Jason stutter steps, shoulders lifting instinctively as he barely avoids crashing into Vasquez on her way back. "Uhh-... yeah." he mutters as he slips past her, one hand pressing against the doorframe of their bedroom as he leans inside to recollect his winter jacket that was returned to their room during dinner preparations. After scooping it off the hook, he swings it on and steps into line beside her, adjusting the collar with
#RedrockAgency – December 29, 2020
a tug. "Figured you might like a little company." he offers, attempting to muster up a smile that doesn't quite hide away his own concerns.
Ilyna grins at Cynthia's reaction, having no remorse over sending her over to grab her own beer. She casts a worried glance towards the door, but she tries to hide her concenr as she looks over to Li answering Halisi's question. "So, which toys are on the schedule for tomorrow, Li?" she asks, then tilts her head. "Or do you think we'll have everything unpacked and set up in just one day?"
Vasquez pauses briefly, watching Jason, but there's no protest, she just nods, a faint glower on her face that doesn't really befit going to collect a delivery. It probably says something about their lives. She nods for him to follow as she starts to move down the corridor again.
Cynthia lazily grabs another beer from the fridge, popping it open and taking a sip, remaining in the kitchen for now.
Li frowns at the initial question before nodding enthusiastically at the addition. "Everything." she confirms confidently.
Halisi chuckles quietly at Li's certainty, shooting a glance towards Ilyna. "You're not going to leave them lying around for your mother to clean up, are you?"
Jason's gaze turns to the floor as he starts down the corridor after her. "Jasper mention anything about expecting any deliveries...?" he asks, shooting a glance to his wife's back as he follows.
Ilyna chuckles at the answer, and a sharp nod follows at the follow-up question's. She does flash a smile Halisi's way. "I'll remember that, Li," she says. "It'll be a long day tomorrow, then, but I'll help out where I can." She can't shake the concerns about the unexpected deliverly entirely, but she refrains from glancing towards the door.
Vasquez shakes her head as they go down the stairs. She's moving quickly, one hand on the railing and the other on her pocket. "No. And... Fergus says it's for me, not Redrock." she adds as she starts down the first-floor corridor.
Li nods distractedly, attention already back on her gift pile. She's left the couch, kneeling on the floor as she picks through the gifts.
Cynthia heads over to the counter, picking up a slice of sausage to chew on, gaze travelling towards the door briefly, lacking Ilyna's self-control.
Jason nods a few times, a small sigh slipping out. "Yeah..." he offers in a mutter, that part not having gone unnoticed. His hand moves to the railing as he follows down the stairs. "You strapped?" he asks as they reach the bottom, the wince nearly audible in his voice, but it has to be asked. For all they know it could be Rellis attempting to wish them a very Merry Christmas. You know your life has gone to some weird places when
opening the front door to accept a package on Christmas Eve with your wife needs to be accompanied by a question of whether or not she has a gun on her so you know if you should swing by your office to collect your backup sidearm from your desk drawer. It would be almost comical if it wasn't so damn frustrating.
Ilyna observes Li for a moment as she goes for the gift pile, but the asari is far too weary to join her. "Don't unpack anything with small pieces before we have cleaned up, okay?" she suggests before turning her attention towards Halisi. "How about you? Are you happy with the night so far?"
Vasquez nods sharply, patting her pocket. She's all business now, any trace of Christmas celebrations and cuddling on the couch wiped away for the moment. When they reach the lobby she takes a moment to check the cam feed on the terminal by the desk just to confirm Fergus' information. She nods to herself, stepping back around and heading over to the door before looking Jason's way to make sure he's ready.
Halisi smiles a little, nodding faintly. "It's been wonderful. I thoroughly underestimated how much I needed a break, I think." she says with a quiet laugh before taking a sip from her wine. Her gaze drifts back to Li on the floor and she leans closer to Ilyna to let her speak quietly. "It's nice to have a chance to be a part of this. Giving her a proper Christmas. Thank you. For inviting me." she half-whispers, smile returning as her
Jason silently takes a position beside Vasquez, one hand on the desk as he briefly studies the camera feed from over her shoulder. Upon confirming that it's just the one person outside, he heads over to the door and waits for Vasquez to join him. After exchanging looks with her, he gives a small nod. For a brief moment, a pang of embarrassment courses through him over what is almost certainly an overreaction on both of their
parts. It quickly gives way to frustration as he's reminded of the many, many reasons they have to overreact. Still, he does his best to relax his posture. He's not exactly the least intimidating of figures, and it's more than likely that the person on the other side of that door is just a courier trying to do their job. No reason to ruin their day with the whole 'big, threatening, merc' routine if it's not necessary.
Ilyna leans closer to Halisi as well, humming affrmatively at her words. "I'm glad you could show, Halisi," she says, "and I hope you remember this the next time I tell you that you should take time off." A small grin follows, as she feels just a tiny bit smug at being right. She looks over at Li and raises a brow when she sees the gift she has chosen. "Do you have your omni-tool with you, Li?" she asks, still
There are no seals on the gunship box, so one of the short sides opens easily once she find the carboard fold. The soft, dark-gray packing foam is sitting tightly agains the cardboard box, which may make it a bit difficult to pull out. The craft itself does not look to be tied to the packing foam, however.
Vasquez keeps one hand in her pocket, fingers brushing over the collapsed machine pistol, as the other reaches out to press against the door interface. It seems she doesn't share Jason's concern, scowl remaining in place as the doors slide open.
On the other side of the door stands a moss-green salarian in a winter-padded trenchcoat, worn over a light armor vest. Not an unreasonable precaution for a Terminus courier. Nor is the sidearm holstered in plain view on his hip. He has a soft-looking plastic package under one arm and a datapad in the other, a bored look on his face, that turns slightly startled as the door opens. He soon collects himself and nods politely. "Greetings.
Delivery for Linda Samia Vasquez?" he asks, looking back and forth between the two humans questioningly and holding out the datapad.
Li doesn't seem to find the correct opening method for the box, tearing at the cardboard instead of unfolding, a focused frown on her face. Ilyna's question makes her look up, a dismayed look on her face as she shakes her head.
Halisi can't help but let out another laugh, shaking her head to herself. "Yes, you were right." she sighs, the admission no doubt fueled by the alcohol in her system. "Try not to lord it over me too much." she requests with a wide, slightly goofy smile Ilyna's way, before the sound of tearing cardboard distracts her, eyebrows furrowing slightly, unsure if she should say something to the girl.
Jason gives the salarian the ol' once over when the door opens. Oddly enough, it's more of a relief to see the sidearm worn openly. Most people out here are carrying. It's usually the ones that feel like they need to hide something that you should worry about. The polite greeting causes him to, in turn, force a fleeting smile that doesn't quite reach his eyes and probably comes off as a little more indifferent than intended before
offering a nod back and gesturing towards Vasquez with a tilt of his head her way. Shifting in place, he folds his arms across his chest and leans a shoulder against the doorframe as he watches the courier. "Cold one, huh?" he asks, shooting a quick glance past the salarian in a silent gesture towards the snowfall.
Ilyna chuckles. "I can't make such promises,... Santa," she says, hinting at another matter pending admission. At Li's answer, she sits back up and leans forward to put her glass on the table. "Do you know where it is, Li?" she says, stands with a grunt, and moves over to crouch beside her. "And be gentle with the cardboard, it'll be easier to bring the toys home later if the boxes are still intact." She reaches
under the fold of one of the small sides of the box, and opens it, but leaves it up to Li to pull out the soft foam box within.
The salarian hums in agreement, casting a brief glance at the snow amassed along the building walls before shifting the datapad in Vasquez' direction.
Vasquez ' stance relaxes just a little as she accepts the pad, her hand leaving her pocket as she signs before handing it back. As the salarian extends the package her way she stops him, however. "I want to scan it." she says.
The courier seems unfazed by this, and her curt demeanor in general. Probably used to it. "Of course." he says with a nod, waiting as she tugs up the sleeve of her coat and presses a few keys on her omni-tool. A holographic grid sweeps across the package, and Vasquez studies the screen briefly before nodding and taking the package.
Vasquez immediately freezes as her gaze falls to the package in her hands, and more specifically the label. It just reads 'Linda', handwritten with a marker. She blinks, sucking on her scarred cheek as she stares down at it.
Halisi 's grin returns, a bit of embarrassment over having resorted to such antics briefly shining through before she puts on that unconvincing look of innocence again. "I have no idea what you're talking about, I assure you."
Li gladly relinquishes the box to Ilyna for assistance in opening it. The question receives another head-shake. "I dunno..."
Cynthia puts her omni-tool away and grabs another bite to chew on as her gaze travels to the windows. Seems she's intent on remaining on her feet for the time being. Maybe some of Vasquez' paranoia has rubbed off on her. She's no doubt heard enough stories to warrant it.
Jason watches the exchange carefully, gaze falling onto Vasquez as the scan begins, searching her face for any indication as to what she's seeing on the screen. But as she accepts the package, he lets out a breath that he wasn't even aware he had been holding. He shifts away from the doorframe, attention turning from the package to the look on his wife's face, brow furrowing. "What is it...?" he asks cautiously.
Ilyna chuckles at Halisi's answer, but her focus on Li and the gift means she doesn't read her expression. She then takes the box and gently pulls the inner foam box out of it and puts it down on the floor. "Did you have it when we left home?" she says. "Maybe it is in your jacket." The asari casts a glance towards the jackets hanging near the rec room door; which does cause a pang of worry to show up in her
face as the unexpected package moves to the front of her mind. "I'll go check," she then offers as she stands back up and begins making her way over to it. If something is wrong, she would rather it be her closest to the door instead of Li.
The foam box is has a compartment for two batteries as well as the equipment needed to charge it. One of the batteries is missing. The craft itself is a little heavy for its size -- the outer shell of it is metallic --, but far from too heavy for Li to carry. The articulating parts of it are also locked in place. There are a few small blue lights on the underside of it that turn on when it's freed from the packaging, but
The salarian seems a little confused by the reaction, and clears his throat. "Well... I will be on my way. Happy... Christmas, is it?"
Vasquez swallows hard. "It's-... uh... the writing. It-..." she mumbles, but when the salarian speaks her gaze snaps up, package shifting to one hand as her other pulls the gun from her pocket. It unfolds as she aims it at the courier. "Who gave this to you?!" she shouts.
The courier jumps back in fear, hands lifting non-threateningly. His stance is light, like he's ready to run should he need to. "I-It was at a pickup point! It was an anonymous delivery!" he exclaims.
Li nods a little as Ilyna goes to check, the concentrated look returning as she tries to figure out the box' content. She grunts a little as she shifts the gunship around. "It's heavy..." she complains.
Halisi seems a little amused by Li's struggle, setting her drink aside on the table and then carefully sitting down on the floor with a little "Oof...". She extends a hand. "Let me have a look. Was there a manual somewhere? A... little book?"
Jason studies Vasquez in silence as she looks over the package. The salarian's words cause him to shoot a glance his way and nod. "Close enough." he offers through a heavy smirk. "Have a-..." he begins before his well wishes are interrupted by a gun-toting Vasquez that takes things from zero to ten in the blink of an eye. With a quick, "Whoa!" he positions himself slightly between Vasquez and the courier without putting himself in
the line of fire. His gaze rests firmly on the salarian, one hand coming up, palm towards the courier in a silent warning for him to not try anything and stay put. His other arm is bent at the elbow, forearm across Vasquez' chest as if to pre-emptively make sure she doesn't try to do anything drastic. Like a switch was flipped, he's already in soldier-mode. Watching for any micro movements. Shifts in weight. Movement.
Anything that suggests that the courier might reach for that gun on his hip. "What's the problem, Linda...?" he asks without taking his eyes off the courier. "Let me guess. Amel?" he asks, the lack of surprise in his voice probably giving away that his suspicions had already gone there the moment Fergus made the announcement. He had hoped he was wrong. Hoped that she would've kept her end of the deal to respect Vasquez'
There is a manual beneath the charging cables, a small booklet translated into galactic standard as well as 10 other common languages. It has basic usage information, instructions on where to get the omni-tool program, package content list, standard warnings and so on.
Ilyna finds Li's jacket and begins going through the pockets. "Renala made sure I got a copy of the controller too," she says. "So we won't be grounded if I don't find Li's omni tool."
Vasquez offers a series of stiff, shallow nods, scowling with misplaced anger at the poor salarian, who's hands are still in the air. "Bullshit!" she snarls at him.
The courier flinches slightly, taking a step back, but showing no signs of aggression. "If there's an issue, you can take it up with the company, I'm just a courier, ma'am." he says, speaking clearly and with a hint of frustration despite the hints of fear, and an alert gaze keeping a close eye on her gun.
Vasquez is breathing heavy, gun-arm shaking slightly. The stinging in her eyes make her blink repeatedly, gaze darting from the salarian to Jason, and back again. "I don't-... I don't want it!" she says, thrusting the plastic package out towards the courier. "Take it back."
The salarian seems a little baffled by the situation, shrugging awkwardly with his hands still raised. "I-... I can't do that. You've signed. But you're... free to dispose of it how you wish." he says, gaze shifting to Jason as if hoping he'll talk some sense into her.
Halisi starts to look through the manual, humming thoughtfully to herself as she reads. She leans forward to look over the gunship itself, frowning a little. "Did it only come with one battery...?" she mutters, searching the packaging for a spare.
Cynthia curses quietly as she drops a slice of sausage on the floor. She glances towards the others before she uses her foot to nudge it under the fridge.
Jason lets out a deep, heavy breath that quickly turns to steam in the cold air that has begun to fill the lobby. Any concerns over the salarian trying something have all but vanished as he continues to try and talk Vasquez down. "Linda..." he offers softly as she thrusts the package back towards the courier. He lifts the hand that's outstretched towards the salarian slightly in another silent reminder not to do anything that
might escalate things before reaching out towards the package with that hand in an offer to take it, gaze finally leaving the salarian to meet Vasquez' eyes. "Come on. He doesn't know anything. Just-..." his other hand slowly moves to her gun hand, gently and cautiously urging it downward.
Ilyna takes the omni-tool from the pocket. She was too focused on the search to notice what Cynthia just did, lest she would have commented. "I found it," she says and begins to make her way back to the others. "I had T'Iavay check it over, as Enila said I should," she says with a shrug. "Maybe she put a battery in?"
Vasquez shoots a glare Jason's way, pushing back against his attempt to lower her arm, but when she meets his gaze she seems to realize what she's doing, a complicated mix of emotions intermingling with the anger in her eyes. Frustration. Embarrassment. Shame. Her arm drops, and she lets him take the package, sucking in her lips. She glances up at the salarian and nods for him to leave, before quickly looking down at the icy
The courier wastes little time in doing just that, arms lowering and letting out an annoyed huff before walking off. If nothing else, the reaction indicates it's probably not the first time he's been held at gunpoint during a delivery. The joys of the Terminus.
Halisi clears her throat, trying not to look embarrassed as she checks the battery compartment of the gunship. "This is... quite the war machine, isn't it? It looks convincing. Like someone shrunk the real thing." she comments with the tone of someone that definitely didn't own any violent toys growing up.
Cynthia silently congratulates herself. Completely unnoticed. Smooth moves. Her gaze shifts up to the ceiling camera as if warning Fergus not to snitch.
Jason follows the gun down with his hand, drawing a deep, relieved breath of cold air into his lungs. He, too, shoots a glance to the salarian, watching for a moment as he stomps off. Eventually his gaze falls to the package in his hand, examining it in silence for a moment before looking back to Vasquez, frown immediately crossing his features. "...You good?" he asks quietly, studying the side of her face, his free hand moving to
There's an opaque hatch underneath to keep the battery secure with a button beside it to release it, but the fact that the lights are on should be indication enough that something is powering it.
Ilyna chuckles, and sits down on the floor next to Li. "It is," she says. "The expert advice my friend Natia received came mostly from turians' daughters." She starts the omni-tool to check something quickly before handing it over to Li. An new icon of the ship's silhuette shows up among the other installed programs.
Vasquez flinches slightly at the touch of Jason's hand, obviously still tense, but she doesn't answer him, instead just reaching for the door interface and pressing down. The door closes with a whoosh, the faint sound of wind and distant vehicles silenced with the click of it sealing. She starts to draw in a breath, but halfway through she slams her free hand against the door. She closes her eyes hard as tears roll down her cheek,
The small, soft plastic package weights practically nothing in Jason's hand. The contents feel like cloth.
Li accepts the omni-tool, pointing at the new symbol once she notices it, and looking up to Ilyna for confirmation.
Halisi looks a little amused by this tidbit, nodding to herself. "That... makes a great deal of sense." she remarks, setting the gunship down after confirming that the other battery is already in place.