#RedrockAgency – March 9, 2016

Ilyna wipes under her eyes and takes a deep breath. "We should be careful about that," she says. "If potential clients know that we cannot afford to decline contracts, then that could be used against us."

Jason sighs and gives a shake of his head. "There's not much we can do about that right now, unfortunately. Obviously we're not going to take a job if it sounds like a death wish, but we're on track to getting back on our feet, so I wouldn't worry about it too much." He gives a reassuring nod, "For now, we just take it one step at a time."

Ilyna frowns. "I'm... I'm sorry," she says. "This is... just a lot at once." She glances down at her terminal. "Our next job is taking Steels' ship, isn't it?"

Jason gives a nod. "That's the plan, at least. It will open a lot of options for us. No more hiring transportation for off-world jobs. Hell, maybe we could even make a little bit on the side by helping some of the locals import goods." He gives a shrug, "We charge 'em less than the big companies charge but enough to make it profitable and everyone wins, right?"

Ilyna tilts her head. "We do need to hire a crew if-... when we get it, though," she says. "Wouldn't that be very expensive?"

Jason gives another nod. "I'm sure it will be." he sighs, "Which is why we'll need to keep it active to try and cover the cost. I'm open to ideas, but I think running cargo is a good start."

Ilyna looks thoughtful for a moment. "I don't honestly know what else we can do with the ship between off-world jobs," she says. "Maybe Steels has any ideas... other than piracy, of course."

Jason gives a short chuckle and shakes his head. "Yeeeah. That won't be happening. Shouldn't be too difficult with come up with some ideas, though." He folds his arms across his chest and gives a tilt of his head, "Might be some relatively safe work for Ehanis, too. I mean, the ship is going to need some security. Sure, it might be a little more dangerous than running a bar, but at

Ilyna nods. "That's not a bad idea," she says. "We won't be able to provide reinforcements if they run into trouble, so we do need to post a full security detail there anyway."

Jason nods in turn. "We can figure all that out when we actually get the ship. But, for now, at least we've got things to consider."

Ilyna glances down at he terminal. "I know," she says. "How much time do we have to act on that?"

Jason gives a shake of his head. "We don't know for sure. The sooner we act, the more accurate our intel is likely to be. As soon as Linda gets back, the three of us can walk through it and figure out how we want to approach this. I'm not exactly 100% right now, and I'd prefer to be involved on this one. I've done this sort of thing before, so maybe that'll lean things in our favor a bit. Nothing trumps experience, right?"

Ilyna gives a soft laugh. "Experience is important, I agree," she says, "but Vasquez seems to take the doctor's orders very seriously."

Jason reaches down and runs his hand across his side with a frown. "I'm feeling alright. Another week of R&R and I should be back in fighting shape. Linda will understand, regardless of doctor's orders. Besides, I'm my own man! She can't stop me from going." he says, giving a stern nod. A few silent moments pass before he tilts his head to the side, "....Do you think she'll let me

Ilyna hums thoughtfully. "I am not sure," she says. "We are low on people, though, so I think it would make sense to go against Halisi's advice for one mission."

Jason shifts a bit in place. "So, what's going on with you?" he asks, shifting subjects, "Anything else lined up for us?"

Ilyna frowns. "Between me getting settled in here and taking care of Li, there is not much interesting going on," she says. "I am still not entirely sure what my day-to-day job here is about."

Jason furrows his brow and goes quiet for a few moments. "You-.... You know... Help keep things running smoothly." he says with a shrug, "You hired that guy! That was-.... something that you did, right?" He sighs and reaches up, running a hand through his hair. "Most days I don't even know what I do here. Just check the messages. Look for work for Redrock. Answer calls. The goal is

Ilyna gives a sheepish smile. "I... hope I'll live up to that description," she says with a chuckle. "My first job for you here on Aite was leading a team, so I don't doubt your trust in me."

Jason gives a chuckle as he nods. "We're giving you a lot of pull. It might not mean much now, but hopefully we'll eventually be running jobs at a constant pace. We can't all be out in the field all the time. Having more people we trust to lead teams is a necessity, you know? Hell, maybe we'll get to a place where we won't even need to go out ourselves. Wouldn't that be great...?"

Ilyna frowns. "I still think we should go on most serious missions, though," she says. "If only to show our confidence in the intel we have to work with."

Ilyna nods. "Mhm," she says. "What about long-term contracts? We already have a few, but are there any more local businesses we could provide security for?"

Jason tilts his head to one side, then the other. "Eh. I mean, there are. But I don't see many more reaching out to us. Maybe we should visit a few? Let them know what we have to offer?" he suggests. "We could probably pick up contracts in nearby settlements, but that would require posting people there. That could get expensive."

Ilyna considers it for a moment. "We could do that," she says. "We already have a few contracts to point to, which could help give them the impression that we're reliable and willing to do what it takes when dangerous situations occur."

Jason nods in response. "Mmhmm. Sounds like a plan." he agrees. He shifts his weight a bit, suddenly looking uncomfortable. "Uhh... There is something else I kind of wanted to talk with you about." he admits. "You know me and Linda-..." he shifts a bit more, "I-... Well, I'm trying to enlist people to help with the wedding." he blurts out. "I don't know the first thing about this

Ilyna tilts her head at first followed by a wide smile, welcoming the opportunity to change the topic away from work. "Oh? That's great, Jason," she says. "Of course I'll help you with the ceremony!"

Jason claps his hands together and bows his head. "Perfect! I was thinking of having the ceremony here." he says, gesturing around, "We've got the space. Nice view. A bit isolated so nobody will bother us. What do you think?"

Ilyna nods. "Sounds good," she says. "I admittedly don't know anything about your marriage ceremonies, but I will read up on it." She pauses for a moment. "How many do you plan to invite?"

Jason gives a shrug. "I have no idea. Obviously Redrock will all be invited, and encouraged to bring a plus-one." he says, "I don't have much family left. Linda doesn't have much family left. I don't see it being a huge ordeal, but we'll see, I guess."

Ilyna can't help but laugh. "That would never happen in a thousand years," she says. "At least on my mother's side of the family."

Jason frowns and scoffs. "Well, their loss then!" he says, "Ah well, no big deal. You've got someone to bring with you, anyway." He gives a glance up at the ceiling, "And last I checked, she was binging on cartoons."

Ilyna looks up with a smile. "And how sure can I be that you're telling me the truth here?"

Jason gains a look of mock offense. "Wha-... me!? Lie? Why I'd never!" he says defensively, "I was in there all morning exercising a bit-..." he reaches down and pats his side again, wincing slightly in pain, "...as much as I could, at least. Made sure there was nooo Captain Palaven." he says, raising his right hand back up as if swearing an oath.

Ilyna tilts her head. "I'll believe you for now," she says with a nod. "i am going to ask T'Iavay if she can help me set up some restrictions, though."

Jason shakes his head and lets out a chuckle. "Well, I'm gonna leave you to it, then. I've got a few things of my own to take care of." he says, "I'll talk to you later, Ilyna. And try not to worry too much about Ehanis. Sounds like she's going to be fine."

Ilyna nods and sits back down. "See you," she says. "I'll try. Please tell me if you hear anything new from Vasquez' team."

Jason nods as he backs towards the door. "You'll know whatever I know." he assures her before turning on his heels and heading out of the room.