Renala is sitting in a booth near the bar, an empty plate and glass on the table before her. She's dressed similarly as last time she was here.
#Miner'sRespite – December 2, 2013
Iressa descends the staircase, dressed as though she just returned from out in the field. She makes a gesture similar to brushing off her hands as she surveys the establishment, spotting her acquiantance seemingly finished with a meal. "Hello, Renala." She greets pleasantly as she approaches. "How's the food today?"
Renala looks up at the asari approaching, a small smile forming. "Evening, Iressa," she says. "The food's not quite like Thessian, but it's good." She pauses. "How's it going with you?"
Iressa chuckles lightly before responding, "I'm quite well today. We were out earlier for some time, only recently did we return to the Respite." She tilts her head in thought, "I'm not sure how long ago it was, I might've missed you the first time we came through." The asari waves her hand dismissively, chalking it up to 'who knows'. "So," She begins, glancing down to brush something off of her clothes, "What have you been doing?"
Renala | "Nothing productive," she says followed by a chuckle. "I'm going to write to an IT company tomorrow, asking if they have some open positions." The asari sighs before adding, "They haven't got any advertized on the Extranet, which worries me a little."
Iressa shrugs, "Even if they haven't listed anything doesn't mean positions can't open up. At least you're being proactive about it, they might just take notice of that." She responds hopefully, pausing a moment before continuing. "Out of curiosity, do I know of this company?"
Renala nods. "I'm hoping for something like that, too," she says. "The company is Xinon, the receptionist at Hinpinn Minerals said they supplied their IT solutions. Their offices aren't in Freedom Falls, but it's not too far."
Iressa nods, 'mhm-ing' along vaguely. "It sounds like a pretty good idea, I hope they have something open for you." She responds, pausing for a moment to scan the other patrons, speaking again before she's finished. "If you didn't have to go too far, it'd be nice to keep some pleasant company in this place. I don't know why I thought renting a room above a bar would be a good idea." She shakes her head.
Renala chuckles. "Drinks, and a decent resturant without going outside?" she says. "I'd say that's the best you could get out here without paying per month." She pauses. "I'd get an apartment if I had a stable job, though, but right now I'm pretty much living day by day."
Va'ynna is standing behind the bar counter, but it's a rather calm early-evening with not too many patrons about. Most of them are humans, most likely miners and millitiamen.
Iressa laughs, "Alright, maybe I'm being greedy. But every once in a while someone has a bit too much before stumbling upstairs. Maybe I can look at it as free entertainment from now on." She shrugs. "So, then you're thinking about settling in more permanently here?" She inquires curiosly.
Renala looks thoughtful for a moment. "Maybe," she says. "If I find some stable work, then I suppose I could. Well," she glances towards the sky outside, "as long as that moon stays up there, of course."
Iressa follows her gaze as well, "Of course." She echoes. "Better not get too attached to this planet." She folds her arms in front of her, thinking for a moment before continuing. "I'm not sure how much longer we'll stay. Surely not long enough to have to worry about that moon, though. I can't seem to recall now: What was the estimation on that impact?"
Renala considers for a moment. "All I've heard is an upper bound of two-hundred years," she says. "So, yeah, it's not tomorrow to say at least." She glances towards the bar. "Were you going to order something at the bar?" she says. "Since you're still standing about, I mean."
Iressa looks to the bar, then to her feet, then back to Renala. "Oh, no. I guess I didn't really notice since I've been on my feet most of today." She lets out a little laugh, unfolding her arms. "But while I'm up, did you want something from the bar?"
Renala chuckles. "A glass of beer, please," she says with a smile. "You can put it and what you're getting on my tab."
Va'ynna puts a drink on the counter infront of another patron, and moves over to opposite some vacant seats while waiting for the next patron to signal her.
Iressa nods, taking Renala's empty plate and glass with her. "I might as well take these. Be right back." She smiles, turning toward the bar and placing the dishes down, waiting to be seen by an employee.
Va'ynna approaches her, taking the dishes to place them on a shelf below the counter for the time being with a nod. "Thank you," she says before asking, "Is there anything I can get for you, ma'am?"
Iressa glances back at Renala once, "Two glasses of beer would be great, thanks." She answers, leaning against the bar.
Va'ynna nods and beelines towards one of the cooled racks along the opposite wall, this probably not being the first time someone have had a beer today. She returns to the counter with the bottle and takes two glasses from a cupboard below it. "It's on your tab, right?" she says, "could I please have your name?" She pours the glasses while awaiting an answer.
Va'ynna tilts her head at little as she follows the other's gaze. "Um, okay," she says, making a mental note to mention it to Renala later. She puts the cap back on the bottle before placing it underneath the counter. "Is there anything else, ma'am?"
Iressa shakes her head, "Don't believe so. Thanks." She smiles, taking the glasses and heading back. The asari sets the glasses on the table, sliding back into the both. "Say, Renala." She begins, "Do you happen to know that asari serving drinks?" She asks in a hushed voice, enough to keep it somewhat to themselves.
Renala grabs the glass nearest her, "Thanks." She galnces towards the bar. "No, I don't," Renala says with a slight shake of her head, also keeping her voice lowered. "Why are you asking?"
Iressa waves dismissively, "Ah, nevermind. I think I was just being paraniod. It really doesn't matter." She responds, pushing the glass left to her around a little. "I'll be honest, I don't drink this stuff very much. What do you think of it?" She asks quickly, eyeing Va'ynna just a bit as she does.
Renala chuckles. "Paranoid? She makes me feel small, but that's about it," she says jokingly in a lowered voice, though Renala is not the tallest asari around. She glances at the drink. "It's... different from what I've had back home," she says, "but it's like the black warm stuff people here drink in their morning hours: once you get used to it, it's actually very good."
Iressa looks down into her glass, bringing it up to take a sip. After a moment she responds, "You're right, it certainly is different. I suppose I'm just not used to it yet." She shrugs. "Oh, hey." The asari suddenly rememebers, "Did you happen to run into Steve yet? I haven't been around the bar enough lately to talk to him."
Renala nods. "I have," she says with a slight smile. "He seems to be doing alright, but it's clear him and Darsk took some bad hits out there." She pauses, thinking for a moment and adds in a lowered voice, "Also, he'd like us to keep quiet about... you know who."
Iressa nods, "I thought so. Don't worry, I haven't said anything. You know I agree with what you both had to do, so I wouldn't want to stir anything up with our employers." She adds in the same hushed tone. "I'm glad he's doing alright, I have to say his condition was at least slightly concerning. I take it he's mostly resting now?"
Renala smiles and leans back. "Yeah, I'd think so," she says. "The job paid well enough to allow us all to take it easy for a while." Renala picks up her drink and takes a long sip of it. "I hope he is, at least."
Iressa mimics the other asari, relaxing in the booth. "I will admit the pay was good, I'll be able to take my time for a while. It's always nice to be allowed a leisurely pace." She nods to herself, taking a small sip of her drink. "So, IT solutions." She begins, recalling what they were talking about earlier. "I assume you have experience in this field, hm?"
Renala nods. "A couple of decades, yes," she says. "More if you'd count hacking doors, networks and terminals." She sips her drink and places the glass on the counter. "I did study it back when I was growing up, but as you can probably imagine, sitting in an office wasn't how I imagined spending the best three centuries of my life." A faint chuckle follows.
Iressa laughs lightly, "That's not a bad amount of experience to bring with you to a new company. Even if they don't quite awknowledge hacking doors as a marketable skill." She chuckles, "So, where did all this experience come from?" She asks curiosly.
Renala chuckles, but seems a little thoughtful while considering the second question. "I didn't pick that degree as a kid on a whim," she says. "So, I kept my skills sharp while earning some credits doing so. But Goddess," she says. "You won't believe what kind of stuff I stumble upon hacking private terminals."
Steve descends the staircase, looking a bit better than during his previous appearance. He's no longer limping, although an attentive person would still notice the extra attention he continues to give his side. Upon reaching the bottom of the stairs, he raises an arm in the air, giving a wave in Renala and Iressa's direction. Without waiting to see if the two asari took notice, he steps up to the bar and waits for the bartender to address him.
Iressa grins, "I can only imagine what kinds of... interesting things you can come across." She goes to take a sip of her drink, spotting Steve come down the stairs and give them a wave. "Well, there he is." She says, giving a small wave in return even though his attention is elsewhere. "He's looking better, that's for sure."
Va'ynna walks over to Steve as he arrives. "Hello," she says. "Is there anything I can get for you, sir?"
Steve leans against the counter and glances at the assortments of bottles behind the asari, looking through his options before finally tilting his head to the side, "Just a coffee for me tonight."
Va'ynna looks thoughtful for a moment, then recalls what it is. "I'd be right back," she says. "It might take a moemnt, so I can bring it to your table if you don't want to wait here."
Renala returns the wave with a small smile before turning back to Iressa. "Definitely," she says. "And yeah, hacking private terminals isn't for the faint of heart." Her tone is joking, probably exaggurating.
Steve nods and points towards Renala and Iressa's booth. "Not a problem. I'll be at that table right over there." he says, "Take your time."
Iressa laughs and raises a brow, "Oh really? I was about to ask what sorts of things you came across, but maybe it's too intense for me." She responds jokingly, going to take another sip of her drink.
Va'ynna follows his gaze before nodding. "It shouldn't take long, sir," she says before heading to the kitchen.
Steve remains at the counter for a moment longer, a smirk on his face as he (creepily) watches the bartender walk away. With a sigh, he pushes away from the counter and approaches the booth. "Evening, ladies." he says, seeming to have regained his cheerful facade that was absent during their mission.
Renala smirks at Iressa playing along, or so much she gathered from her tone. She looks up at the new arrival. "Hey, Steve," she says. "How's it going?"
Steve takes a seat at the edge of Renala's bench, "Can't complain." he says, giving a quick nod towards Iressa, "How's the-..." he begins, patting his own shoulder to get the rest of his question across.
Iressa looks down, lightly patting her own shoulder in acknowledgement of the question. "It's just fine, thanks." She responds, figuring dwelling too much on the subject may prove awkward. "You seem to be doing better as well." She adds, fiddling a little with her glass.
Renala frowns at the subject being brought up already, but keeps quiet, letting the other two talk. She picks up her glass and takes a long sip of it.
Steve tilts his head to the side with a shrug. "Like I said: can't complain. A few scratches here and there, but I'd be lying if I said it wasn't worth it for the nice padding it gave my credit chit. Where's the big guy?" he asks, giving the Respite a quick once-over as if he might spot the krogan stomping around somewhere.
Iressa chuckles lightly, "The 'big guy' is in his room. He insisted on coming with me today, so now he's resting up. I don't expect him to come down tonight." She goes for a sip of her drink, glancing at the stairs just in case. "Did you have a message for him?"
Steve shakes his head, "Nah, just being nosy." he smirks. "So what were you up to that required a krogan?" he asks, raising an eyebrow, "You know... Since I'm already sticking my nose where it doesn't belong and all."
Renala raises an eyebrow. "Did the wildlife give you trouble?" she asks, curiosuly. "Since he's resting up and you're here, almost forgetting to even sit down." She chuckles, her tone generally lighthearted.
Va'ynna emerges from the kitchen and heads towards the counter's side exit. She walks a little slower, but seems to balance the coffee cup ontop the small plate its on rather well. She places it onto the table when she reaches them. "Here," she says before stepping back. "Is there anything I can get for you while I'm here?" The second question didn't seem to be directed at anyone in particular.
Iressa shakes her head, "No, no. Nothing like that. There was no trouble, and really no reason for him to want to come, but he insisted. And all that walking and boring studying seemed to take it out of him." She chuckles to herself, looking down at her glass when Va'ynna arrives at the booth.
Steve pulls the cup in front of himself and nods graciously, "Much appreciated." he says before taking a short sip of his coffee. Making an exaggerated face, he gives a satisfied sigh, "Perfect." he says, smiling up at the bartender, "Best cup of coffee I've had in a long time, you're a natural."
Va'ynna smiles, some purple creeping into her cheeks. "I'm... glad to hear that," she says, shifting slightly but trying to remain professional. "Is there anything else I could get you, sir?"
Steve 's smile widens, "Nah, got everything I need right here." he says, raising his cup of coffee off the table, "I'll let ya know if that changes."
Va'ynna nods and steps back. She turns around and heads back to her position behind the bar counter.
Iressa looks up from her glass, raising a brow at Steve. "What...what was that?" She asks, genuinely curious.
Steve spins his glass around, rotating it until the handle faces him, like some kind of OCD tick, "Huh? I have no idea what you're talking about." he says dismissively, taking another short sip of his coffee.
Iressa gives Renala a quick glance, apparently alone on this one. "Maybe it was nothing." She concedes, shrugging. "Do you know who that was, then?" She directs the question toward Steve, keeping her voice somewhat hushed as she does.
Steve squints at Iressa, confused at her line of questioning. "Who-... The bartender?" he asks, craning his neck to take a look at Va'ynna, "Uh... No? Am I supposed to? Is she someone important?" He gives Renala a quick glance, wondering if she's as confused as he is.
Iressa throws her hands up, "Alright. Forget I asked. I've spent the day with plants and forgotten how to interact with people." She shakes her head, mumbling a little to herself as she goes for a long sip of her drink.
Renala chuckles, but a beep from her omni-tool interrupts her before she gets to say something. "Oh, seems I've got to go," she says with a smile. "It was nice talking with you two." She drinks the rest of her drink.
Steve leans across the table, inspecting Iressa's drink before settling back into his seat. "Need to make sure I stay away from whatever it is you're having..." he jokes. Upon hearing the beeping from Renala's omni-tool, he slides out of the booth to let Renala out, "Like clockwork, huh?"
Iressa smiles, noding in her direction. "It was a pleasure. And thank you for the drink, Renala." She says, giving Steve an unamused look.
Renala stands up and nods. "You're welcome," she says before stepping out of the booth, bringing her empty glass. "And no, I have almost no control on when she calls. That Thessia spins a little slower don't help, either." She may have misunderstood the idiom.
Steve pats Renala on the shoulder and slinks back into his seat. "Take care, Ren. I'll see you when I see you."
Renala nods. "You too," she says with a smile before heading towards the bar. There, she leaves the empty glass and exchanges a few words with the bartender about Iressa ordering on her tab. Then, she makes for the staircase; leaving the floor.
Iressa leans back in her seat, holding her glass in front of her as she watches the exchange at the bar curiosly for a moment, unsure if she too should retire to her room for the night.
Steve follows Iressa's stare, "Problem?" he asks, cradling his coffee cup in his hands, "You seem to be pretty suspicious of the new bartender..."
Iressa averts her gaze, eventually returning her attention to the human seated with her. "No, no, It's not like that." She says, gesturing defensively. "I... just forget about it, okay?" She asks, rather embarrassed about being called out on it.
Steve leans forward, resting his forearms against the table. "What's going on?" he asks, a hint of sincerity in his voice, "It's just us here. What's up?"
Iressa waves him away. "I'm just tired and paranoid. There's nothing going with her and I." She answers dismissively, taking a sip of her waning drink. "You, however." She begins, furrowing her brow, "acted even more strangely than I. Care to explain what that's about, now that it's just us?"
Steve raises an eyebrow and glances back towards the bartender once again. His smirk returns and he gives another shrug, "Not sure if you're implying what I think you're implying, but I'm just being friendly. Don't get me wrong, she's certainly a looker... But a bartender? Nah, think I'd need a woman more my speed."
Iressa shrugs, "It just struck me as odd. Of course she's attractive, but I didn't expect such a radical shift in tone. But if that's friendly to you..." She trails off, gesturing dismissively once again. After a quick scan of the bar, she leans in a bit toward Steve. "I've talked to Renala about, well, you know. I don't want you to worry about it." She assured him a rather quieted voice, averting her gaze from him and focusing on swirling what's left of her drink in her glass.
Steve 's smile slowly fades away and he reaches up, giving his forehead a quick rub. "I really wish she wouldn't have said anything... I don't know what your opinion is on what went down, but we did what we had to." he says, holding eye contact with Iressa as a certain intensity makes its way back into his voice, "We were lucky just to it out of there with our lives. I don't know Maria. I'm not risking my life for someone I don't know."
Iressa slowly slumps down in her seat, uneased by the intensity in his tone and she tries not to avert her gaze from him. "H-hey, it's alright. I agree with you guys, I understand what you had to do." She says rather sheepishly, confused and unsure why he's speaking to her this way.
Steve leans back in his seat, realizing he may have come across a bit more harsh than intended. "I-... I'm sorry, Iressa. I just don't want you to get the impression that it's easy for me to toss aside someone's life like that... It's a heavy decision. One that stays with you. But I think it was the right one." he sighs, "I just think it's better off if we get our stories straight in case someone comes looking for answers. If it comes down to it, I think it would be easier for people to accept if they thought there was nothing else we could do for her. So as far as anyone else needs to know, Maria was dead when we left, alright?"
Iressa nods quickly in response, "I think that would be best as well." She glances from his gaze to the table a few times before reaching for her glass, finishing the drink almost reluctantly, and setting the glass aside. "Like you said, you didn't know her. You were just put on the job together." She offers, trying to seem agreeable about the whole situation, though still visibly uncomfortable.
Steve nods a few times, lowering his gaze to the table as well. "She-... She was probably dead anyways." he says, but it's unclear whether he's trying to convince Iressa or himself, "You seen how they were... She was probably dead..."
Iressa nods along, "They probably... took care of her, you know, when everything started to go wrong for them. They wouldn't need to keep her around." She frowns, realizing that probably isn't a lot better. "So..." She begins, looking uncomfortably about the bar for a different subject. "So you're doing alright, then?" She asks and immediately berates herself internally for repeating the same question again. The asari bites down on her lip, looking anywhere but directly at the human as she awaits a response.
Steve nods quietly, his eyes remaining fixed on his drink for a moment before he lifts his head to face Iressa once again, "Yeah..." he whispers, clearing his throat before continuing, "Yeah, I'm doing alright." he repeats, forcing a smile. "Just hoping to come across some more permanent work, you know?" he chuckles dryly and shakes his head, "Came here to get away from that kind of work... From having to make decisions like that. But here we are, huh?"
Iressa straightens up a little, half of her mouth taken up in a small smile, though her expression is more melancholy than happy. "I think I can only understand some of what that's like." She confesses. "These things only ever happen to me without my slightest intention. But it still seems as if we're both trying to get away from jobs like that." The asari looks down at her hands, fiddling with them on the table. "There isn't a lot of permanent work around here, though." She adds, glancing up once as she speaks.
Va'ynna makes her way over to the door behind the bar. A minute later, she emerges and heads upstairs to her room.
Steve nods slowly, "I've noticed." he says, taking a long sip from his lukewarm coffee, "Guess this is all that's out there for me." he continues, sounding a bit defeated. "At least it pays well." he adds with a smirk.
Iressa looks up, noting his expression before letting out a little laugh. "Don't give up so easily." She says simply, glancing up the stairs to the next floor. With one hand she pats absently at her shoulder, made aware of the past wound again. Slowly her gaze returns to the human with her and she quickly removes her hand, instead scooping up the empty glass and speaking again, "I think perhaps I should be getting back to my room."
Steve takes another drink of his coffee and sets the cup aside as he watches the asari favoring the gunshot. "Yeah, I probably should get going too..." he says, "But I think the bar is calling out to me." Sliding out of the booth, he rises to his feet and picks up his cup, "I'll see you around, Iressa." he offers, beginning to make his way towards the bar. After a few steps, he turns in place, "Again..." he states, patting at his shoulder, miming the asari's previous motions, "...Sorry about that."
Iressa waves him away, "Don't worry about it." She responds, forcing a tired smile. "Take care, Steve." She gives him a light pat on the shoulder as she passes him, dropping off her glass at the bar before making her way up the staircase and out of sight.
Steve follows Iressa to the bar without another word, and takes a seat on the first open stool he comes across.