Fleet Captain Addison MacKenzie - Childbirth
Addison MacKenzie
(( Captain's Ready Room - USS Artemis ))
For not
the first time, Sam Richards once again sat across the desk from Captain
MacKenzie. This time, however, she was here to report as an official member of
the crew. The civilian scientist had been originally stationed on Amity Station
but, due to her recent family-planning, decided that it was time to seek
a position that was a little closer to home. Amity’s loss would likely be their
gain, though that would be for Lieutenant Commander Jovenan to decide.
MacKenzie: So, have you given any thought about to which department
you’d like to be assigned? I don’t recall offhand what your area of scientific
expertise is.
Richards: Planetary Science,
but I do have experience with Botany and Astrometrics.
MacKenzie smiled and nodded.
MacKenzie: I’m sure Commander Jovenan will appreciate the assistance.
I’m also curious how you feel about serving here as a civilian alongside the
other enlisted crew members. If I’m honest, this is a new situation for me,
considered largely because of your ::gesturing to her stomach:: unique
circumstances.
Richards: ::Pursing her lips
to the side:: To be completely transparent, I am a little nervous
about all of it. It’s going to be an adjustment not having a herd of civilians
near me, but I think it’ll all be okay. If it’s not– you’ll be the first to
hear about it.
MacKenzie rocked her
head from side to side. Perhaps not the first – Jovenan would likely be the
first point of contact for any disgruntled member of the science department,
but whatever difficulty she couldn’t get sorted out would likely fall on Dakora’s
desk, undoubtedly a sticky situation. The final buck, she figured, would likely
sit with MacKenzie.
Richards dropped her hands to her stomach but kept her eyes fixed on MacKenzie.
Richards: When it comes to– ::pointing at her stomach:: -these unique circumstances… This is all new territory for me too. I will do everything in my ability to be a helpful part of the crew until the babies arrive. After I get to spend some time with them and adjust to parenthood, I plan to report back to work as soon as I am able.
MacKenzie: How soon after are
you anticipating resuming your duties?
She was familiar with the stresses of childbirth, especially under less
than ideal circumstances. While expecting mothers generally had high
expectations when it came to assuming what they would be willing and able to do
after giving birth, the reality was that the body generally needed more time to
heal than they expected.
Ricards: I think taking it day by day is going to be our best bet.
Richards offered MacKenzie
a grateful smile and MacKenzie nodded in response.
MacKenzie: Probably for the best.
Richards: I would like to know what expectations you have for me. I have a great deal of respect for you and the last thing I want is to disappoint you.
Addison lifted her hands slightly and dropped them in their lap as though she was releasing something she’d been holding onto.
MacKenzie: I don’t think you need to worry so much about disappointing me so much as about doing a good job, of which I’m sure you’re capable.
Richards: Response
MacKenzie: That said, while you’re
not a Starfleet officer, you are serving on a Starfleet ship and as such I
expect that you’ll conduct yourself accordingly both on and off the ship. Your
service here, despite not being a commissioned officer, makes you a
representative of this ship and, by extension, me… And I’m sure that in
talking with my first officer, you are well aware that I hold pretty high
standards for those that serve under my command.
She lowered her head slightly, looking out at Richards.
Richards: Response
MacKenzie smiled and nodded.
MacKenzie: Then no doubt we’ll be in good shape. I’d like to think that
if nothing else, I’m a reasonable person, even if half of the crew thinks I’d
gladly airlock them on a moment’s notice.
Richards: Response
She raised her hands slightly.
MacKenzie: So, is there anything else I can do for you?
Richards: 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