Lt. Cmdr Robin Hopper: Two Way Street
Robin Hopper
((OOC – Hey guys! Thanks for bearing with me. This week has been absolutely nuts and I have been running on fumes. Hoping to get some decent writing done over the weekend… starting now!))
((Holding Cell – Paak Homeworld, Paak System, Barossa Nebula))
Robin leaned back against the wall of her cell, arms crossed impatiently. She wasn’t exactly happy with the arrangement she found herself in, nor the Paak who had stuck her there – but the knowledge that she might soon be getting out of there, and that cooperating might expedite that process – was enough to make her at least hear what they had to say. She raised her eyebrows, inviting the newcomer to speak.
Pai’Lak: I simply want some information about your Paak. Something to help me communicate and discuss the situation that you and your Paak have found yourself in.
Robin glanced to Pa’akia and then back to Pai’Lak, trying to work out which – if either of them – she could trust. Now that she had a bit of food in her belly, she was beginning to work up the energy necessary to tell them both to leave her alone… But, until she actually saw Rivi and whoever else had come along, she wasn’t about to count herself as “rescued” just yet.
Hopper: I might know a thing or two. You’ll need to be more specific – after all, saying anything to any of you feels a bit like walking on eggshells. ::Pausing:: Not sure if you’re familiar with that expression or not… You see what I mean?
Pa’akia: Not entirely.
Pai’Lak: I believe she is using a phrase similar to Paaking your Paak.
oO This place is so stupid. Oo
Pai’Lak: ::Looking back to Robin:: If I am understanding correctly, that is.
She responded with a slight shrug.
Hopper: Whatever. Hit me with your questions – but I want to know that the others are really here. Is there any chance I could speak with them, tell them what’s going on here?
Pai’Lak sighed, sitting up straight in his chair.
Pai’Lak: Communication with your Paak is not an option at the moment. ::Pulling a small tablet from under his robe:: But I can prove that they are here.
The Paak held out the tablet, showing her some sort of looped video recording. She glanced down at it without stepping away from her leaning spot. She watched the blurry footage as it shifted from more unfamiliar Paak to the blonde ambassador – thank goodness! – and then towards a handful of Starfleet Officers.
Pai’Lak: I met your Paak and we discussed a Paak with you all. They are currently on their way, if not already within the Paak limits.
As she spotted Nathan in the group, Robin’s pulse quickened, and her spirits rose immediately – she knew that, no matter what else happened, he wouldn’t leave without her. Her momentary victory, however, was marred by the sight of soldiers raising their weapons right as the video cut off and looped back to the beginning.
Robin’s brow furrowed and she pointed at the screen, mouth open in dismay.
Hopper: Uhh… Excuse me… What was that? That is not reassuring.
Pai’Lak: It is certainly not the portion of Paak that I would have chosen for our proof to you, but I assure you nothing transpired from this moment.
She scoffed, but her fellow scientist spoke up in support of his words.
Pa’akia: I may not know Delegate Pai’lak well – only by reputation – but I believe you can trust his paak.
Hopper: ::Scowling:: Well, I guess I’m going to have to, won’t I?
Robin turned around and walked back towards the cot she’d been provided, sitting down on it dramatically. She had her proof that Nathan, Rivi, and the others were there – but had they simply been held at gunpoint and locked up like she and Wil had been? Were they also going to be poked and prodded and put on trial? What had, briefly, felt like hope had quickly turned to frustration.
Pai’Lak: Now, If we could please return to my question. Could you please provide me with some information on your fellow Paak. Perhaps even just some background Paak. I do not wish to go into this meeting unprepared and lacking Paak.
Hopper: Well, I’ve already shared the main points in the tribunal room… ::Holding up a hand and counting down with each point:: United Federation of Planets. Federation Diplomatic Corps. Mission of exploration… What else are you looking for? Favourite colours? Shoe sizes?
Pa’akia: I believe the delegate is looking for more insight into your organization, your culture… I have to admit, I share his curiosities. You are a fascinating people.
Pai’Lak nodded.
Pai’Lak: I will take any Paak I can get. ::Nodding slightly:: Anything you are willing to provide.
Robin thought for a moment, trying to figure out what she coil tell that that might actually be of interest but that wouldn’t compromise Rivi and the others’ ability to negotiate.
Hopper: Alright, well you’ve already seen that Commander Ukinix and I wear different uniforms.
Pa’akia: ::Nodding:: Yes, the colors… Do they represent different divisions?
Hopper: ::Pleasantly surprised:: Yes, that’s right. Blue is for Science and Medicine. Gold is for Engineering, Operations, Security, and Tactical. Red is for Command. ::Reaching for Pai’Lak’s tablet:: Here – can I use that? I can at least tell you what everyone’s job is.
Pai’Lak: Response
She took the tablet and slowed the footage down, pointing to each member of the team and explaining a little bit about them and their role… and as she did, she examined the footage more carefully, trying to gather what information she could.
Hopper: Alright, well this is Ambassador Vataix, of course… This here is Lt. Commander Iovianus, our Chief of Security, and this is Lt. Iko…
How many were there – no Wong? No Carter? No Keehani? Surely they had come along… How had they arrived? She didn’t see a shuttle – they must have transported down, which meant the others must be on the Independence, in orbit. And the Paak looked nervous, but not hostile – Rivi didn’t seem too nervous. That boded well.
Hopper: ::Finishing off the list:: … and the man with the tricorder is Lt. Nathan Richards.
Pa’akia: Is he a Security Officer or a Tactical Officer, like Moore?
Hopper: ::Smiling:: Neither. He’s an engineer – and a gentle soul. ::To Pai’Lak:: Now you know who you’re dealing with at least. Helpful?
Pai’Lak: Response
Hopper: So… I think it’s only fair that our exchange of information goes both ways. You said I can’t speak with them, but you can tell me something. Where are they now? What are they doing?
Pai’Lak: Response
TBC
