Each month, we interview a First Officer of the fleet as part of our “First Officer in Focus” column to get to know them better and learn more about what their positions entail.
This month, we’re interviewing the First Officer of the USS Octavia E Butler. Commander Avander Promontory, a male Human/El-Aurian hybrid.
Nilsen: You have been our first officer for a year now. How has that experience been for you?
We really have a great crew, which makes a role like this so much easier. There’s a lot of work that goes on behind the scenes for the CO’s and the staff. I’ve enjoyed writing with this community so much over the past few years, and I’m happy to be able to give a little bit back to it.
At the time of writing, we are one of the biggest ships in the fleet, and that alone represents a unique challenge. What are some top tips for managing such a large group and making sure all members are included?
It’s been an ongoing concern. We have a lot of passionate and engaged players–and that’s a good thing! But it can make it more challenging to ensure everyone is included and has time to shine. One of the things we’ve focused on particularly is monitoring the distribution of scenes on shore leave and ensuring everyone has an opportunity to join in the fun. Behind the scenes, there’s a lot of thought that goes into mission planning and the setup of scene assignments. Finally, I think a healthy mentoring program is essential to ensure everyone is being brought along and given the attention they deserve.
You also got to do your commander’s exam, which was a thrilling mission that sent us on a time-travel romp across several time periods. Tell us a little bit about that—what were the inspirations?
For me (and I imagine many of us), one of the greatest things about the sci-fi genre is that it allows us to explore big existential or small character questions through an unexpected lens. Time-travel is one of those particular tropes that is fun to play with. If you could go to the future and learn how your life turned out, what would that do to you? What if you met one of your descendants or ancestors?
But in addition, a lot of it was just fun. We got to play in the 32nd century (and various other points in time) and do a heist. A Time Heist! I mean, how fun is that!?
There is also the transition from Intelligence Officer (a role you clearly loved) to First Officer. Can you talk a little about that transition? Was it an easy jump?
If Intel Officers are played right, I think they already have a lot in common with command officers. Both are generalists who need to function well within the ship’s hierarchy. In that way, I don’t see it as such a big jump. I think the more important transition is from a focus on telling your own stories to facilitating others’ stories.
That doesn’t have to happen at the point when you move to command (you can do that all along!), but I think that it is an essential trait for command positions. Unfortunately, the glamour of Intel sometimes attracts players who prefer to go ‘lone wolf’ and outside the command structure; however, I think our duty post guides do a good job steering players away from that and into a more socially productive vein.
What’s next for you, both IC and OOC? Will we see more time travel for Promontory? Are you heading towards a command of your own?
Yes, I’d like to take on full command. OOC I’m going through the process to get there (again, it is impressive how much effort goes on behind the scenes to ensure our ship leadership is well-vetted). I also regularly volunteer with the training team and do an occasional article for Newsies.
IC, we’ll definitely see more time travel for Promontory. I actually have two Promontories in play now, with Avander’s older brother Trake now back in the “current” timestream, I have an opportunity to play a more mature, more world-weary version of the upbeat, optimistic character that has been my main go-to since I started. I have some thoughts on a slow-burning character development arc that will be fun to see through.
Finally, you know I’m your favourite. Can I call you Promo now? Pretty please.
No.
Thanks for your time, Commander Promontory
You can read more about Commander Avander Promontory on the wiki.
