Chapter eight: Family is where the heart is..

I don't believe it..

I managed to have a full 'naughty session' with Shane and not black out.. Now i don't know if it was because of the argument earlier but.. There was no drama.. No.. Coming to with Shane smashed into a wall or console.. We stay in a floating embrace when Shane looks up at me.

"Ghardeh.. Are we going to move or are we just going to keep floating here.."

I let out a laugh. Then remember the gravity.. I keep hold of him as we float to the console then revert gravity to normal, i position myself so we land feet first. As gravity restores i keep hold of him and enter the restroom.

"What're you doing Ghardeh?" he asks wrapping his arms around my waist.

"Going to the Shower krit.."

I still have hold of him and take off his red shirt and throw off his jeans kicking them away with my foot then the shower starts hitting my armour. My lower pieces are in the cockpit somewhere i heard clattering when i restored gravity. I lower to his level. Then throw off my armour and we clean up.

"For crying out loud Ghardeh.. Your blue goop takes ages to come out!" He rubs vigorously and eventually it washes off.. It was worse last time when it was his whole hand and wrist.. I let out a laugh.

"Stop complaining or else we stop altogether."

I saw in Shane's eyes his conflicting thoughts..

"That's both good and bad.. Seriously it's like that blue stuff is. Beetroot juice.. A bastard to clean off.."

Shane gets out and dries off. But looks himself over.. "How on earth have i put meat on? Still bothering me that one." He shakes his head and puts his clothes on. I notice Shanes eyes have reverted back to their natural blue-green colour..

"Ghardeh.. Could we leave tomorrow? I think if I'm having bouts of yautja mode I'll need to act now.."

I give him a fervent nod.

"Sei-i of course, best go tell the others."

I look around the cockpit for my armour when i slam down on a console.. "C'jit…where the pauk did that go?" Shane finds it near the console behind the life support and hands it over.

"Come on get yer skirt on."

"This is not a 'skirt' C'jit-syra'yte." i say with a growl..

"Jesus Ghardeh it's a figure of speech, and shit head heh seriously?" Shane says with a shake of his head walking with me.

We make our way to the communal area. The trio once again notice we had been at it. Uzkielle looks at me then Shane then rumbles a laugh.

"Haave you tessted your new abilities out on Ghardeh Shaane? Would you like a book?"

"No use lying is there? This time it was Ghardeh I'll have you know.. And no we don't need a book, everything falls into place.."

Nina lets out a breathy laugh. "Ghardeh.. Etur'sek.."

"We needed to relieve unwanted tension.. I had my first demonstration of Shane's new temperament.."

Nina bit her bottom lip and the twins mandibles both twitched.

"Toold you.." Uzkielle said.

He turns back to cooking when Danny enters the room..

"Shane looks different.. Are you alright uncle?"

He nods.. "Yeah I'm good little man.. I've got something to say people.. We will be leaving for earth tomorrow, we won't be long i swear."

"Shane wants new clothes and needs to tie up some loose ends."

Danny laughs. "Going back to earth for clothes! Ahahaha! Neens shall we go with them?"

"No.. We can't.." Nina looks at Shane.

"You are serious.. About going back?"

He nods.. "Yeah.. Just there for a few days.."

Ninas face turns and we both feel a tinge of sadness.. She looks at Danny who also nods at her with a neutral look.

"Could you do me.. Us.. A favour Shane while you are back there? If i give you some names could you find them and just tell them Danny and i are alright? Please?" She holds a hand to her chest.

"Of course Neens.. Who am i looking for and where?"

Nina rubs the back of her neck.

"Could you go to Louisiana? we belonged to one of the smaller parishes called St Mary.. There's several people i hold close to my heart as friends..Trey, Ian, Tilly, Glynda.. Trey was.. Hopefully still is a deputy at the police force.. Glynda owns the swill and trotters bar.. Tilly De Ville lives a good few miles away from.. Where we lived.. And Ian.. He will be harder to find but he's a mechanic.. Glynda might know where he is. I know it's not a lot to go off but.."

Shane nods.. "I'm sure I'll find them.. Louisiana is a small place.."

Her eyes light up.. "You've been there before?"

Shane nods.. "Yeah yeah it was a good few years ago.. Part of a travel package i booked.. Louisiana, Layafette was one of the destinations.. With a few more like the byways."

She smiles and Danny laughs..

"It's a shame you didn't see Osh and Uz back then Shane. They have both changed soo much since then.."

"We all have.. Except back then i couldn't trust Osh and Uz with anybody but Danny back then.." Nina says with a nod holding her chin.

Shane walks up to Nina and rubs her shoulder.

"It's alright.." Shane sees her well up and takes a deep breath. Then exhales.. "I'm fine.. I just… Really miss a lot of things you know.. Human interaction for one.. No offence Danny but i mean.. Adult.. Interaction.. Shanes been great but.. I miss the old times.." He nods "Yeah i know Neens.. I really miss the house.."

Shane looks. "Why couldn't you go back?"

"Shit.. I never told you.." Nina says placing a hand in front of her mouth and Shanes chest.."

"Told me what?"

Uzkielle growls it was a growl of pure hate and i see his mismatched eyes glowing with a bright silver and gold fury as he still feels affected by the impending tale.

"I can't.. Tell you now.. Uzkielle.. He.. Well he hates when i remember what happened."

Shane nods..

"Out.. Of my earshot.." Uzkielle says his voice deep with a vibrating growl.

"Alright Uz.." Shane says.

Osh'ikeille calms his brother and they turn back to their cooking clicking and quietly communicating what they need next. Nina takes Shanes hand and leaves. I sit next to Danny. And keep him company.

(Shane's pov)

Nina takes Shane to the nearest area. Then looks at him and sighs.

"Shane a long time ago my mother if you can call her that, left me with nothing but a damaged house and a 4 year old brother. I dropped out of high school and sacrificed a lot to make sure Danny had a life and not end up in the shitty care system.. I managed.. Just.. On a thread thin budget.. But our home was just that. A long while after.. Danny brought home Osh. Weyland Yutani wouldn't stop poking their nose in my shit.. Eventually i met the ever terrifying Uz.. Anyway.." She brushes an invisible fly away. "Eventually the company brings my.. Cunt.. Useless bitch of a-" Nina tenses up and rolls up her sleeve on her right arm and lifts up her top revealing two faded gunshot scars. "She shot me.. Twice.. Was more but she missed.. Look i hate remembering the rest.. I want to try something.. Both of us being ascendant.. Yautja have a very special way of memory.. I think it will work with us.. Trust me.. This is not personal Shane. And don't tell the brothers.."

She leans in and kisses Shane. Suddenly he feels a jolt.. Something that isn't his reaches into his mind… Nina pulls away feeling exactly the same thing as Shane..

"What was that Nina?"

She smiles.. "It did work.. Memories.. Of the past.. I see yours as well.. On that ship." She says with her eyes closed.

"Seeing Ghardeh for the first time… The other day.. When you shouted at her.. For slamming her arm into your chest while in bed.."

She opens her eyes.. "When you go back to Louisiana.. Find the ruins of my home. It will trigger stronger there. You will see.. Shane.. Your armour will help.."

"What just happened?"

She shakes her head. "Something while i was brain napped one day. The furere left me but i have retained certain attributes of the deaunali.. And Uzkielle.. Same with you Shane.. Ghardeh's blood rectified your problem but you retain attributes as well.. I still have this.." She says bringing up her hand showing blue sparks.. "Mine are more subtle. Yours we can see. For instance you're more resilient. And stronger than you were. You just need to find it.. But keep that yautja temper in check.." She puts a hand on Shanes chest then walks past with a smile.

"You are a good kisser Shane.. Don't tell the brothers or i will personally kill you before they even think to castrate you.."

"Yes ma'am.. I promise, that isn't a risk I'm willing to take." They walk back to the foodstocks..

(Ghardeh's pov)

Shane and Nina have been a while but they slowly return. She sits with a smile and the brothers both turn around sensing her feeling content.

"What? I feel better getting that off my chest.. You didn't want to hear it Uz."

"Something.. Amiss…" Uzkielle says with narrowed eyes.

Come to think of it.. I do sense something.. Different. Even with Shane.. I look at him, he is holding his eyes with his right hand, but i brush it off he may be affected by what Nina told him. Uzkielle walks up to Nina and looks into her orbs.. "Uzkielle fuck off.. I told Shane what happened and came back.. Is that a crime?" his eyes glide from Nina to Shane.. Then trills..

"Fiine.."

Danny inches to Shane.

"Are you alright Shane?"

"Just have a headache Danny I'm fine little man."

I frown and grab hold of Shane and take him out of the room.

"Shane.. What is it..?"

"Ghardeh i can't say i swore to Nina I wouldn't say.. She.."

I lower to his level and hold his head level to my eyes..

"What did she do..? What did she say?"

"She told me about Weyland Yutani Ghardeh.. What her mother.. Did to Nina.."

"There is something more to it.. I'm not stupid don't insult my intelligence Shane.."

Nina comes around the corner..

"I gave him a little something to help him understand what happened.. In a matter of seconds.. He acquired over seven days of memories, my memories."

I shift to turn to her fully.. "What did you do..?"

"I.. Kissed him Ghardeh.. But it was not for any purpose other than for what he needs.. The memories."

I look away from them briefly as she said that.. But i felt her sincerity she was telling the truth.

"Alright.. Fine..at least I know.."

"Good can we go back in before Uz has round two?"

We eventually settle down and have a huge banquet meal. Literally stuff ourselves and talk about things we'd love to do later in life..

"I want to be an elder and be in charge of a clan! Danny says slamming his cutlery down.

"Where's ma grapes slaaave?!"

Uzkielle snorts.. And shakes his head. "Not like that.. Danny.."

He fists his hand and slams his hand down hard. "WHERE ARE MY GRAPES ASEIGAN?! THISS YAUTJA IS DYIING OF STAARVATION!" Uz ends it with two soft snorts and several clicks then shaking his head.

Danny let's out a full belly laugh.

"Uz… HaHahahahaha!"

"Get in ma belleh!" Nina shouts.

Danny wheezes and laughs harder Shane lets out a laugh..

"Av sin scarier pissis of corn in ma crrraaap!" Shane says back to Nina who then laughs out loud with Danny going raspberry colour choking for air.

"Ssssto- ssstop it!" He says in between breaths..

Uz looks at Shane.. After staring at Danny with a slight warbled laugh..

"Mei'hswei.. What would you like to do?"

Shane looks and sighs. "I want to eventually settle down.. On a place i can call my own.. Start a family.. Grow old.. Live my life my way.. Yeah.."

We all go silent.. "Except you will live for hundreds of years.." I say.

"Nina.. How is Avamar and R'ykar?"

She looks then nods "As far as I know fine.. Enjoying their training.. Should be back at some point just not sure when. It's been a while.. They were due back some point last week, but there's been some kind of lockdown on cir-diir'kel. When they return.. They will be-"

"Blooded!" Danny chips in.

"Ghardeh Danny had a small crush on Avamar.." She discloses earning a snort from both of the brothers and a pout from Danny.

"You absolute mononoke!"

"Oh Danny stop.. You are sitting with two other humans who find their mates attractive what's the difference. Just because you are shy…" Nina grabs his cheek but he swats it away.

"Blow away windbag." He says.

Uzkielle leans into Nina and blows in her face. "This again Uz?"

She grabs a piece of food and throws it at Uzkielles forehead, he growls.

"Ell-osde c'jit."

"Deal with me later, head-asshole."

Shane snorts a laugh and Uzkielle snaps his vengeful gaze on him with a snarl…

"Sorry Uz but that name was just gold." Shane says with a smile.

"Oy look at me when I'm insulting you Mr Crabs.." Nina says Danny bursts out laughing and almost falls off his stool.. He puts his hands in his mouth closes his eyes and shouts "MISHTER CRA-" Uzkielle throws the green mash at him with such force we all get a share of it..

"HEAVEN'S SPITE." Shane shouts.

Uzkielle begins to let out a rumbled laugh that Danny pierces with a shout.

"YOU ABOMINABLE FART CRACK NINKAN POOP!"

Danny goes to throw his whole plate when a thunderous roar echoed through the ship.

Sat with his leg of meat.. Osh'ikeille stares at Danny and Uzkielle.

"KI'CTE!" He punches Uzkielles shoulder and he glares at Danny who slowly sits down.

"Thank you Osh.." Nina says.

"For tinnitus.." Danny says but Osh slams his hand down and growls

"NoT me Daanny.. I will not.. Stand for it.."

"Then stay sat down.."

Nina glares at Danny.

Shane looks at Osh as he growls.

"Danny will you stop with the last word? What's gotten into you?"

"Uzkielle started it Neens."

"And i finished it.." Osh says.. "Can we move on from thiss?"

Shane looks at the quad before smiling..

"So a human a xeno and a yautja walk into a bar.."

"Oh god.." Nina says with a giggle.

Later we help clean up then begin a drinking session.. Eventually Shane and i head off to bed. Shane is stinking drunk, Nina was slightly tipsy. We yautja can handle our beverage. Shane staggers the wrong way and walks backwards. "Doo the moooon walk Ghardeh letsh shmonk some dregsh.. Just do it!"

He falls over and i pick him up.

"Whaat a kiind.. Pershon.. Caaall mee a cab.. Kriiit… Take me hoome i wanna goooo!"

I lean him up against the ready room wall…

"Heeyaa baaby.. Want to come in for coffee?" He says swaying. "I got shkittles.." He lets out a snorted laugh.

"Shane.." I say with a slight hint of laughter. as i close the ramp..

"Wait.. I didn't shay night.. To Uzzywooz.." He staggers up to the ramp and holds out his arms.. "Open shays.. Me.. Krit bashtard." Nothing happens..

"Darling alien of mine.. Show meh how the ramp works.. And I'll show you how.. Mine works! Haaaaaaa!"

He curls up laughing i give off a smile. "I'm sure Uzkielle appreciates you thinking of him but going to him drunk.. Isn't the best idea… At all.."

"Ghardeh.. Come on… Just thish onshe."

"Fine don't blame me if your head is sent into a wall i have given you fair warn krit."

I lower the ramp and he immediately falls forward and i grab him. "Thanksh pardner of mine.. You are a lovely shoul.. I follow him to Uzkielles quarters which might i add took us a while with Shane almost going into areas he isn't supposed to.. But he wasn't there.. We find him sat in the cockpit with a hand over his eyes motionless. The red consoles on night-time mode.

"Uzzy.." He staggers up to him. Not sure if he heard or not. "Shane.. Wait.. He.."

As Shane taps his shoulder he is immediately grabbed and held in a powerful grip.. With Uzkielle stood up leant into him. But Shane is completely unfazed.

"Whoa there… Uz.. Itsh on(burps)ly me.. Hehe ahehe.."

He lets go and sits back down. "Pauk-de.. What do you want Shaane? You are drunk.."

"Good night Uzzy i mean.. Uz-kielle.." Shane approaches Uzkielle who is still tense from being disturbed. He must have nodded off..

He pats his large back and turns to head off when Uzkielle turns him around. "Shane.." He spins and moves off the chair and crouches to Shane's level, He puts his head to Shanes and fists Shanes chest gently..

"Guan Shane.." He looks at me not even realising i was there.

"Guan Ghardeh.." He says with a nod.

"Night Uzkielle.. Don't stay up all night flying.. Lest we hit another asteroid.."

He lets out a huffy laugh..

"Good.. Joke.."

He returns to the pilot chair and spins it back to the pilot console and we head back.

"Shane that could have gone south what were you thinking?"

"it.. washh ...fine. He knew it washh me."

Shane had no idea how close he came to being smashed into the floor. Though i did warn the krit.

We enter the ready room i remove my armour and go to bed.

Next day..

I wake to feel a hand run through my dreads. I crack open my eyes to see Shane. His smile creeps along his face

"Morning. If we can call it that? "

I blink. "How do you feel?"

"I feel good. I've already had breakfast and sorted.. I'll meet you with the others.."

I give him a fervent nod and get up he kisses my forehead and neck then takes his leave.

I get sorted and take a piece of fruit with me to see the others. We don't get far. They are walking towards us.

"How long are you gone for?" Danny asks..

"Not long little sprout. We will stay in touch.. Like its a mission." I reply.

"It is.. Operation peace walker." Shane says. "Clearing up loose ends and putting the final pieces to rest.. And I'll have new clothes.. Maybe I'll bring you all gifts back.. Get Uzkielle a nice flat cap.."

Nina bursts out laughing.

"Get Osh'ikeille a cane for Danny.. Get Danny a dress for that pout.. Get Neens some naughty kinky toys.. From Ann Summers."

Nina wheezes with laughter. "Stop it!"

"The last laugh.."

The twins rumble a laugh their shoulders heaving slightly as they do so. Shane walks up to Nina and kisses the top of her head.

"See you soon Neens."

She clears her throat. "You will.."

He approaches Danny and hugs him

"See you soon little man.." He gives Danny the same kiss on the top of his head.

He walks up to Osh'ikeille.. He lowers to Shanes level.

"Mei'hswei.." Shane gives him a hug also and fists Osh'ikeilles chest.

"Keep the peace while I'm gone.."

He bows his head. "Indeed."

He approaches Uzkielle and he crouches.

He holds out his arm to Uzkielle.

They fist bump but Shane reverses his own fist to his chest. Then hugs him also.

"Mei'hswei.. Shane.."

"What can i say Uz? I'll miss you, keep Danny on the straight and narrow while I'm gone will you?"

Nina smiles while looking down. As Uz nods. I also say my farewells.

"We will return.. Hopefully Avamar and Ry'kar have returned. It will be nice to see them."

"N'dhi'ja.." Shane says.. The four nod. "Farewell for now.."

The Scorpions ramp lifts up and they step back. The engines whir and the craft slowly leaves. As i push forward on the throttle..

"I feel sick already.." Shane says.

"It will pass.. We will return Shane with stories to tell.."

"When we reach Louisiana i need to contact Neens.." Shane says looking at the star map. I nod.. "That we shall.. But before that we have the expanse of the Horsehead Nebula to traverse.."

Author note: So this was a fun chapter for me to write, a final scene with the whole family together before i pull it apart. Do they manage to return to the Lar'ja N'ritja? Lets find out.. So just to re-cap Shane now has Sol abilities that were killing him that he obtained by trying to stop deaunali from using their power against Shane and possibly the family. Ghardeh had to transfuse her blood to Shane. And now he has a 'Yautja' side that will let itself be known. (Ze'rei Sain'ja)

Thanks for reading we aren't done yet, much more to come! Stay awesome people!

Yautja words:

Krit- Idiot/Moron or general remark. (Non-cannon my own word.)

Sei-i- Yes.

C'jit- Sh^t.

Syra'yte- Head.

Aseigan- Servant.

Mei'hswei- Brother.

Ell-osde- You.

Ki'cte- Enough.

Pauk-de- F^cker.

Guan- Night.

N'dhi'ja- Farewell/Goodbye.