Lt. Robin Hopper – Ecological Interdependence
Robin Hopper
((OOC – Another one to wrap up here for the impending mission start!))
((Ikaia’s Lab – Level 3, Science and Research Center, Amity Outpost))
Kalil had asked a telling question – why Ikaia and Robin had joined Starfleet. She couldn’t help but wonder if the young student was considering the possibility of applying to the Academy himself – or if he was simply trying to understand them and their perspective better.
She followed a small imaginary circle around the floor as she spoke, crossing her arms and biting her lip absent-mindedly as she tried to put together a straightforward explanation that glossed over the numerous tequila shots she’d taken immediately before drunkenly filling out the application form.
Hopper: I actually applied to the Academy under sort of unusual circumstances. I’d, uh, just completed my Master’s thesis and I was thinking ahead to a potential doctorate. A friend convinced me that I might actually have a shot at completing my PhD through the Academy.
She clasped her hands in front of her.
Wong: As for me, I just went straight in. I couldn't remain a lifeguard at Waikiki beach all my life and well like I said - I ended up following family. It was a life changing decision but also one of the best ones. I can’t imagine life without Starfleet.
Kalil: Response
Hopper: Best decision I ever made. Not only did I get to meet – ::playfully slapping Ikaia on the back:: – this big guy… But I’ve been places, seen things, learned so much more than I ever would have at home, or even staying in the Beta Quadrant.
Wong: Ah yeah! Ahem… I will always be grateful to the friends I’ve made, ::A quick glance at Hopper:: how my ohana has grown, discoveries made and lives saved. I’ve enjoyed my time in Starfleet greatly. I wouldn’t give it up for anything.
Robin nodded in agreement. The learning didn’t stop with a Masters Degree, or a Doctorate, nor with the Academy. Every day was a chance to learn something new – make new discoveries, unlearn old falsehoods, and make new connections.
Kalil: Response
Hopper: A life in Starfleet is a life dedicated to constantly expanding your own, and everyone’s, understanding of the universe… I can’t think of anything more fulfilling. ::Squinting, curious:: Are you considering applying to the academy, Kalil?
Kalil: Response
Wong: There’s always time to think about it. While for us we certainly don’t regret it, the Starfleet life is a big decision for anyone to make.
Robin considered for a moment how many people attempted, and dropped out, of the Academy. Even capable and intelligent people like Crewman Baberra sometimes simply weren’t “the right fit” for the Academy.
Hopper: Of course, there are other ways to explore space as well, and even alternative paths to join Starfleet. You don’t need to go through the Academy – which can be a really big commitment. Plenty of amazing enlisted officers come to us through much shorter technical courses. ::Smiling:: Sorry if I sound like a “recruiter” or something… I just think you ought to know your options.
Kalil: Response.
Wong: I hope that with what I have proven so far with your studies in medicine that you will always have support for whatever you decide to do, Kalil.
Kalil: Response.
Robin watched the exchange between Ikaia and Kalil with interest. She barely knew the young Kriosian man, but she knew Ikaia well – and had been his friend for several years. He’d certainly come a long way from the Cadet Wong she’d first met in TAC110. A warm fuzzy feeling washed over her – pride at seeing him stepping up and acting as a mentor.
Wong: So who’s up for seeing more of the botany labs?
Hopper: ::Grinning:: I’m always ready for an unexpected trip to Botany… Now the real question is, do we want to start on the first level – ground cover, roots, low-lying foliage, pollinators and edibles – or do we want to head straight for level 2 and take in the canopy? It’s quite a sight.
Robin beckoned them to follow and headed towards the lab’s exit – towards the turbolift that would carry them up to either Level 21 or 22 (whichever the group voted for).
Kalil/Wong: Response.
As they stepped into the turbolift, Robin made the relevant selection.
Hopper: So be it – but really we should check out both! They’re each remarkably distinct ecosystems, considering how incredibly interlinked and interdependent they are on each other. That’s the big difference between Botany and Ikaia’s collection, or the one in my apartment… Rather than each existing in its own little curated ecological bubble, the plants and creatures in botany work together, rely on each other.
Kalil/Wong: Response.
Hopper: I like to think of it like a little microcosm of the kinds of relationships we all have with one another – not just as people, but as a United Federation of Planets too… ::Chuckling:: Alright, I promise. No more “recruitment propaganda” for Kalil. Still… I think you’ll like it!
Kalil/Wong: Response?
END Scene for Hopper
