Lt. Robin Hopper: The Ultimate Decision
Robin Hopper
((Amity Outpost – Science & Research Center, Level 12 - Administration))
Robin sat at her desk, smiling across at the stern-faced Vulcan Science Academy representative. He had finally taken the seat across from her. In her past experiences with Vulcans, Robin had found that it could be difficult to discern the subtle differences in their attitudes towards various situations until one had spent a significant amount of time getting to know them one-on-one.
When it came to the Vulcan warp theorist across from her, for example, she couldn’t be entirely sure whether he was simply mildly eager to get started on his work, mildly annoyed with her candor, or just mildly preferred standing to sitting in all instances. Whatever the case, it was her job to ensure that he was properly filled in on all relevant details and that he received the proper clearances and tools that he would require – a task which would require her to begin that ‘getting to know you’ process…
Hopper: I’m sure you’re aware we have a dedicated Warp Science lab in our Starfleet section. The officers who work there also do a lot of collaborating with their civilian counterparts on level 19, where we have our physics labs.
Sirn: There must be a large amount of collaboration between departments and levels within the facility. There must be extensive clearances.
Robin nodded and waved her hand. A simple practical matter to sort out – but he was absolutely right about the spirit of collaboration that existed, and would continue to be fostered, in the SRC.
Hopper: I’ll make sure you have the relevant clearances put on your file… But first, I’d like to know a little about you. We’re a long way from Vulcan. What brings you to Amity?
She noticed as Sirn’s posture seemed to ease somewhat as he settled into his chair – a development that pleased her. She steepled her fingers and rested her chin on her hands, listening to his explanation with genuine interest.
Sirn: The Vulcan Science Academy felt that they had enough scientists studying within the other quadrants, and with the new opportunity presenting itself within the Delta Quadrant, my expertise and experience with Starfleet would be the perfect combination for further study of Warp Theory with Delta Quadrant technology.
Hopper: Oh? What sort of experience do you have working with Starfleet?
Sirn: I served aboard the USS Constitution-B for some time, but had to return to Vulcan due to some…extenuating circumstances. I have the ‘inside knowledge’ of Starfleet that others within the Academy do not possess. I know and have lived under the regulations and standards that are withheld by the Federation. I was…the obvious choice.
She folded her hands together and rested them on the desk in front of her.
Hopper: ::Nod:: Logical.
Sirn: Is there anything else you wish to know, Lieutenant?
Hopper: The rest can come with time… ::Picking up her PADD and jotting a few notes:: …I’m just putting in a note for Ops to follow up with you regarding accommodations. Once you get settled in, you can set up an appointment with me for a tour of the facilities and we’ll test out those security clearances.
Sirn: Response
Hopper: For today, I recommend you focus on familiarizing yourself with the public access areas of the SRC as well as the rest of the station. It may be tempting to dive right into your work, but in my experience, there is far more to life on Amity than lab-time…
As she spoke, she reached down to her left and opened a small sealed refrigerator tucked beneath her desk.
Sirn: Response
Hopper: ::Grinning:: Oh, but before you go, there is one more thing I need from you. A decision – and a very important one!
As the small glass door swung open, she retrieved two items and placed them on the desk in front of her. She then retrieved two glasses from the shelf under the opposite side of the desk and placed them on the surface as well. Beside the two vessels sat two glass bottles filled with ice-cold black liquids, one with a blue label – the other a red.
Hopper: Coke or Pepsi?
Sirn: Response
TBC
