Lt. Cmdr Robin Hopper: Layers
Robin Hopper
((Planet’s Surface – Gramineae IV, Delta Quadrant))
There was something intrinsically peaceful and deeply reassuring about being here, after all the turmoil of Frontier Day and the challenging missions that had preceded it. Robin hadn’t truly realized, until she’d reflected on it after returning to the Delta Quadrant, but she had been missing this sort of adventure more than she’d realized.
Now, standing there, by the alien pond with Sam, it was becoming ever more clear how right she had been in making the choice to re-engage in field work – and to take steps that would free up more time for her to do just that.
Hopper: I’d like to talk to you about something that’s been on my mind… Since we came back from Sector 001. Over the past couple of years, I’ve struggled with feeling ‘disconnected’ from my work. I spend a lot of time sequestered in my office instead of in the lab or in the field, with my nose buried in PADDwork instead of doing anything of scientific merit… Managing the civilian division has its rewards, but it’s a sizable team with a lot of needs.
As Sam collected her samples, Robin looked down at the water, watching as her reflection and Sam’s rippled and melded over the undulating glossy surface.
Hopper: To that end, I’ve got something to ask you. Or, tell you, actually. I’ve decided that I need some help – someone to filter the civilian science team’s findings, reports, and requests. Someone who understands the work, but also understands the demands that the Starfleet team already has on our plate… Given your recent experiences, and the faith I have in your demonstrated ability to hit the ground running, I’d like that person to be you. I intend to designate you my Civilian Science Liaison.
Sam fumbled the sample container, nearly dropping them into the pond water. Robin stifled her laughter, holding it in for the sake of professionalism.
S. Richards: Me? ::leaning in closer to Robin:: You want to make me your Liaison? ::looking around to make sure no one else was standing near:: Are you sure?
Hopper: You betcha… ::Giving Sam a gentle nudge with her arm and a wink:: I know you’re too humble to admit it, but I’ve seen how hard you work – and how dedicated you are to not just doing the best you can, but staying open to learning. You’re passionate. I mean, hell, you practically ran away from home to be here in the Delta Quadrant the first chance you had. A lot of people complain about this posting being so far away from home. But not you. And not me, either.
As she spoke, Robin helped Sam get the last of her samples collected and began packing them into the carry-along kit, for return to the shuttle.
Hopper: Besides, we already have a rapport. We work well together, but most importantly I trust you. ::Grinning:: So, what do you say? Will you accept?
S. Richards: Wow! ::grinning:: I promise I won’t let you down Robin. I’ll be the best damn Civilian Science Liaison you could ever ask for!
Hopper: I know. ::Chuckle:: I’m considering that your official acceptance by the way, so don’t go getting ‘cold feet’ on me.
S. Richards: ::standing up from the ground:: If you have all the samples from here, let’s go check out that rock formation over there ::pointing to the west of the water:: And on our way there maybe you can tell me exactly what this new title means for me?
Robin nodded and stood, carrying the filled kit, along with Sam, back over towards the gravsled one of the other science officers had left in the middle of the field they’d landed in. Adding the box to a small, but growing, pile of completed sample kits, she procured another empty box and passed it to Sam.
Hopper: Those rocks have quite a few striations. Let’s take mineralogical samples of each layer, and see if the computer can cross-reference atmospheric datapoints to help us date the exposed rock. ::Grabbing another kit for herself:: I’m guessing we’ll need more than one kit to gather enough samples, unless the layers are just isoclinally folded over on each other – but better to be overprepared than underprepared.
S. Richards: Response
They began trekking through the grass once more, towards the rock formation Sam had indicated.
Hopper: This is a new role, so I have to admit that to some degree, you and I will be ‘feeling things out’ together. I’ll still provide you with guidance, but I’d like you to consider this an opportunity to begin building some of your own leadership skills too. I’m going to ask the civilian science teams to report their findings and submit their requests to you. You’ll help summarize those findings and channel those requests my way as needed so that I can be in the loop and Starfleet can provide the resources and support they need – am I making sense so far?
S. Richards: Response
They reached the rocks and Robin lay her kit down atop a projection of dark igneous banded with layers of various colours, where the rock had split and been weathered open. Taking a moment to focus on what she was saying, she leaned against the rock, propping herself up on an elbow.
Hopper: In addition to this communication and resource management piece, I’d like you to keep accompanying us on missions – as long as it’s safe. After all, there are more civilian scientists on Amity than Starfleet ones. I think it’s only fair you’re there to represent their interests. This also means we’ll need to put you through some basic Starfleet field training. Are you up for that?
S. Richards: Response
TBC
