Fleet Captain Addison MacKenzie - Proposals

[Addison MacKenzie]

(( Arboretum – First Promenade, Deck 225, Deep Space 224 ))

 

There was something to be said for the green space offered on the massive starbase versus the tiny arboretum on the Artemis. While the latter provided an opportunity for a quick stretch, it paled in comparison to the former, which actually felt like being in nature. As Addison stood on the wooden bridge overlooking the brook with Jovenan, she was thankful for the reprieve – the sound of the rippling water underneath their feet was loud enough to be comforting without being obtrusive and the artificial sun almost felt like the real thing. The flora featured in the base’s arboretum came from worlds throughout the Borderlands, and it offered them an opportunity to reflect on their experiences in each of the lands.

 

MacKenzie: You know, I’ve been on this base countless times and this is my first time visiting the Arboretum.

 

Jovenan: Is that so, sir? It’s my first time too, I wanted to see how much more they can add when the space isn’t as limited as in ours. 

 

MacKenzie: Do you visit often?

 

Jovenan: At the Artemis’ arboretum? A few of times a week on average, I think. To calm down and have a breather.

 

Addison smiled, her gaze once again returning to the brook beneath them. The flow of the water seemed to be just right – the sound was soothing without being obtrusive, just enough to center one’s thoughts without being a distraction.

 

MacKenzie: So, how are you finding your service on the Artemis, Commander?

 

There was something in Jovenan’s tone that was indicative of the raised eyebrow on the Edo scientist’s face. Addison didn’t need to be looking at her to know what expression the Chief Science Officer wore.

 

Jovenan: It has been fascinating, Captain. Obviously, there has been challenges, but I’m proud that we’ve been able to overcome them together.

 

Addison’s brow furrowed as she nodded slightly. The answer was artificial and non-committal at best, and while she’d hoped that her rapport with the senior member of the crew might have elicited a more forthcoming answer, it was apparent to the commanding officer that she might have to be more direct in her ask to get a more honest answer.

 

MacKenzie: Frontier Day certainly disrupted things for all of us… What are your impressions of how the science team has been handling the aftermath?

 

Jovenan: Things are starting to return to normal. We lacked resources already, but we didn’t suffer as grave losses as the other departments. Scientist tend to be a bit older and know how to stay out of trouble, I guess. With the, um, replacement personnel arriving steadily, we’ll soon reach the same level of efficiency we had before the Frontier Day.

 

Addison’s head rocked side to side as she allowed herself to focus momentarily on the sound of the water beneath her feet.

 

MacKenzie: It will be slower going for the fleet as a whole – in order to make it back to where we were before the attack, Starfleet projects it will be at least a decade… ::She paused a moment to breathe in through her nose before smiling and pivoting topics.:: Is there anything exciting on your radar these days?

 

Jovenan: Actually, I was just about to forward a research proposal from Lieutenant Edgington for your consideration. It concerns a comet carrying biological matter expected to crash onto a planet later this year near the Azure Nebula. ::pause:: If… if I may still presume we still have time for purely scientific diversions in our current tactical situation, sir?

 

MacKenzie: I think we’re far enough away from the core of Starfleet operations that we don’t need to be quite as concerned – at least, no more than we had been before with all the threats that exist in the Borderlands… (beat) It sounds like a fascinating project – do you know much more about it?

 

Jovenan: Response

 

The red-headed commanding officer of the Artemis nodded enthusiastically. It was reassuring to hear that members of her crew were starting to move beyond their individual traumas and looking forward to projects that stimulated their interests and (she hoped) sparked a little joy.

 

MacKenzie: Well, in that case, tell Edgington to dot the “i’s” and cross the “t’s” and I’m happy to consider the project.

 

Jovenan: Response

 

MacKenzie: Do you have any particular plans for your time off?

 

Jovenan: 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

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