Fleet Captain Addison MacKenzie - Consequences of Indecision
Addison MacKenzie
MacKenzie sat across from the tactical officer who stood leaning against the mahogany end of a bookcase nestled in the stacks of the ship's library. There was obviously something on her mind, but MacKenzie didn't know the woman well enough to intuit what it might be. Instead, she opted to let the silence of the room coax whatever might be hiding in the light into being.
Storm: When you were CMO, did you or even now, do you ever have misgivings about having to shoot someone? Even if it was on stun?
Addison's brow raised slightly, a bit surprised by the question.
MacKenzie: Are we talking from an ethical perspective?
Storm: … Mostly.
For whatever reason, Addison felt the need to reach back and adjust the tightness of the knot that held her hair in a ponytail.
MacKenzie: Well, I suppose the first thing I'd say is that the ethics of being a doctor don't simply disappear because one is no longer assigned to that particular duty post. The other thing I'd say is that there have been several instances in my career where I was faced with a singular decision: them, or me. And in every instance, I always chose me. The alternative was never an option.
Storm: Was that your intent when you went into each situation?
Her eyes narrowed slightly at the question. Intentionality had a lot of definitions, and often didn't give a damn about ethics.
MacKenzie: I was once kidnapped and tortured by the Tal Shiar... Let me tell you, if I'd have had a phaser - or any other kind of blunt object, for that matter - there would have been nothing stopping me from beating them to within an inch of their lives. (beat) Maybe beyond.
The tactical officer's shoulders dropped as Addison laid out the story as matter-of-factly as it read in her service record. The incident wasn't classified, nor was it hidden, though it went to show how few officers bothered to look up info on their commanding officers... Perhaps tales of airlockings was all they needed to know... And maybe she was okay with that.
Storm: I am having a hard time finding the right words for such a weighty situation.
Addison's lips pulled slightly to one side, but her expression remained otherwise unchanged.
MacKenzie: There's nothing to say, really... It happened. There's nothing you or I can change about it, though I will say it's certainly altered my perspective on a lot of things.
She could see Alex’s face move through several emotions as her eyes, brows, and lips all moved at various moments while she was processing what MacKenzie put on the table. After a moment, she exhaled and stood a little taller before finally meeting the CO's eyes once again.
Storm: I have no words for what you’ve been through. But may I ask a related and practical question?
She offered a soft smile, raised her hands as if to say "what harm could it do," and then pushed her back flush with the rear of the chair.
MacKenzie: Go for it.
Storm: Lt. Cole and I are getting ready to run a training scenario relatively soon. We are still finalizing the details. Once we’re satisfied with our plan, we’ll bring it to Commander Silveira for approval - once he’s back.
Alex released her arms from behind her and let her hands fall to her sides, slipping them into the pockets of her dress. MacKenzie raised her eyebrows, wondering if the woman was done.
MacKenzie: ...That wasn't a question.
She offered a smile. It wasn't a jab, merely an invitation that the woman could and should feel free to continue.
Storm: So, if you were in that training scenario, would you hesitate to shoot someone on an opposing team - even on stun?
MacKenzie: No.
The answer was direct and matter-of-fact.
MacKenzie: But, if I was at a different point in my career, I might have acted differently... (beat) Before I had a very real understanding of what the consequences of inaction could entail.
Storm: Response
The commanding officer crossed her right leg over her left at the knee and proceeded to bob her right foot up and down.
MacKenzie: Why do you ask?
Storm: Response
MacKenzie planted both feet on the floor and once again opened her hands akin to extending an invitation.
MacKenzie: So tell me what this training scenario is about, then.
Storm: Response
Tag, and TBC!
Commanding Officer
USS Artemis-A