William Herrick – Changes (Part 2)
Mark P
(( Federation Vessel, on the way to DS9 ))
Laura had been less than thrilled when he told her of his decision to ‘take a break’ from the service. She thought Will was running away from the problem rather than addressing it head on. But, for him, the definition of insanity was doing the same thing and expecting different results.
He’d been 18 at the time Wolf 359 occurred, when he was in his first year at Starfleet Academy. His program shifted from academia to vocational as it was all hands-on deck to repair, rebuild, and restore the fleet. Then, came the Dominion Wars six years later, followed by the synth attacks on Mars a decade after. Frontier Day was the straw that broke Herrick’s back.
He'd thought any logical person would understand his ask to retire from the service. But, when he made the request, it was responded to by a PADD went flying across the room from a less-then-understanding admiral. His retirement was rejected, and instead Will was offered a 3-month leave to get his head on straight. He was one of their ‘ace technician leads’ in a recently bruised Starfleet that was now focused on upgrading defensive capabilities. He’d debated appealing the decision, but he’d make more enemies than friends. He’d push out that conversation until his three months were up.
Now, he was on the way to see his son. He’d been lucky to snag a berth on a proper starship rather than a cramped transport. Having a number of favours owed from captains that he’d help, whether it was meeting insane repair timelines or facilitating not-so-needed upgrades via backchanneling.
An announcement chimed, indicating that they’d be docking in a few minutes. He’d then make his way to DS14, and then finally the infamous Octavia E Butler. One of the few Sagan’s in the fleet. If he was honest with himself, maybe his excitement to see it up close had factored in making this a personal visit and worth the crazy journey. Either way, it wouldn’t be long now until he’d meet both.
(( Time Skip, Promenade, DS9 ))
That couldn’t be Josh, could it? He saw the side profile of the man strolling across the promenade, but as he was going to call out, he was toppled over by another individual. He squinted, trying to make out the individual’s features. It looked like him, and the other person seemed to be Captain Rouiancet. He’d recognized her from the records he'd pulled up after Josh mentioned he was moving to the Butler with her in command.
It seemed like their conversation was turning from a casual encounter into something more intense, so Will held back. It was a lucky surprise to find him here, and would shave significant time off his journey. He just hoped he’d have a chance to talk before they headed out.
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William Herrick
On Leave
Starfleet Corps of Engineers
O240005JH3
he/him/his (player/character)