LTJG Lhandon Joseph Nilsen - Octavia E. Butler, Puppy Love & Acting No More
Lhandon Nilsen
(( Lhandon’s Quarters, Room 4, Deck 4, USS Octavia E. Butler ))
Lhandon had put on the final part of his dress uniform and tucked the inner shirt into his trousers. It had been tight around the neck and he had to pull on the fabric to make it fit. The new uniforms for the OEB were comfortable, but after 250 years, the federation still couldn’t make a proper dress uniform that didn't feel like a torture device.
As he put the last clip on he spoke out loud
Nilsen: Tox how does this look? I can’t get the….
He sighed and looked around the empty quarters; it was quiet, silent, with only the background hum of the ship. This was new. There should have been sounds, noise, activity, people around him. Wasn't that the whole point of home?
But no, this was silent, alone, just his own space. No siblings were barging in the door to annoy him, no fellow cadets, no roommate.
Nilsen: Of course.
Toxin's quarters were just across the corridor from his. Just a couple of meters. As he left his quarters, he stopped at the door and thought to press the door chime, but he paused and stopped short. Something was there, he couldn't put his finger on it, but something seemed to be between them, and as such, he didn't press the button. He figured Toxin would already be there anyway, as it was expected for the department head to be there first.
And on that front, he had better sped up, after all, he was Toxin’s Acting Assistant Chief of Operations. A long title if there ever was one…he should be there too.
(( The Writers' Room, Deck 8 Saucer, USS Octavia E. Butler ))
Operations were all sitting together, and Engineering was just one table over. Lhandon passed the Engineering table, first hugging Eli; he was glad to see his cute bear again. Then, on the other side of the table, he gave Herrick a friendly slap on the shoulder, one that said, "It's been a while."
He then sat at his operations table, handshakes, and the odd hug was had all around and he went to ruffle Toxin’s hair, in the way he would when they were ensign and Lt Junior but there felt something off about Toxin’s reaction, one he couldn’t put his finger on.
Lia then stepped up the dais, the crowd hushed and all eyes turned to the commander
Rouiancet: Thank you, all, for attending this first promotion ceremony for the Octavia E. Butler. I thought it would be appropriate to begin with a reading from Octavia E. Butler herself, from her pioneering work completed during Earth's twentieth century, Parable of the Sower.
Lhandon spotted Eli at the nearby table, he hoped to catch his gaze
Unite—
Or be divided,
robbed,
ruled,
killed
By those who see you as prey.
Embrace diversity
Or be destroyed.
Are all around you.
All that you perceive,
All that you experience,
All that is given to you
or taken from you,
All that you love or hate,
need or fear
Will teach you--
If you will learn.
Lhandon was the first to admit that the finer points of literature were lost on him but there was something in that reading that felt as if it gave a sense of good. Like this is a thing he should be paying attention to but Eli was across at Herrick’s table. Hopefully, Octavia E Butler wouldn’t be too offended at this moment of young puppy love diverting his attention away.
Rouiancet: Butler is one of those figures who put humanity on the course that led to our part in the ethos and establishment of the Federation, by imagining the good that could come from respect, equity, and change. The Federation is a manifestation and a consequence of the imagination of Butler and those like her, and I am honored to stand before you today and share in that dream.
He looked over at Eli, smiled, a little, and looked slightly down at the table, like he was trying not to get caught by the others. He was glad to see him there and thought he looked “hella cute” in his dress uniform.
Rouiancet: Commander Etan Iljor, will you please stand? (beat; when he does) Iljor will be leaving us shortly, but I want first to thank him for his service as my first officer for our first mission. I could not have asked for a better officer to support me, and (beat) it is therefore appropriate that Iljor has been promoted, and will take command of the newly relaunched 'Oumuamua. Congratulations, Commander!
Lhandon had known about this a little while ago when they spoke outside New Faren and had managed to keep his enormous mouth shut. He had joined in with the applause and acted suitably surprised.
Rouiancet: With Iljor's incipient absence, I decided to make two offers, and I'm delighted that both officers I made those offers to have accepted. As such, please offer your heartiest congratulations to Lieutenant Commander Promontory, who will be my new executive officer, and to Lieutenant Commander Sherlock, who will be second officer in addition to remaining chief of security. Thank you and (a slight smile) may space grant you luck.
There was more applause, and as he glanced over at Eli again, he thought, was there anything the engineer did that wasn't cute?
Rouiancet: Avander will no longer serve as director of intelligence, so I've requested a new officer for that position. Commander Walker has agreed to serve, and brings with her decades of experience. I look forward to working with her.
Another applause.
Rouiancet: I've almost finished speaking before you, but before I wrap up my remarks, I have two additional promotions to bestow. If I call your name, please join me on the dais. Lieutenant Herrick?
Lhandon had smiled when Herrick's name was called. The two hadn't interacted much recently, but Lhandon valued his friendship. Hearing that he was getting a promotion, Lhandon's face had beamed with joy.
Rouiancet: Engineering is the heart of any starship, and in this case the metaphor is literal, since we would go nowhere without our propulsion systems and the infrastructure necessary to make the ship, well, work. Lieutenant Herrick has overseen that massive project not only for the Octavia E. Butler since our launch, but also for the 'Oumuamua before it, and he has cultivated talent in his subordinates and respect from his peers. He has served as acting chief of engineering, but I am very pleased to retract the "acting" element of that title and promote him to permanent chief of engineer, as well as to the rank of full lieutenant. (more quietly) May I?
Lhandon had an enthusiastic applause, in his mind, this was well deserved
Rouiancet: Please, join me in congratulating the lieutenant!
Herrick: Response
As he finished clapping, he hadn't expected his name to come up. His eyebrows had gone to deck five.
Rouiancet: Lieutenant Nilsen, please.
He stood up and joined Rouiancet at the dais.
Rouiancet: Lieutenant Arlill has seen fit to designate Lieutenant Nilsen as acting assistant chief of operations, a decision that I have agreed with from the beginning. Lhandon is not only a fine officer who continues to excel as he gains experience and pushes his own boundaries -- he is also my friend, and I am honored to command with his confidence. (beat) Lhandon, from this time forth, you're no longer simply acting at your role, but you are now officially the Butler's assistant chief of operations.
Nilsen: Thank you, sir, It’s a privilege to count you as my friend. I promise I won’t cry this time
He said in jest, reminded of his promotion to Lt Jr and the moment they had in the gym. The two had smiled and then Rouiancet had led the room in applause as Lhandon had made his way back.
Rouiancet: Please, feel free now to accept food and drink from the servers who will begin circulating around the room. I will join your tables to present individual ribbons as you do so. Remember to congratulate your shipmates!
Lhandon returned to his table where he received a few handshakes from the more reserved members of operations. More energetic high fives and hugs were exchanged with those he was closer to or those with a more outgoing personality.
But then from Toxin, a dryer reaction.
Arlill: Well Done. ::to Nilsen::
Lhandon had expected a warmer reaction and was quietly taken aback by what felt like a cold response. Another tap on his shoulder from another operations officer snapped him out of that thought, and he took his spot next to Toxin, officially as Arlill’s “Number One”.
No Tags/TBC
Lieutenant JG Lhandon Joseph Nilsen
Assistant Chief of Operations.
USS Octavia E Butler
O240007LN1
He/Him/His (Both player and character)