Fleet Captain Addison MacKenzie - Little Avian Delicacies
Addison MacKenzie
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Captain’s Log, Stardate 240112.20
While trying to discreetly recover the crew and wreck of the freighter Tritorian that crashed on
Ura Neteos III, we were unable to avoid making first contact with the Meirashi
– the race indigenous to the planet. After a series of interesting encounters
with them, several of which included minor injuries to members of the crew, we
actually made a series of fascinating discoveries…
While the Tritorian’s crash was unintended, its destination was
definitively Ura Neteos III, where it was to deliver badly needed medical
supplies to the locals who had been suffering from long-term radiation sickness.
This was especially true of one of the local sect’s leaders, the Grand
Rishe, who had declined into a state of near delirium. After coming to an
understanding with the Rishe’s advisers, we were able to render medical assistance
and made another intriguing discovery: the Tritorian wasn’t the first
ship to impose on the locals – an Orion ship had also crashed on the planet at
one point, and part of its remains were responsible for creating the radiation
that had been plaguing the planet for generations. Furthermore, one of the Orions,
a woman, had become an idol for a sect of locals who referred to her as their Empress.
The crew of the Artemis has recovered the wreckage from the Tritorian
and will be working with the freighter’s rescued crew member to complete an investigation
about what caused it to crash on the surface. In the meantime, I have ordered us
back to Deep Space 224 – our base of operations in the Borderlands. Due to our
last several missions and the extended service in the wake of the Frontier Day
Massacre, we’ve not had the opportunity for several of our newest crewmembers
to orient themselves with a space that has become a second home to those who
have served together from the days of the Resolution and Excalibur, including,
among other things, the many social spaces. There has been a particular spot I
have been looking forward to revisiting for quite some time now…
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(( Molly Malone’s Irish Pub – Deck 225, Deep Space 224 ))
As the commanding officer of the Artemis walked into the pub, the
familiar sights and smells of the greasy spoon immediately caused her mouth to
start watering. Smirking to herself, she approached the bar and had a seat at
one of the padded stools as she ran her hands over the bar’s sleek polished oak
surface. Dressed in civilian clothing – a nondescript black blouse and
matching slacks – she looked forward to blending in with the local crowd for a
moment. Having caught the attention of an attractive Trill bartender – he must
be new, she didn’t recognize him – she offered a small wave and a friendly
smile.
Barkeep: Do you need a menu?
She waved her hand dismissively in front of her face. While the gesture was
meant to wave off the idea, it likely came across as though she was trying to
fan away an undesirable smell. Welcome back to DS 224.
MacKenzie: Not my first rodeo – I’ll take an Irish Coffee and an order
of chicken wings in your garlic parmesan sauce.
He flashed a quick smile and a nod, moving back toward the terminal to input
the order. Addison, in the meantime, was concerned she might start drooling all
over the bar – the mere mention of one of her favorite menu items forced her
salivary glands into overdrive. She reached for the napkin dispenser and pulled
several from the holster, strategically positioning them in front of her in case
any saliva involuntarily escaped from her mouth.
While she was waiting for her food, she took an opportunity to admire the bar.
In reality, it was nothing special to look at – there were bars just like it
all over Earth and certainly across the galaxy – but this particular place had
become a defining point of interest, and comfort, to Addison throughout her
time in service to the Borderlands.
The bartender reappeared with a steaming mug and, when he placed it on the bar,
Addison nodded her appreciation. Her hands immediately went to the sides of the
mug, and then she closed her eyes and brought her face very close to it, inhaling
the smell of the beverage. The warmth from the mug seemed to re-energize her
after what was unarguably a long time away.
Smiling to herself, she sat back up and swiped her index finger through the
dollop of whipped cream that sat perched on top of the liquid, leaving a noticeable
indent behind. She placed the whipped cream on her tongue, and nodded satisfactorily,
before picking up the mug and drawing the first swig of comforting liquid.
Another nod.
No sooner did she place the mug back on the bar, the barkeep reappeared
carrying a basket of deliciously golden wings. He offered her another smile.
Barkeep: Here you go, ma’am.
He walked away to go mind other patrons, and her brow furrowed slightly, her
face momentarily deflated.
MacKenzie: ::quietly:: Ma’am?
The crow’s feet around her eyes must be deepening.
Sure, that was it.
She shrugged off the comment dismissively, grateful to have the crispy little
avian delicacies in front of her, as much as she was the solitude of the space.
Picking one of the flats up, she smirked as she could feel a combination of sauce
and grease coat her fingers. She raised the flat to her face and inhaled the smell,
appreciating the blend of spice and cheese that made up the sauce which seemed
to cling to the wings in just the right amount. Yes, this had been a long time
coming, and she had earned this after all she’d been through.
She closed her eyes, willing her taste buds to be singularly responsible for the
enjoyment.
Just as she was about to take a bite, there was a voice from behind her.
Lyara: Response
Addison opened her eyes and the smirk quickly fell from her face as she stared
forward.
Maybe if she chose not to answer, she could pretend she wasn’t the commanding
officer of the Artemis for ten minutes.
She took a quick breath in through her nose and plastered on a smile before swiveling
in her chair to face the Bajoran woman.
MacKenzie: Ensign – fancy running into you here. Welcome to Molly Malone’s.
Is this your first time?
Lyara: Response
Addison gestured to the empty barstool next to her.
MacKenzie: Won’t you join me?
Lyara: Response
Tag, and TBC!
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Fleet Captain Addison
MacKenzie, M.D., Ph.D., FASFS
Commanding Officer
USS Artemis-A
Captains Council Member at Large
V239601AM0