Commander Addison MacKenzie - Visible Destruction

[Addison MacKenzie]

((Bridge, Deck 1, USS Artemis-A))

 

Addison sat perched in the command chair in the center of the Artemis bridge, her gaze fixated on the massive viewscreen. The Luna-class vessel had just dropped out of warp and was beginning its final approach to Meranuge IV. The planet, though still in the distance, was unmistakable – its beautiful green and white hue with golden rings was one of the first planets she’d visited as first officer of the Resolution, and now it seemed only fitting that her first mission in command of her own vessel would have them return to that same planet. She’d only wished that the circumstances were better.

 

In her time with the Da’al, she’d formed a great deal of respect for them. They were, in her eyes, an honorable people trying to work beyond a difficult period of corruption and deceit, and now, here they were trying to manage a crisis of epic proportions. In them, she saw many of the same struggles that humans had faced throughout their history. While she knew the importance the Da’al placed on their independence, she hoped that this moment of need would also allow them to be receptive to the aid that Starfleet had to offer.

 

Or, at the very least, that they could render assistance without causing any harm or disruption to the local population. The principle, while simple, would not be so easy in execution. The people were facing loss and destruction on a massive scale and their resources were significantly diminished. The people they would encounter would likely be confused.

 

And desperate.

 

…which meant the tasks ahead of each of the teams would likely be difficult. But, she had faith in these officers, many of whom she’d served alongside for years. If any crew was up to the task, it was this one.

 

From behind her, she’d barely been aware that the turbolift doors had opened, but her ears were eventually drawn to the sound of a cane gradually approaching as it clinked on the floor. After a moment, Genkos slipped into the seat next to her.

 

Adea: So… are we nearly there yet?

 

Addison gestured to the viewscreen.

 

MacKenzie: We’ve dropped out of warp and are making our final approach now.

 

Adea: How’re you feeling about this; our first mission in command?

 

She tried to offer a reassuring smile.

 

MacKenzie: I’m just glad we’re not behind enemy lines. We’re both physicians – I think each has an appreciation for the work facing us…

 

Adea: Response

 

Addison nodded, pointing at the approaching planet on the viewscreen.

 

MacKenzie: It’s a beautiful planet, isn’t it? It’s a shame that the Da’al are still experiencing such conflict after all these years. I’m hoping we can get to the bottom of what might be behind it while we help them out.

 

Adea: Response

 

Her gaze once again fixated on the planet, this time at a particular point on the planet’s southern hemisphere. She stood from her chair slowly and took a few paces forward, her mouth falling slightly agape. The impact from the meteor was visible from space, without any magnification. It was as though someone had surgically removed part of the city leaving a gaping wound without bothering to patch it up. Despite being hours later, smoke, dust, and other debris was also still visible in the atmosphere, even though it had drifted slightly, likely carried by the wind.

 

MacKenzie: Unbelievable…

 

Adea: Response

 

MacKenzie: Helm, drop us into orbit. Hail the Tecra government and let them know we’re preparing to beam down.

 

She exhaled, shaking her head in disbelief before turning to face Adea.

 

MacKenzie: No time to waste… We’d better get to it.

 

Adea: Response

 

[End Act 1 for MacKenzie]

 

 

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Commander Addison MacKenzie, M.D., Ph.D., FASFS
Commanding Officer
USS Artemis-A

Captains Council Magistrate

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