" Liselle marveled at her very pregnant aunt's condition.
"Thank you for your observation Liselle." Lenea rolled her eyes. "Aria, how in the name of the Goddess did you deal with these back aches and feet pain. I cannot get comfortable for more than an hour at a time."
"Meditation and a doting servant. You seem to have the doting bondmate. Have you been meditating as I taught you?"
"Yes, but it is still rather cumbersome. I cannot wait to have these girls born. I will finally be able to sleep in a bed again."
"Have patience Lenea. You have Shea here to cater to your every need. Let her." Aria replied. "You ready to be a daddy Shea."
"Can't wait. After dinner I'll show you the nursery I've been working on."
"Yes, she and Stacy had this wonderful idea that we needed to completely redecorate the guest room, turning it into a child's play land. Shea has spent the past three days painting and assembling furniture for the project."
"You don't sound enthused about it Lenea" Aria replied.
"Only because we are not going to be here very long. The girls have a nursery on the Tevura already. This just seems excessive."
"This is our home babe, it's not excessive." I said.
"It sounds very sweet Lenea, quit your moping. Your just suffering the grumps of late pregnancy."
"I guess you are right. Shea, can we watch that vid we watched last night, VACATION I believe it's called."
Raising an eyebrow, "You sure?"
"Yes, I found it very amusing. I especially liked the part where Clark punched the moose statue at the amusement park."
"Alright babe." I looked at Aria mouthing SORRY. She just shook her head, silently replying ITS OKAY, ITS HORMONES.
Lenea finished her meal midway through the movie. Leaning into her quietly asked "Still want that foot massage?"
"Goddess yes. Help me up." She said as I extended a hand, helping her stand. Once I was sure she was comfortably seated on the sofa, I sat at the other end with her feet in my lap. Carefully I began to caress her aching feet, causing low moans to escape her lips.
"You are in a room full of people you two." Aria said as she drank her beer.
"And? Her feet hurt." I said. "Liselle can you please grab another beer for me from the fridge? Thanks."
"Aren't you just the sweetest bondmate. Getting her dinner, massaging her feet." Aria smiled.
"There's nothing I won't do. Mommy just has to ask. Ain't that right babe." I said, hitting a particularly sensitive spot on Lenea's left foot.
"Yes, I rather enjoy it too. Rest assured Aria I am not abusing the privilege of having an extremely devoted bondmate."
"Whatever." She smirked. We sat peacefully watching vids for the remainder of the evening before retiring to bed. Tomorrow we travel back to Earth for our last vacation before the girls are born.
AN: Next week I'll be pretty busy, but hopefully I'll have some more written by Sunday. Thank you again everyone for the reviews, they certainly keep me motivated.