- M E N A - J U R I V I C H -

My wrench slips, bouncing off the edge of Digit with an unceremonious clank. I groan as a socket falls to the floor, rolling across the lab and into the feet of a table. I purse my lips, trying not to let the most minuscule issue ruin my day.

Only it has been ruined.

The more I think about the promotion, the more uneasy I become. It feels like Raleigh's response hasn't been to change how we view things, but to erase Adara in the most diplomatic way possible. Natalia isn't a bad person - I think - but she's so different that the vibes here will undoubtedly change. In the meantime, I'm left with an Adara-sized hole in my chest.

I grunt, standing up and walking to the socket. It hasn't been long, but I already miss her. The energy alone in this building could tell you everything you'd need to know, and I read it loud and clear. I look at the drone, socket in hand, as I mull over my thoughts.

I need a break.

My wrench and socket find themselves on my workbench as I exhale and head for the door. I'd been trying, and failing, to push these thoughts aside. Maybe I just need some fresh air. The lab is cool and all, but a sunset is what I need right now. They've always been the times I think - the times I make strong decisions, for better or for worse.

My feet carry me through the area, and I hear him first. The echo of punching bags being struck like dynamite in the mines finds its way to my ears before I see it in action. Sure enough, Dom stands in the combat training center, giving work to the training dummies. My eyes catch sight of a combat knife in his hand, eliciting a quiet sigh.

Dominik hadn't been pleased about the promotion. Sure, he agreed Adara shouldn't be it anymore, but he also thought it should've been him. Part of him, I'm sure, is happy for Natalia in a sense, but he's never been the type to let things go. Dom takes everything personally, and being passed up for promotion by Raleigh hasn't sat well with him.

I'm sure as hell not going to talk about it with him, though. Maybe once he gets his head on straight and apologizes, I'll humor it. Part of me hates the bitterness in my thoughts, seeing as I'm usually the bubbliest member of the team, but it's hard to feel anything but resentment right now for multiple people.

I find myself standing outside the elevator, pressing the button lightly as the doors glide open. My shoes carry me inside, stopping in the center and waiting for the doors to close. Once they do, I let out a long breath, one that's been building for hours. It strikes me that I've never felt like this before. Even in the SEALS, being doubted as the only female, told I wouldn't survive, I never felt the sinking dread I do right now.

Adara would know how to fix it.

Of course she would.

I run a hand through my short blonde hair, sighing as I watch the training center fall below me. My reflection stares back at me through the glass, looking... tired. Exhaustion, the same thing Raleigh is struggling with, is evident over my entire body. Man, do I need a good night's sleep. Maybe a shot would help tonight... I've always liked Green Tea Shots.

My reflection disappears as the doors slide open, and I walk down the hall to the observatory platform. At the top of the facility, they had constructed a sort of green roof garden with views across the island. The best view of Charybdis, by far, lies up here. I watch as the golden-orange light peers through the glass door as I press it open.

A light breeze instantly glides across my face, compelling me to look to my side. The sun lies low on the horizon, the mainland of Italy highlighted in orange behind the strait. I find a smile returning to my face, a welcome feeling after the brooding of being downstairs. My feet again carry me forward, more purposeful this time as I step towards the chairs.

In the corner of my eye, I see movement. My senses snap to it as I realize it's just Lucas. My body loosens as I step forward, revealing my presence. He looks at me, raising his eyebrows. "I see you like the view too," I chuckle lightly.

"How can you not?" Lucas smiles back, relaxing in his chair as I sit down in mine. My body falls backward, melting into the recline as I let out another long breath. What little hair I have whips around slightly in the breeze, framing the sunset against the rogue strands. The temperature is perfect out here - Italy never disappoints.

"Very true," I sigh, adjusting myself in my seat for the most comfort.

"Couldn't stay down there, could you?" Lucas asks, his focus on the horizon unchanged.

"Yeah," I admit, nodding lightly. "Feels... stuffy."

Lucas chuckles, a hint of sadness in it. "That's a great way to put it."

The armrests sit cold under my hands, likely from the onslaught of the ocean breeze throughout the day. Somewhere far away, I swear I can hear the waves subtly smacking against the shore. What a perfect little moment we've found here, away from all the troubles we've had recently.

I debate bringing up my reservations to Lucas and using him as a soundboard. Maybe it would help me process what I'm feeling right now, to deal with the new reality, but I can't. I won't let it ruin such a perfect golden hour. I need a little bit of this joy in my life.

"I'm glad I'm not the only one who is concerned," Lucas states lightly.

On second thought, maybe I should bring up my reservations. I breathe in, trying to balance my thoughts as I nod in agreement. "Me too, Lucas," I sigh quietly, bits of violet creeping into the sunset as I ponder.

"Damnit," I mumble, laying my head back and looking at the sky in frustration. "She'd hate us talking like this, Lucas. Like we're mourning."

Lucas's chair squeaks a little bit as I assume he shifts his posture. Silence fills the air for a moment before Lucas says calmly, "Maybe. Means we're doing it right."

The lump in my throat rises and falls. "I feel like I'm screwed, man. I've never felt like this before. It's like devastation mixed with hopelessness."

The words flow from my mouth excitedly; they're a weight I've been pushing to release for the last thirty-something hours. It feels like weeks, though. I realize my hands are gripping the armrest fiercely, my pulse unsteady.

"You know, Mena," Lucas ponders, his chair creaking once again. "She's been my best friend since before even Maelstrom - since I met her back in Delta. Somehow, I..."

I look over at him, his expression laced with the curiosity of someone deep in thought. "...I think you're more crushed than me... somehow."

"Well," I stammer, looking back at the horizon as the clouds begin to develop a bright red hue. "It's not a competition."

"No, you're right," Lucas agrees quickly, breathing out.

The ensuing silence lingers as I let go of the armrest, my heartbeat unsteady again. I focus on the red clouds, trying to control my breathing and relax my body. "She just makes this place feel like home for me," I say, a little too calmly.

"It just..." I start, my words fading like the sun on the horizon. "I miss her, Lucas. I... I just wish I could tell her that."

Silence lingers for a moment as my heart beats loudly in my ears. My eyes dart to Lucas, who squints with a sly grin. He chuckles lightly, a knowing look plastered on his face as thoughts swirl around in my head.

Does he know?

     He knows.

Damn you, Lucas.

I hear a ping come from my phone, echoing from Lucas's a second later. I groan as I reach into my pocket, pulling it out. I know what this is even before opening it. If Lucas got it... Sure enough, a text from Raleigh:

"Briefing in fifteen."

"Already?" Lucas exclaims, staring at his screen like it had insulted him. "Back to work?"

I gulp, the new thoughts mixing with Lucas's expression just moments ago. "I, uh..." I trail off, trying to focus my mind again as my jaw reflexively tightens. "Natalia is being tested early, maybe?"

Lucas nods in disbelief, sitting up in his chair. "Man, you tell me, Mena."

"Come with me for a second," I tell him, standing up and stretching as the sun begins to fade. "I need a shot, and I have a hunch you'd like to join."

Lucas smirks. "After today? Read my mind."