Ilia.
Judging from the interaction earlier in this scene, this version of Decker is already used to Ilia serving as a counterpoint and/or complement, as needed, to his thoughts and impulses.
As a nonhuman member of the bridge crew, and now with the perspective afforded her by her merger with V’ger, and she’s an effective counterpoint to Decker both as a crewmember and a character in a story.
Scotty as XO? He has the respect of the crew and the command experience running an engine room, but he was never comfortable as relief commander. Besides, try getting him away from his “bairns.”
Uhura as XO? I could see it from a crew standpoint if not a story standpoint. Except for the time she took over from a lovestruck male crew in the animated Lorelei episode, she’s been one of the people who keep things running.
McCoy as XO? Aside from Diane Duane’s entertaining take on the subject, I can’t see McCoy being willing to put the needs of the ship ahead of the welfare of an individual crewmember, as is sometimes required of a commander. It would be better than the time Col. Potter left Hawkeye in command of the 4077th, but not by much.
The big question I have is who will Decker choose as his Exec? Scotty, Sulu, Uhura? Or will he find someone new?
Ilia.
Judging from the interaction earlier in this scene, this version of Decker is already used to Ilia serving as a counterpoint and/or complement, as needed, to his thoughts and impulses.
As a nonhuman member of the bridge crew, and now with the perspective afforded her by her merger with V’ger, and she’s an effective counterpoint to Decker both as a crewmember and a character in a story.
Scotty as XO? He has the respect of the crew and the command experience running an engine room, but he was never comfortable as relief commander. Besides, try getting him away from his “bairns.”
Uhura as XO? I could see it from a crew standpoint if not a story standpoint. Except for the time she took over from a lovestruck male crew in the animated Lorelei episode, she’s been one of the people who keep things running.
McCoy as XO? Aside from Diane Duane’s entertaining take on the subject, I can’t see McCoy being willing to put the needs of the ship ahead of the welfare of an individual crewmember, as is sometimes required of a commander. It would be better than the time Col. Potter left Hawkeye in command of the 4077th, but not by much.