Lt. JG Natasha Cole - Did someone say Explosions

[Natasha Schell]

((Brew Continuum, Deck 3-USS Artemis))

 

Natasha set her coffee down as she sat across from Charlotte. Sitting this close she got the sense this woman was likely someone burned hot and fast, the kind of officer who treated boredom like a personal insult.

 

Cole: ::setting her coffee down:: Natasha Cole, Security. And no … my reputation is only half true.

 

Brexis: ::Glancing around:: What do you say we find something to blow up?

 

Natasha looked around for a moment expecting to see Bancroft pop out, or maybe Samantha. She wasn’t sure if Charlotte was messing with her or not, but she liked her energy and wanted to see where this would lead.

 

Cole: ::a slow, amused smile:: Did someone warn you about me? ::lifts her cup::

 

Natasha subconsciously brushed her hair behind her ear

 

Brexis: Well, as a part of Strat Ops, I did my research on the crew. ::Smirking:: I know enough to know you are a fellow explosion enthusiast.

 

Natasha’s boot tapped once against the floor, barely a sound, but just enough to bleed off the spark of adrenaline she felt simmering.

 

Cole: If I say yes, are we talking actual demolitions or just something metaphorical? ::slight tilt of her head:: Because I’m good at both.

 

Brexis: ::Clapping her hands once in excitement:: That’s what I like to hear! I have a holodeck program that is way more fun with two people. 

 

Cole: ::crooked half smile:: Show me what you have in mind, Charlotte. ::tilting her head slightly::

 

Charlotte downed her Espresso and pointed in a direction, Natasha was fairly certain was more towards the hull.

 

Brexis: To the holodeck we go! 

 

Cole: ::downing the last of her coffee:: Lead the way.

 

((Holodeck 3, Deck 3 USS Artemis))

 

Natasha leaned against the bulkhead as Charlotte tapped away at the Holodeck program. The smile she gave her filled her with ?

 

Brexis: You ready for this?

 

Cole: ::smiling that mischievous smile of her own:: Always.

 

The door opened and they walked in. Before them was an open dirt field and a bright sky. In the middle of the field was an old runabout, bridge consoles and a variety of other things Starfleet officers don't usually get to break on purpose. Off to the side was a large table. Sitting on top of it was an array of disruptor bombs, fusion bombs, plasma charges, organic explosives and a handful of other big boom material. All of them were scaled to proper specs for the simulation.

 

Brexis: Which one of those– ::pointing to the field:: –are we going to blow up– ::pointing to the table:: –with one of these first?

 

Natasha walked over towards the table and gently dragged her fingertips across the various ordinances that had been recreated for this play date. She palmed a plasma charge holding in her hand, offering Charlotte a playful smile.

 

Cole: ::turning the plasma charge over in her hand, giving it a testing weight:: Careful, Charlotte… you hand a girl something this pretty, she might start thinking you’re trying to impress her.

 

Brexis: Response

 

Natasha felt the smallest kick of heat spark low in her chest. She set the plasma charge down with precision, as if she needed her hands free to keep the moment steady.

 

Cole: ::glancing up through her lashes, playful:: Let’s just say you have my attention.

 

She turned her gaze toward the field. The bridge console sat crooked, its blinking status lights flickering like it knew its days were numbered.

 

Cole: ::pointing at it:: I don’t like that console. Seems… judgy. Like it’s questioning all my life choices.

 

Brexis: Response

 

Cole: ::grinning:: Oh absolutely. Something loud enough it won’t have time to reflect on its mistakes.

 

Brexis: Response

 

Natasha felt that again, a subtle pulse of energy, not unlike the moment before an explosion ignites. Except this time, it wasn’t coming from the ordnance.

 

Cole: ::plucks a plasma charge off the table, meeting Charlotte’s eyes over the casing; a loose strand falls forward and she absently tucks it behind her ear:: Hope you’re fast on your feet, Charlotte. I’ve been told I can be a bit of an adrenaline junkie.

 

Without breaking eye contact, she hefts the charge once, testing the balance, then casually cocks her arm back and hurls it across the field. The charge arcs cleanly through the simulated sunlight, whistling as it spins …

KA-THOOM!

A blossom of blue-white plasma engulfs the console, sending scorched debris flying in a dramatic, physics-accurate spray. Natasha’s hair flutters from the shockwave. She doesn’t even blink.

 

Brexis: Response

 

Natasha lifted a shoulder as if to say “what did you expect?” with just a shrug, her smirk equal parts cocky and inviting.

 

Cole: Explosions say a lot about a person. ::eyes flick toward the charges:: I’ve shown you mine. ::winks:: Your turn.

 

Brexis: Response

 

Tags/TBC 

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Lt. JG Natasha Cole
Security Officer
USS Artemis-A
Writer ID A240205NC4