Lt. Robin Hopper: Spacers In The Outfield
Robin Hopper
((OOC – Since we’re getting into Mission Time, here’s a quick wrap up for this scene. It was fun, and I’d be happy to follow up in the future!))
((Holodeck Recreation of Aldrin Arena Multi-Spot Stadium, Holodeck 2 – Amity Outpost))
There was a brief pause as the batter inspected his equipment, deciding to swap the bat for another one – perhaps that little ‘krick’ had damaged it. As they waited, another little ditty played over the stadium speakers. Robin took the opportunity to learn a little more about Carter – seeing as she really only knew him professionally.
Hopper: Hey, um, thanks for coming along and doing this. I wasn’t sure you’d agree.
Carter: Really? How come?
She opened her mouth to answer – but paused. She wasn’t exactly sure why. Perhaps it was just because she rarely saw him outside of his office, or perhaps it was because she wasn’t entirely sure of the protocol in the intersection between professional and personal relationships for counselors. Finally, she decided to answer him with a question.
Hopper: Does it get weird? You know, making friends with the people you actively counsel? I can see how it would… Or maybe it’s better that way – you feel like you really get to know them properly. What’s your take?
He considered his answer, and she broke off a little piece of her pretzel and ate it while she listened.
Carter: Most Starfleet personnel have a love hate relationship with counselors. Sure everyone has to have a mandatory evaluation, but I have found it easier for people to include us in their lives, and to take a genuine interest in what people do in their off hours. Like this baseball game we are watching. You were interested in inviting me, and I was more than happy to accept. Hopefully that makes sense.
Hopper: Sure… ::Smiling:: And for what it’s worth, I don’t harbor any ‘ill will’ for my counselors. In fact–
There was another *crack* from the diamond, and Robin realized she’d once again missed a crucial fraction of the game. The batter had fouled another pitch. She furrowed her brow.
Hopper: Is he out?
Carter: Technically, it was a strike, but as long as the batter makes contact and the ball goes foul, he stays in the box until he either puts the ball in play, or strikes out. This is where the mind games really come into play...
Hopper: I see. The “mind games” as in the pitcher trying to psych out the batter, right? Or the batter trying to figure out the pitcher’s scheme?
Carter: Right now, the pitcher has thrown three pitches...two fastballs and one curve. More than likely, the batter is looking for another fastball and the pitcher...
Hopper: Wants to throw anything but a fastball… ::Thinking:: Unless he double-bluffs.
The pitcher wound up, looked over his shoulder, and then fired another fastball down the line towards the catcher, who had to dive wide to try and catch it – but it bounced off the back boards. At the other end of the stadium, the electronic scoreboard updated: 2 Strikes, 1 Ball.
Hopper: ::Chuckling:: That didn’t go as planned. ::Turning back to Carter:: Sorry, I was going to say before that I actually have a lot of respect for the work you do. ::A little awkwardly:: I, uhh, don’t know how much you looked back into my file, but I’ve seen my share of counselors – and I’ve found it… helpful.
Carter: Response
Another pitch, and this time the bat connected with the ball and set it soaring towards the outfield. Robin, momentarily distracted from the conversation, grabbed John’s arm in suspense as they watched the ball sail through the air. People in the crowd yelled as the outfielder ran for it and dove, glove hand outstretched.
Hopper: Aaaahh!!!!
Carter: Response
Ball and fielder landed in a heap on the ground. A second later, he jumped to his feet and dropped the caught ball from his glove into his other hand with a broad grin. Robin clapped excitedly.
Hopper: Alright!!! GO SPACERS!!! ::To Carter:: That means the batter’s out right? Three outs and the round… uhh, the inning, is over? No, both sides bat, right? ::Shaking her head:: I’m going to stop trying to explain the rules.
Carter: Response
Hopper: Okay. Okay. I’m invested. No more serious talk until the intermission. For now – let’s just talk baseball. ::Pointing to someone standing by first base:: Now, who’s that guy and why is he standing out in the field if he’s wearing Pacifist colours?
Carter: Response?
END
