Lt. Robin Hopper: Ambassadorial Visit
Robin Hopper
((Hopper’s Apartment, Beijing District, Habit Ring – Amity Outpost))
Robin had been fighting a growing tension within her since they returned from the universe of the Betazoid Empire. Previously, she might have found the idea of traveling to an alternate reality intriguing, but the entire experience had shaken her.
When things had been at their lowest, when she truly believed that they were going to meet their end, she’d felt something unexpected – not fear, but a deep and foreboding regret. She’d chosen the easier path, the steadier course; The one she’d thought would steer clear of loss, and pain, and regret… What had it accomplished in the end? Just the opposite.
And then they’d come back and it had been right back to work. Not that there wasn’t a sense that things were different now. They were, undeniably. But there were other priorities. Things which couldn’t wait. They were still working out just how these anomalies were forming, and how much risk they posed, and what to do about them…
In order to try and center herself, and clear her mind of distractions, Hopper had turned to the age-old remedy: exercise. She was hardly a gym rat, but sometimes the mind just needed an outlet – and the body could be a conduit for that release. So she worked out ‘Robin-style’, pouring herself into an unchoreographed and wholly-improvised dance session around her apartment to the inspiring voice of Stevie Nicks. Her leg continued to pain her – but she pushed through. She had to. She needed it.
Hopper: ::Singing, dancing;: The clouds never expect it when it rains, but the sea… changes colours – but the sea… does not ch–
As she stood on her mint-green sofa, in an athletic leotard, invisible microphone in hand, belting along with Stevie, she was suddenly interrupted by the chime of her front door.
Hopper: ::Startled:: Woah!
She leapt off the sofa, narrowly avoiding twisting her ankle, and looked around at her (now disheveled) apartment, with cushions and things thrown about and left behind during her whirlwind of dancing, as she panted.
Hopper: Uhh, computer – cut the music and, um… whew… Mirror?
The holoemitters built into her walls and ceiling sprang to life, generating a perfect mirror image of Hopper directly in front of her. Satisfied that at least she was presentable enough for company, Robin made her way to the front door.
Hopper: Computer, end program. ::Reaching the door, pressing the button to open it:: Hey– Oh! Rivi! ::Smiling:: Hiya neighbour.
Vataix: Hello, Robin!
Robin put one hand on her hip, while the other she set against the door frame, leaning slightly to that side and taking some of the weight off her leg. She was still a little breathless, and her forehead and arms glistened with sweat, but she was genuinely happy to see the Ambassador.
Hopper: What brings you ‘round my place? ::Momentary concern:: Something isn’t wrong is it? With the warp travel restrictions?
Rivi tilted her head from one shoulder to the other.
Vataix: I was "just in the neighborhood," and thought I'd stop by.
Hopper: Oh.
Robin glanced back into her apartment, wishing she’d taken a minute to tidy up. If she’d known that Rivi Vataix would just be ‘stopping by’ she might have prepared a little. As it was currently, it almost looked like someone was running a daycare center or something in there full of invisible kids.
Vataix: Actually, that's a lie! I'm here for a very important reason.
Hopper: ::Head tilt, eyes wide:: Very, um, important? Very important?
Vataix: May I come inside?
Robin watched Rivi’s gaze flick momentarily past her, into the apartment, and she grimaced slightly, but her face quickly changed into a red-cheeked smile. Despite her embarrassment, she couldn’t help but find the situation at least a little ironically amusing. Somehow, she always seemed to find herself a little on her back foot around Rivi.
Hopper: Yes, of course. ::Stepping aside, gesturing in:: You’ll have to forgive me, I was, uhh, just in the middle of something.
As Rivi entered ahead of her, Robin rushed ahead, picking up cushions and tossing them back where they belonged semi-haphazardly.
Hopper: Sorry… I wasn’t expecting some company. After our mission to, um, Idtrustix, I just had some nervous energy to work out.
Vataix: Response
Throwing a blanket over the arm of the couch, where it normally resided, Robin indicated the kitchen – separated from the living room by a small dining area.
Hopper: Can I get you anything? Smoothie? Bellini? ::Shrug, chuckle:: Apple pie?
Vataix: Response
Robin gestured to the variety of available seating – a pair of armchairs set across a low rounded coffee table from the mint-green sofa – and moved to the kitchen to get some appropriate hydration.
Hopper: ::Getting a glass of water from the fridge-mounted replicator:: So, you wanted to talk about something important? Is everything alright?
Vataix: Response
TBC
