Chapter Text
Jane briskly walked down the hall. Duffle in her arms, rifle over the shoulder. She had been chosen for the (A)dvanced I(n)terplanetary (U)niversal (S)chooling. It was a special training module specifically for young gifted marines. But, what made it stand out was the set-up. Every individual was bunking with another trainee (some groups doubling up). The catch? No two people of the same species would be together. It was presented as a way to promote camaraderie and intergalactic friendships, but she was sure there was a secondary motive that had yet to rear its ugly head.
She looked out the window, dizzyingly higher than the tiny ants, scratch that, people, scurrying about in the streets. A small block of C-Sec’s barracks had been cleared just for them. The smell of industrial disinfectant wafted through the air and burned her eyes. She grimaced but kept going.
Apartment 221. Jane took a steadying breath. This was it. Inside there would be two sets of dorms, A and B. She and her roommate had B to themselves, while A had four inhabitants. A kitchenette and common area were supposed to be shared between the two groups. She wasn’t sure how that would work out in practice.
The door slid open with a slight hiss at her touch. To her left were a large couch and two armchairs, between them all a coffee table. Behind that the kitchenette lay, dark and quiet. A small fridge hummed softly in the gloom. She looked to the right. Dorm A’s door was first, then the bathroom’s, and finally Dorm B’s room.
Jane opened the door to an imposing Turian. He was well over a foot taller than her and holding a mean looking rifle. “Garrus, right?” He nodded, “Jane?” She put out a hand, “I’d prefer Shepard.” His brow plates twitched in amusement as he shook her hand, “Yes, ma’am.” The short woman scoffed a bit but didn’t say anything. Garrus had taken the bottom bunk, so she was stuck with the top.