Lt. JG Natasha Cole - More Visible Than Expected
Natasha Schell
(( Rooftop Gazebo - Ana Kersna, Rylor ))
Natasha had arrived at the StarFlirt event and immediately was surprised at the number of people that were there. She was wearing a pale-yellow halter dress with brown slingback high heels. Looking around she was trying to see if anyone looked familiar aside from their hostess Ms. Virtavi-Yaros. Looking over the crowd she saw a familiar face, Ensign Braga.
The rooftop that hosted the event was decorated with crystalline sculptures, glass rosette vines snaking up large marble columns, luminous lights draped over the criss-crossing pattern of supporting beams that stretched below the curved glass roof above, and casting a soft radiance over the numerous tables set up below.
Cole: Mind if I sit with you.
He gestured for her to sit. As she sat, Nadevia started to speak.
Virtavi-Yaros: Welcome, one and all. My heart is quite full to see such a glittering assembly - both dear friends of long standing and those whom it is our new privilege to know - as we mark the start of another Galactic Year amongst the stars. To those venturing into our company for the first time, I beg you to set your minds at ease; there is no cause for trepidation. Simply find a pleasant companion, partake of the refreshments, and should the chime sound, you need only await the arrival of a new acquaintance. ::smiles graciously:: I wish you a most enjoyable evening.
She clapped as the crowd did, still not completely sure what to expect from all of this. Natasha’s brow furrowed for a moment, as she spotted both Lieutenant K’Wara and Commander Silveira, she started to lower herself into her seat. It was embarrassing enough that Ensign Braga now knew she was on StarFlirt. She had hoped to make it at least a little longer before the rest of the crew knew. Braga let out a laugh while Nat glared at him.
Cole: ::covering her face, kind of quietly towards Braga:: I will hit you
Before Braga could stop himself laughing, Nadevia was making her way through the crowd of tables towards them
Virtavi-Yaros: ::amiable smile:: Lieutenant Cole, Ensign Braga. What a most auspicious turn of events that I should behold you both today.
Ensign Braga immediately attempted to contain his amusement, now that Nadevia had her eye on him.
Cole: ::trying to recover and smile:: Hi Nadevia! This is quite the turn out. Is this a usual size for these events?
Nat closed her eyes and scrunched her face for a moment, she was doing it again slipping into security/interrogation mode.
Virtavi-Yaros: Truly, my heart quite overflows to see so many gathered here. It is a singular joy to welcome both old friends and new. Rylor is a truly spectacular venue, this is true, but I should think it is never more beautiful than when shared with such esteemed company. ::looks between the two:: I trust that you are both enjoying yourselves?
Braga: ::composes self:: Oh, yeah, it’s great.
Cole: ::trying to save face looking around:: The decorations are beautiful, gives off a sense of magic with the way the light dances around.
The expression that Braga made caught her by surprise. What? She could be gentle and more in touch with her feminine side. She made a mental note not to go easy their next sparring match.
Virtavi-Yaros: Your kind praise flatters me, thank you.
While Nadevia’s attention was diverted for a brief moment, Natasha shot a look at Braga that read ‘Not a word!’ Nadevia nodded, giving her agreement, as a gentle chime rang through the gazebo.
Virtavi-Yaros: It is time. Natasha, if you might do me the courtesy of accompanying me? Ensign Braga, if you please remain seated, another conversationalist shall be along shortly.
Braga: Yeah, sure... See you around, Cole.
Cole: ::muttering as she stands:: This is why I don’t tell people things.
With a gentle gesture, Nadevia bid Natasha follow her to another table.
Virtavi-Yaros: Natasha, I beg your forgiveness if my question involves overstepping the bounds of our short acquaintance, but I cannot help but observe that you, perhaps, has found yourself, mmh, ill at ease in this company? Should this observation be false then pray, forgive my impertinence, yet I could not help but note that you seem... More subdued than is your wont?
Cole: ::small, slightly self-conscious smile:: Maybe a little. Not because of the program itself. I think I’m still adjusting to the idea that I’m not the only one trying something unfamiliar. It should probably be comforting. At the moment… it mostly just makes me feel a little more visible than I expected.
Virtavi-Yaros: I understand you. ::gently places a hand on Natasha’s arm:: Remember, there exists not a soul in attendance of this event that has not, at some hour, experienced the uncertainty of their first Starflirt encounter, and I would hazard a wager that most shared that sensation. ::smiles:: Take heart, Lieutenant; though all beginnings are fraught with difficulty, perseverance and persistence shall surely result in a just reward.
Natasha felt Nadevia’s hand on her arm, she was gentle and reassuring as she spoke. She took a slow breath. This was all new to her, and sure she was full of bravado and maybe a bit of arrogance when she signed up, but now it was real … really real. She hadn’t realized they had stopped till Nadevia spoke to someone.
Virtavi-Yaros: Tamio, if I might be so bold as to ask that you remain with your esteemed colleagues for this next stretch as well? ::smiles:: I would consider it a personal favor?
Lieutenant … no, Tamio seemed surprised when they saw Natasha, but had a welcoming smile on their face. For a brief moment she felt like a teenage girl being dropped off on a date, but she closed her eyes for a moment as she remembered to breathe.
oO New possibilities Oo
K’Wara: Response
Silveira: Response
The two gestured towards an open seat, which Natasha took as gracefully and as fast as she could.
Cole: I hope I’m not intruding. ::slight awkward smile::
oO They’re here for the same reasons you are, new acquaintances. Oo
Natasha looked back at Nadevia and mouthed ‘thank you’ as she pulled her chair in.
K’Wara/Silveira: Response
Cole: I’m still adjusting to the idea that StarFlirt apparently has better crew turnout than some briefings.
Feeling a little more at ease she leaned back in her chair as the two chatted.
K’Wara/Silveira: Response
Cole: I think I prepared for the unfamiliar part. I just didn’t prepare for how visible it would feel once I got here.
She exhaled the breath she realized she had been holding in.
Cole: Still… I’m here. That has to count for something.
K’Wara/Silveira: Response
Tags/TBC
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Lt. JG Natasha Cole
Security Officer
USS Artemis-A
Writer ID A240205NC4