A quiet calm had descended over the crew of the Normandy.
EDI watched as they went about their duties in their usually efficient manner, but they were also enthused with a focus unlike anything EDI had seen before. And she'd seen the crew focused. There was no nervous energy like when they had gone to Tuchanka, no outbursts or unwarranted noises as there had been when they'd entered orbit of Thessia. Instead there were just cool and calm orders and the affirmation that the orders were received and being carried out.
The whole crew moved with purpose and so did the Normandy. The time to hit Earth was swiftly gaining up on them...and yet EDI found that her thoughts turned to something else, rather than the matter at hand. After all, there were no more preparations to be made, no more time for investigations, no more need to go sneaking around the galaxy in Stealth mode to evade the Reapers. The ship, its crew and herself were ready and it was now or never.
Again, she watched the crew making their final preparations before they reached Earth.
The Commander had done her usual rounds, speaking to everyone in turn, though EDI noted that Shepard never once spoke as if she believed they would fail, nor did she say anything that could be construed as a 'goodbye'. Her own moral was high and the fact that they could finally bring the fight to the enemy and finally take back Earth had galvanized her. Much as it did with some of the others aboard.
EDI noted that the human crew members seemed especially eager to return and enact payback on the Reapers for all they had done to humanity's homeworld. Major Alenko had been decidedly adamant that he would do as much damage as he could. It had made the Commander laugh softly at his words but not unkindly as she agreed with him, reaching out to squeeze his hand in an affectionate gesture before she left him to his thoughts. Lieutenant Vega and Cortez both expressed their eagerness to return too, although James had quietly spoken of his concern that they had been away so long.
Javik had said very little, but merely that he was starting to think that there was a probably of hope now that the end was in sight. EDI thought she detected a hint of sadness in his voice. As an Avatar of Vengeance, if the Reapers were defeated, what would be in store for him? EDI hoped he would find his peace.
The Engineers were in especially high spirits, which were dampened when they found out that Reporter Allers had lost her home, Berkenstein. The Reapers had merely bombed it when they had taken the Citadel. The Commander had done her best to reassure the reporter, swearing that she would make the Reapers pay of every life that had dared to take. Reporter Allers had smiled weakly back and made an excuse to make the Commander leave. She had then discreetly sent a message to Specialist Traynor to say that they should meet up after everything was over for drinks. Or at least that was the version she sent after a number of abortive attempts that ranged from downright suggestive to soul-bearing.
Shepard had caught Garrus and Tali together in the Main Battery, she had visited there after speaking to Dr. Michel and Liara...the former expressing concern and hope those she knew on the Citadel got away safely, while the latter worked furiously in the final co-ordination of the Fleet, her own preparations for the fight ahead were already complete. The Doctor was nervous but resolute that she would stand firm and fight with Shepard, and all the Commander could do was thank her for it.
The quarian and turian had been highly embarrassed at being caught by the Commander; EDI could understand their feelings after being caught with Jeff by her and Major Alenko. However, as Shepard had with EDI when she had asked the Commander about pursuing a relationship with Jeff, she gave the couple her blessing, exchanged a few words with each and left them alone. Tali had said that she was only using Garrus for his body, but EDI sure that she was joking. After all, quarians were known to be exceptionally loyal people...EDI couldn't imagine that Tali would simply use Garrus. However, the turian had spoken of a curious sentiment.
'It's good to have something to come back to.'
She glanced at Jeff when she heard Garrus say this; he didn't seem to noticed her look at first. She regarded him as he did what he did best. She smiled, thinking back on the night they had spent together before they hit the Cerberus base. EDI found she hoped she could repeat that night and expand upon it, but now wasn't the time. Afterwards, definitely but not right now.
Something good to come back to.
The memory file of that encounter flashed up in her mind. She hadn't actively called it forth, but it definitely sprang into life due to her thoughts about Jeff. EDI remembered Shepard saying that thinking about someone all the time was a sign of love. She replayed the encounter, the engines flaring a little hotter as they raced towards their rendezvous.
The sleeping quarters were dark and empty except for Jeff, he'd been the only one Shepard had demanded to rest, knowing that keeping the Normandy safe during the mission would not be easy. Jeff had froze when he heard the door slid open; clearly he wasn't alseep like he was supposed to but was, at least pretending in case Shepard entered to check on him. EDI had watched Jeff sleep on a number of occasions; she knew the signs but said nothing as she found herself sliding into the bed beside him.
EDI had seen Major Alenko slide in behind the Commander quite often, holding her close to his chest as she slept. EDI had discovered this was called 'spooning' and was a distinct display of affection. She often believed that Shepard merely tolerated such a position as, for the most part, the Commander was a distinct fidget when she slept and tended to sleep on her chest rather than her side. But she did so without much complaint, except in the morning about how stiff she was. The Major sometimes made a crude and suggestive joke out if it before getting pummelled with a pillow.
And there they lay for a few moments...quietly in the dark. Jeff hadn't moved, in fact he was decidedly ridged, making EDI question if she'd made the right decision, or if she should've at least announced her intentions. Spontaneous affectionate displays weren't a bad thing, but perhaps she'd misjudged things.
'You know EDI; it's usually the guys who are the Big Spoons.' Jeff whispered in the dark. 'I think your research is kinda faulty. Or does the Commander demand that Kaidan be the Little Spoon?'
EDI sighed at his flippant remark. 'We could switch places if you wish Jeff.' She replied. 'Or, if you would prefer, I could leave.'
She felt Jeff go rigid again.
'No! I mean...no EDI. I don't want you to leave.'
She felt him shift backwards, further into her embrace as if to prove that he wished her to stay, making himself as comfortable as he could against her chassis, much like he had done in that night in Purgatory.
The pair lapsed into a comfortable silence. EDI listened to Jeff as he lay there, his heart was beating faster than before, his breathing deeper...was he becoming aroused? The thought sent a little thrill through EDI and she felt the urge to find out the answer to that question.
'I will not leave you Jeff.' She breathed against the back of his neck. 'Ever.'
Her lips touched the sensitive flesh under his hairline and she felt him shiver, releasing a breath he had held when she had started to speak.
'Commander, you have a priority message from Admiral Hackett requesting to come aboard.' came Jeff' voice.
EDI snapped her main focus back to the Normandy, a little embarrassed she had become so distracted by her memories of that night. She felt sure that were she capable of it, she would've blushed. Yes, I do love Jeff she thought, why else would I have been so distracted by him and lost track?
'Permission granted.' came the reply.
This was it, the beginning of the end, EDI thought. The Admiral would give the order for the attack from the CIC of the Normandy. All fleets would converge on Earth and they would retake both it, the Citadel and the galaxy...or they would all die trying.
Admiral Hackett boarded and every stopped what they were doing and stood to attention, even Jeff. But EDI paid him no mind as she got to her feet as well and stood too, her focus was on Jeff. Her eyes, both that of the platform and of the Normandy itself studied him from every angle, taking in every detail it could. It didn't matter that Admiral Hackett spoke words to encourage those who listen. It didn't matter the hearty cheer the crew gave when the order was given, or anything else for that matter. All that EDI cared about in that moment was Jeff.
He turned to go back to his seat, but EDI reached out a hand to stop him.
'EDI?' he asked questioningly, looking at her with a degree of concern. 'What are you...'
He never got to finish his sentence as EDI stepped forward and pushed her lips to his. It felt like the right thing to do in such a situation. After all, he had done it to her once before, it was only right she should return the favour.
'For luck.' She smiled at him, breaking the kiss and leaving him standing there, rather dumbstruck.
She couldn't quite help the smirk from spreading across her face either when 'Joker!' rang out across the cockpit from the Commander, shouting at him to get back in the pilot seat.
'Sure thing Commander.' He had called back and limped back to his chair.
'You're so mean.' Jeff had whispered to her.
'But you like it Jeff.' She teased back, mimicking what Garrus had said earlier to Tali.
He laughed but made no further comment. Focus was what was needed now as timing would be the key in what was to come next. One wrong move, one misstep and the whole operation could crumble and see them all die.
'Let's go home EDI.'