How Grown Ups Handle Things (Part 2)

Posted on Fri Aug 22nd, 2025 @ 12:56am by Lieutenant Commander Sabastian Walker & Lieutenant JG Zai Walker & Lieutenant Adrianna Baciami

1,534 words; about a 8 minute read

Mission: Vinyl and Void
Location: Office of Adrianna Baciami | USS Arcadia

Previously …

Adrianna paused for a moment, attempting to find the words, "what happened on the away mission was-- something. But it was hardly a fault. We managed to find closure for a number of families and it is only Fleet that seem to think we failed. Somehow we got everything we needed from that mission, albeit a casualty or two. We could not help the stowaway. Gawd knows it's the second time I've had that girl blindside me under similar circumstances. But regardless, everyone lived and we managed to limp home."

She cleared her throat, "the training-- I will do it, just to tick a box, but it will not be because I agree with the why's. I stand by what I said in that room. Appreciate that it could have been handled substantially better, but this mission has my whole being on edge for good reason. I focused on everything that I needed to and, yes, called you out for immature behaviour in terms of colloquialism. You then proceeded to tell me what I had and had not understood from the conversation which was out of line, in my personal opinion."


And now, the finale…



She held up her hand, clearly something else was coming, "I will not be apologising for calling out a senior member of staff, especially when even a captain agreed that the humour was ill-placed. What I will apologise for is how I handled it. You have my respect, Commander, do not mistake that. Nor will I compare you to the prior..." Adrianna shook her head, "insert all of the appropriate comments regarding the adequacies of the prior XO, or lack there of."

Adrianna took another breath and gestured to the photos on her desk, although it was unclear to which she was referring, "yes, the mission has me on edge because of first hand experience, but I admit that there are some recent events that are clouding my mind regardless of mission. My own husband has pointed it out. I'm working on it. "

She looked back at Sabastian, "It won't happen again."

Sabastian studied her for a long moment. He weighed her words. He gave a nod. "Okay. I accept what you've said and I apologize as well. My tone could have been better and I could have expressed myself better. Also I apologize for the humor being offensive and admittedly immature." He smiled a little. "I will also try to get your comment The prior... insert all of the appropriate comments regarding the adequacies of the prior XO, or lack there of. Now that I'm getting stitched on a pillow...a gift for Lee."

"Apology accepted," she nodded. Adrianna then snorted in amusement, "translate it into Latin first. Then it will be an insult in sweet disguise."

He chuckled. "Now, as to outside things as you say, recent events. I'm not just your XO. Even if we weren't friends an XO's job will be to ensure the people under his command are okay. What happened that has you in this state? I can sense your walls, they are very good ones, you wouldn't have been one of the best Intel agents if you couldn't block an empath. So what's happened and how can I help?"

Adrianna smiled at the compliment. "A habit of intelligence training that will not go away too easily. Equally, no offence to yourself, but there are too many empaths on board to handle what is actually going on in my head. I don't want the sympathy or empathy-- any of the 'pathies'. Equally, if I tell you, protocol dictates that you force me off duty. I read the manual. You have a duty of care to this crew. I need to be on this mission because I've been on a Gorn war base. Hell, I blew one up and killed Kra'kot. I got this file for Fleet and risked my life to do it. I will not jeopardise this mission because it is personal. That said-- off the record, as a friend, and for your ears only, not Zai's because gawd knows he's... Too much... And I don't want the attention or him trying to help. It's not how I handled things-- but three days after the wedding, when we returned to base, I had to leave to go back to Italy. Both of my parents-- seems they were very good at keeping secrets. Both of them-- within hours of each other. Gone." She dropped her walls for a mere moment to give him an insight into the turmoil going on in her mind. Then quickly pulled the walls back up, "this stays between us, Sabastian. This should be something you handle as a friend, not XO. I need this job right now."

He sighed. Reaching over he placed a hand over hers for a moment giving her hand a squeeze before he sat back. "I'm sorry Adri. I'm so sorry you lost them. I met them briefly at the station and I could see how amazing they were and how much they loved you all." He paused. "I also know how much they loved one another so I'm not surprised. If Gods forbid something happened to Zai I wouldn't last long myself." He studied her. "Surprisingly...as your friend I want you to take time and grieve. I think you need to process. I would say off duty but surprisingly...as your XO I would not ask you to take time off."

She raised a brow at his response. Remaining quiet for a moment.

"Oh don't look so surprised. I know this crew by studying your profiles and as XO I was given some of your psych profiles from intel. You're a lot like me in certain things." He scrubbed his hand down his face. "Not even Zai knows this...Gods know when my twin sister died... I was a mess. I knew that if I stopped working, if I stopped moving I would fall apart. You're a lot like that. You feel it, it comes out, short temper, moments of emotional shields down but you work through your grief by channeling it into an enemy you can fight not one you didn't know existed. You didn't know they would be gone, they, as you said kept things from you, that was the enemy you couldn't fight, the secret, the end around the corner but the Gorn you can fight and I have every, every faith in you that you will do well. That said if you do need a moment, a day, an hour, whatever. I need you to promise me you'll let me know. I'm going to trust that you're smart enough to take yourself out if you feel it will compromise yourself and the crew."

"I appreciate the understanding at this time. My point still remains about this staying between us," she nodded with a smile, "you'll have a sure fight in me. That I promise. Please do not treat me any differently. I need this. I will ensure that I mind my tongue in meetings and the such. Try to appear normal-- promise. I will need time after this mission. As will Vance. We need to return to Italy to sort the affairs of them both properly since everything is now in my name-- family tradition dictates everything goes to the youngest." She sighed, "gawd knows I'm not ready to retire to a vineyard just yet. My brothers are continuing business as usual in my absence."

"A strong family is important. I have no doubt that you will get through this. As for treating you differently I can't promise I won't. I know what you are going through so if you did want to get a few Jabs at the XO feel free. I'm less likely to take you to the cleaners err... or to the brig." He smiled. "Now I can sense Zai wanting to get back in here and he will pepper you with questions. Shall I distract him?"

She chuckled softly, ensuring her walls were in place, "as XO, you should absolutely keep him away. I need to finish translating these reports for the team. If he questions what is wrong with me-- tell him about my Gorn history. Tell him it's got me on edge from prior missions. He knew me, sort of, whilst undercover. I'm sure he'd understand. Want me to shout at you to make it look like we had a terrible conversation?"

He grinned. "Naw. I'll take care of Zai." He stood and walked over to the door.

Just as it opened Zai rushed in. He looked around. "Okay...the room is still standing." Just as he walked past Sabastian, Sab grabbed his arm. "Off we go. Lieutenant Baciami has work to do."

"But..."

"Nope, she has work to do. Out we go. You can catch up when she's done." He turned to Adriana. "Lieutenant. I trust we've worked everything out. Zai and I will be out of your hair."

Adrianna looked believably confused, "merde, Zai, grown ups handle problems professionally. I'm not a complete sociopath. Go-- I have work to do."

OFF:

 

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