Fleet Captain Addison MacKenzie - Terms of Service

[Addison MacKenzie]

(( Arboretum – First Promenade, Deck 225, Deep Space 224 ))

 

In all her years of service spent in the Borderlands and her frequent trips to Deep Space 224, Addison had never taken the opportunity to spend time in the base’s vast Arboretum. In the wake of the Frontier Day Massacre, the commanding officer of the Artemis hadn’t allowed herself much time off – there was first the autopsying and cataloging of the dead, followed by the massive shifts in personnel to try to staff ships back to a percentage of what their crew complements had been before the attack by the Borg. Now, however, with things finally back to normal and the Artemis back to its routine patrol in the Borderlands, Addison promised herself that she’d give herself permission to exhale from time to time.

 

As MacKenzie entered the Arboretum, she smiled as the warm, slightly humid climate established for the various plantlife that resided here hit her skin. She strolled along slowly, taking time to observe, read about, and admire the flora from the Borderlands and beyond, each plant having a unique origin story. She appreciated the vibrant colors and scents and, after having spent so much time in the Borderlands during her service, often had a vivid memory associated with a given plant’s world of origin.

 

Walking along the path, she eventually came to a small wooden bridge that overlooked a small artificial stream cutting through an exhibit dedicated to the various flora from Ba’ku. The landscape was lush with tall deciduous trees and beautiful flowers. As MacKenzie walked along the bridge, she spied one of the senior officers of the Artemis staff, leaning against the railing admiring the sounds of the stream as it babbled underneath.

 

Addison offered the Edo scientist a smile as she walked up, clasped her hands, and leaned her arms against the bridge’s railing as well. After a moment of shared silence, Addison leaned toward Jovenan.

 

MacKenzie: You know, I’ve been on this base countless times and this is my first time visiting the Arboretum.

 

Jovenan: Response

 

MacKenzie: Do you visit often?

 

Jovenan: Response

 

Addison smiled, her gaze once again returning to the brook beneath them. The flow of the water seemed to be just right – the sound was soothing without being obtrusive, just enough to center one’s thoughts without being a distraction.

 

MacKenzie: So, how are you finding your service on the Artemis, Commander?

 

Jovenan: 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

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