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Jazz reached out toward the display, fingers trembling in a way Mirage didn’t think he had ever seen from his friend. “Mirage, where did you get this?”
“Lancer found it in a vault below the remains of the Senate Hall.”
His friend turned away from the electro-bass and gave him a searching look. “How did you get it?”
“I offered to store a number of artifacts for her, as the Nevada facility has plenty of space currently.” Mirage stepped forward and put his hands on Jazz’s shoulders. “I wanted to show you this one in person, though. I thought it might be precious to you.”
“It… it is.” Jazz turned so that he could see the instrument from the corner of his optics again. “It’s mine, or it was. Ricochet bought it for me, with money from his first job. If you look at the back, it’s got an inscription from him and everything.”
“I know. I recognized his atrocious handwriting. That’s why I called you.” Mirage squeezed his shoulders to draw Jazz’s attention back to him. “It has historical significance, of course, but I want you to have it. Lancer and Alpha Trion have already agreed that it should return to its rightful owner, since you’re still alive. They’ve even offered to help you find someone to restore it, if you want.”
“You mean it?” Jazz sounded hopeful and fearful at the same time, and Mirage didn’t like it a bit. His old friend should have been elated, not acting like Mirage was about to tell him he was pulling an elaborate prank.
“Yes, of course. The electro-bass should return home, where it can be properly used again. I think your brother would have wanted that, too.”
“Yeah.” Jazz reached up and squeezed Mirage’s wrists. “I just… I lost it because someone stole it while I was flying between Luna One and Monacus. I never, ever thought I’d see it again, let alone here.”
“Well, now I’m doubly glad that everyone has agreed that it should be returned to you.” Mirage tugged the other mech into a hug, one that Jazz returned enthusiastically. “And if it seemed at all likely that the thief was still alive today, I would make them regret their crime for the rest of their functioning.”
“Thanks, ‘Raj.” Jazz laughed softly. “You’re the best.”
“I try.” Mirage squeezed him again before moving back enough to look the other mech in the optic band. “Now, you should contact Lancer about finding someone to restore it while I get it packed for transport. You can’t play it in its current state, but–”
“Nah, leave it up. Temporary display, on loan from Commander Jazz. you’ll be able to take care of it better than me, right now.”
“All right. Perhaps we could even arrange to do the restoration on site, as part of the exhibit. At least until it’s ready to return home.”
“Yeah, that might be cool.” Jazz gave him a bright grin. “Thanks, ‘Raj. I don’t know if you know exactly how much this means to me, but I ain’t gonna forget it. Not if I live to be a billion.”