Lieutenant Josh Herrick: Prying Anton Open
Mark P
((Outside Shuttle Port of I’shal, I-Kiyo Dyson Ring))
As the pair of engineers stared through the clear ceiling with craned necks, taking in the majestic view outside the dyson ring, Josh heard a familiar voice speaking in Federation Standard.
Richards: Hello! I was wondering if I was gonna see anyone else from the crew.
The cheng lowered his head and saw the friendly face of Lieutenant Anton Richards, the security officer aboard the OEB. It had been quite a while since the two of them had proper time together, from what he could remember, it was when they were down in the Esh-o mines.
Anton’s uniform was just as intriguing as the view outside; there seemed to be some form of sludge and grime on his uniform — but he figured he wouldn’t pry and instead let the security officer share if he so desired.
Herrick: Fancy meeting you here, the ensign and I were just about to go exploring toward… ::looking to Lahl::
He was expecting her to make some sort of impromptu destination recommendation, but instead she simply looked back at him. After a moment of the two looking at each other, Anton piped back in.
Richards: Exploring you say? Are you guys looking for some back up?
Lahl: Always! I always need some of you tall people around to grab things.
Herrick: Of course, join us!
Richards: Which way were we headed?
Lahl: We were headed to help out our hosts with an engineering issue they’ve been having. If you’re willing to help, there’s a luxurious suite waiting afterwards.
Herrick: oO That's better! Someone is more eager than they let on, and hopefully they have a sonic shower and a spare change of clothes for the lieutenant. Oo
He smiled broadly and pulled out a PADD; flicking through to see if they’d gotten the ‘official OK’ or if they’d need to be begging for forgiveness later.
Lahl: Besides, Anton’s pretty strong last I knew, I think he can be quite useful with any big equipment or tech we’ll need. ::smirking as she said that last part::
Herrick: Well, and to the point you made earlier, they did seem rather… eager to get our help, so having the big guns here ::nudging Richards:: probably wouldn’t be so bad. And ::flipping the PADD around:: It looks like we’re good to lend a hand.
Richards: Response
Herrick: I suppose it doesn’t hurt to do a little reconnaissance before we show up doe-eyed and bushy tailed tomorrow.
Lahl: Lead the way intrepid leader.
Herrick: It’s about 20 minutes from here (beat) ::pointing:: That way!
Thankfully the program the I-Kiyo had sent to him enabled them to have live walking guidance toward their destination. As they walked along the main thoroughfare, Josh waving and greeting folks, he realized that most of them didn’t have a universal translator, unlike the customs officer, and his own had was struggling with the language. Nonetheless, a friendly wave seemed to get the point across.
Richards: Response
Lahl: So, how are you doing Richards? I heard there was some craziness with the Bridge towards the end of last mission.
Richards: Response
Herrick: Some of these missions really are by the skin of our teeth; getting a little too close for comfort. (beat) I never found myself wondering if I’d make it to 30 until this last one…
Lahl/Richards: Response
Herrick: You’re right in that, frontier life ain’t for the faint of heart. I wonder if this is how Archer felt, trying to build some sort of community out of nothing. We’ve been in the Gamma Quadrant for over 30 years now, but it still feels like we’re barely scratching the surface. Maybe… if we do well with this request, it might be a better step toward diplomatic relations.
It was a big jump, but the engineer needed to start having a more optimistic mindset.
Lahl/Richards: Response
The 28-year-old was starting to feel a bit parched on their walk and saw a street vendor selling what appeared to be an approximation of water and pointed towards it.
Herrick: Excuse me, how much?
Vendor: T’I’n’t’I’n’a’l’o B’r’a’z’I’k’o L’o’l’l
Herrick: Er….
It seemed like this was going to be another UT issue, but then the frail man pressed a button and Josh’s face appeared on a holographic display, and a smiling emoji next to it. The man passed Josh the bottle to him.
Herrick: Maybe it’s some sort of credit system? Did you two want one as well?
Lahl/Richards: Response
They thanked the shopkeeper, who returned a toothy smile and waved them onward.
Herrick: ::opening the beverage and taking a sip:: So, Richards... tell me your uniform isn’t indicative of a diplomatic incident waiting to unfold. (smirking) I’d prefer no surprises.
It wasn't only his thirst for liquid he was quenching, he thought Anton would've spilled the beans already but this needed a more blunt touch.
Lahl/Richards: Response
Tags and TBC
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Lieutenant Josh Herrick
Chief Engineer
USS Octavia E. Butler
O240005JH3
he/him/his (player/character)