Lt. Cmdr Robin Hopper: Got to Be Real
Robin Hopper
((Wil Ukinix’s Apartment 12-56, Palais-Bourbon District, Habitat Ring))
The Ribbons ceremony was complete and, while the other officers went back to their work or gathered in the kitchen to partake in food and drinks, Robin clasped her hands together in front of her, channeling her nervous energy into her clenched fingers, and steadied herself for an uncomfortable conversation. She wasn’t looking forward to it, not exactly, but she did feel as though it had to be done – and it would be a weight off her shoulders that she’d rather not carry with her on the long trip back to the Alpha Quadrant.
Ukinix: Vino?
Hopper: @#%& yes. ::Blushing:: That slipped out. ::Sighing:: Sorry that ceremony was a little messy. First time. But, hey, no fatalities, right? Is that wine still available?
Robin pursed her lips and sighed as Wil picked opened the bottle, picked up a glass, and poured her a generous helping of the straw-coloured wine.
Ukinix: Don’t be embarrassed, remember who you’re talking to and where I’m from. And- ::handing over glass:: you did great. Here, Riesling.
She took the offered glass gladly, taking a larger sip than was probably appropriate, but she needed the extra dose of courage. Wil, meanwhile, poured himself a glass before setting the bottle down on the table again. Robin glanced over her shoulder, making sure none of the junior officers were in proximity to overhear, then turned back to Wil.
Hopper: Hey, um, I know this is sort of a weird moment… but with my upcoming leave, and all the preparations, I haven’t really had the time to pencil in a specific appointment just to talk with you. ::Rolling her neck a little:: But I have sort of a personal matter that, um, overlaps with a professional matter…
There was a brief silence, as Wil looked up from his drink and arched his brow.
Ukinix: ::Arched eyebrow:: Oh?
Hopper: I know you probably don’t want to know about this, and frankly, I’ve been trying to keep things on the DL – trying, not sure how well I’ve been succeeding – but Lieutenant Richards and I are dating. Per the Starfleet Handbook on Personal Relationships sub-section related to fraternization with subordinate officers, I feel obligated to inform you of this ‘dynamic’ as the ranking Starfleet officer aboard this station.
She shrugged. Well, there it was. The number of people who knew – officially knew, that was – was growing. But at least it was growing in a controlled manner.
Wil nodded, pursing his lips and pushing them to the left, then shrugged himself.
Ukinix: Actually, I have a confession to make.
oO Uh oh. Oo Robin’s throat tightened subtly, and her palms clammed up instantly. She barely reacted as Wil clinked his glass against hers and took another mouthful of the wine. After a brief pause, she stammered.
Hopper: A, um, confession? What sort of confession?
Ukinix: Well- ::looking at glass, completely distracted:: - oh wow, that Riesling is better than I thought. Can you taste the buttery mouthfeel of that? Six years in the bottle-
Hopper: WIL.
Ukinix: Sorry. I get carried away sometimes. I was going to say something...
Robin furrowed her brow – and would have crossed her arms to highlight the urgency with which she needed him to proceed, if it weren’t for the glass of riesling in her hand. Instead, she put her free hand on her hip.
Hopper: I believe the word you used was “confess.”
Ukinix: Oh yeah, that’s right. So I... well I was in Wet Goods, reading news from home in one of the back booths…
Immediately she knew what he was getting at. Her impatience immediately melted into embarrassment, and she brought her hand from her hip up to cover her face.
Hopper: Oh, god.
Wil grimaced, inhaling through his teeth.
Ukinix: “Islands in the stream, that is what you are, sailing away to another world.” A starship would be easier though Robin, using sails might take a while.
Hopper: I knew that was a mistake. ::Shaking her head:: That was so stupid of me. Ohhh, this is just was trying to avoid…
Perhaps sensing that she was not finding the humour in the situation, Wil switched tac and addressed her ‘news’ (which she now knew was hardly ‘news’ and was, in fact, long long overdue).
Ukinix: My honest, personal view is that this is where Starfleet regs overreach. You two are happy? I’m happy for both of you. You’re my good mate, so is Nath. Starfleet can’t tell you who you can and can’t be in a romantic relationship with.
He paused, thinking for a moment, before adding one final thought.
Ukinix: I mean, mostly. There was that one time on Voyager with that Ensign. I get *that* protocol.
Uncovering her face at least, Robin took another big gulp of wine, emptying the glass. She closed her eyes, let out a breath of acceptance, and then opened them again, looking at Wil with disappointed eyes.
Hopper: Yes, of course. ::Beat:: I mean, no, of course not. ::Shaking her head:: I mean, I know that what we’re doing is allowed – regulations regarding interpersonal relationships have come a long way since the early days of Starfleet… It’s just that… Well, when these things become more ‘serious’, they can introduce certain ‘complications’ that I feel are best… ::Searching for the right words:: I don’t know.
She chuckled, awkwardly. The conversation had quickly taken a route she was not prepared for and now she found herself stumbling over her own thoughts.
Ukinix: Commander, this beautiful city we live in is small. Making it like a small town. Word travels easily. We’re just lucky we’re not like a small rural town where there’s bugger all else to do, because then everyone would know *everything* about each other.
Robin nodded, her eyes shifting around the room in uncertainty, before finally settling on the bottle of wine again.
Hopper: Top up?
Ukinix: Response
Hopper: I’m not the type of person who’s comfortable with loose ends. I like things to be clear, simple, neat and tidy. Needless to say, this whole thing has been anything but neat and tidy so far, and I guess I’m just trying to… get that under control. Before it spins out of control. ::Taking a sip:: Have you ever… Um…?
oO Dated a colleague? Dated a subordinate? Tried to keep a secret that you just couldn’t? Oo
Hopper: You don’t need to answer that.
Ukinix: Response? (Optional – We can backsim here if you want to have Wil share some history, or not, if you don’t!)
Robin sat herself on the arm of the couch again, finally beginning to feel like the worst of it was over. As it turned out, the worst of it had already been taken care of months ago. That was still embarrassing, but at least it was in the past. Now, the thing that worried her more than anything was the future.
Hopper: I guess I’m just nervous… This kind of thing isn’t my strong suit. Actually, I think it’s a serious deficiency. ::Rolling her eyes:: I’m oversharing. I do that.
Ukinix: Response
Hopper: Well, despite the fact that Starfleet may not regulate these things, I still think the handbook provides useful guidance. After all, while I wasn’t Second Officer when all this began, I am now – and that means I hold a position of authority over Nathan as his superior officer. Power imbalances like that can be misused. Especially when… oO Love? Oo … ‘emotions’ are involved. I’m not looking for your approval, and I understand you’d probably be happier not knowing… but my transparency in this matter protects all of us.
Ukinix: Response
TBC
((OOC – The title of this sim is in reference to Cheryl Lynn’s 1978 song: Got to Be Real.))
