Fleet Captain Addison MacKenzie - Strategically Unavailable

[Addison MacKenzie]

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

 

It wasn’t often MacKenzie got free reign of the promenade – especially not while in uniform. If station personnel were trying to track her down to approve requisition requests or sign transfer orders, Artemis crew members would be bothering her trying to get her to take care of their own problems for them. It made shopping – or anything outside of her quarters – in solitude incredibly difficult. When on the promenade, she had precisely two settings: invisibly efficient… and strategically unavailable.

At this particular moment, she was trying to occupy a space somewhere in between. Hands clasped behind her back, she stood near the curved window of the alcove, gazing out over the docking hub… not so much admiring the view as she was intentionally being near it, the way one might conspicuously admire an abstract painting they didn’t understand but very much wanted to avoid talking to anyone while doing so.

A hover-transport freighter drifted lazily into port. The bonsai vendor across the promenade had finally stopped spraying calming pheromones into the air. For a moment—one moment—the universe offered stillness.

And then…

…a soft, polite clearing of the throat from behind her.

Bancroft: ::clearing his throat politely:: Captain MacKenzie?

Addison didn’t turn right away, but instead took one more breath before pivoting slowly, posture flawless, expression calm.

He was standing perfectly straight, somehow managing to channel both earnest Starfleet professionalism and the energy of a student hoping their science fair project wouldn’t explode during judging.

She arched one brow.

Bancroft: I know we’ve technically met – combat zones tend to rush the usual introductions. But I just wanted to say – formally, finally – Ensign Roy Bancroft, Medical Officer aboard the Artemis… reporting for duty, ma’am.

MacKenzie’s brow narrowed, her eyebrows nearly meeting in the center of her forehead. She knew who he was: the guinea pig who was either incredibly dumb or brilliant, who probably saved them all on Galaris IV. It had escaped her that they hadn’t found time for a formal introduction.

MacKenzie: Dr. Bancroft. I see you’ve discarded your cheezy poof-covered uniform. That’s good – you smelled like crap.

Bancroft: Response

She lifted her eyebrows slightly to widen her eyes just enough to feign interest in the doctor’s presence. Whether or not she was successful, she didn’t know. …nor did she care.

MacKenzie: Has your eyesight returned to normal, Doctor?

Bancroft: Response

She nodded.

MacKenzie: Very good. That was quite risky business on Galaris IV. I’m glad that you gambled and won. This time. (beat) What can I do for you?

Bancroft: Response

 

Tag, and TBC!

---

Fleet Captain Addison MacKenzie, M.D., Ph.D., FASFS
Commanding Officer
USS Artemis-A

Captains Council Member at Large

V239601AM0