LTJG Josh Herrick: A Brush With Telepathy
Mark P
((Writer’s Room, Deck 8, USS Octavia E Butler))
The counselor had opted to take up Herrick on his friendly invitation and made her way over to the table. He’d tidied up a stack of PADDs on various topics and moved his bottle of root beer closer toward him.
He’d debated dabbling with a whiskey synthehol but was worried that it’d be too close an approximation to the real thing, and he’d relapse, so he settled for soda instead.
As she settled into her seat, he picked up the conversation.
Herrick: How’s it going?
She took a moment to respond, she seemed neither here nor there, perhaps lost a bit in her thoughts.
Stendhal: Oh I feel just very tired! And I think you
have more personality than a hologram for sure!
Herrick:
A hologram?
Stendhal:
I apologize for any intrusion. I sometimes experience flashes of other people's
thoughts, even though I make an effort to respect their privacy. I only pick up
on the strongest impressions.
Josh wasn’t sure exactly how he felt, mixed was a good way of
putting it. He wasn’t uncomfortable with the idea of telepathy; and, in
retrospect, with how many telepaths were onboard and back at the academy, he
must have been read a fair number of times. But it was different hearing it out
loud. Stendhal’s saving grace was that she didn’t seem malicious in her intent.
Herrick:
oO Don’t think bad thoughts, don’t think bad thoughts Oo It’s fine, don’t worry
about it.
Stendhal:
This place is intense! All these brainy vibes, I wouldn't be surprised if they
fueled their minds with something stronger than coffee. Like alcoholic
beverages. Feels more like a library than a hangout, you know?
Herrick:
(nodding) I think the crew has almost subconsciously divided the room into “zones”
if you well. In these back corners, you have the introverts like me that are
just reading up or finding Zen with ourselves.
He motioned to the large viewports; the large orb of New Bajor hanging to the right side and the stars beyond twinkling like distant jewels in the vastness of space.
Herrick: Over there, you’ve got a fair number of ‘date-worthy’ spots.
An image of Eli and Lhandon flashed through his mind and he shoved it down.
Herrick: (pointing to the bar) There you’ve got your ‘regulars’, who I’ve noticed are mostly senior officers. And then the space in between just seems to be gangs having fun. It’s a nice and well thought out space. Is this your first time here?
Stendhal: Response
Herrick: I’ve only been here a few times since we’ve departed. ::chuckling:: Usually right after they dump a load of PADDs on me. How’s the morale of the crew since we left Cheydalanga?
Stendhal: Response
Herrick: (nodding) The commodore left a fine crew for the new Captain; she did well. It’s my first time undergoing a command change and I’m glad it was less disruptive than I was expecting. Also, I think in a large part to you. You seem to have quite the flair for escalating situations.
Stendhal: Response
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Lieutenant JG Josh Herrick
Acting Chief Engineer
USS Octavia E. Butler
O240005JH3
he/him/his (player/character)