PNPC Commander Etan Iljor: Lessons

[Michael Meir-Wright]

(( Observations Lounge, Deck 1, USS Octavia E. Butler, New Bajor Orbit ))

Promontory was to be Iljor’s replacement as Octavia E. Butler’s First Officer- something that filled the outgoing man with pride and a sense of safety. The former Director of Intelligence had been one of the first people that he had met after reporting for duty aboard the ‘Oumuamua- and he had quickly learned to trust him. He was an exceptional officer and the Bajoran had no doubt that he was going to excel in his new role.

As Iljor spoke again, he didn’t lift his eyes from the viridian and cerulean orb of New Bajor.

Etan: How are you feeling?

It was a loaded question, and it was no wonder that Promontory took several seconds to answer.

Promontory: Uh. Fine… mostly. I guess…

An awkward silence hung in the air between the two men. When the incoming First Officer spoke next, Iljor recognised the tactic right away, one that he himself had often deployed on a number of occasions.

Promontory: But the bigger question is how are you feeling?

Another loaded question. Iljor blew a deep breath out of his mouth and thought how best to reply. The truth was he didn’t know how he felt. There had been countless briefings and meetings conducted over subspace since he had accepted his new posting. Nothing had really sunken in and at times it had felt like he was going through the motions. As he ruminated on the preceding days, he finally found the word he was looking for.

Etan: Overwhelmed. :: he said succinctly. ::

Beside Iljor, Promontory nodded his head in apparent understanding.

Promontory: I guess it’s just a lot of changes at once.

The Bajoran looked away from the window and regarded the Intelligence operative properly for the first time since he had entered the observation lounge.

Etan: Something like that. I’ve had more conversations with Admirals in the last three days then I ever have before, and I’ve received so many security briefings that my head is probably not going to spinning anytime soon. :: he scratched his chin idly. :: I try to process everything but then I have another eight security briefings this afternoon. It’s never ending.

Not that he was ungrateful for the opportunity, quite the opposite. But Starfleet Command were keen to get installed aboard his new command as quickly as possible and were therefore rushing through his onboarding process.

Promontory: So… (beat) Any tips?

A smile crossed Iljor’s face as he contemplated the question from his successor. He thought back to his time as Commodore V’Airu’s XO and how easy it had been. The two had worked well, just as he had with Commander Rouiancet. There had not been any personal tension with either of them.

Etan: Always- always- put the ship and the crew first. :: he said, emphasising its importance. :: and don’t ever let the Captain go on an away mission. Even if your unconscious and lying on a biobed. :: he smirked at that, poking some fun at his recent injuries. :: Oh, and keep Nilsen on a tight leash otherwise he’ll go off and cause an interstellar incident and a civil war somewhere before breakfast. :: the smirk turned into a grin. ::

Lhandon Nilsen and he had rarely seen eye-to-eye, especially after the former’s calamitous behaviour on Denali Station. Over time, however, Iljor had watched the pilot and assistant chief of operations mature into an officer with a great deal of promise, albeit one who tended to get in his own way and in his own way. If he could master his impulsivity and self doubt, Iljor was certain he would make a phenomenal starship captain one day.

Not that I will ever tell him that, he thought to himself with some amusement.

Promontory: Response.

Etan: Just promise me one thing, Avander: The Butler is a beautiful ship. Make sure she stays that way.

Promontory: Response.

Etan: The new command crew will be arriving this afternoon.aboard the Vulcana Regar. I’ll be meeting with my First Officer- :: that brought him up short and he blinked in surprise. :: Oh my, I never realised I would have my own XO.

Promontory: Response.

He looked back towards New Bajor, his smile growing once again.

Etan: Would you look at that view. :: beat :: It really makes you wonder, doesn’t it?

Promontory: Response.

—

Commander Etan Iljor

Outgoing Executive Officer

U.S.S. Octavia E. Butler

C239203TW0