Lieutenant Anton Richards: Thrusters and All
Writer Guy
((Outside Shuttle Port of I’shal, I-Kiyo Dyson Ring))
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.
Anton thought it was nice to be complimented although he wasn’t sure if he was that strong, he just wished that the alien that had just run off with his archaeological trinket had had the same first impression of him. He smiled at the duo and tried his best to clean himself up by unrolling one of his sleeves and using it as an arm rag.
Richards: Heh.::raising eyebrows:: You make it seem like we might get ambushed.
Often enough “engineering problem” was alien lingo for phaser shootout, or kidnapping the silly StarFleet Officers. It was similar to how his father had used “archeological trinket deal” in place of disastrous street chase.
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!
Richards: Alright. ::gesturing forward:: Onwards!
Anton followed Herrick who was being guided by his PADD and what seemed to be some predetermined directions. As they traveled, Herrick pleasantly greeted and waved at the strangers they had passed. Anton noted that the majority of the people they had passed were not equipped with a universal translator.
Lahl: So, how are you doing Richards? I heard there was some craziness with the Bridge towards the end of last mission.
Richards: Oh. Yeah, well… I blame the engineers.
Anton raised his eyebrows towards the pair, indicating sarcasm.
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: Response?
Richards: ::chuckling:: One of these days they’ll just have to commit the entire ship. Thrusters and all.
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.
Richards: Well, let’s hope.
Lahl: Response
A while into their trip Herrick pointed towards a street vendor that was selling beverages, the trio opted to take a quick detour and approached.
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….
The vendor seemed to quickly realize that communication would be difficult and proceeded to bring out what appeared to be some form of payment system. He raised it in front of Herrick, and a picture of himself alongside a smiley face was presented on the screen.
Herrick: Maybe it’s some sort of credit system? Did you two want one as well?
Richards: Sure I guess.
Anton followed through with the same procedure and soon retrieved his drink along with Herrick.
Lahl: 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.
Anton examined his uniform once again, his attempts to clean himself hadn’t worked very well. He reminded himself to find a change of clothes sooner rather than later.
Richards: Well I don’t think the guy I was dealing with wanted anything to do with diplomacy.
Lahl:: Response
Anton smiled.
Richards: Nothing Starfleet related. Sadly. I was supposed to pick something up for my Dad. But the deal didn’t pan out. It’s pretty typical for this kind of thing.
Lahl/Herrick: Response
Richards: Well no. Not exactly. It’s just a rock. If it existed in the first place.
Anton’s father had explained the supposed exceptional qualities of said rock to him prior to sending him off on his wild chase. Not that Anton listened to or believed any of it.
Lahl/Herrick: Response
Richards: My Dad’s an archaeologist and sometimes he likes to chase down leads that are dangerous… or fake… or that he heard from three drunken ferengi at a dingy pub which end up being dangerous yet also fake.
Lahl/Herrick: Response
Richards: Emphasis on fake. Yes. I really wouldn’t worry about it. Plus this engineering thing isn’t going to fix itself right?
Lahl/Herrick: Response
[TAGS & TBC]
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Lieutenant Anton Richards
Security Officer
USS Octavia E. Butler - NCC-82850
T239802AR1
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