Lt. Robin Hopper: On The Ropes
Robin Hopper
((Amity Outpost – Counselor Carter’s Office))
Carter: Well there are roughly fourteen hundred people on the station, maybe I'll put the word out I am looking for a sparring partner.
Robin nodded. She didn’t recall her counseling sessions aboard the Wall Street being this easy or enjoyable. Perhaps that was a compliment to Carter’s skills as a counselor, or perhaps to their natural rapport – oO Or… Oo thought Robin, oO Maybe I’ve just changed since then. Oo
Whatever the case, she was happy to have someone to talk to who wasn’t afraid to share about himself. Being able to ask questions or her counselor, learn about his interests, hobbies, and how he took care of himself, felt far more comfortable than a one-way conversation.
Hopper: Sounds fun. ::Sighing:: I really ought to get to the gym now that I have access to one here on Amity. I’ve had my hands full juggling the SRC and getting my personal affairs sorted out. I was thinking of having a housewarming party once I get my furniture sorted out – you should come!
Carter: I appreciate the invitation. Let me know when and I'll be happy to attend.
Hopper: Oh, it’ll be fun. I’ve met so many interesting people on Amity already. I’ll be inviting some junior officers, some senior officers, even the Vataixs! Mixer style. I mean, no guarantees on who will be there – I haven’t even put paint on the walls yet.
She thought of the work that was going to be needed before she could invite anyone over seriously – let alone having a party. Thus far she had a standard-issue cot to sleep on and a heap of plants filling her other-wise bare kitchen – every surface but the replicator tray.
Carter: Don't worry about the decorations. Those will come in time and I'm quite sure your shipmates will overwhelm you with decorative knowledge.
Hopper: Consider yourself invited. ::A sudden realization:: Oh, it just occurred to me that this has not been the most focused session… I’m not really sure if you have ‘set questions’ or anything you need to ask – I’m just having a good time over here.
Carter: Oh no, no set questions. No need of them. You told me what I needed to know and what you needed to say.
Hopper: Hm? Well, I guess you need to be pretty perceptive for your line of work. Would you indulge me?
Carter: I learned that you are adjusting well here on Amity, you are making friends, and you are enjoying your assignment. All important things for a counselor, and just as importantly, for yourself to know.
Hopper: ::Nodding:: I’m glad that comes across. Yeah… Yeah, I do feel like I’m adjusting well here. I mean, everyone has been quite welcoming so far. It hasn’t really been a challenge, to be honest. ::Smiling:: That said, I’m always looking for ways to improve – any recommendations?
Carter: My main advice? Squeeze in a workout or two. It's a great stress reliever.
Hopper: Right. I’ll check out the fitness facilities first chance I get. Maybe I’ll even try to get a pick-up volleyball game going in Peace Park… assuming I can find a net.
Realizing that she must be nearing the end of her allotted time, Robin checked on her PADD and noted that, indeed, her appointment time with Carter was just about over… Her plans for the afternoon would pick up roughly where their conversation was ending: she had plans to search the Mezzanine’s shops for furniture and decor to try and pull her new apartment together.
oO I should also try and find a ‘thank you’ gift for Lieutenant Reade… Maybe a bottle of wine or something? Oo
Carter: Well, that's all I have for now. Go out and enjoy your shore leave...and make sure you let me know about your party.
Returning to the moment, she stood and stepped forward close enough to shake John’s hand.
Hopper: You’ll get the invitation as soon as the place is ready for guests. That’s a promise! ::Grinning:: Thanks again for the great conversation!
With that, she turned and strode through the door and began heading for the train station. She thought back to what Carter had said and, as she stepped onto the train that would carry her to the Mezzanine level, she checked her PADD again and looked into Amity’s fitness center, seeing if there were any classes she might enroll in.
oO More importantly – who can I rope into taking an Aerobics class with me…? Oo
END
