Sure enough, a shuttle is waiting just outside of the Respite.
#FreedomFalls – July 31, 2014
Jason continues towards the shuttle as he speaks. "Any idea if Aylena is gonna transfer you to full-time kitchen duty?" he asks as he approaches the shuttle and opens the door, "That's what you wanted, right?"
Va'ynna looks thoughtful, approaching the shuttle as well. "Doesn't... look like it," she says. "Unless she... hires someone else to do bartending, housekeeping and... inventory."
Jason steps aside, waiting for Va'ynna to enter the shuttle. "Well shit, she needs to hire more employees. You seem to be the only one who bartends." he says with a shrug, "I mean, there's that guy with the weird eye, but I haven't seen him in forever. Did they fire him?"
Va'ynna steps into the shuttle. "No, but... he manages the kitchen in the evenings," she says. "He stopped bartending... after he renewed his contract."
Jason climbs in behind her and closes the door. He takes a moment to relay the destination to the driver before settling into his seat. "Does the kitchen actually get a lot of business?" he asks, "I figured it was secondary to the bar."
Va'ynna nods. "There are... certainly better places to get food,... I've heard," she says. "But we're not... doing so bad. I don't think D'Inea would keep it running... if it didn't."
Va'ynna hums thoughtfully. "A little less, I think," she says. "But it's... enough to keep both of us busy on... a hectic night."
Jason shifts a bit in his seat, watching out the window as he speaks, "I'm sure it is. I don't see how it's even possible to keep that whole place running with only a few people on staff." He raises an eyebrow and looks towards Va'ynna, "How many people actually work at the Respite?"
Va'ynna frowns. "Three if you count D'Inea," she says. "It... works, but it can get stressful some days. She just... says there are more pressing matters when I ask if she's... planning on employing more people."
Va'ynna lowes her head. "I start early, and have four hours off in the afternoon unless... houskeeping takes longer than usual... or something else comes up, then work until an hour or two before midnight."
The shuttle slows down to a stop, as their destination wasn't very far from the Respite. It touches the ground softly and the driver glances towards the two as the door opens.
Jason fishes a credit chit out of his hardsuit and idly passes it to the driver. "Jeeze... Sounds like Aylena really works you guys. And you're... okay with this, V? Sound more like a servant than an employee, if you ask me." he frowns. He takes the credit chit as it's passed back to him and offers the driver a nod before hopping out.
Va'ynna moves out of the car afterwards, sighing. "No..., not really, but... it's gonna get better, I hope," she says before picking up the bag and purse. "I... don't, uh, usually have anything better to do... with my time."
The building the shuttle is parked in front of has numerous metal signs of different designs, but all say the same thing: Mayra's Metalworks. A few abstract metal statuettes flank each side of the door. The sort of thing that someone lacking culture may disregard as a pile of garbage. Numerous other stores line both sides of the street.
Jason steps towards the building, glancing up towards the multitude of signs. "Well, we need to change that." he says, "Get you out of that place more often. Has to be stifling." He stops at the door and stares at the statuettes, "Probably not good for business to leave their trash right in front of the store." he mutters with a shrug. He looks back towards Va'ynna, "Found this place while searching the extranet. Had an idea for the agency, and her work was pretty impressive, so I ordered a few things."
Va'ynna sighs, before looking over the store thoughtfully as she follows beside him. "Yeah, it looks... impressive," she says. "So... you're ordering decorations?"
Jason shakes his head as he enters the building, "Not necessarily. Just a few-..." he sighs, "Mementos? I guess?"
The inside of the store is fairly simple. The walls are lined with shelves which display numerous knick-knacks and statues of all shapes and sizes. The wall behind the counter is covered in more signs of different designs, but nothing is etched into them. A human woman is seated upon a stool behind the counter. Her brown hair is pulled into a tight ponytail, and her clothes are a bit disheveled, with small rips and stains in places.
She's watching a show on a small screen, but quickly looks up from it as the pair enter the store. "Welcome." she says, flashing a kind smile, "What can I help you folks with?"
Va'ynna nods as she steps inside, but keeps quiet as she hears the human woman speaks. She returns the smile, but defers to Jason to speak.
Jason glances around the shop as he takes a few steps towards the woman. "Uhh... Just picking up an order." he says, resting his focus on the woman, "For Wolfe? I got a message saying it was ready?"
The woman nods, "Oh, of course Mr. Wolfe." she says as she stands from the stool, "Just let me go get it. It'll just be a moment." she assures before disappearing through a door behind the counter.
Jason leans against the counter and smiles at Va'ynna. "You hear that? MR Wolfe. Finally a little respect!"
Va'ynna smiles, a little sheepishly as she keeps calling him by his first name. "I... I do that when... addressing guests I don't... know personally," she says.
Jason chuckles to himself, "So what do you make of this stuff?" he asks, looking around at all the artsy metal sculptures and such, "You into this sort of thing? Art? I mean, it's obvious that your passion seems to be working-..." he teases, "But what about before you came to Aite? What sort of stuff did you do?"
Va'ynna hums thoughtfully as she walks closer to a shelf, looking at a small statue. "I... used to be, over twenty years ago," she says. "Before I went here... I just worked one... dead-end job after the other."
Jason remains at the counter watching Va'ynna, "I don't mean for work... I mean what sort of stuff did you like to do?" he clarifies, "What's your passion? What makes ya tick?"
Va'ynna frowns, still looking over the content on the shelf. "I... have none," she says. "I... liked going out when I was on Thessia, watching vids and sims, and, um, playing vid-games." She steps back from the shelf with a sigh, though she doesn't add anything.
Jason shifts in place, putting his back against the counter. "That's great and all-..." he says, struggling a bit with his words as he attempts to convey what he means without being offensive, "But those are just activities. Time wasters." He puts his hands up defensively, "I mean, shit, I've got nothing against wasting time, but-... Isn't there something you want to do? Something important to you?"
Va'ynna looks towards one of the signs as she ponders his question. "I don't know," she mutters. "I don't know where... my place in the galaxy is. I... left home to... find out, I suppose. Like... maidens often do. But..." she sighs, "I don't think I've... really gotten anywhere."
Jason remains quiet for a few moments before finally shrugging to himself. "I guess you've still got a lot of time left to figure it out." he says with a slight sigh, "But you deserve better than working your ass off in a bar day-in-day-out, V. Find something you love, and invest yourself in it."
Va'ynna nods. "Yeah, a lot," she says. "I'm just... eighty-seven, after all." She makes her way over to the counter. "I'll... figure it out... someday."
Jason snorts loudly, "Just eighty-seven..." he repeats, "You're older than my mom would've been" he says with a smirk, "Suppose I'm not in any spot to be giving you advice, old lady."
Va'ynna can't help but smirk. "I'm not old," she says in a lowered voice. "I still have time to... figure out what to do."
The woman returns from the backroom carrying a box. She sets it on the counter, and the distinct sound of metal clanging against metal can be heard. "Here ya are." she groans, "Sorry, had it tucked away behind a few other orders."
Jason pats Va'ynna on the shoulder. He turns to face the woman as she re-enters the room. "Not a problem." he says as he reaches out and opens the box. Inside are a bunch of small, metal, rectangular plaques. They're fairly basic, with a slight decorative border around them. Jason grabs one and runs a gauntleted finger over the engraving in the center, and sets it on the counter. A small smile crosses his lips and he nods to himself. "Yeah. This is perfect." he says, staring at the plaque, "I appreciate it."
Va'ynna peers into the box as it's opened. "What... are they for?" she asks before looking more closely for details like engravings.
The top plaque bears the name Justus Tacitus engraved in a clear, plain font. The plaque Jason set on the counter is engraved with 'Malin'Saal'. The woman's smile grows, seemingly pleased at Jason's satisfaction.
Jason scoops the plaque up from the counter and sets it back in the box. "Friends." he says, giving the asari a glance, "People we've lost. I just felt like I needed something to keep around the agency. I know I won't forget them-..." He taps a gauntlet against the box, "...but I just wanted something tangible, ya know? Something I can look at. Keep in mind that every time I take a team out there, people's lives are in my hands." he sighs and looks towards the woman, "They're beautiful. Really. Unfortunately, this probably won't be the last time I'm here."
Va'ynna frowns as she steps back, looking a little saddened. "I... I'm sorry," she says, feeling a little unsure what to say. "That must be... difficult."
The woman's smile slowly fades away as she realizes what they are. "I'm... Sorry." she says, looking more than a little uncomfortable as she echoes the asari's sentiments, "I'm glad you like them..."
Jason closes up the box. "I guess it sort of comes with the territory." he says, smiling somewhat sadly at Va'ynna, "But it's something you never really get used to... I hope not, anyway." he lifts the box from the counter and turns away, giving the woman one last nod, and, having paid at the time of placing the order, begins towards the door. "But now, one day, Linda will be able to put my name up on the wall with the rest of these people that I was lucky enough to know. Not sure why, but it's kind of a comforting thought."
Va'ynna follows beside him, frowning at the thought; especially as she may outlive them all. "I... um, we... asari learn to... value the time we share," she begins, "not... think about when it's over."
Jason nods to himself as he exits the building, "It's a nice sentiment." he admits, "You'd think after all the people that've kicked the bucket in my life, it wouldn't bother me anymore." he says, instantly regretting his tactless choice of words, "But I can't help it. And that last job-..." he sighs and shakes his head, "I was in charge out there. Those people relied on me to get them home, ya know? It's just-... Rough."
Va'ynna leaves the building after him, making sure her purse or bag doesn't collide with the statues flanking the doorway. "I...," she begins. "I... don't know what to say. There's.... I don't know what I'll do if you didn't... come back one day. Or... others among your... organization that's been... kind to me." She takes a deep breath, wiping some almost-stifled tears with the back of her finger.
Jason matches Va'ynna's pace, walking beside her. "Hey now, don't go crying for me already. I sure as hell don't plan on dying anytime soon." he assures her, "Unfortunately-..." he sighs, "Things don't always go as planned. But I knew that when I decided to come back to this life. I mean, shit, it could've just as well been me that didn't come back from that last job..." He goes quiet for a moment, "But this is the only thing I can do. I tried to live a normal life when Linda was hurt." he continues, not bothering to go into any details, "But it's just not me. I was miserable. This is what I'm good at." He continues walking up the street as he speaks.
Va'ynna follows beside him, listening carefully. "I'm... sorry," she says. "You're... the closest friend I... have, the thought of losing you... was just too much." She takes a deep breath, looking around the street. "So, um, where's... the electronics store?"
Jason nods up ahead to a store at the end of the block. "Looked it up on the extranet. Looks like a shop that deals mostly in second-hand electronics and repairs." he says, "Didn't have much info, but I'm guessing it'll get the job done."
Va'ynna nods, looking a little hopeful. "Sounds like it," she says. "I heard... Alex was looking for a job in a store like that, but... that was before I heard she went... on that job with you."
Jason lowers his gaze slightly and lets out a heavy breath. "She almost didn't make it..." he says. "I-... I hope she's okay, I haven't heard from her in a while. Have you?" he asks, suddenly sounding a bit worried as he nears the store.
Va'ynna shakes her head. "No," she says with a sigh. "D'Inea... said she saw her talking with... Ms T'Iavay about... sixty days ago, I think."
Jason sighs, sounding somewhat disheartened, "Damn... Two months ago... Maybe she reconsidered this line of work. I sure hope so, she didn't seem cut out for it."
The store has a simple lit up sign that states plainly: 'Repairs'. Through the large window, a salarian can be seen behind a counter covered in small pieces of different gadgets, working away tirelessly. The store looks a mess, with screens piled up against the wall, and numerous other odds and ends lining small shelves.
Va'ynna nods, agreeing. "Yeah,... I still don't... uinderstand why she signed up for it," she says before looking through the window as the two pass it by, silently wondering how someone can work in such a messy workplace.
Jason nods in agreement as he enters the store. "I'm still not sure why Linda hired her. Bad judgement call... Not that I'd tell her that." he says. "Jeeze. This place is a dump." he exclaims, a bit louder than intended.
Va'ynna brings up a hand to cover her mouth for a moment, looking a little embarrased at Jason's remark. "Um, hello," she says as she looks towards the salarian.
The salarian looks up from his work momentarily but quickly returns his attention to it. Seemingly having heard Jason, he responds without the slightest hint of emotion in his voice. "Yes. Quite messy. No time to clean. Assure you, it all works." he says, rapidly firing his response before addressing Va'ynna with a, "Welcome."
Jason turns a bit red upon realizing the salarian heard him. "I-... Uhh... I didn't mean anything by it." he apologizes.
Va'ynna makes her way towards the counter. "Could you... repair something for me?" She asks. "My, um, simulsim viewer... is broken."
The salarian doesn't bother looking up at Jason. "No need to apologize. Not marketing my skills as a maid. Wouldn't be particularly useful. No." he rattles off, almost moreso to himself.
Upon hearing about Va'ynna's predicament, he perks up somewhat and faces her, "Simulsim viewer. What brand? Delumcore Systems V-9 model? Known manufacturing error. Overheating can cause damage over prolonged use. No. Recalled in 2183. Wouldn't have lasted this long. Solar's most recent line? Lowered price since previous line. Perhaps lower grade materials resulting in quality degradation." he ponders.
Jason raises an eyebrow, looking between the salarian and Va'ynna. He clears his throat, coughing slightly, and rubs at his nose a bit. More than a few moments pass before he finally shrugs. "The fuck did he just say?"
Va'ynna places the bag on the counter and opens it. "It's Delumcore," she says, "but it's... um, I bought it eight years ago. It's worked fine, but now it won't start up at all."
The salarian wastes no time reaching in and pulling out the viewer. "Ah, yes." he mutters, turning the device over in his hands, "One of their earlier versions. Quite reliable. Did it suffer any trauma at or around the time it stopped working?"
Va'ynna looks thoughtful. "I... can't remember," she says. "I put it away for a while before I tested it when I could afford buying... a copy of Nekyia Corridor. It... could have happened, though."
The salarian continues to inspect the device. "No matter. May require new parts. Should be able to fabricate myself. Much more cost efficient than replacing entire unit." he states matter-of-factly, "Leave your contact info. Once in working order I will be able to tell you the cost. I think you will find my labor costs to be much more reasonable than others in the area." he sniffs.
The salarian goes on to say, "If you are unable to pay or do not pick the item up within two weeks for any reason it will be put out for sale." He quickly glances out towards the mess of items strewn about the store.
Va'ynna fronws. "Any... um, estimate on how much... it's going to cost?" She asks, looking a little worried. "I... want to know if... I can afford it."
returns his attention to the viewer and begins to inspect it once again. "Hard to say for certain. Cost of raw materials for fabrication. Time spent on project. Cost of labor." he pauses and looks up at Va'ynna, "Two-hundred credits. Give or take."
Va'ynna nods, a small smile appearing. "I can afford that," she says before enabling her omni-tool and sends over her contact information.
The salarian lays the device down on the counter and brings up his omni-tool. After rapidly punching in a series of inputs, the orange glow dissipates. He returns his attention to Va'ynna. "Excellent. Will be in contact soon, Miss Atana." he says. He turns his gaze back to the viewer and begins running some sort of scan on it with his omni-tool.
Va'ynna lets her omni-tool's interface dissipate. "Thank you," she says as she turns around and starts making her way towards the exit. She casts a worried glance around at all the items, that might have belonged to people who just wanted it repaired.
Va'ynna nods. "Yeah, I was worried it would be more," she says before stepping through the doorway. "I wonder why... so many wouldn't be able to afford it."
Jason exits behind her and shrugs. "When I looked on the extranet, it said they buy old electronics. I'm guessing most of that was crap people sold. I don't know."
Va'ynna looks around the street. "Ah, that's... probably it, then," she says. "So, um, is there anything else you need to get?"
Jason gives a shake of his head and sets the box down beside the street. "Nope. That's it for me." he says, "How about you? Anything you need while we're out? If not I'll hail a shuttle and we'll getcha back to work."
Va'ynna shakes her head. "No, I don't think I have enough to go... clothes shopping," she says, "or any other shopping... for that matter."
Jason lifts his forearm and brings up his omni-tool. "No problem. We'll get you back, then." he says as he pokes at the orange glowing interface. After a couple moments, he lowers his arm and turns to face the asari. "Should be here in a couple minutes. I appreciate you coming with me. We should do this more often."
Va'ynna turns towards him in turn, a small smile on her lips. "I'm... glad you asked me," she says. "I don't think... I would have gone out alone." She looks away for a moment before adding, "Thank you."
Just let me know as soon as he contacts you, alright? I'll bring you back so you can pick up your sim viewer.
Jason tilts his head to the side, "Don't worry. We're gonna get you through all this. You'll be back out on your own in no time." he assures her with a smirk.
Va'ynna nods, her smile widening. "I... was about to ask," she says. She stars moving her arms as if attempting to hug him, but she drops that idea about one second in. "Thank you, I know... I shouldn't worry, but... I still do."
Jason spots the attempt and wraps an arm around the asari, pulling her into a hug himself. "Get over here, you." he says playfully, squeezing her slightly. "We worry about the things we worry about. Can't really help that, ya know? But you're working on it, and that's all you really can do. Coming out here with me is a good start."
Va'ynna winds her arms around him, a giggle escaping her. "Yeah, I suppose you're... right," she says. "I'll... make sure to save some credits for going out from now on."
Jason gives the asari a pat on the back as the shuttle pulls up. "Sounds like a plan." he says, "Besides... Sounds like Ilyna might be visiting again soon. Would be nice if the three of us could go do something together."
Va'ynna nods faintly. "That would be... nice," she says, "but, um, isn't she mad at you... for not answering her messages?"
Jason releases the hug and bends down to grab his box. "Nah... I explained the situation to her." he says as he approaches the shuttle, "She understood."
Va'ynna follows him towards the shuttle. "That's good," she says. "She... seemed worried for you when she asked if I've heard from you."
Jason reaches out with one hand, balancing the box in the other, and opens the door. "Yeah..." he begins, setting the box inside and climbing in, "I just wasn't in a very good mindset..." He gives the driver their destination as he settles into his seat.
Va'ynna steps into the car afterwards, placing her purse on her lap. "I... understand," she says. "She didn't call to ask more than twice since... that job, though."
The shuttle slowly lifts off once the doors are closed. After a few moments of vertical lift, the shuttle starts towards their destination.
Jason nods to himself. "Should keep in touch. She seemed to like you. Never hurts to have more friends."
Va'ynna nods, looking away for a bit. "I... still feel... guilty for letting her buy me the dress," she says, smiling sheepishly. "I would have to put aside most of my credits for two months to... pay that back."
Jason waves it off, "Nah, don't feel bad. She wouldn't have done it if she didn't consider you a friend. Friends do things for one another." he says, a smirk crossing his lips, "Besides, she's your sugar momma."
Va'ynna sighs, but a smirk is visible as if she should have expected that. "She... thought it would help me... feel safer out here," she says, "because it has... kinetic shields."
Jason smiles, "See? She cares about you. Truthfully, though, I bet she just wanted to see you in it." he jokes, giving the asari a wink.
Va'ynna nudges him with her elbow, although probably not too much avail given his armor, her cheeks having a deeper purple to them. "I... I don't think she's... like that," she says, possibly taking him seriously.
Jason shakes his head, still chuckling somewhat, "I'm sorry, I shouldn't tease you like that." he says.
The shuttle begins to slow down. After a moment, it touches down just across the street from the Respite.
Va'ynna makes her way out of the car as it stops, picking up her purse. "It's alright," she says. "And... thanks again for letting me come with."
Jason remains seated in the shuttle. "I had fun." he says, "We'll do it again soon." He looks past her towards the bar and gives a nod in its direction, "I need to get back to the agency, but I'll see you soon. Don't work too hard."