Lt Cmdr Josh Herrick: Why, Hello There (Part 2)
Mark P
((Ski Hill Chalet, Xingala Druman, Seytoxal))
The day before had been taxing emotionally; many ‘see you arounds’ had been exchanged, and there were many moments when he’d questioned if he’d made the right decision to accept the posting. But, it always came back to how capable Morro and Kimonzi were; engineering departments existed before Josh and would continue long after he was gone.
It wasn’t that long ago he’d finished his own acting chief role, back in 240106, and that baptism of fire seemed the quickest way to learn the ropes. And if they did manage to light the warp core on fire, he wasn't too far away to lend a hand.
Now, Josh leaned back comfortably in the chair, sipping Seytoxal’s closest approximation of hot cocoa. He’d taken the day to reset, starting in the Garden of Ice and followed by several hours of skiing. A novice to Seytoxal’s approach to winter sports, he’d spent the first hour learning how to get the hang of their skis.
Instead of Earth’s version of narrow pieces of flexible material, the boots generated a field that adapted to the terrain and reduced friction to near nil. He hadn’t died, so that was a win in his books. After several hours, he’d returned to the main chalet and propped his burned calves on an ottoman as he rested in a comfortable armchair.
In front of him was a large transparent window affording a twilight view of skiers continuing to make their way down the main slope.
A generous view of the main slope was through a large transparent window. Twilight had started settling in, and Josh propped his burning calves on an ottoman.
Feredo: Is this seat taken?
A purple hand entered Josh’s field of vision, motioning to the chair beside him. The voice was instantly recognizable but still he looked up to see the source. There, in the flesh, was Feredo in all his violet glory.
Herrick: Not that I’m aware of… I thought you were on your way home.
His acquaintance flashed a playful expression of mock hurt.
Feredo: Disappointed?
Herrick: Unexpected is all. Let’s call it a happy coincidence that we bumped into each other.
Feredo: Happy?
The expression shifted into a grin, exposing the bright white of his teeth as the man started removing his boots and parka. He parked them beside the chair before settling it, and as he did, Josh got a close-up view of the blue ring on the man’s temple. He couldn’t place the technology nor its purpose.
Herrick: Well, I enjoyed your company earlier despite it being a brief exchange.
The man reached over and grabbed the cup of warm liquid, took a drink of it, and then made a face as the taste registered on his palette.
Feredo: As did I, unlike whatever vile thing this is.
Herrick: (with an amused smile, taking another sip) That might be why you should order your own rather than simply grabbing someone else’s.
Feredo: I don’t believe in all this business of mine, yours, ours, theirs; isn’t that how wars start?
Herrick: I doubt that wars started over possessing a cup of cocoa. (beat) Are you always this philosophical?
Feredo: With the right audience. One that’s open, receptive, and captures my attention.
Josh felt himself immediately get flustered. It’d been a long while since he’d been the one courted. While Starflirt had provided an avenue for connections, he found they were often temporary and lacked substance. Then again, this man might’ve just been trying to be friendly.
Herrick: Uh… and I… capture your attention?
When Feredo stood, the officer felt a swirling mix of nerves, anticipation, and fear, build up within as he waited for the answer.
Feredo: ::running a hand through his hair:: Why don’t you find out?
He grabbed his belongings, tilting his head sharply before walking in the same direction.
((Room at the Inn, Xingala Druman, Seytoxal; Time Index: The next morning))
As Josh awoke, he felt the pillow his head rest upon shifting up and down in tandem with warm breaths at the back of his neck. More often than not, he’d been greeted with a vacant room and occasionally a note apologizing for needing to make an early exit.
Feredo: I was wondering when you’d awake. My transport is heading out in an hour.
There it was, the shoe dropping…
Feredo: Do you think we can sneak in a brief meal together before I depart?
There was a tight squeeze that accompanied the question, and Josh nodded.
Herrick: Yes, but maybe we can just stay like this for a moment.
The shoe had vanished, and for the first time since in half a year, he felt content.
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OOC: I want to give a mega shout out to Lynn for helping with this character portrait; stellar work! <3 ---
Lieutenant Commander Josh Herrick
Intelligence Officer | Second Officer
USS Octavia E. Butler
O240005JH3
he/him/his (player/character)