Reluctant Farewells

Posted on Fri Nov 19th, 2010 @ 5:52am by Commander Earlond & Vice Admiral Iluvar

Mission: Episode 1.3 - "The Time of Trial"
Location: Captain's Ready Room
Timeline: Mission Day 07, 0715 hours

ON: [[Captain's Ready Room, Mission Day 07, 0715]]

Status reports scrolled across the screen of Iluvar's desktop display as he compared the information to what he was reading from a PADD in his hand. Lieutenant Commander Fala and Commander McNeil had kept things well in hand during his unexpected absence and he could not help but commend their dedication. It had been an uncertain time for them all, not to mention stressful. Even with the inquiry behind them, he had a feeling that it was going to be a long time before things were "back to normal".

He was interrupted in his thoughts by the sound of the doorchime, which caused him to look up from the continuous stream of data. "Enter," he called, fixing his gaze on the doorway as he did so.

The doors hissed open, and Earlond entered the Ready Room, coming to stand at attention in front of Iluvar's desk. "Sir," he said respectfully by way of greeting.

After all that had happened in the past week, Iluvar would have been lying if he'd said he was surprised to see the man now standing before him. Things had been rough on them all. Despite what had happened between them, Iluvar knew Earlond's heart to be in the right place, even if his actions were a bit questionable. Earlond might not have regained his trust yet, but he seemed to be on the right track.

"At ease, commander, before you sprain something," Iluvar said, wondering what it was that had brought Earlond to see him.

"Sir," Earlond said in acknowledgment, and he relaxed into a posture of parade rest. "I'll be taking an extended leave of absence from Starfleet, with your permission."

Iluvar slowly lowered the PADD to his desk, reaching over with his free hand to deactivate the terminal display. He brought his hands together and folded them on the desk before himself while surveying Earlond with a neutral look. For a moment, he did not say anything and, when he did speak, his voice was as calm as always. "Given your previous experiences, I'd be lying if I said I wasn't a little concerned about the suddenness of your decision, commander," he said slowly, "What exactly did you have in mind for your extended leave?"

"I'm not quite certain, sir," Earlond said. "I just feel that, especially due to recent events, it would be best for everyone if I spent some time away."

Leaning back in his chair, Iluvar considered the man for a moment. He knew that it was not his place to stand in Earlond's way if this is what his former first officer truly believed was the best course of action. A moment passed before Iluvar reached forward and lifted a single PADD from his desk. He entered a few strokes and held it out for Earlond to take.

Taking the offered PADD, Earlond nodded respectfully. "It's been an honor serving with you, sir," he said. "I hope I'll have the fortune to do so again sometime."

"Take care of yourself out there, commander," Iluvar said in a kind voice, "it'd be nice to see you back in that uniform someday."

"Thank you, sir," Earlond said. "Permission to disembark?"

Iluvar nodded once.

Snapping to attention, Earlond turned sharply and headed for the door at a brisk pace, his regret hidden behind a veil of efficiency and protocol.

Iluvar's gaze continued to linger upon the doorway even after the door had slid closed with a faint hiss. He thought back to the first day he had met Earlond, the day he had laid out the ground rules that put the then-Chief Security/Tactical Officer in his place. Despite whatever grievances Earlond had committed since that day, Iluvar could see that he had grown. All it had taken was the chance to redeem himself...

OFF

A JP by

Captain Iluvar
Commanding Officer
USS Pandora

and

Commander Earlond
Former Executive Officer
USS Pandora