LTJG Lhandon Joseph Nilsen - It’s Been An Honour Sir!
Lhandon Nilsen
(( Outside the city of New Faren, New Bajor ))
Etan rolled his eyes in a faux-annoyance.
Etan: I’ve been on medical leave- and I was forbidden from doing any sort of work. I couldn’t come an “loom over” you even if I wanted to. :: his mouth twitched into something that vaguely resembled a smile. :: I appreciate the concern, Lhandon, but I’m fine.
A smile from Lhandon as well.
Nilsen: I’m glad you okay…I mean that.
There seemed to have been something else on Etan’s mind. Lhandon had wanted to ask, he really did, but how does one press that matter, and was it even his place to press the matter? Then something he remembered from his diplomacy tutoring...pause, they'll fill in the gap. So he had taken another puff of his cigarette and just watched the landscape below.
Etan: I’ve been in meetings and security briefings with Starfleet Command for most of the last few weeks. :: he drew in a breath and steeled himself. :: I’ve been given command of the ‘Oumuamua.
Nilsen: That’s….congratulations sir. I’m so happy for you. That’s comes as a bit of a shock
Etan: Came as a shock to me too. :: beat :: I honestly had not expected command of a ship for a few years yet. I guess with all the issues Starfleet have had over the last few years, they’re looking for fresh blood.
Nilsen: Yeah there’s definitely been erm...issues, but you really do deserve this sir.
Iljor had looked intently at Nilsen. Lhandon just felt a sudden sense of loss. Etan had been a constant presence in his life since the academy and was now leaving. Of course, Nilsen had been happy for him, but there was another emotion present which a lump in his throat had threatened to betray.
Etan: Just in case, I don’t get to say this before I leave the Butler: it’s been a pleasure serving with you, Lieutenant. Truly.
Nilsen: It’s been an honour.
Then the formality faded and Nilsen threw both of his arms around Etan. It was a moment that perhaps neither of them had expected.
Nilsen: I’m…going to miss you, sir.
He pulled the hug away.
Etan: response
Nilsen: While I got the chance, thank you ::beat:: for everything.
He hadn't wanted to cry at all, but his face had once again betrayed him. He was caught off guard by his own emotions. He had tried to laugh to cover it up but it was no use, so he composed himself,
That expression of gratitude had said more than the two words of "thank you." He had looked up to Etan, and respected him, and when Etan reprimanded him, he had been devastated by it. However, that moment had done something for him, something Lhandon wouldn't fully admit, but perhaps both of them knew. The path Nilsen had been on was one that could have led to more than just early 20’s trouble, it was one that could have led Lhandon to a dark place he dared not think about.
And perhaps that's what that hug had conveyed, no other words were needed.
Etan: response
Nilsen: Just tell whoever's on the helm that she leans to the left a little and you gotta be gentle with the inputs ::beat:: and they should talk to her too, she responds better that way.
A smile graces his face, subtle and gentle, barely there - it's almost as if he's trying to hide it. Perhaps there's a small giggle, a quiet, soft sound that escapes his lips. It's an effort on his part, an attempt to conceal the emotions that he's not quite ready to reveal.
Etan: response
Tags/TBC
(OOC: Possible end scene? Short and Sweet?)
Lieutenant JG Lhandon Joseph Nilsen
HCO & Acting Asst. Chief (will change from award sim onwards)
USS Octavia E Butler
O240007LN1
He/Him/His (Both player and character)