PNPC Commander Etan Iljor: Fond Farwell

[Michael Meir-Wright]

OOC: I’m tacking on a vignette of my own to the scene if anybody would like to get involved.

(( The Writers' Room, Deck 8 Saucer, USS Octavia E. Butler ))

Iljor had sequestered himself at a table at the rear of the Writers’ Room, intending not to allow his presence- and inevitable departure- to draw attention from Lia Rouiancet’s debut event. As he listened to her words- including those she had reserved about him- he realised that leading such occasions was now going to be a regular part of his duties. He attended many- including one on the hull of the Excalibur-A- but had never thought that one day would be the Master of Ceremonies.

He was nursing an alcohol-free spring wine- and musing that his events would be distinctly low key- when the Butler’s Commanding Officer arrived, slipping into the seat as her trust aide-de-camp, Lokhina, handed her a familiar looking ribbon.

Rouiancet: You know what I want to say here, since I stole my sentiments from Commodore V'Airu. (beat, a little heavily) I'm afraid the POW ribbon may be one you'll confer in your time as a CO. Let's just hope, for both of us, it's not too often, hm?

Iljor accepted the award humbly, bobbing his head slowly as he did so.

Etan: I’ll do my best, Lia.

Rouiancet: (more lightly) Congratulations again, too. I'm so happy that it's the 'Oumuamua for you, even if I and this crew lose out on having you around. How are you feeling about it all?

It had several weeks since Starfleet Command had appointed him master of the Luna-class starship, and it had been a rollercoaster of emotions. Disbelief had mingled with a tinge of fear and an expectation that this was all some sort cosmic joke. Perhaps a Q was about to burst out of a table to yell “PSYCHE!” or something to that effect. As the avalanche of briefings began, he had begun to feel overwhelmed by the sheer volume of information, although Admiral Watley had assumed him that this was normal- and that Command would be more concerned if he was not struggling to take it all in.

Etan: A little scared. :: he confessed. :: But also… strangely excited? :: he shook his head with a small laugh. :: I don’t know.

Rouiancet: Response.

Etan: I officially take command at 2200 Hours. :: beat :: So in a couple of hours or so. :: beat :: And Promontory is now officially your XO. I received a message to say that my XO clearance on the Butler had been rescinded about half an hour ago. :: he glanced across the room at the part El Aurian. :: How’s he taking to the role?

Rouiancet: Response.

A warm smile crossed his face.

Etan: I knew he would. :: beat :: You know he was one of the first people I met when I transferred to the MooM- uh, the ‘Oumuamua- :: he quickly corrected himself, mentally chiding Herrick for the nickname. :: He was an Ensign. And now he is your XO.

Rouiancet: Response.

Once more, Iljor nodded.

Etan: I got our orders a couple of hours ago. We’re going to be conducted a metaphysic analysis of the Chamra Vortex. Nothing too stressful for a first mission. :: remembering his career to date, he quickly added. :: I hope.

Rouiancet: Response.

***

(( Deck 4 Saucer, USS Octavia E. Butler ))

(( Time Index: 2155 Hours ))

With his standard issue duffel bag slung over his left shoulder, Iljor stood silently in the turbo lift as it travelled the short journey from Deck 2. His eyes closed, he centred himself in silent contemplation, offering a prayer of thanks to the Prophets.

He was about to depart the Octavia E. Butler.

The turbo lift slowed and he heard the doors part. As he opened his eyes, his breath caught in his throat. On either side of the corridor stood a sea of familiar faces, all stood to attention, their uniforms pristine.

He had not been expecting this.

Touched and humbled, he made his way down the hallway towards Transporter Room One. Half way there, he saw Lia Rouiancet blocking his way. An emotional smile bloomed across his face.

Etan: This is quite something, Captain.

Rouiancet: Response.

Any: Response.

—

Commander Etan Iljor

Commanding Officer

USS ‘Oumuamua

as simmed by:

Commander Margaret Walker

Director of Intelligence

Gamma Flotilla Expeditionary Taskforce.

Assigned to:

USS Octavia E. Butler

C239203TW0