>>5391889https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ir1A74UA2YEA jazzy number is playing, and the smells of home cooking waft through the open doorway, quickly drawing all three of you inside.
The foyer is spotless, looks like all the previous damage has been repaired.
Jack’s waves at you from the entrance to the kitchen, and waves you towards the veritable feast that he’s taken the time to prepare.
You’ve normally got a snappy joke or two on standby, but you’re content to let the simple comfort of the moment wash over you.
It just feels good to be able to let your guard down for a moment, you’ve been on-edge and under constant threat for quite some time; and there’s nothing quite like sharing a nice meal with people you trust.
During the meal, you give Jack a quick and dirty breakdown of what’s been happening during your campaign in the south; making special mention of Darius and Isaac’s new codenames and your intent to supply them with some of the surplus Intergang armor you’ve been keeping for a rainy day.
They’ve proven themselves to be loyal, even in the wake of your presumed death; if that doesn’t warrant reward, then what does? Besides, the armor has basically been gathering dust in your closet; no sense in needlessly hoarding valuable tech and denying your inner circle an edge.
Your homecoming banquet is concluded with a very special dessert; looks like Jack’s gone to the trouble of baking you a homemade cake; even has a little stick figure in army fatigues in frosting.
It’s not the best tasting meal you’ve ever had, but you’re touched by the gesture nonetheless. Little gestures like this are one of the reasons that Jack is by-far the best boss you’ve ever had the privilege of working for.
After excusing yourself from the table, you rifle through your equipment storage and present your pair of lieutenants with their new armor.
They’re both excited to give it a spin, but you make sure to stress that they’re weaker models than your own, and that you’ve had your armor customized in several different ways to improve its capabilities.
After a joking (but semi-serious) reminder not to blow all their money in place or at one time, the both of them make their excuses and leave; chances are they’ve got obligations of their own to fulfill now that they’re back in town.
At least now they’ve both got enough money to get their own places and stop squatting in one of of Genghis’ backup boltholes.
As you help Jack with the washing-up, a pronounced twinge in your leg reminds you that you’re still carrying plenty of aches and pains from the various knocks and hits you took out in the field.
