Lt. Robin Hopper: Swimmingly
Robin Hopper
((OOC – Jumping into these scene where I’ve received responses. Tags for others, earlier in the scene, can be found here: Lt. Robin Hopper - Bubbly))
((The Spire, Lighthouse Restaurant - Amity Outpost))
Hopper: Oh! I think I see Rivi over there. Somehow, she’s been harder to get a hold of than the spinach dip. ::Smiling:: I hope you don’t mind. It was good to see you three – have fun, and I’ll try to swing back around in a minute!
With that, Robin offered a parting smile to Carter, Reade, Beake, and the Vulcan counselor whom she’d just met… oO Ychol? Yes, that sounds right. Oo …and made her way towards Rivi, Tidrid, Vaje, and Commander MacKenzie. The sight of the bar caught her eye and she swiftly decided that, given her numerous semi-awkward run-ins with the ambassador’s husband (the last time he was wearing only a skimpy bathrobe!) and her recent drunken ‘rendezvous’ with the Cardassian envoy, it might be wise to acquire a little more liquid encouragement before joining them.
She swung around to the counter and stood beside a couple, sitting at the bar, engaged in a conversation. The man wore an old-fashioned coat and hat – almost like out of one of the old black-and-white movies she used to watch, and the woman had fiery red hair and seemed considerably more modern. She eyed them with a sideways glance as she waited to place her order, trying to indulge her curiosity without giving away her interest.
McLaren: You know what I like.
Summerside: ::To the bartender:: Cosmopolitan for the dame. Bourbon on the rocks for her date.
The man in the hat turned to the woman with a disarming smile.
Summerside: It’s been a while, but a reporter never forgets.
McLaren: Well, thank you Arthur.
The bartender placed their drinks on the bar in front of them and moved down the line to others who were waiting before Robin. She smiled. It was sweet seeing these two – whoever they were – making eyes at each other over their drinks. Her mind started to wander, thinking about the inevitable moment ahead – when midnight struck – and who she might grab for a kiss… when she realized she’d been staring absent-mindedly.
Evidently, they had both noticed, as the woman in red hair turned to face her. The man stuck his head out to peer over her shoulder.
McLaren: Hello! I am Evelyn McLaren, I do not think we have met before? ::pointing to Arthur:: this is my date for the evening, Mr. Arthur Summerside.
Hopper: ::Surprised, blushing:: Oh! Umm, sorry, I didn’t mean to stare. In my head I was lightyears away. ::Clearing her throat:: Lieutenant Robin Hopper.
Summerside: ::Under his breath:: Didn’t know they made flatfoots that looked like that.
Robin tilted her head and squinted. oO Flatfoots? Is he talking about me? Oo Summerside chuckled sheepishly as he took a sip of his drink, his expression making it more evident that his comment had snuck out, unfiltered.
McLaren: You must be Starfleet?
Hopper: Yes, I am. I’m Amity’s new Chief Science Officer… Well, I say ‘new’, but I guess it’s been about six months now. ::Tilting her head back-and-forth a couple times:: So, I guess not that new anymore.
Summerside: Science Officer? What happened to that, uhh, kid with the forehead? Kismet?
Hopper: Kivik?
Summerside: That’s the one.
Hopper: ::Chuckling:: Lieutenant Kivik transferred to the USS Kitty Hawk. I guess you could consider me nir replacement.
Arthur “hmm”ed in understanding and took another sip of his drink. The way he was dressed and the way he spoke almost made Robin wonder if he thought this was some sort of ‘costume ball’ and had shown up dressed like some old-timey detective character.
McLaren: That is great to hear, I am the Chief of Mining onboard. We may be crossing a lot of paths sometime in the future. You may even cross paths with Arthur.
Hopper: Oh, yes! McLaren, of course. You know, I read your bio on my trip over here, but I’ve had so much ‘catching up’ to do since my arrival, I haven’t had the time yet. We should set up a meeting… nothing formal. Maybe grab a cup of tea? I’d love to know more about the benamite mining operations in the nebula.
She turned to glance at Arthur.
Hopper: And what do you do?
Summerside: ::Holding out a hand:: Arthur Summerside, independent journalist. Here, my card…
He left a metallic business card in her palm, which she examined briefly. Of course – she knew him by reputation. He had written some of the articles she had read on her journey over, including…
Hopper: You wrote that article on Keehani’s family, their struggle to get their House back, right?
Summerside: ::Smiling proudly:: Sure as spit.
Hopper: Well, then I guess it's a lucky chance I met the two of you tonight. ::Smiling back:: This is why I love parties. You never know who you’re going to run into. Now I know who to reach out to if I need geological support ::glancing at McLaren:: or, umm… if I find myself suddenly inheriting a Betazoid Noble title.
McLaren: You might!
Robin laughed. These two were quite a hoot.
Hopper: There doesn’t seem to be any shortage around here! ::Chuckling:: Alright, I think I finally caught the bartender’s eye… But of course I haven’t had a chance to figure out what I want to order.
Summerside: If you drink liquor, the bourbon’s alright – but it don’t match the ol’ top shelf at the G&B.
McLaren: Response
Hopper: I’m thinking something ‘suitably festive’. I dunno, a flute of champagne seems a little on the nose…
Summerside: ::Shrug:: Can’t help ya. I don’t take to that bubbly stuff. ::Nudging McLaren’s shoulder with the back of his hand:: Any recommendations, dollface?
McLaren: Response
Hopper: Maybe I’ll just ask the bartender. ::Rolling eyes, smiling:: When I’m feeling indecisive like this, it’s probably the Universe’s way of telling me to just ‘go with the flow’, right? ::Chuckling:: Anyways, you two have a lovely evening. It was nice meeting you both.
Summerside: ::Raising his glass:: Cheers.
McLaren: Response?
As the Bartender approached, Robin’s attention was drawn away from the couple once more.
Bartender: Evening, Lieutenant. What can I do for you? Another Martini?
Hopper: ::Chuckling:: Do you have anything bubbly? It is New Years, after all.
Bartender: Sure. The special we have on tonight is the Black Velvet. That’s got champagne in it. Doesn’t get bubblier than that.
oO Alright. Still festive – but unconventional. I like it. Oo
Hopper: Oooh, that sounds fun and fancy. I’ll have one of those!
Bartender: Coming right up.
Robin turned around, looking once more for the Ambassador, and instead was surprised by the sudden appearance of her surprise date from the other evening. The tall, broad, and dangerously handsome Cardassian man had evidently run dry and come back for a refill as well.
Kizat: ::stepping up behind her:: Good Evening.
Hopper: ::Coy:: Vaje… It’s good to see you again. I like your suit.
She reached out and touched the lapel of his jacket, straightening it slightly.
Kizat: Why thank you. Your dress is gorgeous. That is an amazing shade on you.
Robin blushed, the pink in her cheeks no doubt contrasting the dark teal of her dress.
Hopper: What are you drinking tonight? Another ‘Rainbow Paradise’? ::Smirking:: I recall those being pretty ‘liberating’...
Kizat: Alas, not tonight. Currently I am enjoying the house cocktail of the evening.
The Bartender tapped her shoulder gently and passed her a bubbly dark drink, with a bit of foam on the top. She accepted it gladly.
Hopper: Oh! Thank you! ::Turning back to Kizat:: I was just going to go catch up with Rivi and the others… What do you say?
Kizat: ::extending his crooked arm to her:: That is a wonderful idea.
Robin slipped her left arm through Kizat’s right and together, they made their way towards Rivi, Tidrid, and Cassian. Robin sipped lightly at her drink, which tasted unlike any she’d had before. It was dark, rich, mysterious and yet somehow effervescent and sweet. She glanced at Kizat. oO An unexpectedly successful pairing. Oo
Hopper: Rivi! Hi!!! ::To each in turn:: Tidrid. Cassian. Commander MacKenzie... Happy New Year!!!
Iovianus: Good evening, are you enjoying yourself so far?
Robin nodded enthusiastically. So far, the evening was going swimmingly. She wasn’t sure they’d be able to pull it off with so little time – however, much of the planning had already been figured out the year prior and pulling something together last minute over the existing framework had actually been rather ‘easy’ – which meant more time for fun!
MacKenzie: ::raising her glass and slightly bowing her head:: Good to see you, Lieutenant.
Vataix/Tidrid: Responses
Hopper: Vaje and I were just topping up our drinks. What are you all having tonight?
Iovianus: Some of the wine from the Ukinix vineyard actually.
Robin “mm’d” into her glass as she took another sip. She hadn’t yet had the chance – something that she’d need to rectify. Maybe once Wil returned from the Alpha Quadrant… maybe he’d even be bringing along a few bottles!
MacKenzie: I have to assume this is the house champagne for the evening. It’s quite good.
Vataix/Tidrid: Responses
Hopper: It’s called a “Black Velvet”. Very unique. I think it’s an Earth drink, seeing as it has champagne in it, but it seems fun and classy – so perfect for New Years Eve! ::Looking around:: I can’t believe I’ve never been to the Lighthouse before. This place is amazing.
Iovianus: It is a place that seems far and removed from the rest of the station.
Kizat: Well I must say that Amity is proving an exciting posting.
Robin smiled up at Kizat. She was glad he was settling in comfortably. While she’d never really had run-ins with Cardassians before, her understanding of galactic politics and history was quite sufficient to tell her that serving within the Federation, even thirty-plus years since the Dominion War, still probably proved challenging from time-to-time.
Vataix/Tidrid: Responses
Kizat: I understand that this is a long tradition on Earth, but not unified in all corners of the globe? I know it doesn’t hold much weight on Cardassia for instance, what about on Betazed or Roma?
Iovianus: It is like you said for Earth we have different things all over the planet but in Septentriones Vineam, the community gathers for a large meal at midday and then the families themselves have the evening together for another meal, and then fireworks.
MacKenzie: I never much paid attention to the ritualism of it all – I come for the camaraderie.
Vataix/Tidrid: Responses
Hopper: ::Nodding:: Theta VII pretty much follows the traditions from Earth, seeing as it was an entirely human population at the outset – but things have mixed in over the past couple centuries. There’s a growing post-Syndicate Orion population there and, let me tell you, those guys know how to party!
MacKenzie: So, anyone looking forward to anything in particular this year? Any resolutions?
Hopper: Oh, actually – I have a few ideas for, um ‘community initiatives’ that I want to run by you, Rivi. Maybe when we get together for that workout? ::To MacKenzie:: I think getting those going might be my resolution.
Vataix/Tidrid/Kizat/Iovanus: Responses
MacKenzie smiled and raised an eyebrow slightly. Robin hadn’t even considered it – but she supposed resolutions were, indeed, part of the ‘ritualism’ of New Years.
MacKenzie: I never said I didn’t like the ritualism, just that I didn’t pay much attention to it. Well, not all of it, I suppose.
Hopper: Well, I think all the customs are pretty fun. It’s an excuse to throw a party, firstly, and the resolutions give us a chance to reflect on our goals… ::Sipping:: And there are, of course, other customs that can be fun too…
She did her best not to be too obvious, but after a few drinks she couldn’t help but smirk at the insinuation – her eyes lingering on Vaje slightly longer. She was glad to have someone in mind for midnight now, rather than having to grab the nearest stranger.
Vataix/Tidrid/Kizat/Iovanus: Responses
Robin was making quick work of the novel cocktail and would soon need to rush back to the bar for a second – she’d never really had anything like it. It was bubbly and bright, but also rich, creamy, and frothy. oO I’ll need to find the recipe… Oo she thought, placing her empty glass on the table… oO …and get it into my replicator! Oo
As she looked back over towards the bar, already thinking about getting a second, she caught a sight that nearly made her drop her glass in surprised elation.
Hopper: ::Excited:: Oh my god!!! ::Sudden turn back to the group:: Sorry! ::Back to the bar:: You’re back?!
She practically ran the short distance back to the bar, where Nathan Richards stood – having just appeared from nowhere. Well, not nowhere – from the Alpha Quadrant. She knew she’d been missing him, along with Ikaia, S’Raga, and Bec (who had all been gone for over six weeks) but the familiar sight of his face, smiling at her from across the bar, had completely thrown her for a loop. She wrapped her arms around him in a warm embrace.
After a stunned moment, he returned the hug.
Richards: Well, hello to you too.
Hopper: ::Leaning back, not letting go:: Oh you’re so dead. You’re making me look crazy in front of Rivi and the others… ::Leaning forward again, hugging him:: Ugh, I don’t even care.
Richards: ::Chuckling:: You act like I’ve been gone forever.
She finally stepped back, giving him a second to breathe, and put her hands on her hips with a broad smile.
Hopper: I’ve only been here a few months and all the best friends I’ve made here go on a roadtrip to Betazed without me… for nearly two whole months? I was climbing the walls here! I must have eaten your weight in curly fries ‘cause there was nobody there to steal them from me… and that’s not even touching on what happened after the Commander’s party… ::She waved a hand:: But that’s… No, I can’t tell you that.
Richards: What do you mean? I feel a story coming on. But maybe for later. We have a party and new year to ring in.
Nathan smiled and took another drink from his glass.
Hopper: ::Making a face:: Uhhh…. It’s teeechnically classified. ::Furrowed brow:: We’ll see. Look, you’re right, it’s not the time. Come join us – I was just getting another drink!
She waved at the bartender, who moved to start preparing her a second Black Velvet – but her attention was squarely on Nathan. If the two of them hadn’t agreed to keep things platonic, he’d have been a contender for the midnight snog as well. oO Don’t think that way! Oo she reminded herself. Not that it was easy.
Hopper: ::Trying to change the subject:: So, how was Betazed? Did you have fun hanging out with all the Nobles? ::Smiling, teasingly:: Meet any cute ones?
Richards: That…that’s a story for another time.
oO Oh. Oo She hadn’t expected that reaction. Her attempt to parcel out what Nathan meant by that was interrupted by the bartender putting her next cocktail on the counter. She reached out and took it, gratefully, a sudden pit having just formed in her stomach.
Richards: ::Smiling:: I just want to enjoy tonight. What do you say we go and join Rivi and the others?
Hopper: Yeah… Yeah, alright…
She tried to return to her previous, cheery, demeanour – but something felt off now. She took a sip of her drink – actually, a rather large gulp – but it didn’t help. Actually, as she lowered the glass and looked at Nathan with a smile, she sort of felt sick… Was it really bothering her so much that he might have had a fun time there without her?
Richards: Response?
Hopper: Come on, have you met Commander MacKenzie? I’ll bet she’d like to have a look at your arm – if you’re up for it. Oh, and what about Vaje? Envoy Kizat. Oh, he’s fun!
Richards: Response?
She took Nathan’s hand and led him over towards the others.
Hopper: Hey everyone! Look who I found! ::Blushing:: Sorry for the outburst, I just… Well, wasn’t expecting to see another last-second friend here!
Vataix/Tidrid/Kizat/Iovanus/Mackenzie/Richards: Responses?
As they talked, and she sipped her second drink, she continued to feel worse and worse. What had started out feeling like upset butterflies in her stomach was changing, migrating. She felt her pulse quickening, her throat tightening, and her concentration on the conversation waning. Something was wrong – more wrong than she had initially realized.
Hopper: Ahem. I, um, just need a moment. I’ll be right back, you guys keep chatting.
She stepped away from the group, setting her drink down on the nearest table, and made her way towards the washrooms down the back hallway of the restaurant. She was feeling quite queasy now, and her palms had started sweating. oO This is weird… Oo She glanced at the clock. It was getting close now. If she wanted to actually enjoy the midnight celebrations, she’d need to pull it together quickly.
As she turned into the hallway, she nearly stumbled, and reached out to place a hand on the wall for support. Her head was swimming.
oO Uh oh… Oo
END Scene for Hopper
((OOC – This plot is resolved in a forthcoming JP))
