LTJG Josh Herrick: Full Circle
Mark P
(( Arboretum, Deck 2, USS 'Oumuamua ))
Josh had been in the arboretum exactly twice, now, and back when he came aboard — both at the Commodore's request. When he first met V’Airu, he asked what made her join Starfleet and she mentioned the Vulcan philosophy of IDIC. Now, almost a year and several first contacts later, he was starting to get an appreciation for the term.
He had arrived a few minutes earlier and was waiting almost expectantly. Gossip around the lower deckers had been running at light speed. Sometimes it could be hard to separate facts from fiction, and rather than worry or spin about change, he’d wait until the facts presented themselves.
There was the typical intrigue, that of transfers and romance aboard. But there were also conspiracy theories, like the Oumuamua’s damage had been the work of foul play. And then the downright crazy, like Tobats and Cetacean Ops taking advantage of the situation to install a swim-up bar and rave lights for one last big blowout.
He couldn’t help but wonder which ‘facts’ might be revealed as he saw two scarlet-cladded officers approaching him; one was the Commodore, the other he didn’t recognize. As they approached, they issued a non-verbal nod of hello and then the Commander sprung a question.
Rouiancet: ::looking around at the removal of the plants in the arboretum:: Where are they going?
Herrick: They’re being relocated. The botanists aboard participate in a flora-oriented exchange program, cultivating unique hybrids and then sending fully down samples around.
A cart full of fully grown eudicot rosaceae passed him, and it reminded him of his own botanist sister Em.
Herrick: Though, this round seems to be carving out the entire arboretum. Perhaps given the upcoming and unscheduled refit.
Josh wondered if ‘normal people’ would feel guilty after letting the mission pod virtually implode, but he played the scenario back in his head several different ways and didn’t see it going any different way. He did have an upcoming meeting with Etan to discuss the events, apparently Humanoid Resources had earmarked his file from the last incident and were following his career closely.
V'Airu: Indeed. Some of them may end up aboard your ship, Commander.
Rouiancet: Well, I'll welcome them. (beat; to Herrick) And you, Lieutenant. I'd be honored to have you continue as acting chief engineer aboard Octavia E. Butler.
There was a moment of stunned silence as he processed the information. Of course, they didn’t need a ship’s cheng during the refit process. They had specialized teams at the yard. his dad would probably be one of them. He hadn’t processed that fact, perhaps because he had just settled into this ship as being home. He smiled as best as he could, glad that they trusted him with the new post.
Herrick: I would be honored Commander… er Captain. I will give you nothing but my best.
His new CO gave a nod at the comment, and then the Commodore spoke up.
V'Airu: I refuse to release you without bestowing one final set of ribbons on you, Herrick.
Josh’s smile broadened; the last several post-mission ceremonies had been in large groups. A more positive goodbye on personal terms.
She slid out two ribbons, and Josh caught a glimpse of multiple blues.
V'Airu: As with all members of Commander Etan's away team -- Lieutenants Arlill and Maxwell, and now you -- you'll receive the Starfleet Investigation Ribbon. Your team conducted a thorough and exemplary investigation on Alpha Brenkelvi, to the extent that we likely wouldn't all have left with our lives except for the knowledge you levied on our behalf. You are all to be commended -- but this second ribbons is yours alone. In the best traditions of engineering officers, you took the material you had and made use of the time you were given to create, repair, and generally innovate in ways that, frankly, require some suspension of disbelief. Nevertheless, you did so, and so it's my honor to honor you with the Innovation Ribbon.
As V’Airu stepped towards him, the young engineer snapped stiffly to attention. Her deft fingers made quick work, and Josh realized there had been several observers once he heard some applause from around him. His face reddened to almost the same tone as the pair’s uniform.
Herrick: Thank you, sirs. ::looking to V’Airu:: I couldn’t have done it without this great crew that you’ve built up.
He stuck his hand out and shook each of their hands.
Herrick: ::looking towards the younger of the pair:: I take it you’re Commander Rouiancet ::awkwardly rubbing the back of his head:: Your voice is familiar from the comm. oO And the images broadcast into my head back on Alpha Brenkelvi II. Oo
V’Airu/Rouiancet: Response
Herrick: ::smiling:: Well, good to properly meet you. Where is the Octavia E Butler now?
V’Airu/Rouiancet: Response
Herrick: Well, that will make the transfer easier. (beat) And, Commodore, will you be staying with the ship during the refit?
Just like a dry-docked ship likely didn’t need it’s acting chief, it likely didn’t need a captain for a foreseeable future. He wasn’t sure if it was impolite to ask or not ask, so his awkward social self just blurted it out.
V’Airu/Rouiancet: Response
[Tags/Optional End Scene for Herrick]
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Lieutenant JG Josh Herrick
Acting Chief Engineer
USS ‘Oumuamua/Octavia E. Butler
O240005JH3
he/him/his (player/character)