A/N: Warning for random asari flaunting their well entitled sense of superiority! :) That said, why the heck would you still be here, reading this story, if you didn't agree that the asari are the next best thing to Ben&Jerry's...
Also, for some reason, the next chapter will be posted on Friday. I need an extra day to prepare it, because it's going to be a slightly longer one.
Chapter 150 - Surrounded By The Color Blue
'That was beautiful... I must remember to thank Dr. Lorisia tomorrow for encouraging us to do this more often,' Morgan sends her thoughts to Liara through the shallow meld they continue to maintain, having come down from a very intense and yet somehow liberating, relaxing deep Joining.
'I quite agree. It is wonderful not having to worry about keeping any barriers up... and it makes me regret having kept the truth to myself for so long,' Liara admits a little sorrowfully, as Morgan revels in both the soothing presence of her bondmate's mind, as well as her delightfully bare body pressed against Morgan's side, both of them preferring their deep melding to be done while holding each other naked, intensifying the intimacy of the act.
'You know what is the most amazing thing about it? When we join as deeply, freely as this, I can... reach out and sense the child growing inside of you, I can feel her presence, sense her feelings... even send my feelings over across the bond. She... is so beautiful. Just like her mommy.'
'Yes. She is so very beautiful,' she feels Liara's thoughts, before the bond becomes twisted and fragile from a sudden rush of fear and anxiety that grips her bondmate, making her shudder as the panic over the wellbeing of their child seizes her.
Morgan reaches out with her thoughts, despite similar fears, trying to project only feelings of safety and peace, wrapping her bondmate in a blanket of comforting emotions and thoughts. 'Easy there, honey... everything will be alright, okay? We're doing all the right things to help the baby grow strong and smart like her mommy, and we have the best doctors looking after you both... you will be safe, I promise. Trust me when I say so... you do trust me, don't you?'
'Yes... with every fiber of my being... I trust you. We will be alright... I believe it too, when I hear you say it. When I feel you believing in it.'
She continues to hold Liara more tightly, sending more and more feelings of comfort and peace until the asari becomes completely relaxed again. 'There, that is much better. All better now.' They simply cling to each other for a while without speaking until Morgan thinks of something that has been making her a little curious for a while now. 'How come I didn't sense the baby when we joined without any barriers up back then, before Cronos Station?'
'You would have had to know what to look for, love. It would have been possible, I suppose, but... I did make sure you never had a moment to focus your thoughts properly...'
'Yes... you were excellent at distracting me, if I may add,' Morgan grins inwardly, feeling a small surge of heat spreading through their bond, as if they had both blushed from the memories.
'So... have you thought of a name yet, Morgan?' Liara asks through the bond.
'I have, but... I thought maybe you want to select an asari name for her, I would not be the person to ask for help with that.'
'I was thinking that since this baby will probably be delivered while we are still in the Sol System... perhaps it would be more fitting to give her a human name? If... if we ever have more children on Thessia, we could give them asari names...'
'That's a lovely idea, I like it!' Morgan agrees enthusiastically.
'So, are you going to tell me the name you've been thinking of? Or do I have to poke around your mind to dig it up?'
'You'll just have to wait patiently until after the birth, T'Soni,' Morgan teases.
'Oh, we'll see about that!' Liara exclaims, sending them both into a more intense meld, making Shepard let out a satisfied moan, reaching out to begin kiss Liara deeply on the lips in the physical realm. 'Oh, Shepard...' Liara sighs contently, beginning to respond to Morgan's kisses, the Joining quickly becoming more frantic with their rapidly growing arousal. The asari quickly guides her hand between Shepard's thighs, where Morgan's hips eagerly accept her bondmate's probing fingers, Liara this time not actively working to prolong the intensity of the mating meld, welcoming their rapid, easy and relaxed plunge towards the culmination of pleasure, so late in her pregnancy not having the stamina for drawn-out sessions of lovemaking.
"Whoa..." is all that Shepard can manage to say, leaning back on the pillow once they have finally slipped out of the meld, Liara resting her head on Morgan's shoulder.
"I quite agree with that sentiment," the asari chuckles, sounding utterly satisfied. "Also, I just wanted to say that I love the name that you have chosen for our child. I approve wholeheartedly."
"I'm glad you do, babe," Morgan sighs, putting her arms around her bondmate. "I'm so glad you do..."
"Councilor Tevos, we are so glad you could come and visit us," Liara says softly, the elder matron taking her hands before reaching out to kiss her on both cheeks, the same gesture then repeated with Shepard, the simple act indicative of their growing friendship and fondness for each other.
"It is my pleasure, Liara," Tevos smiles broadly, looking relaxed in private, as they take a stroll through the surprisingly vast gardens on the level which houses Liara and Shepard's quarters. Morgan is still amazed at the discovery that every deck of this glorious ship has some kind of recreational facility, some have gardens, yet others swimming pools or facilities for different indoor sports, large libraries and countless many other things of which she has only managed to explore very small amount in the five days they have spent aboard the Destiny Ascension. "It cannot be long now, can it?" Tevos asks, looking at Liara's bulging belly.
"The doctors estimate between two and three weeks, they want to give Liara as much time as possible to work on strengthening the bond with the child," Shepard explains.
"Of course," Tevos nods, smiling. "You are in good hands here, I have heard of Dr. Lorisia, she is exceptionally gifted." She gives a small and wistful sigh, throwing another glance at Liara's stomach. "It is strange for me to think that a young maiden like you is experiencing something so beautiful that my chosen career has denied me."
"Only thus far," Morgan winks at her, making Tevos blush lightly.
"Yes, well, let us not get ahead of ourselves," she chuckles softly. "Looking after Aria and the girls sometimes makes me feel like playing mother to three children... but don't let her catch me saying that."
"A shame that Aria could not accompany you," Shepard remarks, somehow finding herself missing the bravado and arrogance of the Pirate Queen. "Though I guess taking her with you to a meeting with Lidanya would have been... interesting, and probably unhelpful."
"Goddess, Shepard, I cannot even dare to contemplate the consequences. Lidanya is wise and kind, but she is very wary of Aria and would likely consider her the most inappropriate company imaginable for the asari councilor," Tevos replies.
"You will let Aria, Rila and Falere know that we miss them terribly, won't you, Councilor?" Liara says. "And pass our gratitude to the girls for their lovely gifts, of course."
"Yes, please tell Rila that the portrait she made for me has turned me into a complete narcissist," Shepard adds with a chuckle. "And we will listen to that recording immediately after we return to our quarters. I just hope that this time it really is a rec-" Morgan then cuts herself short, mentally slapping herself for the stupid gaffe, realizing that Tevos might still be unaware of Aria recording a session of their steamy lovemaking. The councilor is looking at her curiously, while Liara's eyes have gone wide as saucers with disbelief at Shepard's clumsy indiscretion. "Eh, forget that, a friend played a prank on us recently, it's a long story," she hastily adds, trying to cover her tracks.
Tevos merely smiles and her curiosity fades as she turns back towards Liara. "Of course, you realize that if Aria had heard you say that you are missing her, she would be insufferably smug for a week and possibly more than that," she says.
"Perhaps she has earned the right to be insufferably smug now and then," Liara smiles magnanimously in reply. "And I do miss her company, in a way."
"She will be pleased to know," Tevos says. "Recently, Aria has been talking about buying property on Thessia, once the homeworld has been rebuilt sufficiently. I believe she still intends to return to Omega, but to even hear her mentioning the possibility of returning to Thessia... it is a huge step."
"Where on Thessia was the mansion that your mother left to you, Liara?" Shepard asks.
"It was in a lovely, quiet suburb of Armali," Liara replies.
"Armali, yeah, tell Aria to buy a piece of land there, then we can be next door neighbors," Morgan chuckles.
"That has been her plan all the time, actually. She wanted me to discreetly pry about your plans on Thessia," Tevos smiles in return. "I believe Aria has grown quite attached to you both and does not like the idea of drifting apart."
"I believe that Morgan will appreciate more familiar faces on Thessia as she works to settle into the asari society," Liara says, nodding. "...not that Aria is a role-model on how to fit in amongst our people... or hasn't been one up until now."
"That is very true," Tevos agrees. "Speaking of fitting into an asari society, how have you found living on a ship with an all asari crew? This should give you a good idea of what to expect on Thessia, Shepard."
"It's been quite lovely, actually," Shepard replies enthusiastically. "Most of the crew are being friendly... some even exceedingly friendly, but those that maybe don't like me all that much still put in a lot of effort to appear outwardly polite. Haven't met with any sneers, insults or angry glares yet... okay, maybe one or two, but I just smiled at them and moved on. Still feels a lot better compared to what I get from my own people these days."
"The first few days were the most amusing. I sent Shepard out to mingle with the crew and told her not to return until she had spoken to at least a dozen of the asari stationed on the ship," Liara tells Tevos, broad grin plastered on her face. "As I suspected, there were a large number of overly enthusiastic maidens, eager to test Shepard's loyalty and devotion to me. Thankfully for Shepard, all of those maidens expressing interest in inviting her to their quarters remained disappointed."
Tevos lets out a lilting laugh. "Oh, I knew your appearance here would create quite the stir, Commander. It is very rare for a human to be seen aboard the Destiny Ascension, no doubt the ship is abuzz with rumors."
"Tell me about it," Shepard sighs, rolling her eyes. "Though I gathered that for some of them flirting with me was also a way to compliment Liara on choosing such a desirable mate and that they didn't seriously expect me to take things any further. Even if they probably would be up for it, if I did show some interest!"
"Oh, definitely. Both you and Liara will have to contend with a lot of attention and interest, merely because of your status, and because you both are young, attractive and covetable. And in your case, Shepard, also because you are a non-asari," Tevos explains. "While our kind have always been free to seek intimacy with each other, especially while serving on a ship like Destiny Ascension where assignments may last for decades with nobody but other asari around, the old prejudice against conceiving in an all-asari relationship still makes many crave to pursue a relationship with a non-asari."
"Perhaps now that a pureblood asari has been so instrumental in saving the galaxy, your people will begin to get over that prejudice, it just seems so ridiculous," Shepard says hopefully. "Especially when as I understand, there is actually no real research getting done on truly understanding the condition of the Ardat-Yakshi."
"We can only hope that things will change, but such shift in thinking will require time," Tevos says, smiling at Liara and then looking back at Morgan. "For now, rebuilding efforts come first, but as soon as the galaxy is back on its feet again... I will try to do what I can to bring the matter before our scientists and see about funding some serious investigation of the issue. It will not be easy, but... we still must do it, for Rila, Falere, and hundreds like them."
"I would like to help in any way I can, Councilor Tevos," Liara humbly offers. "It is not my field of research, but if there is anything that I can do..."
"Thank you for the support, Liara, you are most kind," Tevos smiles, briefly touching Liara's arm in a gesture of appreciation. "But it will still take a considerable amount of time, before I can even bring this topic to be discussed rationally, without the mass hysteria attached to it."
"And if you can't do it through official channels, just ask Aria to funnel some of her considerable wealth into recruiting some talented scientists unofficially," Morgan suggests. "I bet they wouldn't be able to refuse the amount of credits that Aria might be able to offer them."
"Very shrewd, Commander, I am impressed," Tevos nods approvingly. "Aria and I have discussed something like that, yes. It will remain an option, Aria wants to help the girls just as much as I do."
"It would be great if something could be done to help them, and let them be a part of this..." she spreads her arms wide, gesticulating at the ship surrounding them. "Wonderful community of slightly strange, crazy, but all in all awesome blue beauties. Heck... I often feel completely overwhelmed, trying to blend in and settle amongst them myself... but I think I'll manage."
"I know you will," Liara says confidently. "I'll just keep kicking you out of the quarters to spend more and more time with my people until you become fully comfortable around them. This, however, does not come with my permission for you to accept any offers at being pleasured by someone other than me."
"But I might miss out on important details about the asari culture if you restrict me so!" Morgan mock-complains, trying to keep her face straight, earning a playful glare from Liara.
"Yes, I think you both will be just fine. Shepard, you have shown yourself being... open-minded in the past, and that attitude will serve you well on Thessia," Tevos says, checking her chrono and looking a little startled when she realizes it is quite late already. "It seems I have already missed one appointment on the Citadel. Your company is so enjoyable I can hardly bear to part from you both, and yet it cannot be avoided," she adds regretfully.
"We'll see about sneaking in another Citadel visit, though with Liara's condition..." Shepard says, a little uncertainly, watching Liara shaking her head sadly.
"Understandable," Tevos nods. "Oh... before I leave, I assume that you have been brought up to speed about the relay situation?"
"We don't know overly much, just that a frigate of suicidal turians tried to jump through and seriously buggered something up worse than before," Morgan grinds out, trying not to appear too irritated.
"They were responsible for the attack on the quarian supply depot and sought to escape just punishment," the councilor explains. "While initially we feared that the damage will be substantial, my personal contact and old friend amongst the science team, Dr. Jelize, assures me that the structural damage will be repaired in less than ten days. In a way, we almost have to thank these turians, for their act of madness revealed some stability issues plaguing the relay that the scientists are now looking to resolve."
"Do they have an estimate for the repairs?" Liara asks, no doubt anxious to know whether the Destiny Ascension will be able to return to the asari space before she has to give birth.
"Between one to two months," Tevos replies. "Dr. Jelize was very evasive about committing to any deadlines, and no wonder, so far work has been very difficult. As soon as one problem is fixed, they encounter another unexpected issue."
"This isn't good news for our dextro friends, is it..." Shepard remarks, feeling gloomy and worried about her friends, fearing that the tensions between their people will slowly drive Tali and Garrus apart.
"We are trying to help as much as we can, offering our precious surplus food supplies to the turians. Some of them can tolerate a mix of dextro and levo food, which leads to more supplies for others of their kin," Tevos says. "In a much needed gesture of cooperation, many quarian volunteers are signing up to also test their tolerance towards mixed food. They are both resilient people, Shepard. They will survive and see their homeworlds again."
"Even after the defeat of the Reapers, there are still such hardships to endure," Liara shakes her head, looking saddened. "I hope that soon the galaxy will be able to truly rejoice and savor the results of everything we have achieved together."
"Nothing would please me more than to see that, Liara," Tevos bows her head. "And there are some good news about the relays, too. Our geth friends have extended an offer to help and test the safety of relay jumps. At first I was horrified, thinking that they would be willing to risk their... lives on our behalf, but this friend of yours, Legion, assures me that their programs would not be endangered, but would simply be transferred to another platform. They are being extremely helpful, I can now understand and almost agree with the quarians, creating and upgrading them despite the risk of invoking the Council's wrath."
"Nobody will again exploit them as their servants, however," Shepard exclaims passionately. "Due to their actions, they have earned the right to be treated as equals."
"It still comes as a slight shock to me, but yes, I do agree with that, Commander," Tevos nods. "It pleases me that our people on Thessia have decided to accept their aid in restoring the homeworld, the geth will be amazingly helpful." She then checks the chrono again. "Goddess, I allowed myself to be sidetracked yet again. Shepard, Liara," Tevos takes a hold of Morgan's hands, kissing her on the cheeks, repeating the same parting ritual with Liara. "I will keep you in my thoughts and close to my heart, you and your child."
"Thank you, Councilor, it was a pleasure to enjoy your company," Liara smiles warmly, Morgan nodding, standing next to her bondmate and taking Liara's hand as they both watch Tevos spinning around and quickly hurrying towards the docking bays, her commitments requesting her immediate return to the Citadel.
"Yeah, humans can be very strange. Did I tell you about this... male that my aunt almost bonded with?" says one of the engineers from Deck 27. Tinai is a reddish-purple skinned maiden approaching the first years of matronhood, currently sitting at the dining table in one of the many mess halls of the Destiny Ascension, together with Shepard and two other asari.
"Even if they know the tale, I do not and thus insist that you share it with me," Shepard smiles, inwardly marveling at how quickly these young asari accept her in their circles. Liara has been kicking her out to mingle some more with her fellow asari, and she has often come to have her meals in this particular mess hall, having met Tinai and her bondmate Coralie a few days ago, the two asari now already treating her as an old friend. Not sure they're actually true bondmates, though, but at least they're currently warming the same bunk, I guess. The word 'bondmate' seems to be used in a lot of different connotations, I mean, Liara and I call ourselves bondmates, and we think of each other as bondmates, even if we're not officially and legally bonded, the way I understand it needs to be done...
"Well, this human male was apparently very sweet at first, but had some strange ideas, not unlike yours Shepard," Tinai explains. "When my aunt asked him for permission to seek pleasure and experience the Joining with an old friend she had not seen for two centuries, the male exploded in a righteous rage. He claimed that he would never seek companionship of another, even if my aunt was open to the possibility. He was extremely fervent and pompous about the whole thing. But here's the funny thing..."
"In the end he went and cheated with someone behind your aunt's back," Shepard ventures, breaking into laughter as she watches Tinai's eyes widening in surprise.
"Bah, someone told you the tale," she grumbles, poking Coralie in the ribs accusingly.
"No, she's not to be blamed, I just know how depressing humans can be," Morgan sighs deeply.
"Are you saying that you will inevitably do the same to your lover, Shepard?" the third asari in their company asks, a young nurse by the name of Fidea from the nearby medbay.
"Ugh, no... I can't imagine that, the mere idea of cheating on Liara feels revolting," Shepard says, feeling her stomach twisting at the thought.
"But why would he refuse the opportunity when it is freely given, but then try to attempt it in secret anyway?" Coralie wonders, looking puzzled. "And with a human female no less!"
"I imagine that he wanted to maintain the impression of fidelity that would allow him to keep the moral high ground," Shepard shrugs. "Don't ask me why, human motivations are usually very complicated and irrational. Our relationships are usually ruled by all kinds of different insecurities. That's why humans tend to act very possessive and jealous, constantly in fear that their partners might leave them for whatever reason."
"But it is so silly!" Tinai exclaims, looking exasperated. "Shepard, you are a hero of the galaxy, surely you would not suffer from such insecurities? We have heard some rumors about what Dr. T'Soni did for you... like bringing you back from the dead? I mean... you can't possibly believe that she would ever forsake you for someone else? And since you know our people, you would realize that even if she desired someone else as well, she would not feel that she would have to leave you in order to act upon this desire."
"Hmm, well... I don't think I would be very happy if Liara ever came to me with such a request, though. I know that it's probably not about that, but it's very hard not to treat such request as an implication that there is something lacking from your relationship, something that I can't give to Liara. And that's not a pleasant feeling," Morgan replies, having spent some time to ponder her answer. These young asari are very idealistic and optimistic about the way relationships work, but amongst all their sometimes naive conceptions, Morgan still manages to find things that make sense and appeal to her, feeling her own point of view gradually expanding as she consumes more and more insights from these maidens. "But you are right about one thing, I haven't really ever felt that Liara might leave me for someone else, and I think she has similar confidence in me. Heck, if she didn't, she wouldn't let me hang out with you girls."
"Well said, Shepard. I think you and Dr. T'Soni have a wonderful foundation for relationship based on complete trust with lots and lots of delightful things to explore and experiment with," Fidea states, dreamy and wistful expression on her face.
"Perhaps, though I don't think that awkward exploration and experimentation is something we're really looking for at this stage of our relationship," Shepard smiles at the young nurse. "Right now we desire only each other, and personally I would be very happy for things to stay that way for as long as I live. If it doesn't... well, Liara and I will deal with it together. And what about you two?" she looks at Tinai and Coralie. "You're together, but are you also seeing someone else, if that is not rude to ask?"
"I haven't been with anyone else but Tinai for five months," Coralie replies, smiling. "Sure, I understand what you're saying, Shepard, and yes, when deeply in love asari go through monogamous phases as well, sometimes they even last very long. Possibly for centuries."
"Six months for me," Tinai adds. "Yeah, I guess I agree. It's just that I have not forbidden Coralie anything, and I never would. Unlike you humans, we don't feel the need to pretend that we are somehow naturally inclined to be monogamous."
"Well, pretend is a rather strong word," Shepard argues.
"To be honest, the statistics of human bonding are rather depressive and do not support your argument, Shepard," Fidea states. "Only 32% that survive ten years or more, I don't see much evidence of inclination for monogamy there. When our people bond, the union is rarely broken, though of course in its nature it can be far less restrictive than human bonding."
"You mean marriage, I think," Morgan corrects the young nurse, chuckling as Fidea blushes a bit from her mistake. "But well... I kind of see your point."
"I think you humans would do much better if you allowed yourself more freedom in relationships the way asari do," Tinai nods sagely. "Your people wouldn't feel the need to break up their families the moment they see someone attractive winking at them invitingly!"
"There are a lot of humans experimenting with so called open relationships where you are allowed to have more than one partner, but... to be honest, they have an even worse track record," Shepard says. "I think it's probably because despite claiming that they will be more open about their needs and desires, they are still the same humans, with the same insecurities. And the whole lifestyle has been given bad reputation by sexual deviants who game and abuse it, seeing in it simply a way to sleep with as many men or women as possible."
"Goddess... you're right, humans are so depressing," Coralie sighs, shaking her head. "I hope you are different than the rest of your kind, Shepard. You seem very reasonable..."
"Well, thank you," Morgan grins. "I guess I must be somehow special, at least my track record seems to imply as much. Also, they kicked me off Earth, so I guess my own people don't like me too much."
"Just proves how stupid they are," Tinai chuckles. "I think Coralie is right, though, you're a good sort and I think you'll fit right in on Thessia."
"Thank you, girls," Morgan smiles, feeling a little moved from the unexpected compliment.
"I've been thinking a lot about this. I believe that our long lifespan is the reason why the asari are more communal creatures than the humans, and do not necessarily view monogamy as a virtue," Fidea says thoughtfully. "It also helps us deal with the loss of a loved one more easily. If we were more like humans, we would find it far more painful."
"I think you're right about that, Fi-Fi," Tinai chuckles, Fidea threateningly raising her fork, annoyed at the use of her nickname. "So you see, Shepard, even if you deny yourself any exploration and experiments, you might still want to encourage Liara or else she will find it difficult to move on after you eventually pass away."
"Tinai!" Coralie hisses, elbowing her girlfriend. "It is most rude, talking about Shepard as if she were dead already! Goddess, sometimes you embarrass me so much!"
Shepard finds herself laughing, comfortingly patting Tinai's hand as she blushes and hastily apologizes. "According to my doctors, I will enjoy a much longer lifespan than the average human, so... Liara and I won't have to worry about that issue for a long time," she smiles. They kind of raise a good point, though... but that is a concern for very far in the future... gods... I can look at something very far in the future... what a mind-blowing change, thinking in terms of decades an centuries instead of worrying about making it through another day. "Anyway, I thank you all for the as always enjoyable conversation, but now, I believe I will go spend time with my beloved and enjoy our happily monogamous phase," Morgan chuckles, getting up from the table.
"You're missing out on all the fun!" Tinai yells after Morgan as Coralie almost tackles her, trying to keep her lover from embarrassing herself even further. Crazy, completely crazy, the lot of them, Shepard thinks, smiling at herself as she walks away. But... I can't help myself from getting to really like all these blue crazies...