PNPC Commander Etan Iljor: … and in the with the new.

[Michael Meir-Wright]

(( Outside the city of New Faren, New Bajor ))

New Bajor was a shining beacon of Bajoran tenacity- or so Etan Iljor thought. First established a little under three decades earlier- and then rebuilt in the wake of the Dominion War- it stood as a testament to a resilient people who had overcome so much strife and pain. As he stood on a hill that offered a view of the small but sprawling capital city of New Faren, the ‘Oumuamua’s newly assigned Commanding Officer felt immensely proud of his people, and those that had taken the brave steps in building a life half way across the galaxy.

He heard boots crunching along the gravel trail that wound up the side of the nameless hill. Pulling himself out of his reverie he was somewhat surprised to see a familiar face approaching, his mop of wild and unruly curled hair bouncing with each step.

Nilsen: I know that look sir. That’s the look of someone with something heavy on their mind.

Lhandon Nilsen produced a small thin cigarette out of a pocket and placed it in his mouth. To Iljor’s surprise, he lit it.

Nilsen: I’m off duty. Used to go though so many of these. But old vices you know.

Iljor shrugged and turned back to look at the cityscape again.

Etan: Fair enough. :: he said lightly. :: It’s not my place to judge. :: he chortled to himself before adding. :: Just don’t let Doctor Toz see you inhaling that thing.

That was one dressing down that the operations officer did not deserve.

Nilsen: How you doing though sir…like really. After the mine and everything?

Momentarily perplexed by the sudden heaviness of the Lieutenant’s question, Iljor felt his brows knit together. He regarded him again and thought about his reply. Physically his injuries had healed, but the psychological effects of his imprisonment and the vicious beating he had suffered at the hands of Alto’Belaranto’s guards had not yet manifested- at least not to his recognisance.

Etan: I think I’m doing okay. My wounds have healed, at least. :: beat :: Why do you ask? :: he added curiously. ::

Nilsen: Cos I ain’t seen you around much since then. Not once have you come to loom over me in the OC nor has the smell of Deka Tea announced your presence. You’re almost making me think I’m off the hook. You sure you alright sir?

The Bajoran rolled his eyes in faux-annoyance.

Etan: I’ve been on medical leave- and I was forbidden from doing any sort of work. I couldn’t come an “loom over” you even if I wanted to. :: his mouth twitched into something that vaguely resembled a smile. :: I appreciate the concern, Lhandon, but I’m fine.

Nilsen: Response.

While Iljor’s posting to the ‘Oumuamua as its captain was not common knowledge, he had not been told by Starfleet Command that he could not share the news. The truth was that he had been attending long-range briefings designed to prep him for his imminent stewardship of the Luna-class explorer- and that was why he had been more or less absent in the crew’s lives over the past several weeks (recuperation notwithstanding).

He considered not divulging the truth to Nilsen- after all the man was not known for his tact or reserved manner. Then, he remembered that the operations officer was also an exceptional officer and could be counted on to be discreet when it really mattered. He only wished that he could the curly haired Lieutenant with him to the ‘Oumuamua- but Starfleet Command had already assigned the ship its complement and there was no wiggle room.

Etan: I’ve been in meetings and security briefings with Starfleet Command for most of the last few weeks. :: he drew in a breath and steeled himself. :: I’ve been given command of the ‘Oumuamua.

Nilsen: Response.

Etan: Came as a shock to me too. :: beat :: I honestly had not expected command of a ship for a few years yet. I guess with all the issues Starfleet have had over the last few years, they’re looking for fresh blood.

The news that a Tal Shiar operative had been masquerading as the head of Starfleet Security had come as a horrific surprise to many. Oh had been largely responsible for the organisation’s isolationist stance in the wake of the Dominion War and the Romulan Supernova, and had exerted undue influence over the Commander in Chief. The lasting effects of Oh’s deception would likely last for a decade or more- but Starfleet were determined to move on by cleaning house. Out with old and in with the new- which in this case was Iljor.

Nilsen: Response.

Suddenly feeling philosophical, Iljor looked intently at Nilsen.

Etan: Just in case, I don’t get to say this before I leave the Butler: it’s been a pleasure serving with you, Lieutenant. Truly.

Nilsen: Response.

—

Commander Etan Iljor

Commanding Officer

USS ‘Oumuamua

as simmed by:

Commander Margaret Walker

Director of Intelligence

Gamma Flotilla Expeditionary Task Force

Assigned to:

USS Octavia E. Butler

C239203TW0