Lieutenant Commander Etan Iljor - Never Surprise A Bajoran
Michael Meir-Wright
((Garden Of Ice, Xingala Druman, Seytoxal))
Though Commodore V’Airu and Lieutenant Colonel Greaves had left Iljor to his own devices, he did not feel alone. There was a camaraderie in the Garden of Ice and Iljor felt bathed in it. It also helped that generous platters of food had appeared at the same time as the ‘Oumuamua’s CO and XO had begun to wend their way around the cavernous space. Accompanying them were flutes of gently bubbling orange liquid that smelled surprisingly similiar to an Earth shrub known as elderflower. It was a thoroughly excellent affair.
Iljor had caught sight of the Commodore and Colonel handing a small rank pip to Avander Promontory. He smiled to himself. In the short time that he had been aboard the ‘Oumuamua, the intelligence officer had deeply impressed him- especially during the recent rescue of the T-Rogoran pirates on the outer edges of the Seytoxal system. Promontory had displayed an unyielding professionalism and a willingness to aid those in distress- he had, in the Bajoran’s modest opinion- the makings of a stellar officer.
Minutes later and Iljor saw Doctor Kel receive a service ribbon although he was far enough away to be unable to identify which one. The CMO was another officer that left a lasting impression on Iljor during their recent adventure together. The hybrid’s companion was somebody that he recognised only from his personnel for he had yet to meet him. Jack Kessler graciously accepted a gold rank pip and Iljor made a mental note to congratulate the man and introduce himself at some point during the course of the evening.
After making their way around the garden, V’Airu and Graves returned to the table, the former hungrily tucking into the feast before her.
V’Airu: Such revelry is hungry work.
Iljor smiled at that as Greaves chuckled, also taking his seat at the table.
Greaves: I hope you didn’t wait for us Etan. No need for all of us to suffer.
Iljor shook his head. He had been tucking into the available dishes while he took in the splendor of the room and the comings and goings of those in attendance. For effect, he held up a flute of the fizzing orange libation.
Etan: Not at all. My people have a saying, “When I’m Ashalla, do as the First Republic do”.
The Commodore looked up from her plate.
V’Airu: Actually, there ought to be at least a couple more ribbons left. Greaves, it seems absurd to ask you to hand them to me before I pin them on you. But, nevertheless?
Iljor leaned back in his seat and, smile spreading across his features, watched the XO be rewarded for his tireless work.
Greaves: Ma’am, I think you and I are past ceremony. I’m perfectly content just adding this to my cluster and record.
V’Airu: You, too, were responsible for the care of the rescued children, Greaves, and the freeing of the enslaved sapients aboard Port Coray in the first place. In fact, I might even lay most of the responsibility at your feet, as the group commander in both scenarios. However, as we accept responsibility for our failings, so too ought we to enjoy our successes, and in this case, you led your teams magnificently, and you did real good on behalf of the rights of sapients everywhere. I am honored to recognize you with both of these ribbons.
Greaves: Thank you ma’am, but Lieutenant Kel owns most of that blam— err— glory.
Etan: Congratulations, Lieutenant Colonel.
There was a lull in the conversation as CO and XO both
ate. Then after a few quiet moments, the Commodore fixed her gaze upon Iljor.
V’Airu: Let’s talk more about your command training, Etan. I understand you’re interested in the bridge officer’s exam – Rouiancet mentioned something about proctoring an upcoming exam for you?
Taken aback by the suddenness of the topic change, Iljor blinked in surprise. Recovering within the span of a heartbeat, he straightened himself and nodded his head in the affirmative.
Etan: That’s correct ma’am. She came highly recommended. ::his eyes flitted to the XO briefly before being drawn back to the Vulcan/Betazoid flag officer.::
Greaves: It’s nice to have an experienced officer so far along in the training program already. Opens up some doors for us staffing a few key positions.
His mouth feeling somewhat dry all of a sudden, Iljor brought his glass to his lips and took a small sip of the sweet-tasting drink.
V’Airu: Exactly right, and assuming you pass successfully, I believe I would appreciate your service as ship’s second officer.
Blindsided, Iljor spluttered into drink, causing some of it to rush to the back of his mouth and up into the back of his nose where it stung slightly. He had to cough several times as he put his glass down and fought to compose himself.
Greaves: You work leading the distress call response earlier this week showed us you’re more than capable Iljor. What’dya say?
The XO’s comments had given Iljor the time to comport himself into a semblance of professionalism. He would have a reckoning with himself for spilling drink all down the front of his uniform- but now was not the time.
Etan: Apologies Commodore, I… wasn’t expecting that. ::beat:: I would be honoured.
V’Airu: Very good, then. (beat) Let’s speak no more of it now, and instead finish our delicious suppers before we begin to mingle again. Oh, and Greaves, remind me to add a note to the file of all officers and crew serving during the previous mission that they’ve earned the Starfleet Investigation Ribbon as well.
Greaves: Already took care of it before beaming down. It’s added to their personnel records and the ship’s replicators are set to create the ribbons for them upon their return. It’s no mint on the pillow, but I’m sure it’ll be a nice surprise for the crew.
Etan: Mint… on the pillow? ::he murmured, confused.::
But the CO and XO had not heard him, digging into their dinners with gusto. As Iljor followed suit, he resolved to look up the phrase upon his return to the ‘Oumuamua.
END SCENE FOR ETAN
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Lieutenant Commander Etan Iljor
Mission Specialist
USS ‘Oumuamua
NCC - 81226
C239203TW0
(they/them / he/him - IC and OOC)