Commander Addison MacKenzie - Honoring Traditions (Part 2)

[Addison MacKenzie]

(( State Dining Room, Central Government Facilities, Tecra Province ))

With the ribbons distributed to the crew, the first part of their recognition had concluded. On the table, three more wooden boxes still remained. Addison took a deep breath through her nose and released it slowly as she used the opportunity to scan the faces of her senior staff - some seasoned, and some brand new. When her lungs were empty, she straightened her dress jacket and reached for the first box.

MacKenzie: Ensign Jovenan, please step forward.

She watched as the Edo woman scooted back in her chair and moved to stand in front of MacKenzie.

MacKenzie: Ensign, during your time on the Excalibur and now on the Artemis, you have proven that you are able to think quickly on your feet in a tense situation, you have made significant contributions to our science department, and you have proven to me that you have always acted with Starfleet ideals in mind. It is my privilege as your commanding officer to promote you to the rank of Lieutenant Junior Grade.

Addison removed the hollow pip from her collar and affixed it to the blond woman’s collar, before smiling and beginning to clap.

Jovenan/Any: Response

When Jovenan returned to her seat, she scanned the crowd for her next victim, then reached for another box.

MacKenzie: Doctor Jones, step forward.

As Jones moved from his chair, she thought about the previous interactions she’d had with the doctor. During their service together, she’d formed several strong opinions about the officer, many of which were solidified as she interacted with him on Tecra.

MacKenzie: Doctor, you have demonstrated in your care for this crew that you are a capable physician. During our latest visit to Tecra, I was able to see your surgical skills in action. And, we are all the beneficiaries of the work that you did devising a plan to counteract the toxin that impacted so many of the Da’al and several of our own. As such, I hereby promote you to the rank of Lieutenant Junior Grade.

She removed the hollow pip from the box and affixed it to his collar, nodded to him, and started to clap.

Jones/Any: Response

When the doctor returned to his seat, only one box remained on the table.

MacKenzie: Lieutenant Dakora.

She took another breath through her nose as the Betazoid Intelligence Chief made his way to the front of the room. The two had seen far more of one another lately than she felt comfortable with - from being taken hostage by Klingons and having to escape no uncertain danger, to navigating the mess of a situation on Meranuge. She’d also trusted him to discreetly investigate the possibility that the meteor strike had been intentional.

When Dakora arrived in front of her, she started nodding.

MacKenzie: Lieutenant, we have not always seen eye to eye… ::she paused, reflecting on their encounter with a Horgh’an:: but in your service to the Excalibur and now the Artemis, I have learned that you are not only dependable, but also resourceful, efficient, discreet when you need to be, and someone who can be trusted with any matter that I bring to your attention. Your performance on this ship has been exceptional, and it is with this in mind that I hereby promote you to the rank of Lieutenant Commander.

She removed the hollow pip from the box and affixed it to his collar, smiled, and started the round of applause.

Dakora/Any: Response

When Dakora moved back to his seat, Addison reached forward and picked up the glass of wine that had been patiently waiting for her, and raised the glass as she addressed those before her.

MacKenzie: I want to extend my personal thanks and congratulations to all of you for a job well done on our first mission. The circumstances were far from ideal, and your performance proved to me that you are some of the best in Starfleet. Cheers.

She raised her glass once more, then took a sip from it before returning it to the table.

MacKenzie: Now, I’m hungry, and I think we’ve all waited long enough. Let’s eat.

Any: Response

(OOC: As I mentioned before, feel free to break into smaller groups and keep the scene going!)

Tag, and TBC!

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Commander Addison MacKenzie, M.D., Ph.D., FASFS

Commanding Officer

USS Artemis-A

Captains Council Magistrate

V239601AM0