The Coy Method - Crash Protocol I

Posted on Tue Sep 23rd, 2025 @ 12:43am by Commander Rosa Coy

783 words; about a 4 minute read

Mission: Character Development
Location: USS Sunfire

Shuttlebay Launch Prep

The Sunfire’s shuttlebay thrummed with low-level vibrations, a subtle hum that spoke to the warp core’s readiness. Type 11 Shuttles lined the docking pads in neat rows, engines idling like wild horses awaiting the signal. Rosa Coy stood at the center, arms crossed, her black eyes scanning the seven cadets with practiced precision. She radiated calm, though inside, Coy’s whispers slithered along her nerves, teasing at her awareness of every curve, every potential breach in control.

“Alright,” Rosa said, her voice deceptively soft for someone about to throw rookies into the Badlands, “you’ve all handled simulators. You’ve all faced stress. Now you’ll see what real space does to timing, decision-making, and nerves. Treat this like a living environment—because it is.”

Cadet Arven puffed his chest, giving a half-smile that screamed confidence rather than caution. Threx shifted her weight, visibly bracing, and Dalkor muttered something under his breath, clearly annoyed at standing still. Jeyna adjusted her wrist comm panel repeatedly. Veylin’s expression betrayed nothing, as always. Sira and Sira Lenar—well, Sira Lenar was already bouncing slightly on her toes.

A subtle vibration passed through Rosa as Coy chuckled, low and knowing. Eyes on the showpony first, darling. Let him think he’s untouchable.

Before Rosa could deliver the launch order, a familiar voice cut through the hum of engines.

“Listen up!” Jenna said, stepping between Rosa and the cadets. Her green eyes held that sharp, veteran calm that always made rookies stiffen. “Out there, you’re going to be pushed past what simulations can teach. You’ll have to trust your instincts, your wingman, and Each other. Remember—space doesn’t care about ego. Don’t be the one who panics. Keep your head. Watch each other’s six. And if you think you’re too good to listen? That just may be the last mistake you’ll ever make.”

The cadets absorbed her words with varying degrees of seriousness. Arven smirked, but there was a hint of unease around his eyes. Threx exhaled slowly, nodding imperceptibly. Jeyna’s jaw clenched. Dalkor muttered “hmpf” but didn’t look away. Veylin inclined his head. Sira Lenar’s fingers tightened on the console—her own silent promise to follow.

Rosa let Jenna’s advice settle before speaking again.

“Thank you Commander. Pads one through seven,” she said, pointing to each shuttle with deliberate precision, “you know your assignments. One pilot per shuttle, no exceptions. Check your systems, check your wing, and don’t forget why you’re here: adaptability, timing, and keeping everyone alive. Launch on my mark.”

The cadets scrambled to their shuttles, engines humming higher, the bay lights reflecting on polished hulls. Rosa felt Coy’s warmth surge—oh, you love the thrill of them testing limits, don’t you?—and smirked ever so slightly to herself.

She stepped back, letting the cadets prepare. Somewhere in the back of her mind, the faint outline of the upcoming challenge, and Sira’s role in it, began to crystallize.

Rosa watched as the last of the Type 11 Shuttles roared to life, engines purring and thrumming in sequence. Coy murmured in her ear, warm and teasing: ”Oh, the anticipation, darling… let’s see how they handle pressure when the stakes taste like fear.” Rosa swallowed a small smile, letting the tension linger, then motioned Sira aside.

“Sira,” she said, her voice low, careful not to draw attention, “a moment.” The Bajoran girl stepped forward, eyes bright and alert, bouncing on her toes as if she were ready to flee.

Rosa’s gaze softened fractionally, a brief crack in her professional armor. “You know the rules,” she began, keeping the tone serious but not alarming. “Today isn’t just about speed or precision. It’s about judgment—what you’re willing to risk for the mission, and what you’re willing to sacrifice. Sometimes, making the right call isn’t the safest one. I need you to be ready for that, to think beyond yourself.”

Sira nodded, lips pressed together, taking in the weight of Rosa’s words. “I… understand, Commander.”

“Good,” Rosa said, her sharp tone returning. “Keep that in mind when you’re out there. Trust your wing, trust your instincts… and remember, survival isn’t just about holding onto yourself.”

She gave Sira a small, almost imperceptible nod, then stepped back, letting her blend in with the rest of the cadets. Coy chuckled, a soft, lascivious whisper in her mind: ”Oh, you do love planting the seeds of tension… and anticipation.” Rosa bit back her own sigh, channeling it into focus. The exercise was about to begin.

TBC

 

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