From: Christine Fontaine
Date: Fri, 21 Mar 1997 19:07:40 -0500
Subject: USS CHESAPEAKE: Dinner? Well, why not...
SD 90321.1907
MD 03.1920
Scene: USS CHESAPEAKE: CMO's Quarters
Catherine sat stock still, frozed in shock for a few moments. To say that
the French Canadian was surprised by Commander Brennan's invitation would be
putting it mildly. Unaccustomed to socializing with her superior officers
(with the notable exception of Rich) Catherine wasn't really sure what to
do. While she did not want to spend the evening alone she wasn't certain
that she would be fit company for anyone at this point in time. After a few
more moments of consideration, a tiny voice in the back of her head
propelled Catherine into motion.
After all, she didn't really want to be alone, not tonight, and Commander
Brennan had been friendly and kind. He spoke French, which not only helped
to relax Catherine but also delighted her ear. It was wonderful to be able
to converse in that beautiful language. And he liked Shakespeare! Some of
Catherine's friends back in her university days couldn't fathom why she
would want to read such ancient literature. And not only read it, but enjoy
it to boot! But Catherine loved Shakespeare, whether she was reading some
of The Bard's work, or acting in one of his plays on stage.
Moving slowly, Catherine made her way to the washroom where she endeavoured
to wash away the evidence of her tears. Commander Brennan had already
caught her crying once; she did not want to present herself with swollen,
red eyes. Even so, there was only so much that cold water and a touch of
relaxing eye gel could do. Oh well, the Commander *had* found her crying
once alread, so what did it really matter?
Having already changed out of her uniform upon returning to her quarters,
Catherine was clad in a pair of denim blue jeans, cinched at the waist with
a leather belt, and a loose-fitting sky blue t-shirt. Rich's leather flight
jacket, lovingly displayed in her bedroom, caught the vet's eye and she
walked towards it. Reaching out with her right hand she gently touched the
worn leather, as a few tears escaped from each eye. Wiping them away with
her other hand, Catherine stared for several long moments at the jacket.
Finally, she decided to put it on and carefully slipped it around her
shoulders. If Rich couldn't be with her tonight, well, at least a part of
him *would*. Catherine sighed, brushing away a few more tears. She missed
Rich so much, his absence a physical ache that permeated her being. Yet
somehow, it was Rich's voice telling her to get out of her room; to
socialize, to meet new people. And so, Catherine was going.
*** *** *** *** ***
Scene: Just outside of Ten-Forward
Catherine paused, yet again, as she stood outside the Ten-Forward lounge.
Many times, during the seemingly-interminable trip to the ship's lounge,
Catherine had been on the verge of turning and heading straight back to her
quarters. Yet every time, Rich's voice had interceeded, telling Catherine
to keep moving, telling her that she needed to get out and socialize. Every
time, Catherine had listened to that voice and after a moment's hesitation,
had resumed the trek onwards.
Now here she was, preparing to brave the unknown. Introverted and shy,
Catherine always felt uncomfortable in this sort of situation. Brushing a
golden curl off her forehead, the vet took in a couple of deep breaths,
trying to calm her racing nerves and centre her mind. Awkward in social
settings, Catherine hoped that she wouldn't make a fool of herself; she had
already embarrassed herself sufficiently for one day.
With another deep breath, Catherine entered the lounge, a tentative smile
gracing her lips. Walking slowly, hesitating with each step, Catherine
could almost feel Rich behind her, one hand resting gently on her back,
encouraging her, propelling her forwards. *Just relax and be yourself," she
could hear Rich's voice whispering in her mind.
Sweeping Ten-Forward with her sapphire gaze, Catherine sought Commander
Brennan. A moment later her eyes came to rest upon his figure, seated at a
table, sipping a drink.
Tucking a loose curl behind one ear, Catherine carefully headed towards the
Commander's table, resisting the urge to turn tail and leave with each step.
As she approached, the words that issued from Commander Brennan's mouth
surprised the doctor.
"Thank you, Charlie...."
Then Brennan turned to find not the waiter, but rather Catherine Ledoux,
looking as if she were about to flee.
"Je m'excuse, docteur," (Excuse me, doctor,) Brennan said, rising from his
chair. "Bonsoir." (Good evening.)
"Bonsoir." Catherine's voice was very soft, and her cheeks were coloured a
pale shade of pink.
"S'il vous plait, prenez-vous une siege," (Please, take a seat,) Brennan
motioned to an empty chair at the table.
"Merci," (Thank you,) Catherine replied with a tremulous smile, as they both
seated themselves.
"Je suis content que vous avez decider de me joindre," (I'm happy that you
decided to join me,) Brennan said with a smile.
Blushing, Catherine replied, "Merci. J'ai decide que je ne voudrais pas
diner seul ce soir." (Thank you, I decided I did not want to dine alone
tonight.)
"Bien. Ah here's Charlie," Brennan stated as the waiter put in his
appearance.
As they gave the waiter their orders, Catherine was intently studying the
table at which they were seated. Not really knowing what to say, or what to
do, the vet waited for her orange juice to arrive and for Commander Brennan,
(*Daniel when we're off duty* she reminded herself,) to proceed with the
conversation.
Respectfully submitted,
Chris Fontaine
LCDR Catherine Ledoux, DVM
Chief Medical Officer
USS CHESAPEAKE
<< NRPG >>
Takako: Well, the ball is back in your court. More NRPG to follow.
All: Sorry for the general lameness of this post, I'm still a bit 'fuzzy'
after another migraine attack yesterday. :P
Melvin: Not too many tears I hope? I wouldn't want you losing your
sanity. :P
Masako: Enjoying your posts as always. :)
Lynn: Can't wait to hear from you again. Hope the debating went well! :)
James: I *hope* Catherine's counselling session isn't like that!
Naomi: Welcome aboard! Glad to have you. :)
Amy: Hi! :)
TTYL!
Chris - hmmm, dinner actually sounds like a good idea!
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