[Act 1] Lt. Cmdr Robin Hopper: All Aboard!
Robin Hopper
((USS Independence-B, Gate A1, Terminal A – Amity Outpost))
Standing in the Terminal, awaiting the arriving Talaxian officials, Robin felt the anticipation of the coming tour in the tenseness of her shoulders. It wasn’t every day the Science Officer was asked to give a tour to visiting government representatives – not to mention commanding the USS Independence-B, even if they were just on a peaceful little zip around the nebula. oO I suppose it comes with the job you accepted, Oo she reminded herself. Serving as the Station’s Second Officer came with its perks, to be sure, along with its added responsibilities.
She raised her PADD, tucked under her right arm, and quickly looked over the itinerary for the voyage ahead. To some degree, their exact flight plan would be informed by what most interested the Talaxians – but a visit to the Stellaesirenia amicus paddock was a certainty, as was a flyby of the benamite crystal asteroid field and mining facilities.
The distinct sound of the Terminal’s door opening drew her back into the present, and she tucked the PADD back under her arm, straightening up as the delegates approached. Spotting their leader, she put on a big smile. oO I hope my dress uniform isn’t creased! Oo
Hopper: Representative Rexia! I’m Lieutenant Commander Robin Hopper. It’s both a pleasure and an honour to receive you and your delegates.
Rexia: Response
Robin looked over the small group of assembled Talaxian delegates, taking in all their features and expressions. While she knew there was some division amongst the mostly-warm Talaxian government regarding the current bid for Federation membership, all in attendance seemed at least curious to see what the UFOP had planned for their guests.
Hopper had to admit even she was feeling a bit of that intrigue. In all the time she’d been on Amity, she had yet to properly pay a visit to the Hawlat Angels, or the mining facilities in the Nuriootpa Solar Nebula, amidst the sea of benamite crystal fields. It was certain to be an eye-opening experience for everyone in attendance.
Hopper: We’ve prepared a very exciting demonstration for all of you – a tour aboard Amity’s principal diplomatic craft, the USS Independence-B. ::Eyebrows raised:: She’s quite a ship. Why don’t we all go aboard?
Rexia: Response
The other delegates seemed to follow Rexia’s lead, so Robin nodded to her as she turned on her heels and, with a little bounce in her step, guided the group through the telescoping docking port in the nose of the ship and into the somewhat unique Defiant class vessel. They moved quickly through the third deck corridor towards the shuttlebay.
Hopper: The “Indy-B” as we call her has undergone some modifications to make her more accommodating as a diplomacy-centered vessel. I’m sure you’ll find that, while she’s compact, she’s very comfortable as well… Just through the doors ahead is the shuttlebay, which houses a variety of small craft and our Type-10 shuttle, the Gatineau.
The Turbolift doors on her left slid open.
Hopper: ::Indicating the lift:: Right this way.
Rexia: Response?
Naxil: And just where is this taking us?
As the small group of Talaxians entered the lift, just big enough to fit them all without feeling squeezed, Robin pointed straight up.
Hopper: Deck Two. ::The doors shut and the lift began to rise:: When those doors open, we’ll check out the mess hall and meet some of your Bridge Crew for today’s tour.
((Mess Hall – USS Independence-B))
((OOC – For the Starfleet Officers & Civilian Scientist, please feel free to begin your sims aboard the Indy in the mess hall. You are welcome to have some conversation about the mission prior to Hopper, Rexia, and the Talaxians’ arrival.))
As the doors to the mess hall slid open, Robin was pleased to see the selected staff for their demonstration at the ready. She hoped the Talaxians would be similarly pleased with what they saw – for most of them, the Mess would be their vantage point for the upcoming tour.
Hopper: Allow me to introduce Lieutenant JG Harrison Blackwood, who will be flying the Indy today, and Lieutenant HG Torvi Ylvor, who is in charge of our Security and Tactical needs.
Blackwood/Ylvor: Response
Rexia: Response
Naxil: ::Indicating S. Richards:: Who is this? She’s not in uniform.
Robin followed the Talaxian delegate’s gesture to Sam. Robin had asked the planetary scientist to join them for two reasons. First–
Hopper: ::Smiling:: Samantha Richards is here to represent Amity’s Civilian Science contingent. The Outpost is, of course, a civilian-led station and our primary interests in the Delta Quadrant are diplomatic outreach and scientific exploration.
And second, it was an opportunity for the new arrival to familiarize herself with the Nebula she’d now be calling home.
S. Richards: Response
Rexia: Response
Robin clapped her hands together softly, happy with how the opening of their tour was proceeding so far.
Hopper: Great! Now, Talaxian friends, please find yourselves a comfortable seat. ::Indicating the windows:: Our adapted mess hall layout should be conducive to sightseeing and conversation – and the posted Crewmen would be happy to help you get familiar with the replicators. ::Nodding to several attendants:: If you’re lucky, you might get to see a Hawlat Angel up-close-and-personal!
Blackwood/Ylvor/S. Richards/Rexia: Responses
Hopper: Representative Rexia, we’d be delighted to host you on the ship’s command bridge. ::To the others:: Let’s get the tour underway, hmm?
As the other Talaxian delegates settled into their seats – and several were already approaching the attendants to see about replicating some snacks and beverages – Robin led the rest of the group through the ship, up another lift to Deck One, and into the Bridge.
((Bridge – USS Independence-B))
There, the interim bridge officers vacated their seats and returned to their other postings, while Blackwood and Ylvor took their seats at the conn and the tactical terminal. Robin pointed Sam to the science officer’s terminal, right between the other two. The upgrade viewscreen allowed a wide view of the terminal around them, but soon enough it would be filled with the glittering purple vistas of the solar nebula.
Since the plan for the day didn’t involve much combat, the secondary tactical terminal had been temporarily adapted to serve as a guest’s terminal – allowing the Talaxian to access peripheral ships systems and sensor reports. It was also, conveniently, right beside the commanding officer’s seat. She turned to Rexia.
Hopper: Representative, welcome aboard the USS Independence-B. Please allow us to show you ‘round.
Rexia: Response
Robin happily plopped herself down in the center seat, crossing her right leg over her left and resting her hands on her knee.
Hopper: Lieutenant Blackwood, take us out.
Blackwood: Response
Hopper: Lieutenant Ylvor, Miss Richards – how’s it looking out there today?
Ylvor/S. Richards/Rexia: Response
TBC
