Fleet Captain Addison MacKenzie - Concerning People
Addison MacKenzie
(( Captain’s Ready Room – Deck 1, USS Artemis-A ))
Addison sat across from one of the Artemis’s most recent transfers. Lieutenant Vailani Zoyara was hardly new to the ship – she’d started her career serving on the Luna-class vessel nearly two years before, serving for a short time before transferring to the Ronin and quickly ascending through the ranks. Now, she found herself back on the Artemis to take over the role of Chief of Operations. With the formalities of the paperwork out of the way, it was time to play a bit of catching up… The last time the pair had seen one another, the circumstances were less than ideal.
MacKenzie: I assume you remember where everything is?
Vailani: I can probably find my way around.
MacKenzie offered a smirk and a slight nod.
MacKenzie: Hopefully things are a little less exciting
around here than the last time we ran into one another…
Vailani: I hope so too, Captain.
Addison passed over a PADD.
MacKenzie: There are some new faces in the department, and several that
have left since you were last aboard.
She figured that probably went without saying – the fleet on the
whole lost a massive number of officers after the attempted assimilation of
Starfleet. That there would be people lost and people gained as a result likely
went without saying, and Addison didn’t feel the need to belabor the point as
Vailani reviewed the material.
MacKenzie: I’m curious… How do you feel about your ability to lead those
who may have been in the department longer than you but not progressed through
the ranks as fast as you have?
It was a pointed question, one that immediately forced the Ops Chief’s eyes to
raise and meet hers. That was as intended, though, and a very legitimate
concern from the captain’s perspective. The role of a department chief was as
much, if not more, about leadership style than it was about competence in the
duty post. The ability to lead and manage officers who might harbor a grudge
was a very real possibility facing the Bajoran woman.
Vailani: :: takes a considered breath :: I may not have decades of
experience but I've applied myself in all areas. In the few years I've been in
Starfleet, I've made it my mission to be exposed to all departments in one way
or another. Because I want to be the best that I can be. I know that my
leadership abilities may be untested, and perhaps I'm more … decisive than
most. Being on the Ronin, with Captain Niac, and the conflict with Lattice
Alliance, that taught me more than I expected about people. To listen, be
patient or stern as required by the circumstances. And that's how I expect to
run my department.
Addison raised an eyebrow.
MacKenzie: Even those who felt they may have been overlooked for this
job?
The Bajoran released an audible breath.
Vailani: Their personal feelings, whilst
important to them, have no bearing on my capability to run the department as
long as they perform their duties. Of course if you have any advice, I'd be
eager to hear it?
Vailani leaned forward expecting some kernel of wisdom from
MacKenzie. MacKenzie, in response, leaned back in her chair and thought for a moment.
MacKenzie: They’ll pay attention to how you lead, so lead how you’d want
to be led. And remember that you can’t please everyone.
Vailani: Thank you, Captain. I'll keep that in mind.
Addison nodded thoughtfully, hoping that the advice was as helpful as the
junior officer might be expecting.
MacKenzie: Anything on your mind before I turn you to the wolves?
Vailani: I feel I have to ask. Is there a particular person that I have
to be concerned about sir?
MacKenzie raised an eyebrow. The question was unexpected, though she quickly scanned
the database of faces that lived in her brain, trying to recall if anyone would
stick out as a red flag.
MacKenzie: I suppose it’s hard for me to say – I guess in many
instances, you know some of these people far better than I do, given how
closely you would have served with them last time you were aboard…
Vailani: Response
The commanding officer of the Artemis rocked her head from side to side.
MacKenzie: I suppose I should turn the question back to you, then… Is
there a particular person on the crew with whom you’re concerned about serving?
Vailani: 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