JP: Fleet Captain Addison MacKenzie and Lieutenant Vitor Silveira: A Long Time Coming
Addison MacKenzie
Fleet Captain MacKenzie sat behind her ready room desk rolling her fingers repeatedly on its cool metal surface, their pattern suggesting both annoyance and nervous anticipation as her gaze shifted between the wooden box on the corner of her desk and the door. Time, as they say, was of the essence - she was being temporarily reassigned, with Starfleet Medical telling her to effectively get her ass on a shuttle immediately, and there were some administrative loose ends that needed tied up on the Artemis before she could just leave…
Vitor was surprised by Zie’s summon. He knew the new XO had arrived but he didn’t have a chance to meet her.
He was the oldest one serving with Zie, he risked thinking they had a good relationship, so maybe she might be calling him about that.
Or worse. About Gila. He stopped by her door and hit the chime, waiting for her permission to enter.
When the door chime finally rang, she sat up straight in her chair and hollered at the door.
MacKenzie: Come in!
Vitor stepped inside, nodding and smiling at her.
Zie’s expression wasn't exactly a friendly one.
Something was bothering her, and he fully understood why.
Trying to bring her a little of his trademark optimism he stopped in front of her desk, setting his hands on the chair.
Silveira: Captain, you rang?
Her eyes narrowed slightly, but the rest of her face gave nothing away.
MacKenzie: Mr. Silveira, do you always take such a relaxed posture when the commanding officer of a vessel summons you to the ready room?
That prompted an eyebrow to raise slightly, but he simply winked.
Silveira: If it’s my commanding officer who knows me for some time now, certainly.
She cocked her head slightly and made a face as though something putrid had assaulted her nostrils.
MacKenzie: Stand at attention, mister.
Vitor snapped to it even before he finished his thought, his smile vanishing from his lips.
oO What the frack? Oo
Zie always had a strict reputation. But one thing he was certain was that no matter how bad things were with her, she would lash out for no reason.
And the recent changes weren’t any good.
Gila’s… Incident had certainly taken a dent on her, as did with all of them. He was still struggling with that. And Talos departure, and his replacement arrival certainly didn’t helped her mood.
oO Don’t tell me I did overstep with the combat trainings? Oo
Silveira: Yes Captain.
MacKenzie sat back in her chair, her elbows resting on the armrests with her hands clasped in front of her face. She held the silence a moment.
MacKenzie: How long have we served together, Lieutenant?
Vitor frowned. Math was always his weak spot. How long had it been? Three? Four years?
He spoke before he could actually find the answer.
Silveira: Years Captain.
MacKenzie: And how would you describe your service during that time?
Vitor arched his eyebrow, took a deep breath and barely formatted his thoughts before speaking.
Silveira: It could, and should have been much better. Although you weren’t there you know what happened on the Resolution. We served together on the Excalibur, where I slowly tried to work on improving my performance. And since the Artemis launched I hope I have served you well. Even when it affected me deeply and personally, like when we encountered the crew from the other universe. I haven't always performed perfectly, but I hope I have learned my lesson and worked to improve myself.
She nodded along as he recounted some of their rockier times together, but also the more positive moments of his service.
MacKenzie: There’s been a notable improvement since your time on the Artemis, don’t you think?
Silveira: I hope and believe so, Captain.
He was surprised by the conversation. If Zie was calling him out on something she wouldn’t be asking those questions.
MacKenzie: I’m inclined to agree. ::pointing to the box on the corner of her desk:: Pick it up.
Only then Vitor realized there was a box in her desk. He simply followed her orders, reaching to the box.
Silveira: This, Captain?
She nodded singularly.
MacKenzie: Open it.
He had a feeling of familiarity as he looked over it. If it wasn’t for Zie’s posture he would likely ask “Are you sure?”. But as it was he followed her orders, opened it and looked up to Zie.
As expected inside was a single half pip.
Was she demoting him?
Silveira: Is this for me?
Addison sarcastically looked around the office earnestly as though she was hoping literally anyone else might be present, until finally she sat back in her chair and shrugged in resignation.
MacKenzie: It looks like you’re the only one here.
Straight at attention he narrowed his eyes. Vitor wasn’t sure what to say. Without thinking he replied.
Silveira: I know I haven’t acted as a model officer. I know I am still too emotional in my reactions. But I am pretty sure I haven't done anything that could cause a replacement of any of my full rank pips. So this must be an addition. Are you promoting me, Captain?
MacKenzie: ::shaking her head in mock resignation:: With your recent performance, I have no choice.
Vitor looked back at the pip in the middle of the box. It's been so long…
He always thought he had burned any progression bridge, at least in the near future.
Early he had reached the rank at what can be considered a normal speed. Maybe faster, since he was demoted to JG after his court martial.
But after the Resolution, and considering how long it also took him to get back to full Lieutenant and the Chief position, he had lost hope of returning to the highest rank he once held.
Pushing those thoughts aside he nodded at Zie.
Silveira: Thank you Captain. Permission to swear? ::He paused but, being himself, he actually didn't give Zie time to properly reply:: Frack, now I have to be even more responsible…
She nodded slightly.
MacKenzie: That is what that means… Think you’re up for it?
Vitor looked back at the pip. He closed the box and returned his gaze to Zie
Silveira: I think I am.
MacKenzie: I hope you don’t mind… ::she held up her hands, gesturing to the room:: This felt more appropriate than watching you get surprised out of your skin in front of the rest of the crew…
Vitor shrugged, finally breaking attention. If he was in Zie's place he would likely have done that.
Then again…
Silveira: That could have been interesting. I do have a request though.
MacKenzie: Oh?
He smiled and shook slightly the box in his hand.
Silveira: Can I keep it for now? I will be picking up Nan and I want her to put it in my collar before we go to the ceremony. There you can announce it when you wish.
MacKenzie: It’s your pip - do what you want.
Vitor nodded and smiled at her. It had been a long journey, and Zie shared a good portion of it by now. He felt ready to keep trekking forward, with the added pip.
Silveira: Thank you again Captain.
MacKenzie: ::nodding:: Congratulations, Commander.
There wasn’t much else that needed to be spoken. He winked at Zie before turning and heading to the door. That could just be the good news he and Nan needed, considering what Gila had done.
[End Scene]
Fleet Captain Addison MacKenzie, M.D., Ph.D., FASFS
Commanding Officer
USS Artemis-A
Captains Council Member at Large
V239601AM0
&
Lt. Vitor S. Silveira
Chief Tactical Officer
USS Artemis-A, NCC-81287
O238907VS0