| ‘Chez Sandrine’s Advice Clinic’ Captain_Crystal “Computer, run program Paris3.” “Acknowledged.” Captain Kathryn Janeway stepped into the smoke-filled bar Sandrine called home. “Mon Capitan! Welcome to Chez Sandrine’s,” Sandrine said with her thick French accent. Sandrine studied her face a moment and seemed to understand why she was there. “You look troubled, My Dear. Come sit. Tell me what is bothering you.” “Am I that obvious?” “Only to someone who has been through heartbreak one too many times. It is about a man that has you troubled, hmm?” Kathryn took a seat at the bar next to Sandrine. “Yeah.” “Come, tell Sandrine what happened.” “Well, I wanted to tell him that I loved him on the bridge, when we got home. But I couldn’t leave hints. He could try to push me into a relationship sooner than that. I can’t tell him. But I think I’m going to lose him.” “How?” Sandrine asked. “He went on a date with Seven.” “Seven? What a peculiar name.” “It’s a nickname. Her real name is Annika Hanson. But her friends call her Seven.” “Annika? She came to talk to me about a week ago. She was talking about exploring her humanity.” “What did you tell her?” “I told her to do what she needed to do, but not to pressure the young gentleman into something he did not want.” “He was that gentleman.” “The another odd name? Mr. Chakotay? This is who it is all about? So you came for my advice?” “Yeah.” “Well,” Sandrine said as she picked up her black drink tray. “You must do what your heart tells you. Trust me, it will never guide you wrong.” “I don’t know how to listen to my heart anymore.” “It is easy. Let Sandrine help you. Close eyes! Now, think of perfection. Think of, pure happiness. Think of what you want in life. After the Delta Quadrant. What do you see?” “I see me, and little kids all around the dinner table. There’s an empty chair across from me. Chakotay is walking in the door and kissing me on the cheek. He also pets the dog on the head. She’s very pregnant too.” Kathryn opened her eyes and took a deep breath. “Wow.” “You have just listened to your heart. It showed you want you want to see. A family. A Husband who loves you. A pregnant dog. Perfection. Now you must do what you can to get that joy. It will not be placed in your lap. You must reach for it, and take it out of Annika’s child hands. YOU must take the initiative.” “Thank you, Sandrine,” Kathryn said walking toward the exit. “You are very welcome, Mon Capitan. Please come and tell me how it goes.” “I will. Goodnight.” “I hope it works out for her,” Sandrine grinned as she went back to wiping the tables. End- ~October 2002~ |