Lt. Robin Hopper: Family History
Robin Hopper
((Amity Outpost - Copernicus Center, Level 14))
Robin sipped her tea, nearing the end of the cup. Considering how informal Rivi – and even many of the Starfleet officers on Amity – was, the way that Keehani carried herself struck Robin as somewhat unique. While she was far from being standoffish, there was a certain reserved dignity that she seemed to embody. Robin wondered if that was, in fact, more typical of Betazoid nobles than was Rivi’s demeanor.
Hopper: You said you recently graduated from University… Were you studying politics? What drew you to that realm – ::considering:: or was it sort of ‘expected’ of you, given your noble heritage?
Keehani: “Exopolitics”. For politics beyond our borders in space, you know, dealing with species with different political systems, cultural beliefs, etcetera. And what drew me? I think at school, I just wanted to be the one that reconciled differences, but in my way with a favourable outcome for me. ::Slight smile, shrug:: That’s what diplomacy is all about ultimately. I didn’t know I had noble heritage until I was already at university.
That was news to Robin. She couldn’t imagine getting news like that as an adult. It would certainly be life-changing, world shifting even. oO I guess Keehani is just naturally poised! Oo
Hopper: ::Brows raised:: Oh, I see. Well, you seem very good at your work. I’ve been impressed with everything I’ve heard out of the Delta Quadrant since Amity first launched here. You certainly don’t have a simple or straightforward mission out here.
Keehani: ::Chuckle, shake of head:: Oh, no. And as you found out on Idrustix, ::clutching knee:: we are dealing with all manner of differences out here.
Keehani’s eyes shifted left, as she pondered and smiled for a moment. Robin finished the last of her tea, but held the warm cup in her hands a little longer.
Keehani: But that’s why I love it.
Robin nodded. The Vulcans had a saying that many others within the Federation drew inspiration from: Infinite diversity in infinite combinations. It was something her mother had cited often when discussing worlds beyond Theta VII…
Hopper. Given my own family history with the FDC, I guess I’ve always felt some draw to be more political, but, honestly, I don’t think I’d make a very good diplomat. My sister Keri is hoping to follow in our mom’s footsteps… I just try to keep up with current affairs. ::Shrugging:: I read the news.
Keehani: Oh! You have family FDC connections?
Hopper: Oh. ::Shocked at herself:: Did I not mention that? ::Chuckling:: Yes, yes. My mom – Melissa Hopper, she was an FDC diplomat. She was stationed on Velestus– um, Alpha Centauri. That’s how my parents met.
She shook her head. She had meant to bring that up far earlier and had ended up talking about Keehani’s family matters instead.
Keehani: That’s amazing. And your sister… “Keri”, is it?
Hopper: ::Nodding:: Short for Kerilyn – but she hates her name. She hates– well, she’s particular about a lot of things. I’m glad she’s found something that she enjoys…
Keehani: I think it’s great that someone decides to take this path from such a young age. How are her studies going?
The truth was, Robin hadn’t spoken with her sister in over two years. The last time they had seen each other – just after Robin’s graduation from Starfleet Academy, their differences had reached a boiling point. Since then, neither of them had felt the urge to reach out, preferring to get their ‘updates’ through a neutral third party… their parents.
Hopper: I understand she’s doing well. ::Smirking:: She’s studying on Tellar Prime. I’m sure she fits right in there.
Keehani: You know, I could always arrange a short internship for her here as part of her studies. Hands on experience is something I didn’t get much of during my studies, I’d be happy to arrange it.
That gave Robin pause. The thought of Keri coming to Amity had never even crossed her mind. It wasn’t a far-out idea, given her major and the Diplomatic Corps’ leading interest in the Delta Quadrant station… but it was definitely not a potentiality Robin had considered. And the thought of it now made her brain scream.
Hopper: ::Slowly:: Uhhh… I don’t know about that… I mean, not to say it wouldn’t be great experience for her. It’s just…
She trailed off, her mind swirling with a million possible versions of the future – each of them ruined by her sister’s presence on Amity. Robin wasn’t even sure if she could survive more than a week of her continued presence if things were as they were the last time they saw each other. The last words they had spoken to one another in over two years…
((Flashback – 2397, Italy – excerpt from a not-yet-released JP))
Keri: Oh, you're such a killjoy sometimes, banana face.
Hopper: Yeah? Well, you’re a %#@$.
((End Flashback))
Hopper: ::Drawing in on herself:: …I can foresee some challenges.
Keehani: It’s kind of a… I don’t know, ::tilting head from side to side::, I want to help nurture younger people like me that want to get into this field.
Hopper: Oh. ::Blinking:: That’s nice.
Keehani: ::Smiling:: One day I hope to be an Ambassador like Rivi. I’ve realised since being here how much I have to learn before I can get to that point. But- ::Shrug, confident tone:: … one day I will ::smile::
Robin tried to re-focus on the conversation at-hand, but the truth was, her attention had been drawn away into the past somewhat.
Hopper: Yes… I mean, I’m sure. You seem like someone who can achieve whatever she puts her mind to.
She wasn’t really sure what else to say. Either Keehani picked up on the change in Robin’s mood, or perhaps she really did have something else to move onto… Either way, she felt grateful that the First Secretary took the opportunity to wrap up their chat. The cup in her hands, much like her desire to chat about politics and her family, had gone cold.
Keehani: Anyway, I have another meeting unfortunately in a few minutes, but do tell me, is there anything the FDC can do for the SRC, either the Starfleet or civilian contingents? Science plays a vitally important part of our mission here in the Delta quadrant, and I can make requests to Ambassador Vataix to speed up things. ::Slight smile:: And your First Officer, of course.
Hopper: Hmm? Well, I’m still settling into the role. It’s a very large department, and there’s a lot of work still to do post-upgrades, but progress is being made. I, um, will definitely reach out if anything comes up. ::Smiling tentatively:: Thank you.
With that, she stood and placed her teacup on the table, holding out a hand. As they shook, she smiled, but knew her heart wasn’t entirely in it.
Keehani: Response
Hopper: I really appreciate you taking the time to chat with me. It was great to get to meet you, Keehani. ::Correcting self:: Uh, First Secretary.
Keehani: Response
Hopper: Thanks again – for the chat, and the tea. ::Smile, slightly less worried:: ‘Til next time.
Keehani: Response
Robin ducked out of the office, walking by a man she had to take a second look at as he passed – a man resembling a Hereford.
Prarim: Ahhh… The light shines upon you, First Secretary! I have been trying to make an appointment with your cousin, Emissary Ukinix – but every time we have a conversation he seems to forget what we have just been discussing… It’s almost as though there are two of him!
END
