Captain Addison MacKenzie - Not One to Argue ... Or Is She?
Addison MacKenzie
(( Captain’s Ready Room – Deck 1, USS Artemis-A ))
One of the privileges Addison enjoyed as the CO of the Artemis was welcoming
new officers aboard. Unfortunately, MacKenzie and Galadoran had already met
while imprisoned in a Betazoid internment camp but, now that order had been restored
to the universe, she was now free to give it an official interrogation
welcome… She always found it interesting to learn about what prompted the
officers under her command to join Starfleet, and what interests and aspirations
they have that extend beyond their service.
Coincidentally, it was also a great opportunity to make them sweat a bit.
…not that Galadorans sweat.
…did they?
Gnai spoke of its interest in exploration beyond its world and Addison spoke
candidly about how little she knew about the Galadorans in general. She found
the officer’s interest and dedication to pursuing a life outside of its world compelling,
even going so far as to have a suit crafted that enabled it to exist off-world.
Then, she took the opportunity to focus on its chosen duty post.
MacKenzie: And what of your interest in science? Do you have a
particular specialty?
Gnai: At the Academy, the focus was primarily on astrophysics. And
some basics of engineering, for the suit. ::pause:: Is this what you wanted to
know?
It was, for a surface-level answer. Addison suspected that there was likely a
deeper, more complex answer that the scientist probably assumed she was
interested in. As another scientist herself, that couldn’t have been farther
from the truth. She rocked her head back and forth, her smile replaced by a
small smirk. The red-headed CO was often fond of asking vague and open-ended
questions.
MacKenzie: I suppose so… I was more or less just wondering how you
got to be where you are. There are many things I find about your interest and
determination in joining Starfleet that I find intriguing. Was there anything
in particular that influenced your study of astrometrics?
Gnai: ::bobbing
up and down:: Ah, yes. Thank you. The stars were always something of interest,
so far away from the surface. The stories of the past of Galador were of
particular fascination... The original homeworld was torn apart by a wormhole,
and it was only through studying the stars that the second Galador was founded.
There's so much that the stars can tell, and the Federation seemed to be the
best chance to study them in great detail!
She smiled and leaned forward, once again resting her arms on the
surface of her desk. Nodding her head slowly, she appreciated that the
scientist felt comfortable to share its people’s history with her, adding
another layer of understanding to Addison’s understanding of the Galadorans.
Gnai puffed up a bit in response to her satisfaction with its answer, likely a
display of pride.
MacKenzie: Now we’re getting somewhere! I’m curious if you’ve ever
thought about what your service signifies. To others of your kind, I mean. Your
mentor obviously had a strong influence on you… Has it ever occurred to you
about what you might represent for others on your world?
Gnai: No...
not really? ::thinking:: Galadorans are not part of the Federation, so there is
not much reason for others to care about this? At least... not at the moment.
Addison rocked her head back and forth. Federation
membership might not be aspirational for the Galadorans as a people, but
certainly there would be others who were interested in exploring beyond their
own corner of the galaxy. If it could be true for Gnai, after all, it’s likely
that it was not alone.
MacKenzie: But I’m sure you can’t be the only one interested in
exploration.
There seemed to be a moment of contemplation for
the scientist. Addison sat back in her chair, resting her clasped hands in her
lap as it considered its answer.
Gnai: ::slowly and carefully:: There is not a drive to
go off and pursue individual goals in Galadoran society, sir. It isn't discouraged,
but there's just... not very many who are interested in such things. Galador II
is very safe and comfortable and it takes a lot of work for it to remain as
such. ::pause:: Most others are committed to that, and would see leaving such
safety and comfort as the actions of an eccentric.
Her eyes narrowed as she once again placed her arms on the surface of her desk
and leaned forward. Shifting between the two postures wasn’t unusual for
Addison, particularly when she felt there was an opportunity to dig deeper.
MacKenzie: You mean to tell me that you are so far an outlier among your
people that the others on your world wouldn’t see what you’re doing as
something to aspire to?
Gnai: Response
Her eyebrows raised in skepticism as her arms crossed over her chest and she once
again sat back in her chair.
MacKenzie: Well, I think you’re underestimating what your joining Starfleet
signifies for the others. It only takes one, after all.
Gnai: Response
She raised her arms slightly with her palms toward the ceiling, resigned to not
belittle the point further.
MacKenzie: You know your people better than I do – who am I to argue?
Gnai: Response
Addison’s posture relaxed a bit.
MacKenzie: So, how are you enjoying your time on the Artemis?
Gnai: Response
Tag, and TBC!
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Captain Addison MacKenzie, M.D., Ph.D., FASFS
Commanding Officer
USS Artemis-A
Captains Council Member at Large
V239601AM0