#RedrockAgency – August 20, 2016

Vasquez is standing in the Redrock conference room, hands behind her back as she looks out at the table. She's wearing her Redrock uniform and her Kuwashii headset, her hair tied up in a ponytail. It is midday on the 24th of October, and the skies outside are gray, with light snowfall. All things considered fairly mild weather for the season.

Renala is still in her office, checking over all the office's systems for the third time. She has a large travel bag outside her door. The asari is wearing her leather jacket over a simple red top.

Jason is seated at the edge of the conference table in his usual attire- black pants, boots and a white t-shirt- as he waits for the other arrivals. "Order three big ass bags of candy-... No! Four!" he instructs, pointing at Vasquez. "And no licorice!" he continues, "You only get one first Halloween. We gotta do it right."

Nathan has just finished some last adjustments for his recently replaced M-55. And by adjustments, he's only added a little racing stripe down the top of the gun. To make the bullets shoot faster. He sets the weapon back into the rack and opens the door into the conference room. He gingerly moves his arm about, the phantom feeling of the cast still ever present as

Vasquez rolls her eyes, but a small smile tugs at the corner of her lips. She says nothing as she waits, her gaze almost distant as she stares ahead.

Jason redirects his pointing to Nathan as he enters the room. "Exactly. Like chewing a dirty rubber tire." he says before nodding at the man. "How's the arm?" he asks, "Sure you're up for this?"

Ehanis enters the lobby and immediately starts down the hallway, dragging a wheeled suitcase after her. She is watching her sister's office door while walking down the hallway until she reaches the corner. The asari leaves the suitcase outside the conference room before entering. "We're bringing candy for the trip?" she says with a raised eyebrow while walking over to the nearest chair.

Nathan raises his arm and rotates it this way and that, nodding slowly. "I can't stop feeling the damned cast, but otherwise I'm good to go," he says. "My armour's been fixed up, rifle is replaced and I have a fancy new helmet... and by fancy new helmet, I mean the rebreather is now permanently attached... it's actually more of a downgrade come to think of it," he

Jessica enters the lobby, dressed in a pair of cargo pants and white sneakers with a winter jacket with her gear in a wheeled case similar to Ehanis'. A pair of dark sunglasses hide the eyes of a woman who spent the night getting plastered while she still can. Redrock undoubtedly frowns on getting drunk on the job. She adjusts the beige cap on her head, wiping off the light amount of snow that has accrued on the brim before

Nathan looks up and offers a thumbs up to the ceiling. "Assure the good doctor that she has no reason to worry. I'm in no rush to get injured again. Even toned down the power output with the rifle," he informs the VI.

Jason leans back on the table, propping himself up with his hands. "Tell the doc that she worries too much. We'll be fine. I'll take good care of Ten."

Jason smirks, giving Nathan a wink. "I have no idea what you're trying to imply. I'm Mister Safety."

Vasquez watches as the team starts to arrive, remaining standing at the end of the room.

Nathan chuckles lightly, shaking his head. He smiles across to Ehanis, waving at her. "Good to see you up and about," he says.

Jason glances over at Ehanis, seemingly having glossed over her question. "Wha-... No. Halloween is coming up." he says, as if she should know what that is, "It'll be Li's first. Gotta make it memorable!"

Jessica rounds the corner and drags her case into the conference room with her. She gives a half-hearted wave towards the others and proceeds towards an unoccupied seat at the other side of the room. It's not until she sits down that she notices Nathan, and proceeds to scowl at him from behind her sunglasses.

Nathan | If Nathan's mood was an airplane, then it was just blasted out of the sky by Jessica inspired AA flak. However, he simply smirks at her and gives her a thumbs up. He leans across to Jason and drops his voice to a murmur. "The fuck is she still doing here?" He asks, turning his gaze toward the man.

Ehanis stares for a moment. "Remind me what Halloween is," she says before glancing at Nathan. "Same. I thought I'd never see another off-world gig after that last one."

Vasquez 's expression changes just slightly as Jessica enters, the hint of a smile no longer present. She glances to Jason as she overhears Nathan's whisper, but says nothing.

Korio steps through the front doors and approaches the front desk. The pale green drell is dressed in a sleek grey winter jacket with a black lining along the edges and a pair of simple black pants. He removes his hood as he waits the VI to address him.

Fergus bows his head as Korio enters. "Ah, Ser Ara. The others await your arrival in the conference room."

Jason glances over at Jessica as Nathan questions him and he simply shrugs his shoulders. "Working. Same as the rest of us. Is this gonna be a problem...?" he asks, though it's in a tone that implies he's most likely saying 'This better not be a problem.'

Nathan keeps his gaze on Jason. His eyes most certainly imply that this is going to be a problem. "No. No problem," he says, a disarming smile following suit. He relaxes into his chair and folds his hands onto his lap. "Noooooo problemo."

Jessica returns the thumbs up with one of her own, though her scowl remains. "Is Earth holiday." she says to Ehanis, having overheard her question. She pauses her explanation to stifle a yawn. "I read about this. They throw candy at spirits and make them stop haunting. I don't know why spirits would be afraid of candy. Is stupid, but you get candy." she says simply, confident in her explanation.

Renala enters the conference room. "That's because Miss T'Rea has no knowledge of your involvement," she says. "Unless she was informally notified, that is, for she has not yet accessed any documents regarding this job,"

Nathan shakes his head. "What? That's... what?" He asks, looking at Jessica. "No." He looks to Ehanis and sighs. "It used to be a holiday where the dead were remembered. Still probably is in some circles. But it's mostly a holiday to dress up as something scary, ask for sweets and get drunk whilst playing games like... apple bobbing."

Korio bows his head. "My appreciation, Fergus." he says calmly as he starts towards the conference room. As he reaches the door, he pauses, announcing his arrival with a quick knock against the doorframe before entering. "Hello." he drawls before taking a seat at the table. "I hope I am not late. Last minute preparations were required."

Jason pats Nathan on the shoulder and his smirk widens at Jessica's explanation. As Renala mentions Ilyna's lack of knowledge about Ehanis joining them on the job, he winces. "Shit..." he mutters, looking to Vasquez as if to say 'you handle this'.

Vasquez shakes her head to the recently arrived drell. "No. And we're still waiting for Briggs." she says, before glancing at Jason, furrowing her eyebrows briefly before returning her attention to the team.

Ehanis laughs. "That's ridiculous," she says. "I like it. When is it?" She looks over at Renala. "Let's keep it that way, okay?"

Jessica frowns at Nathan. "Is what I said, mmm? You remember the dead by-... candy and-..." she trails off. "You are all prepared for the holiday, yes? Already in costume and everything, mmm?" she says, her frown curling into a grin, pleased at herself for the jab.

Steve finally arrives, proceeding right past the front desk and towards the conference room dressed in a pair of jeans, brown work boots and a heavy winter jacket. "Yeah, yeah. I'm here." he announces, having overheard Vasquez' statement. "Roads are a lil' slick out there. Driver was bein' careful."

Nathan quirks an eyebrow. "Nice, you managed to come up with that one yourself?" He asks. "I see you've got your make-up on already. What are you going as, Freddy Kruger in Nightmare on Elm Street 12: The Re-nightmaring?" He pauses and looks off to the side. "Man, those movies were crap."

Vasquez gives Steve a nod, but then glances at Nathan, clearing her throat loudly. "Alright, that's everyone. Listen up!" she says, gaze travelling along the table. As stated in the information you recieved yesterday, you're all part of the team for Redrock's latest mission..."

Renala is standing next to the door. She nods to Steve, but doesn't say anything.

Jessica blinks a few times behind her sunglasses. "I-..." she begins but quickly trails off, clearly not getting the reference. "Is burn joke, yes? Haha. You are funny." she says humorlessly, "How about you-..." she starts but stops herself as Vasquez speaks up. Her gaze remains on Nathan for a few moments longer before her attention settles back on the head of the room.

Korio pays no mind to the bickering and simply folds his hands atop the conference table, listening as Vasquez speaks.

Nathan turns his attention to Vasquez, a wry grin on his features. If it wasn't clear by this point, he sure as hell is not going to hold back on Jessica now. He casts a quick and uneasy glance at the drell, but otherwise devotes his focus to the Chief.

Jason climbs off the edge of the table and takes a position beside Vasquez as she addresses the room.

Steve returns the nod with a wink, remaining beside Renala. He unzips his jacket but otherwise remains silent.

Ehanis glances at Steve as he enters before turning her attention to Vasquez.

Vasquez continues. "We've been hired by a wealthy hanar with an interest for Prothean artifacts. This hanar, Zelynar, has organized an expedition to Rakhana for the purpose of looking for a valuable Prothean disc. This is a rare opportunity, since salvaging on Rakhana is normally forbidden. Air traffic is highly restricted on the planet, so the expedition will be travelling by ground. Redrock's role will be to provide

Korio remains still. If the idea of returning to his people's home planet phases him, then he surely isn't showing it. "Is the location we will be visiting populated?" he asks calmly.

Nathan nods at the latter, propping an elbow onto the table. "No problem. If there's any scans of the structure, that would be appreciated," he says, his persona now more focused on the task. "Depending on what you want done, it'll help with either minimising or, for some godforsaken reason, maximising damage."

Jessica nods as well. "Is no problem. Explosion is universally recognized key, mmm?"

Renala nods. "I can't make any promises," she says. "Unless someone's come back to rig the place up after the evacuation, then it may take a few hours, maybe days, for me to reverse engineer the locks and other things that get in our way."

Ehanis opts to listen quietly, having no questions that hasn't been (indirectly) asked already.

Jason leaves the question-answering to Vasquez. But it's not because he doesn't know anything about Rakhana! He totally looked up an article on the planet the previous night! And even read some of it!

Vasquez shakes her head in response to Korio. "No, not that we know of. Although data on the... remaining population is sparse, at best. Only the people that visit during pilgrimage season are tracked by Council authorities." After answering the question she turns her attention to Renala. "I assumed as much, but it's better than nothing. It will have to take as long as it takes." She glances around the room. "I assume

Jason instantly chimes in. "I did!" he says, like a good student sucking up to his teacher.

Korio gives a subtle bow of his head in response but otherwise remains silent.

Steve folds his arms across his chest as he leans against the wall. "Looked it over. Sounds like we're unlikely to run into much out there. Somethin' specific this Zelynar fella is expectin' to get in the way?"

Jessica nods, despite having spent the night getting drunk rather than reading over the information. Can't be too important, right?

Nathan nods, looking back to Briggs. He nods to the man, considering this is the first time they've seen each other since the bar incident. Having asked the question he was going to ask, he remains silent, looking towards Vasquez.

Vasquez nods again. "Wildlife is one potential security concern. Most of the planet is dead, but some particularly hardy animals still exist. There is also a risk of intereference from the locals. It's been reported in the past that many of the groups that still survive on the planet's surface are hostile to all outsiders. There shouldn't be anything that Redrock can't handle."

Nathan raises a hand. "Alright, if we're going by ground, are we utilising armoured support like our last off-world mission?"

Korio chimes in. "It would be wise to avoid any settlements." he adds, as if to confirm Vasquez' information.

Ehanis nods. "So, kinda like Tuchanka," she says, not really a question. "Noted." She doesn't have anything else to ask.

Jessica slumps back in her seat as the others ask questions, having little she needs answered. Protect the client. Get an artifact. Shoot stuff. Maybe blow up a few buildings. Simple enough.

Vasquez looks at Nathan. "You'll be travelling in an armored transport provided by Zelynar."

Nathan nods, leaning back in his seat. "Alright. No more questions, your honour."

Renala frowns. "Will we have extranet access at the artifact site?"

Vasquez raises an eyebrow. "No. Rakhana is not connected to the extranet."

Steve gives Renala a pat on the shoulder. "Don't worry, darlin'. It'll still be here when we get back." he teases.

Korio gives a single nod. "I believe that covers any questions I had." he states.

Renala nods, and gives a sigh in response to Steve's teasing. "At least that means any modern security systems deployed there could have some very old unpatched security flaws."

Jason gives a glance to his side at Vasquez. "That about cover it?"

Vasquez shifts her stance a bit. "One more thing. Rakhana is a hostile environment. It's warm and dry, extremely so in both cases. Sandstorms are common, and if it rains, it will be acidic. The air is breathable, but only with filtration. Prepare accordingly. Redrock will be providing breathers. Zelynar's people are responsible for food and water. Sealed hard-suits are an option, but like mentioned, your time on the planet

Jason nods, looking out to the others, most of who were along on the previous expedition. "We survived on a frozen snowball for more than a couple days. This shouldn't be an issue." he says confidently.

Nathan smirks and nods. "Damn right," he confirms, looking to Jason.

Korio bows his head in agreement. "My equipment is in my locker. I am prepared and ready to depart as soon as needed."

Ehanis nods in comfirmation, silently hoping her lack of snowball experience is not brought up.

Jessica rolls her eyes as Nathan speaks up, though it's hidden by her dark sunglasses. "My gun was lost during the last job. I am only with a pistol. Is going to be a problem? Maybe you will provide me with a weapon...? That machine gun of yours could be fun." she says, resting her gaze on Jason.

Jason scoffs loudly at Jessica's suggestion, a look on his face as if she just made a pass at Vasquez. "I-... You-... Absolutely not! We'll get you an Avenger from the armory, but if you lay one finger on my weapon I'm gonna have to kick you in your head, understand?"

Jessica lets out a dejected sigh, but doesn't respond, once again slumping back in her seat.

Ehanis perks up at the mention of weapons. "Oh, right, I almost forgot," she says. "Do you have a submachine gun I could borrow? I don't think my pistol alone will do on this job."

Steve acknowledges Vasquez' info with a nod. "Sounds like a lovely place..." he mutters.

Vasquez opens her mouth to respond to Jessica, but nods as Jason speaks, gesturing at the armory door. "You are all to report to Hangar 3A in the spaceport in 5 hours. You'll be travelling to Rakhana onboard Zelynar's ship, Seeker of Benediction."

Renala chuckles. "It's not exactly what I had in mind when I asked for a vacation," she says.

Nathan stands up and opens up his omni-tool. "If you're borrowing a weapon, log it into the system. I need to keep track of them for later maintenance and, if necessary, repairs," he says, glancing at Jessica as he says this. "Ehanis, I think we might have one tucked away somewhere. Come on, I'll help you look."

Jessica climbs out of her seat, snapping off a sarcastic half-assed salute to Nathan before stepping over towards the armory. "Yes, yes. I will make a note of whatever I take..." she says dismissively.

Vasquez scowls at Nathan, and then Jessica. "Are there any more questions?" she asks, looking out across the table, making it clear she's not done.

Nathan looks to Vasquez, her look clear enough. "Ah, sorry, Chief." He sits back down.

Ehanis is about to stand up, but after seeing Vasquez' scowl for those that did, she opts to remain seated. "That would be great," she says with the tiniest smile.

Jessica frowns slightly, stopping in her tracks as she turns back to face Vasquez. "No more questions." she states plainly, sucking in a deep breath through her nose.

Steve shakes his head. "Think I'm set." he says.

Korio glances around the table at the others, having nothing more to ask himself.

Vasquez nods to herself. "Alright, dismissed."

Nathan now stands up and gestures to Ehanis. "Alright, let's get you kitted up. We've got a few hours, so I can tweak the gun to your liking if you need it. Fergus, did you catch my last?" He asks the latter as he glances up.

Jessica furrows her brow and blinks a couple of times before shaking her head and returning to exactly what she was interrupted from doing: heading to the armory. Good thing she was dismissed. Couldn't have went to the armory without first being dismissed. Nope.

Korio rises from his seat and steps away from the table. "I shall meet the rest of you at the hangar." he announces, his deep black eyes settling on each of his team members before coming to rest on Vasquez, "I thank you for this opportunity, Chief Linda Vasquez." he offers before starting towards the door he entered from.

Steve shifts a bit to keep out of Korio's way, but doesn't particularly have much to do to prep for the job. He gives a glance over to Renala, "You got any shit you need to handle before we head out, Ren?" he asks.

Vasquez offers a small nod to Korio, remaining standing where she is.

Ehanis stands up with a nod and turns towards Nathan. Just five hours of hiding from Ilyna. "What kind of modifications can you do?" she asks.

Nathan starts towards the armoury, talking as he goes. "Well, it's mostly just adjusting the grip, sights and the power output. I do have a few spare parts from the maintenance I did not so long back, so I might be able to rustle out some extra stability for the SMG." He pauses and considers it for a moment before nodding. "With the right amount of fiddling, I

Renala hums thoughtfully. "There's always things I could do to prepare," she says. "Like, I can get a basic video analyzing VI working and do something with a few spare cameras and transmitters we have lying around. That's not cheap equipment, though, so I'll need a go-ahead from up-top if I get it working."

Steve gives a slight shrug. "Well, all I need to do is grab my gear an' I'm ready to head on out. If you need a hand with anything, just lemme know." he says as he steps out of the conference room and back into the hallway.

Ehanis follows him out of the room. "Sign me up for... all of the above," she says with a grin. "How much time do you think it'll take." She remains outside the armory for the moment, and starts taking off her white winter jacket. She wasn't expecting five hours between the briefing and departure when she decided to keep it on. Undernath it, she's wearing a simple purple t-shirt.

Nathan starts making his way over to the racks where he believes he stowed the SMGs. "Well, it should take about- aha, there." He kneels down and pulls out a Locust, examining it as he approaches the workbench. "The tweaks won't take too long in of themselves. The actual modifications will take... mayhaps, thirty minutes?"

Vasquez takes a seat as the team starts filing out. She glances at Jason. "Good luck with Tennhausen and Kaya." she says with an exasperated grunt.

Jessica is on the other side of the room, looking over the Avengers stored on a rack. She glances over her shoulder at Nathan and Ehanis as they enter the armory and gives yet another eyeroll. She lifts one of the Avengers up and begins to inspect it.

Renala exits the room after Steve. "I don't think there's anything you can do for me, but I'll let you know if there is," she says. "I haven't eaten since morning, so we could go grab something to eat before I continue my preparations."

Jason retakes his seat at the edge of the table once the others have began to exit the room. He gives a glance towards the armory with a sigh and a shake of his head. "So long as they don't start trying to kill each other, I don't really give two shits whether or not they like one another..." he says. With a shrug, he returns his gaze to Vasquez, "But that's not important. What is important is that you get that candy for me." he

Steve starts down the hall beside Renala. "Sounds like a plan. I could go for a bite myself. Especially if we're gonna be stuck with whatever crap they're gonna be feedin' us for the next couple days." he says.

Vasquez smirks slightly, and nods. "I'll handle it." she says as she leans back, starting to relax a bit now that the briefing is over.

Ehanis drops her jacket onto her suitcase before joining Nathan in the armory. She's either oblivious to the issues between Nathan or Jessica, or ignoring it. "Yeah, do it," she says with a smile. "Sticking around for that should be worth the risk." She doesn't sound all that serious.

Nathan snorts, paying no mind to Jessica. He'll get the job done. Any conflict can wait until after the mission. Then a landmine might find its way into her belongings. "Alrighty. I'll get started. There will be a lot of pauses so we can get the comfort right for you, but after that, the modifications will be a breeze."

Jason gives a nod of his own. "Perfect." he says. "Suppose I should start getting ready to go-..." he continues, giving a brief sigh, "...Try not to miss me too much. And make sure you get in touch with your brother!" he adds as he's suddenly reminded of their previous conversation, "Make sure he's out here!" With a quick hop off the table, he leans down and plants a kiss against the top of Vasquez' head before heading towards the

Jessica tries not to be bothered by Nathan's grating, stupid, obnoxious, irritating voice. Buuuut she fails miserably. Rather than looking through the rest of the Avengers, she simply leans the one she's holding over her shoulder and stomps out of the armory. Unless she's some sort of wizard, she certainly didn't log it into the system.

Renala chuckles. "Exactly what I was thinking," she says. "At they very least it's not a long trip."