#RedrockAgency – December 25, 2022

Vasquez is coming down the corridor while reading from a datapad when she hears the chatter from Jason's office, causing her to stop and look up, eyebrows furrowing in confusion. She collapses the datapad and gives the door interface a tap.

Jessica is sat comfortably at the edge of Jason's desk on his side, one leg hanging off the side. She looks as if she probably walked here judging by her attire. Grey, long-sleeved thermal shirt with holes ripped in the wrist for her thumbs to poke out, heavy cargo pants and snow boots. Her winter jacket is draped over the back of the chair opposite of Jason's and her fluffy hat is discarded on the empty seat.

Jason is in his office chair, terminal screen turned slightly so Jessica can better see it. "Just a-..." he begins to continue before spotting Vasquez at the door, causing a smile to tug at the corner of his mouth and he gives a small dip of his head before returning his attention to Jessica. "It's not just a beach." he insists, a hint of faux offense in his tone. "It's Long Beach!"

Jessica passes a glance Vasquez' way, the echo of a smirk that was on her face contorting into the resting bitch face that Vasquez is much more familiar with. She brings her other leg up onto the desk and shifts, bringing her arms around her knee as she splits her attention between the screen and Jason, settling on the latter as his words finally sink in and a blank expression crosses her face. "Why am I caring how long the beach

Jason scoffs. "It's not a long beach, it is Long Beach!" he clarifies. Though, judging by the deeply confused look on Jessica's face, it does little to clear things up. "I mean-... I guess it's also a long beach, but-..." he stammers. Making a frustrated sound, his attention shifts back to Vasquez. "Linda. Tell her. Long Beach is great, right?!" he puts her on the spot, calling back to one of their unfortunately-few leisure

Vasquez steps inside the office, raising an eyebrow at Jessica's presence. She looks less than pleased with the fact that she's sitting on the desk, but the odd conversation soon draws her attention, a confused frown taking over. When Jason addresses her she blinks, nose scrunching up a little. "It was hot, sandy and crowded." she replies with distaste. "And the gulls made off with the overpriced garbage they were passing

Jason stares at Vasquez, looking less than pleased with her assessment of one of the pride and joys of his home state.

Jessica tilts her head, smug expression filtering across her face.

Jason draws in a deep breath. "What she means is-... sure, it wasn't perfect-..." he concedes, gesturing idly as he concedes with a few nods, "But-... sun? Water? Restaurants on the beach? Parades? People out with their families? A beautiful sunset? Come on, it's a good time!" he insists, looking between the pair, both now adversaries!

Jessica glances at the screen, a collage of images of the place in question on display, undoubtedly thrown together from a quick extranet search. After a moment's consideration, she gives an unimpressed shrug of her shoulders. "Is just a beach."

Vasquez looks unmoved, but the mention of the sunset does make the corner of her mouth quirk upward just a little, expression softening momentarily as her eyes seek out Jason's. After a messy day that - coupled with frustrations over her recovery - had Vasquez in an absolutely sour mood, watching the sunset together had been a welcome moment of peace. Earlier arguments had faded away, and for a little while, the excursion

Jason merely scoffs at Jessica's conclusion. Vasquez' question causes him to look her way once more and he gestures to the woman seated on his desk. "Uhh-... Jess just stopped by to let me-... to let us know..." he corrects, well aware that the news being delivered could go either way with Vasquez. On one hand, she quite clearly hates Jessica. That much has been made very apparent. So it's one big pain in the ass gone. On the

Jessica shifts in place, her weight shifting against the hand she's using to prop herself upright as she glances back over her shoulder to Vasquez. "Mmm." she hums in confirmation before clarifying: "Hong Kong."

Jason nods. "So I was-... uhh-..." he gestures idly to the terminal, "...telling her about some places she might want to visit on Earth while she's still-... you know... there." he continues, very much trying to keep the conversation moving before Vasquez has a chance to potentially lose her cool. "What's even in Hong Kong? Right?" he asks, looking back to his wife, "I mean, besides-... Hong... Kongians."

Vasquez 's brow lifts a little in surprise. She's silent for a moment as she processes what this means for the company, eyes on the window, but then her gaze lands on Jessica. "You're quitting?"

Jessica gives a non-chalant hum in affirmation. "Mmm." seemingly thinking it no big deal.

Jason doesn't say anything, merely looking between the two women, hands steepled in his lap. But when his gaze lands on Vasquez, he shoots her 'the look'. That silent, telepathic look that says, "Oh dear god please don't make this a big deal it's the last thing I need right now!"

Vasquez just nods at first. Noticing Jason's pleading look makes an expression of mild annoyance bloom across her face. It's the kind the often-guilty get when accused while, for once, they're innocent. She returns her focus to Jessica. "...Good luck on Earth." she offers. After a moment's consideration she extends a hand, perhaps pushed by Jason's implied accusation to overcompensate.

Jessica blinks, gaze turning down towards the hand offered. She, too, glances Jason's way, and finds the exact same look leveled at her. She gives him a small roll of her eye as she accepts the hand, giving it a firm shake. "Mmm. Thanks." she offers without much enthusiasm, the word almost sounding like there should be a question mark after it. Perhaps confused by Vasquez' sudden politeness, as if it might be some sort of ploy. She

Jason draws in an audible breath of relief as the two exchange handshakes, a smile slipping out, undisturbed by the look of annoyance he's faced with. "Alright." he says, rising from his own seat. "And-... uhh-... If things don't work out? You've always got a job back here." It seems to catch Jessica a bit off guard, causing an uncomfortable look to cross her face, but she gives a few small nods. "There's not many people out there

Jessica swallows, nodding a few more times. A short silence passes but she's quick to compose herself. "Is because we are bad motherfuckers." she explains, barricading the walls that were almost breached with a cocky smirk as she lifts a hand to give Jason a quick fist bump. She gives Vasquez a small dip of her head as she turns towards her to round the desk and collect her winter gear from the chair.

Vasquez winces at Jason's promise that their door will remain open to Jessica, one hand rising to rub at her temple, and, conveniently conceal the look she shoots her husband, widened eyes silently exclaiming 'NO.' The words that follow, about the ordeal with the Collector ship, makes her protest lose steam, and her hand falls as her left arm rejoins the right across her chest with a faint, resigned sigh. She returns

Jason gives a loud snort, nodding softly to himself. "Damn right." he offers softly, his words lacking much oomph. He certainly didn't feel like a bad motherfucker as they fled for their lives. His gaze turns to Vasquez as Jessica collects her things, only briefly looking away to offer the departing woman a farewell nod of his head. Soon enough, the pair find themselves alone as the door slides shut and Jason lets out a heavy

Vasquez ' arms drop to her sides, and she shoots a glance over her shoulder at the door to make sure Jessica is gone before speaking. "Fergus, did you get that? Kaya is no longer a Redrock employee. Make sure she doesn't take any company property with her when she leaves."

Fergus ' voice sounds from the ceiling. "Understood, milady."

Jason gives another snort, smile returning to his face as he studies Vasquez. "Feel good to say that out loud?" he asks in amusement.

Vasquez scoffs. "Seemed prudent." she mutters before walking over to Jason's side, looking out the window. "I should be pissed about the lack of prior notice, but it's a relief to be rid of her."

Jason leans back against his desk, hands gripping the edge of it, amused smirk remaining. "I don't know..." he shrugs, "...I kinda liked her." he teases.

Vasquez lets out an exasperated groan. "Mmh, I know. Only reason I didn't fire her. She's an unreliable, undisciplined mess. And more importantly, a liability now that Cross is on our client list. Her being off our payroll before that became a problem is for the best."

Jason draws in another breath, conceding to Vasquez' points with a few small nods. He certainly can't deny any of that. But, soon enough, his smile crops right back up as he glances Vasquez' way. "Kept things interesting, though." he offers as if a counterpoint.

Vasquez meets Jason's glance with a tired look, a faint snort slipping out as she shakes her head. Her eyebrows furrow as her attention returns to the window, and the darkening outside. "Hong Kong... she's going with that... technician, isn't she?" she ponders aloud.

Jason confirms Vasquez' ponderings with a few more nods. "Yan Sun." he offers. He steps away from his desk, hands slipping around Vasquez as he steps up behind her. "I was just about to head out and pick up our food when she showed up. Whaddya say?" he asks, pressing a quick kiss against the back of her head as he gives her waist a gentle squeeze, "Wanna go for a ride?"

Vasquez lets out a faint hum of acknowledgement at the confirmation of her assumption. She doesn't say anything else on the subject, still watching the snowy ground through the chainlink fence. Her body relaxes a little as Jason's arm wraps around her, and she leans back against him. "Sure." she agrees after a moment's consideration, stuffing the datapad into her pocket before reaching back run her hand over his neck and

Jason lingers for a few moments, content smile on his face before pressing one last kiss to Vasquez' forehead and turning to lead the way out. As they near the door, his brow furrows. "...I thought the kebabs in Long Beach were pretty damn good..." he offers in a muttered, belated defense.