Renala is sitting in a booth near the stairs, a nearly empty glass of beer on the table before her. She's currently reading something on her omni-tool. The asari is wearing a blue top under her half-way zipped up brown leather jacket.
#Miner'sRespite – March 19, 2014
Steve emerges from the back room and rounds the bar. He heads straight towards Renala's booth, having spotted her on the surveillance feed, and sets a hand flat against the table. "Ma'am, don't you think you've had enough?" he says, delivering it with a deadpan expression and nodding towards the asari's drink, "I don't want to have to toss you out."
Renala jerks her head in Steve's direction as she notices him at the table, staring at him. "Huh?" she begins. "This is only my first drink, sir." Whether she just played along or took him seriously is not entirely clear. Her omni-tool's interface dissipates a second later.
Steve allows a smile to show through as he slides into the seat across from Renala. "How you been, Ren?" he asks, "Haven't seen you around much lately. Busy with work?"
Renala nods. "Yeah, work pretty much sums it up," she says. "I've been working on my programs. There's a lot of time involved in my 'door-opener' to get it to work faster and handle more security measures." She pauses. "How about you, Steve?"
Steve shrugs and gives a short glance out over the bar. "Not too much, really. Handling security here isn't exactly what I would call 'action-packed' work. Have to ask someone whose had one too many to leave every now and then, but that's about it. Suppose I can't complain, though. Pays well enough and requires minimal effort." he sighs and gives another shrug, "Still... I feel like it's a job a monkey could do. I know the only reason I even got this job was because of you, and I'm thankful for that... Really. I probably don't have any right to ask, but could you-..." he hesitates, looking slightly uncomfortable even mentioning whatever it is he's getting at, "...I don't know, talk to Wolfe? I feel like I could be a lot more use to the company if I was out there with you guys rather than dealing with drunks here."
Renala thinks about it for a couple seconds. "Yeah... I'll see what I can do," she says. "I know you can handle yourself out there, and isn't afraid to make the tough choices without hesitation."
Steve nods a few times, "Thanks, Ren... I appreciate it. Just mention it to him... Don't push the issue, I'd hate to get you in any trouble." He seems to relax a bit, shifting in his seat, "So what else is going on with you? Can't just be all about work these days, can it?"
Renala nods. "I sometimes go out to the store... or just for a walk," she says. "And I'm looking around the extranet for Aitian stores that sells tech. I... don't think I can say what for, but just in case a questionable decision on a job comes back to bite me in the ass."
Steve raises an eyebrow at the secretive nature of Renala's statement. "You're not in any trouble, are you?" he asks, sounding genuinely concerned.
Renala frowns. "It's been weeks now, so I think nothing's become of it," she says. "I may be in trouble, yes, but I'm starting to doubt it as time goes."
Steve sighs and raps his fingers against the surface of the table. "What about Adrasteia?" he asks, "I'm sure you could find whatever you need there. I'll need to make a trip out that way soon anyways, why not join me?"
Steve chuckles to himself, giving a quick shake of his head to display his distaste. "If you would've asked me a year ago, I probably would've said it felt like home. Now, it's the kind of place I'd like to stay far, far away from... But if there's something you need to get your hands on, I'd say that's the place to find it."
Renala smiles. "I'll do my research, then; figure out where in Adrasteia to look," she says. "I don't need really obscure pieces of tech, but it's stuff tech companies usually manufacture in-house."
Iressa arrives at the Respite, working her way across the floor with absent determination. She's dressed in a dark jacket and long pants, and appears somewhat spent. The asari enters alone, and for the first time, openly carries a weapon. She pats her sidearm apprehensively, as well as the pocket on the side of her jacket. Iressa doesn's seem to notice the familiar faces at the booth and takes a seat toward the end of the bar.
Steve gives a nod, "If you have any trouble finding it, just let me know. I've made a few trips out that way and know a few people that might be able to help..." he says, remaining vague on the details.
Renala glances over at Iressa with a raised eyebrow before looking back at Steve. "Thanks," she says. "Some of the things might have criminal uses, like parts for listening bugs and the likes, but I just need to see what I can work with and go from there."
Aylena -- the currently working bartender -- walks over to the new arrival, seemingly unfazed about her having a visible weapon. "Get you anything?" she asks.
Steve gives another nod, "Not a problem, Ren." he says, following her gaze towards the bar. It takes him a moment to recognize Iressa, but once he realizes who it is, he furrows his brow, "Haven't seen her around much, either. You talked to her lately?" he asks, directing his attention back to Renala.
Iressa appears surprised that she's being adressed, but soon remembers where she is. "A beer, I guess." She replies unenthusiastically, recalling the beverage as somewhat mediocre, but enough to suit her needs at the moment. She shifts a bit in her seat, casting quick glances around behind the bar.
Aylena goes to fetch a beer, not having any trouble at all finding a bottle. "Not your day today, huh?" she asks as she pours a glass and places it on the counter infront of the other asari.
Renala looks at her again, waving to her. "Neither have I," she says. "Something's definitely up, though. No krogan, and a pistol."
Iressa shrugs halfheartedly, "You might say that." She replies, resting a hand on the counter and reaching with the other. The asari takes a tentative sip of the drink, returning it to the surface and glancing around behind her.
Steve sighs, having noticed the pistol himself, "Yeah..." he agrees plainly, lifting an arm to wave at the asari as she looks behind her, hoping to catch her eye.
Iressa catches a glimpse of the two, returning a small wave across the bar. She appears to consider getting up, but ultimately stays put.
Renala tilts her head. "And she's avoiding us...," she says, faking a hurt tone, but her concerned expression belies it.
Aylena nods. "Well, you've come to the right place, then," she says. "Just say the word if you want something stronger." She moves over to serve another patron who's signaling for her.
Steve continues staring off towards Iressa, "What do you say we go give her a little company?" he asks.
Steve slides out of the booth and starts towards the bar, announcing his presence before coming to a stop beside the asari. "Trying to avoid me?" he asks, choosing to remain standing as he leans against the counter, "Promise I won't shoot you again."
Gregorij enters the Respite and surveys the place with a tired grunt. He looks about middle-aged, with medium-length black hair and a full beard. He has a weary expression, simple clothes. An Alliance-issue Locust with the A scratched off rests in a holster on his left hip. With him follows an asari-inspired mech with a gray surface and lines of blue light running along the seams of the body.
Iressa can't help but wince as she's approached, but offers a smile as not to appear rude. "I'm not sure I can take your word on that." She says, furrowing her brow as she realizes how odd that sounds. "Um, hello Steve. Renala." She tries again, leaning over the bar counter.
Gregorij moves to take a seat at the table closest to the door, falling into the chair with a sigh and looking at the mech. "Anna, get me a drink, will you?" The mech's lights turn green and it heads off towards the bar, and upon arrival it seeks the bartender's attention.
Steve gives a short, nervous chuckle at Iressa's comment as he shifts in place. He catches sight of the new arrival out of the corner of his eye. Turning his whole body to face the man, he puts his back against the bar counter. Making a mental note to keep an eye on the unfamiliar man and his mech, he glances back towards Iressa. "I noticed a distinct lack of krogan." he says, shooting the man's mech another look as it approaches the bar.
Aylena casts Steve a glance as the mech approaches, but goes off to serve it. While definitely not a stranger to disability mechs, they tended to pack a little more punch out here in the Terminus. "Hello," she greeted it.
Gregorij puts his elbows on the table and massages his temples with a faint groan, staring down at the table.
Iressa lets out a short laugh in return. "Well, that would make sense that you did." She replies, looking down into the beer glass. "It's krogan things, I don't completely understand. They must've still had connections, and-" She cuts herself off, getting ahead of herself in the explanation. The asari pulls her gaze up, momentarily distracted by the mech ordering a drink, but she quickly moves on. "So, for the time being, he's... elsewhere. They came to pick him up not long ago." Iressa explains, remaining surprisingly level in tone.
Aylena nods. "Coming right up," she says, tapping on a datapad for a moment before walking off to find a bottle as if knowing the location. She returns and pours it into a clan glass, without ice or anything mixed in, and places it on the counter. "Here you go."
Steve gives Aylena a nod, attempting to indicate that he'll be keeping an eye on the pair. "That's a shame. I kinda liked the big guy." he says to Iressa with a smile, "So-..." he continues, nodding towards the pistol at the asari's side, "...what's with the new hardware?" he asks.
Renala places a hand on the asari's shoulder. "Oh, I'm sorry to hear," she says, but lets the asari address Steve's question rather than pile her own ontop.
Gregorij | The mech nods. "Credits have been transferred." It takes the glass, moving back to Gregorij. He looks up and smiles briefly. "Thank you, dear." Anna takes a seat at the table and the lights return to blue. He takes a sip from the drink and grunts, closing his eyes as another brief smile flashes across his face.
Iressa furrows her brow, holding up her hands defensively. "Now hold on." She says, glancing between the two. "He's coming back." She asserts with wavering confidence. "It's just... krogan things, like I said. I couldn't understand. But it's nothing to be sorry about." The asari insists, looking down in fear she's come on too strong and betrayed her own insecurities. "As for that..." She trails off, glancing at the Predator strapped to her waist and adding in a quiet tone: "It's my krogan for the time being."
Steve raises an eyebrow at the asari's outburst. "Yeah..." he agrees, "Of course he is. I didn't mean anything by it." he continues with a nod. He looks towards Renala momentarily and pushes away from the bar, "I'm gonna let you two catch up while I go and welcome our new customer." he says, glancing between the two asari before casually taking a stroll towards the newcomer's table.
Renala nods to Steve after retracting her hand. "I could use the fresh air, so don't be afraid to ask," she says. "Ot at the very least, let you borrow a... handheld krogan with a little more bite."
Gregorij is in the middle of taking another sip from his whiskey when he notices Steve. He raises an eyebrow and studies the man.
Steve folds his arms across his chest and stands in such a way that his SMG is quite visible. He looks over the mech, studying it for a moment before resting his attention on Gregorij. "Evening." he says, offering the man an insincere smile, "Don't mean to bother you, we just don't see this kind of hardware out here too often." he says, glancing towards the mech, "Just thought I'd drop by and welcome you to the Respite, friend."
Iressa averts her gaze until Steve has departed, taking a short sip of her drink to stall a bit. "Oh, no, I couldn't ask you for that." She turns to Renala with a shake of her head. "Truth be told... I run into a lot less trouble on this world than I thought I might. Of course, there was usually an intimidating fellow standing behind me. So, who really knows." She shrugs, giving the other asari an ambiguous look. "Surely you're keeping busy too, yes?" She asks, purposefully open-ended.
Gregorij grins faintly. "A pleasure, I'm sure. I'm Greg. This is Anna." He makes a rather clumsy gesture with his right hand towards the mech. "Anna, say hello." The mech turns to look at Steve. "Hello. I am Anna, a class-3 disability me-..." Gregorij seems annoyed. "Shut up, Anna." The mech immediately stops talking.
Renala nods. "Of course. Staying on top of what's new in security, optimization, and another little project I have," she says. "I have a job now, though, if I haven't..." she raises an eyebrow. "I really haven't seen you in that long?"
Iressa grins apologetically, "It appears so... It's my fault, surely. I'm embarrassed by how wrapped up in my own affairs I've become." She admits in a lowered tone, sighing quietly. Then with renewed interest in offering a line of friendship, she inquires. "What's this job about?"
Steve gives an amused nod, "Nice to meet you, Greg." he says, ignoring the mech entirely. He makes no attempt at offering his hand, instead remaining in place with his arms across his chest, "So what's brought you all the way out to our neck of the woods?" he asks, attempting to come off as friendly.
Gregorij glances at Steve's weapon briefly before responding. "Just trying to-... ngh..." He closes his eyes for a moment before continuing. "Trying to put some distance between myself and the Alliance. I'm sure you understand. I don't think I got your name...?"
Renala smiles at the asari, "Hey, it's alright. That happens to all of us..." She glances towards Steve after saying that. "It's for a security agency... I think I've told you about that part?" she says, not sure herself. "So, merc work, I suppose. I do handle a lot of the tech on missions, though."
Steve furrows his brow at the man's strange, yet familiar reaction, but doesn't comment on it. "Steve." he says plainly, "So... Alliance troubles?" he asks, suddenly sounding genuinely interested in the man, "I'm not gonna stick my nose where it's not welcome, but Freedom Falls is a pretty quiet place. Hope you're not planning on bringing your baggage with ya."
Iressa nods understandingly, "I see. Has... have you already had your first big mission?" She asks, immediately embarrassed by her uneducated sounding. "I mean," She quickly tries to correct herself, "If my understanding of 'merc work' is correct..." The asari trails of, seeming to draw a blank. "...perhaps I should just let you tell me what that means out here."
Gregorij chuckles quietly and shakes his head. "I'd prefer not to. Are you the sheriff around here, or what?" He sips his drink while peering at Steve with weary but focused eyes.
Renala hums thoughtfully. "Yeah, I've been on a mission that might fit the bill," she says. "It went rather well, but... something happened that makes me doubt it's truly truly over. The pay was good, though."
Steve chuckles in turn and gives a shake of his head. He glances around the room for a moment before responding, "Nothing quite so grand, I'm afraid." he admits, "Just 'sheriff' of this bar."
Iressa glances at Steve and back to the other asari, "I've heard it can be. That's risk and reward, I suppose." She says, not getting that phrase quite right. With some concern, she adds, "You doubt it's over?"
Steve raises an eyebrow, unsure of whether the man intended to compliment, or insult him. He decides to ignore it for now. "What about you?" he asks, attempting to draw some information out of the man, "Planning on settling down here? Can be a pretty rough place to find work, truth be told... Especially for someone with-..." he glances towards the mech again before clearing his throat, "...Well, with other problems holding 'em back."
Renala frowns. "You got the message from her, right?" she glances at the asari bartender. "Over a month ago, a few days after the job, our employer shows up in here to kill someone who he just ordered to shoot the bartender. There's more to it, but I... don't think I'm allowed to talk about that."
Gregorij sips his drink and ponders the question for a moment. "I... took out a 'bonus' when I left the Alliance. Should be enough for a while." He pauses briefly. "Then... I'll figure something out."
Iressa nods quickly, "Right, right. I do recall that. I had no idea you were caught up in it, however." She frowns, leaning against the bar counter. "From what little I've seen, these things can tend to get... complicated, huh." It's more of a statement than a question, and the asari quietly reaches for a sip of her drink.
Renala | "We'll figure something out if it comes back to bite us," she says. "Until then... I'll hope it don't, and keep my eyes peeled. I got thirty-seven thousand for the job, though, so I'm thinking of buying a better suit of armor than the piece of crap I picked up."
Steve gives the man a nod. "Fair enough." he says with a sigh, "Suppose I should let you get back to your drink. Let us know if there's anything you need, and... welcome to Freedom Falls." he says, offering the man a smile. His gaze shifts from the man, to the mech, and back to the man before adding, "Both of you." with a chuckle.
Gregorij nods at Steve and returns his attention to his drink, nursing it gently while his gaze drifts off. Anna freezes for a moment before speaking: "Nice to meet you, Steve."
Iressa seems thoughtful for a moment, running one hand across her right side. "So, uh, what's Steve been up to?" She asks carefully with a tilt of the head, trying to remain casual with the question. "I'd ask him myself, but," She glances over to the human, "He seems... busy?"
Steve glances towards the mech with a nod before turning on his heels and starting back towards the bar.
Renala glances towards him. "Not... anymore," she says before picking up her drink and downing what little remains.
Iressa watches Steve as he approaches, "Oh." She utters simply in response, shifting slightly. "Making new friends?" The asari asks as he nears.
Steve gives a shrug and reclaims his position against the counter, "Guess I'm just a friendly guy." he says with a smile. He glances at the empty glass in front of Renala, and the near-full glass before Iressa and frowns. "Hey, if I can't enjoy myself while I'm on the clock, I have to drink vicariously through the rest of you. Bottoms up, Iressa." he says with a nod towards her drink.
Iressa | "Oh... I guess I have been neglecting it." She admits, reaching for the glass. She takes a few sips, hoping that will satisfy the rather strange request.
Steve cocks his head to the side, "Let me get this straight... I'm working at a local bar while you're pulling in the real jobs and I still have to buy you drinks?" he asks with a smile, "Something sounds off about this arrangement..."
Gregorij glances at the group by the bar while sipping his drink again. His gaze lingers at the asari for a bit too long before he shoots his mech an apologetic expression and returns to drinking.
Renala grins. "Does it?" she says. "Okay, okay, put it that way... I'll buy my own drinks." She waves down the bartender.
Steve chuckles and turns his attention to Iressa. "So, how have you been managing to keep yourself so busy lately? Feels like it's been forever since I've seen you in here." he says.
Aylena walks over to Renala's position. "What can I get you?" she asks, glancing at the other asari, as well.
Iressa turns back, glass in hand. "Oh, you know, a lot more of the same old things." She answers dismissively with a small hand wave. "It seems like you're the one keeping busy. 'On the clock', right? When did that start?" She asks curiously.
Aylena goes off to fetch a bottle, returning ten seconds later and pours a glass of it, which she hands to the asari.
Steve shrugs nonchalantly, "Few weeks. Wouldn't really say it 'keeps me busy', though. This place is surprisingly peaceful for a bar. Just get the occasional drunk getting loud every now and then." he says. He idly gives a glance back towards Greg.
Gregorij groans and accidentally knocks his drink over while steadying himself. What little remains spills out over the table and the glass rolls off, shattering against the floor. He sits with one hand cradling his head, eyes closed with a pained expression.
Iressa glances around the bar, "I think I know what you mean." She says, trying to take down a generous amount of her drink. She sets the glass back down, now fairly lighter, and winces as a glass shatters in the bar.
Renala jerks her head towards the shattered glass, before turning back towards the others, minding her own business.
Steve sighs at the sound of breaking glass and turns to look out over the bar. "Speaking of drunks..." he mutters as he scans the room for the culprit. Spotting the mess beside Greg's table, he rolls his eyes. "Figures..." he says, pushing away from the counter once again, "Duty calls."
Gregorij reaches for a pill bottle with an unsteady hand, pouring a few into his hand and swallowing them quickly. Anna looks at him. "Are you alright, Greg?" "Yes yes, I'm fine." He waves his hand dismissively. "Just clean up the mess." The mech gets up and hunches down to clear the pieces of glass from the floor.
Iressa gives a small wave as he goes. Turning back to the counter, she grasps the glass idley. "That man... seems to have his attention for some reason." She muses, "Is he drunk already?"
Steve approaches the booth once again. He steps around the mech and sets a hand on the table. "You-... Uhh... Alright there?" he asks, "I know you haven't had enough to be drunk yet." he jokes, "Yet you're already tearin' the place apart." His smile slowly fades away as he spots the bottle of pills.
Gregorij he puts the bottle away in a pocket of his jacket and grunts. "Fine! I'm fine!" He sounds slightly annoyed, and does his best to contain the visible pain in his face. The mech is busy collecting shards of glass off the floor.
Renala shakes her head. "No, he just got here, so he can't be," she says. "I think the mech's why he has Steve's attention."
Steve nods a few times. "Uh huh... Clearly..." he says, "Look, we can't have you destroying the place... You sure you're gonna be alright?"
Iressa nods, "I see." She says, looking down into the glass before her. "I think I'd better... head up, soon. You know, turn in." She murmurs, raising the glass to down as much as she realistically can, which isn't terribly much. Setting down what's left, she pushes it away with vague displeasure. "It's been nice seeing you both again, and I'll try not to be so absent in the future." She promises the other asari with a smile.
Renala returns the smile, patting the other asari's shoulder. "I believe that when I see it," she says with a chuckle, clearly joking. "It's been good talking with you, Iressa. Take care out there."
Gregorij gets up with a grunt. "Oh fuck off..." He immediately winces and stumbles slightly, but his mech stands up to support him. "Come on, Anna. Let's see about getting a room." They walk off towards the bar looking much like a couple embracing each other.
Iressa nods, "You too, try not to get into any trouble." She says, getting up. The asari pays for her drink, and gives Renala another small wave as she departs, watching the scene unfolding with vague interest as she slips away.
Steve leans his head back and looks towards the ceiling momentarily with an exasperated sigh, clearly not in the mood to deal with someone's shit. He follows a few steps behind the man and his creepy companion, "You can lose the attitude, asshole, I'm just trying to help." he mutters loud enough to be heard.
Gregorij doesn't respond. When he reaches the bar he leans against it and knocks the counter. "Room. Whichever."
Steve breaks off from the pair, returning to Renala's side. He shoots another dirty look in Gregorij's direction before taking Iressa's empty seat.
Aylena walks over to a Terminal nearest the man, and starts typing on it. "Okay," she says. "Do you know how long you'll be staying? Name?"
Steve glances around, a scowl on his face. "Where'd Iressa go?" he asks, frustration heavy in his voice.
Aylena nods. "Mhm," she says in acknowledgment. "Transferring payment information." She sends it to the human's omni-tool, the price for seven days being 1,300 credits.
Renala bobs her head towards the stairs. "She went back to her room," she says. "She promised to not hide from us again, though."
Gregorij lets out an annoyed grunt and searches around a bit for his omni-tool before taking it out and typing rather slowly. When he's done he asks. "Keycard? Room code?"
Aylena nods, tapping on her terminal. "Sending it now, including the room number," she says. "The room's upstairs, just follow the signs when you get there. There's a communal kitchen upstairs, too, which you can use for as long as you rent a room here."
Steve glances towards the stairs. "We'll see about that..." he says with a sigh. "So what's up with her? Seem like everything is alright?" he asks, occasionally glancing towards Greg to make sure he's not giving Aylena any problems.
Renala frowns, considering it for a moment. "I think she just had a long day," she says. "The girl looked tired. There's probably a lot of walking involved in her line of work."
Steve nods, "You're probably right." he says, propping an elbow against the counter, "I'm more concerned about you, though." he continues, facing the asari with a smile, "I hardly see you any more. I'm missing my drinking buddy." he jokes.
Renala frowns. "I'm sorry," she says. "I've had a bit to do, but I'll try to be less of a recluse from now on." Renala pauses, realization evident in her features. "Oh, now that it's just us," she continues, "have you thought more about the apartment"
Steve reaches up and scratches at the back of his neck for a moment before speaking, "Yeah... I still think it's a good idea. With both of us working, though, I think we should try and find something in town. The homesteads I looked at were nice, but they're a bit out of the way, you know?"
Renala nods. "The mission over a month ago paid really well, so I'm fine with finding a place here in town," she says, before taking a long sip of her beer. "I might have to put off buying a new suit, though."
Steve raises an eyebrow, "A new hardsuit?" he asks, giving a shake of his head, "No... We can always wait on the move. Gotta make sure your gear is up to speed first. No sense in getting a place of your own just to die next week, right?" he jokes, "Besides, Aylena is letting me stay for free since I'm working here, so we're in no hurry."
Renala frowns. "Oh... I wouldn't afford a hadsuit anyway, thinking about it," she says. "Nothing good, at least, since living here on a monthly basis costs about twice the amount an apartment would."
Steve smiles, "In that case, I'll start looking into apartments." he says, sounding a bit enthusiastic about it.
Renala returns the smile. "I'll probably take a look, too," she says, "but I might be busy trying to search for any good places to buy what I need in Adrasteia or Linissa... and maybe seeking advice from some old friends back on Thessia."
Hardware. I know a lot about making different kinds of computers do what I want them to, but picking out hardware wasn't part of my job back on Thessia. Sips her drink
Steve gives a nod and lays a hand across the counter. "Wish I could help you out, but I'm not exactly the right person to talk to about any of that." he admits with a smile. Giving a glance towards the door behind the bar, he sighs and stands from his stool, "Suppose I should go handle a few things before Aylena begins to think I'm slacking." he says, "Look into those apartments and let me know if you find anything interesting, and I'll do the same."
Steve pats the asari on the shoulder as he passes by her on his way around the bar. "See ya around, Ren." he says, offering another smile and a nod before disappearing through the door behind the counter.
Renala remains at the bar, watching Steve leave. After that, she remains there for a few minutes before making her way back up to her room.