Barracks sucked. No matter where you were stationed at, they were always crowded with men and women. Privacy was a luxury especially on nights like tonight. Everyone was excited to be on the crew to try out the new ship. The new hybrid ship. A ship created by two species that until the present couldn't stand each other.
Aoife took a quick glance in the mirror as she stepped out of the shower. Her light auburn hair flopped onto her forehead, obscuring part of the scar that crossed her eyebrows. Vivid green eyes stared back at her and she could easily admit that she could see the excitement coursing through her, the same through everyone else. A few more bodies were entering the communal showers and that was her cue to get dressed and packed.
Unlike some of her fellow colleagues, she didn't mind slumming it with the privates and lower officers. She enjoyed being able to listen to their stories of home, of families. It made it all that more important for her to insure that everyone remained safe and returned home. Her parents had drilled that into her since she was a young girl. Of course, now thinking of her parents reminded her who her new captain is. Captain Anderson, longtime friend of Lillian and Collin Shepard, and the commanding officer of the SSV Normandy.
It was beautiful. While she didn't know a drive core from a reactor, Aoife could certainly appreciate the sleek design of the ship. It was a marriage of both turian and human designs of a frigate. She's heard there were few differences: where the commanding officer's quarters were placed ahead of the crew, galaxy map above stations and most of all, the giant eezo core that powered the damn thing. There were whispers that the ship could become invisible, but that seemed way too far-fetched.
"Amazing isn't it? What our two species could create?"
Shepard glanced up at the older man's face. He was already in his uniform and while it would be intimidating to any other officer, she knew this man far too well to stand on ceremony. Holding out her hand, she chuckled, "It'll take some getting used to, that's for sure, Anderson."
"Come on, Shepard. Let me show you around."
It truly was beautiful, Shepard smiled as she piled her things in her locker. Higher ranked officers were allowed to board first, so it gave her a few moments of peace. Others were starting to file in however, and Shepard began to people watch. The doctor padded into the medical lab, already writing down supplies she'll need. A few privates excitedly-or nervously- chatting away about the mission they were on. A lieutenant who seemed just as interested in watching people as Shepard herself. All in all, they seemed like a good crew. They'd have to be, seeing as Captain Anderson had hand-picked the crew himself. Shepard gathered her armor and personal arms and headed down to the armory.
She chatted with the requisitions officer after donning her light armor, pleased to find out he had quite a few licenses with different companies. More goodies for her. The pilot-James? John?- announced they were heading for the relay. It had always been her favorite moment so she hurried to the elevator. She rushed past navigation, returned salutes to a few privates and arrived to the bridge just in time to see the blue energy surround the ship. She also found herself sharing the space with a turian. Odd, she didn't think that it was suppose to be a joint mission. Stranger that Anderson hadn't mentioned it to her as well.
As they exited the jump, the turian spoke with the pilot then marched off. It always seemed like they were marching somewhere. They made even the strictest recruiters seem like bunny rabbits. Maybe it was because of their extensive military training or maybe it was just culture thing. Shepard supposed she should probably do a little more research on them, seeing as she'll be working with one. Coming back from her thoughts, she caught the pilot and lieutenant she spied earlier arguing.
"You're paranoid. The Council helped fund this project, it makes sense to send one of their own."
The pilot-Joker!- rolled his eyes, "Yeah, that is the official story. But only a fool believes in that fluff."
Shepard took in his scruffy beard and hat pulled low over his eyes. She already liked him, sarcastic, funny and he didn't take things at face value. She heard rumors that he was one of the best pilots in the Alliance but she also heard that there was something wrong with him. Whether it was physical or mental, Shepard didn't care as long as he could fly the plane. The lieutenant on the other was clean cut, his black hair slicked back from his face. He obviously saw plenty of action, if his build was any indication. Shepard counted him lucky, she couldn't seem to see any visible scars. She would've gladly not taken a few talons to the face. Thousands of lives were saved, so it was worth it.
"Did you get that, Commander?"
Dammit, there she was again, day dreaming. Wasn't Anderson's voice coming through just a moment ago. If she was to guess, he'd wanted to see her. Nodding that she was off, she heard the lieutenant and Joker trade barbs. She smiled to herself, definitely a good crew.
Nihilus, the turian, was standing in the middle of the comm room when she reached it. It intimidated her a bit, seeing him studying their destination, Eden Prime. He slightly turned toward her and the screen disappeared, "Commander, I was hoping you'd be here first."
"Where's the captain?" Shepard shuffled, placing her hands behind her back. If he was standing on ceremony, so would she.
"Humanity's come along way in a short time. Take Eden Prime for example. It's become something of a beacon of hope for your people. But are you really ready for what's coming?" He had turned to her, his green eyes piercing her. The words sounded like a threat to her, but common sense told her he was just curious. He followed her actions and placed his hand behind him, tilting his head slightly, waiting for her answer.
Just as she opened her mouth, the door opened behind her and she heard the low baritones of the captain, "I think it's time we told the commander what's really going on."