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Setting those first steps aboard

Posted April 14, 2023, 12:48 p.m. by Lieutenant Thaddeus "Tad" MacKenzie (Doctor) (Brian Richards)

Posted by Ensign Rand Farquharson (Yeoman First Class) in Setting those first steps aboard

Posted by Lieutenant Thaddeus “Tad” MacKenzie (Doctor) in Setting those first steps aboard

Posted by Ensign Rand Farquharson (Yeoman First Class) in Setting those first steps aboard
Posted by… suppressed (1) by the Post Ghost! 👻
Dr. Thaddeus MacKenzie had been dreading the shuttle ride to the USS Sentinel since he received his transfer orders. He knew that space travel was never a guarantee of smooth sailing, but he was not prepared for the turbulence that awaited him. As he settled into his seat aboard the shuttle, Dr. MacKenzie found himself sitting next to a young ensign, clearly new to Starfleet and eager to make an impression. The ensign glanced over at Dr. MacKenzie, trying to strike up a conversation.

“Dr. MacKenzie, right? I’ve heard a lot about you. I’m Ensign Ramirez,” the young officer said with a bright smile.

“Ah, well, aren’t you a ray of sunshine,” Dr. MacKenzie replied sarcastically, not bothering to return the smile. “Now, if you don’t mind, I’d prefer to endure this ride in silence.”

Before Ensign Ramirez could respond, the shuttle jolted violently, tossing them in their seats. Dr. MacKenzie tightened his grip on his cane, while his prosthetic clutched the armrest.

“Apologies for the rough ride, everyone,” the shuttle pilot announced over the intercom. “We’re experiencing some unexpected turbulence due to a minor ion storm. We should be through it shortly.”

As the shuttle continued to shake and rattle, Dr. MacKenzie couldn’t help but feel a sense of unease. Ensign Ramirez, on the other hand, seemed unfazed by the turbulence, still eager to chat.

“So, Doctor, I’ve always been fascinated by medical technology,” Ensign Ramirez said, trying to shout over the noise of the rattling shuttle. “I heard you have one of the first BALP-1 prosthetic arms. How has it been working for you? I was studying the research notes right before I graduated and saw your name and picture.”

Dr. MacKenzie sighed, rolling his eyes. “It’s a work in progress, Ensign,” he replied curtly. “Now, if you don’t mind, I’m going to attempt to focus on not losing my lunch during this bumpy ride.”

Just as Dr. MacKenzie finished speaking, the shuttle jolted once more, causing a few passengers to gasp in surprise. Dr. MacKenzie clenched his jaw and muttered under his breath, “I swear, if I survive this ride, I’m never stepping foot on a shuttle again.”

Finally, after what felt like an eternity, the turbulence subsided, and the shuttle continued its journey towards the USS Sentinel. Dr. MacKenzie breathed a sigh of relief as the craft steadied itself, while Ensign Ramirez continued to chatter away, seemingly oblivious to the doctor’s disinterest. The shuttle landed as calmly as possible and as the shuttle doors opened, Dr. Thaddeus MacKenzie rose, grabbed his cane, and stepped onto the USS Sentinel, taking in the familiar hum of a starship. He gripped the antique cane firmly in his right hand, while his BALP-1 prosthetic arm hung at his side. He could feel the anxiety that came with boarding a new vessel, but he quickly reminded himself that he was here to do a job, and his reputation preceded him for whatever that may be worth.

“Welcome aboard the USS Sentinel, Dr. MacKenzie,” greeted NE Daniels. “I’ve been assigned to show you to your quarters and give you a brief tour of the ship.”

“Much obliged, Lieutenant,” Dr. MacKenzie replied gruffly, with a hint of sarcasm. “Lead the way.”

As they walked through the corridors, Dr. MacKenzie couldn’t help but notice the hustle and bustle of the ship. Crewmembers moved purposefully, working diligently to ensure the smooth operation of the vessel. Daniels pointed out various areas of interest, including the mess hall and recreation facilities. Dr. MacKenzie merely grunted in acknowledgment, more interested in the medical facilities than anything else. Upon arriving at the sickbay, Dr. MacKenzie’s eyes lit up as he surveyed the state-of-the-art equipment. He could already feel a sense of purpose and anticipation growing within him.

“I presume this is where I’ll be spending most of my time?” Dr. MacKenzie inquired, looking around the sickbay. Daniels simply nodded as he ushered the old doctor along.

“Excellent,” Dr. MacKenzie said, his tone slightly warmer than before. “I look forward to getting to work.”

With a nod, Daniels led Dr. MacKenzie to his quarters before taking his leave. As the door to his new living space closed behind him, Dr. MacKenzie couldn’t help but feel a sense of accomplishment. Despite his abrasive demeanor and troubled past, he had made it this far, and he was determined to make the most of his time on the USS Sentinel.

Dr. Tad MacKenzie

It wasn’t more than 5 minutes later the chime on his door rang. On the otherside was an ensign in a command gold dress style uniform and knee high, perfectly polished black boots. Her more auburn than brown hair was braided and coiled into a perfect bun. She carried a standard PaDD on a strap from her left shoulder with a personal communicator attached to her belt. On her right shoulder, folded into a Scottish rose was pinned a Tartan sash - Farquharson colors. It fell across her back and was held to her left waist with her belt.

Yeoman Rand

Having just settled into his quarters and eager to catch a break, Dr. MacKenzie was interrupted by the chime on his door. He grumbled under his breath and reluctantly called out, “Come in.”

The door slid open, revealing the aforementioned ensign in a command gold dress style uniform and knee-high, perfectly polished black boots. Pinned to her right shoulder – the Farquharson colors, a clan long considered an enemy of the MacKenzies. He couldn’t help but raise an eyebrow at the sight.

His gaze lingering on her sash, Dr. MacKenzie remarked, “Well, isn’t this just grand?” sarcastically. “A Farquharson at my door.” After a slight pause, “What can I do for you?”

–Dr. MacKenzie–

Rand was totally taken aback by the comment. Surely…surely not? Rand knew her clan history of course, but they were officers. Such private matters had no place on duty. She took a half step back before she caught herself, took a breath, and the shy, socially anxious yeoman made herself meet his gaze. “Ensign Miranda Farquharson, Lt. Captain’s yeoman.” She held out a previously unnoticed second PaDD to him. “I was instructed to drop this off to you. Crew manifest, duty rosters, ship procedures, your duty shifts, ship schedule, and the like. I was also instructed to make sure your quarters were satisfactory and requisition anything you might need.” She didn’t need to ask if Daniels gave him a tour, she knew he would have. He often helped her with new crew and she never had to worry if he forgot anything.

Yeoman Rand

Thaddeus regarded Ensign Farquharson for a moment, understanding that his earlier remark had caught her off guard. He took the PaDD from her, nodding gruffly but making an effort to be kinder.

“Thank you, Ensign Farquharson,” he said, his voice a bit softer than before. “My quarters are satisfactory, and I don’t believe I need anything else at the moment. I appreciate your diligence in making sure I have everything I need.” He paused, briefly acknowledging their shared history. “Let’s put any past clan conflicts aside. It’s been over a thousand years right?” Tad said trying to make sure she understood he was attempting to joke even if it was blatant it hadn’t landed properly. “We’re both here to serve Starfleet, and that’s what matters.” With a small nod, he added, ” I’m sure that you’re doing a fine job as the captain’s yeoman.”

– Dr. MacKenzie –


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