Lieutenant Josh Herrick: The Big A-Ha!
Mark P
((Ship’s Library, Deck 10, U.S.S. Octavia E. Butler))
The mystery of the library continued to grow, the suspended books now falling not-so-gently from the ceiling. Most folks had vacated the library at this point, save the two engineers and curator who'd moved to an area where there was less chance of being struck.
As the curator complained about the damage to the book, showing the cracked spine, a small metal disk had slipped out and clattered to the floor.
Kimonzi: What was that?
As Kimonzi withdrew her tricorder, Josh continued to wonder about the infinite wisdom of bringing 'originals' aboard a ship that seemed consistently ablaze. As she scanned the device, he peered over her shoulder to take a look at the readings — he was here to monitor and support, this was her show.
Maff: What was what? ::looking down at where Kimonzi was scanning::
Lahl: This thing.
As Lahl rose, she offered Herrick the device.
Maff: Hey! If it was in a book it needs to go back.
As she held it out, the Denobulan reached out and tried to snatch it from here. This was certainly someone who proved that Starfleet didn't only hire based on personality.
Lahl: Sir, what do you make of this thing? ::fending off the eccentric librarian:: Will you knock it off?
Herrick: What do you make of it?
He smiled as he put the ball back in her court. He had some theories but given the situation was likely not going to kill them, they could take their time.
Lahl: Well, my scans showed that it’s currently not operating and not making any noise, but it may be related.
Maff: Just give it back and I’ll take care of it myself!
Lahl: Do you want our help with all of these books or not?
He watched the shift in Lahl's personality, becoming more assertive to take control of the situation. Thankfully, rather than escalating things, the curator seemed to get the hint and back down.
Maff: I just want you to fix whatever this is ::motioning to the ceiling:: and to get out of my space so I can get back to work. These books need more, now more than ever.
Josh raised an eyebrow, she seemed rather obsessive. Then again, people probably thought the same thing when he personified the 'twins', his preferred reference for the dual warp cores.
He felt a tug in his hand, and the small disk floated upward, along with all the books except War and Peace.
Herrick: Uh... folks?
He pointed to the device now floating a foot above them and climbing steadily.
Lahl: Response
Maff: What a dumb question... of course these books are self-organizing, you think these hands are meant for shelving. I just press a button here ::motioning to the panel:: and... Oh...
Herrick: And then the books somehow 'magically' return to the shelves? ::looking at Kimonzi, smiling:: Good thinking, looks like we got our culprit! oO I'm just glad it's not another cultist device. Oo
Lahl: Response
Herrick: You going to be alright here? ::looking at the now embarrassed individual::
Lahl/Maff: Response
Herrick: Well you're in good hands ::watching the books start to fall again:: I'll leave you two too it then!
He looked at his PADD for his next stop, which read 'Ensign Morro Caras, Clogged Waste Reclamation'. He chuckled wondering if that was what he'd chosen, or if he was the last to arrive and got the short stick. He'd find out soon enough.
[End Scene for Herrick]
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