#Miner'sRespite – January 1, 2026

Jason's lopsided grin returns as he spots Va'ynna through the open kitchen door. He takes a few steps forward, waiting for the door behind him to slide shut before removing the ill-gotten bag from under his jacket. With a crinkle, he pulls the bag open and pops a few chips into his mouth, crunching loudly as he enters the kitchen. "What's cookin'?" he asks. His brows immediately furrow, eyes moving to the rows of pots and pans

Leah makes a show of considering Zaylus' points, culminating in a thoughtful hum. "Fair. I do usually prefer my noodles without the poison anyway." she concedes.

Zaylus laughs, dry and a little too forceful. He sweeps his gaze over the bar once more before stacking his right arm over the left, lazily resting his chin on them both. "Might be a long day." He mutters, gazing up from his restful pose. "A long shift." He corrects, as if trying to be clear he's offering some kind of sympathy.

Enila meets Ilyna's gaze and she helpfully points towards the doorway where Jason just walked through.

Va'ynna crouches down and lifts her up with some effort to be at eye height. "It won't be many years until I can't hold you," she says with a weak laugh. "I could use my biotics, but that would be uncomfortable."

Va'ynna gives a small smile a she sees Jason approach, turning herself (and Li) towards him. "You should be familiar with... our menu by now," she says, her flat tone not helping determine whether she's joking or took his question literally.

Ilyna sighs and sits back down, looking a bit sheepish. "She's in the back with Jason," she says. "They're probably saying hi to Va'ynna."

Tara just does her best to keep up and remember everything as Crux goes over her omni-tool's security with her. Eventually the omni-tool is put down on the table after Crux initiates a download of this supposedly better security software.

Crux ' gaze drifts up to Tara's forehead briefly. "So... you've... lived with Leah ever since you got away from...?" They gesture at their own forehead vaguely.

Tara looks a little uncomfortable, but nods, gaze on the table.

Crux nods a couple of times themself. "And... you like it there? It's where you wanna be?"

RC 's interest is drawn by the question, attention shifting from the bar to Tara, waiting for her answer.

Tara 's discomfort grows, but she's quick to nod firmly. "Yes."

Crux studies Tara's face for a moment and then relaxes a little, a small smile tugging at the corner of their mouth as they nod again. "Cool. Good. That's good."

Halisi chuckles quietly as Ilyna realizes where Li went, and retakes her seat next to her. "So, what have I missed?" she asks, looking around the table.

Li giggles as Va'ynna lifts her up to see, and the comments about using her biotics clearly sparks the girl's interest. "I want to fly!"

Leah snickers, offering a small shrug. "Honestly? It's not that bad." she admits, her smile turning fond as she glances out across the bar that's become a part of her routine. "Things are usually pretty quiet around here so I rarely even have to do much." she continues, implying that she doesn't see the additional assistance she offers around the Respite beyond her role as security as part of her job. "Not unless someone gets a

Jason's smile lingers as he steps over to the pair, leaning against the counter to stay just out of way. Li's comment gets a chuckle out of him and he snacks on a few more chips. "It's packed out there. Looks like you've got your hands full." he says, looking over all the food being prepared.

Nathan perks his head up as he finishes his little examination of his datapad. His very indepth referencing of data would surely be remembered after he has finished his drinking session today. Yep, committed to the old noggin' all this. He tucks his pad away and pushes himself to his feet, stretching for a moment to release the tension in his muscles. He eyes the counter, wondering

Zaylus pulls an almost skeptical look, holding it as he watches Wade reclaim his bowl of pretzels and scrutinizes him for a moment longer. "As long as everyone plays nice, I guess-" He barely lifts his head as one hand quickly covers his mouth, obviously stifling a cough wanting to come out. "Ugh, could you, some water?" He requests hoarsely, trying not to breathe before he can drown

Va'ynna is a bit nervous about Li's question, and instead chooses to answer Jason first with a nod. "It is my fault for being late, but I have a few... minutes now before... the apron comes back on." She then looks over to Li with a fond but concerned look on her face. "I... can lift you with my biotics, but if you've not used to it... there will be an ouchie if we do it in here."

Ilyna looks to the side as she ponders shifting a little closer to Halisi after she sits down, but decides not to for now and instead reaches out to grab her drink. "We were talking about raising Li out here," she says, "and ways for her to meet others her age."

Tara seems a little bewildered by Crux' actions, and a little uneasy about having someone she barely knows messing around with her omni-tool, but she's hardly about to voice that, so she just watches.

Halisi raises an eyebrow. "Oh?"

Holly nods. "I told Ilyna about this weekly thing the Foundation organizes. It would be good for her, wouldn't it? Meeting other kids her age?"

Halisi smiles a little, surprised, and looks to Ilyna for an indication of her thoughts.

Li pouts slightly, sensing an unspoken 'no' in Va'ynna's tone. Her sulking is very brief however, as she follows up with "Can you teach me to lift stuff?"

Leah seems to take notice of Nathan's arrival at the counter and she lifts a hand to greet him. But Zaylus' sudden change in demeanor causes her smile to slip, replaced with an inscrutible look as she studies the turian before giving a few nods. "Yeah, of course..." she offers. She collects a glass and quickly complies with the request, setting it down in front of the turian. "You alright...?" she asks tentatively, a sheepish

Jason snickers at Li's question. "Ask Fergus to teach you about biotics." he interjects, hoping to help Va'ynna from having to dive down that rabbit hole right here and now. He idly extends the chip bag outward in an offering to Li. "Careful, they're hot." he warns. "So-... uhh-... Enila said I should probably touch base with you." he says, focus returning to the asari. "...Everything alright?"

Wade scoots his barstool over just a smidge to give Nathan some more room, offering the familiar face a small dip of his head in greeting.

Zaylus grabs the glass hastily and takes several forceful gulps, looking like he's struggling for a few moments but thankfully sputters no more. He sweeps his arm to sop up what little water sloshed out of the cup in his hurry, his features tightening in mounting frustration or maybe embarrassment. "Thanks." He breathes, only glancing up briefly. "No- I mean, maybe. But I'm not sick."

Enila walks over to greet Nathan as he arrives at the bar. "What can I get you?" she asks.

Ilyna tilts her head in thought. "I think it would be healthy for her to socialize with children her own age," she says. "She did play with the boys visiting for the wedding, even if there... was some friction at times." She's not sure how much they know about Li's past, but she'd prefer not to talk too much about it to elaborate on why there might be challenges. "And Lema at the new years party, though they're not

Va'ynna looks very apologetic because it was an unspoken no. "Yeah, or... mom," she says. "I don't know much about how biotics develop in humans." She looks over to Jason with a frown. "I... contacted Nari today," she says, her tone souring quit a bit at that which should be answer enough to the question.

Nathan gives Wade an appreciative nod, returning the wae to Leah at the same time. However, seeing the severity of the coversation he decides to do the polite thing and not forcibly put himself into it. Instead, he smiles at Enila. "Hey, uh, another pitcher of the same stuff that Jason grabbed please and a bag of peanuts if you got it." He turns to Wade, looks at his depleted pretzels

Crux hands the omni-tool back to Tara with a grin. "There, should help keep any future assholes like us at bay."

Tara looks relieved to have her omni-tool back and offers a polite tilt of her head and a simple "Thank you." in an attempt to avoid offense given this was seemingly intended as a helpful gesture.

Crux smiles slightly. "No problem, least I can do, I figure."

RC 's eyebrows all furrow slightly, noticing the discomfort that Crux doesn't, but he doesn't comment on it, his gaze instead turning back to the kitchen door after a moment as his stomach rumbles.

Li frowns a little, and soon starts to fidget as being carried starts to become uncomfortable, looking to be let down.

Halisi nods in agreement, smiling slightly. "Certainly. I hadn't realized there was such a thing or I'd have suggested it myself."

Emma is stirred from her silent pondering by Zaylus messily chugging a glass of water, eyebrows furrowing as she watches him apprehensively.

Wade shoots Nathan a smile, giving him a friendly, appreciative nudge with his elbow. "You stickin' around for the game tonight?" he asks, making small talk.

Leah frowns, not looking particularly convinced, but well aware that it's not her place to pry. "Fair enough. Well, I'm sure those noodles will be up soon enough. Should help chase off that sickness that you're not coming down with." she teases, propping that bright smile of hers up. She pushes herself up from leaning against the counter and moves to begin assisting Enila with taking orders. Having overheard Nathan's exchange

Jason draws in a breath, a soft, "Oh..." escaping him with a sigh. "So? What did she have to say...?" he asks, his tone cautious. He retracts the bag of chips as Li begins to flail and takes a few more for himself.

Zaylus rolls a cough into an irritable grunt, for a moment appearing as though he'll fight the accusation. Realizing her tone is light he lets it go with a strained chuckle, resting his head precariously on his hand as he sips continuous little sips of water. He refuses to acknowledge the look Emma is rightfully giving him, affording him the opportunity to watch a bag of peanuts make

Enila nods and takes the pitcher, but she snaps her attention behind her as she can feel the biotic field quite well, and grabs it out of the air to put on the counter. "I'll log that as delivered," she says unamused, then taps quickly on the terminal on the way to the taps.

Va'ynna is starting to struggle to hold her too, and gently sets her down on the floor, making sure feet are firmly planted before letting go. "I can lift you another day, over an exercise mat or... a couch," she says, "but I am also sure... Ilyna could do it so much better than me."

Nathan looks to Wade, perking an eyebrow up at the question. "There's a game on tonight? Who's playing?" He asks. It feels like it has been an age since he just sat down and watched some sports, so the offer is rather tempting. From the corner of his eye, he sees the Nate-seeking peanuts and blinks in surprise, naturally not expecting edible snacks to seek his untimely death. However,

Wade jerks his head to the side at the sight of the airborne peanuts with the reflexes of a man half his age. It's likely he's taken some heat-seeking barsnacks to the dome in the past. It scars a man. Changes em. Heartrate elevated, he clears his throat once the projectile has been plucked out of the sky by Enila. "The Warriors at Port Hanshan." he lays out the asajura match. "Gonna be a slaughter!"

Leah shoots Enila a scowl as she finishes refilling Wade's pretzels. "Fun police!" she grumbles playfully to the passing asari as she sets the pretzels down by Wade and Nathan, gaze settling on the latter and giving a roll of her eyes as she's met with a smug grin. "You're lucky." she says before adding a menacing, "This time~." She only briefly considers cackling maniacally as she settles against the counter.

Jason continues to munch on his chips, gaze on Va'ynna as he once more extends the bag out towards Li once she's set back down.

Li is quick to reach up to stick a hand into the bag of chips and grab some, Jason's warning going unheeded as she eats them all.

Emma 's attention is briefly grabbed by the flying peanuts, but then she's looking to Zaylus again. "What's going on with you?" she asks point-blank while the others are busy goofing off.

Va'ynna then stands back up and glances at the timers before looking to Jason, pondering the question causing a frustrated look on her face at first. "I... it-.... I..." she stammers out, not finding the words as she is about to break down in tears but trying her hardest not to with Li right in front of her. She also is about to protest when she hears Li crunch down on multiple, but she is too late and has enough

Ilyna takes a sip of her drink before putting it down on the table and shifting slightly closer to Halisi. "I just hope Li likes the idea of it," she says. "Especially as I don't think I can be in there with her the whole time."

Halisi smiles softly. "I'm sure she would, although it may take some getting used to. It is customary for children around her age to learn how to deal with being away from their parents for shorter periods," she says in an attempt to offer some gentle guidance on the sort of thing that may be hard to know for someone from a different species. She takes a sip of her drink as she gets comfortably in the booth, reaching for Ilyna's hand

Enila grins to Leah. "That's me," she says while pouring the pitchen, then she walks over to put it on the counter in front of him. She also places an empty bowl on the counter next to it for the peanuts. "I let one biotic grab slide, and we all know what happens next."

Nathan pulls a face at Leah, showing just how intimidated he is by her brazen display of biotic power. "Guess I gotta watch my back now," he says with a snort, before looking towards Wade as he clarifies his earlier statement. Nate ponders for a moment before asking, "What time? Haven't got a shift to pull tonight so might try and drag a few of the others for it. Could be fun!"

Zaylus sets the glass down a little too hard, then rests his hand on it in a remedial gesture before turning. "I'm sorry?" He asks rather defensively, lingering a moment before noticeably easing back his tone. "It's just a cough. I'll be out of here soon enough." He promises to placate her, assuming she'd had enough of his hacking.

Wade gives Leah an appreciative dip of his head. It's not hard to see that despite their bickering, he appreciates the biotic's company and it's little more than friendly banter. "Game should be starting in less than an hour." he tells Nathan, picking at his bowl of pretzels and positioning them so Nate can have some if he wants.

Jason pulls the bag back but isn't quite fast enough as Li gremlins a whole handful. He shoots her a flat look. "Don't say I didn't warn you, small fry!" he says, gaze briefly turning towards the counter for any cups or glasses around. "Take your time." he says to Va'ynna, frown slipping into his features as she struggles to keep it together. "I mean if-... uhh-... you'd rather have this talk later? You know-..." he shoots a

Leah snickers at Enila's words. Nathan's addition causes her to give a theatrical scoff, feigning offense, but it quickly melts away, fond smile replacing her sour expression. "That it?" she asks instead with a glance to the bag of peanuts. "The kitchen is open if you want me to put in an order for something else...?" she offers, thumbing towards the door behind her.

Emma looks skeptical, but offers a "Right..." that indicates she's not going to press the issue. Instead she takes a sip from her drink and casts another glance at Tara, who is listening to Crux talk about being hired by Redrock to work on the tech team, and then to Halisi and Ilyna, idly watching the familiar faces.

Li coughs and sniffles, shaking her head with a grimace. "Urk..." As her eyes start to water she reaches up to rub them with the palms of her hands, narrowly avoiding getting the spice still stuck to her fingers in her eyes.

Zaylus turns forward again, an uncertain expression on his face. He tries to wipe it off before settling both hands on his glass, too stiff now to return to his previously relaxed pose. He sips occasionally, subtly glancing at the kitchen door.

Nathan rubs his chin in contemplative thought, whilst his free hand slowly slips a pretzel into his mouth. Less than an hour? Hmm, not a lot of time, but time enough. He blinks out of his focus, crunching the savoury snack quickly before answering Leah. "Nah, it's all good. Place is busy enough and I got this sixth sense that our cook might a little overwhelmed at the moment." By

Ilyna takes Halisi's hand, and smiles slightly as it's squeezed. "That... makes sense," she says. "It is like that for asari too, but... usually much later." She might be glossing over the diversity of asari opinion and customs, and socioeconomics.

Va'ynna takes a deep breath before giving a few small nods. "Yeah, later is better," she says with a small nod. "I... I need to get back to this." The asari is still visibly upset at the thoughts brought to the fore. "You... should help Li."

Jason is quick to urge Li's hands away from her eyes. "Nope! We can't be doing that!" he warns with a wince. "You don't wanna get that shit in your eyes." he continues, his gaze turning this way and that before spotting some paper towels nearby and scooping them up off the counter. He unrolls a few and crouches to dab at Li's eyes a couple of times before passing the paper towels off to her. "Use these." He gives Va'ynna an

Leah offers a shrug. "Suit yourself. Just let me know if you change your mind." she says.

Wade gives a sharp nod. "Great!" he says enthusiastically, always happy to have company for the game. Now to see if he can draw Nathan in on that bet of his with Jason to make a few more credits...

Li 's eyes widen a little as Jason's cursing, but she's quickly distracted by the dabbing at her eyes, fidgeting a little, but she does take over herself when she's handed them, forgetting to say bye to Va'ynna as she's nudged towards the door.

Va'ynna nods as she is already on the way to grab the apron and put it on. "I'll send a message," she says, before looking towards Li. "I'll see you soon, Li." She lets out a deep sigh as she walks towards the timer that's about to tick down on the dextro-side of the kitchen.