New Years Conundrums

[red_room]

Nat's in a more prominent spot in the Nexus today, with what looks to be a whiteboard stand set up next to her chair in the Forum. She's idly tossing dry erase markers while she observes the people coming and going.

"They say the new year is a time for change, and yet every year people aim so pitifully low. If you could change one thing next year....any one thing, what would it be?"

Inquiring minds want to know! Or, you know, one bored red head with too much time on her hands.

Comments

[hellburger]

Kaz wanders up, looking like he managed to get himself a shower and a shave somehow. He crosses his arms and scans the current list.

"Hey! Nat, was it?" He's actually good at remembering women's names, fancy that. "Are we talking world peace magnitudes of change? Or just on a personal level?"

[red_room]

Nat's sitting comfortably next to the white board, tossing the dry erase marker idly as she watches Kaz's approach. He gets a nod in way of greeting before she jerks her head over to the whiteboard.

Correcting past regret, no disease, and end world hunger are what's on the list so far.

"Anything. Any one thing."

[hellburger]

"Some lofty goals there already. Well ..." He steeples his index fingers and taps his lips in thought. "On a global level, alter the concept of the military as we know it? How's that for aiming high?"

He grimaces. "... And on a personal level? stop sleeping around so much, I guess. Not really my preference, but the Boss says it's not very professional."

[red_room]

"Alter the concept of a military to what, exactly?" She's seen it altered before. She isn't a fan of HYDRA. Or Ultron, come to think of it.

The personal change makes her snort.

"So you'd change yourself before deciding to change your Boss's mind about what you enjoy doing?"

[hellburger]

"The thought is to disentangle the military from the whims and corruption of nations, and instead have standalone, specialized forces who fight for causes at their own discretion. There's more to it, but that's basically the elevator pitch...

"The other thing is kinda complicated." He runs a hand through his hair and scratches the back of his head. "Part of the issue is, uh, fraternizing with subordinates. Not great when you're an XO."

[red_room]

"Sounds familiar. It's more work than it seems." Considering what happened to SHIELD, anyway.

"So why do it?" Natasha quirks an eyebrow. "Surely a couple of consenting adults can spend an evening alone? Or are you forcing yourself on your subordinates?"

[hellburger]

"Yeah? You've got a military background? What's your experience?" No wonder she's so fit.

"All the participants thus far have been willing so I'm not abusing my power per se. There might have been an incident or two after a fellow soldier found out I'd been sleeping with his girl, but is that my fault? Or his fault for being a shitty partner?" He sighs and slips a thumb and forefinger under his sunglasses to pinch the bridge of his nose.

[red_room]

"Reconnaissance. Infiltration." Shrug. "The usual."

"I'd say you could probably do better with your skills in seduction than get yourself in trouble at work." She doesn't seem particularly disgusted or concerned about this information.

Being able to manipulate people through seduction is a skill in and of itself. Still, she'd prefer a shock baton. Feels less tedious.

[hellburger]

"The usual, she says! Ha! You and my boss would have a lot to talk about. He's a legendary infiltration expert. Master of CQC and subsistence missions. Performed the first HALO jump back in the 60's ... One hell of a soldier.

"Takes a lot of guts to do recon and infiltration. No backup, just your own wits. Far from 'the usual'," he says, arms akimbo.

"Are you suggesting I should become some kind of homme fatale? Seduce enemy targets and steal their secrets during pillow talk? Do you think that would work?" He tilts his sunglasses down just enough to give his best smolder.

[red_room]

"Not on me." If that's what he's asking, anyway. "You'd have to learn a lot more subtlety. And probably get a lot of shots."

Man she makes it sound so glorious. Really, Kaz. Just go with the shock batons. it's a lot less tedious than seducing folks.

[hellburger]

"Hmph." The glasses are tipped back into place. He wishes he'd kept some of that mistletoe around.

"I dunno. It's like they always say -- don't turn your hobby into your profession. Takes all the fun out of it."

He rocks back on his heels. "Say... what was your change?"

[red_room]

Don't ask questions you don't want the answer to, clearly. Sorry Kaz. That was cold as ice.

"Barton decided to get rid of disease, so I figured I'd end world hunger so his billion or so more people wouldn't starve to death too." Natasha shakes her head. "Besides, I can't let him out do me."

[hellburger]

"Well, thanks for making sure all my potential pool of recruits has grown up hale and hearty with food on their table. And the lack of disease should cut down on medical expenses. In return, I'll rack up some war casualties -- do my part to control the population a tad."

He nods, satisfied. "This could work nicely!"