Lieutenant Josh Herrick: He's Back

[Mark P]

((Temporary Lodging, Deep Space 9))

 

Josh looked at his reflection in the mirror, it was strange his true form over the last several months. He’d had more cosmetic procedures than most officers had in their careers. His gaze lingered on his ears; did they seem more pointed than they used to be?

 

He rubbed his tired face, and his mind wandered to the thought of the Octavia E Butler docking the next day. He wasn’t sure exactly what he felt. Relief that Starfleet couldn’t continue to force using him as a ghost while his past self-continued to live out the months since Frontier Day? Trepidation of returning to a crew and ship he’d not seen since the day they got ripped through time? In the end, it didn’t matter, his orders were explicit. He was to return to the ship and resume his station.

 

((A Few Hours Later, Promenade, Deep Space 9))

 

The circular ring of commerce was a cacophony of shouts and smells as vendors hocked their items to passersby. It was a bustling hub of activity, and Josh preferred the anonymity if afforded. He could be alone, blending into the crowded anonymity, without feeling alone.

 

As he made his way around, half-heartedly looking through various stalls and shop windows for items he’d never purchase, he felt a push from behind knocking him over. As he laid there for a moment, he watched several moba fruit roll by.

 

Rouiancet: Response

 

Herrick: ::blinking for a few moments:: Captain?

 

He pushed himself off the ground and in a semi formal stance. His attention was looser now; it still would pass inspection but reflected a more tenured and seasoned officer.

 

Rouiancet: Response

 

Herrick: It’s been a while…

 

He saw the somewhat confused expression on her face grow deeper. Josh realized that for Lia, it’d only been several weeks since she’d left Avander in charge of the Butler. And, that Herrick had been onboard at that time.

 

Rouiancet: Response

 

Herrick: I was, how you say, a victim or temporal circumstances. ::beat:: How about your time away?

 

Tags and TBC

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Lieutenant Josh Herrick

Chief Engineer

USS Octavia E. Butler

O240005JH3

he/him/his (player/character)