Fleet Captain Addison MacKenzie - Relentless

[Addison MacKenzie]

(( Second Promenade, Upper Level, Observation Alcove - Deep Space 224 ))

  

MacKenzie: Is that why they call you crashcart?

 

Bancroft: Oh, no ma’am – that particular honorific has a much more frightening origin story. If you ever want to hear it, I recommend bringing tea. Or something stronger.

Her face was as still as a statue. Not even a single blink of her eyes gave anything away about the charm her new medical officer was trying to lay on. Whatever she was thinking, amusement was likely far from her mind. Her gaze lingered again until finally she blinked. Whatever he was after, she needed him to get to the point.

 

MacKenzie: I’m a busy person, Ensign… Even if I did have the time, what makes you think I would take any interest in this?

 

Bancroft: ::forthright:: I’m relentlessly curious and relentlessly coachable, Captain. I’ll put in the work to absorb everything you teach, then use it to deliver results that reflect well on both of us. In short, mentoring me is an investment with a guaranteed return: your time comes back multiplied in impact, insight, and legacy – for you and for the Artemis. 

 

The surgeon turned Chief Medical Officer turned Flag Officer once again held her face still, save for the movement of the slight narrowing of her eyes. Morgan was the last one she’d mentored… or, at least, the last one who proved himself worthy of being talked about… and though she’d never admit it, there was a degree of intrigue in his proposal. Where, though, was she to find time for the endeavor? She couldn’t even manage a stroll on the promenade in peace…

 

MacKenzie: And exactly how do you see this working…?

Bancroft: ::measured:: Respectfully, ma’am – on your terms. Whether that’s a standing fifteen minutes on the duty roster, the occasional observation in Sickbay, or simply an unstructured discussion when our paths cross. My only request is the opportunity to learn, improve, and put that improvement to work aboard the Artemis.

 

MacKenzie’s face held steady for the final time, until eventually her head dropped in a bit of a nod.

 

MacKenzie: I will consider your request, and will inform you of my decision, Doctor. (beat) …if there’s nothing else?

 

Bancroft: ::nodding:: Understood, ma’am. I appreciate your consideration – and apologize for intruding on your personal time. With your permission and my thanks, I’ll leave you in peace.

There was a slight hesitation, and then once again, the doctor persisted.

Bancroft: Oh, and… there may be a small decorative bonsai delivered to you in the next day or two. Consider it a thank you for your time ::a beat:: unless you hate bonsais – in which case, I will not rest until I uncover the culprit.

 

She nodded slightly.

MacKenzie: We shall know when it arrives, Doctor Bancroft.

 

Finally, as the doctor turned and started to walk away from her, she finally thought she was left in peace, though something in her compelled her to call after him.

 

MacKenzie: Oh, and Doctor… ::her eyes widened in a slightly intimidating fashion:: Relentless is also a verb that many have used to describe me, as well. Go in peace.

 

She nodded to him and returned her gaze to the viewport.

 

 

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

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