PNPC Commander Etan Iljor - Getting From There to Here

[Michael Meir-Wright]

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

Promontory had inquired about Iljor’s senior staff. They had yet to arrive, with his ship being brought to the Gamma Quadrant by a skeleton crew from Utopia Planitia. He could deny the nerves he felt at the prospect of meeting them, some of whom had many decades more experience in Starfleet than he did. His thoughts had turned on more than one occasions to whether he would have any issues in that regard.

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.

It was a thought that brought him up short. It all suddenly felt very real and while he was sure that would rise to the challenge of command, he thought it best to allow himself these few nervous moments. As his Obasaan had often said “better out than in”.

Promontory: Well, I hope they’re as good as you’ve been.

The outgoing First Officer looked away from his successor, not wanting Promontory to see him blushing. There was humour behind those words, but Iljor also heard a genuine admiration- something that had always bothered him about command role. He had always looked up to people- and now people were doing the same to him. It was odd in his eyes- yet he could not explain why.

The Bajoran’s eyes fell once more on the viridian and azure orb of New Bajor and he found himself appreciating its tranquil beauty.

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

Promontory: Yes, sir. It does at that.

Promontory hesitated.

Promontory: But what does it make you wonder?

Iljor thought for several long moments, idily nibbling the inside of his lip as he considered the question. His mind turned towards the planet that had once been him home.

Etan: How far my people have come. Forty years ago we were oppressed by the Cardassians, fighting for our freedom. Now we’re out here amongst distant stars, charting a whole new frontier of exploration.

Promontory: That’s fair. I suppose it speaks to us all in a way.

That was true, especially for Promontory who was part El Aurian, a race scattered upon on cosmic winds by the unstoppable Borg Collective. Such a tragedy had befallen them, and yet his people continued to thrive and survive- a living example of the tenacity of the sentient spirit.

As long as the Bajorans and the El Aurians continue to thrive, the galaxy will be alright, he said to himself with the smallest of smiles.

A soft chime floated on the air, repeating eight times to announce that it was 0800 Hours- and that meant his first briefing of the day was half an hour away. He didn’t know what it was to entail- only that it was marked as sensitive and classified. Iljor much care for that.

Etan: I have to be getting on. I’m needed in a meeting shortly and then I have to beam to the ship in order to meet with the quartermaster and the head of non-commissioned personnel.

That seemed to trigger a note of caution in Promontory.

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: Of course. :: he said reassuringly.:: And they still have to do some testing of all the new systems. I don’t officially take command for a few more days- unless some sort of galactic crisis emerges. Which- :: he said with a mock sigh :: -you can never rule out.

Promontory: Response.

He clapped the man jovially on the back and offered him another encouraging smile. Whatever Promontory thought, Iljor knew that he was ready for his new role, and that he was going to thrive.

Etan: You have got this, Avander. :: he used the man’s name for the first time during that conversation. :: Take care of the Butler, and the Butler will take care of you.

Promontory: Response.

He started for the door on the port side of the room, and then stopped. Looking back over his shoulder, he chuckled and added a parting comment.

Etan: Just don’t let Nilsen crash the ship.

[[ END SCENE FOR ETAN ]]

—

Commander Etan Iljor

Outgoing Executive Officer

USS Octavia E. Butler

C239293TW0