Lieutenant JG Josh Herrick: Speechless
Mark P
OOC: Despite being able to write a sim, I am truly speechless OOC; a heartfelt thank you from me and I'm glad to be with you all as a part of the Oumuamua crew.
((Deck 7 Corridor, USS ‘Oumuamua))
This would be the second time Josh visited Seven Forward since boarding the ‘Oumuamua several months ago. He’d been avoiding it since setting foot on the ship, given his past interaction with alcohol. ‘Outta sight outta mind’ was a phrase that came to mind as he sometimes struggled with self control in the moment, or when others tried to ‘push’ it on him — even if it was a friendly celebration.
Just over a week ago, they’d said goodbye to key members of the crew who, Josh had learned, had been there since the ship launched a few years back. He could only imagine how others felt if he already felt a pang of loss with them moving on. The ‘OASIS’ gang had been kind enough not to pressure him to drink, but he’d prepared his lines in case a more insistent partygoer should appear. He took a breath to brace himself and entered the room.
(( Seven Forward Lounge, Deck 7, USS 'Oumuamua ))
As the doors whisked open, he marveled at the opulence that was reflected in the décor. The going-away party had been something for sure, but they set a new bar for themselves, even outdoing whoever pulled together the decorations that were done for the last awards ceremony in the Georgiou Ballroom back at Starfleet HQ. Each table had tableware gilded in the colour of the department that would be seated there. He looked between the tables in the ‘gold section’ and spotted one sporting a card with Engineering written in elegant handwriting.
For once, he was early. Now was the awkward decision, sit at the table or mill around. He looked around the room and didn’t see anyone he immediately recognized that was free to strike up a conversation. Where was everyone?
Herrick: Computer, time?
Computer: 1630 hours.
Well, that was it then, he was an hour early… somehow he had gotten a bit ahead of himself. So, rather than awkwardly standing, he sat down at the table and pulled a small PADD from his uniform and started reading of the latest book his dad sent him, ‘Transwarp… why should the Borg have all the fun?’ which was a theoretical take on how Starfleet could be benefiting from the technology over its current implementation of Quantum Slipstream.
((Some time later))
Everyone had mostly filtered in. He exchanged friendly greetings with the other engineers at the table including Johnson, Cabrillo, and Nijal. When Kovacs joined the group, he found that most of the animosity towards the man, unfounded as it was, had faded over the last few days — perhaps with that emotional outpouring to Salo. He gave him a polite smile and nod as he joined the table.
Herrick: How’s everyone making out today?
Engineers: Response
Herrick: ::putting the PADD away:: I uh… ::chuckles:: got here a bit too early, so just a bit of light reading to pass the time.
Engineers: Response
Herrick: ::speaking figuratively:: I wonder what’s on the menu tonight.
Engineers: Response
Koryan came around, handing out flutes of champagne to everyone at the table. As he handed one to Josh, the ensign held up his hands.
Koryan: It’s sparkling apple juice for you ::a subtle wink::
He nodded appreciatively and took the glass. He wondered how long the man served on the vessel and how he seemed to intuitively serve; but that was another mystery for another day as the Commodore and Commander stepped up to the table holding multiple boxes.
V'Airu: Lieutenants, Ensigns, forgive me for interrupting you first this evening. We come bearing good news (beat) or so I hope.
Etan/Engineers: Response
Herrick: ::standing up, first at attention and then easing up as the moment passed:: Hello sirs; good to see you again ::smiling:: Good news is always appreciated, will you join us? ::motioning to the chairs::
Ossa nodded to acknowledge the offer, but then shook her head.
V'Airu: Forgive us, please, if we don't linger. (beat) Corelli's absence has left a large hole in your ranks. He didn't, however, leave without making a few recommendations, which I'm now pleased to see done. He, as well as Commander Etan and I, want first to remind you that you are the finest engineers in the fleet. (another beat) But there is one among you whose leadership and acumen as an officer suggests that they should succeed your prior chief.
She opened the box she held, and removed a hollow pip from its navy velvet interior.
V'Airu: Ensign Herrick. You have your previous chief's complete confidence, and the respect of your peers. It is my pleasure not only to promote you to the rank of lieutenant, junior grade, but to appoint you our acting chief of engineering. Assuming, of course, the post is one you would like.
She raised an eyebrow.
Josh blinked for a few moments, processing the news. He had been expecting this ceremony to be like the past one he attended, no awards but relishing in the accomplishments of his peers. While it was unexpected, it was not unwelcome.
Herrick: Y… Yes, of course sir! ::wearing a beaming smile that could put a sun to shame:: Thank you!
Etan / Engineers: Responses
V'Airu: Then congratulations are in order, Lieutenant. (beat) I want also to acknowledge, and reward, your dedication and service during our previous mission. From your invaluable counsel on the bridge, to your away team support on the Esh-o colony, to the Nautilus, you had months' worth of experience in a single mission. You've impressed us all, and it's therefore my pleasure to recognize you with the Legion of Merit -- and with the highest honor I can bestow, the Captain's Commendation. Will you stand, please?
This time, she turned to Etan, who was already ready with the two ribbons. The Captain's Commendation was a deep burgundy with black highlights, while the Legion of Merit was similarly burgundy but with conspicuous slashes of silver. The two ribbons, when she pinned them to his dress uniform, and pinned the second pip to his collar, complemented him nicely.
It was a good thing that she hasn’t asked him another question because he was awestruck at the additional news. His mind was still racing to process both what just happened and the present. He had enough self awareness to crane his neck so it was easier for the Commodore to affix the pip. After the ribbons had also been affixed to his uniform, he shook both V’Airu and Etan’s hand.
V'Airu: Congratulations again, Lieutenant.
Herrick: Thank you; I won’t let you down.
Etan / Engineers: Responses
As Herrick took his seat again, Ossa's roving eye found that of one more engineer, and she indicated with a wave that she should stand, too. The uncertain Nijal did just that, though she was clearly not at all sure what was about to happen.
V'Airu: Before Etan and I leave you this evening, one last thing. Nijal, Corelli left his recommendation for your promotion as well -- and your reassignment. It seems he believed broader cross-training would suit you best. I am pleased to promote you to the rank of full lieutenant, and invite you to become one of the ship's mission specialists. Will you accept?
Even as she asked, Ossa removed Nijal's hollow pip and replaced it with a gold one.
Nijal turned to face the rest of the group, her face seeming to question if she should also join the growing list of officers that were transferring out of the department, but Josh knew this was a great opportunity for her — and a promotion. He lifted his eyebrows and nodded, as if to say ‘Go for it!’
Etan / Engineers: Responses
Nijal: Then -- yes, ma'am. I accept. Thank you.
V'Airu: Congratulations, Lieutenant.
Etan / Engineers: Responses
Herrick: Congratulations Nijal!
Once Nijal had retaken her seat, Ossa nodded around the table.
V'Airu: Congratulations again to all of you, especially you, Chief Herrick.
Etan / Engineers: Responses
With that, V’Airu and Etan took their leave and proceeded to the next table.
Herrick’s face flushed a bit red at V’Airu’s final comment; he looked around the table at his fellow shipmates. It air had somewhat changed and his shoulders perhaps felt a bit heavier as it sank in that the weight of the department lay with him. It was hard not to feel imposter syndrome with him just coming aboard so recently.
But he tried to remind himself that he had a more extensive background than the typical Starfleet graduate. He’d spent two years helping refit crews in spacedock prior to joining the Academy — apprenticing as his dad liked to call it — and spent two extra years in the academy taking the elective command path. They, V’Airu, Etan and the former Chief, all saw something in him. Now, he would prove them right.
Engineers: Responses
Herrick: ::still flush:: I think someone must have tampered with the environmental controls, it’s a bit hot in here.
Engineers: Responses
Herrick: Warp core party? I’m sure the Commander would appreciate that as my first official act. Just don’t leave any empty bottles around to be found the next day.
Engineers: Responses
Herrick: ::holding up his glass:: We have a great team, I’m excited for what’s in store, but until then… ::slowly breaking into song to let others join in::
'Omuamua we defend,
thy flight with grateful hymns,
many and one.
We keep thy running start,
bright, polished, with our art
resolve with humble heart,
our starry home.
Thy soaring, grace the sky,
kept with our watchful eye,
our great repose.
Send us victorious,
happy and glorious,
long to watch over us,
our starry home.
Engineers: Responses
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Lieutenant JG Josh Herrick
Engineering Officer
USS ‘Oumuamua
O240005JH3
he/him/his (player/character)