Scuttlebutt

Posted on Tue Nov 19th, 2024 @ 3:22pm by Captain Natalya Markova

Mission: Lower Decks

ON

Nat’s walk had a bounce to it as she headed up the corridor towards the double doors that led into Marine Ops. She had taken care of the immediate concern following a fun night, and even managed to get away from Sickbay without too many questions from the Caitian doctor.

The Corporal on duty at the large doors noted the stride of the Marine Captain. It wasn't often… hell, it wasn't ever that Captain Markova was in a good mood first thing in the morning. It was also noted she didn't have a coffee in her hand. That certainly drew the Corporal's attention.

“Good morning, ma’am. How was the party?”

Nat gave the man a smile as she waited for the computer to run its ID check. “Quite good, Corp. How are things here?”

“All quiet on the night shift.” He replied, watching her pass through the doors. Her demeanour was unmistakable. The Corporal gave an approving nod to the now closed doors. “Good for you, Cap.”

Inside the section of offices, storage rooms, and meeting rooms, Nat made her way to her office, passing the unit’s clerk on the way. “Morning, Sergeant.”

The buck sergeant outright stopped their work, and almost stared at her. “Holy cow. You got laid.”

Nat backtracked half a step, and entered the man’s office. “What now?”

Ozcanian grinned at her
“Begging your pardon, Ma’am, but you ain't exactly the type to be so chipper first thing. That, and you got a bounce to you that says you yourself got bounced. Add onto that the party in the lounge, and all the costumes… I don't blame you. Hell, good on you.”

Nat took in the explanation with grace, looking it over in her mind. Maybe she should have grabbed a coffee on the way out. Might have saved her this mess. “Just a bit of fun, letting out some stress.”

He raised an eyebrow at her. “If I were to ask who you de-stressed with? Not the sweet doctor. Please let me keep my hopes up.”

Nat had to laugh at that. “Oz, I am not telling you who I had fun with last night, okay? Girl’s gotta have some secrets.”

She left it at that. Heading into her own office. Sitting behind the desk, Nat let out a breath. Well, it would get around somehow that she had gotten some. Might as well get in front of it and control the spin. Scuttlebutt was too powerful to stop, but you could adjust it somewhat.

With a last, fond smile at the memories of the previous night, Nat turned to her work.

OFF