Notes:
Alban Eiler - Druid festival of the Spring Equinox (Gaelic)
Anam Cara - Soul Friend/Mate (Gaelic)
Siame - "one who is all", a loved one cherished above all others (Thessian/Source: CDN)
Sim're - "sister of my sister", a dear friend's loved one (Thessian/Source: CDN)
A Fresh Start
T'Soni Country Estate, Thessia, Athena Nebula – 28 Feb 2189
"This is highly irregular, Lady Liara." Roshida B'Sayle stood in the foyer after being welcomed to House T'Soni, refusing to budge from the entry and forcing Liara to come to her. "Do you not think this carries extraordinary risk, inviting me to your home like this?"
"You worked with Matriarch Aethyta for many years… who, along with Matriarch Mozia, is enroute and will be arriving in the next fifteen or twenty minutes. Where else would you go to say goodbye to Joya? Besides which… did you not take the standard precautions, as dictated by Broker procedure, to ensure mission security?" Liara cocked a brow marking, studying the commando captain's reaction to her questions.
"Of course, I did! Points taken." Roshida snorted out a laugh and her gruff manner instantly dissolved into a broad smile. "It's good to see you again, Liara." Glancing to the young maiden's side, her gaze settled on the House Captain – savior of the galaxy and commander of the Knight Shade – Spectre Samantha Shepard. Her enormous presence was impossible to ignore as she stood there in full-dress combat armor. "And you, Spectre Shepard. Though I heard your name bantered about, some untold number of times, at the Estate during the dark days of the war, it is my honor to finally meet you in person."
"Same here, Captain. I've heard a lot of good things about you." Shepard reached out and clasped B'Sayle's forearm. "I only wish it was under better circumstances than committing one of our own to the Goddess."
Though a bit puzzled over Shepard's phrasing of 'one of our own,' Roshida simply nodded in acceptance. "Agreed." Roshida used her free hand to point back over her shoulder with her thumb. "The rest of the squad is moving the stasis pod to the funerial barge as we speak. Joya S'Raxia was an extremely skilled sniper and it was a sad day when we lost her." Her eyes returned to meet those of Liara. "I believe the message inferred that part of this meeting would be to discuss what happened?"
"Not quite." Roshida was looking at Liara, but it was Shepard who answered. "That's only partly correct. The loss of your sniper is in the past and there's nothing we can do about it now, other than to celebrate Joy's life and learn from our mistakes. Today is, first, about honoring your sniper and, second, doing our best to make sure such a thing never happens again." The Spectre huffed and continued, "I know there's never any guarantees, but you went in there without the proper intel… and that is definitely something we can avoid in the future. We can also ensure you have the appropriate level of force you need up-front, instead of backup squads that remain on a ship until it's almost too late."
Exactly what role did Shepard play in this? I'm beginning to believe my initial impressions on this mission were dead on… that Liara, somehow, had a personal stake in these trips... and why does it seem like Shepard keeps assuming fault for something in which she had no part? Still wondering, the commando captain looked to Liara and asked, "And how is this a discussion I have here, with you, instead of at the Ops Center on Juxhi, with Commander Arern?"
Roshida saw the glance between Shepard and Liara, immediately understanding what was happening before Liara ever had a chance to answer. "Because I have an apology to make to you and your team…" Liara glanced at the floor before bringing her eyes up to meet those of B'Sayle. "And, then, our dear Spectre has an offer for you. One I hope you accept… for the sake of my bond with Shepard."
"This hunt we are on is no longer strictly a Broker operation…" B'Sayle paused and narrowed her eyes in thought for a moment before asking, "Was it ever?"
Liara looked to Shepard who interceded quickly by answering, "No, Captain. It most definitely was not. It was very much a personal request… unbeknownst to me, for my benefit." Shepard tucked an errant strand of hair up behind her ear as she continued, "I'm not exactly sure how much you've figured out, Roshida… but this whole mission has roots in a personal medical issue." She sighed and continued, "So, I take Joya's death personally, because she died for me… without ever knowing it." She glanced at Liara before adding, "So, you'll have to be patient a little longer, but once the committal ceremony is complete, I will explain exactly what is going on. Then, you can make an informed decision as to whether you want to help me… or not."
Following the committal ceremony for Joya, Roshida learned quite a bit about House T'Soni dynamics during Liara's heartfelt apology and Shepard's explanation of the reasoning behind her mission proposal. Shepard's 'unofficial' input to Shadow Broker operations was no great surprise… but everything surrounding the extraordinary capability to extend a Human lifespan by nearly three-fold was almost beyond belief.
"How could I even think of saying no after such a presentation, Captain?" Roshida was shaking her head in wonder. "An opportunity to work with you… on a mission that has medical implications so far beyond what is common knowledge or practice? I know you said nothing about that… but, for me, while helping you is reason enough on its own, you have to realize the broader applications of this technology, which extend well beyond simply adding years to your life. The possibilities for new healing treatments are endless!"
Her demeanor noticeably cooled as she looked to Liara and continued, "I am well aware that many of the non-Human technological advances revealed during the war came from Cerberus research facilities… which never would have seen the light of day had it been left up to the Illusive Man. It was you, Liara, who pulled that information from the databanks and turned it over to the appropriate authorities."
However sincere, Liara's apology had done little to comfort Roshida regarding Joy's death, but the squad Captain could also understand the young maiden's concern for Shepard. "That data saved lives during the war. Combined with the knowledge of how much you love your Spectre – and I realize how much love can cloud someone's judgment – I am willing to put aside the anger I feel toward you for not giving me this information to begin with. How you went about this was completely wrong but, I agree, no matter how we got here, the mission is important."
Liara hung her head and wiped away the single tear that escaped. Her voice was rough as she replied, "I know… and I also know that no apology will ever bring Joya back. So, personally, I thank you for helping us, Roshida… and, as the Shadow Broker, I understand if you would like to terminate our relationship when this mission is over… Agent B'Sayle."
A course laugh emerged from the Shadow Broker agent. "Not on your life, Liara. My crew and I have honestly enjoyed the missions that have been assigned to us… the pay is great, the support is excellent, the facilities we reside in… topnotch." Roshida's voice turned icy as she continued, "But, with this last, you have broken trust… so, from this point forward, I will demand the right to decline or to ask for more information on any new mission you may assign." Her eyes flicked to Samantha and back. "Just as Spectre Shepard forced you to do this time."
Liara's head came up, her eyes clear and shoulders square as she replied, "You are correct and you deserve nothing less from me, Roshida. I agree to your terms."
"Then consider it all in the past." Roshida nodded in agreement and stated, "So, let's get on with it and plan our next mission."
T'Soni Country Estate, Thessia, Athena Nebula – 15 Mar 2189
Two weeks had passed when a touch of discomfort in her swollen belly had awakened Gabriela Donnelly at 0545. She remained lying on her left side in her comfortable bed while using her right hand to massage the location of the perceived pain. Sliding her hand gently across her bare skin, she felt a protruding bump and sighed. Baby Donnelly, I can really get along fine without you poking me from every possible direction.
After ten minutes, the increasing pressure from her bladder became impossible to ignore; Gabby reluctantly used her left arm to shove her upper body up as she swung her legs from under the covers and placed her feet on the floor. At this stage of her pregnancy, she needed to place her hands behind her on the mattress and push in order to slide her butt off the mattress and place her weight on her feet. Once she was sure of her footing, she slowly walked to her bathroom, pulled her gown up in back and carefully sat on the toilet seat.
With her bladder empty once more, she used the handholds on either side of the toilet and retook her feet; shedding her gown, she stepped into the shower stall and washed up for the day. Amazingly, she heard a slight growl from her stomach over the sound of running water. She had not been particularly hungry the previous evening, so she had only eaten a salad with a few crackers. Guess I need to get down to breakfast…
Twenty minutes later, Gabby entered the main dining room and looked around at the people already eating – most were commandos – the house guard, getting ready to assume their duties for the day. She moved to the large counter filled with breakfast foods; selecting a bowl filled with the Thessian equivalent of oatmeal, she added several pieces of sliced fruit and a mug of Kaffe to her tray.
Turning to walk to a table, her progress was halted by the presence of Harley Creath. "May I carry that tray for you, Ms Donnelly?"
They had enjoyed their first lunch together back on the 24th, following Gabby's meeting with Lyessa Raptos regarding the Asari acting as her birthing assistant. Since that day, Harley had made a point of keeping her company during lunch anytime the Knight Shade was docked, which had been more often than not. Shepard's special contract with Armax had allowed her to give the Orestes Station schematics to the developers, who had quickly created a special-access training simulation based on its layout. Since then, Shepard and B'Sayle had been making daily trips to the Armax Arena with their teams, allowing them to train together every morning, in preparation for the assault on Orestes Station. It was very much like what Shepard had done when she had first formed her two ground teams for the Knight Shade.
As such, unless they needed to work through something that went wrong during the sessions, they were normally home by lunch. They had never met at breakfast, but Gabby gratefully handed the tray to the N7, who had then led the way to a nearby table. Truth be known, she was grateful for the Human companionship; she had grown to dearly love the Asari living at the estate, but having another Human to speak with, especially a man as ruggedly handsome as Harley Creath, was a special treat.
She felt somewhat conflicted as he assisted her to sit down. It's been only two months since I bid farewell to Kenneth in Edinburgh… and now here I am, enjoying the company of another man! What in Hell is the matter with me? I'm still carrying Kenneth's babies, for God's sake!
Harley set their trays down, then sat across the table from her as she began to eat. He took an appreciative sip of coffee before addressing the food on his plate. After chewing and swallowing several mouthfuls, he looked at the engineer and commented, "Not a lot of food on your plate, Ms Donnelly… not hungry today?"
She responded with a tight smile. "We've had this discussion already, Harley… call me Gabby, please? 'Ms Donnelly' makes me feel… I dunno, just old… and frumpy, somehow. And no, it's not a lot of food… I'm not feeling so hungry this morning." She took a sip from her mug before continuing. "My stomach was really talking to me while I was taking my shower, but now? Not a peep." Leaning back, she massaged her tummy as she added, "Even these two have settled down a bit. Makes me wonder…"
Without continuing the thought, she stiffened in her seat for a moment, then frowned slightly as her cheeks flushed. "Oh no!" She squirmed about for a couple of moments before looking at the man sitting across from her. In a squeaky voice sounding equally nervous and embarrassed, she whispered, "I need you to find Lyessa for me… right now!"
"Gabby, what's the matter?" Harley leaned forward, concerned about the pain suddenly etched into the woman's face. "What?"
Gabby hissed through her teeth, "My babies! They're coming, Harley! My water just broke… my pants are completely soaked. Please hurry!"
Harley reacted right away. He left the dining room on a dead run as he used his omnitool to summon Doctor Alyna T'Lori. By the time he returned with Lyessa, Alyna was helping Gabby get up from the table and onto a hover chair for the brief ride to the area set aside for a birthing center.
Gabby barely had time to offer an apology to Harley for ruining his breakfast before she was whisked away by a med tech, with Lyessa holding onto a trembling hand and Doctor T'Lori following in trail. Shaking his head at all the commotion, he picked up her tray, took it to the collection area, then returned to his own breakfast. It was worth noting, and he promised himself he would tell Gabby when next he saw her, that his coffee hadn't even cooled off.
Hope everything works out for that little lady. Truth be known, Harley Creath realized he had grown quite fond of Gabriella Donnelly in the two short weeks he had been having lunch with her. He wasn't actively looking for a relationship by any stretch of the imagination – Hell, she had just buried he husband a couple of months ago and, with it not being a leap year, she had done nothing but cry over the two days before and after the man's birthday of February 29th. Still, there was something about her that intrigued him. Perhaps it was her openness when she was near him, when she always seemed a bit shy around everyone else at the estate. To top it all off, he felt it very possible she liked him as well.
Best put her out of your mind, you dolt. It'll take a special kind of man to turn that woman's head, and it won't… and shouldn't… happen tomorrow. She needs to finish mourning the loss of her husband… and rebound relationships rarely work out. With a resigned sigh, he finished his breakfast and left to return to the Knight Shade. Just need to remember to check in on her when we get back from training today.
Gabby, having been rushed from the Estate dining area to the birthing area within the medical center, had been carefully stripped of her soaked pants and panties by a pair of med techs while she had nervously stood by the pool and clung to Lyessa's hands.
As the Human woman was helped into the pool by the med techs, Lyessa quickly shed her own clothes, then sat with her back against the reclined backrest; Gabby was helped into position by Doctor T'Lori, who then assisted her to sit down between Lyessa's wide-spread legs, where she reluctantly leaned her back against Lyessa's chest.
Reaching around her, Lyessa grasped shaking hands in her own as she spoke softly to the woman. "Gabby, it's going to be alright – I'm here with you and I am not going anywhere. All you need to do is concentrate on not pushing until you're completely dilated, okay? Can you do that for me?"
Gabby nodded as she squeezed the Asari's hands – this very nude Asari, against whose body she was leaning. She only had time to think, Oh God, how did I get talked into… when she was nearly overwhelmed by an intense pain radiating from the center of her entire pelvic area. Lyessa, with her bare legs hard against Gabby's, could feel when the woman's muscles stiffened in anticipation of a uterine contraction; as much as Gabby wanted to hold her breath, the calming voice of Lyessa reached through her pain. "Remember to breathe, Gabby… in and out… through your mouth… don't hold your breath… breathe…" and over and over, until the wave passed.
"It hurts, Lyessa!
"I know it does, my dear. Just squeeze my hands and listen to my voice. I'll help get you through this… that's what I'm here for." Gabby could feel the comforting smile form against the back of her neck and relaxed as best she could, under the circumstances.
Nearly eighteen hours passed before Gabby finally delivered her first child – a little boy – just before midnight. A little girl followed roughly twenty minutes later, and an exhausted mother finally had a chance to breath a small sigh of relief as Lyessa, still reclined behind her, wrapped a pair of arms around Gabby's torso in a comforting embrace. Alyna and Derek cleaned and swaddled the newly arrived young one while the med techs helped Gabby out of the pool, into a soft gown, and into bed. Freed from having Gabby reclining against her, Lyessa stood, raised her arms over her head and stretched to relieve the stiffness of eighteen hours spent supporting Gabby in the birthing pool. She showered and dried herself before getting dressed, then joined Gabby at her bedside as Alyna placed a bundled baby girl in her mamma's arms, which were already occupied by her brother. Propped up with an extra pillow, the youngster took her first meal outside the womb.
By this time, the little red-haired boy had taken his fill and was fast asleep in his mother's arms, prompting an eager Lyessa to ask, "May I take him from you, Gabby? I would love to hold him for a bit before settling him into his crib."
"Please do," yawned a very sleepy Gabriella. "I'm afraid I may fall asleep and drop him!"
Derek smiled softly and answered, "No worries there, Gabby. The sides of the maternity bed are designed in a way that if you do, he won't be going very far, so you don't need to worry about that… But, that said, you do need to get some rest."
"What time is it?"
Alyna chuckled. "Way too early in the morning for you to be worrying about it! Rest now, best you can, knowing we'll be keeping a watch on you and your new babes. We'll try not to disturb your sleep when we take your baby girl after she gets her fill… and, we'll see you in the morning."
"I very much doubt I'll be able to sleep while she's still suckling," she giggled tiredly. Gabby yawned again, then looked around at the group surrounding her bed. "Thank you, everyone, for everything." A tear trickled down her face. "I'm not sure what I would have done, without Kenneth. You've all made this possible… and been so wonderful to me!"
Cradling the little boy against her chest, Lyessa answered quietly, "Shush now, Gabby. It is our privilege and joy to help deliver a new life…" she hesitated before correcting herself, "… new lives… into this world. You honored us with the acceptance of our offer. Now, off to sleep you go, as Alyna directs…" She paused and, careful to not squish the tiny bundle in her arms, leaned very carefully over the new mother, placing a soft kiss on the woman's forehead as she whispered softly, "… and we'll see you later today."
T'Soni Country Estate, Thessia, Athena Nebula – 16 Mar 2189
A pair of brown eyes, squinting against the seemingly bright lights, peered about the room. It took a few moments for Gabby to remember she was lying in a med bed. She focused her still sleepy gaze on a couple sitting nearby; a huge grin erupted as the pair – an Asari and a Human – rose from their chairs and took the few steps needed to reach the side of her bed.
Liara and Samantha both had big smiles of their own as they greeted the new mom; Gabby noticed each of them was holding a tiny bundle… one wrapped in a dusky shade of pink, the other wrapped in blue.
Shepard spoke first: "Good afternoon, Gabby. You've really been sleeping. Oh, and congratulations! Lyessa didn't tell us, and Alyna and Derek felt you should be the one to introduce us, so…" With a grin and a tilt of her head, she indicated the blue bundle she was holding and asked, "What did you name this handsome little boy?"
Before Gabby could answer, Liara added her own question. "And what about this absolutely beautiful little one?"
Gabby could just barely see a bit of red hair peeking out of the blankets in Shepard's arms, so answered her first. "Spectre Samantha Shepard, meet Malcom Kenneth Donnelly." She was happy she had managed to say 'Kenneth' with barely a hitch in her voice. Turning her attention to Liara, she giggled before saying, "Lady Liara T'Soni, it's my honor to introduce you to Annabelle Edine Donnelly."
Liara leaned down and placed Belle – for that is how Gabby would refer to her daughter – on the bed next to her mom, who was still lying on her left side. She placed a kiss on Gabby's cheek before standing erect again. "I believe they are both hungry, but Annabelle seems a bit fussier." She smiled at her Siame, who didn't seem eager to relinquish possession of the tiny bundle of life she was holding. "I love that expression on your face, Sam."
"Oh?" Sam looked up, a tender smile pulling at the corners of her lips. "And what expression is that?"
"The one that tells me you're going to make a wonderful father to our children." Liara almost cried at the thought that shot unexpectedly through the link.
{If I live that long.}
"You will…" Ignoring the pain in her heart at the thought, Liara laid a hand lovingly on Shepard's forearm, caressing the suddenly tense muscles there. "That's what this next mission is all about… us doing everything within our power to make that happen."
"Sorry." Sam looked down at the little bundle as she apologized to her Anam Cara. "I didn't mean for you to hear that."
"I'm glad I did." Liara picked Malcolm up from the cradle of Samantha's arms and placed him tenderly in the bed next to his mother. "It's good to see you awake, Gabby, but we'll leave you to feed the little ones and get your rest." She smiled adoringly at the threesome. "You've made a beautiful little family. Kenneth would be proud of you."
A tear trickled down the side of Gabby's face as she whispered, "Yes, he would, wouldn't he?"
"And so are we, Gabriella Donnelly." Shepard stepped to the other side of the bed and leaned in to place a soft kiss on her forehead. "I'm glad you left the Alliance to raise them in Ken's ancestral home. It will give them strong roots… and not because of the location, but because you'll be able to be there for them, every single step of the way." She chuckled quietly before adding, "There is absolutely nothing more powerful than a mother's love. Trust me. I know."
"Thank you, Captain." Gabby smiled and met Shepard's eyes. "You have no idea how much that means to me."
"And you'll always have us…" Liara smiled and took Shepard's hand, pulling her towards the end of the bed. "We're more than happy to help, anyway we can."
"You already have, Liara." Gabby started to pull away her gown, then paused; blushing, she added, "And, if you don't mind, I'd like to get them fed."
"Oh, right. Sorry." Shepard's cheeks glowed a light shade of pink aw she turned to head toward the door, squeaking, "We'll just be leaving now," as she slid through the doorway.
Liara smiled at Gabby's sudden modesty… and at Shepard's reaction to it, as she followed her Siame out of the room.
T'Soni Country Estate, Thessia, Athena Nebula – 20 Mar 2189
With everything happening within the same week, the T'Soni household was forced to combine a multitude of celebrations; this year, they had picked the middle Friday between all the events. They had originally planned to celebrate Saint Patrick's Day, Alban Eiler, Janiris and Samantha Traynor's birthday… and now, they had also added the joy of celebrating the births of Malcolm and Annabelle into the mix.
The special guests had begun to arrive; the first, much to Livos' pleasure, was Carlina V'Zanto, the nature guide from the Záhrada S'Vatyne Resort and Livos' amantia. Zan had managed to secure three full days, so would be staying through the entire weekend, and Livos was already apologizing for the fact that she would be working during the mornings when Shepard interrupted. "Absolutely not. It's a holiday weekend. We can skip a few of days of mission prep." To be sure B'Sayle agreed, Shepard glanced her way, only to watch her quickly smile and nod in approval.
"Absolutely! It's Janiris, Shepard." She paused for only a moment before adding, "And our first celebration of it in quite a few years. I do not believe I could convince the squad to be serious if I wanted to…" A wide grin spread across her face. "Unless, of course, House T'Soni actually came under attack while we were here. Then, they would instantly be on alert and to arms!"
Laughing, Shepard answered, "Well, I imagine we're pretty safe from that… so, I guess we all take the long weekend off." She glanced at Liv and smiled as she said, "The weekend really is yours, Liv, but we all need to be back on deck at 0700, Monday."
"No problem, Captain." Livos smiled back as she took Zan's hand. "You'll see us at the party tonight for sure. After that? No promises."
Lyessa stepped in and quickly whispered in Shepard's ear. "Your mother and Kahlee are inbound on the shuttle, Samantha. I assume you want to meet them on the tarmac?"
"Yes, I do. Thank you!" Turning to Liv and Zan, Shepard smiled. "My mom and Aunt Kay are about to land, so I shall take my leave. Have a great time and I'll see you both tonight!"
Without waiting for a response, Samantha turned and headed toward the door. Looking back over her shoulder at Liara, she asked, "Coming?"
"Certainly." Liara walked quickly to catch up and they made their way quickly to the rear exit leading to the landing pad, her stomach in knots. She worried that things with Shepard were still not settled, and Liara was worried that Hannah would immediately sense something was off kilter. Liara knew it was mostly her own fault; she couldn't help that she was so in love with Shepard… but she most certainly should have been able to keep her emotions out of the decision making. And now, she didn't want to have to explain her actions to Hannah… and potentially disappoint the woman she thought of as a second mother. I didn't ask Shepard because I knew I wouldn't like the answer. The worst thing is that I knew the answer and did it anyway. Goddess, you can be an idiot sometimes, T'Soni. You deserve her wrath over this.
"Hey." Shepard stopped and turned to her, holding her hand out in invitation. "The link's open, you know."
Liara groaned and blushed. Letting out a sad sigh, she took the offered hand as Shepard continued, "It won't do any good to keep beating yourself up over this. We've talked about it and it's done, Li, so don't you worry about explaining it all to Mom. We need to move on, enjoy the weekend, and tackle new problems as they come." Using her free hand to tip Liara's chin up so their eyes could meet, she asked, "Okay?"
"I don't understand how you can be so forgiving over such a breach of trust, Samantha."
"Because I love you just as much as you love me… and I've actually been with someone who didn't know how to forgive." Shepard swallowed and cleared the sudden frog in her throat as she thought of what Nikki had done to her. "It sucked… and I never want to be that person."
A tentative thankful smile made its way onto the Asari's face. "Me neither… so, thank you." Shaking her head and starting to walk again, Liara whispered, "You never cease to amaze me, Samantha Shepard."
Plastering a lopsided grin on her face, Shepard chuckled, "That's me – the amazing Spectre Shepard, savior of the galaxy!"
At that, Liara had to laugh and, with an honest smile, said, "Come on. The shuttle is going to hit the ground before we ever get there, at this rate."
They managed to scamper out the door, quite literally at a trot, just as the shuttle engines idled down enough for the hatch to be safely opened. Continuing to jog as the stairs extended and settled on the tarmac, they made it to the ship just before Hannah appeared in the doorway. "Mom! It's so good to see you!"
"Me too, you!" Hannah said as she nearly jumped down the stairs, a compact overnight bag hanging on her shoulder. As soon as her feet hit the ground at the bottom, she threw her arms around her daughter and squeezed her tight, before quickly moving and doing the same to the Asari standing next to her. "You too, Liara. Gods it's nice to have my feet on solid ground for a bit. I've been doing a lot of traveling lately… but I'll tell you about all that later."
Kay had only been a couple of steps behind the admiral and had slipped quickly into the vacancy left in Samantha's arms. "How are you, Sam? You look tired."
Laughing, Shepard answered, "Gee. Good to see you, too, Aunt Kay."
"Ohhhhh, you." Kahlee gave her a tight squeeze. "Stop it. You know I'm always happy to see you, Sam… but that I also always worry about whether you're taking care of yourself while you chase all those bad guys around the galaxy." She stepped back and added, "And, by the way, happy… everything! How many holidays are we celebrating tonight?"
Liara laughed as Kay stepped over and gave her a hug as well. "Goddess knows… there are quite a few." She smirked as she added, "And, we have an unexpected surprise for you both… but we're not telling, so grab your bags and get them dropped in your rooms. Then, meet us in the commons."
"Mysterious surprises!" Hannah smiled and started to walk toward the house. "Liara… You know exactly how to get this old woman moving!"
Turning quickly, Kay, Shepard and Liara followed in trail, chatting as they returned to the house.
It was less than ten minutes later when Kay and Hannah stood in the Med Center, coddling two little bundles of sleeping love. "Gods, Gabriella!" Hannah peered down at the scrunched little face swaddled in her arms. "She is absolutely adorable!" She looked over at Samantha and added, "I forget just how tiny you were when you came into the world, Sam!"
"I don't think I was quite that small, Mom." Shepard grinned. "I didn't have to share your womb with a twin brother."
"No… but you did suffer through an eezo exposure… and you were born premature by roughly a month." Hannah met her daughter's eyes as she added, "So, while you may have turned into one of Humanity's most powerful biotics, you were quite the tiny little thing when you were born."
"How come I didn't know that?" Shepard asked, pursing her lips.
"Didn't know what, dear?" Aunt Kay chuckled at the conversation. "That you are the preeminent Human biotic, or that you were born early?" Hannah's smile turned into laughter as Kahlee unexpectedly joined into their banter.
"I'm glad you both find this amusing!" Shepard grinned. "Makes me realize how much I don't miss you guys!"
"Hey now! That's uncalled for, Samantha!" Hannah grinned; they had skipped their normal repartee when they first saw one another on the landing ramp, so were obviously making up for it now. "I just didn't want to give you a 'little-person' complex, since you were so much smaller than most of your classmates."
She let out a hearty laugh at Sam's rejoinder, "Well, at least I finally had a growth spurt… unlike my pipsqueak mother!"
"Oh, God!" At this point, Gabby was shedding happy tears as she begged, "Please, stop! All this laughing makes my insides hurt!"
"And, I must agree with her." Alyna had stepped into the room, hearing the growing volume of the ongoing conversation. "The new mother and babes need rest… so, give them back to Gabby so they can eat before we put them down for their naps." The doctor smiled and added, "Besides. Matriarchs Mozia and Aethyta have arrived and are waiting for you at the bar."
Shepard laughed, "Of course they are," which got a smirk from Liara.
"Come, Siame. We honestly shouldn't keep them waiting." Glancing at Kay and Hannah, who still held the children, she continued, "And I am quite confident that Kay and Mom are also quite familiar with the location of the lounge… and require no escort to find their way there."
Hannah snorted in her attempt to stifle a laugh, which got them all to chuckling again, including Alyna, who responded, "Alright! That's it!" Taking Malcolm and Belle, one in each arm, she grinned at the collection of friends and family as she laughingly ordered, "Out!"
It was just before dinner when Lyessa stuck her head in the door to Gabby's room. Seeing that the young woman was awake, she slipped in and quietly asked, "Are you up for a little company, Gabriella?"
"Oh, yes! Please!" Gabby rolled her eyes. "I know everyone is trying to let me rest, but I am bored to death, sitting in here all alone!" She laughed at herself as she rearranged the two little bundles at her side. "Well, I'm not exactly alone… but you know what I mean."
Laughing, Lyessa entered the rest of the way and closed the door behind her, approaching the bed. "Yes, I do. I nearly went crazy the first three days after I delivered Calandra… everyone was so damned concerned about me getting my rest, I wanted to scream."
As she sat in the chair next to the bed, the smile on Gabby's face gave way to a decidedly serious expression. She cocked her head as she looked at this Asari… the person that had held her bodily for over eighteen long hours in a birthing pool. "Lyessa…" she started, then paused. At the expectant look she received, she swallowed hard and continued.
"Lyessa, I've been doing some thinking, wondering actually, about Asari customs… and Human. That you chose to support me throughout my labor… as long as it was…" her voice hitched as she thought again about what she needed to ask. "It's something for which I will always be grateful." Lyessa started to reply… to tell her no thanks was necessary… when Gabby continued on. "I don't know what the customs are among Asari regarding shared responsibility for child-rearing, but on Earth, many Human children have what are known as… godparents."
The Asari's eyes widened slightly. "You mean to tell me that Human children can have more than two parents, Gabby? That seems incredible… I haven't heard of that."
"It's more of a religious custom than anything else, really… a child, upon being officially christened by the church, will have a godparent or godparents named. These are people who are willing to play a small part in raising that child… as well as a kind of spiritual guide or role model. Also, should something happen to the parents, the godparents will often take that child into their home to continue raising, as if they were their very own."
Gabby paused, as if waiting for a reaction. When none was forthcoming, she plowed ahead. "Lyessa, being named a godparent does not have to be done as part of a religious ceremony. It's something that resides in one's heart." Placing a hand in the middle of her chest for emphasis, she added, "In my own heart, I already know the godmother for Malcom and Belle."
Lyessa instantly knew the Human was referring to her. "Goddess," she whispered. "Gabby… you want me to assume the role of godmother for your children? Are you sure? We're systems apart… my role as steward for House T'Soni takes precedence over everything else in my life."
Gabby nodded, saying, "I realize that, Lyessa; I don't expect you to ever come to Earth for a visit, much as I would enjoy having you as an honored guest in my new home. It's just… I cannot imagine my children growing up completely isolated from the planet of their birth. They need an anchor here… someone esteemed by her peers, as you are."
Lyessa thought about this woman's words… the intimate connection she now shared with Gabriella Donnelly, after spending hours with the woman's nude form nestled against her own. It's almost as if I was giving birth with her, she realized. "Gabby, your request honors me. I don't know how to be a godmother, but if you wish to bestow that title on me, who am I to deny you that favor." She reached over to place a gentle kiss on Gabby's cheek, then said, "Should the unthinkable come to pass, I will step in… Malcom and Annabelle will always have a mother."
Gabby's face flushed in relief as she smiled again. "Thank you, Lyessa. After all we've shared, I feel as if you are my sister."
"I am your sister, Gabby… your Sim're." With a chuckle, she stood from her chair and said, "You know what?" Lyessa had a twinkle in her eye as she glanced around the room and whispered conspiratorially, "You get into something comfy. I'm going to find a hoverchair and you're going to join us at the party… at least for a little while!"
"But what about the babies?"
Lyessa grinned. "They'll be fine for a bit. You just fed them… They'll sleep for at least a couple of hours!" She winked and added, "You'll be tired and back up here long before they wake, I promise you that. But, if you're really nervous about it, I can get Selina to watch them for a bit. Once you get tired and return to your room, she and I will still have the rest of the evening!"
Gabby's voice reflected her utter joy at having an excuse to get out of her bed, even if only for a short time. "Sound's wonderful… Sim're!"