AWD #117: Leave It
Leave It
Summary: Take it or leave it turns into leave it.
Date: 03/May/2013 (OOC Date)
Related Logs: None
Maia Vadim 
Firing Range
With ten different bays, the firing range can accommodate quite a few shooters with about two dozen spectators or trainees behind them. At 25 yards, the targets can be brought forward or pushed back up to the stops before the inclined plating designed to deflect rounds up. The lighting can be dimmed down to nothing for use with night vision or flashlights, also. A large sign overhead denotes the requirement of both eye and ear protection, as well as the prohibition of all ammunition except rubber or frangible. However, there are no firearms stored here. All firearms and ammunition must be checked out from the Marine Armory in the Security Hub.
AWD #117

*Brr-aap* *Brr-aap* That's the sound of Vadim's burst fire pistol as he stands in his stall, taking aim at the target down the range. Doesn't seem like he's in all but a pleasant mood, as indicated by the scowl on his face that's deeper than it usually is. With glasses and ear protection on, he seems all but oblivious to the world while he plinks away man-shaped targets. A burning cigarette has been left in a burning ashtray on one side of the bench in front of him, while a handful of clips are set on the opposite side.

After Charlie's, Maia had left as soon as she could. She'd only had a drink and a half so she knew she wasn't bad off at all. Though it had been awhile, because she couldn't find Vadim and so she pokes her head in everywhere from the library to the berthings to the Rec hall. Any place she'd ever spent time with him. As a last ditch effort, she looks into the firing range, she finally finds him and steps inside. "Hey, boss.. You okay?"

Vadim just scowls, mainly because he can't hear her over the blasts from his pistol. It continues to fire until there's nothing left in the clip, smoke wafting out from it's barrel. Ejecting the clip, he sets it down before inseting a new one. Then he picks up the cigarette that had been burning. Movement catches the corner of his eye, though it might not of had he not been in the process of reloading. Pulling his earware around his neck, he sniffs. "Kane. What can I do for you?" Apparenlty, he hadn't heard her initial question.

Right. The ear protection. Forehead smack. Stepping nearer, Maia studies him as she closes the distance. "So what's up? Something's wrong." This time it's not a question, it's a statement she seems fairly confident of. Her eyes lower to his scowl then lift back to his eyes. "Really, what's wrong?"

Vadim takes a long drag from his cigarette, ash glowing and accumulating in rapid fashion. Blowing it out, he stares at her. "People just annoy the shit out of me sometimes. Even more annoying when it's people under my own command and I can't clock them upside their damn head." he says initially. The gun is set down, sine apparently, Maia wants to talk. "Nothing that won't of washed over the bridge by tomorrow. It was just a particular day for me and it got interrupted by a bunch of kids." Because that's how he views most of the squadron. Well, with the exception of Maia herself, who's about the only one he doesn't talk to like an angry parent.

After a moment, Maia steps closer and leans against the side of the shooting counter with her back, so that she can face him. "Some people can be annoying, I agree. I just put on a smile and I nod until I can get away from them. Keeps the peace." Apparently she didn't think he was annoying, because she had come seeking him. "So, about that food you promised me. Backing out?" Offering a playful wink, trying to lighten the mood, or cheer him up.

"That's why I never wanted the job." Vadim utters, deciding to holster the gun rather than continue his firing. "I don't like people. People are annoying and hard to work with. Even harder telling them what to do because they're so gods-be-damned opinionated. It's not worth the fraking time." And then he throws her another look. "Also be nice if we had a CAG who took his job a bit more seriously. Not a Captain Blood 'let's make shit miserable' but one that I could at least put some measure of faith in. Kelsey and Ygraine need to start acting more like pilots rather than teenagers with flying licences." After that little rant, he blows out a breath. "Personally, I didn't think you were all that interested."

"And you still don't want the job? You know that you're needed by all us Raptor pilots. I hope you know anyway. We haven't had a leader in a long time." Maia can only smirk as he tells her he doesn't like people. "Oh I don't like some people, that's true, but I am a peacekeeper, so I never tell them. Not that I go out of my way to spend time with people I don't like, either." At the mention of Kels and Ygraine, she studies him before she smiles. "Everyone handles the war in their own way. Just because someone doesn't agree with that way, doesn't mean it's wrong." At the last, she laughs. "In food? How could I not be interested in food?"

"No, because I know what the rest of you are going to think." Vadim replies. "That I'm 'a hardass'. That I don't know how to 'lighten up'. That was pretty evident tonight. Personally I think it's dumb to have a callsign that a person doesn't like, as if it's mandatory. Frak, I dislike mine but it's not worth making an issue out of because it's just a damn name. Still, should be whatever you want it to be." He grunts at her reasoning. "How they deal with it or not doesn't matter to me. "I need pilots, not teenagers who act like they don't have a care in the world. Maybe I'm wrong, but from what I've seen so far, that's been exposure." He shrugs. "I hadn't seen you in awhile, I figured you lost interest."

"Ygraine is the best ECO I've ever had. Bar none. I wouldn't want anyone else back there if I could help it. She fills in where my weaknesses begin. Pilots are supposed to maintain radio, she does that for me while I pilot. She's anything but a carefree teenager when we're on the job. I respect her that she can let go and relax when it's time. Me? I carry shit around like baggage. As for Kels, she's just trying to learn her own place in the squadron. She's young and trying to gain experience. She'll get there, Captain." Maia tries to let him see the good sides of them too. "Every pilot and ECO you have are different in every way. It's nice that way because it's what makes this group so original. Trust me on that. I can't think of a better group to be with. Loyal, fun, hardworking and courageous." With a wink she agrees. "So yes, Sir. You are wrong. They do have cares but sometimes they can be lighthearted enough not to show it. You should really take the time to know everyone. I think you'd find them all extremely likable." At the last, she counters, "I haven't seen you in awhile either. Besides, it's not a date, remember?"

"I'm not doubting their capabilities or skills." Vadim starts off with a headshake. "It's just not…as professional as I'm used to. And I'm going to be made the villain because of it. Don't need my pilots referring to me as Captain Blood because I don't tolerate most shit that goes on in the squadron. And I've been letting a lot of slide because it seems to work. I have been watching. Each and every one of you, because the CAG sure as hell doesn't. Or at least, doesn't seem to." That all said, he shrugs. "As much as I wouldn't mind that, I didn't think it was." Pause. "Scuttlebutt says you have a habit of…what was the term? 'Friendzoning' every man you meet?" He doesn't say it like it's meant to be offense, more like being factual, nothing more.

"You don't have to be the villain. You're the only one putting yourself in that position, no one else here thinks that way. You've just got to give them a chance to know you, give yourself a chance to know them. We've got a ship filled with great people from the Engineers all the way up to the top. And everyone has a different personality. People clash, sure, but almost every time there's a happy medium, a middle ground to meet on." Maia can't help it… when he says what he does about the Scuttlebutt, she smirks. "So it's gotten that far has it? That it spread around the ship? I don't take on a lover lightly, I'll be honest, in the time I met my ex-husband and since it's only been him and one other. I guess I'm just choosy about my body, I like to take care of it." Her lips twist in a rueful smile. "So yes, the answer is I do friendzone everyone and rarely do I allow anyone close to me. Would you be willing to be a friend and still hang out?"

"Lofty ideal, too bad we're all too opinionated to give that kind of idea a chance." Vadim says at the end of that. "It sounds pretty and positive thinking, but…" he shrugs helplessly. Maybe there's more he'd like to say, but whatever it is left unsaid. "I know you're right. It's not anything I haven't already tried telling myself. I'll try to give them a chance." And that's about all he's willing to concede on it. Then he frowns at her. "Who said anything about sex?" he states. "I've never considered dating synonymous with sex, but then again, I've hardly ever dated anyone so what do I know? Kane, I'm not looking to sleep with you, I was looking to get to know. To say that I wasn't interested, I'd be lying, but I always preferred to really know someone before even considering the idea of finding a dark tool closet with them."

"It may be lofty, but doesn't it only take one person to change a single life if that life is their own?" Maia shrugs, but her eyes show she is still holding on to that general belief of 'good' in people. "Thank you, for trying to give them a chance. It's all anyone can ask. Beside I'll help you out if you need, I can be there with you." Finally when he mentions sex and tosses her words back at her, she can't help but laugh softly. "Dating leads to sex. It's one of the dynamics of it. I'm not saying right away, but eventually, it happens. I just refused to date, friendzoned people, so they don't get false hope because after dating someone awhile, and then declining when it's time for the next step, that would be more cruel than cutting it off before it can begin, right?"

"So you don't ever want to get close to anyone again." Vadim seems to come to that seemingly obvious answer. "Why?"

The easy answer or the hard answer? "Relationships are scary stuff." Maia grins, giving the pat answer before deepening it just a little further. "Honestly, I'm dating someone. It's all very brand new, but it's something I want so I'm going for it, safety harness off, I'm just going for it."

"It's Petra, isn't it?" Vadim asks bluntly. Because that's just the kind of person he is.

Well, it wasn't like Maia was keeping it much of a secret, but she wasn't blatantly advertising it either. "Yes, it's Marcus." Lifting her chin she almost challenges him to say something about it, her whole demeanor giving off a take it or leave it vibe.

And Vadim will leave it. "Well, I wish you the best of luck with that, then." It's as simple as that for him. Just a little bit too late him, as he always is. As he always will be. So it's not a surprise that he's always been alone. But, for all that, he does seem to honestly mean it when he wishes her luck. "I'm going to get some sleep, but you have a good night, Lieutenant." He never did answer her about dinner. Which really, is pretty much an answer for anyone that knows him well enough.

Yeah, Maia may be a little gun shy about things, but she's definitely not stupid. So, he's saying no dinner, no friends. Check. "You too, Captain." Pushing herself off the counter to a standing position, she gives him an easy smile. "Thanks for the luck, really."

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