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#Miner'sRespite – March 4, 2015
Jason is still seated at the bar nursing his glass. He's emptied it a few times by now while watching a game on the nearby screen.
Ehanis steps into the Miner's Respite, looking around the place. Spotting a somewhat familiar human at the bar, she starts making her way there. She's wearing a black top held up by shoulder straps, not afraid to show a fair amount of skin, and a gray skirt. A purse hangs over her shoulder. The asari enables her omni-tool on her way.
Jason tips back the last of his drink and slides the empty glass across the counter, giving Aylena a knowing nod for another.
Might be shifting the schedule around a bit in a few days, Aylena. Gonna need Steve for a job, but I'll be posting Renala down here in his absence so we don't have another ordeal.
Sioria walks in through the main door clad in her full beige and brown camouflaged armour. She scans the room through her black tinted T-visor and spots Ehanis approaching a human. She collapses her battle rifle and slides it onto her back before walking up behind the Asari. "Looking pretty today, Ehanis." she says with a pinch to the asari's firm rear.
Aylena takes the glass. "So I heard," she says. "She doesn't look too fit for dealing with trouble, but I'm sure could put her to work on that terminal." She goes off to find the ingredients as the coke bottle used for the previous drinks is empty.
Jason gives a short shrug. "She'll be more than enough for any trouble-makers. She's a little banged up, but she's smart and capable. Shouldn't be for too long, anyway."
Ehanis stops and disables her omni-too, making a rather weird noise as she begins speaking at the same time the pinch happens. "There you are," she says. "I was about to shoot you a polite message asking you to haul your turian ass over here." She gestures towards Jason. "That's one of the head-Redrocks," she says. "I was thinking of prodding him about getting hired, but you can come
with." Since the Respite is pretty quiet this day and people are still somewhat wary, it's entirely possible they can be overheard.
Sioria grins and gives her a kiss on the cheek. "My turian ass, eh? Sure you just didn't wanna see it?" she asks, then stands at attention when Jason is described. "Right. Understood." she says, presenting herself with proper military fashion, as she'd been taught to do for years beforehand. "You gonna introduce me?"
Jason 's ears perk up a bit at the mention of Redrock, and he turns his head to the side to peer over his shoulder slightly, but makes no attempt at making the first move. He merely listens as he awaits his refill.
Aylena nods, and returns with the bottle. "I'll take your word for it." She mixes the drink and hands it to Jason.
Ehanis gives her a nudge without a verbal response at the kissing. "I'll do it," she says, making her way over to the bar. "Jason?"
Sioria smirks and tucks her helmet under her arm. There's a spot on her armour's upper arm where an insignia used to be, and from the outline it becomes obvious that its the badge of Tauros Security. They aren't widely known, but someone who did his homework on the area's security and merc companies would recognise them as an effective security force. Not much info in terms of offensive
though. Sioria herself is an impressive looking Turian, standing at six-foot-five and fairly well built. On her chest is a little faded crosshair, signifying her marks-woman role in her old squad.
Jason glances over at the asari and offers a smirk. "Ehanis, right?" he asks, recalling the asari's name. He glances over at Sioria and gives a friendly nod, assuming they're together, "I'd be lying if I said I didn't overhear the mention of my Agency's name... What brings you here?"
Ehanis hums thoughtfully. "I was looking to check if the not-old bartender was up for a night out getting drunk with me and Mi," she says, "but prodding you about my application was plan B." She gestures towards Sioria. "That's Sioria, she is good at shooting things," she says, then looking to the turian. "Sioria, that's Jason."
Jason raises an eyebrow as he listens to Ehanis yammer on. He offers a hand towards Sioria. "Uhh... Nice to meet you, Sioria. Always good to run into fellow 'shooting-things' enthusiasts." he jokes.
Sioria takes Jason's hand and gives it a very firm shake. "Likewise, Jason." she says with a smile. "Ain't no better protection than your bullet between you and your enemies, right?" she says, then chuckles. She nudges Ehanis with a smirk. "I'll assume my invite was on its way?"
Jason gives a shrug. "Whatever works for you. I'd prefer to put a few planets between me and my enemies." he says with a chuckle, "But I'll take what I can get."
Ehanis takes the seat beside him. "I was about to type it up, I just said that," she says before looking at the human. "So, what's going on with my application?"
"Ain't easy without a ship. Never been above the clouds myself." Sioria says before ordering a turian beer, then ordering drinks for the other two. "One day. Spent my life ground-side, running protection contracts." Then the turian looks between JAson and Ehanis. "Oh right, yeah, I need a job too." she says. "Running outta cash and inner-city compounds don't pay for themselves."
Jason waves off the drink by holding his own up. "Well, I'd love to say it's as simple as stamping your application and putting you to work, but-..." he gives a shrug, "For starters, you never actually sent an application." he gives a smirk, "Not that it matters, I suppose. We're no better off than we were the last time we spoke, I'm afraid." He pauses for a moment with a somewhat
uneasy look on his face, "Actually, I might-..." he begins, but seems to reconsider it and simply shakes his head.
Like I said, it's not important. You gave your contact info. What is important is that we're still rebuilding what we've lost over the past month. Still, you might want to hit the extranet and put in a formal application just so we have you on file and everything.
Sioria shakes her head at Ehanis. "Why would I have? Its paid to the end of the month." she says as she gets her beer. She raises it and takes a hearty swig. "You got something that needs doing, Jason?" she asks, turning her attention to the man. "Need some overwatch?"
Jason sighs and tilts his head to one side, then the other, seemingly weighing whether or not he should even mention it. "I might have a job for the two of you..." he finally manages to spit out. He looks to Ehanis, "It's a big job. Dangerous. I'm not gonna lie, we need all the help we can get and I don't want to complicate things here. We're all professionals, and I'd like to keep
this professional but-... it's important that I speak with your sister. I have a lot of respect for her, and this might be the sort of thing that she wouldn't forgive me for involving you in. I hope you understand."
Ehanis shakes her head. "I survived for a pretty fucking long time on Omega while she had no idea what I was up to," she says. "'Lyna don't know what I'm capable of. I'll be fine."
Jason reaches for his glass and takes a long gulp from it. He smiles and gives a quick shake of his head as he sets the glass back down. "Omega may as well be the Citadel compared to what we're up against, Ehanis." he sighs, "I have no doubt that you're plenty capable. But family can be a touchy thing. Last thing I'd want to do is betray a friend like that. Talk to her. As soon as
she's back from her current job, I plan on filling her in. If she's comfortable bringing you along, I have no issues with it."
Sioria swigs her drink then narrows her eyes at Jason. "What exactly ARE we looking at, Jace?" she asks.
That sounds like something I wouldn't want to miss. When is she coming back? I have some convincing to do.
Jason gives Ehanis a shrug. "No later than mid-day tomorrow." he says, "She's out on a job at the moment. I haven't even had a chance to bring her up to speed on all this yet." He glances over at Sioria and shakes his head, "Sorry. It's not the sort of thing I'm willing to talk about with someone I just met. Tell ya what, I've got no issues bringing you on board, Sioria-..." he looks
to Ehanis apologetically, "Our briefing is going to be tomorrow evening. We'll be holding it down at the spaceport since our office is fuc-.... being repaired. We've got a private shuttle bay. If you decide you need a job bad enough, drop by. Don't bother if you haven't made up your mind by then. No pressure. Honest. There'll be plenty more jobs in the future."
Sioria gives a firm nod. "You bet your soft human ass I'll be there, chief." she says, raising her beer. "You guys are kinda monopolising my bizz around these parts. If you can't beat 'em, join 'em."
Just... Listen to what your sister has to say, Ehanis. This isn't going to be your regular job. Trust me.
Or she can listen to me. She's not my mother, and don't let her tell you otherwise! I'm bored, and this job sounds great.
Jason furrows his brow. "You're... bored?" he repeats, confused a bit by her reaction. He gives a shake of his head, "Like I said, I'm gonna leave this one in Ilyna's hands. If she approves it, I have no problem with having another gun and another pair of eyes on board. I just hope you hear what she has to say and trust that however bad she tells you this whole situation is.... The
Jason snorts loudly. "You know what they say about hubris, don't ya?" he asks, hoping she doesn't question it as he himself has no idea what they say about hubris. Just sounded good in his head.
Jason frowns and stares blankly at Sioria for a few moments. "Of course you're-... Do you two just make a habit out of running around accepting dangerous jobs without compensation or something? I mean, shit, if you wanna do this out of the kindness of your heart, I'm not gonna argue."
Sioria smirks at Ehanis. "Drinking heavy tonight? I'm in." She then looks at Jason. "Well, there's two ways to look at this. Either we're getting paid or just getting acceped into the crew. I'd rather both, obviously."
I've gotten paid for most of my work on Omega, because nothing unites a team of mercs there more than an employer trying to cheat us out of payment.
Jason sighs, "Nobody is getting cheated out of payment. You do your job, you get paid. Simple as that. As to whether or not you're in for good or this is a one time deal-..." he gives a shrug, "That all depends on how things go out there. I can't promise anything."
Sioria nods and smiles at Jason. "High risk mission, survive the mission get paid well. Gotcha." she says. "Looking forward to the briefing."
Aylena chuckles. "A little early for the strong stuff, isn't it?" she says. "I'll let you have one glass of it, but that's it." She makes her way to find a bottle, taking a while doing so because things aren't as orderly as they were before the attack.
Jason puts a hand up, "I don't know about 'well'... Let's just stick with 'paid' for now." he smirks.
Ehanis groans, "The other barkeep let me have two." It's unclear whether she's serious. She looks towards Jason. "I'm fine with that. Mi will have to pay the next month's rent on her own if I don't get a job soon... and she's not very happy about it."
Jason shakes his head a bit and focuses on his glass. He takes a long sip from it. "Try and get an application in before tomorrow, Sioria." he says, "Not hard to find your way to it on the extranet."
Sioria nods and checks her omnitool. "I'll get it to you first thing in the morning, boss-man." she says, tapping a few keys and navigating to the right page.
Aylena returns with the bottle. "You can have another tonight if you behave," she simply says before pouring the drink and handing it over.
Jason suddenly looks interested in what Ehanis has to say once again. "What are you talking about? She was involved at the spaceport?"
A coworker of hers got called in by the millitia, and she tagged along.... Well, that's what she told me. She's not very tall, and she's got almost as dark skin like that other barkeep but with none of the purple.
Jason blinks a couple times and furrows his brow as he attempts to recall the day in question. He gives a couple nods. "Yeah..." he says, "Red markings?"
So, is it true what she said about charging in and kicking ass? She's not one to mess with, but she tends to exaggerate.
Couldn't really tell ya. I had a lot more on my mind that day than wondering how much ass the militia was kicking. A couple of our people took hits, too, so I probably wasn't the most thankful...
"Sorry I missed it." Sioria says, chiming in. "Heard about it. I was busy kicking the shit out of a mugger."
Ehanis frowns. "Me too," she says. "I wanted to go check out what happened, but it was impossible to get a taxi."
You didn't miss a whole lot. They shot at us. We shot at them. They died. We didn't. That about sums it up.
"Yeah... its hell and all, but some people find oppurtunities in the tempest." Sioria says before sipping her drink.
Jason gives a nod in Sioria's direction. "What's your background, anyway?" his eyes shift to the missing insignia. "Tauros Security." he says out loud matter-of-factly, "What did you do for them?"
Sioria pats the spot where her insignia used to be. "Background? Town security for a settlement way out west." she begins. "Kinda got sick of the raiding parties, did something about it. Eventually Tauros came round and offered protection, we accepted and got integrated. They trained me, I did well in hand-to-hand and excelled in marksmanship. Few months ago I took the oppurtunity to
leave home with a unit to gain a foothold. Looks like you guys have a tight grip on this place, the rest of my crew bugged out due to lack of business. I hung around though. Didn't want to go home, wanted to do something new. I was at the end of my contract anyway."
Sioria shakes her head. "Joined the militia when I was fifteen, signed on with tauros at eighteen. Twenty five now. Ten years last month." she says with a nod.
Jason gives a couple nods. "Well like I said, we'll have to wait and see how things go before I can give you a definitive answer about longer term work with Redrock, but if things go well there's a few changes you may have to get accustomed to. We're not local security. We're not militia. We don't wear insignia, because we tend to make enemies. We're private military contractors, and
Sioria nods, looking serious. "That's what I'm looking for. Something new." she says. "I can handle a gun and shoot it straight, while providing overwatch and recon. I can do both defense and offense, Jason. Don't worry about it." she sips her beer. "Here's hopeful."
Jason gives another nod, "Looking forward to seeing you in action." he says with a smile before tipping back the rest of his drink. He stands from his stool and gives Ehanis a pat on the shoulder, "I've got some shit to take care of before our briefing, though." he sighs, "Get that application in, Sioria. I'll look out for it and get you a timeframe for tomorrow." He turns to Ehanis,
Sioria nods and gives him another firm handshake. "Pleasure to meet you, Jason. You can count on me." She sits back down and smiles at Ehanis.
Ehanis nods. "You can count on that," she says. "I'll see you tomorrow." A smirk follows. She turns back to the bar and takes a large sip of the drink, making another grimace at the taste.
Jason takes a step back from the counter. "That remains to be seen, Sioria." he replies with a wink. He raises an arm towards Aylena. "Tab." he says, giving a quick point to his empty glass. "I'll pay it off tomorrow morning. Promise." he continues, backpedaling further away from the counter.
Aylena nods. "I'll hold you to that," she says, "or just take it out off your payment if you don't." She chuckles.
Jason chuckles and gives a shrug, "Shit, that works for me. That's Steve's pay, anyway. We hardly see any of that." He gives a wave to the camera before setting off towards the stairs.
Aylena smirks, but doesn't say anything in response. She starts typing on the terminal again. "Any of you considered doing bartending?" she says, looking at the asari and turian couple. "It's a lot safer, but there's definitely action to be had."
Ehanis raises an eyebrow at the barkeep. "I can't mix a drink even if my life depended on it, sorry," she says before looking at the turian, sighing. "I don't have a fucking chance," she says in a lowered voice. "It's my sister we're talking about. She's more over-protective than most mothers."
Sioria tilts her head. "What do you mean?" she asks. "not sure I mentioned your sister." She then turns to Aylena. "Yeah... I'd go stir crazy in a heart beat."
Jason makes his way up the stairs and down the hall, making a pit stop at Va'ynna's room. He leans against the wall beside the door and raps his knuckles against it.
Sioria sighs and places a gloved hand on Ehanis' shoulder. "Hey, look. I'm sure there'll be some way you'll end up going." she says. "We're in this together, and it'll just get awkward if I get to go without you."
Jason leans his forehead against the door and raises his voice a bit. "You in there, V? It's Jason."
Jason puffs out his cheeks and blows out some air before turning on his heels and heading back towards his room.
Ehanis nods. "I know," she groans, "but Jason's more worried about what my sister thinks than actual qualifications."
Sioria nods slowly and sips her drink. "Yeah, kinda sucks, but its kind of a good sign. Looks like he values his team's opinions on important shit like this." she says, then flags down the barmaid. "Alright, here's the plan. We're gonna have a few drinks and shoot the shit. Drinks are on me because you're too damn cute to pay and I quite like you. Then, would you like a room at mine
Ehanis can't help but let out a giggle. "I'm a big girl, you don't have to pay for my drinks," she says with a grin, "but I'd take the room. My own room..., because I don't plan on getting that drunk tonight. Arguing with sis will be enough of a headache, I think."
Sioria nods. "I was hoping you'd say that. I'm just about broke." she says, then laughs, patting her on the back. "And alright, you can have one of the rooms all to yourself." She sips her beer once again. "Are you going to need backup for that arguement?"
Vasquez is sitting by the desk in her room, typing on the haptic keyboard of the computer salvaged from the Redrock building. Her focus is interrupted as the door opens, and she discards the currently open window on the screen before looking towards the door.
Ehanis shakes her head. "No, that won't end well for you," she jokes, taking a large sip of the drink followed by another grimace.
Jason steps into the room with a loud sigh as he scratches at the back of his neck. "Got a couple more potentials downstairs. Ilyna's sister and her girlfriend." he says, "I'm gonna clear it with Ilyna first, but if all goes well, that's two more guns."
Sioria chuckles. "Jason talks about suicide missions and you're more scared of your sister." she says. "There's something to be said about that..." she swigs her drink again. "So, just one batarian ale?"
Vasquez nods. "Good, we need as many as we can muster." Her gaze falls on the wall behind Jason rather than looking directly at him.
Jason taps the interface beside the door, effectively closing it. "This all sort of caught me off guard, you know?" he says, taking a few steps towards Vasquez, "I thought we'd have-... I don't know. More time? How confident are you in this intel?"
Vasquez leans forward a bit in her seat, placing her elbows on her knees and resting her chin on her knuckles. "I'm sure they're there. And we can take them. We have to."
Aylena steps towards them. "Yes, just one," she answers it for her, lowering her voice. "I also may have overheard some talk about what Redrock is up to. I respect them enough to not delve into specifics, but you'd be wise to think long and hard if this is really something you want to get into." And with that, she returns to typing on the terminal.
Jason gives a nod, looking much more confident than he feels. "Of course we can." he says, "But-... I've been thinking. This is gonna be a big operation and we'll probably need to split into multiple comm channels to keep the chatter from cluttering it up. I think it would be in our best interest if we had someone running our comms. Keeping everyone informed..." he says, steering
clear of eye contact, "You know. Someone hanging back. I wouldn't really trust anyone beside you to handle that."
Vasquez ' gaze briefly flickers to Jason before going back to the wall. "What? I-..." She goes quiet, apparently thinking it over. "...yeah. Okay. Maybe it would be best."
Aylena looks at the turian. "Go to the briefing tomorrow," she says. "Like I said, I don't want to get into specifics, but if you don't like the sound of it during the briefing, don't be afraid to speak up. They're decent people, they'll understand... and let you go home."
Jason instantly looks more confident than he did moments earlier. "Great." he says with a stern nod, "So... What do I need to know? What are we up against here?"
Sioria nods slowly and looks to Ehanis, wondering what she's thinking of it. Her hand loops into hers and gives it a squeeze, signalling a little unease as it finally starts to seep in.
Ehanis raises an eyebrow, leaning into the turian a bit. "All this just makes me want to go even more," she says.
Sioria can't help but let out a little chuckle, accepting the lean. "Damnit girl, you're too adventurous for your own good." she kisses her on the cheek. "Luckily for us both, I like adventurous." She then looks ato Aylena. "Thanks for the heads-up, I'll keep my eyes open."
Aylena nods. "No problem," she says with a faint smile. "I don't want you kids to get yourselves killed."
Ehanis sighs. "I know what I'm doing," she says. "I survived Omega... Jason is probably just exaggerating to help my sister keep me out of this."
Sioria nods at Aylena. "Neither do I!" She can't help but chuckle. "As for me, I've made my living on fighting off bad guys and dishing out justice. Not so familiar with offensive operations though... adapt and overcome, that's the name of the game." she sips her drink again, then nudges Ehanis. "Besides, this ones close to medium range, I'm medium to long. We'd make a good team, I
There's a system on the edge of the Rosetta Nebula. Di Yu. The cultists have a compound on the fourth planet. They've been there almost as long as the colony itself. There's only one town... they don't seem to have any connection to the cultists. Not... that I've found. We'll be landing there.
Jason gives a nod as he takes a seat on the edge of the bed, facing Vasquez. "Have you made any attempt to contact anyone in the colony? Are we even sure they're still active?"
Not directly. There are no communication buoys that far out. But the ship we are using to get there, they trade regularly with the colony. I've had word with the captain. They're there.
Yeah! And we'll have a good barrier close by if my sister doesn't let me get out of her sight for even a second.
Sioria chuckles. "I reckon you'll be untouchable." she says, leaning into her a little. "But, uh... yeah, lets NOT test that in the field. Bad idea."
What about defenses? Any word on what we'll be facing planetside? Are the cultists set up to fend off an attack?
It's hard to say for sure. The compound is supposedly surrounded by a chainlink fence, but little else in the way of defenses. But we don't know how many combatants they have. That's why we're going in force. I don't want to run in to anything we can't handle.
Sioria chuckles. "Also a reason I like to stay above the action. Pick off targets of oppurtunity." She sighs and strokes Ehanis's knuckles with a thumb. "I wish I could afford a good sniper rifle... ah well. Maybe after this I might, eh?"
Jason lets out a deep breath. "Sounds like a plan." he says, "What about our numbers? You said you hired outside help. We bringing in more than just Garr?" he puts a hand up, "Not that Garr isn't an army in-and-of himself..."
Jason rises from the bed and takes a few steps over to Vasquez' side. "We'll finally be able to put that whole fucking nightmare behind us and move on." he says, placing a hand on her shoulder.
Vasquez drops her arms with a sigh. "Yeah...". After a short silence she begins: "Jason... we've never fought those things without casualties before. We're going to lose people..."
Jason shakes his head adamantly. "We've been caught with our pants down everytime, Linda. This is different. This time we have the upper hand. Those things can't just be freely walking around their compound. If we play our cards right and work efficiently, we may be able to bring that whole place down before they even know we're there."
Vasquez runs a hand a over her face and leans back with a grunt. "I hope you're right. I'm tired of losing."
We get Halisi up there in front of everyone tomorrow night and just-... have her explain all she knows about this disease-... sickness-... infection. Whatever the fuck it is. We lay it all out for everyone. Make sure they're all prepared. We've seen how it works. It doesn't just happen. So long as everyone is in the know, and we all stick together... I think we can get through this
Vasquez nods to herself a few times. "We're prepared. You're right. We have the knowledge... we have an APC loaded with new hardware, and we have a krogan. We can do it."
Jason takes a deep breath. "We can do it." he repeats, almost sounding as if he's trying to convince himself.
Ehanis shrugs. "Depends on the how well it pays," she says. "I could pay my part of the rent for half a year at least with the kind of money you'd need for a good weapon."
Sioria smiles and nods. "Heh, yeah, maybe I'm just a hopeful optimist. Maybe an upgrade for my rifle then, something for longer ranges." She says. "Still rocking the SMG I assume?"
I only have a pistol, if my sister didn't lose it on her job... she's borrowing it. I can do some real damage with my biotics, though.
Sioria smirks. "Looks like you'll have some saving to do." She says, snaking a hand around her waist. "Interesting stuff, biotics. Never seen a Turian use them before. Flashy, I like em."
Vasquez slowly gains a very faint smile. She nods once more to herself. "It'll be over soon. It'll finally be over. Just the thought of being able to put what happened... the Evening Star, Ogofau, behind us..."
That's because you turians are silly about it. We asari would be fucked if it wasn't for all of us being biotic.
"Eh, never looked into it. I think that's a conversation for another time." She says, giving her side a squeeze as she sips her drink. "So is it just the one sister you have?"
Jason gives Vasquez' shoulder a squeeze as his omni-tool goes off. He removes the small device from the cargo pocket on his pants and begins looking over the message. "Halisi needs to talk to me. Sounds important." he sighs, "Think I'm gonna see if I can get Tarlon to meet me back at the Respite. See if he's willing to lend us a hand with this. The more experienced people we have on
Ehanis nods. "Yeah, she is," she says. "My sister has another little sister, but I'm not related to her at all."
Jason leans down and kisses Vasquez on the top of the head. "Suppose I should get down to the hospital and see what's going on."
Sioria nods slowly as she tries to make sense of it, then shrugs. "Asari families. They're all over the place in my experience." She downs the rest of her drink and gives the woman another squeeze.
Vasquez spins back to the computer with a nod. "Tell the doctor to prepare for the briefing while you're there."
Jason slides his omni-tool back into his pocket and makes for the door. He grabs his brown jacket off the hanger on his way before opening the door and setting off on his way.
Ehanis grins. "Mom being my sister's father is what makes it confusing," she says. "Other than that, it's not really complicated. I hardly know anyone in my father's family."
Jason stops once more outside of Va'ynna's door and attempts to give it one more go. Using the bottom of his fist, he gives the door a hard trio of knocks.
Jason sighs and continues on his way down the stairs. He shrugs his jacket on as he descends and pulls the collar up, hoping to avoid another conversation with the pair at the bar.
Sioria gives Ehanis a half hug. "Sounds like a great guy." She says. Anyone who was missed must've done something right, right?
Ehanis nods. "Yeah," she says. "He even taught me to shoot. Not sure if that's normal turian parenting, though." She grins.
Sioria can't help but laugh. "Heh, yes that's pretty standard. My parents aren't really fighters though, they left Palaven to get away from it years ago." She finally loosens her grip then takes Ehanis' hand. "We should probably get back and get some rest before the briefing."
Ehanis downs the rest of the glass. "The briefing isn't in the middle of the fucking night," she says as she lets go of the turian and stands up, "but I could go for some take-away." She takes out a credit chit and throws it on the counter.
Sioria grins and pays for her own drink. "Scratch what I said, that's a much better idea." She taps her omnitool's clock. "Damn thing's off... Anyways, shall we?" She asks, gesturing to the door.
Aylena looks towards them. "Sorry, our kitchen is closed for the forseeable future," she says, "but I could send you a list of places nearby offering food service."
Ehanis waves the bartender off, "No, thank you." She turns towards the door. "Let's go." She makes her way to the door once Aylena has processed the payment and handed back the chit.
Sioria waves farewell to Aylena and smiles broadly as she follows after Ehanis. She's only just remembered she skipped breakfast and is starving!
Jason steps into the Respite once again and glances around for any sign of Tarlon. Satisfied that the salarian hasn't beaten him to the bar, he takes a seat at a booth near the door and waits.
Tarlon eventually stumbles into the bar - almost on time - and takes a moment to dust off his clothes before looking around for Jason. Spotting the human, he starts in that direction, then stops, turns around, goes back to wipe his feet on the doormat. Finally satisfied, he makes his way over to Jason's booth and takes a seat.
Jason blinks a couple times and sighs loudly, giving a shake of his head, "Anyway... You remember the Evening Star?" he asks before continuing without awaiting a response, "Of course you do. While back, our team came across another case of-... Whatever the fuck that was. A few differences, but too much in common to be a coincidence. Since then, Linda has been looking into it and-..."
he gives a shrug, "Well, she managed to track down its origin. Group of machine cultists on the edge of the Rosetta Stone."
Jason bites his lower lip and stares intensely at the table for a number of moments. Eventually, he manages, "Cultists.... And they do-... you know, cult stuff. Probably wear gowns that literally no one would actually wear unless they were in a cult." Jason wrinkles his nose, realizing he's getting nowhere, "They're purposely doing that shit to people. Turning them into those
things. I don't know why, but see for yourself. That shit is all over the extranet if you take the time to look for it. Sure, most of the people talking about it are whack-job conspiracy theorists, but that shit is true! We seen it with our own eyes."
Well, cannot have that. Most irresponsible behaviour, no consideration for practical concerns. Bet those cultists have not given any thought to where their food and clothing will come from if they turn the entire galaxy into electronical zombies. Tch. People, never thinking about the bigger picture.
Jason repeats Tarlon's words as he speaks them, rallying behind the salarian. "Can't have that at all! Absolutely irresponsible! No consideration whatsoever! Practical concerns? What are those? Not a single fuck is given as to where their food and clothi-..." He narrows his eyes on the Tarlon, "Wait, what?"
Jason sighs and rubs at the back of his head. "Look, point is that Linda managed to come up with a location. So far we've been 10 steps behind these people. Every encounter we've just been reacting and fighting for our survival. We've got the chance to get the drop on 'em, and I think bringing along more people who have encountered these things before can only be beneficial. What do
Tarlon tut-tuts softly. "Hmm... would have to make time. And very dangerous, of course. Most irregular..." He deliberates for a moment, and eventually shakes his head. "No, no, cannot have that at all. People playing with technology they don't understand, never good to have things like that in the hands of fanatics. Shall have to do something about it. Yes."
Jason nods a couple of times but allows a long period of silence to pass after Tarlon finishes with his rambling. "Yeah... Yeah.... All of that. So-... wait, I'm not following. Are you in, or out?"
Hm? Oh, coming. Yes, quite definitely. Very heroic, isn't it? Maybe tell my daughter I had a hand in saving the world.
Jason claps his hands together and gives a little fist pump to accompany a grunt, "Absolutely! We've got a doctor on-board that survived our last encounter with those freaky fuckers. She got a chance to study them a bit. It may not be much, but still... She's gonna go over everything we know about this so far tomorrow night. The briefing is gonna take place at our shuttle bay down at
the spaceport. We've already got a pretty damn big crew. We're gonna hit these assholes with everything we've got."
Jason furrows his brow, cautiously curious as to what Tarlon has come up with. "...Yeah?" he asks, "What is it?"
Tarlon pulls up a few screens on his Omni-Tool, then flips them so Jason can see. The primary one seems to contain a list of books, ranging from "Mating rituals of lower Earth primates" to "How to draw out your orgasm". It includes some scientific-sounding titles, a lot of rather cheesy books on dating tips and pick-up artists, and... quite a number of, shall we say... explicit titles.
Tarlon points to one particular book from the latter category, opening the file. "Found this one extremely helpful myself. Very detailed illustrations."
Jason leans across the table to see the screen. His eyes widen as he realizes what he's looking at. He quickly glances around the bar and leans to his side in an attempt at obscuring the screen from anyone nearby. "Tarlon, I don't need th-..." he pauses as the illustrations appear on-screen. He tilts his head to the side slightly, "Okay... Send me that one." he says, "For science."
Va'ynna approaches the Miner's Respite, but remains outside speaking with her mother for the time being.
Jason gives a shrug, "I-... I mean... Helpful?" He stares at Tarlon for a moment, stunned, "Uhh... Absolutely. Very helpful."
Of course, of course. That is the purpose, yes? Very instructive. Find it interesting that humans need so much instructive material on mating. Process certainly looks complicated, so assume it does not come naturally? Needs careful study to get right? Very interesting, though not sure of evolutionary reasons.
Va'ynna enters the Miner's Respite after parting ways with her mother. She waves to the two in the booth, but she seems to be heading towards the staircase up.
Jason looks a bit uncomfortable as he continues to look around the bar, scratching at the back of his head. "We-... Uhh... Like to-... you know, compare notes. And stuff. Try new techniques... Motion of the ocean.... Experimentation." He shrugs and stammers over his words for a moment, "Actually-... Actually it's all very scientific. Sort of like stuff you do." His eyes light up as
he spots Va'ynna and he instantly stands from his seat and waves his arms wildly. "V!" he calls out, "HEY! C'MERE! WE NEED TO TALK!"
Tarlon nods sagely and taps a few notes into his Omni-Tool, muttering something about "motion of the ocean".
Va'ynna stops and turns towards Jason, before approaching the booth. She fidgets with her hands. "Hey. I... I didn't want to interrupt," she says. "What... is it you want to talk about?"
Jason is still standing and has a very stupid smile plastered across his face. "Oh! Yeah." he says, speaking much louder than usual with artificial enthusiasm, "Just thought I should let you know I've got some work coming up. I'll be gone for a few days, but Renala will be around to watch over the bar."
Va'ynna tilts her head. "What... sort of job?" she asks, sounding a little curious, and concerned. "I... are you going to be.... Is it dangerous?"
Jason hesitates for a moment before shaking his head. "No-... Well, yeah. You know how it is in my line of work. But I'll be fine. Just thought I should give you a heads up." He retakes his seat and quickly tries to change the subject, hoping to get her mind off any fear she may have, "How did everything go with your mom?"
Va'ynna does not take a seat. "That went... well, actually," she says, looking thoughtful. "We... talked for hours yesterday, about... everything."
Va'ynna returns the smile, then glances at the salarian. "Thank you, but I... I feel I should get going," she says. "I... don't want to interrupt you two." She looks at Jason, the concern returning. "Be... safe out on the job, please. I... I don't want to lose any of you."
Jason gives the asari a nod. "Of course." he says, "I don't plan on kickin' the bucket any time soon, so you're stuck with me." he jokes as he stands back up. He turns to Tarlon as he steps out of the booth, "Well, I need to take care of a few more things before tomorrow, so I should get going myself. Tomorrow at the spaceport." he reminds, "Thanks again, Tarlon."
Jason turns a shade of red and glances around once more. "Uhh... Right. Of course." he says, quickly making for the stairs, "See you later!" he calls out.
Va'ynna looks towards towards Jason as he leaves in a hurry with a tilted head, looking rather confused.
Va'ynna brings up a hand to cover her mouth for a moment before she regains herself, looking like she's stifling laughter. "Um, that's... not something we're... comfortable talking about, either," she says in a low voice.
Va'ynna raises a brow, but just nods. "I'll... see you," she says before making her way towards the stairs.
Tarlon shakes his head and taps his fingers together, considering for a moment, then gets up and leaves the bar.