Ensign Herrick: Run Herrick, Run
markanthonyparker
(( First Officer's Office, Deck 2, USS 'Oumuamua ))
It was bewildering to watch someone get so frustrated over ‘incomplete forms’, however that’s exactly what Lieutenant Commander Faarkand jav Klaaf was getting caught up in at that moment.
Herrick: (repeatedly) oO There is a reason his job exists Oo
Herrick’s eyebrows shot up as the Humanoid Resources officer cut
off Etan. Had he not been the focus of the conversation, he suspected that he
would have enjoyed playing this scene out as a holo-comedy. The Tellerite continued
to escalate matters.
Klaaf: No, of course you wouldn't, Ensign. I doubt even your Chief
Engineer knows about that form. Hells, I would be surprised if your Commodore
knew of its existence!
As Herrick saw the first officer grow impatient with Klaff, he composed himself
a bit more. He wasn’t sure what was coming, but it didn’t take a telepath to
know that it wasn’t going to be good.
Etan: That's enough, Lieutenant Commander! :: he snapped. :: I'm not
sure what you set out to accomplish here, but it ends. Now. :: beat
:: While you were badgering Ensign Herrick, I perused your service file. I have
to admit that I find it quite strange that you are so passionate about proper
administrative protocols aboard a starship, especially since you have never served
on any ship or installation in Starfleet. In fact, it appears that for the past
fifteen years you've been assigned to a series of desk jobs. :: he stood up,
placing his palms flat on the smooth desk's surface. :: Accidents happen aboard
starships, just as they happen anywhere. It is the nature of life,
Commander Klaaf. You might think it necessary to dredge up arcane forms for us
to fill in, but some of us have actual responsibilities. Tell
me, can you penalise or discipline Ensign Herrick or Lieutenant Correlli for
not filing Form B-47 or whatever the hell it is-
Klaaf: 74-Tango! ::he blurted out, affronted. :: And err- :: he
hesitated, his facade rapidly crumbling. :: No, but I can-
Josh’s eyes grew at this statement. He was wondering what the heck this guy was
doing wasting their time with things that really had no repercussions. He was holding
back from adding more dilithium to the explosive mixture.
Etan: No, I didn't think you could. This entire situation reeks of a
bored pencil pusher looking to take out his professional frustrations on
starship crews. Your service file suggests that this isn't the first time
you've tried to do this. Captain T'Velnok of the Payne-Gaposchkin was most unimpressed
by your attempt to have his Chief Tactical Officer relieved of duty over an
incorrect filing of a report. :: he paused to draw breath. :: Now I suggest you
remove yourself from the 'Oumuamua before I file a form of my own,
and recommend to your superior that you be disciplined for wasting Ensign
Herrick's time- and my own!
Herrick: oO Starfleet might be better off retiring the form and shipping
this delightful person off to something more up his alley. Perhaps deep
in the historical archives with no public interaction. Oo
Klaaf opened his mouth and for a moment it seemed that the
Tellarite was going to offer a rebuttal. Instead however, he closed it, looked
at Herrick, then Iljor, rose to his stubby feet and swept from the room with
another harrumph. Once the doors closed, Iljor flopped back
into his chair and expelled a long sigh.
Etan: I'm sorry that you had to see that, Mr. Herrick. :: he said
apologetically once he had composed himself. :: I'm not usually that...
brusque.
Herrick: No need to apologize, sir. I appreciate you sticking up for me
and keeping me out of trouble.
Etan: I take it sickbay cleared you for duty?
Herrick: (more upbeat) Yes! I’m hoping that I can get through a full duty
shift, however I am running a bit behind. I think Chief Kammus might be waiting
for me down there.
Etan: Then consider the matter closed. :: beat :: If you do hear
anything else from the Lieutenant Commander, send him to me.
Herrick: Thank you, I hope that it’s the last time that we see him. I’ll
have to read up on what other possible reasons he might have to make another ‘official’
visit. One day I will start and finish a duty shift on time. ::he smiled::
Etan: :: he chuckled. :: Welcome to the 'Oumuamua. :: beat
:: There is never a dull day around here.
Herrick: Aye, sir.
Etan dismissed the young engineer, who after leaving the office, could be heard bounding down the hall to the turbolift.
[End scene]
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Ensign Josh Herrick
Engineering Officer
USS ‘Oumuamua
O240005JH3
he/him/his (player/character)