Fleet Captain Addison MacKenzie - Office Space
Addison MacKenzie
((Arboretum - Deck 3 - USS Artemis-A))
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: Captain :: beat :: My scientific research is secondary to my diplomatic duties.
She faltered and hesitated.
MacKenzie: I'm sensing there's a but...
Lorana: The last year, while I was recovering I was restricted to a chair: containment fields kept my body together. I returned to Cait, at the insistence of my family. I had to continue my research, I couldn't live my life that way. I couldn't.
The Caitian's tail drooped low, as did her shoulders. The redheaded commanding officer thought it best to let the subject go.
MacKenzie: How's the world of diplomacy going these days?
The change of subject seemed welcome.
Lorana: Well, in my endeavours I became involved, almost by accident, with the political class of my planet - one of my siblings is a representative to the Prime Chambers of Sophocractic Union. In the last few years there's been significant disagreement within the governing clans and the Federation representatives. Mostly, Caitians feel like an afterthought :: breathes out :: It's caused a lot of unrest.
MacKenzie made a face.
MacKenzie: Sounds complicated. Federation resources have been thinly-stretched since Frontier Day...
Lorana: Frontier Day was difficult for all worlds. It has ignited a chain reaction, not just on Cait. The negotiations resulted in a greater diplomatic presence specifically in the sciences :: indicates herself :: and the commission of more advanced Caitian ships. My hope is that it will benefit the Federation. I guess, what I'm asking is if you do want me to stay a little more permanently, then have you got some offices I can borrow :: smiles :: I don't travel light, Captain.
MacKenzie stifled a smile.
MacKenzie: Sounds more complicated...
Lorana: Response
The redheaded woman pretended to think about it as they walked.
MacKenzie: I suppose the real question is where you feel you'll have better access to the resources you need...
Lorana: Response
She rocked her head back and forth from side to side, as if she had to give the idea serious contemplation. The reality was that the decision wasn't hers to make, but if there were resources at the Fleet Captain's disposal that might aid the scientist in her research and be of benefit to the Federation, then MacKenzie would do what she could to make those resources available.
MacKenzie: Now that I think about it, perhaps the Artemis wouldn't be a suitable place... What about Deep Space 224? An office suite with lab access... maybe even some staff scientists.
Lorana: Response
MacKenzie made a mock-face that suggested it would be a difficult task.
MacKenzie: Oh, let's just say I know a Fleet Captain who could pull some strings... If that's what you wanted.
Lorana: Response
Commanding Officer
USS Artemis-A