Captain Addison MacKenzie - Tried and Tested
Addison MacKenzie
(( Elysium – Deck 5, USS Artemis-A ))
Addison had set up a series of wooden boxes near the bar top. It wasn’t elaborate – not everything could be elaborate – besides, the last time they’d found themselves in a place able to celebrate with a bit more formality, they’d come toe-to-toe with CloQ. …Again. No, this time, it would be a far less involved ordeal. As the crew members started to file in, they started to mingle with one another around several stations with appetizers and drinks that were set up around the room.
She started taking a silent roll count in her head, looking on as they were enjoying each other’s company. When the last of the senior staff made their way inside, she waved everyone over to the bar where the various awards were ready for distribution. They gathered around her in a small semi-circle, and Dakora made his way over to where the boxes were laid out.
MacKenzie: Good evening, everyone. I hope you all had a chance to engage in some R&R while the Artemis underwent some upgrades here at DS9.
After the words left her mouth, she thought about Chevalier and Jovenan’s team, who most certainly hadn’t enjoyed their leave. Oh well – too late to take it back now.
MacKenzie: I want to thank you all for the good work you did as we were once again forced to go head-to-head with arguably the worst member of the Q Continuum. We were all put through traumatic and seemingly impossible situations, but time and time again, this crew has demonstrated persistence and perseverance, and I couldn’t be prouder to be your captain. Your resilience makes you among the finest officers in all of Starfleet.
She raised her hands and started to clap.
MacKenzie: I’m thankful to say that our next mission is going to be far less eventful – we’ve been ordered to report to Earth to participate in the 250th Frontier Day celebrations, where Command will be unveiling its new fleet formation mode. Before we get underway, I want to recognize your efforts during our last mission.
Addison picked up a box and passed it to Dakora.
MacKenzie: For your efforts in combating CloQ and all of his temporal misgivings, I hereby award everyone the Defense of Temporal Flow Ribbon.
She watched on as Talos removed the ribbons and started passing them around to all the officers. When the box was empty, she picked up another one, choosing to hold onto it herself this time.
MacKenzie: We all had experiences that weren’t ours to have – I was only a child when the Dominion War happened, and I certainly wasn’t anywhere near Betazed when that battle happened. Some of you weren’t even born. And yet, we found ourselves forced to fight for our survival. One team in particular found themselves at nearly constant confrontation with Dominion forces and, in whatever timeline we were placed, their efforts might have been responsible for changing the tide of the war. Commander Dakora, Ensign Chevalier, and Ensign Savel, I hereby award you the Silver Star.
The officers came forward to receive their ribbons.
Dakora/Chevalier/Savel: Responses
When they returned to their spots, she picked up another box, handing it to Dakora.
MacKenzie: Likewise, another of our team was held in a Betazoid penal colony for crimes against the Dominion. While we weren’t incarcerated long, the experience is one that I hope none of you ever has to experience. Or experience again. I hereby award the Prisoner of War Ribbon to Captain MacKenzie, Commander Salkath, Ensign Savel, and Ensign Gnai.
The trio joined her as Dakora handed out the ribbons to each of them.
Salkath/Savel/Gnai: Response
MacKenzie: Ensign Gnai, if you’ll wait here a moment…
Addison picked up a box and removed the ribbon from it.
MacKenzie: Though you’ve technically already earned this ribbon, as your commanding officer, I get the pleasure of officially presenting you with the Starfleet Academy Graduate Ribbon. Welcome aboard the Artemis!
Gnai: Response
MacKenzie: Today, I also have the privilege of awarding a Department Chief Ribbon. Mr. Silveira has served with distinction as our Chief of Tactical. When I first met him, he looked older than he does now – again, no thanks to CloQ – but he was also a loose cannon who jumped into situations without thinking. Now, I’m happy to say that you have matured into a fine leader whose opinion and skills I have come to value. On behalf of all of us, congratulations, Lieutenant.
Silveira: Response
All of the boxes on the bar stood empty, except for one.
MacKenzie: Mr. Savel, would you join me, please?
She waited for the Vulcan to stand opposite her.
MacKenzie: Mr. Savel, you have been a member of this crew for over a year now. In that time, I have watched you grow into an officer who balances Vulcan logic with Starfleet ideals, and whose conduct makes him clearly stand out from his fellow officers. As your captain, it is my privilege to promote you to the rank of Lieutenant JG.
She removed the hollow pip from its box, places the box on the bar top, and affixed the pip next to the solid gold one already on the Vulcan’s collar.
MacKenzie: Congratulations, Lieutenant!
Savel: Response
MacKenzie: Alright, everyone – I suggest you mingle and catch up with each other. One DS9 confirms our upgrades are complete, we’re going to set out for Earth.
Any: Response
(OOC: Feel free to break into groups, and don’t feel like you have to wrap this up quickly. Like I mentioned, we’re going to have about a week or so before the next mission kicks off, so you can continue with this scene for a few rounds in addition to wrapping up whatever else is currently in motion.)
Tag, and TBC!
Captain Addison MacKenzie, M.D., Ph.D., FASFS
Commanding Officer
USS Artemis-A
Captains Council Member at Large
V239601AM0