Fleet Captain Addison MacKenzie - Wings and Pizza
Addison MacKenzie
(( Molly Malone’s Irish Pub – Deck 225, Deep Space 224 ))
MacKenzie sat next to Lyara in,
what was in the Captain’s mind, the only must-eat place on DS224 – Molly Malone’s.
As they exchanged pleasantries in the non-descript pub, their introduction had
covered the topic of her healing arm which, true to form, included a gentle, though
not-so-subtle lecture from MacKenzie about how the junior officer’s misstep
could have resulted in far more disastrous results than the soreness she was
currently experiencing.
She was sure they were both grateful when the topic of conversation turned to
the menu.
Lyara: Any recommendations?
Lyara looked in her direction and motioned to the menu and Addison
leaned over to take a peak to see whether there was anything that jogged her
memory. She’d been in the pub so often that she hadn’t bothered with the menu
since her first time at the establishment three or four years ago.
MacKenzie: ::holding up a wing:: These are
always a good place to start – some of the best in the galaxy, in my opinion. I
seem to remember a former colleague from my days on the Resolution who
was a fan of the potato skins. And the pizza.
Lyara: Ooooo, they’ve got hasperat on the menu.
Addison simultaneously shook her head and wagged her finger.
MacKenzie: The hasperat is a mistake. The heat
is pitiful and the taste is underwhelming. Save yourself the disappointment.
Alroyo gave her an intrigued look.
Lyara: I
didn’t think you were a hasperat connoisseur Captain.
MacKenzie: Hasperat is a favorite of mine, Ensign. (beat) I’m sure there
are many things about me you might not expect. ::holding up the wing in her
hand as evidence::
Lyara: Well consider that a lesson learned then.
MacKenzie: Let your gut do the ordering.
Don’t give it too much thought.
Lyara took one more
glance at the menu, signalled to the Trill bartender that she was ready and,
when he approached, handed him back the menu and issued her order.
Lyara: I’ll do a slice of the deluxe pizza with a long island iced tea.
Barkeep: Anything else miss?
Alroyo gave him a smile and politely shook her head. Addison, meanwhile, took the opportunity to mow down another wing. After quickly cleaning the bone, she tossed the little drumette back down onto the basket, where the paper lining the basket made a crinkling sound.
Lyara: That'll be all.
Lyara turned back to
Addison.
Lyara: Thanks for the warning
about the hasperat. Nothing bothers me more than it lacking spice.
MacKenzie: ::waving her hand dismissively again:: It’s the worst. I take it you’re a fan, then? From what I know of your people, it’s such a common dish that each family has their own take on it…
Lyara: I make mine at home. I’ve
got a recipe so spicy it’ll make your eyes water just being in the same room as
it.
The captain sat up a little straighter, a smirk creeping across her face as she
picked up another chicken wing.
MacKenzie: I believe you have my
attention…
The bartender returned with Lyara’s drink and slice of pizza. The ensign nodded her thanks as he placed them in front of her. She took a small sip of the drink.
Lyara: I’ll have to send you the
recipe. If one of your favorites is hasperat I don’t expect it to be too
much for you.
She smirked again, cleaning another one of the tiny avian bones of its meat.
MacKenzie: Challenge accepted, then.
(beat) ::pointing:: The pizza smell’s good, how’s it taste?
Lyara: Response
Addison rocked her head
from side to side. She picked up a napkin and cleaned her greasy fingers, then reached
for her mug. The Irish Coffee was still warm, and the liquid slid easily down
her esophagus, warming up her insides as it made its way to her stomach.
MacKenzie: So, Ensign, why did you request a transfer from Denali
Station?
Lyara: Response
She nodded slowly. An officer’s placement wasn’t always perfect – while Addison
had been fortunate to have been satisfied with many of her assignments over the
course of her career, she knew several officers who expressed similar dissatisfaction.
Unfortunately, many of them didn’t have the luxury of being able to change
their circumstances in the same way that Lyara had.
MacKenzie: Fair. And how are you finding the Borderlands so far?
Lyara: Response
Tag, and TBC!
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Fleet Captain Addison
MacKenzie, M.D., Ph.D., FASFS
Commanding Officer
USS Artemis-A
Captains Council Member at Large
V239601AM0