Fleet Captain Addison MacKenzie - Fitting In
Addison MacKenzie
Before her stood one of the newest members of the Artemis. All things considered, the introduction had been going well so far, even if it was unnecessary - they'd interacted on Callis, afterall - and, in the CO's opinion, the officer had demonstrated their competency. So far. Though in this particular conversation, they were starting to veer toward a topic that MacKenzie couldn't decide was meant to convey enthusiasm, nerves, or overinflated flattery.
She would find out.
MacKenzie: Stories of the Artemis? What stories have you heard?
Breys: Well sir, I was in the academy when the Artemis was recommissioned. I remember there being buzz about a ship being deployed in the Borderlands. I know a lot of the ship’s history is getting into dangerous situations, and that that is par for the course for being stationed out here. The stories about the Boraxian Yarum and Meranuge IV were what made me believe this is a great ship though. Little details work their way out, like the lengths you went to to help the Da’al clean up their atmosphere while being chased by mobs.
MacKenzie: And how does it make you feel to know that you've been assigned to be a part of that?
Breys: I’m excited, sir.
MacKenzie clasped her hands and let them come to rest in her lap.
MacKenzie: We'll see if you still feel that way when you're faced with the tough calls we encounter here.
The statement wasn't meant to be threatening, merely matter-of-fact. The truth of the matter was they were deployed to one of the most dangerous regions of the galaxy - as she was sure the ensign knew well if they'd read the mission reports - and so the confirmation, if anything, was meant to further embolden the new officer in their competency for being assigned to the Artemis. If they had any hesitation, it didn't immediately come across to the commanding officer.
Breys: Yes sir. We'll see sir.
MacKenzie nodded slowly, her eyes bright and a slight smirk on her face.
MacKenzie: We always do.
Breys: I’m going to work as hard as I can to prove I earned my place here, sir.
MacKenzie: I'm sure you will. You won't make it here very long if I'm not convinced you're giving your absolute best.
The young woman appeared placated.
Breys: Do you have any further questions for me, sir?
MacKenzie slowly shook her head. It was Breys who approached her, though, after all...
MacKenzie: Hopefully you're starting to feel acclimated to being on board. Commander Jovenan is a wonderful resource, be sure to lean into her. (beat) Back to your post, Ensign.
She offered a curt but friendly nod, and watched with slight amusement as Breys made her way back to her station. The welcoming of new crew members was always a fascinating ritual - there were few better ways, in MacKenzie's opinion, to learn about new people... Their hopes, ambitions, fears, and responses to danger were things that a commanding officer needed to be aware of, and the more one could sus out about those who served under one's command before being faced with actual mortal danger, the better.
Breys would likely do just fine.
End Scene!
Commanding Officer
USS Artemis-A