Lt Cmdr. Avander Promontory: Reflections on the Future
Avander Promontory
(( Observation Lounge, Deck 1, USS Octavia E. Butler, New Bajor Orbit ))
Avander was replacing Iljor as XO. The Commander was going on to command a ship of his own and a new intelligence officer was coming aboard. In the complexities of the start of shore leave, Avander was sure few people knew all those details—there hadn’t yet been a formal announcement. But he suspected the rumor mill would see to that shortly.
The two took in the view from the aft windows of the Observation Lounge. Aptly named, as they could watch shuttles launching from the dorsal bay and their commute to the nearby Deep Space 14 or to the planet below.
Iljor seemed wistfully reflective, so Avander had joined the other man standing at the window, back to the room as Iljor confessed to feeling a smidge overwhelmed.
Promontory: I guess it’s just a lot of changes at once.
The Bajoran turned to face Avander, who had to tell his body to stop tensing all his muscles. His soon-to-be-former first officer needed a peer and Avander needed to put his own anxieties to the side and just listen.
Etan: Something like that. I’ve had more conversations with Admirals in the last three days than 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.
Avander smiled at that. At least security briefings were old hat for the intelligence officer. Perhaps it would help if Iljor looked back, instead of forward, for a moment. Besides, there had been something Avander had been wanting to ask him.
Promontory: So… (beat) Any tips?
There he was! A smile flashed across the Bajoran’s face and he launched immediately into a subject he was competent in.
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 you’re 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. ::
Now it was Avander’s turn to smile as the still-recovering officer gave impossible advice. At least Commander Rouiancet had gotten back to the ship safe and sound… this time. With a gulp Avander realized he’d now have to be the one to push back if the CO wanted to do something… outside the lines.
Ensign, er Lieutenant Nilsen, was another matter entirely. A bit eager, he reminded Avander of an oversized gormogon pup. They had directly worked together only a handful of times, but Avander had recently discovered they shared a connection. Unfortunately, it would have to remain classified.
Promontory: I’ll keep both eyes peeled. (beat) And maybe sick my replacement on him.
Mr. Nilsen’s latest concern was some sort of computer glitch. Perhaps it was related to when the Ops officer had tried to improve the efficiency of the universal translators and had the refugees speaking Romulan for a week!
Etan: Just promise me one thing, Avander: The Butler is a beautiful ship. Make sure she stays that way.
And with that the mood shifted from light fun to a heavier weight. It was one of those conversations that needed to dance between the two.
Promontory: (solemnly) Yes, sir.
If this was to be Iljor’s last order to him, Avander would be sure it was kept.
Promontory: I’ll even have Engineering continue to pipe in that ‘new ship smell’ through the vents.
It was a beautiful ship—and still shiny and new. It lacked the ‘Oumuamua’s ‘lived-in’ feel, but Avander was sure that would come in time. He had just been settling into his cabin but now he would have to move again, but he was in no hurry to rush Iljor out of the XO’s quarters.
Promontory: So what about you—is your staff all already assigned?
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.
Avander grinned, his mind fliting between needling the new CO further or reassuring the man.
Promontory: Well, I hope they’re as good as you’ve been.
As if the flattery was too much, Iljor looked back towards New Bajor, but he continued to smile.
Etan: Would you look at that view. :: beat :: It really makes you wonder, doesn’t it?
Promontory: Yes, sir. It does at that.
He held the beat for a moment, letting the majestic view work its existential call before continuing.
Promontory: But what does it make you wonder?
Etan: Response
Promontory: That’s fair. I suppose it speaks to us all in a way.
Etan: Response
Promontory: They’ll at least let you stay till the end of leave. (beat) And the awards ceremony, right? (beat) You are still recovering, after all.
Etan: Response
Tags/TBC
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