Captain Addison MacKenzie - Nuked
Addison MacKenzie
((Main Engineering, Lower Level — Deck 16, USS Artemis-A))
Their cover was blown. They’d been flushed out of the jeffries tubes and into main engineering, and they’d been forced to create a diversion so Silveira could secure weapons for the team. Now, the Jem’Hadar had their rifles trained on their chief tactical officer…
But at least they were armed.
The Jem’Hadar didn’t seem interested in liquidating Silveira, or they certainly would have done so by now. They needed the senior staff alive – certainly an indication that they might be having trouble securing the ship. The Jem’Hadar First made efficient business of getting to his point.
Tark’iqbar: Where is your Captain, Starfleeter?
The other three officers popped up from behind the console with their backs to each other, facing different directions to ensure they had 360-degree coverage.
MacKenzie: She’s right here. And I’ll be damned if I let you get any farther with my ship.
Yellir: And unless you're paying rent, I’d advise packing your bags.
Kel: And I’d be quick about it too.
The Jem’ Hadar First adjusted his rifle so it was now pointed at his intended target.
Tark’iqbar: Captain Addison MacKenzie! I am Tark’iqbar, First of the LV Mak’ro. I’ve claimed your Ship. I’ve claimed your crew. And in the name of the Dominion-
He pulled the trigger, sending a polaron charge barreling towards her, and in doing so triggering red alert klaxons throughout the ship. Addison ducked quickly, managing to avoid the shot which hit the console above her, sending sparks flying. After a split second, she popped her head up and returned a volley. Around her, Hallia and Kel were doing the same. When she peeked up, she could see Vitor across the room, taking cover behind another console, but he was pinned down.
MacKenzie: Be careful not to hit the core!!!
Silveira: Miss me you fools. You can't hit the broadside of a planet.
Kel: Not trying to get out of the fun are you Lieutenant?
Tark’iqbar: Response (if any)
The next time she popped her head up, she returned fire, her shot dropping one of the Jem’Hadar soldiers near Tark’iqbar, but they were starting to approach the three officers.
MacKenzie: If anyone has any bright ideas, now is the time…
Yellir: I have an idea! Get ready to run VERY fast!
Addison didn’t have to see the Yelikan to know what she had in mind – it was the only tool they had at their immediate disposal that guaranteed the results they needed. Once they struck one of the coolant pipes, it would liquidate any organic material it came in contact with.
The trick was making sure that it wasn’t any of their organic material.
Silveira: Oh boy
Kel: The best plans always start with run.
Addison already started to map her pathway toward the nearest exit before Hallia vocalized the plan, who had to yell just to be heard over the weapons discharge.
Yellir: See those coolant pipes? A blast on setting 8 of our phasers would be enough to poke a hole! After I shoot, we need to run as fast as we can to that exit!
Silveira: Suppressing fire.
Kel: I sure hope we don’t blow up engineering.
MacKenzie: Worry about it later. Just head for the door.
Addison could see Hallia raise her arm and knew it was time to get out. Turning, she started to head for the door when heard the sound of the coolant tank rupturing, sending green-brown coolant spilling out onto the deck. The smell was almost immediately bitter, and they knew time was ticking.
…Like a CloQ.
Computer: ALERT: COOLANT BREACH IN MAIN ENGINEERING. PLEASE EVECUATE IMMEDIATELY.
Yellir: GO GO GO.
Vitor moved from his position, firing, trying to clear a way for the others. Addison continued toward the exit in a low crouch. Behind them, the weapons fire continued, striking consoles and panels around them. They only had a matter of seconds before the emergency protocols engaged, locking them in.
Silveira: C’MON, WE ARE LEAVING.
Kel: Don’t have to tell me twice!
Silveira: Hurry, I will cover you…
Yellir: Response
As they moved toward the exit, she could hear a scuffle behind them – Vitor was now wrestling with the Jem’Hadar First.
Why was it that there were always certain male members of the crew that preferred to resort to physical aggression as a means of tackling their way out of a problem?
Silveira: Hurry before it’s all sea…
Tark’iqbar: Response
She didn’t bother to turn to see what had happened. Getting into the corridor was her only focus – if they got locked into engineering, not only would they be dead, but so would their chances of liberating the Artemis, and saving the others from CloQ. She couldn’t do that if she was dead.
Silveira: You want to dance Tarkoise?
Tark’iqbar: Response
Hallia: Response
The emergency protocols came into effect, and a large blast door started descending from the ceiling.
Silveira: PULL US OUT…
Tark’iqbar: Response
She was too close to the exit to be of any use, but Kel seemed to be in the best position to render aid.
Kel: Best I can do lieutenant.
Addison turned just in time to see Kel fire, slicing the Jem’Hadar’s ketracel white tubing.
Hallia: Response
Kel: ::tsk:: I was aiming for his face.
Tark’iqbar: Response
Kel fired another shot, striking the Jem’Hadar. It seemed to be enough to deter the Jem’Hadar First, long enough for Vitor to make for the exit.
Behind him, the door was starting to close.
Kel: Come one Lieutenant. The plan was run not fight, let’s see how you sprint.
The testosterone in the room was starting to become even more stifling than the coolant quickly filling main engineering.
MacKenzie: SHUT UP AND MOVE!
Silveira/Yellir: Response
Silveira ducked under the doorway, and Kel rolled under just as the door came closed with a thud, sealing the Jem’Hadar inside. Kel hopped to his feet.
Kel: Where to next captain?
MacKenzie: Well, there are only two places from which we can control the whole ship, and we just eliminated one of those options. The bridge is our objective, but I want to get out of these EV suits and grab some real weapons.
Silveira/Yellir/Kel: Response
MacKenzie: There is still a sizable complement of Jem’Hadar on board – if there were 47 to start, and we just nuked nine in Engineering, there are still 38. Not an insignificant number.
Silveira/Yellir/Kel: Response
She took a minute to think.
MacKenzie: Computer, how many non-Jem’Hadar lifesigns are aboard the Artemis?
Computer: There are 336 non-Jem’Hadar lifesigns on board the Artemis.
Addison nodded slightly to herself.
MacKenzie: Well, at least they haven’t killed anyone yet, but I’m sure that won’t hold true for long once they figure out what just happened in Engineering. What do we think? Stop by the Security Center on Deck 8, replicate uniforms, and proceed to the bridge?
Silveira/Yellir/Kel: Response
Tag, and TBC!
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Captain Addison MacKenzie, M.D., Ph.D., FASFS
Commanding Officer
USS Artemis-A
Captains Council Member at Large
V239601AM0