Lt. Cmdr Robin Hopper – Absolutely Fabulous
Robin Hopper
((Wet Goods Tavern – Grand Mezzanine, Amity Outpost))
It felt good to be out on the town – so to speak. To be out in public, somewhere fun with music and a bunch of people… and an opportunity to indulge in a drink and a snack in a way she hadn’t really let herself since taking the job of First Officer. It felt right, in a way she hadn’t expected without Nate there with her.
Hopper: I’m glad we ran into each other. We haven’t really had the same opportunity to get to know one another that many of your colleagues in the SRC got, before the transition from Rivi to Wil and all the rest… What’s your drink of choice?
A brief expression of thoughtfulness cast itself over D’Cyra’s face, as if she hadn’t really considered just how much time had passed since she first came aboard. Robin couldn’t help but smile a little as she sipped at her own deliciously-cold drink. A Starfleet career did have a way of making the time fly by.
Varati: Indeed. We'd actually never really met outside of work. A very unusual feeling. And on the Indy... well, that... that was... :: looks around searchingly:: Oh yeah, a new drink! Maybe I'll get a new Horse’s Neck too? And what are you having? A beer hardly seems appropriate after that drink, does it?
Robin chuckled, lifting her copper mug and giving it a little shake, the ice cubes bouncing around inside with a satisfying *boink boink* sound.
Hopper: This here is a “Moscow Mule.” It’s a simple recipe: Vodka, Lime Juice, and Ginger Beer – which, despite the name, is not actually a ‘beer’ at all. ::Admiring the mug:: And for some reason they’re always served in these fun copper mugs.
She set it down and slid it over to D’Cyra, in case she was feeling adventurous.
Hopper: Want to try?
((A few minutes later))
With their orders placed and fries on the way, Robin leaned back in her seat, revelling in the bit of normalcy. She knew it wouldn’t last forever, but right now she just felt good and light. (A big part of that, though, might have been the two ounces of vodka from her quickly-downed drink doing their work!)
Varati: Will it get a little lonelier when Nathan goes on the Shelby? Well, I always enjoyed working with him and I'll miss his personality. Well, luckily the Shelby isn't out of the quadrant and... well, it's a unique opportunity.
Well, there it went. Robin had to chuckle at D’Cyra’s inadvertent faux pas as the younger Orion woman clearly felt awkward about having raised the subject, eyes cast down to the table.
Hopper: ::Earnestly:: Yeah. Yes to all of it, I mean. It’s what he was meant to be doing – Chief Engineer on a starship. And I do feel lucky that he’s still close… But you’re right also that it’s going to take some– ::pursing her lips:: –adjusting. A subspace call doesn’t really have the same effect as a snuggle on the couch.
She sighed. There was no sense denying it. Heck, maybe just being forthright would help to strip her angst of some its power… Maybe that was just wishful thinking.
Whatever the case, Tiadrana returned with a tray laden with two more beverages, setting them down on the table in front of them and taking Robin’s empty copper mug. Robin eyed D’Cyra’s “Horse’s Neck” – an unfamiliar cocktail that she could tell was aromatic and citrusy even where she sat thanks to its effervescent bubbles.
Meanwhile, she palmed her Paloma (just a totally-professional single this time), pulling it over towards her.
Varati: ::to Tiadrana:: Thanks a lot! ::takes the ice cold tumbler:: Oh, is it already November 5th? Then we can exclusively celebrate the anniversary of my graduation!
Robin raised her glass in cheers and brought the straw to her lips, taking a celebratory sip.
Varati: Oh, are they playing West End Girls?
Her eyes widened in surprise, and not just because the tequila in her drink left her with a very pleasant burning sensation in her sinuses, but at D’Cyra’s recognition of the old Earth song.
Hopper: Miss Varati! I knew you were a historian, but I wasn’t aware you had such an eclectic familiarity with vintage tunes – ::smirking:: or is it just the Pet Shop Boys who’ve earned your appreciation?
Varati: Response
Oh, D’Cyra was making it hard not to want to drag her up on stage for an impromptu karaoke performance. But then, Robin had to remind herself that she was Varati’s superior officer and, casual setting or no, she didn’t want the poor Ensign to feel coerced or forced to embarrass herself along with the, admittedly shameless, First Officer.
Hopper: Well, if you change your mind about the whole ‘no karaoke’ thing, you let me know… ::Brow furrowing, playfully:: So what sorts of things do you enjoy, D’Cyra? You know, hobbies, interests…? Besides ‘chocolate’ – I know that one – and I’m gathering, from your ensemble this evening, you enjoy a bit of fashion?
Varati: Response
((OOC – Feel free to add additional back-and-forth tags here, if you want to elaborate on D’Cyra’s interests or background; I’ll gladly backfill a few!))
Robin nodded, taking in what the Orion shared with genuine interest.
Hopper: If you’re ever looking for someone to drag around the shops – or be dragged around the shops by – I’m your girl. Though, I’m sure Keehani or Charlena could be persuaded to join us. ::Thinking:: I wonder Lael would enjoy that… Have you met Commander Rosek-Skyfire?
Varati: Response
TBC
