A/N: This chapter is a bit different from the previous three. I have altered the story to some extent to make it a little longer then I originally planned and to make things a bit more interesting. I have changed around quite a few things, mainly the time line of which the story takes place and the past mentioned in a previous chapter involving Shepard, Liara, and their daughter. To get a better understanding of the story being told in this chapter I would recommend going back to the first chapter and reading the rewritten paragraph of Liara's history through her pregnancy. The minor changes were made to fit with my story of Shepard and Liara's past concerning their unborn baby, which I am currently writing a rough draft of. ;)
Also, I decided to add the events of just what Shepard and Liara are up to during their getaway instead of leaving them out of the rest of the story completely. I figured it was a good idea to include them and it gives the opportunity to push their story further. This is labeled under the Shepard/Liara category after all... o.o
Miranda awoke early the following morning. She got out of bed, hair a mess, eyes heavy with sleep, and feet cold upon the metallic floor. She slipped her feet into a fuzzy pair of slippers and trekked quietly over to the playpen's side to check on the baby. She was still sound asleep with her arms resting to each side of her head and a blanket half way up her body. Miranda smiled softly at the sleeping toddler and stood there a moment just absorbing up all her cuteness. Her eyelids had a hint of purple shade to them, her long dark eyelashes curled upwards at the tips, her eyes looked perfectly at peace when they were shut. Her chin was round and tiny and her chubby blue cheeks were lightly freckled like Liara's were. Her head had further developed into that of an adult asari though was not completely grown, but the skin folds just below were fully developed and hard to see. Miranda found it difficult not to get attached but she couldn't resist the adorable face.
Tucking in the toddler with a slight smile, Miranda ventured back toward her bedroom suppressing her emotions. It was hard to be alone with Rheia. Just as she began to make her bed, her communicator beeped and knowing who it was she scrambled to the opposite side of the bed where it rested on her nightstand.
"Hello Shepard."
"Hey Miranda." came Shepard's voice from the opposite line. "Calling to check in on the little one and to ask how everyone is doing. Liara's still a bit worried."
"Oh, shes doing great. Had a little of a teething problem last night but she slept through. Everyone-" Miranda paused a moment, "Um, Tali and I have been taking good care of her. How is the cruise going?"
"Great. We boarded the Starbourn Odyssey shortly after we left Rheia in your care."
"I heard that was a wonderful ship. Wouldn't mind taking a vacation on it myself one day." said Miranda as she sat down on her bed.
"It is pretty impressive. The views of the stars and other solar systems are not too surprising, especially if you've ventured the galaxy on your own ship. Liara and I have really been enjoying the food and are eager to partake in the various activities they offer aboard." Shepard explained. "She's dragging me dancing with her this afternoon." She added dreadfully.
"Well, just do your best I suppose." Miranda laughed. Everyone knew Shepard couldn't dance... She had proved that on their leave shortly after defeating the collectors almost two years ago and hasn't danced since.
"Yeah..." Shepard sounded unsure, remembering the embarrassing moment from the past.
Miranda shifted in her seat. "Shepard, I'm glad to hear you seem to be enjoying your time."
"Yes, we both are. Anyway, tell my daughter we love her and will be back soon. I'll be calling later to check in."
"Understood, Shepard."
Ending the call, Miranda went back to making her bed and then got ready for the day. Just as she finished fixing her hair, little Rheia awoke and sat up in the playpen. Miranda went over with a smile, "Good morning sunshine." Rheia rubbed her eyes making a noise in response. The XO picked up the toddler and took her to her bedroom to clean her up and dress her. She picked out an outfit for her to wear, a light pink shirt that portrayed nicely against her soft blue skin, and a cute pair of blue jeans. Rheia crawled across Miranda's bed toward the nightstand where her communicator lay interested in the object and eager to find out what it could do. She reached out to grab it before Miranda picked her up and brought her back to the edge of the bed to dress her. The grumpy tot whined and wriggled her body trying to free herself from the woman's arms. Miranda kept her grip and bit her lip in frustration, "None of that, now."
It was slightly difficult dressing a squirming toddler but Miranda enjoyed the motherly feeling it gave her. If she could only have one of her own...she began to think about her bodily situation. Rheia began to cry, the sound snapping Miranda from her thoughts and the woman picked her up. The toddler pointed at the communicator, "Want!"
"No. I'm sorry but it's not a toy little one." Miranda told her calmly. She gave her a pacifier but the angry child took it from her mouth and threw it to the floor. Miranda turned the girl so she was facing her, "You stop it right now."
"No!" the child protested as she began to squirm again. Miranda propped her up straight, fed up with the toddler's attitude.
"Do you need to go on time-out?" Miranda said sternly. "You better knock it off, now."
"Noooo!" Rheia cried, still squirming to free herself. Miranda took her to the playpen and put her down, taking away all the toys and setting them aside. The child began to throw a fit as she stood up and grabbed the rails, rattling the playpen wanting her toys back and not wanting to be in the pen.
"When you can behave you can have your toys back." Miranda said placing her hands on her hips. Rheia dropped down and cried for a few moments, Miranda ignoring her to show she wasn't going to have her way. After the child learned her attitude would get her nothing, she stopped her crying and tantrum altogether. She stood up again and called to Miranda.
"Are you done?" The XO asked the girl.
She nodded, her little eyes red and her cheeks streamed with drying tears. "Sowwy."
"Good." Miranda said as she picked up the toddler and used a wet cloth to clear her face. "Let's go get breakfast."
When Miranda stepped out of her office with the toddler in her arms, she could hear a commotion between crew members in the mess hall. One voice in particular stood out, one she was all too familiar with. She walked around the corner with a frown on her face spotting Jack yelling at Zaeed, and spread about the other tables watching the two sat Kelly, Kasumi, Jacob, Tali, and Garrus.
"You don't know shit about me, old man!" Jack yelled pointing a finger at the veteran with a blue glow around her figure.
"Don't need to, you can tell by lookin' at ya!" Zaeed argued. He had a duffel bag over his shoulder and all his weapons on him. Miranda approached the scene still wearing her frown.
"What seems to be the issue here?" she asked as Jack made a face at her approach.
"This asshole thinks Shepard's gonna get rid of me." Jack answered glaring at Zaeed. "Says I'll be the first to be thrown off the citadel by the spectre herself."
"I have no doubts." Zaeed countered, "She'll move on. None of you are that important to her."
"Your just mad she didn't let your sorry ass get your revenge you son of a-"
"That's enough, both of you." Miranda interrupted the angry biotic.
"Look I didn't come down here to fight." Zaeed said, shifting his weight and adjusting the duffel bag. "I came to say I'm leaving. Time here is done."
"Shepard wouldn't just abandon us like that..." Tali spoke up quietly. Miranda became confused. She looked at the crew sitting around the table, each face showing serious thought.
"When are you people going to move on? Shepard has begun to, won't be long till she leaves you all behind." Zaeed stated. "Can't believe I stuck around for as long as I did."
"Even if she did, we would still be a part of her life. We're her friends." Garrus said attempting to defend Tali. "I'm sure we all have plans to move on, it's only been three months since the defeat of the reapers..."
"Three months too long for me. This ship has done nothing but sit in the docks since we've returned. Half the crew that operated this heap of metal has gone on if any of you have noticed. Good knowing you all. I'm out of here." With that, Zaeed turned to leave.
"Yeah, go ahead get the fuck outta here." Jack said as she plopped down into her seat and crossed her arms. The veteran disappeared without another word. Miranda set Rheia down to her feet, crossing her own arms and looking at the crew. Clearly they all were in deep thought.
"Ignore him. He never was too fond of Shepard." Miranda said, trying to lighten the Crew's moods. She knew what was on everyone's mind, the shared thought was on her mind as well. They had all stuck around to aid their commander in the reaper war, they aided her through it all. They rallied forces of allies and armies with great difficulties and overcame the impossible. They fought by Shepard's side till the end.
Well, now was the end. The only ones who had moved on were Grunt, whom returned to Tuchanka, and Thane, whom had passed away, and Zaeed had just made his leave. Tali had planned to return home as did Jacob, Garrus planned to become a spectre, Kasumi wanted her existence hidden behind the shadows, Jack had contemplated piracy, and Miranda wanted to be with her sister. Yet here they all were, still at Shepard's side, who was in fact seeming to move on with her life. She had a mission to be accomplished with Liara; they had daughter to raise.
"You guys are all right. Shepard would always include us in her life even when we part. We've grown into more than friends, more than just commander and crew; we're...family." Miranda said truthfully, though she felt a bit strange referring to Jack as 'family'. Everyone was quiet though they each agreed with the XO. The mood in the atmosphere suddenly vanquished when a thought of panic caused Tali to speak up.
"Um, Miranda? Where's Rheia...?" Tali noticed the child was gone. Miranda looked down and then around the room frantically.
"My god! Where did she go?" the XO got on her knees to look under the table and Jack couldn't help but to laugh.
"Hey Miranda you look oddly normal in that position." the tattooed woman snorted.
"Shut up Jack, now is not the time." Miranda responded, still on her hands and knees. "Help me find her!"
"She probably caught sight of your freakishly large ass and got scared." Jack added with a snicker. Jacob hid his face in his hand and even laughed at this.
"Oh for god sake..." Miranda got up and continued her search as Kasumi, Tali, and Garrus joined her.
Shepard paced back and forth as she waited for Liara to finish getting ready. She had many things on her mind and moving constantly seemed to help her sort her scattered thoughts. As she paced, she glanced around her surroundings at the various decorations and objects in the cabin the two stayed in. The decorations consisted of a few potted plants neatly stowed in the corners of the room, two large paintings hung on the walls, the furniture's frames were silver and the cushions black. The large bed was centered against one of the walls and the blankets matched the colors of the furniture. On the right side of the room was a viewport of the outside, and then the restroom and a large closet were on the left. A chandelier made up of various shapes of clear glass and crystals hung on the roof in the middle of the room.
She continued to pace and adjusted the collar of her navy blue top a few times nervously. Upon seeing Liara step out of the restroom she froze in place. She looked absolutely stunning. Liara smiled shyly at Shepard's scrutiny. "How do I look?"
She had on a long red dress, top ended just above her bust and was supported by very thin shoulder straps. A good portion of her upper back was revealed and Shepard's favorite part were the slightly laced slits on the sides of her hips that exposed her beautiful blue skin. "You look amazing." she answered in complete awe.
"You look nice as well." said Liara as she stepped closer to Shepard sniffing the air. "And you smell...wonderful."
Shepard grinned mischievously, she had put on her expensive cologne Liara had come to favor and find irresistible. She took Liara's hand, "Ready to go?"
Liara smiled softly, feeling happy and fuzzy inside. She hadn't shared a dance with Shepard in three years and was excited she'd be able to do so today. "Yes."
The two walked hand in hand down the hallway passing by other occupants aboard the cruise. They came across just about every species though human presence had the majority. The ship's captain and crew were made of and operated mostly by humans and they welcomed aboard everyone. The employee's uniforms consisted of a long sleeved, high collared button up top and slacks. Some of them wore company hats and the uniforms were colored navy blue and the hems of the top yellow. Liara and Shepard stepped into the elevator, still hand in hand.
"If your shirt was trimmed with yellow, you'd look just like one of the employees." Liara commented with a smile as Shepard pressed the elevator commands. The doors closed and she stepped back adjusting her collar again, feeling as though she should have worn something a little less military related.
"Well you know me, I don't do dresses." Shepard replied sheepishly. Liara kept her smile, Shepard appeared strong and brave in the outfit and the color looked great on her too. The couple arrived on the deck of the lobby where they would find the dance-floor, restaurants, various bars, lounges, and even a staged theater.
"Wow! This place is amazing. What should we do first?" Shepard said as she and Liara looked around the busy area. Spotting the flashy lights of the dance-floor, Liara's eyes lit up with excitement.
"Dance-floor!" the asari answered, tugging a reluctant Shepard along behind her.
"Since when have you ever been so eager to get out and dance in front of others?" Shepard asked feeling more anxious the closer they got to the flashy lights.
"Since I have had you to do it with. I don't care about the others. Not tonight..." answered Liara.
"But I can't dance." Shepard stated nervously. "I'll only end up embarrassing us both."
Liara turned her head back at Shepard with that sweet smile, "We will dance as one."
Unsure of what she meant, Shepard just went along. She knew dancing with Liara would make her happy and she was willing to make a fool of herself if it meant they could have a good time together. She knew they would, she was just a bit tense and her mind was unclear. She had spent the last three months aiding Liara in raising their daughter and mending their relationship and now her mind was on their future. Shepard mentally thanked her crew for this time she was given with Liara, a time she would use to pursue what she truly desired.
The thumping beat of the music pounded through Shepard's ears as she and Liara approached the dance-floor with lights of all colors swirling around them and the other partakers. Liara guided Shepard through the crowds until they found an empty space where they could perform. Liara let go of Shepard's hand, "Okay Lareyne..."
She began to move with the rhythm of the music, a techno track with an electrifying melody behind the heavy beat of the bass. "Do what I'm doing."
Shepard did as Liara instructed, they were dancing very casually as Shepard was used to. Okay, this seems easy, just bouncing side to side...Liara began to move a bit faster, "We want to get lost in the beat, move with it, keep up with the rhythm."
"Right... your body was made for dancing. Mine, not so much..." Shepard explained, already feeling embarrassed. Liara let loose, throwing her hands in the air and swaying her body and moved her hips to the beat as she grinned at the commander. Shepard rubbed the back of her neck uneasily until she was startled when the asari pressed up against her, still moving, their lips inches apart.
"I know your enjoying this..." she said almost seductively. "Move with me."
Shepard moved slowly, too slowly for Liara who took the commander's hands and placed them upon her hips. Who woulda thought she was such a partier? Feeling the body work, her hands brushed over the laced fabric where the soft skin was exposed. Shepard's heart began to race upon the feel of Liara's skin that was quickly becoming warm as she worked those hips of hers. The longer she held on the more she felt these tingling sensations travel through her body guiding her muscles to move with the music. Energetic pulses merged within her nerves and she suddenly found herself mimicking Liara's moves, both pair of hips shaking, both bodies swaying, each muscle of the belly burning with every twist. Whoa! Liara smiled and held Shepard's hands in place upon her hips as she swayed herself closer and was once again pressed against Shepard, forcing her hands through the navy blue top and peeling it off leaving the commander in a white tank top. The music jolted throughout Shepard as Liara leaned in and kissed her, they were dancing as one. Their hips moved together, bodies twirled to the beat, tongues danced to the music...Shepard's hands roamed the asari's body, finding her exposed skin at the hips she felt the softness irresistible and intensified her mood. Liara broke the kiss for a breath, pressing her forehead against Shepard's neck and breathing in her scent. She smelled so good, she missed holding onto her Rey and getting lost in her fragrance, getting lost in eachother's minds during their meldings...
"Damn, when did you learn to dance like that skipper?"
Startled by the familiar voice Shepard abruptly stopped her movements as did Liara, though she held onto Shepard hiding her face in her neck in embarrassment. Shepard wrapped her arms around Liara, spotted Ashley, and smiled. "Ash! What're you doing here?"
"Partying, what else? My sisters and I took vacation together, so here we are. Not as good as a cruise on the ocean, but this place is damn loaded." Ashley responded, pushing through the crowd towards Shepard and Liara. She was definitely partying, Shepard agreed. Ashley was dressed like a hip-hop star, she wore a flat brimmed hat with her name spray painted across the front of it in pink and white, and her shirt was tied up revealing her belly. She wore short-shorts and and a pair of high top sneakers, and best of all she had a thick gold chain around her neck. Shepard felt a bit out of place, but was glad Liara had brushed the military tunic away. It seemed to fit the club dancing better anyway.
"Hey, you guys wanna join us at our table and get pizza? Have a few rounds? Catch up on things?" the lieutenant asked excitedly.
"Sounds great. We could use a break." Shepard answered, a stream of sweat trickling down her forehead. "It's getting hot in here..."
"Yeah, I agree." she laughed. "I'll show you to our table. I'm so glad I spotted you two!" Ashley exclaimed as she pushed through the crowd to get off the dance-floor.
Shepard looked at Liara who had a gentle smile on her face as she still held onto her. "Thank you."
"I have to admit, that was fun." Shepard told her with her own smile. "We'll definitely do it again sometime."
Rheia ventured through the hall of the third deck, her little legs wobbling as she struggled to keep her balance. She heard the commotion of the crew frantically searching for something behind her as she walked up to the starboard observatory, the doors swooshing open. Upon entering, the child's face lit up in excitement when she spotted Samara who had her back turned to any who entered the room, sitting on the floor in her usual meditation pose. The back of her head and her light blue skin tone were recognized by Rheia to be that of her mother's and out of excitement the child called out to the justicar. "Mama!"
Concentration broken, glowing eyes ceased, the asari woman turned her head to the source of the sound. Eyes meeting eyes, the child's face wrinkled in confusion and Samara only stared. She saw that the toddler was expecting her mother and was startled by her appearance. She also saw something else. Something she hadn't seen in decades. An asari toddler, a child of her own kind, a child with eyes similar to that of one of her own daughters. Samara stood to her feet slowly, eyes still studying Rheia. The toddler seemed intimidated by her powerful presence and her face wrinkled up with tears as she began to softly whine. Hooking a tiny finger in her mouth and unsure of what to do, the toddler cried softly looking around for her parents. "Mama..."
Samara smiled gently and walked over to the baby, kneeling before her. "There there, little one. There is nothing to fear."
Rheia shifted her sight to the justicar's face nervously but soon calmed down when she noticed the gentleness in Samara's eyes, a look she often saw given by her mother. Sensing the toddler was calm, Samara reached out a hand to her. Rheia took her hand, wrapping her hand around one of Samara's fingers and the touch sent a piercing pain from memories through the justicar's heart. Tears managed to escape her eyes when Rheia moved forward and hugged her. Samara picked her up and wiped them away before exiting the starboard observatory. She walked down the hall hearing the frantic commotions from the crew and turned the corner to see Miranda and Jack in a scuffle on the floor, grips at each other's throats as the rest of the crew worked desperately to separate the two.
"Fighting like this won't solve anything!" came Kelly's voice as she had a grip on Jack's leg trying to tug her away. Garrus and Kasumi aided the yeoman in pulling away at the furious biotic while Tali and Jacob fought to control Miranda's flailing punches.
"She lost the kid!" Jack retaliated through gritted teeth.
"My behind had nothing to do with it!" Miranda countered furiously.
With one clear of her throat, the crew dropped all limbs and Miranda and Jack's cat fight ended immediately as they guiltily lowered their gazes from the justicar. The other crew members shuffled their feet or made some other gestures of uneasiness as Samara's presence always struck a sense of virtuousness. "Ladies, I do not believe it is proper to act as so with a child of so young an age present." Samara's voice broke the silence, her piercing blue eyes staring Jack and Miranda down. "They are most likely to imitate those around them."
"She's right." Miranda agreed as she stood up and dusted herself off and played with her messy hair. "We should have been more responsible."
"You mean you should have been more responsible..." Jack muttered under her breath as she dusted off her hands.
"Yes, you both should have been." Samara said. "It is no concern of mine what you two do, but I expect better behavior from now on. At least while a child is present."
Ignoring the sneers made by Jack, Miranda walked to Samara. "I'm sorry if she disturbed you. I set her down for a moment to deal with an argument between two crew members."
"I see." the justicar replied. "Do not hesitate to leave the toddler in my care if you find yourself overwhelmed with...work."
"Understood." Miranda said as Samara handed her the baby. Rheia whined and wrinkled her face wanting to stay with Samara, but the justicar brought their foreheads together and through a mind message gave the toddler peace as she often did so with her own daughters to soothe them. Her whining ended shortly after the mental connection and with a warm smile, Samara went back to the observatory.
"I don't get that mind crap they do." Jack commented while crossing her arms. "I mean, aren't their eyes s'posed to go all black and crazy and shit? Or is that only during sex...?"
The others went to cleaning up the tables and picking up knocked over chairs, some of them baffled by what Samara had done to calm the child.
"Ugh. Jack will you shut your mouth and make yourself useful?" Miranda ordered. "Get the highchair ready for Rheia. She still hasn't had breakfast, I believe there is a box of cereal in the cupboards she can munch on."
"Alright, fuck." Jack obeyed and prepared the highchair for the hungry toddler.
"I'll get the cereal." Kasumi offered as she went into the kitchen area and went through the cabinets. She found the box of cereal Miranda had mentioned and pulled it off the shelf as grains of the cereal poured out of a corner of the box and all over the counter. It looked as though the corner of the box had been chewed away as well as the plastic bag that was covered with tiny teeth marks.
"Um..."
"What is it Kasumi?" Jacob asked as he walked to the thief's side and caught sight of the box. "Whoa. Looks like we've got critters."
Jack's eyes went wide as she leaned over the highchair adjusting it for Rheia, ignoring the discovery as the others went over to see what had been found. She scrubbed the tray and hoped to not draw attention to herself.
"That's odd." Garrus said.
"Eww mice!" Kelly shrieked.
"How did the rodents get on the ship?" Tali wondered.
"They couldn't have. There's no way." said Miranda, bouncing Rheia gently on her hip. She looked at the cereal box and giggled when she saw the teeth marks, remembering when Jack had been bitten by the hamster.
"Mama's hamster." the toddler said happily. Jack winced at her words and knew she had to get out of there if she wanted to be spared a lecture from the cheerleader. Everyone immediately thought of Jack, her being the perfect suspect of entering Shepard's private cabin and responsible for the child's knowledge of her sire parent having a pet hamster. Turning their heads in the direction of the high chair to accuse Jack, the biotic had long gone took off and disappeared below the decks.
A/N: Samara's appearance was sort of vague in this chapter but I promise there will be more of her. Aside from that, I am hoping to give readers a better feel toward the current relationship between Liara and Shepard and Shepard's feelings. Let me know what you thought :)