Fleet Captain Addison MacKenzie - Atonement
Addison MacKenzie
(( Captain's Ready Room - USS Artemis ))
In many ways, the onboarding meeting between Richards and MacKenzie was unlike anything the captain of the Artemis had experienced before. For one, it wasn’t their first meeting. Second, the officer in question wasn’t technically an officer – they were a civilian. Third, the person in question was expecting, and executive officer was the father. Richards’s next question seemed to be valid and appropriate, for both of them.
Richards: I would like to know what expectations you have for me. I have a great deal of respect for you and the last thing I want is to disappoint you.
Addison lifted her hands slightly and dropped them in their lap as though she was releasing something she’d been holding onto.
MacKenzie: I don’t think you need to worry so much about disappointing me so much as about doing a good job, of which I’m sure you’re capable.
Richards nodded.
Richards: I do- I mean- I am. I am capable.
MacKenzie: That said, while you’re not a Starfleet officer, you are serving
on a Starfleet ship and as such I expect that you’ll conduct yourself
accordingly both on and off the ship. Your service here, despite not being a
commissioned officer, makes you a representative of this ship and, by
extension, me… And I’m sure that in talking with my first officer,
you are well aware that I hold pretty high standards for those that serve under
my command.
She lowered her head slightly, looking out at Richards.
Richards: ::Stifling a laugh:: I have been informed of your
standards. ::Switching her tone to something a bit more serious:: Rest assured
I understand and you have nothing to worry about with me. Despite what you have
seen and heard, I am typically very well behaved.
MacKenzie smiled and nodded.
MacKenzie: Then no doubt we’ll be in good shape. I’d like to think that
if nothing else, I’m a reasonable person, even if half of the crew thinks I’d
gladly airlock them on a moment’s notice.
Richards: Everyone has to have their
edge.
She raised her hands slightly.
MacKenzie: So, is there anything else I can do for you?
Richards: I don’t think– Oh! Actually I
have something for you…
Addison sat up as Richards reached into her bag.
Richards: My brother wanted me to give you this. He still feels really bad about your ready room… And your desk.
Richards carefully handed over a miniature version of the mahogany desk that used to be a fixture of MacKenzie’s ready room. The desk, thanks to her brother and her executive officer, was now in a million pieces drifting through space as a result of the dynamic duo’s pyrotechnics. The word “SORRY” was etched into the top.
Richards: I couldn’t bring a
whole desk with me, so he hopes this’ll do for now. He made it himself.
She held up the model for Sam.
MacKenzie: He tell you about
the hole he blew in the wall?
Richards: ::Holding her hands up:: Don’t shoot the messenger. I was just asked to pass the gift along. ::Scooting herself out of the chair:: On that note, unless you need anything else from me, I will get out of your hair.
MacKenzie shook her
head.
MacKenzie: Nothing from me – looking forward to seeing your work. Welcome aboard Ms. Richards.
She offered a smile and drew her attention back to the replica as Sam made her way for the door. Just as she was about to pass through the threshold, MacKenzie sat forward.
MacKenzie: Actually, you can tell
your brother that I admire his craftsmanship and that, to atone for
blowing a hole in my ship, I’ll look forward to receiving a new desk from him sometime
in the future. (beat) Since he has demonstrated his talents.
Addison smiled and nodded definitively, and the door swished closed.
End Scene for MacKenzie
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Fleet Captain Addison
MacKenzie, M.D., Ph.D., FASFS
Commanding Officer
USS Artemis-A
Captains Council Member at Large
V239601AM0