From: Christine Fontaine 
Date: Mon, 17 Mar 1997 21:21:29 -0500
Subject: USS CHESAPEAKE: Medical Staff Meeting

SD 90317.2120
MD 03.0855
Scene: USS CHESAPEAKE: Sickbay: Medical Conference Room (if there is such a 
										thing )
Lieutenant Commander Catherine Ledoux stood at the head of the table in the 
conference room, her fingertips lightly resting against its surface.  As she 
began to put herself into character, preparing for the upcoming meeting, she 
ran her fingers back and forth.  A few deep breaths, then a few more, to 
focus her thoughts and centre her mind.
It might be a bit odd, but Catherine used the same techniques that had 
served her on stage to prep herself for the meeting.  Deep breathing 
exercises, relaxation techniques, all the little tricks that an actor used 
before a performance.  Putting oneself into character, acquiring the voice, 
personality and mannerisms of the character one was about to play.  Changing 
one's mindset, so that it reflected the role one played on stage.
As strange as it might seem, the shy, quiet vet actually didn't mind public 
speaking.  Catherine's experiences on stage as an actress had prepared her 
for this sort of presentation.  In Catherine's mind, she was no longer 
Catherine Ledoux but rather the CHESAPEAKE's Chief Medical Officer.  Oh, 
they might be one and the same person, but assuming a role allowed Catherine 
to acquire the confidence that she normally lacked when dealing with other 
people.  Right as this moment she was not Catherine Ledoux, but rather 
*Lieutenant Commander* Catherine Ledoux, a Starfleet Officer, fully capable 
of chairing this meeting.
As the last few members of her medical staff filed in, Catherine mentally 
reviewed the topics she wanted to cover today.  A PADD, listing the items on 
the agenda, was lying on the table at her right, within easy reach.  
Catherine was thankful that she had thought to download the agenda to her 
PADD; recently, her memory had been atrocious - she had been forgetting the 
simplest things.  Sighing, Catherine brushed an errant curl off her 
forehead.  Now was not the time to be thinking of her poor memory; she had 
to concentrate on the task at hand.
Catherine had resisted the temptation to hold the meeting in one of the 
holodecks.  Captain Fife, her Commanding Officer aboard the REGENT, had 
always held senior staff briefings aboard a lovely yacht anchored in a 
beautiful ocean cove.  Not only was the setting pleasing to the eye, but it 
also put people at ease, helping them to relax.  Catherine had many fond 
memories of those staff meeting aboard the REGENT.  Not only had she 
received promotions aboard the yacht, but her first ever dance with Rich had 
come after one of those holodeck briefings.  Closing her eyes, Catherine 
fought to keep the tears at bay.  Now was not to time to lose it in front of 
her medical staff.
Forcefully, Doctor Ledoux wrenched her thoughts out of the past and back to 
the matter at hand:  that medical staff meeting that she should begin at any 
moment.  All the members of her staff were now assembled and she needed to 
show them a secure, confident and competant Chief Medical Officer.
Doctor Caitlin Donne, however, had caught the momentary flicker of pain that 
had altered Doctor Ledoux's countenance and the Irish physician wondered 
what could be ailing the vet.  The CMO certainly looked too thin, and with 
those tell-tale circles under her eyes and the slight puffiness surrounding 
them, Caitlin could tell that Catherine had not been sleeping well, and 
perhaps she had even been crying?  Caitlin promised herself that she would 
keep an eye on Doctor Ledoux.
Doctor DawnFire to-Ennien, the Sivaoan healer, had noticed a slight change 
in the CMO's scent.  Something was distressing Doctor Ledoux, that much 
DawnFire could clearly read.  Despite the CMO's friendly overtures earlier, 
DawnFire had known, even then, that something was troubling the vet.
Taking in a deep breath, Catherine endeavoured to compose herself.  
Gathering her thoughts together, she painted a smile on her pale lips and 
began speaking, using her 'stage voice'.
"Good morning, everyone.  I am Doctor Catherine Ledoux, the CHESAPEAKE's 
Chief Medical Officer.  Welcome aboard.  I look forward to working with all 
of you."  Catherine essayed another smile.
"Now before we begin, I'd just like to take a moment to have each of us 
introduce ourselves.  Hopefully that will help us in establishing a working 
relationship."  *Hopefully that doesn't sound too 'high school',* she 
thought, *although we _did_ do these kind of introductions in my university 
courses...*  Catherine's thoughts trailed off, and she forced herself to 
concentrate on the here and now.
Starting to settle into her role, Catherine continued.  "I'll start.  As you 
know, I'm Doctor Ledoux, and you may all address me in that manner," the vet 
darted her gaze towards the Sivaoan physician.  
"Now, if you've read my jacket you know that my primary degree is in 
Veterinary Medicine.  I know what some of you must be thinking:  how could a 
vet possibly be posted as a CMO?"  As a few low murmurs greeted that 
question, Catherine decided that it had been wise for her to address this 
matter.
Tucking a golden curl behind one ear, Catherine continued speaking.  
"Well," the vet said, "I want to assure you all that I am fully capable of 
performing my duties, and I have extensive training in traditional medicine 
as well, most of it at SF Medical.  I am also in the process of completing 
my Medical Degree."  Several heads nodded in response.
Pausing, Catherine brushed a loose curl off her forehead.  "My last posting 
was as the Chief Medical Officer aboard the USS REGENT," she directed a 
smile towards Ensign MacMillan.  "I think that covers everything," the vet 
concluded.  
*So far, so good,* she thought, taking in a deep breath.  This part was 
easier to play than she had expected.  *Ca va.*
"Now, Doctor Donne if you will?" Catherine asked, addressing her assistant 
Chief Medical Officer.
Smiling brightly, Caitlin clasped her hands together, resting them on the 
table before her.  "I'm Doctor Caitlin Donne, and Doctor Donne will do just 
fine."  Just as Catherine had, Caitlin directed her gaze towards the Sivaoan 
officer.  Having previously served under a Sivaoan physician, Doctor 
StarSong to-Ennien, as well as a Sivaoan Executive Officer, Commander 
BrightStar to-Ennien, Caitlin knew how particular Sivaoans could be about 
their names.
Her voice holding the tiniest trace of an Irish accent, Doctor Donne 
continued speaking.  "I've just transferred from the ANDROMEDA to the 
CHESAPEAKE, accepting the position as aCMO.  The major focus of my training 
was general medicine and surgery, although I did specialize in 
orthopaedics."  Caitlin smiled.  "That happened after my younger sister 
fractured several vertebrae in her back when she fell off a horse.  Young 
thing thought she could ride the wild ponies populating the moors!  But she 
was soon right as rain, although it sparked my interest in orthopaedics for 
life."  Caitlin's hazel eyes were dancing.
"Thank you Doctor Donne."  Catherine gave the Irish physician a tiny smile, 
then nodded to the Vulcan seated at her left.
"I am Doctor Bruce Willingham," the Vulcan stated, his voice devoid of all 
emotion.  *How strange it is,* Catherine thought, *to hear that name coming 
from a Vulcan!  I wonder why he has such an odd name - odd for a Vulcan that 
is!*
Doctor Willingham was continuing to speak, "I am Chief Surgeon, which is the 
position I held aboard the USS ELIZABETH BLACKWELL, a medical frigate."  
Several officers began whispering and Ensign MacMillan, curious and bold, 
spoke up.  "She was in SILVER Fleet, right?  Lost to pirates?   I heard 
about that.  Always wondered what happened."
Willingham raised an eyebrow.  At this point in time he was not willing to 
indulge the Ensign's curiosity.  Dryly, he replied, "the official records of 
the incident are available."
Scott simply rolled his eyes.  Vulcans!  He should have expected that he 
would get nothing out of the pointy-eared doctor.
Catherine, her right hand reaching for a curl, decided that it would be best 
to move on.  "Doctor DawnFire to-Ennien?"
The petite Sivaoan drew herself upright, as if she was attempting to make 
herself look taller than she actually was.  At only 1.2 metres in height 
(about 4 feet) the young physician hated being dismissed as unimportant 
because of her tiny size.  
With a bard's skill, DawnFire carefully modulated her voice, her sky blue 
eyes sweeping the assembled officers.  "I am Doctor DawnFire to-Ennien.  I 
have just recently completed my residency at SF Medical, so this is my first 
assignment."  Her golden tail twitched a bit at that statement, keenly aware 
that she was the least experienced officer in the room, even if she did 
outrank the Ensigns.
Apparently that was all the tiny Sivaoan was going to say and Catherine 
directed her deep blue gaze to the next officer, a Bajoran who had just come 
aboard that morning.  Checking the data on her PADD, Catherine took note of 
the Bajoran's name:  Lieutenant (junior grade) Mayes Kirin.
"Lieutenant jaygee Mayes," she announced crisply.  "Head Nurse.  Served on 
the BETHUNE for the past two years.  Most of my experience comes in fields 
of emergency medicine and combat injuries.  I think that covers it."
Smiling, Carol Moore spoke up next.  "Hello.  I'm Nurse Carol Moore."  
Placing her hand on her husband's arm, who was seated next to her, she 
added, "and this is my husband, Mike Moore."  Mike smiled shyly with a
"hello."
Carol, smiling brightly, added, "we've both been serving as nurses aboard 
the BANTING, and we're very happy to be part of the CHESAPEAKE's crew.
Doctor Ledoux, looking at the happy couple, ground her teeth in frustration. 
 It was't fair!  How come they were able to get postings aboard the same 
ship!  How come she and Rich couldn't be together?  A moment later, common 
sense reasserted itself.  *Rich is back on Earth,* Catherine firmly reminded 
herself.  *He had to take a leave of absence.  He didn't want to leave.  He 
didn't want to leave you.  Remember that.*  Catherine made herself a mental 
note, reminding herself that she would send Rich a message once she was off 
duty.
Swallowing around the tightness in her throat, Catherine fought to maintain 
control.  Luckily, Ensign MacMillan was speaking now, and she focused her 
thoughts on his words.
"I'm Ensign Scott MacMillan.  Medtech."  The redhead flashed a smile.  "I 
served aboard the REGENT-A until her destruction."  Scott's smile faded a 
bit at that and a frown crossed Catherine's face.  "Since then I've been 
serving aboard DELTA.  I'm happy to be back aboard a ship - lots of 
opportunities for excitement!"  He chuckled a bit as his statement earned 
him some smiles.
The tall, slim woman sitting next to Scott spoke next.  "I am Ensign 
Juliette LaCroix.  Medical Technician."  Her words were coloured by a slight 
French accent.  "For the past three years I had served aboard the USS 
TRUDEAU."  Catherine smiled, hearing the name of a formere Canadian Prime 
Minister pronounced correctly.  "I look forward to working with all of you."
Making a final notation on her PADD, Doctor Ledoux looked back up at her 
staff.  "Thank you," she said quietly.
"Now, on to business."  She returned her attention to the PADD.  "We haven't 
been assigned any medical research problems yet, so if there is anything 
you'd like to work on, please feel free to submit a proposal."  Looking up 
again, Catherine added, "we have the lab facilities, so we might as well 
make use of them."  Everyone except for the Vulcan and the Sivaoan smiled.
"We're still awaiting the arrival of a couple more nurses and two medical 
technicians," the vet stated.  "Hopefully they will be aboard before we 
leave DELTA."
Pausing to tuck a curl behind one ear, Catherine continued.  "We will be 
running some emergency drills in the holodecks.  Some cross-trained 
personnel from other departments may be joining us.  I'll be sending out a 
message confirming the times and locations of the drills, so please remember 
to check your messages."  That received a few grins.
Looking back at her PADD, Catherine was sure she was forgetting something, 
but she had covered everything on her agenda.  "Well, I think that's 
everything.  Unless you have any questions or comments?"
"Bien sur!" Juliette spoke up.  "These drills that the security and science 
departments have been running!  Ma foi!  Could someone not have informed us 
that they were drills?  That Security Chief, well, she simulated an injury 
to herself, and quite a convincing simulation it was!  If there had been 
other patients in sickbay in need of our skills, well, the time we spent 
trying to treat her could have been put to better use!  It is a very good 
thing that we did not have anyone else in sickbay."  Juliette lasped into 
French, muttering imprecations that only Catherine could understand, causing 
the vet's cheeks to turn pale pink.
"I'll speak with the other departments heads," Doctor Ledoux stated.  "I'll 
ask them to inform sickbay if they plan on running any more drills that 
might somehow affect us."  Sighing, Catherine continued, "I can promise you 
that all of *our* drills will be run in the holodecks."
Catherine looked at Julie, "Ca va?"
"Ca va."
"Any other questions or comments?" Catherine queried.
A multitude of shaking heads greeted her.
"All right.  I'll see you all at those drills.  Dismissed."
Once the medical staff filed out of the room, Catherine could finally drop 
the carefully constructed shield she had been holding in place.  Collapsing 
forwards onto the table, knocking her PADD to one side, the vet was drained, 
having spent all her energy in maintaining the facade of a confident, 
capable Chief Medical Officer.  Cradling her head in her arms, which 
rested on the table, Catherine could no longer contain her emotions.  In a 
rush, the tears poured forth and Catherine was powerless to stop them.
Silently, Catherine wept.

Respectfully submitted,
Chris Fontaine
LCDR Catherine Ledoux, DVM
Chief Medical Officer
USS CHESAPEAKE
<< NRPG >>
Finally!  One medical staff meeting post.  Doesn't do much, but introduces 
the medical staff.  Also gives you an idea as to how Catherine handles 
meetings and other similar situations:  she uses her acting experience to 
help give her confidence. 
Amy: Welcome back! :)
Masako: Still working on the joint post...  BTW, I like the Nutcracker Suite 
too. :)
Takako: Up next: Brennan's physical. :)  I'll probably get some proto 
material to you tomorrow...

One NPC to be added to the Medical Roster:
======================================================================
HEAD NURSE: Lieutenant (junior grade) Mayes Kirin, RN  (Kirin Mayes)
======================================================================
Lt(jg) Mayes Kirin: Bajroan F, 5'6", Brown hair, hazel eyes, Bajoran nose 
ridges.  Lt. Mayes has a fiery temper that she normally keeps well in check 
while working.  Knows her job and knows how to get things done.  Has a firm 
hand with troublesome patients and is able to keep them in line.  Quick, 
skilled and competant.  Has experience in emergency medicine and combat 
injuries.
Happy St. Patrick's Day!
TTYL!
Chris - who got to taste wine in her Industrial Micro class today...

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