Fleet Captain Addison MacKenzie - Experimental Science
Addison MacKenzie
((Arboretum - Deck 3 - USS Artemis-A))
Captain MacKenzie stood in the middle of the Artemis arboretum, reunited with one of her former crew members. The Caitian had been both a former science officer on board, but MacKenzie had also served as her exam proctor in the Academy. Since then, she'd gone on to achieve the rank of Lieutenant Commander on the Ronin, and left Starfleet altogether to become a prominent scientist. Now, MacKenzie hoped she'd be able to help them with the latest mystery on their hands. She handed over a PADD that contained their preliminary data.
MacKenzie: Truthfully, I don't know what it is we have. I'm hoping you might be able to help.
The Caitian nodded.
Lorana: The reports the doctor’s provided were thorough, I’ve been fascinated by the contents and the stories. Another reason to be cautious of transporters if you ask me.
MacKenzie: We've got a slew of good doctors aboard, but none of us are geneticists. At least, not with experience to the degree that you have.
Lorana: My experience was an unfortunate necessity.
MacKenzie was only peripherally aware of her condition, but in many ways that made her just the expert the Artemis medical staff needed. More to the point, though, was whether Lorana thought she'd be able to help.
MacKenzie: What do you think? Something you can help with?
Lorana: :: nods carefully :: I think so. I have a working theory, based on the gene therapy created by myself and the scientists on Jupiter Station. I’ll need the help of your doctors, they are more familiar with the transformation process than I am, there’s still a lot of questions I have around genetic sequencing and the patients themselves. What will work for one may not be effective for the other.
The Caitian's tail flicked briefly above her head and her whiskers bristled a little. MacKenzie was willing to receive whatever help she might be able to give, and offered a grateful half-smile.
Lorana: With your permission, Captain?
MacKenzie: By all means, we're grateful for the assistance. Whatever resources you require, consider them at your disposal.
Lorana: Thank you, Captain :: less confident :: It’s … It’s surreal being back onboard the Artemis. In fact, it's strange being back onboard a Starfleet ship :: quiet :: I was in a coma the last time after the experiment went wrong.
If Lorana wanted to reveal more about her condition, she could have done so. If MacKenzie wanted to know, she could have asked, or she could have accessed the Caitian's medical records,but neither felt appropriate in this moment.
MacKenzie: I've never been a huge proponent of gene therapy, if I'm honest.
Lorana: Don’t worry, Captain. The gene therapy is safe :: pause :: Most of the time.
Luxa smiled, and wide eyes met the Captains.
Lorana: Truth is, we have no real way of knowing what will happen :: slight excitement :: I have to admit that this provides an opportunity for us to extend our research to other species. The genetic resequencing can help with countless diseases across many worlds :: even more excited :: we’ve even begun studies into interspecies reproduction. It's very exciting :: beat and then thinks :: Don’t misunderstand me Captain. Your crew is the priority, and if we can use this research to cure them then I want to do that. I guess, I just want you to know that this is experimental :: smiles :: But what isn’t in Starfleet :: nervous laugh ::
The commanding officer gestured for them to start walking. As they did so, the redheaded woman's gaze lingered slightly on the beautiful reddish-purple leaves on the Brazilian Tulipwood tree that stood watch over them.
MacKenzie: All science is experimental, after all. I have no doubt that you've got a selection of lab rats at your disposal... I know the impacted crew members are just as eager to get to the bottom of this as you are.
Lorana: Response
She held another half smile.
MacKenzie: I don't suppose I could convince you to stick around for an extended stay? You can't tell me you don't miss the ship that was your first posting...
Lorana: Response
Addison chuckled to herself at her own amusement.
MacKenzie: Interspecies reproduction, eh? Sounds fascinating...
Lorana: Response
Commanding Officer
USS Artemis-A