This logfile is imported from aitelogs2 and may contain errors or wrong timestamps.
#RedrockAgency – May 5, 2016
Halisi picks up the coughing Li and carries her into her office. "Aww, come on, let's get you some water." (Tyranniac)
Nathan leaves the room without another name and heads down the stairs in a rush, ending up at the bottom of the stairs with a glass of water just as Halisi picks her up. "Got some!"
Halisi grabs the water with a nod and heads into the infirmary, holding the glass up for Li and setting her down on the exam bed with a reassuring smile. (Tyranniac)
Tarkus gives a shrug at Jason "Everybody missed me, Jason. I just win people over with my charming personality." He tells the human in a joking tone.
Cynthia looks the turian over with a skeptical look. "Uh-huh, riiight. You're the big charmer huh?" (Tyranniac)
Jason nods slowly. "Riiiiiiight." he agrees sarcastically. "Just a big sack of charm..." he adds, his smirk widening.
Nathan pulls out the doughnut given to him from Jason and holds it out to Li with a sheepish smile. "Uh, to replace your cookies... sorry again."
Tarkus gave another shrug "Being a big sack of charm is better than being a big sack of shit." He jokes back at the humans.
Cynthia just looks at Tarkus for a while with a blank expression before turning back to the Jason with a shake of her head. She raises an eyebrow as she looks him over more closely, but before saying anything she nods for him to join her in the couch. "Woah, come here." (Tyranniac)
Jason acts as if he's thinking hard on something for a few moments. "And whose couch were you sleeping on...? Oh! And who gave you a job? Let's not forget about that daring rescue on the pirate ship-... who did that one?" he asks, tilting his head to the side as glances to the side, contemplating his own questions. "Was it me-... I think it was me!" he says, looking surprised by
this revelation, "It-... It was me! Big sack of shit, you say? Me, you say!? Noooo." His smirk returns and he gives Tarkus a wink before joining Cynthia on the couch. "Hmmm?"
Nathan shrugs at Li. "It's just a doughnut, kid. Try it, it's nice." He says with a light gesture to it.
"I was not calling your a sack of shit. I was just saying, me being a sack of charm is better than me being a sack of shit." The turian states as he continues to clean the pile he had made. "Really, Jason. I think you need to get your hearing checked, thinking I would ever call you such."
Cynthia 's gaze is focused squarely on Jason's arm now. She reaches out with her arm as if to touch it, her hand hovering a couple of inches away. "Shit, I didn't notice... that's some serious hardware. Chosen by you or chosen for you?" (Tyranniac)
Li gives the pastry another skeptical look before taking a bite, her best judging face on as she chews. (Tyranniac)
Jason waves Tarkus off, smirk still on his face. "Yeah, yeah. Whatever you say, Tarkus." he teases. His gaze follows Cynthia's hand, not picking up right away what she's talking about. As his eyes settle on his cybernetic arms, a frown crosses his lips and he gives an uncomfortable shrug. "Oh-... Uhh... A little from column A, a little from column B..." he says softly, studying the
Ilyna stands in the doorway to her office, looking at the departing asari. "Ehanis?" she calls after her, to no response. (Ilyna_T`Rea)
Nathan smirks and starts taking a few steps back. "You enjoy that, m'kay? I am going to try and leave again... and avoid running into someone for the fourth time," he mutters as he turns and steps out, after checking to make sure he won't collide with anyone. He plucks up the cigarette and pockets it to dispose of later.
Cynthia looks up at Jason with a raised eyebrow. "The hell does that mean? You lost one?" (Tyranniac)
Ilyna gives a frustrated sigh before looking around. Upon spotting cookies on the floor, she looks over at Nathan. "What happened here?" (Ilyna_T`Rea)
Nathan looks at Ilyna and starts to walk around her slowly, rubbing the back of his head awkwardly. "Welllllllll, Li may have... collided with me and choked on a cookie," he says before stopping and adding hurriedly. "She's fine! A little shook up! She's, uh, in the infirmary." He starts to backpedal towards the Redrock exit.
Jason nods slowly. "Yeah... It's-..." he winces, looking up at Cynthia with a shrug, "...It's a long story. But yeah. A job went sideways." He makes a gun with his fingers and holds it against his arm, making a 'PEW' sound. "Shotgun. Close range." he nods. "Needed to get it replaced ASAP. Things were-... People were in danger. Didn't have time to sit on the bench long enough for an
organic replacement..." he sighs, trying to explain himself without giving too many details, "I was told the cybernetics would boost my effectiveness, so-..." he shrugs and taps the other arm, "...Here we are."
Ilyna raises an eyebrow. "She... what?!" she hurries towards the infirmary, looking into the room. (Ilyna_T`Rea)
Nathan pivots on his heel and dashes outside. He makes a sharp turn and leans back against the wall, huffing and sighing lightly. "...Fucking clumsy bastard..." he murmurs as he plucks out the cigarette. He looks at it and ponders for a moment before sighing again and sliding it back into his pocket. "Perhaps time to quit...".
Renala enters the rec room. "Morning," she says with a glance at the people at the couch group before heading towards the kitchen to see about solving the problem of her coffee cup being empty. (Ilyna_T`Rea)
Cynthia gains a slight frown as she listens to Jason, and by the end she gives an understanding nod, before looking back down at the cybernetics and poking his upper arm. "Bet you get a lot of use out of 'em in your line of work though, huh?" (Tyranniac)
Jason 's smirk returns slightly. "I ripped an elevator door open!" he says excitedly, seemingly having already forgotten his woes. As Renala makes her entrance, he gives a wave her way. "Morning."
Ilyna gives a relieved sigh and steps inside. "Where are you getting these snacks?" she asks, glancing at the cookies strewn on the hallway floor. (Ilyna_T`Rea)
Nathan puffs his cheeks and looks at the sky, his hand rubbing the cast with an annoyed look. He instead moves it to take his thermos. He kneels down to place it on the floor and carefully open it, his brow knitted in concentration as to not spill it.
Cynthia looks impressed, giving a light chuckle. "Niiiice." she says before squeezing the synthetic arm curiously. (Tyranniac)
Li tries to speak, but only muffled noises escape since her mouth is still full of donut, but she points through the open door at the offices. (Tyranniac)
Renala stops at the kitchen counter and pours herself a cup of coffee, not paying much attention to the group. (Ilyna_T`Rea)
Jason holds his arm out to the side, giving Cynthia a better look and feeling a bit more comfortable by her reaction. "Definitely seem to be coming in handy." he says, bending at the elbow and then straightening his arm out, "...Still getting used to them, though."
Cynthia prods the arm a couple of more times while she looks it over. "Yeah? What does it feel like?" (Tyranniac)
Tarkus has now been able to gather up his weapons and looks at Jason "Hey Wolfe, don't mind if I throw all of this in the armory?"
Jason continues to look over his own arm, rotating it slightly. A low, somewhat sad chuckle escapes him. The question everyone seems to ask. "Feels numb." he says, getting used to the newfound canned answer he has settled on. "Pressure, but no sensation, you know? Like when your hand, or leg, or whatever goes numb." He gives a slight shrug of his shoulders, cocking a glance in Tarkus'
direction and giving a nod. "Yeah, that's fine. Or you can put it in one of the lockers. There's quite a few unused."
Leah slows her pace as she spots Ehanis. "Uhhh-... Hi!" she says, giving a quick wave as the gap between them is closed. She tries to place the woman's face, given that she's coming from Redrock Agency, but fails to come up with anything. "Is-.... Chief Vasquez, is she around?" she finally manages, jutting her chin towards the building with a nod. (Jason_Wolfe)
Ilyna sighs, and walks across the room, crouching down in front of her. "Did you get hurt?" she asks. "You shouldn't run and eat at the same time." (Ilyna_T`Rea)
Cynthia nods a couple of times. "Huh... got any cool attachments or anything?" she says with a small grin as she turns her gaze back to Jason. (Tyranniac)
Nathan has managed to open the thermos and has stood back up, sipping at the luke warm coffee. He turns and spots the new arrivals, a curious perk to his brow.
Tara follows silently alongside Leah, giving Ehanis a glance but not otherwise acknowledging her. (Tyranniac)
Halisi steps away from Li with a small chuckle. "She's fine. I believe she had a little collision with Tennhausen." (Tyranniac)
Li nods, swallowing, but instead of speaking she immediately takes another bite of donut, a silly smile on her face as she dangles her legs off the bed. (Tyranniac)
Jason gives a shake of his head to Cynthia. "Nah, not yet. Planning on talking to the doc about it, see what she can get ahold of. I'd like-..." he trails off as Tarkus chimes in and glances in his direction again. "You should be good to take any of the unlocked ones. Set up a code on it and make sure it's locked when you're done, though. Can't leave it unlocked with Li around."
Ehanis stops and looks over at the two, looking somewhat puzzled as she sees Tara. "I haven't seen her," she says, "but I didn't go upstairs. The fucking weird VI in the lobby should know, though." (Ilyna_T`Rea)
Cynthia nods and then leans back in the couch with another chuckle, returning her arms to the backrest. She shoots Jason another glance and furrows her eyebrows with a sniff. "Y'know, up close like this, you kinda stink. Uh... no offense." She grins widely and pats his shoulder. (Tyranniac)
Jason furrows his brows, shooting her a glare. "Hey, I was just about to take a shower when the VI interrupted me! I've been wearing these clothes for two days! You brought this one on yourself." he says, looking a bit self conscious for a moment as he leans over to sniff at his armpit.
Leah looks confused for a moment. "VI...? Well that's new..." she mutters to herself before her smile returns. "Alright, well, thanks-... uhhh.... What did-... I didn't get your name, did I?" she asks, tilting her head to the side. (Jason_Wolfe)
Ilyna smiles. "Thank you," she says to Halisi. "He admitted as much himself, and he looked like he thought I was going to kill him." (Ilyna_T`Rea)
Ehanis shrugs. "I'm Ehanis," she says. "I'm not up here all that often. And you are...?" (Ilyna_T`Rea)
Vasquez enters the rec room all cleaned up, with her hair tied back and wearing her gray Redrock uniform. She approaches Jason and Cynthia with a small smirk. "You two getting along...?" she asks as she places her hands on the back of the couch and leans in for a kiss. (Tyranniac)
Leah nods once, smile still on her face. "Okay, Ehanis. I'm Leah." she says before gesturing to the woman at her side, "...And this is Tara." (Jason_Wolfe)
Nathan is still stood outside, idly sipping on his coffee as he gazes off at the sky. His omni-tool bleeps and he looks at the message.
Jason leans over, reaching up and hooking an arm around Vasquez to pull her head down slightly. He tilts his head up and presses a kiss against her lips, an awkward and upside-down gesture from his position. "Oh, we're mortal enemies." he explains casually. "She's an East-Coaster." he adds with a nod.
Vasquez keeps her smirk after the kiss, leaning against the back of the couch next to Jason. She raises an eyebrow at his explanation. "Uh... huh. Is this some weird Earth thing?" (Tyranniac)
Ehanis raises her brows at Tara's gesture. "Nice to meet you, Leah and Tara," she says. "I won't keep you out here in the cold, so I'll see you later." She nods and continues on her way to the street, heading downtown. (Ilyna_T`Rea)
Cynthia goes quiet as Vasquez arrives, gaining a brief grin at the kiss and a chuckle at Jason's comment. "It's sad, but true." she says with a shrug. (Tyranniac)
Leah gives another nod. "Take care." she says before continuing on towards the building. "I guess she's a new one... I've never seen her before." she says to Tara, scrunching up her nose. "...Maybe they've already replaced me." she muses aloud with a frown. (Jason_Wolfe)
Ilyna sits down beside Li, realizing there's no use speaking to her until she's done with the donut. (Ilyna_T`Rea)
Vasquez rolls her eyes, shooting a quick glance at the TV before looking back at Jason, looking him over briefly. "Maybe you should go get yourself cleaned up." she suggests. (Tyranniac)
Jason frowns again as he climbs back to his feet. "Yeah, yeah. I get it. I need a shower..." he mutters, "...I turned the shirt inside-out! Why didn't that work!?"
Renala pours a second cup of coffee to three quarters full before making her way out of the room, heading for the staircase once in the hallway. (Ilyna_T`Rea)
Vasquez walks around the couch to take a seat, grinning slightly and planting another kiss on Jason's lips as she passes, seemingly in an unusually affectionate mood. (Tyranniac)
Cynthia chuckles at Jason's indignation, but then turns her attention to Vasquez. "Morning Chief." (Tyranniac)
Leah catches sight of Nathan near the door as they begin to approach it and raises a hand, waving enthusiastically. "Heyyyy~........." she says in that awkward way one does when they're sure they must know someone, but are internally freaking out as they scramble to come up with a name. He's hanging out in front of the building, so surely he must work there. Did they hire on even more people? As she nears and (Jason_Wolfe)
it's quite obvious that she's never met this person before, an embarassed look comes over her face and she slowly lowers her arm back to her side, shrugging the bag back into place. "I don't know you!" she blurts our, poking an index finger at Nathan and narrowing her eyes on him as if it's his fault. "I'msosorry." (Jason_Wolfe)
Li puts the last fourth of the donut on the exam bed when she feels done, looking up at Ilyna next to her again. "Have you talked to Hannis now?" (Tyranniac)
Nathan looks to her from his omni-tool, an instinctive wave returning... before he too realizes that he has no clue who this woman is. He tries to play it off as a quick scratch of his head, a somewhat red tinge creeping onto his cheeks as he looks to the two approaching woman. "Uh, yeah, no, it's fine!" He tries to reassure her, sticking out his hand for her to
Tara follows alongside Leah as she walks up to Nathan, and then studies both of their reactions curiously, gaze moving back and forth between them. (Tyranniac)
Tarkus walks back into the Rec room after dealing with his gear. He spots the scene on the couch and just shakes his head "Don't you two have a room, to do that in?"
Jason returns the kiss, gliding his hands across Vasquez' sides briefly before starting to back towards the door. Upon hearing Tarkus, however, he steps forward once again and wraps his arms around Vasquez' waist, planting a big, exaggerated kiss on her. "What's a matter, Tarkus? Making you uncomfortable?" he asks through a smirk.
Ilyna nods. "Mhm," she says. "I was about to see if you wanted to go out for lunch, but... well, here you are, eating snacks." She lets out a chuckle.
Vasquez seems surprised as she's pulled in for another kiss, batting Jason away afterwards with a lighthearted scowl. (Tyranniac)
Halisi is still typing up her report on Nathan's injuries, listening idly to Li and Ilyna with a small grin still present. (Tyranniac)
Leah shifts the bag on her shoulder with a bit of discomfort before taking his hand and giving it a few quick shakes. "Okay then, Ten. I'm L-... Miss?" she asks, suppressing a laugh as she tilts her head to the side. "....Uhhh, Leah is fine." She reaches out, patting the woman beside her on the shoulder, "...annnnd this is Tara." she introduces. "I work here-... worked here." she corrects, scrunching up her (Jason_Wolfe)
nose. She lets out a sigh, deciding she should probably clarify at least somewhat. "See-...." she sucks in a deep breath for the downpour of words about to escape her mouth, "I had to take a little trip so I'm not really sure where that leaves me with the agency but I figured I should probably stop by and check things out but I've never met you and that asari is a new face, too, so now I'm wondering if they (Jason_Wolfe)
even need more help so I probably won't be able to get my job back but, then, you know, they always need more help. Who doesn't, right? So yeah, is the Chief around?" she asks, reaching up to wipe a stray bit of hair from her face as she glances at the door, as if looking for Vasquez. (Jason_Wolfe)
Nathan listens to her talk, a small smirk tugging at his lips as he takes in her story. He then nods and flicks his head towards the building, placing a hand at his hip. "Last I knew she was still in her room. But she might be out by now," he says with a gentle smile. "Honestly, I think they'll be happy to have you back. Fill out the numbers a little more since I'm
out for the count for a little while," he says with an annoyed glare at his arm. He then looks to Tara and nods to her. "Nice to meet you, Tara," he says before gesturing idly to the bag at Leah's shoulder. "Buuuuut despite the arm, I can still carry that in for you if you'd like?"
Tarkus gives a shrug "Well I could hardly care. Do what you want, I say." He stops for a moment and then comes back with "Except doing it in front of people. I don't want to see you without clothes, I don't want to have nightmares."
Leah glances to the wounded arm, then back to his face at the offer. "Oh-... no, no, no. I'm fine. We're fine." she says, gesturing towards Tara. "But yeah, that's great news!" she continues but immediately winces, "...Not great, like, 'greeeat, you broke your arm and now I can capitalize on it!' Just-... Great like-..." She frowns and tilts her head to the side. "Oh." she finally says, "...No, I guess that's (Jason_Wolfe)
pretty much exactly what I meant, huh? Well, shit. It sounds a lot more fucked up when I say it out loud." she sighs, shrugging apologetically. "Let's just assume I mean it in the best of ways." (Jason_Wolfe)
Jason leans back, escaping from Vasquez' batting with a chuckle. He raises an eyebrow to Tarkus, lopsided grin still on his face. "Uh huh. Suuuure. You keep telling yourself that. I see the bedroom eyes you're always giving me." he teases, pointing at his own eyes, then to Tarkus. "You're not fooling anyone."
Nathan seems to find little strange with Tara's reaction, offering her a polite smile. He then looks to the woman as she rambles, his brow slowly raising at her as she dances around with her words. He stares at her as she finishes, before laughing softly with a gentle shake of his head. "Right, right. I suppose no offence is taken?" He shrugs lightly and waves for
her to follow him into the building as he palms the door's interface, opening it up. "In any case, the Chief should be upstairs. She has a guest over, so she'll probably be in the rec room. I'll come up with you two, if that's alright? I need to have a word with the Chief myself."
Vasquez slowly turns her head towards Tarkus, her expression a mix of embarassment and annoyance. "You best secure the chatter, Vipus." (Tyranniac)
Leah gives a couple of nods. "No offense meant." she chimes in. "Yeah, yeah... That should be fine..." she says, inwardly hoping another person being around won't just add to her public embarassment when Vasquez tries to strangle her to death. She forces a smile and gestures for Tara to follow as she starts in behind Nathan. "She-... uhh... isn't expecting me." she says, suddenly realizing she probably shouldn't (Jason_Wolfe)
Tarkus shakes his head at Wolfe "Sorry, old friend. You don't have the hips I like." He then looks at Vasquez "No need to be embarrassed, Vasquez. We are all adults and friends here."
Jason gives Vasquez a playful nudge. "Yeah Vasquez." he agrees with Tarkus, "No need to be embarassed!"
Vasquez seems about to say something to Tarkus when she's nudged, and she immediately turns back to Jason, crossing her arms and staring him down. (Tyranniac)
Jason puts his hands up, palms outward in a show of submission to the mighty powers of persuasion of Vasquez' staredowns. "Out of line, Tarkus." he deadpans, although his lopsided smirk persists, "Totally out of line."
Nathan glances behind him as she sucks in some air between his teeth. "Oooh, yeah... might not go down well..." he teases with a light laugh as he heads towards the stairs. He shoots a glance down the hallway, half expecting an avenging Ilyna to swoop down at him and beat him for accidentally hurting Li. Swooping is bad, after all. He sighs in relief before looking
back to Leah, pausing as not to run into anyone as he walks. "Hey, Fergus. Fancy letting the Chief know we have a guest. We'll be up there in a minute," he says to the ceiling. "And tell Wolfe to have another doughnut waiting for me, please."
Tarkus gives a chuckle "Two seconds ago you agreed with me. I think Vasquez should make you sleep on the other recliner." He pauses for a moment "For punishment of your disloyal first opinion." He was joking still at this point.
Fergus is waiting behind the reception desk, and bows to Leah and Tara as they enter. "Welcome, miladies. I do not believe we have met." Upon Nathan's explanation he nods. "Ah, guests. I will inform her at once." (Tyranniac)
Fergus ' voice can be heard in the rec room a moment later. "Ser Tennhausen is on his way with two unidentified guests, ma'am." (Tyranniac)
Cynthia seems entertained by the back-and-forth, but has refrained from joining in until now. She seems about to speak up when Fergus can be heard, causing her to look up at the ceiling. (Tyranniac)
Leah casts a fascinated glance towards Fergus. "Didn't have one of these when I left..." she says, following Nathan down the hall. "Wellll I didn't exactly leave on the best of terms with the Chief..." she sighs, "...Maybe. Possibly?" She lets out a frustrated deep breath as she follows and shrugs, slumping her shoulders. "I don't know.." (Jason_Wolfe)
Nathan nods as he slows his pace to walk just in front of Leah. He looks to her with a sympathetic look. "I can relate, in some degree," he muses as he approaches the steps. "You mind if I ask why you left the agency?" He asks tentatively, his look possibly indicating that he has a feeling he is stepping on a sensitive topic.
Vasquez looks up as Fergus speaks, raising an eyebrow. "...alright, tell them I'll see them in my office." she says before turning to Cynthia. "Sorry, work calls." she says with a nod and a small smile before heading off towards the door. (Tyranniac)
Leah takes the steps slowly, dragging her case up them carefully. After a few steps she seems to get frustrated and a blue glow shimmers around her and she lifts the large case up effortlessly by the handle. She winces sheepishly as she looks back towards Nathan. "I-... uhh.... I guess it's kind of a touchy subject." she says, shrugging apologetically. "Let's just say-...." she trails off, looking directly at Nathan, (Jason_Wolfe
"...Or let's not say. Anything." She lets a nervous chuckle out, "Just... issues, ya know? I didn't leave the agency per se, more like... Aite...." she offers, hoping it's enough of an explanation, "...Buuuuut I'm back now." (Jason_Wolfe)
Nathan waves a hand, nodding to her. He blinks and offers her an impressed look at her biotics. "Don't worry, I understand," he says with a light smile. "Well, from what little I've seen, I'll wager that the agency will be glad to have you ba-" he pauses as he sees Tara stumble, ready to reach out and keep her from tumbling if that's the direction this is going. It
Jason listens as Fergus chimes in, a smile forming as he's saved from Vasquez' wrath by the VI.. "See?" he whispers to Tarkus, "Fergus is a bro. Unlike some people." He gives a thumbs up to the ceiling, narrowing his eyes and nodding, "Alright, Fergus. Your previous sins are forgiven."
Leah does a quick little panicked stutter step up a couple steps as Tara stumbles before steadying herself and reaching out, placing a hand on Tara's shoulder. "You okay?" (Jason_Wolfe)
Vasquez heads out of the rec room and down the stairs, encountering the others about halfway. She seems very much surprised to see Leah, her eyebrows rising, but she quickly regains a neutral expression and gestures down the stairs. "Let's talk in my office." (Tyranniac)
Tara recovers without much issue. She blinks as Vasquez appears, remaining silent as usual. (Tyranniac)
Nathan looks to Vasquez as she makes her appearance. Sensing a link between the touchy subject and the Chief's bluntness, Ten offers Leah a smile and a nod. "Nice meeting you, Leah. We'll talk some more next time, yeah?" He asks as he continues his way upstairs. As he reaches Vasquez, he smiles and offers her a quick salute, tapping two fingers to his forehead.
"That really hurts my feelings, Jason." He puts on a false pained face "I don't know how our friendship will be able to handle such a blow."
Cynthia looks between Tarkus and Jason after Vasquez leaves, rolling her eyes. "Man, you guys are ridiculous." she says with a grin. (Tyranniac)
Leah straightens up at the sight of Vasquez. "Oh-.... uhh, hi Chief. Sorry I didn't call first, I-..." she trails off, realizing she doesn't have an excuse and merely sighs, her shoulders slumping even more, "...I'm an idiot. I'm sorry." she frowns, reorienting herself to face down the stairs. "Thanks-... Ten, right?" she says, unsure at first, but nods steadily after a moment, "Ten. Nice meeting you, too." She (Jason_Wolfe)
doesn't bother committing to a future conversation since Vasquez may just skin her alive in the next few minutes. She starts back down the stairs towards Vasquez' office. (Jason_Wolfe)
Vasquez gives Nathan a distracted nod and heads immediately for her office. She opens the door with a quick button press and steps inside, turning around after going further into the room. Only once the two guests have entered does Tara's presence register. She looks her over with a confused frown before returning her focus to Leah. "Who's she...?" (Tyranniac)
Nathan watches them walk away before heading to the rec room. He opens the door and raises an arm to wave at it's occupants. "Sup! Jason, doughnut me up!" He says with a wide smile.
Leah follows Vasquez into the room, stepping aside once clearing the door to give Tara room to enter. "So I-..." she begins until Vasquez questions about Tara, "....Oh. Her?" she asks, furrowing her brow as she casts a glance towards Tara as if it's obvious, "That's Tara." She shrugs and gives a shake of her head, ponytail bouncing from left to right. "So-... okay, okay-..." she starts once again, trying to untangle (Jason_Wolfe)
the events in her mind, "...I went to Omega to look for, you know, anything concerning Cer-..." she winces slightly and lowers her voice to a whisper as she utters their name, as if they might be listening, "...Cerberus. Right? Well, Omega sucks. Bad. So I was in this bar-... which smelled like a musty wet shirt-... you know how they get when you get clothes wet but you toss them in the hamper and it's a few (Jason_Wolfe
days before you get around to actually washing them? Yeah? Just like that. It was gross. So I met with this salarian who said he had some info I might be interested in-... we'll get to that later-... and then some major creeps tried to kidnap me. Slavers. Can you believe that? Like, a day into my stay on Omega and fucking slavers were already kidnapping me! Anyway, I managed to find my way out of there, (Jason_Wolfe)
but they were dealing with these batarians-..." she cocks her head to face Tara, "House Bar'adon-..." back to Vasquez, barely a breath between sentences, "...They were trying to sell her. Sick fucks. Anyway, I helped her get out of there and she helped me keep from going insane on that space station." (Jason_Wolfe)
Jason leans back, as if offended by Cynthia's words. "Wha-... us!? Noooo." he says defensively. He gives Tarkus the finger as he starts towards the door. "I'm sure it'll survive somehow." he says sarcastically, jumping aside as the rec room door slides open again and in pops Nathan. "You got it." he says, backpedaling over to the counter and fetching another doughnut. He underhands
it towards Nathan and lifts another one, wiggling it back in forth in front of his face as he looks to Cynthia.
Vasquez blinks at Leah's rapid-fire relaying of events, trying to get a word in a couple of times, with little success. She settles for nodding in silence, her eyebrows furrowed. When Leah finishes she looks to Tara, an unusually sympathetic expression on her face. "You were a slave...?" (Tyranniac)
Tara seems surprised at being addressed directly, giving only the faintest of nods in response and keeping her gaze on the floor. (Tyranniac)
Nathan catches the doughnut and bites into it, humming and nodding contently as he chews. "Aw man," he says as he finishes his mouthful. "Delicious." He walks across the room, heading for the couch as he offers Tarkus a nod, before dropping into the seat Jason previously occupied. He looks to Cynthia and smiles. "Don't mind me sitting here?" He asks as he takes
Cynthia holds out her hand to catch a donut, looking Nathan over with a lopsided grin. "Heya." As he sits down she shakes her head. "Be my guest." she says, still holding out her hand behind his back in the hopes of getting a donut from Jason. (Tyranniac)
Tarkus just shakes his head at Jason, and when Nathan gives him a nod Tarkus returns said nod. "I am going to head into town for a little. So I ain't sitting around all day."
Leah gives a sympathetic glance of her own towards Tara. "I-... I know this probably sounds dumb but-..." she shrugs, gaze still on Tara, "...Damien gave his life so that me and dad could have a chance..." She lowers her gaze slightly, pausing to bite at her lower lip as she finds it a difficult thing to talk about. After a few moments, she nods slowly and continues, "I wanted soooo bad to just-... find those (Jason_Wolfe)
people, right? Make them pay? For what they did to him... For what they made me do to him... For what they did to-... to all of us." She lets out a deep sigh, "I still do. But it's not worth it if it's going to put her in danger. Damien wouldn't want that. I don't want that. So-..." she sucks in a deep breath and balances on the outside soles of her clunky boots for a moment, lifting herself slightly higher (Jason_Wolfe)
momentarily before dropping back down, "...So here we are. I understand if you don't want to see me after what happened... After what I did... I didn't plan on being back so soon. And I know I have no right to ask for my job back, but I just wanted you to know I was here before we just-... I don't know-... bump into each other on the street. I can keep my distance..." she offers, as if she's already expecting to (Jason_Wolfe
Jason tosses the doughnut like a frisbee towards Cynthia and grabs one for himself. "One right over here with your name on it, Tarkus." he teases, "Oh, that's right... I think we have some of that paste you love in the fridge. Want some?"
Nathan smirks to Cynthia. "Thanks," he says after his mouthful. "The name's Ten. Pleased to meet ya!" He says cheerfully. His casted arm waggles slightly as he offers a comical wave with it, though his motions are small as not to cause more damage to it.
Tarkus just shakes his head at Jason "I think I would rather find something that does not taste like dirt." He starts to head out of the room "Talk to you all later."
Cynthia rises in her seat to catch the donut-frisbee, taking a big bite and sending a thumbs-up to Jason before turning her attention to Nathan, looking at his waving broken arm with a wince. "Ouch. Broken?" (Tyranniac)
Nathan nods, glancing down to it. "Ayup. Vorcha Chieftain. Bastard even stabbed me in the armpit too! Talk about adding insult to injury," he says. "Nice catch by the by."
Vasquez lets out a sigh, and seems about to ask a follow-up question when Leah starts talking again, causing her attention to immediately go back to her. Having learned now to just stay quiet she waits until the next rant is done before saying anything. She frowns, letting out another sigh and shaking her head. "Me-... Leah... you're welcome here, alright? Redrock is here for you. Your father too." She glances at Tara, (Tyranniac)
Jason takes a bite of his doughnut, standing up straight as his other hand glides over his side. "Caught a little poke myself." he says, "Those guys were angry fuckers..."
Tarkus leaves the Rec room after he receives no farewells. He then starts to leave Redrock's building to go into town.
Jason gives a shout as Tarkus leaves the room. "Be careful, Tarkus! I don't want to have to rescue your ass every month!"
Cynthia looks Nathan over and gives an approving nod. "Vorcha, huh? Nasty fuckers, real tough in hand-to-hand. And those teeth... uuugh!" (Tyranniac)
Nathan shudders. "Yeah, terrifying. So I slapped a stun device to it's back, he got stasis...ed by a teammate and then shot it repeatedly in the face with my pistol," he says with a firm nod. He then round and points the half-consumed doughnut at Jason. "And on that note, that fucker is responsible for the loss of two of my weapons and shredding my armour. I am
hoping that Redrock will help with the bills in regards to those!" He says, his tone jesting as he grins.
Leah looks uneasy for a moment, but her discomfort fades away as Vasquez finishes up. "I-... I don't know what to say, Chief..." she mutters, at a loss for words... Finally. "...Thank you. That means so much to me." She sucks in a deep breath, finally looking back to Vasquez, "They knew where I was. Even when I was out there." she admits, setting her travel bag on top of the desk. She unzips it and begins going (Jason_Wolfe)
through it. "Cerberus, I mean... They contacted me. Whoever helped me.. Told me to stop looking for answers." she continues as she rifles through her bag, eventually producing a datapad and extending it towards Vasquez. "I don't really know what to think... I'm not bringing dad back until I know it's safe, though..." she says softly, almost as if she's hoping Vasquez might tell her what to do. (Jason_Wolfe)
Jason stuffs the rest of his doughnut into his mouth, speaking through a mouthful. "Of course. I don't know if we'll be able to cover enough to get you the exact gear you had, but you lost it in the field... We'll help you out." he says with a nod. "But there's time for that. You're not gonna be doing any fighting any time soon anyway."
Nathan nods again, smirking. "Well, at least I won't be broke by the time I get my stuff replaced. OH! Shit, forgot to mention, my armourer from Sandbeck will be coming by with a small cargo ship. Her people will be selling Sandbeck gear if you guys wanna have a look while I'm sorting things out with her," he says, looking to Cynthia after he has finished.
Jason swallows hard once he has finished chewing. "Well, like I said, there's only so much we can do, so don't get your hopes too high. but yeah, could be worth talking to your contact and seeing what they're offering. Our armory could probably use a little beefing up..."
Jason gives a sigh. "Well, we'll figure all of that out when we need to. For now? I need to take a shower." he says, looking pointedly at Cynthia, "Apparently I stink..." he smirks and gives a shake of his head before marching out.
Vasquez frowns at the lack of response from Tara, but turns her attention back to Leah as she speaks again. She grabs the datapad, activating it and reading the lone message in silence. Anger starts to show in her expression the longer she goes on, and by the time she's done she's furious. "This is-... what do they-... they have the audacity to claim what they're doing is for the good of humanity?!" she tosses the pad (Tyranniac)
onto her desk with a grunt, her hands balling up into fists as her gaze remains on the wall behind her desk for the moment. (Tyranniac)
Leah nods slowly to herself, her gaze lowering back to Vasquez' desk. "They're insane. Terrorists. Can't expect rational thought from people like that, Chief. I'm more concerned about the fact that it took them all of a few days to get that message to me. I was careful. I paid a whole lot of credits for safe passage. New credentials. New gear. A new life. And they picked right through it like it was nothing. The (Jason_Wolfe)
fact is that-..." she shrugs her shoulders, gaining a concerned look as she continues, "...There's nothing I could do to stop them, Chief. If they decide they want to come after me, there's nowhere I can go. Nothing I can do... So there's no point in hiding. My best bet is to just follow the advice on that datapad and keep my nose out of their business. I can't risk putting Tara or my dad in danger. So-... (Jason_Wolfe)
yeah-..." she says, casting a glance at Tara, "...we're going to be staying at my place. One place is as safe as the next at this point, right?" (Jason_Wolfe)
Vasquez anger quickly gives way to concern as she considers Leah's point, nodding faintly as her gaze wanders across the floor with a thoughtful frown. "It's... a troubling thought that they're so resourceful. If they can reach us so easily... I don't like the idea of being at the mercy of your 'friend' on the inside." She says the word in an almost disgusted tone, and then turns back to face Leah. "I don't know what to (Tyranniac)
do...." she admits quietly. "...maybe going to the Alliance would work. But it would be sure to draw attention..." (Tyranniac)
Leah quite clearly doesn't feel comfortable with continuing to talk about the organization that forced her to murder her friend. "I-... Maybe-..." she stammers, avoiding direct eye contact with Vasquez, "-...You do what you think is best, Chief. I just-... I want to stay out of their line-of-sight..." Her shoulders slump even more, feeling as though that response may disappoint Vasquez. She continues, speaking slowly (Jason_Wolfe
for once, her voice just above a whisper, "I just want my old life back... I want my dad to have a home to come back to. I want to stop looking in the mirror a hundred times a day. Worrying something may be wrong with me anytime my eye itches..." (Jason_Wolfe)
Tara shoots Leah a worried frown as she notices her rapidly dropping mood. She almost seems on the verge of speaking up, but when Vasquez talks she remain silent. (Tyranniac)
Vasquez blinks several times, shifting out of planning mode just as soon as she started. She studies Leah with an inscrutable expression, but eventually, after some hesitation, she places a hand on her shoulder as the saddness and guilt starts to break through. "I-... Leah, it's-... I understand. I-.. I completely understand. Alright...? I'll figure it out, and we'll be fine. Both of us." (Tyranniac)
Leah just remains in place, nodding slowly. "I-... Thank you, Chief." she manages with some difficulty. She sighs, forcing a slight smile as she tries to keep herself from falling back down the rabbit hole she's been digging herself out of these past few weeks. "We will be fine." she agrees, giving a stern nod, "We've been through too much to not be fine, right?" She gives a glance down at her case, giving the (Jason_Wolfe)
handle a tug as she looks back to Vasquez. "So-... So just to be clear, you are giving me my job back, right...?" she asks, giving a hesitant smile as her shoulders rise, awaiting clarification. (Jason_Wolfe)
Vasquez gives Leah's shoulder heavy pat and nods sharply, her expression shifting to a professional one. "Damn right we will. And yes I am." A faint, brief smirk flashes across her face. (Tyranniac)
Leah returns the smirk with a bright smile. "Well that's a relief." she says, glancing back to her case of gear once again, "I was soooooooooo not looking forward to dragging this all the way back home. Do I still have my locker...?" she asks, tilting her head to the side as she ponders the question, "...Or did you guys take my name off of it? Ah, it doesn't matter. I can just get another one, right? Mine had (Jason_Wolfe)
loose hinges anyway. Maybe one of the end lockers? It sucks to have someone on each side of you when you're trying to go through your locker. Especially when one of those people are Mendez." she frowns, but quickly gains a look of guilt, "Not that I don't love the big teddy bear! Love him to death! But he's the size of a car and just takes up all the elbow room!" She finally relents, sighing, "Not that I'm (Jason_Wolfe)
Vasquez removes her hand from Leah's shoulder, taking a step back and staring at her as she starts to ramble. "Uhm... yeah. ...right. And... her?" She glances at Tara, seemingly not expecting a direct answer from her at this point. (Tyranniac)
Leah glances over at Tara, looking confused for a moment. "Huh? Sorry what are-.... I don't think she'll be needing a locker." she says, tilting her head slightly, unsure if that's even what Vasquez was asking. (Jason_Wolfe)
Leah straightens up. "Oh! Well-... yeah." she says, looking towards Tara with a smile. "We've got a guest room at home. I figured she could stay there." She seems to realize something and furrows her brow, "Not as a guest!" she clarifies, now her words directed more towards Tara than Vasquez as she tucks a strand of loose hair behind her ear, "As long as you want! It will be your room." (Jason_Wolfe)
Vasquez nods. "And she-..." she shifts a little, looking a little guilty as she realizes she's not addressing Tara directly. "This is what you want? To stay with her?" (Tyranniac)
Leah glances over at Tara, a neutral expression as to keep from influencing her decision. "Do you want to stay with me, Tara? I-... I can't believe I never even thought to ask..." she glances back to Vasquez, wincing slightly at her own admission. Her gaze quickly returns to Tara, however, "If not, I'll do everything I can to try and-... you know-... help you along. Until you're able to handle things on your own." (Jason_Wolfe)
Her smile returns and she gives Tara a shrug, "Like I said, this is your life now. You get to decide where to go, okay?" (Jason_Wolfe)
Tara furrows her eyebrows, seeming both uncomfortable and a bit scared. She continues to wait for Leah to make the decision. (Tyranniac)
Leah remains quiet for a few moments before tilting her head to the side. "It's totally up to you. A room at my house, or a place of your own...?" She does her best not to influence Tara, hoping whatever decision she comes to is one of her own decision. (Jason_Wolfe)
Tara 's gaze darts around, and it's clear she's struggling with being asked to decide on her own, but she soon takes a step closer to Leah, standing right next to her as she turns back to Vasquez. (Tyranniac)
Leah gains a sad look and places a hand on Tara's shoulder, giving it a light pat. "This is the beginning of your new life, Tara..." she says softly, "...Start it off with a choice you make. On your own. I'm gonna be here to help you no matter what choice that is, alright?" (Jason_Wolfe)
Tara nods slightly and inches herself slightly closer still, giving Leah several short glances in an attempt to make clear that this is her choosing. (Tyranniac)
Leah studies Vasquez for a moment, shrugging apologetically for Tara's reluctance to speak up. "With me..?" she asks, trying to get a confirmation out of her for Vasquez' sake, "Are you sure?" (Jason_Wolfe)
Leah gives Vasquez a sheepish smile and shrugs her shoulders. "Sooo, yeah... Until she decides otherwise, she'll stay with me..." she says, looking as if she's awaiting Vasquez' approval. (Jason_Wolfe)
Leah looks even more guilty as Tara awaits permission. "Tara-..." she says, stepping closer to her, "...You don't need my permission. You don't need anyones permission. I know-.... with everything the way it has always been-..." She sighs, forcing a sympathetic smile. "I'll be out in a moment, okay?" she finally settles on. (Jason_Wolfe)
Vasquez observes the interaction with a slightly concerned look, but then turns her full attention to Leah after Tara has left. "Are you sure this is a good idea? Something you can handle?" she asks, perhaps sounding a bit more accusatory than intended. (Tyranniac)
Leah waits until the door has closed before concern washes over her. "I have no idea what I'm doing." she spits out, one long word. "I'm going to handle it, though! That girl deserves a life and-... and-... I'm gonna do whatever I can to make sure she gets one. Nobody should have to go through what she's been through. Nobody!" she glances briefly over her shoulder towards the door, "It's just-.... she needs (Jason_Wolfe)
to-... to get used to all of this. I'm gonna figure it out. We're gonna figure it out. I'm not going to let her down..." she trails off, letting out a loud sigh. "Good idea or not, it's the right thing to do..." (Jason_Wolfe)
Vasquez frowns, hands on her hips, looking both concerned and skeptical. "And you think that's something you can do? I don't know if-..." she trails off with a sigh, looking off to the side briefly before returning her attention to Leah. "Be careful. She probably has all sorts of issues. Hell, looked to me like she thought you're her master. Do you think you can provide the help she needs?" (Tyranniac)
Leah frowns at the implication that she can't handle the situation, but her attitude quickly changes back to one of concern at the mention of Tara possibly considering Leah her master. "I'm trying to teach her that she's not property anymore..." she explains, doing her best not to come off as defensive, "...But it's a hard concept for her to grasp. She doesn't talk much, but from what I've gathered, she's been a (Jason_Wolfe)
slave for at least a large portion of her life. If not her entire life. The concept of being free doesn't even seem to register with her..." She brings a hand up to her forehead, swatting at her bangs and letting out a deep sigh. "But she'll get there... There's moments when I can see that she's making progress... It just-... It's going to take some time, I think." (Jason_Wolfe)
Vasquez lets out a heavy sigh as her arms drop. She gives a slightly reluctant nod. "Right. Just... just ask, if Redrock can help? Alright?" (Tyranniac)
Leah nods a bunch of times, a slight smile returning. "Of course!" she says. "And-... again... Thanks for everything, Chief. It means a lot to me that you guys have my back. Really. Especially after the whole-... you know with-... and then-.... yeah." She raises and drops her shoulders, as if the whole ordeal is exhausting for her. "I should probably-..." she tugs on the handle of her case, "...get all of this (Jason_Wolfe)
put away. Need to try and get Tara settled in back home..." She takes a step towards the door tentatively, as if waiting to see if Vasquez had anything else to say. (Jason_Wolfe)
Vasquez nods again, saying simply "Yeah..." as she sits on the edge of her desk, crossing her arms. (Tyranniac)
Leah returns the nod before turning on her heels and heading out the door, wheeled crate in tow. (Jason_Wolfe)