Quaranteam - AU Ch. 07

Quaranteam: Alternating Uncertainties

Chapter 7

Aussie soldier, overwhelmed.

A little tip for anyone who hasn't picked up on it yet. Chapters with Tiberius as the main character will always have 'Aussie soldier' in the description/blurb. Rayne's chapters won't.

The character list will also only have characters relevant to the chapter, and new faces won't be added until after since spoilers.

Thanks for sticking with me. Enjoy! - SR

Dramatis Personae

-House Marshall-

Tiberius Marshall - 35, Lt. Colonel Australian Army SASR. Black Hair, Grey Eyes. Big teddy bear.

Charlotte Valiant - 35, Captain Australian Army SASR, Red hair, long hair, service submissive.

Leticia Valiant - 35, Captain Australian Army SASR, Red hair, shoulder length hair, tomboy.

Talia Becker - 27, Major Israeli Defence Force, Black hair, long hair, braided, wilful, but devoted.

Alice Rai - 31, Doctor of Medicine, Black hair, blue eyes, partial Indian descent, complete submissive.

Elizabeth Connors - 21, younger sister of Jaxson Connors. University Student - Finance

-House Morgan-

Benjamin Morgan - 36, Doctor. Little is known about his background.

Grace Lawry - 33, Captain, USAF. Tiberius' old friend. Partnered with Benjamin Morgan and the person who involved Ty in the Quaranteam Project.

-Other-

Zoe Evans - 19, daughter of Tiberius' good friends Toby and Matilda Evans and Tiberius' 'niece'. University Student.

William 'Bill' Anderson -- Colonel. Somewhat stiff, but very capable officer. Currently handling intelligence and internal security.

Barry 'Baz Davis - Brigadier. Ty's friend, officer in charge of Victoria Barracks.

Jonathan Hoffmann - Lt. General. Friend of Tiberius' and the twins' grandfather. Current highest-ranking member of the AUS military.

Jaxson Connors - Major, currently under arrest for abuse of authority and attempted murder. Was working with foreign parties to develop the Assassin Variant of DuoHalo.

--

Marshall Household, Melbourne Southeastern Suburbs, Victoria, Australia - October 27, 2020 - 9:15 PM AEDT

--

Tiberius sat at the table, watching silently as his partners shared a conversation with a young woman he never thought he'd have to meet, let alone be partnered to. It was surreal, if he was honest; the younger sister of the man Ty would probably have considered the biggest nuisance in his life, sitting at his dining table, having a lively conversation with all of his partners.

Shit. She's supposed to become one of them. And then there's Béatrice in the next few days, and Grace's problem to think about too. I'm in over my fucking head.

He dragged his attention back to the conversation, and tried to catch up as Elizabeth was speaking.

"Well, I never got along with mum or Jaxson. I think it was partially the age gap with Jaxson, and partially that they were both so cold to me since I was closer to dad. I'm pretty sure they actually hated me, so I went with dad when they split." Elizabeth's hands clenched as she said this, and the entire table could feel the sadness in the woman's voice as she spoke.

Alice nodded, patting Elizabeth's hand gently as she placed a cup in front of the young woman. "I feel for you, having to be in such a household as a child must have been difficult, and I hesitate to ask, but why did you return?"

Giving Alice a sad smile, she shrugged as she continued. "A 16-year-old doesn't have much say in the matter when the parent they live with dies of a brain aneurysm."

Alice's eyes widened. "I'm so sorry! That must have been terrible!"

Shaking her head, Elizabeth reached for the steaming cup of tea in front of her. "It's ok. At least dad didn't suffer long. They said it was a...what was it? Ruptured...saccharine aneurysm?"

Alice shook her head. "Saccular, dear. A saccular aneurysm." She slid a finger across her choker, deep in thought. "I'm sorry to ask, but did your father have high blood pressure? Did he smoke or drink?"

Though she seemed taken aback at the sudden question, she answered, shaking her head. "He didn't smoke, and only drank a few times a week at most, and not much when he did. I...don't know about his blood pressure." She gave Alice a long look afterwards, and the doctor felt her face reddening as she realised what she'd been doing. "Look, I'm not offended or anything, but why the twenty questions?"

Lottie, sitting next to Alice, nudged the doctor slightly. "Alice is a doctor, so I daresay it's an occupational habit. She's been making a point of getting all our medical histories, and since it seems you'll be joining our family, it looks like she's started on yours."

Elizabeth nodded, seeming to understand, but looking wistful. "Family...after dad died that kinda feels like a foreign concept, you know?" Her eyes found Tiberius' own, and she tilted her head slightly as the words tumbled out. "Jaxson and mum only got worse when I had to go back. I was still numb from dad's death, and they made it clear that I wasn't welcome and never would be. I can't say they abused me, though. The housekeeper made sure I was fed and clothed and mum and Jaxson ignored me completely. So at least I got to grieve for my dad in peace."

Looking around, she saw the expressions on the others' faces and shrugged. "I was fine. I didn't really want their attention at that point. And since I got my inheritance from dad's estate at 18, I decided that once I went to Uni, I'd never go back to mum's unless absolutely necessary. I can't say I'm completely independent, but in the three years since then, I've been back only once each year, when they close the dorms. And for the last year, I've been in a share house, so I wouldn't have had to return at all, except that the military came to get me."

Lettie gave her a pat on the shoulder. "That's a pretty tough call to make when family is involved. Are you sure you're ok? Did you have someone to support you? A boyfriend? Girlfriend? Just friends in general?"

"I never really thought of them as family so I don't really regret cutting them out of my life. But it's lonely, you know? I mean, yeah, I had tons of friends at Uni, but almost no boyfriends. I was cautious, since people knew who mum was and a lot of the boys ended up being really fixated on that. Instead, there were a few girls I was really close with, like sisters really, but it's been hard to get in touch with them, and more than one has dropped off the face of the planet. It's terrifying, and as far as everyone knows, there's no end in sight."

The young woman paused, looking down at the teacup between her hands before returning her gaze to meet Tiberius' own. "I...I signed all the documents and understand this is all hush-hush, but...is it all true? That there actually is an end in sight? And that this vaccine needs..." She blushed, looking away. "...that it needs sex to work?"

The fact that the young woman had gone red to her ears was not lost on anyone in the room, and they got the distinct impression that this young woman, despite her confident demeanour, was rather...inexperienced.

Tiberius tried his best to keep a straight face, but he could feel the smile tugging at the edges of his mouth. "Well, I think you'll feel better if the ladies explain the nuances to you, but it's true. I'd like to say that you have a choice, but I don't know that I'd be telling you the truth. For now, I'll leave the room and you can talk it through with the others. Once you've made up your mind, one of them can come get me. I'll just be in the lounge, killing time."

Now, she couldn't meet his gaze, but she nodded, and Ty stood, turning and going to his lounge. It had been some time since he'd been able to just kick back and game, so he figured, why not? He had time, and right now he just wanted to shove everything else aside. It was a problem for later.

--

"Um, he can't hear us from where he is, right?" Elizabeth's voice was barely a whisper as she spoke, her eyes darting around the room. The four other women sitting around her were incredibly beautiful, and she felt like a duck among swans.

Lottie nodded and Elizabeth was glad the two redheads had differing hairstyles or she'd be totally confused on which one was speaking at any moment. "He's probably gone to play a game or something, so it's fine. Even if he isn't, he wouldn't be eavesdropping. Not his style."

"Not even when it's to listen in on the sister of his worst enemy?"

This time it was Lettie who spoke, stifling laughter as she did. "Worst enemy? Jaxson Connors? God no. Connors was a thorn in his side, yes, but the title of 'worst enemy' belongs to someone else. That's a story for another time though. Suffice it to say you're in no danger of being overheard."

The young brunette relaxed as she slumped a little in her chair. "Ok. Good. He has this...aura, you know? It's big and wild and I have no idea how to describe it, but...he's kinda intimidating, but not in a scary way. It...It kind of draws me in? You know what I mean?"

This time Talia did laugh. "Darling girl, he's a soldier, and a very good one. While under the correct circumstances, intimidating is correct, I think the word you're looking for here is 'charismatic'. And he certainly is that, too. But that's not what you wanted to talk with us about. So let us start with what you were told about your current situation."

Elizabeth gave a noncommittal shrug. "I know my brother got involved with people he shouldn't have and that he caused problems. I don't know who these people are though, and nobody is willing to give me details. And I'm here because they needed a place to keep an eye on me, and then they thought you guys would be good for that job." Her voice faltered as she continued. "Then they started talking about this vaccine, and the stuff around that was...confusing. Bonding and imprinting. They made me do this really weird questionnaire and if the person asking me to do it hadn't been a woman, I'd have slapped them. I mean, how the actual fuck is climacophilia a real thing?"

She paused as they all laughed and Lottie gave her a quick explanation of Oracle. The light of understanding dawned on Elizabeth's face as Lottie wound up her explanation. "So, it's basically like the profile for a dating site, only they turned it up to 11. I get it now. So, after that, the system spat out a couple of sheets of paper with some faces and profiles on them. Each of those profiles had a percentage, which must be that compatibility you just mentioned. Anyway, all the guys on the sheets were military, clearly, and they asked me to choose. A couple of the options looked like the kind of smug pricks that tried to get with me when mum was still alive, so it was an instant no there, and then I came across Tiberius' face on the page. He's got that kinda rugged hunk thing going for him, you know? I didn't expect him to have quite so much presence in person though."

She let out a little giggle before she continued and the others smiled knowingly. "After that, I read his name and profile and thought, wow, he sounds pretty fun, and that the name seemed familiar. So, I accepted, thinking it would be ok. It was only when I got here that I realised where I'd heard his name before. I'd been back at mum's once or twice to hear Jaxson yelling about this 'Tiberius' he worked with, and mum telling him that he should just get rid of him. They stopped talking about it the moment they figured out I was there, but I guess he never got around to doing anything since he's clearly still here."

"Actually, Elizabeth, he almost did. Twice. Almost ended the big guy's career when he shot him in the leg, claiming it was an 'accident', and the second time by trying to give him the plague when we had no vaccine available." Lettie's voice was filled with anger, but it was clearly directed elsewhere.

Elizabeth just sat there with her mouth hanging open, horrified. It was one thing for Jaxson to have talked about it, and another entirely for him to have actually acted on those thoughts. How could he possibly want to be stuck with her after that?

"Maybe this isn't such a good idea. He can't possibly think well of me, being the sister of the guy who tried to kill him twice. Maybe I should just leave."

Talia placed a hand on her shoulder as she made to rise and gently pushed her back into her seat. "Relax. It is clear to us that you are not cut from the same cloth as your brother. The question is not whether he will accept you, but whether you will accept him. Can you trust that he will judge you only on your merits?"

Silently, Elizabeth nodded, settling back into her seat and wrapping her hands back around the teacup. The cup was sadly empty, but that didn't go unnoticed as Alice stood and went to the kitchen to refresh it. For several minutes, she watched the four ladies in silence, still unsure of her own position in this place.

"Um. Can I ask what your relationships with him are like? I don't know anything about the dynamics of a poly relationship and I don't want to step on anyone's toes."

"You may safely consider our toes untrodden." Alice laughed as she returned to the table, setting a tray of biscuits down along with a fresh pot of tea. "Our relationships are also quite new and it has been a whirlwind for us as well. Additionally, none of us have been in a poly relationship, so we're all learning together. But what we each have with Tiberius is unique. There are similarities and overlaps, but each of us has our own interactions with him." Alice flicked a glance at Lottie and Elizabeth noticed that, like Alice, she had a silken choker on. It was a lovely accessory, especially with the silver embroidery, but it clearly had more meaning than just that; Elizabeth just didn't know what that meaning was. Both women saw Elizabeth's gaze and smiled.

"Yes, this is a bit of a hint as to Charlotte and my dynamic with him. It's what we desire, and it's how he approaches us. I'm sure you will see it for yourself soon enough. And in time, you will find your own approach to your relationship with him. His size, in all respects, might intimidate, but that man is always gentle when it is what you desire. He will happily meet you on your terms."

"Does...does it have to be sex?" Elizabeth wasn't sure she wanted to do that with someone she'd just met. "I'm still...not sure about all this...but...I don't want it to be about sex the first time." Her body had been feeling warm for a while now, and she was starting to feel restless. She could feel it in her core and wasn't sure if it was the tea or something else. "And, uh, is it normal to be feeling hot after getting the shot? Um, kinda like when you...you know, get horny?" She couldn't help the blush that crept onto her face at the words. "It feels like an itch I really want to scratch but can't. It's not unbearable, but it's persistent."

The others looked concerned, but also understanding. Alice continued speaking, the doctor reacting automatically to the situation. "It has been a number of hours since you received the injection, has it not? From what data we have, we have surmised that something within our biology, or something within our environment, causes us to react to the serum faster than others. Normally, I'm told that it should take at least 12 hours before you start to feel the effects, and 48 hours before it becomes serious, but every case I have read involving Australians has been something like one-quarter of that time."

Elizabeth just looked confused and Lottie shrugged. "It's normal, Elizabeth. Part of the serum's effect is to increase the woman's libido, so what you're feeling is supposed to happen."

Lottie and the others gave Elizabeth a more detailed explanation on the serum and its effects, and the young woman nodded. Smiling, Lottie took her hand and pulled her to her feet. "Alright, why don't we go upstairs and talk to Tiberius. You won't be alone with him, and even when you are, he will not hurt you. That itch will just get worse the longer you wait. But though it will be uncomfortable, we still have time, and I'm sure there will be an option for you to change your mind if that's what you decide in the end."

There was a moment as apprehension shot through her, but she agreed.

--

Ty sat on the sofa, leaning forward as he concentrated. Once he left the kitchen, he turned his brain off. Elizabeth and the real world were problems for future Tiberius. Instead, he was tapping buttons and twisting knobs to the beat as he played a rhythm game; one of those niche interests he'd picked up on one of his postings overseas and it had stuck with him. His friends from that posting had even sent him a custom controller, something he still used to this day. It was a fun distraction, and a good one, as he never even saw Lottie and Elizabeth walk into the room, despite the door being within his line of sight. Ty had no idea how long they stood there and watched him, but eventually, Lottie got his attention by pulling his headset off.

"Oh shit! Sorry, Lots. Got kinda distracted." Turning towards Elizabeth, he smiled warmly. "Hello again Elizabeth, did you have a good chat with the other ladies? Also, do you prefer Elizabeth, Liz or Beth or something else?"

"I'm ok with most options, but if I had to choose? Liz, please. But Dad used to call me Lizzy, so if you can avoid using that, I'd appreciate it. It would be way too weird if you were to call me that."

"Understandable. Liz it is. So, have a seat, you two. Since you're here to see me, you must have things you'd like to discuss?" Shifting over to his recliner, Ty motioned for the pair to sit. "Ah, let me start with this, though. Welcome to our home, Liz. I apologise for not being a better host. I was a little blindsided by your arrival, but you are most welcome."

She blushed as the big man smiled at her again. "T-Thank you. I'm sorry to impose."

The smile rapidly shifted into a grin. "You don't need to be so nervous. I don't bite. Unless you're into that."

Her cheeks heated, and Lottie gave him a look. "Don't tease her, Ty. She's here for a serious talk."

"My bad, my bad. I'm sorry. So, what was it you wanted to speak about?"

The silence seemed to stretch on as Elizabeth gathered her thoughts, but both Ty and Lottie held themselves still. Finally, she looked up at Ty and asked the question that had been on her mind since she'd discovered the truth. "Do you really not hold it against me for what Jaxson did?"

Whatever questions Ty had been expecting, that was not one of them, so it took him a moment to respond. "Why should I? You had nothing to do with it. You said that you weren't close, and I have never once heard that guy speak of even having a sister, so I don't doubt you were telling the truth. Why then, should you suffer consequences from me for his actions?"

She scrutinised him for several seconds before the tension in her shoulders seemed to subside and her relief shone through. "Ok. Good. The second thing is, can we not have sex for this...bonding thing? I don't want to just leap into that." Her eyes flicked down and then widened before she continued. "I don't mean ever, just...not immediately."

"No problem. Go with what you're comfortable with, no pressure. Uh...w-" Ty wanted to ask if she had experience with any kind of intimacy, but Lottie was giving him a look that promised swift death if he was that callous.

Fortunately, Liz didn't seem to catch his near faux pas and just continued unabated. "Thanks. I'm ok with hand jobs and I've given enough blowjobs to know my way around. Guys don't really stick around if you don't give them at least something, right?"