Anger Management (Day 2, Morning)

As morning rolled in and the ship was still retained the chill of night in the grey dawn. Vas awake and going about doing his chores went to the Gally to pick over whatever there was left that could be considered edible for a passable early breakfast.

The galley was blissfully empty at this hour save for Serena who seemed to be taking a minute to relax before the start of her shift. Vas really couldn’t blame her. It was just him and her taking on all the duties and he knew he was tired so he figured that Serena was quickly starting to feel the effects of long workdays. The both at this point has been working long 12 hour shift so lately it feel like he was just waking up tired.

Vas fixed himself a plate and poured himself tea from a fresh pot. “Need a refill.” He offered not sure if she noticed him or not.

“Huh? Oh! Yes, please, that would be great, Crew Chief. I was just makin’ sure everything stayed put last night, and wanted to take a minute.” The teen replied. “You know on account of what the lieutenant said.”

"Don't stress yourself none about it. Haddie is a bit of a wild child. She's going to need a firmer hand from us since Gill can't, isn't or won't keep his sister under some semblance of control." Vas said refilling her mug of tea. " 'sides it was just some condiments. Replaceable." He added hope to make the girl feel a little better

“It’s not just that what's got me stressed. How do you make someone who’s mad at you -- not mad at you?”

Vas scrunched his nose confused. “I don’t think Riley is mad ‘atcha kid.” He assured her. “Just give the Lieutenant her space and it’ll blow over.”

“Riley’s mad at me too?” The teen groaned, leaning her head back to look at the ceiling. “I didn’t even consider that!”

“What? No! I didn’t say that I don’t think she’s mad at you.” Vas desperately tried to clarify.

“Then why would you go an' put that in my head? Not the lieutenant. Yaz’s mad at me.” Serena blurted out. “And I don’t even know why.”

“What? Why would you think Yaz is mad at you?” Vas said scrunching his nose confused. “ I thought you two got along like two peas in a pod.”

“Me too!” The teen said, not hiding her look of disappointment. “Every time I try an’ talk to her, she says she’s busy, and last time she said “Hey Serena, how about we braid your hair, I told her I was busy, on account of I promised Esteban I was gonna make him tea, and I made him tea, and we ain’t talked since. And I know it’s somethin’ I did on account of Marisol’s mad at me too. And if one person is mad, it might be them. Two people? I'm the thing in common, it’s gotta be me.”

“Well have you actually talked to either of ‘em. I know Yaz ain’t even here went off to a client a couple of towns over. Maybe she was actually busy.” Vas pointed out. “How is this like Marisol?”Not that Vas had a great option of the flapjack engineer. But Serena did so that’s was really mattered to Vas.

“I tried, but.... ‘Member when you told me I shouldn’t make a pest outta myself? Marisol doesn’t seem to miss me any, and Yaz… did she say anythin’ to you about me?”

“I really haven’t spoken to Yaz honestly. Been so busy.” Vas admitted. “So already tried to talk to Marisol and Yaz?” He prodded.

“Yes.” Serena replied, adding more sugar to her tea, concentrating on stirring the cup. “I mean, I talked to Marisol once when she got back. And Yaz said ‘can we talk later? I’m heading out.’ Aside from that, no one on the ship avoids people better n’ me. Unless there’s someone avoiding me that I don’t know about.”

“So what did Marisol say?” Vas said buttering his toast.

“That she wasn’t mad. An’ I know what you’re gonna say - that I should take it at face value and leave it at that -- unless… you…. Have… better advice?” She looked hopefully over at the crew chief.

“Maybe you need to be more bold about it.” Vas said between bites. “I mean clearly you think there is some bad air between you. She said she ain’t mad … I mean what makes you think she IS still mad atcha?”

“It’s like when I bring up Jacy and you say that it don’t bother you none, and I can tell that it does bother you some and that’s why no matter what I don’t mention the name Jacy.” She replied, taking a sip, instantly deciding that it needs more sugar.

“Fair, I just don’t like spreading my baggage around for everyone to peek at. But it doesn’t affect my relationship with the crew or my job.” Vas pointed out. “This … “Vas made a vague motion toward Serena. “... and that.” He made a vague motion toward the engine room. “Does. So fix it. If Marisol don’t wanna fix it just make sure you know you did everything you could. It,s a two-man job Serena so if you’re finding yourself doing all the work there is a point you need to ask if it’s worth it or not.”

“Don’t worry, Crew chief. I’ll fix it, I promise.” She said, draining her cup. “I’m good at fixin’ stuff.”

“As you like. Make sure you talk to Yaz too then.” He added feeling like the only reason the two issues were related was because she was so hooked on the Marisol issue. Women seemed like she just couldn’t help but ruffle everyone’s feathers. ‘Cept the person she slept with apparently.

“Unless… you wanted to talk to either of them for me?” She asked, hopefully.

“You sure you want me to do that?” Vas said with an arched eyebrow.

Serena’s shoulders slumped. “No…. I’ll handle it on my own on account of I’m supposed to be an adult on a lotta planets.”

“Definitely act like more of an adult than most folk on this ship.” Vas muttered into his cup. “Well if you need help you know where to look.”

“You’ll be on the bridge or in your bunk. I’ll find you if I need you Crew Chief. I gotta go start turning beds down for passengers, maybe if there’s time after, before I call it a night, if she’s back I could talk to Yazmina? I promise I won’t make a pest of myself.”

“Tomorrow morning she’ll be back. Bring her some tea I from my tin I guarantee she won’t be able to turn it down.” Vas advised happy to help with at least ONE of Serena’s problems.

“I will! And maybe I’ll bring some for Marisol, too.” The teen decided.

Vas took a breath. He wasn’t sure Marisol even liked tea. But. This was for Serena and the overall well being of the ship so it was a worthy sacrifice. “Sure.” Vas shrugged polishing off his toast.

Serena tilted her head to the side. “You know how you asked me how I know Marisol is mad at me? It’s the same way I feel like you an’ the mechanic don’t get along.”

“We don’t get along.” Vas laughed. “At all.”

“Have you tried talking to her about it?” Serena asked, pouring herself another cup.

“Well, there ain’t nothing to say honestly. She’s a shown herself to be duplicitous, a self-centered diva and when push comes to shove … I do not trust she’ll have the Veil or it’s crew’s back.”

“What’s duplicitous?” the teen asked, getting set to bank an amazing word.

“Duplicitous … um … adjective … means deceitful, treacherous or someone containing more than one allegation.” He said as if reading from a textbook.

Serena still looked confused. “Did something happen?”

“Yes.” Vas answered. “Look Serena I was ordered to play nice and I am. The last thing I want is to color your view of her while you’re trying to patch things up. I ain’t said nothing mostly just to keep the peace.” He explained.

“So you don’t want me to say nothin’ to her on your behalf?” She asked.

“No. Less she plans on apologizing to me, the Lieutenant and the Captain.” The punk snorted.

“Member when I hollered at Mistah Doctah Adluh and you told me that it’s not hard to say I’m sorry and eventually I did go to him and say I was sorry.” She reminded him. “But it was hard. That’s why I’m okay just knowin’ if someone is sorry an’ not saying it.”

“That's why Serena you’re the better person. SAYING sorry is easy but being sincere about it? Admitting you were wrong. THAT’S the hard part. Because you give a damn. Marisol? I don’t think she gives a damn. I think the friendship that you’re looking to have with her is conditional.” He said leaning back in his chair.

“I’m okay with conditional friendship, I mean, isn’t it conditional on us working together?“ Serena shrugged. “She and Mistah Doctah Adluh are friends without it bein’ conditional.”

“Not true. They had sex, multiple times. That’s conditional. Also, conditional friendship is not the same as being co-workers. You can’t help who you work with, that ain’t your choice. You do have a say who is your friend though.” He pointed out.

“You’re right, crew chief! I *do* have a say,” Serena replied, thoughtfully. “I’m glad you’re so smart about people and stuff I can fix everything.”

“I don’t think it’s a matter of smarts. Just logic. Besides just pulling from my own experience is all.” Vas explained. He wouldn’t admit some it came from the romance books he so often read when no one was looking.

“I have a say, and I say Marisol is my friend.”

“That’s on you, though personally I think you just going to end up hurt.” He left out the part where he might then feel the urge punch the mechanic of such a thing were to happen. Seriously Serena was like a puppy.

“I won’t Crew Chief. I promise that too. “ Serena said, crossing her heart.

“Good cuz if she mucks with my crew there going to be hell to pay.” He groused. Vas didn’t see what the desperation in getting that women’s approval was for. He did just fine minding his own business and Marisol seemed just find minding hers. He kept his head down and mouth shut when she was around and so far it seemed to be working. Though giving Marisol’s track record he was sure something would happen and hopefully next time when she took her ball and left she wouldn’t come back. Givin she had to get someone else to do the deed FOR her to get back on the ship spoke volumes to her character. The ‘conditions’ she had tried to add on only further made what she did all the more distasteful. Perplexing but mostly distasteful.

“She *is* crew, Crew Chief.” Serena replied with certainty. “And crew looks out for crew.“

Vas shrugged. “I don’t think she is. She doesn’t treat us like crew. Just cuz she’s on this ship don’t make her crew. We all earn our place, we ain’t entitled to it.” He pointed out. “I ain’t sayin we have to friends to be crew either.” Vas added.

“Crew looks out for crew, that’s what you said.” She reminded him.

“So … then what does it mean to be crew?” Vas prodded the girl.

“You get a pay check, and…. Hollered at if you don’t do your job.” Serena replied. “Crew.”

“Naw that ain’t a real crew that just a person doing their job. A crew a REAL crew … there a team. Crew is people you like being around and have your back when the chips are down. Crew is someone you would miss … a lot if they ever left. Crew is the family you pick.” Vas explained. “Good example anyone mess’s with you, Gill, Haddie, Captain or the Lieutenant is going find there neck turning at an odd angle Why? No one messes with my crew. I would fight for you or anyone else that’s part of my crew. Our Mechanic had made it abundantly clear that is not the case.”

“She helped you find Gil.” Serena reminded. “That’s what I heard when I was overhearing at the door. And I wouldn’t been upset if I wouldn’ta missed her when she left.” The teen chewed the inside of her cheek. “But I’m also glad you’re my crew, and the family I pick, Crew Chief. You have my back, always. Don’t you worry none. Once we get in the black, I’ll make sure everything that needs done is done, and I won’t be the only one doing it. I can be pretty persuasive.”

“She helped out of guilt most likely.” He snorted. “Well you and I were Crew. Actual crew. Can’t wait to unload these folk Beoumont, get some breathing room. Haven’t even taken off and it’s already feeling claustrophobic.”

“Were?” Serena asked, raising both eyebrows, her eyes pleading while she wondered what went wrong and where. “When did we stop…”

Vas broke out in laughter nearly falling out of his chair. “Messing with you. We are! We ARE!” He said, still laughing. “You know everyone keeps telling me I need to loosen up but I think the one wound tight is you!”

“Like a spring, Crew Chief,” she giggled, shoving his shoulder, as she banked the word *claustrophobic*. “I’m feelin’ *claustrophobic* too.”

“Girl you need a Dictionary … or a thesaurus … or both.” Vas said, wiping a laugh tear away.

“I haven’t seen the dictionary since Jacy left. And what good would a dinosaur….” She raised her eyebrow warily and grinned. “You’re just messing with me.” It was good to see him laugh, and to laugh with thim. He was her crew, through and through.

“Uh ... no … I have no idea what you are talking about but i am talking about a Dictionary? A book filled with all the words and it goe a definition for them too. The heck did you think I was talking about?”

“Oh! I thought you meant…. Something… else. Beaumonde! When we get declaustrophobicked, I’ll find a dictionary.”

“I ... don’t think … declaustrophobicked is a word. But I suppose now that you said it, it is.” Vas chuckled. “A Dictionary for YOUR need to memorize interesting words. Least this way you can look it up and know what it means. Maybe if the work lightens a bit we’ll start teaching you your letters. Long time coming anyway.” Vas said thoughtfully.

Serena made the same face she reserved for when something smelled awful. “Maybe when the work lightens.” She nodded. “Like after the planet after High Gate.”

“Or Beaumont.” Vas snickered getting up to put his dishes away. “Sooner the better I say…” He added with devilish smile.

Serena leaned her head back dramatically. “Fiiiiiiiiiiine.” She relented, internally planning to keep herself extra busy