LTJG Josh Herrick: Pull Up a Chair

[Mark P]

((Writer’s Room, Deck 8, USS Octavia E Butler))

Josh surveyed the room from his seat in the back corner of the room; he hadn’t had much chance to rest over the last several weeks and enjoy some of the Butler’s amenities. His eyes flicked up to a quote written in calligraphy on one of the walls; flourished with a writing instrument at the end.

In order to rise from its own ashes, a phoenix first must burn.

The engineer reflected on the last mission; how people had been ripped twice away from everything they knew — once to become slaves, and again to become free. He wondered what the gods had in store for them, what challenges lie ahead. Being part of the refugee coordination had increased his interest in the psyche and that had been what had brought him down to the lounge.

While New Bajor was visible in the expansive viewports, he was more interested in the people. Watching as they chatted casually, taking the respite to destress before they received their new orders.

Herrick: oO Each person; a whole universe in themselves. Oo

As he looked around, he saw Stendhal looking around with drink in hand — 8FWD was busy today. Josh didn’t mind sharing a table, a chance to get to know another better and continue to work on his interpersonal skills which desperately needed him.

Herrick: (waving) Counselor, over here!

Stendhal: Response

Herrick: (motioning to the empty chair in front of him). Please, be my guest.

Stendhal: Response

Herrick: How’s it going?

The acting chief had been reading some self-help books like How to Have More Personality Than a Hologram and Time-Proven Social Skills, a Trill’s Reflection on 500 Years. There was a lot of philosophical ‘muck’ to wade through but one of the takeaways had been to focus more on the emotional side of a person. ‘How’s it going?’ wasn’t great but it was a start.  

Stendhal: Response

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Lieutenant JG Josh Herrick

Acting Chief Engineer

USS Octavia E. Butler

O240005JH3

he/him/his (player/character)