Lt. Robin Hopper: Eye Can-Do
Robin Hopper
((Amity Outpost – Grand Mezzanine))
Robin nodded along as Rivi outlined Amity’s last New Year’s Eve celebration, figuring the Ambassador was only really covering the basics – a hunch that was bolstered by Vataix’s description of much of the evening as “a bit of a blur.” She loved parties. She used to tell herself, and others, that she hated them – that they were stupid, pointless, wastes of time… a lie contrived to protect herself from the hurt of being left out that had wound up becoming something of a self-fulfilling prophecy; one that had begun early in high school and stuck with her until University.
Now, she never turned down an invitation.
Hopper: That sounds amazing. I may not be in Operations, but if you need any help with party planning, please feel free to hit me up! ::Smiling:: Speaking of which, if I’m ever going to have anyone over to my place, I’ll need to fill it with something besides houseplants – though I’ve been doing my best to put the space to use.
Vataix: Oh? How so?
Hopper: There’s this Xyrillian Dance-Pilates program I’ve been running… ::Smirking:: It’s nice to be able to move around without crashing into anything. ::Thinking:: That said, Commander Carter reminded me there’s a good fitness center on Amity that I haven’t checked out yet. I’ve been meaning to sign up for a class or something…
Rivi beamed, which Robin took as a good sign as she sipped at her smoothie.
Vataix: Oh, yes! John and I have been taking advantage of the center for boxing practice. They have a regulation-size swimming pool as well if you take to the water. And speaking of dance pilates, I believe they have private holo-instructor classes available all day.
Hopper: ::Shrugging, chuckling:: Well, it couldn’t hurt to check it out, especially since soon I won’t have room to step-step-pelvic curl-and-step anymore…
Robin paused and turned to face Rivi with an encouraging grin.
Hopper: Maybe we could take something together? I’d love to have the chance to keep chatting about more community initiatives for the Outpost, plus it could be fun!
She was sure she could see a flash of excitement cross Rivi’s face.
Vataix: ::nodding as she thought it over:: Correction: it *will* be fun!
Hopper: Yes! ::Grinning:: Workout buddies!
Vataix: Let's go see if they have an open booking.
Hopper: ::Nodding enthusiastically:: Lead the way!
((The Following Day – Amity Fitness Center))
While the odds of strolling in and booking a workout for that same day were slim, they had nonetheless walked in confident and hopeful. However, one of the realities of life aboard a station of over two-thousand people was that one had to share the facilities with others. But the lack of available workout classes that afternoon had, in some ways, been a boon!
Firstly, it had prevented Robin from further delaying the inevitable – picking furniture for her apartment. Secondly, it had given her additional time to prepare (as it turned out, the smoothie made a better post-workout snack, than a pre-workout snack, as it was actually rather filling). And, fortuitously, it had given her something to propose when it had become evident that Commander Ukinix had forgotten who she was post-merger…
((Flashback – Later, the Previous Day, Grand Mezzanine))
After parting ways with Rivi for the day – their plan for tomorrow firmly booked in both their calendars – Robin had honestly committed herself to properly scouring the Mezzanine for apartment furnishings. As she was nearing the end of her smoothie and staring at a storefront window display featuring two (as far as she could tell) identical arm chairs with different names, she spotted the familiar reflection of Wil Ukinix walk past behind her.
She turned around instinctively and called out to him to say ‘hi’ – only realizing after that he had company. A Junior Lieutenant in Commander Red who she felt like she knew from Amity’s Roster but who she couldn’t quite place.
Hopper: ::To Ukinix:: Hiya Wil! ::A polite glance to Flint:: Lieutenant. ::Back to Ukinix:: Sorry if I’m interrupting, I just hate passing a friendly face without saying ‘hi’.
Ukinix: Oh… heeeey! Mate… how are you?
Robin dismissed his initial awkwardness, figuring he was simply caught off guard by her unexpected interruption. She figured she would keep it short and let the two of them be on their way.
Hopper: ::Chuckling:: Keeping myself busy. I’m running around, shopping for the new apartment. Seems like everyone’s out and about today, though. It’s good to run into you!
Ukinix: Yeah, it’s good to see you too.
The other man cleared his throat, prompting Ukinix to introduce them:
Ukinix: Oh, and have you met Lieutenant Flint before?
oO Flint…? Isn’t he…? Oo Her eyes at last caught the borg implant over his left eye. From a distance, it had merely looked like an untamed eyebrow. Up close, it was rather distinguished. Her eyes moved down to find his, which struck her as resembling two stormy pools. He was rather handsome, in a dark and brooding sort of way. oO Hmm… Oo
Hopper: No, we haven’t yet had the pleasure. ::Holding out a hand:: Nice to meet you, Lieutenant…?
Flint: ::Accepting the hand, stiffly:: Flint. David Flint
Hopper: ::Shaking gently:: Hopper. Robin Hopper. Chief Science Officer.
She smiled warmly. Without wanting to make too many assumptions, she guessed that Flint was working through some things. He seemed, ill-at-ease with being caught up in a conversation. Best to quickly introduce herself and get back to her–
Ukinix: Ohhh, ::smiling:: you’re chief of science! Right. I’m ::hand on chest, slight blush:: so sorry, after the re-merger, you know… I’ve been having a few “awkies” moments. But it’s nice to put a face to the name, Lieutenant, and I’m hopeful memories will come back.
Robin was shocked.
Hopper: Oh…
oO He forgot me? COMPLETELY? Oo The realization took a moment to process. It was hard to believe… Harder still to accept. She hadn’t felt so… unremarkable in a long time. But, she thought about what he said, the reasons she gave. She had arrived during a particularly unusual time for the Commander, and she could understand that certain ‘elements’ of that time, certain memories, might be forgotten following his procedure.
She decided not to let being forgotten hurt her – much. Rather, she decided to take a unique opportunity to remind him who she was. Perhaps even get to know him a little more personally.
Hopper: That’s alright… Well, hey, I was just talking with Rivi – we’re planning on getting together for a workout soon and talking about some community initiatives for the station!
Ukinix: Oh?
Hopper: You should join us! It’d be a great opportunity to ::slightly hurt:: jog your memory.
Ukinix: ::Raised palm:: I am genuinely sorry about my amnesia, Lieutenant. ::Big smile:: But I’d love to join. I’m into fitness, sounds like fun.
Hopper: Besides, I’d love to get your input on a few ideas I have for the station. We haven’t had a chance to catch up since Idrustix. I understand your hands have been full… What do you say?
Ukinix: ::Warm smile:: Love to.
Robin nodded, pulling out her mini-PADD and extending the invitation for tomorrow’s aerobics session to Ukinix’s calendar. oO Hopefully Rivi won’t mind the extra company! Oo
Hopper: Great! We’ll see you there! ::To Flint:: It was nice meeting you!
((End Flashback))
As the two women entered the fitness center’s lobby together, Robin looked about at the variety of facilities. It was impressive – particularly for someone coming off two years aboard a cramped Deep Space Science vessel. Aboard the Wall Street, space had been precious. The only ‘pool’ aboard had been in Cetacean Ops, and they did not take kindly to impromptu ‘dips’.
Vataix: I'll go ahead and check us in. Why don't you go ahead and change--you can call up any workout clothing you need from replicators in the change rooms--and meet back by the front desk?
Hopper: ::Nodding:: Sounds good. ::Looking over her shoulder towards the entrance:: I hope Commander Ukinix shows up. When I ran into him yesterday, he seemed a little.. ::finding the right word:: ..discombobulated.
She put her hands on her hips and shook her head slightly, her eyes looking off into space, still finding it hard to accept.
Hopper: I think he forgot me. ::Looking up at Rivi:: As in, completely forgot who I was.
Vataix: Response
Hopper: I’m sure you’re right. Anyways, he said he would be here and I added it to his calendar – so he’ll have no excuse for ‘forgetting’ this.
Vataix: Response
Hopper: Okay, I’ll go get changed. See you back here in a minute.
She made her way to the private change room – each one behind a screened and frosted glass door. Inside, a simplified replicator interface gave her access to a variety of clothing options, available tailored to fit her measurements. She made her selection quickly, hoping not to keep Rivi waiting and got changed. A few minutes later she emerged, wearing a form-fitted one piece jumpsuit that seemed both practical and visually-appealing, particularly the open cross-back design.
Hopper: Oh! Commander! You made it! Only a few minutes late.
She gave Ukinix a big grin as he walked through the front door.
Ukinix: Response
Hopper: ::Looking behind her:: I think Rivi’s just getting changed now after checking us in. If you hurry, you should have time to change, if you need to. ::Indicating her outfit:: I don’t normally love garments with legs, but you know… I don’t hate a leotard.
Ukinix: Response
It was then that Rivi emerged, changed into her workout gear as well…
Vataix/Ukinix: Response
TBC
