Lady In Red (Part One)

Posted on 24 Aug 2020 @ 5:18am by

Mission: Mission 4 - Race against the machine
Location: Various
Timeline: MD 8 Evening
2047 words - 4.1 OF Standard Post Measure

USS Europa

Her shift was over, paperwork was done. The ever present PK was out there with the ships still following. Natasha scowled darkly as she looked out into space, at the rather gigantic thorn in her side. She wanted a diversion, but didn't want to find it on the Europa. She just wanted to be treated like a woman, and not someone who had a certain pip on her collar. At times, certain officers just can't look beyond her rank and status. There were two other ships in the small fleet that was put together, The Merlin and the Andromeda. Pursing her lips, she tapped her index finger on her them, she thought about it and flipped a mental coin. Heads, the Merlin, tails; the Andromeda. It landed on tails.

With an impish sparkle in her eyes, Natasha walked over to her wardrobe, moving the hangers to see what she could find to wear. Blue, no, purple, no, black. Oh definitely not, she wasn't in the mood to wear black.Green.... no... Oh there it was, the crimson red dress, the color of flame. She had gotten it, didn't have a chance to wear it, and honestly, didn't feel like wearing it. She had gotten it to wow her ex fiance', it just never saw the light of day. Well... tonight it will be worn. The dress had a simple scoop neck,with short sleeves, its length hitting the middle of her shins.

Natasha reveled in the soft satin material, as she slipped it on, the dress gently hugging her curves, but not too tight to restrict her movement. It was perfect to dance in, giving an experimental twirl, the skirt of the dress billowed out then slowly settled back against her legs.

Next was her makeup, she applied a subtle shade of charcol grey and a touch of eyeliner to bring more attention to her eyes. She didn't need mascara, as her lashes were long, lush and dark with the right amount of curl. (No eyelash curling needed.) As for her lips, some ointment she used to keep them moist, but not a gloppy mess.

Natasha chose to pull back the front strands of her hair, fastening them on both sides with a two barettes gold with ruby flowers, leaving her naturally wavy, black hair loose and flowing; it falling to the middle of her back.

Around her neck Natasha clasped a necklace with gold heart shaped links, which had small ruby flowers nestled at the top of the hearts. On her earlobes, Natasha clipped on earrings which matched the necklace. She slipped on her half inch heels, which were gold in color, and a single strap around the ankles. These were the most comfortable heels she had found, a delight to wear. A final touch, was a light dab of Chanel number 5 behind her ears, at the hollow of her throat and her inner wrists. She didn't believe in smelling like she bathed in perfume. She put on a gold charm bracelet which had small bells that chimed when she moved.

The last article she picked up was a small red purse made of the same satin material and had a golden strap she could hang the purse over her shoulder. Inside was her commbadge, a brush and a comb in case she needed them and something to touch up her makeup. She stood in front of her full length mirror, scrutinizing her image turning this way and that. Giving a satisfied nod, Natasha felt ready for her possible adventure.

She paused at the door of her quarters, her heart starting to race. What was the matter with her? She quickly diagnosed it, she was nervous. Can she truly pull this off? Natasha scoffed at her nerves, she was an XO, something like this shouldn't be bothering her. After all, she's conversed with difficult diplomats before, with panache'. These nerves were just an annoyance, she scolded herself. With a toss of her hair, Natasha left her quarters feeling confident, and filled with purpose.

She passed several members of her crew, catching a glimpses of their jaws dropping, both male and female. Inside she was laughing, her outward demeanor, calm and unfazed. For some reason, she was delighted with the reactions she was getting. She walked into the transporter room, the crewmember on duty did a double take.

"C-Commander?" he stammered out.

"Yes?" giving a slight smile. "Is something wrong?"

"Er, no not really, just wanted to say... You look fantastic, even more beautiful."He blurted out, then turned red with embarrassment. Not knowing what she would say in return.

"Why thank you." her smile broadening more." I'd like to be transported to the Andromeda."

"Yes sir, and if I may be so bold, are you meeting someone?"

"Perhaps." her smile turning rather enigmatic.

"If so, the person will be rather lucky. I know I would." he replied.

Natasha softly laughed stepping onto the transporter pad, and said "Energize." fading away into the familiar sparkling pattern.

USS Andromeda

She materialized and stepped off the transporter pad, thanking the crewwoman who was there. "I'm here to visit" was all Natasha stated, the crewwoman nodded. Natasha stepped out from the transporter room, calling up the deck listings to where everything was. Perhaps a visit to the Medusa's Head Lounge would be in order. Walking with confidence, she stepped into the lift, heading to Deck 10. The Medusa's Head was busy, since it was after shift change, Natasha found a seat at the bar,and sat down, ordering a Ginger Roger's to drink, content to watch the activity there.

Her attention was drawn to a man who had just come in with a couple of others, he was dressed in uniform, the color of operations. He was laughing at something amusing that one of his companions had said. They went to find a table, while he came up to the bar to see about getting some drinks for his friends. He was tall, with dark wavy hair, athletic build. When he got closer, and he glanced her way, Natasha could see that he had dark grey eyes. Then he smiled at her. Natasha could feel her heart begin to race. He had such a killer smile, and it reached all the way to his eyes. Natasha raised her glass up towards him, with an enigmatic smile, and took a sip from it.

Michael gave a nod in greeting, coming up next to the gorgeous lady in red. He gave the order of drinks for his companions, took a look at the drink she had in her glass, a piece of ginger and a sprig of mint, then into her beautiful hazel eyes.

"A Ginger Rogers, good drink to have on a lovely evening." Michael commented, " a twinkle in his eyes.

"I take it you are famliar with this drink?" Natasha shifting the drink to have the ginger and mint swirl slightly in the glass,the tiny bells on her wrist giving a gentle chime, an amused and flirtacious expression in her eyes.

"I am indeed familiar with it, would have liked to have met the woman who it was named after. The iconic beautiful Ginger Rogers, dance partner of Fred Astaire." doing an imitation of doffing a top hat.

Natasha laughed finding his action quite charming, "My name is Natasha Blackthorne, I am visiting from the USS Europa. What's your name? And no rank will be mentioned, if you please." circumventing him from mentioning it. "After all, we both are off duty, are we not?"

Michael chuckled, stepped back and gave a rather graceful elegant courtly bow, rising back up. "Let me properly introduce myself, I am Mr. Michael Hawkins, at your service, Miss Blackthorne." taking her hand, placing a kiss on the back of it.

Natasha could feel the heat rise in her cheeks, this man was rather charming. "Thank you-" she was interrupted by the bartender.

"Mr. Hawkins, here are the drinks your requested." the bartender, stressing the word Mr.

"Yes, Mr. Hawkins, where are our drinks??" two other masculine voices sounded behind him.

Michael jumped, a little bit startled. Then laughed. "Miss Blackthorne, meet two of the crew who are a part of the theater troupe I am trying to bring together." giving their names as Rascal one and Rascal two.

Natasha nodded, greeting them. "Hello." giving them each a smile.

"Say Michael..." Rascal One began

"It's Mister Hawkins." Rascal Two interrupted.

Rascal One scowled at Rascal Two, then looked at Michael. "Why don't you invite Miss Blackthorne to our get together."

Michael turned tilted his head to one side, and raised an eyebrow. "What do you think, Miss Blackthorne?"

She pursed her lips and tapped them with one finger. "All right, I will join you, on one condition...."

"Okay, what is your condition. " the three men waiting for her answer, the two rascals holding their breath.

"Call me Natasha." she said. then finished her drink.

"Granted." all three nodded.

Michael offered the crook of his arm to Natasha, which she took, and the four left the Medusa's Head.

Holodeck

Minutes later they arrived to a holo suite, stepping inside, they were greeted by an area where there was dancing and a stage set for karaoke. Besides the medium- sized dance floor, there were seating with tables and several booths. On another side was a bar with people seated. Michael and the other two men were greeted by several other people.

The two Rascals, excused themselves to go to the others. "Save us a dance, Natasha." they said before moving on.

Natasha laughed. Michael shook his head with a grin. "They are good people, hard workers-" he stopped at one eyebrow arching. "That's right, no shop talk."

Natasha nodded.

"Where would you like to sit, a table or a booth?" Michael asked Natasha.

"A table."Natasha replied, gesturing to one that wasn't too far from the dance floor.

Michael led her there, pulled out a chair for Natasha, sliding it in. "I'll be back, I'm going to change into something more appropriate for this setting." he started to leave then paused when a waiter approached the table. "Is there anything you'd like to eat?" he asked Natasha.

"Surf and turf, steak medium rare. With a salad and a side of Thousand Island dressing. Water and a slice of lemon please." Natasha ordered.

"I'll take the same." Michael said, then he left.

A few minutes later, after the waiter set down some rolls and butter on the table, Natasha spotted Michael walking across the dance floor towards her. She blinked not once but twice. He certainly cleaned up nicely. Michael was dressed in a short sleeved dark olive green button up, in a latin style, with black slacks. The shirt had its top button undone the outfit tailored to fit nicely, but not tightly. After all, one needed to be able to move when dancing.

Natasha sucked in her breath as she watched him come closer, his movements graceful, somewhat sensual in time to the music that was playing. It was Fernando, sung by ABBA. He did a slow graceful spin before sitting down He smiled noticing her expression, reached over picking up a roll, buttering it, then took a bite. Natasha followed suit buttering her own roll. It was so delicious, she closing her eyes in enjoyment.

"You certainly clean up nicely." Natasha said after eating half her roll.

"Thank you. You are simply radiant, and beautiful." his comment very sincere.

Natasha could tell that this wasn't any sort of idle flattering compliment. "Thank you."

The food arrived, the two ate, making small talk, without Natasha revealing what she did on the USS Europa, and Michael not asking. Though in the back of his mind, he started to analyze just what position she could possibly be in. He immediately shut that part of his brain down, for he didn't want to ruin the evening for the mystery lady in red.

"Would it be all right if I join in on the karaoke singing?" Natasha asked after eating.

"Go right ahead, its there for those who wish to have some fun and let their proverbial hair down." Michael replied.

Natasha's eyes lit up, she loved karaoke.

TBC