This logfile is imported from aitelogs2 and may contain errors or wrong timestamps.
#FreedomFalls – January 23, 2017
The car pulls into the spaceport lot, coming to a stop at a spot near the entrance. It's afternoon on the 11th and the air has a biting cold to it. The sky is clear, Litae currently looming to the east, leaving most of the cloud-free sky exposed and pale blue, aside from the glowing band that runs through it, disappearing beyond the mountains in the west. Stark winds whip around whirls of powdery snow, although the streets here in
the town center are kept clear. Vasquez lets out a sigh as the car comes to a stop, her hands still on the wheel. SHe's wearing her usual olive-green winter coat, her hair tied back in a ponytail.
Jason rolls his shoulders in the passenger's seat, giving a glance Vasquez' way. He's dressed in his usual attire and a brown canvas jacket. "Excited?" he asks, giving her a lopsided smirk.
Vasquez glances Jason's way before letting go of the wheel, leaning back in her seat and looking out the windshield at the people passing in and out of the spaceport. It seems like some kind of larger transport ship must have arrived recently judging by the number of people starting to exit. A quarian is waiting as they exit, trying to sell his omni-tools to the people that pass. "It's been a long time since I talked to him
Jason turns his attention towards the crowd, giving a short nod in response to Vasquez. "Which is why you need to take advantage of the time you've got with him while he's here. Your brother doesn't exactly seem like the type to make too many trips out to the asscrack of the Terminus, so it might be a while before you get to see him again."
Vasquez nods slightly. "Yeah. I just-... yeah." She nods again and lets out an almost nervous groan. She seems like she's going to say something else, but instead she unbuckles and open the door, stepping out of the car. She wraps her scarf tighter as the cold hits her, the wind catching her ponytail as she turns towards the entrance.
Jason glances her way before following suit and stepping out of the car. As the gust of wind catches him, he shivvers, suddenly wishing he would've brought a thicker jacket. He slides his hands into his pockets as he follows beside Vasquez. It's a subconscious movement that doesn't bring him any warmth. Just another perk of being armless: prosthetics don't feel the cold. "If you'd rather I-..." he gestures back towards the car,
"...I can just wait for you two...?" he offers, realizing he never actually asked if she wanted him to be here for this.
Vasquez looks to Jason, and shakes her head with a small smile before hooking her arm around his, stuffing both hands into her own pockets and starting to walk towards the spaceport entrance. "Of course I want you here..."
Jason nods to himself. "Alright. Just don't want to be the third wheel in some heartfelt family reunion shit." he teases. Though the question he's avoiding asking is 'Does Markus want me here?' Though, after everything that has happened, he's hoping to have earned at least some brownie points with Markus.
Vasquez rolls her eyes, turning silent as they continue toward the entrance. She stops near it, opting to stand and watch for Markus among the people that are exiting rather than try to push through and get lost in the crowd. Her eyes travel from person to person as she watches. The vast majority of the new arrivals are humans. It must have been a ship coming from Alliance space. Since they're standing still it's not long
before the quarian comes up to them, pushing a hovering crate on which a number of unusual, likely cobbled together from spare parts, omni-tools rest. "Hello! Interested in Vezra's custom omni-tools? Why pay exorbitant prices for omni-tools imported from Citadel space when you can get a unique, one-of-a-kind item for a fraction of the cost?"
Jason joins in on the people watching as he looks for Markus. The feeling in the pit of his stomach deepens as he runs over just how many different ways having Markus in town could go wrong. With everything going on right now, the last thing he wants is to get into it with Markus and give Vasquez more shit to stress about. As the quarian shows up, he cocks an eyebrow at the welcome distraction and looks down at the pieces on
The quarian takes one of the omni-tools, holding it out for them to view as he activates the holo-display, a hologram of a ship flickering into view... and then quickly sputtering out. He lets out a flustered noise as he quickly pulls it back to adjust the settings, but Vasquez interrupts him before he has a chance to try again.
Vasquez grunts. "Not interested." she says, looking at the quarian. He is quick to move along to the nearest passerby. It's now that Markus comes into view in the spaceport entrance - a fairly tall man in his mid-thirties with light olive skin and dark hair with matching stubble. He's wearing a black fall jacket which is definitely not sufficent in the cold weather of Freedom Falls, as well as grey pants, and he's rolling
a large back behind him. Next to him is walking a woman who looks about thirty, with vibrant blonde hair in a fairly long braid. She seems to be carrying even more packing - a rolled back along with a backpack as well as a duffel slung over one shoulder. She's wearing a long blue winter coat and high boots. They're both still out of hearing range, with some other exiting passengers in-between them, Jason and
Jason smirks at Vasquez' bluntness and gives the quarian a wink. "You sure you're alright, Linda?" he asks, "You're being uncharacteristically friendly today. Didn't even put him in a chokehold." He gestures towards the quarian, giving a glance in his direction as he continues to tease, "If you want I can chase him down and-..." he trails off as he spots Markus and straightens his posture. "Incoming..." he whispers, giving Vasquez
Vasquez rolls her eyes, and is about to cut Jason off when he nudges her, and her attention immediately turns to the indicated direction. She tenses up a bit as she spots him, although the reduced sensation of Jason's cybernetic arm might prevent him from sensing it. She removes her left hand from her pocket, lifting it to give a wave in an attempt to get his attention. A success, Markus and the woman with him start to make
Jason sucks a deep breath in through his nose, feeling just as tense as Vasquez. 'Leave the past in the past. You're marrying his sister. He's going to be family.' he silently reminds himself, a look of intense focus on his face, 'Sure, he's kind of an asshole, and he did talk a lot of shit without getting slapped in the mouth, but that's all water under the bridge now. Let it go. Move forward. Ah shit, at least smile!' A big,
fake smile crosses his face as he joins in on the waving. "Hey!" he calls out as the pair continue towards them. Fake smile still planted on his face, he leans over close to Vasquez' ear. "Who's the chick?" he whispers.
Vasquez raises an eyebrow as it becomes apparent that the woman next to Markus is coming towards them as well. "I... have no idea." she mutters in response to Jason, lowering her hand. She slips her right arm free as they approach, not calling anything out just yet.
Markus offers a wave of his own as they come closer. "Hello!" he calls out in response to Jason, looking between him and his sister. He comes to a stop a few meters away from them, an awkward silence quickly taking hold, but a small smile forms as he focuses on Vasquez.
Markus suddenly steps forward, extending his arms and she soons finds herself enveloped in a hug as he chuckles. "It's good to see you, little sister. I'm sorry it's been so long."
The unfamiliar woman remains standing in place, a quiet chuckle escaping her as she watches the unfolding scene.
Jason lowers his hand and slides it back into his pocket as Markus and the mystery woman approach. His discomfort slowly fades into a smile as Vasquez is reunited with her brother. He passes an awkward glance towards the woman at Markus' side, giving her a nod in greeting.
Vasquez is obviously caught off-guard, but soon returns the hug, a small smile crossing her face. When they let go she nods, smile remaining for a moment. "It's good to see you too, Markus. I-... I'm glad you could come." she says, before glancing to the unknown woman. "I... didn't realize you were bringing a guest." she says, furrowing her eyebrows slightly as she looks between them.
Emma 's eyebrows rise. "Oh! No, I'm not here for the wedding. I'm here to speak with you, actually." She steps forward, offering a hand which Vasquez shakes. "I'm Emma."
Vasquez confusion only grows as she listens to Emma. "I'm Vasquez, this is Jason, my fiancé, but I'm getting the impression you already know that..." she says, nodding in Jason's direction as she shakes her hand.
Jason furrows his brow as he studies Emma and joins Vasquez in her confusion. When he's introduced, he gives a soft, "Hey..." and goes to wave, but instead just gives another nod, purposely leaving his hands in his pocket as his self consciousness gets the better of him. He otherwise remains silent as he awaits the woman's explanation.
Markus stuffs his hands into his pockets, giving Jason a slightly strained nod in greeting. As Emma and Vasquez speaks he nods. "Emma and I met while I was travelling. She's looking for work, and I told her about your company..." he explains.
Emma nods in agreement with Markus' explanation. "Yes. I understand you two were in the marines? I am too. Or... was. It's been a while since I was in the field, and I'm looking to get back into it, but... on my own terms, this time."
Vasquez raises an eyebrow. "Alright... well, I'm sure we can discuss that." she says with a glance to Jason before returning her attention to Emma. "We're always looking for capable people."
Jason returns Markus' nod with one of his own. After a moment of awkwardness, he removes his hands from his pockets and looks unsure of what to do now that Markus has interacted with him directly. He steps forward and his arm begins to extend out to his side as if he might go in for one of those awkward half-hugs, but then he seems to think better of it and tries to play it off as if he was just bringing his hand up to scratch at
his chin. Finally, he simply extends his hand towards Markus for a handshake, his gaze lingering on his own hand for a moment. Then his gaze moves to Markus' hands... which are now in his pockets. Handshake was a bad choice. Idiot! "Oh-... uhhh-... yeah. Sure. Capable people. Sounds good." he says, having become distracted with his little greeting dance.
Markus raises an eyebrow, Jason's awkward movements not going unnoticed. He takes pity on the outstretched hand, however, removing his own from his pocket and reaching over to shake Jason's hand. "Jason. It's... good to see you."
Jason gives Markus' hand a firm shake before returning his hand back to his pocket and nodding. "Yeah... Yeah, you too, Markus..." he says. "So how was the trip...?" he asks, making uncomfortable small talk. "Everything go well? No pirate attacks?" he snickers. As he realizes that might reflect poorly on Aite- and by association on him for living out here- and for wanting his wife to be here- and for wanting to raise a child out
here!- his snicker is replaced by a long, drawn out sigh. "That-... was a joke. It's..." he nods firmly, "...safe as can be out here."
Vasquez brings a hand up to her temple, letting out an exasperated sigh as Jason speaks. "No reason to stand out here in the cold." she says, pointing over her shoulder. "We'll head back home. Uh... Emma, can we take you somewhere?"
Emma glances out at the town and then back to them, giving a nod. "If it's not too much trouble, I believe there's a hotel nearby?"
Markus gives Jason a skeptical look as he speaks, giving a shake of his head as he starts to follow to the car.
Jason sighs, lowering his gaze to the ground as the others start towards the car, lagging behind a bit to give himself time to kick himself in the ass for such a rocky start. "Yeah. You two chose a shit time to visit Aite." he says with a chuckle as he begins to follow, "Cold as fuck-... Uhh.... Not that you chose to come, Markus. I mean, I guess that's our fault for planning the wedding in the middle of winter, huh? And thanks
for coming all this way on such short notice, we appreciate-..." Growing frustrated with himself for continuously putting his foot in his mouth, he sucks a deep breath in through his nose and decides to cut his losses and focus on Emma, "So. Alliance, huh?"
Markus listens to Jason's rambling with a neutral expression as they head back to the vehicle, remaining silent.
Emma nods, adjusting her winter beret as it falls slightly to the side. "Yes. Scout Sniper. Sergeant Emma Nordström." she says, offering a hand for Jason to shake as they walk.
Jason glances down at her hand, that little bit of self consciousness creeping back in. He bites it back and reaches out, taking her hand in his synthetic grip and giving it a quick shake. "Well, you're in good company. Sergeant Major Jason Wolfe." he introduces himself with a smirk. As they reach the car, he reaches for Emma's bags as an offer to load them into the trunk for her. "We've all put in our fair share of time. Got a few
Emma nods again. "Yes. I have been looking for a good private sector job for a while now." she says as they load the bags into the car. "It was something of a sudden decision to come out here, but I liked the sound of working with a smaller company, and having former Alliance in charge would be a great reassurance that things are done right."
Jason listens as he finishes helping Emma load her things into the trunk. "Well, like Linda said... we're always looking to get a few more hands on deck." he says as he moves to retake his seat in the car. "But you need to understand that things work a whole lot differently out here than they do in the Alliance. I'm not sure where you were deployed, but out here there isn't a whole lot of action." he explains, neglecting to mention
the rotating set of attacks that occur with regularity down at the Respite, "The job consists mostly of some by-the-books security gigs..." or the kidnappings, "...Filling out paperwork..." or the spiteful salarians poised to, literally, bring down the house, "...Filing some reports..." definitely can't mention the crazy cultists, "...And occasionally we'll pick up a contract here and there that takes us off-world." or the
nightmare-inducing mechanical monsters, "So... yeah. You know. It mostly just boils down to a whole lot of sitting around on your ass. Hope that doesn't bother you too much." He glances back over his shoulder to flash a smile Markus' way, as if hearing that should make him feel a bit more comfortable about his sister living out here.
Emma sits down in the back of the car, shaking her head slightly. "That's probably for the best. Like I said, it's been a while since I was in the field. Some by the books security work doesn't sound too bad." she says as she closes her door.
Vasquez starts the car back up, and drives out of the parking lot. She glances at Jason with a raised eyebrow, but doesn't comment.
Jason gives a shrug as he returns his attention to Emma briefly before settling properly into his seat. "Great. Send your contact info our way and we'll set something up for you to come down to the office. We've got a hundred-and-one things going on right now, though, so I can't guarantee you when that'll be."
The drive proceeds uneventfully, with Emma being dropped off at the hotel and Markus helping out with her bags before returning to the car. Vasquez has now just pulled into the Redrock lot and turned off the car. "Well... here we are." she says, unbuckling and stepping out of the car. As Markus joins her she gestures at the Redrock base. "This is our building. Our home."
Jason steps out of the car, giving their building the once over as Vasquez gestures to it. A smile crosses his lips once more as she speaks and he gives a nod. He moves to the back of the car and begins to unload Markus' bags. "It's not much. But it's ours." he says humbly. The building represented something for Jason that he had needed for a long time. An anchor. A place that personified his relationship with Vasquez as something
real. Something rooted. As he sets the bags down, he glances to Markus. "Mind if I talk to you for a second, Markus?" he asks before looking to Vasquez, "Uhh.... Go ahead and head inside, Linda. We'll catch up."
Vasquez raises an eyebrow, and seems to consider protesting, but she thinks better off it, and starts to head off towards the door.
Markus slips his backpack back on and reaches for the rolling bag, but stops as Jason speaks, looking at him with a hint of curiosity. "Alright..." he says, waiting for Jason to continue.
Jason watches Vasquez until she heads inside. Once out of sight he looks to Markus, his faux veneer of smiley politeness falling away. "I just wanted to-..." he sighs, falling silent for a moment as he searches for the words. Finally, he makes sure to hold eye contact before continuing. "Look. You and I didn't exactly get started on the right foot, Markus." he says, deciding it's best to just be frank. "You made it pretty clear how
you felt about me. And-... and it is what it is. But I love your sister." He glances towards the door, then back to Markus, "I love Linda. I would walk through fire for that woman. Hell, I have walked through fire for her." he snorts, giving a quick shake of his head before continuing his speech. "And I will again. And again. And again. For as long, and as many times, as it takes to make sure she's safe. Despite
whatever-... issues there are between us?" he gestures between himself and Markus, "I hope you know that by now. So I don't want either of us to have to walk on eggshells around each other. Whatever baggage was there? We put it away. Because she's been through too much and she deserves to be able to have a little happiness in her life for once." He sucks in a deep breath, "Alright?"
Markus stuffs his hands in his pockets as he listens to Jason, the cold wind causing a stern expression. He lets out a sigh as the man continues, his gaze falling to the floor, clear hints of guilt in his face, and by the end he offers a nod, his expression softening. "Agreed." he says, looking off towards the building, and then back to Jason, looking briefly uncomfortable before extending a gloved hand to him. "Thank
Jason sheds a bit of the tension he was harboring as Markus extends his hand. Jason glances down at it, giving a brief nod before accepting it and shaking his hand. "I will always be there for her." he assures. His promise to the man whose sister he's about to marry. The smile returns to his face. A little more sincere this time.
Markus gives another nod, but there's no smile from him. He glances down at Jason's hand before withdrawing his own. He takes a deep breath, a moment of silence passing. "Let's see this base of yours, then." he says, reaching down for his bag and turning towards the building.
Jason fights the temptation to shove his hand back in his pocket as he notices Markus' attention moving to it. It is, afterall, practically a badge of just how much he's willing to give up for Vasquez. He follows behind Markus towards the building. "You got it." he says, giving Markus a once over and furrowing his brow, "Did Linda forget to tell you how fucking cold it is out here at this time? Tell me you brought something a bit