We Stand Together

Chapter 16: More Machine than Nature

It's been a long, few days for Eden.

Her mission on the Moon wore her out, physically and mentally. All she really wanted to do was get to her ship, go home, and sleep, but unfortunately for her, one little dreg decided to get in her way. Embarrassingly, she ended up dying to that one little dreg. One. Just one. Not to mention when she did finally kill the dreg, the patrol the dreg had been with finally decided to show up. With a spider tank.

Needless to say, Eden's done with any missions for now. She's ready to get to the apartment, shower, and sleep for a day or two. But, as usual, when her day goes wrong, something important pops up.

Uriah, who's been quiet all the way back to the Tower, speaks up with a guilt-filled voice.

"Eden, the Vanguard, and our fireteam are requesting us."

A long sigh slips past frowning lips and weary golden eyes shut with exhaustion.

"Best not keep them waiting then," Eden exhales, rubbing at her face.

She proceeds to make her way down to the Vanguard, where she finds her fireteam and Zavala waiting.

Ikora Rey and Cayde are missing this time, Eden notices. She wonders, briefly, where they are but the thought goes away when everyone looks toward her.

"Titan," Zavala acknowledges when Eden stands by Jaren. She dips her head in greeting and waits for him to speak.

"There's an urgent matter on Venus we'd like you to attend to. And we'd like you to report back as soon as possible."

Axel, Lance, and Jaren straighten up, a certain sternness to their faces now.

"Of course Commander," Axel replies gruffly.

Zavala leans back over the table, turning his attention back to his work. Her fireteam takes it as their cue to leave and turn to head toward the shipwright. Eden stays behind, earning an inquisitive stare from Zavala.

"Titan?"

She steps forward

"Commander. I recently went to do a mission on the Moon. I'd like to talk to you about something I heard."

He nods.

"Come see me when you're finished and we'll discuss it."

She salutes him before turning and catching up with the rest of her fireteam. When she falls into step with them again, they send her questioning glances but say nothing. Jaren follows behind her, bright eyes watching closely.

As they go down the steps to the shipwright, Jaren leans up close enough to glance over her long face and sluggish movement.

"Are you alright?" He asks, quietly enough that the other two don't hear.

Eden looks up at him, startled, before smiling wearily.

"I'm fine, just really tired is all," She answers honestly.

Jaren gazes at her so intensely, she feels naked. A few seconds pass and then he nods and leans back.

"Alright. Don't be afraid to ask for help during the mission if you need it."

Eden can't help but grin.

"You'll be the first to know."

She tries winking as playfully as she can. Except, it just looks like she's trying to sneeze and smile all at the same time.

Jaren laughs at her expression while Uriah tries to desperately muffle his giggles, facing his shell away from Eden. She glances between the two, confused.