LTJG Josh Herrick: Looking back

[Mark P]

OOC: Had sent a separate note on the OOC list; this was meant as deescalate, reflected accordingly. 😊

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

 

The conversation between the Betazoid counsellor and human engineer had been off to a good start; Josh had been making a concerted effort to keep his thinking on track and disciplined. There was some training on telepathy resistance, Moreso for when under interrogation, but he suspected it could apply here. He didn’t have anything to hide yet he didn’t look fondly on the idea of being quite the open book.

 

Herrick: (nodding) The commodore left a fine crew for the new Captain; she did well. It’s my first time undergoing a command change and I’m glad it was less disruptive than I was expecting. Also, I think in a large part to you. You seem to have quite the flair for deescalating situations.

 

Stendhal: (nodding too) I haven't met the Commodore yet, in fact, I've only met the CO once and she seemed very competent. I'd say we're in good hands.

 

The Writer’s Room was quickly filling up, Josh hadn’t been paying attention to the chronometer, but the hour must have ended, and a shift change had approached them. One of the wait staff dropped by the table, eyeing Herrick’s empty bottle.

 

Waiter: Can I get anything for the two of you?

 

Herrick: I’ll take another root beer, if you don’t mind. ::looking at Stendhal:: Feel free to get something stronger.

 

Stendhal: Yes, I'd love to have a drink. I'll have a non-alcoholic one too. What was it called? Almond milk? No, it was a drink with the flavor of bitter almonds, vanilla, and orange blossoms. Orzata! My grandfather used to make it for me on Earth when I was a child. It's wonderful with ice.

 

Herrick: (looking at the waiter) Actually, I’ll try that out as well.

 

The waiter nodded and walked away, collecting a few more orders before heading to the replicator. He’d not had good experiences lately with first times of any nature and was hoping this new drink might break the curse.

 

Herrick: oO Don’t stray off the path, no bad thoughts Josh. Oo

 

Stendhal: (slightly smirking) Do you often have bad thoughts? ::beat:: Sorry, just kidding!

 

The engineer waved his hand away as if it was nothing; he’d need to do more exercises in the future but for now there was no use hiding.

 

Herrick: I’ve just… experienced a lot of life lately. ::looking around the room:: But, I suppose, so have they. There’s a lot of adventure in Starfleet, but it comes with risk and danger.

 

Stendhal: Response

 

Herrick: Looking back, Ad Astra Per Aspera, is rather apt.

 

A flash of Caden Voss in the turbolift flashed in his mind, and he pushed it down.

 

The terran was thankful for the break in the conversation, as the waiter returned with the two drinks and he took a sip of the Orzata. It was a bit of a stranger taste than he was used to, but not unenjoyable. The drink was creamy and rich, with a sweet almond flavor intertwined with floral notes.

 

Herrick: Does it taste the same as you remember?

 

Stendhal: Response

 

Herrick: (nodding) A fair facsimile, but somehow it can never truly replace the real thing. ::looking between the two drinks:: So, I heard that you'd been posted to 118 before coming here — what was it like?

 

On his Academy form, Josh had been asked if he’d had a preference at the time whether he’d like to be on a ship or on a base; as his usual indecisive self, he left the option open to wherever Starfleet needed him but even after getting assigned to the ‘Oumuamua, he had wondered what base life would’ve been like.

 

Stendhal: Response

 

Tags/TBC

 

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Lieutenant JG Josh Herrick

Acting Chief Engineer

USS Octavia E. Butler

O240005JH3

he/him/his (player/character)