Fleet Captain Addison MacKenzie - Soothed Awkwardness

[Addison MacKenzie]

(( Arboretum – First Promenade, Deck 225, Deep Space 224 ))

 

The commanding officer of the Artemis had, along with its Chief Science Officer, withstood about as much awkward conversation as the two of them could muster. After remarking about their preference for the arboretum on the station versus the ship, conversing about a new project one of their scientists would be proposing, and engaging in small talk regarding their respective plans for shore leave, and the commanding officer’s intention to attend a gathering thrown by Lieutenant Sadar. After they’d run out of other topics and the palpable apprehension really hadn’t lifted between them, Addison felt compelled to call the duck a duck.

 

MacKenzie: I don’t know if you’ve noticed this, Commander, but the crew has a way of clamoring up anytime I walk into a room when they’re not on duty…

 

She offered a friendly smile, as she was sure the comment drawing direct attention to their current situation was likely to cause Jovenan to become more tense than she already was.

 

Jovenan: I- is that so, sir? Maybe they won’t if you are just one among the guests at Doctor Sadar’s party.

 

Addison rocked her head back and forth from side to side.

 

MacKenzie: Well, if you don’t think Lieutenant Sadar would be too uncomfortable…

 

Judging by the look on Jovenan’s face, the scientist had realized what MacKenzie already knew – there was no way out that pleased everyone.

 

Jovenan: She will be a bit awkward for sure, but that doesn’t mean she won’t appreciate the gesture, and it would help her to become more comfortable with your presence.

  

MacKenzie: You are quite correct about that… And maybe you’re right – it would be good to stop by and show support, even if only briefly.

 

Jovenan: Yes. And I would imagine her nephew would appreciate meeting the Commanding Officer as well. Or have you met him already?

Addison pursed her lips slightly and shook her head again.

 

MacKenzie: I haven’t had the pleasure. Have you?

 

Jovenan: I haven’t yet, but I’m looking forwards to it. ::pause:: Having a family aboard must mean a great deal to Doctor Sadar, but to be honest, I would be a very concerned of their safety, especially after, well…

 

The commanding officer was well aware of the Chief Science Officer’s implication. Frontier Day was not only a tragedy, but it affirmed that the Federation (and the galaxy at large) was vulnerable – susceptible to danger – and one didn’t need to be in a remote corner of the universe to be in harm’s way… But you certainly could be on a starship. It was hardly the best place for a child, but MacKenzie wasn’t a parent, and she wasn’t responsible for making that kind of decision. There were children on the Artemis, yes, but not many, and each of them had parents serving in Starfleet who had weighed their options and made the difficult choice to accept the risk of bringing their child on board.

 

MacKenzie: It’s a dangerous universe out there…

 

Jovenan: You’re right, sir. Well, let’s hope he doesn’t get bored either, then. ::shrugs:: There aren’t many children on the Artemis.

 

Addison smiled slightly.

 

MacKenzie: That is neither your problem, nor mine. If Lieutenant Sadar can’t keep her child out of trouble, well, I can only imagine the implications. She might twist her mood ring so hard she takes her finger right off her hand…

 

Jovenan: Response

 

The red-headed CO of the Artemis smiled softly and returned her gaze to the brook that babbled beneath them.

 

MacKenzie: I quite like this spot. I don’t know that it’ll replace Molly Malone’s as my go-to spot as soon as I get off the ship, but this is quite a peaceful bit of green space. You almost forget you’re on a starbase.

 

Jovenan: Response

 

MacKenzie knocked softly several times on the handrailing of the wooden bridge before turning to face Jovenan once more.

 

MacKenzie: About time I be getting back to the ship. Thanks for the chat, Commander – enjoy your shore leave.

 

Jovenan: Response (if any)

 

 

 

[Tag, and 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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