Fleet Captain Addison MacKenzie - Lack of Faith
Addison MacKenzie
((Arboretum - Deck 3 - USS Artemis-A))
With the task of recruiting the Caitian scientist to assist with their current predicament, 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 as they moved through the gardens. The Artemis didn't have room for an extensive collection, but it did feature native species from many of the crewmember's homeworlds.
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: I'm certain they are, Captain. I promise I'll do everything I can to help them.
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...
The Caitian's tail swayed.
Lorana: I would love nothing more, Captain! I've been wanting to visit Jovenan, and Sil. And :: sighs :: I suppose, Zoyara. Of course that last one can wait.
Addison chuckled to herself at her own amusement, and pivoted to a new topic.
MacKenzie: Interspecies reproduction, eh? Sounds fascinating...
Lorana: It's theoretical mostly. One day we hope to help families from incompatible species reproduce. Nothing controversial, captain. Or unethical.
The captain offered her a sympathetic side-eyed glance. She hadn't meant to imply that anything in the implication of the practice might be unethical, nor did she believe the scientist was capable of engaging in such activity.
MacKenzie: I didn't assume it would be either of those things. Besides, you don't strike me as the kind of person to get wrapped up in something like that.
They walked further down the path in the arboretum.
Lorana: So, Captain. What's new with you? I know a lot has happened since we last met. The Borg. War :: shakes her head :: A lot.
The commanding officer's eyebrows raised slightly as she nodded her head slowly in affirmation. The Frontier Day Massacre, the return to the Rinascita system where the Resolution was destroyed, the Boraxians, the Kobyar, the Grunden, and so many others...
MacKenzie: That is an understatement. Probably too much to get into, I'm afraid, but at least the reports make for some... interesting reading.
Luxa smiled and looked to the ship around them.
Lorana: Yet, she's still here after all that. The Artemis.
The redheaded commanding officer offered a look that suggested mock-offense.
MacKenzie: Oh, please. As if there was ever any doubt?
Lorana: Response
She tutted several times.
MacKenzie: Ye of little faith. You might not know many of the new crew members, but surely you have faith in your old captain...
Lorana: Response
MacKenzie nodded in a way that suggested a "yeah, sure" attitude.
MacKenzie: You know, you could consider staying on in a civilian capacity. We just lost a civilian scientist, so there's precedent for it...
She knew it was unlikely that the Caitian would be interested in the opportunity, but MacKenzie would be in denial to think that she wouldn't be an asset to the science team.
Lorana: Response
Commanding Officer
USS Artemis-A