Chapter Two: New Friends, New Enemies
Eedane glanced critically in the mirror before her. She had left her hair as its natural colour, a wispy, pale silvery lilac colour, twisting it into a neat bun and she wore the customary uniform of Ciliaons that were travelling – an off the shoulder top and a pair of trousers, with a belt and heavy black boots. Eedane had chosen to have her clothes in lilac as well, though jacket was black.
She clipped a pistol, a shotgun and two daggers, engraved with mysterious runes and extremely sharp. She gave herself one last check before rushing out of the door and running towards the elevator.
As the doors closed, a human hand stopped them, allowing Eedane to squeeze in.
"Hi there," she said, smiling at the human male. He was taller than her, with dark hair and a kind face. "I'm Eedane, pleasure to meet you."
He shook her hand warmly.
"I'm Lieutenant Kaidan Alenko – I believe that we'll be working on the same ship now, am I right?"
Eedane found herself uncomfortable under his direct gaze, once again reminded of just how dependent the humans were on expressions. She settled with a nod, casting her eyes away and staring at the wall in front as the elevator silently descended.
Eedane wringed her hands nervously, keeping her eyes downcast – though she felt like Kaidan was still staring at her. She wondered if that everyone on the Normandy was like this; she would end up becoming a nervous wreck if she didn't start trying to get used to it. She missed her home, the elaborate festivals, the lazy days swimming in the lakes and visiting the temples.
The elevator came to a slow halt, and she stepped gratefully outside, breathing in a lungful of fresh air. Kaidan walked quickly to the Normandy and was inside before she had even started walking.
It's not too late…you could turn around.
But she knew she wouldn't. There was something about the unknown dangers of space, and the mystery of the rogue spectre that fascinated her. Rolling her eyes at her own stupidity, she stepped into the airlock, breathing in the last breath of fresh air she'd have for a while.
After a moment the doors slid open. Eedane clenched her fists tightly, before composing herself and walking in, hoping she didn't look as lost as she felt. She walked directly to the front of the ship, ready to silently take her place as an assistant to fly the thing. A man with red hair sat on the main chair, casually chatting through the com to someone – from the sounds of it, the Commander; the conversation seemed anything but friendly.
She sat down in one of the lower chairs next to it, closing her eyes and leaning back on the seat. She wanted the journey to start, she wanted something to do.
"Hi there – I'm Joker, and I guess you're the girl who's gonna help fly this ship; nice to meet you!"
Eedane quickly adopted a smile, reaching over to shake his hand. He briefly explained his brittle bone disease situation before she introduced herself.
"I am called Eedane, and it's a pleasure to meet you, Joker."
He turned back to the screen in front of him, leaving Eedane to herself.
"Oh and by the way, I don't mind if you wander off much – I have been flying this thing by myself for long enough to be fine; but the Commander didn't like it. But then, no offence, I don't think he likes the person I chose to help."
Eedane felt slightly flattered that he chose her, though it was followed by some apprehension at the obvious statement of the Commander's dislike for her.
Well I suppose this is going to be an interesting ride. She thought wryly to herself rubbing her arm absently as she waited for the ship to take off.
A loud, rough male voice sent shivers down her spine and she resisted the urge to sink down in her seat as the Commander barged his way to speak to Joker, carefully ignoring her.
"…Oh, and this is Eedane – she's helping me, Doctor Chakwas and if you'll let her, maybe do some combat as well."
The Commander turned an icy glare on Eedane, nodding as a greeting and turning away quickly, stomping back away. Eedane let out a breath she hadn't realised that she'd been holding and gave her attention back to the screen in front of her, quickly accessing the map of space, her eyes travelling awe-struck as she saw the many planets that had been discovered.
"For now, I would go and meet the crew and hang around with the Doc, Eedane. I won't really need you around here until we get some action – and you'll be manning the guns on this baby when we do." Joker said, giving her a wink and a friendly grin as she clambered from her seat.
"Yeah, yeah – just so you can get back to spying on the crew!" she laughed, giving him a nudge as she walked past, pleased when he chuckled to himself. After doubling back for some directions, Eedane walked slowly to the medical bay.
As she got out of the elevator, the Commander got in and, knowing that he would try to ignore her, Eedane gave him a blank stare (overplaying the fact that Ciliaons didn't use so much expression) and gave him a wave, smilingly evilly to herself as he frowned back.
She stepped into the medical bay, the doors opening with a swoosh sound to see a small but well equipped room. A maturely aged woman was in one corner, sorting through some equipment and old files.
"Hello there – I'm Eedane."
The woman looked up with a kind smile, pushing a large pile of files to one side.
"Ah so you're the girl who helps Joker, me and the Commander."
Eedane gave a rueful smile and sat down on a nearby stool.
"Actually, I don't think he likes me very much."
The doctor patted Eedane on the head, continuing to bustle around.
"I'm sure he'll warm up to you eventually – a pretty girl like you must not have enemies very often."
Eedane smiled gratefully at the compliment, asking if she could help at all with a dubious look at the large files stacked in the cupboard the Doctor was sorting. The grey-haired woman laughed and told Eedane to go and have some fun while she could. Eedane hopped off of the stool and walked out again, at a loss of what to do.
She had no real longing to go and talk to the rest of the crew – Eedane didn't want to have to put up with their questions and was also not the best at talking with other species. Conversing with people she didn't really know was not something she was good at, and tried to avoid it if she could.
Eedane walked to the elevator and sat down inside it, putting her head in her hands. Even though it was the first day, she felt completely lost.
She pulled her music player from her pocket and put it on, smiling as the familiar tunes washed over her and calmed her down again. She relaxed and made herself turn it off, get up and at least try to make friends.
It would be a very long trip otherwise.
88
Eedane had decided to start with the Krogan, Wrex. As well as her interest in the genophage, she had a genuine appreciation for their hardiness and awesome battle abilities. She hoped that the Krogan was willing for her to try and become friends – they weren't known for their 'friendly' traits. If they actually had any.
She headed towards the huge alien as he stood in the corner, his small eyes travelling over to her as she approached.
"Hello Wrex," she said, not bothering to force an expression on her face – the muscles were beginning to hurt as she used them too much here, "I'm Eedane, nice to meet you."
The Krogan inclined his head slightly as a greeting, watching her carefully as if to see whether she would take the gesture as rude (like Commander Shepard). However, Eedane just nodded back, sighing as she looked around her.
The Krogan was obviously not one for conversation, as they stood like that in silence for several moments.
"Don't bother about Shepard…" the Krogan growled in his gravely voice, "I guess that he might feel intimidated by you – you don't seem to give a damn whether he talks to you or not, and you're not afraid to stand up to him. That'll get him to respect you eventually…maybe."
Eedane thanked him gratefully for the little talk, walking away without hearing the Krogan chuckling to himself. There was something about her that challenged him, and he was sure that one day she would snap and be very angry with Shepard. He hoped that he would be there to see it.