#Miner'sRespite – January 15, 2014

Renala is sitting in a booth near the bar, reading something on her omni-tool. She is thus very inattentive to her sorroundings. There's a empy plate on the table infront of her with a nearly empty glass of beer beside it. She's wearing a rather modest dark-green top.

Steve descends the staircase and makes right for the bar, catching sight of Renala in the process. After receiving a glass of water, he approaches her table and sets his glass down. "Evenin' Ren." he says as he slides into the seat across from her, "You look busy." he adds with a smile.

Renala looks up at Steve with a smile. "Evening," she replies in kind. "No, I'm just bored... hoping to hear from that agency before my credit balance runs dry." Her omni-tool dissipates as she grabs her glass. "How about you? Heard anything from them?"

Steve shakes his head. "Nah. Was just about to ask you the same thing. Don't suspect I'll be hearing anything from them anyways. They seemed interested in you, though, so I wouldn't worry about it too much. I'm sure you'll get the job." he says with a nod. "So what's new with you? Haven't seen you all week, been dodging me?" he jokes.

Renala chuckles. "Maybe," she says, jokingly as well. "I got to make the most of what credits I have left, so I can't go down here for a drink as often anymore."

Steve takes a swig of his water and sets the glass back down in front of him, rotating the cup in place absently as he speaks, "You know if you need anything-..." he stops and clears his throat uncomfortably, "I mean, I know it's not the easiest thing to ask but... I've got credits put away for a rainy day. All you have to do is ask."

Renala smiles for a moment before it fades into a thoughtful expression. "I appreciate it, but..." she begins. "You have more faith in me getting the job than yourself. I don't think it'll be fair on you." She picks up her glass and drinks the remainder of it.

Steve tilts his head to one side, then the other, looking for the right way to phrase what he's about to say. "I've had steady work for a long time..." he says, glancing around the room, "I'm not exactly hurting for credits. Don't get me wrong," he continues, putting his hands up defensively, "I'm not bathing in credit chits... But, yeah... Job or no job, I'll be able to keep my head above water." he nods and lowers his gaze to his glass of water. "Finding a job is more about a return to normalcy and keeping me occupied. Free time isn't a good thing for me. Idle hands, and all that..."

Renala nods. "In that case," she begins. "I suppose I could ask to borrow some credits if I don't get the job." She glances towards the bar, briefly contemplating getting another drink, but her gaze returns as she decides against it. "Thanks," she says with a smile.

Steve nods and his smile returns. "Any time. So, speaking of this job... It actually sounded pretty low key. Security detail and such. Not what I was expecting out of a group of freelancers."

Renala shrugs "Yeah, but I'd be content with that," she says. "Sounds boring, but at least I don't run the risk of being out of comm buoy coverage for too long."

Steve continues absently fiddling with his glass of water, pushing it back and forth between his hands. "Nothing wrong with quiet, routine work. That's exactly what I was hoping for, actually. Just isn't what I expected is all. Probably shouldn't expect a whole lot in terms of pay... I cant' imagine standard security contracts bring in the big credits."

Renala | "True, but it's something, at least," she says, before thinking for a moment. "Oh, did you find an apartment around town? Figured we could save some credits that way if the job turns out to be stable enough."

Steve stares across the table at Renala for a moment and raises his eyebrow. "Uh, no. After-... Well, you know... I figured that was probably off the table. It's still something you're interested in?" he asks tentatively.

Renala nods. "Yeah, I am," she says. "As you said, that was a one-time thing with a clear cause, right?" She pauses, idly turning the empty glass on the table. "Why shouldn't I, anyway?"

Steve nods a few times. "Yeah..." he says, "One time thing. I just figured it may have..." he shrugs, "I don't know. Made you change your mind? Freaked you the fuck out?" he chuckles, a bit embarassed by the subject in general but doing his best to keep it light, "But if you're still in, I'll check out some listings tonight. Would definitely save us both a few credits."

Renala smiles slightly. "I admit, you kind of freaked me out," she says, "but mostly because I feared armed people would kick in the door at any moment." She pauses. "Anyway, Where do you plan on looking? Here in twon, or in the homesteads around it?"

Steve reddens a bit at Renala's mention of his little break down, but seems to become slightly more comfortably once she changes the subject. He taps his fingertips against the table and shifts in his seat. "I haven't thought about it much. Have a preference?" he asks.

Renala hums thoughtfully. "It will take a bit longer to get to places," she begins, "but we might get more for our money out there, and it'll be a little quieter." She chuckles before adding, "Well, except that day not too long ago when it sounded like a war-zone."

Steve gives her a questioning look. "War zone?" he asks, "When was this?" He leans forward against the table, interested in what Renala has to say.

Renala looks thoughtful for a moment. "Fifteen days ago, if I remember correctly," she says. "Was just some celebration, according to the local news sources I checked."

Steve looks down at the table for a moment, thinking on the subject before raising his head with a smile. "New Year... Yeah, we can get a little wild around our holidays." he chuckles. "Maybe next year we can pick up some fireworks and join in." he offers with a smile, "I think you'd have fun."

Renala chuckles. "Yeah, sounds like fun," she says. "Our celebration to makr a new year on Thessia isn't as exciting, that's for sure."

Steve takes another sip of his water and sets the glass aside. "No?" he asks, "What do you do? Figured asari would party hard." he teases.

Iressa descends the stairs, wringing her hands as she surveys the floor. She's dressed in casual, nondescript clothing, and a careful observer might notice something's amiss. Her hands return to her side and a small smile appears as the asari notices the pair chatting nearby. "Hello Steve, Renala." She greets on approach.

Steve glances up at the approaching asari and gives her a friendly nod. "How's it going, Iressa? Been a while."

Renala is about the answer the question, but is interrupted by Iressa's approach. "Evening, Iressa," she says with a smile.

Iressa nods, "It has been some time." She agrees plainly, turning to the other asari to add, "In fact, I don't think we've spoken since your travels. I trust everything went alright?" She questions, her fingers begining to intertwine once again.

Renala smiles. "Yeah, it did," she replies. "It was good to see my kid again in person. It may have made finding a job a little more urgent, though." She pauses for a moment. "I hope you've been well, too?"

Steve sits back and nurses his glass of water as he listens to the two asari speak.

Iressa looks between the two for a moment, seeming to miss the question entirely before giving a hasty nod and a 'mhm' sound. The uncomfortable asari clears her throat, speaking again before the pause gets too long. "So, nothing permanent's come up yet?" She asks, shifting on her feet.

Steve leans forward, resting his forearms against the table once again. "We met with a freelance agency that's hiring... Haven't heard back yet, but I'm pretty sure she's got it in the bag." he says with a nod.

Renala frowns. "I'm sure we'll both be hired along," she says, "or I'm going to have a talk with Wolfe." A small smile returns as she adds, "Please, take a seat," she says.

Iressa returns the small smile, taking a seat next to Renala in the booth. She takes a moment to settle in before addressing them both, "Wolfe?" Iressa questions, furrowing her brow. "How odd. What's the story with this agency?"

Steve gives a shrug and swings his legs up onto the bench. "I guess we'll find out soon enough." he says to Renala before addressing Iressa's question, "Not really sure, to be honest. He seems like a stand-up guy... Like I was telling Ren, he doesn't really seem like the type to be running this kind of a business."

Renala nods, agreeing. "He has the right intentions if I'm to take his word for it," she says. "I'm just hoping he'll assign me to a security detail, since those jobs probably can't go too wrong."

Iressa nods, occasionally giving a glance around the establishment. "I'm sure they're less exciting than what you might be used to, but that could be exactly what you're looking for. I hope it works out." She says, turning her attention toward the human. "You made it sound like you weren't optimistic about getting the job. Did you not get along with the man in charge?"

Steve gives another shrug. "I dropped the ball." he says, shaking his head and letting out a short chuckle, "I just about flat out told the guy he couldn't trust me... But enough about that. What have you been up to? Thought you might have up and left Aite."

Renala looks towards the other asari, curious about it as well.

Iressa chuckles lightly, "No, not quite. Sometimes I just get a little to invested in my work." She confesses, looking almost embarrassed. "Left to my own devices, I make strange hours for myself. It isn't always easy." She trails a bit at the end, clearing her throat once again. "But we all have to keep busy somehow."

Steve nods a few times. "Nothing wrong with keeping busy..." he says, keeping his gaze fixed on the asari, "...You sure everything's alright? You seem a little... High strung?"

Renala tilts her head. "Yeah, is something wrong, Iressa?"

Iressa blinks a few times, cocking her head. "I... I do?" She responds, more quietly than before. "I.. I didn't realize I was projecting that way. I apologize... Perhaps I could use a bit more rest in my day." She offers, looking down at her hands folded in her lap.

Steve takes a large sip of his water and leans his head back against the wall. "You sure there's nothing on your mind? After what we've been through together, I thought it went without saying, but... You know you can talk to us, right?"

Iressa nods, "I understand. But it's nothing to concern yourselves with. I'm sure I've just been working myself too hard." She waves her hand in a dismissive gesture, simultaneously shaking her head to brush off the whole topic. "Anyway." The asari begins, glancing between the two, "I want to hear more about this freelance agency. Are you two looking to settle here for a long time now?"

Steve remains quiet, studying the asari for a moment. But finally, deciding not to push the issue anymore, shrugs and settles back into his seat. "I don't plan on going anywhere. One place is as good as another, right?"

Renala nods, smiling slightly. "Yeah, this place seems to strike the balance well between the calm life, and the rest of the Terminus," she says. "So, I am likely to stay here for a while, too."

Iressa gives a little shrug, "It's not the worst place you can end up, I suppose. As long as you don't try to go for a swim, that is." She grins, enjoying her own little joke for a moment before moving on. "Have you really looked into more permanent housing in town?" She questions no one in particular.

Steve nods and glances at Renala. "Yeah." he states before quickly correcting himself, "Well, no, I guess... But I'm going to start looking soon." he says, leaving the ball in Renala's court as to whether or not to reveal more on the subject.

Renala nods, as well. "If we find stable work, me and Steve figured that'll be cheaper in the long run than staying here," she answers, not keeping much secret. "But I haven't looked yet, either."

Iressa leans back, nodding. It's not clear whether or not she expected this answer, but she doesn't seem surprised. "You may be right about that one. I'd look into it myself if I knew how long we'd be staying here." She frowns, "We'll have to leave eventually, but it's easier being flexible with living arrangements." She finishes, seeming at least somewhat more comfortable and relaxed after chatting for some time. "So," The asari asks, resting her hands against the table. "Is that all you two have been up to?"

Steve takes another sip of his water and nods. "Pretty much. And now we're just playing the waiting game until we hear back about this job. What about Darsk? What's he been getting himself into?"

Steve gives another nod in agreeance. "Kind of hard to miss a krogan stomping around."

Iressa seems taken off gaurd by the question, but retains her composure. "Well, he's usually out there with me, or holed up in the room. There's not a lot for a krogan to do on this planet, you know." She answers, followed by a short, nervous laugh.

Renala nods. "Makes sense, but he hasn't forgotten us, has he?" she asks with a raised eyebrow.

Iressa chuckles dryly, "No, no, I don't think so. He can just get... reserved, at times. Try not to take it personally."

Steve glances towards the staircase before resting his gaze back on Iressa. "The four of us need to get together for a drink some time. Never got the chance to celebrate our great escape." he says with a chuckle, but it's cut off abruptly when the reminder of Maria sets in. "If he's up to it." he adds, clearing his throat uncomfortably.

Iressa pulls a sideways grin, "Yeah, as long as there's Ryncol, I'm sure he'll be up to it."

Renala chuckles. "Good to hear," she says with a grin. "I doubt they don't stock ryncol, because disappointing a krogan can't be healthy." Her grin fades. "Most krogan, I mean," she quickly adds, a little uncomfortalbe at possibly offending the other asari.

Steve grins and finishes off his glass of water just as a beeping begins to emanate from his omni-tool. His smile slowly fades as he looks over the message. "Unfortunately, that's gonna have to wait for another time, ladies..." he says, sliding out of the booth with haste, "Sorry, have to take care of a few things." he adds, forcing a smile, "Ren, send a message my way if you hear back about the job, alright?"

Renala nods. "Sure, I'll keep that in mind. You do the same, okay?" she says with a smile. "See you around, Steve."

Iressa gives Renala a grin and a pat on the shoulder in lieu of a response, giving Steve a nod as he prepares to depart. "It was good seeing you, Steve. Take care."

Steve slaps a hand on the table and shoots Renala a nod, "Will do... But I have a feeling you'll be hearing from them before I do." he says. "I'll see you around, Iressa... Stop hiding from us." he teases, giving the asari a wink before making his way back to the staircase.

Iressa gives a little wave, "I'll look into it."

Renala smiles. "That's good," she says. "So," she begins. "How's your work going?"

Iressa shrugs, leaning back in the booth. "It keeps me occupied, and keeps us in that room. So I'd have to say it's going well. Nothing like what we encountered in the river way back when."

Renala nods. "I think I'd go crazy sitting in my room all day," she says followed by a chuckle. "If not for that, I could have probably done telecommuniting, or freelance software contracts."

Iressa grins slightly, "It's probably not for everyone, I can say that much. On the plus side it's usually much safer. Until you antagonize the wildlife, of course." She chuckles, shaking her head good-naturedly. After a momentary pause the asari turns to view the stairs, scanning once over the floor as she returns her gaze to Renala. "Steve seems well. I had almost begun to worry after not seeing either of you for so long. Granted, it was mostly my fault." She concedes. "It's still good to see it."

Renala follows her gaze to the stairs before returning it in turn. "My trip lasted a few days longer than I said it would, though," she says, "and I've not been down here often since I got back." She pauses, a smile forming. "But yeah, it's good to see he's fine."

Iressa mirrors her fellow asari's smile, looking across the bar before responding. "You know, I think I'm going to be down here for a while, maybe have a drink or two. I don't want to keep you if you have things to attend to yet." She says, getting up from her seat, hands resting on the booth's table.

Renala stands up in turn. "I promised Aeyna to call her around this time," she says, "so I think she'd get impatient if I stuck around for a drink." She chuckles, and pats the other asari on her shoulder. "It's been good talking with you, Iressa."

Iressa nods, "She just might." She grins, turning to see the other asari off. "That it has, Renala. I hope to be seeing more of you guys soon. Take care."

Renala nods, and gets out of the booth after the other asari. She makes stops by the bar on her way up to leave her plate and glass, and pay her tab. After that, she makes her way upstairs to her room.

Iressa slowly makes her way over to the bar after Renala's departure, returning to the booth after a few moments with a strong drink in hand. Relaxing back into her seat, she raises her glass to toast nothing in particular, and settles in for a long night.