From: Christine Fontaine
Date: Sat, 12 Apr 1997 20:40:37 -0400
Subject: USS CHESAPEAKE: Going to the Counsellor
SD 90412.2040
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CSciO's Office
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MD 5.0925
Anne looked at her timepiece. Just going on 0930. She would
have to tell Fielding of her impending absence in a minute... after she
finished reading the combat drill reports for her Iotians.
Once she was satisfied that the Iotians were well on their way to
normal functioning level ("we can start tapering down their sessions real
soon," the communique had read), she headed for Fielding's office.
"Derek," she said after she got his attention, "I'll be gone for
a couple of hours. Can you just keep an eye on things until I get back?"
"No problem, Anne," said Fielding. His face creased into a
worried frown. "You feeling all right?"
"Sure, I'm fine," said Anne. She smiled. "The Iotians are
coming along nicely, we haven't heard any ominous sounds emanating from
the Comp Sci division... yes, I think we'll be just fine."
"Anne... are *you* feeling all right?"
"Yes, Derek," said Anne, more seriously. "I'm just fine.
Really. Thank you for your concern... but you don't have to worry about me."
As the CSciO left his office, Fielding hoped that she was right.
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CMO's Quarters
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MD 05.0925
Catherine was bored.
Checking the chronometre that was perched on her bedside table, the vet
noted that she had been on vacation for all of nine and a half hours. And
she was already bored.
Not the most auspicious start.
Lounging on her bed, clad in a sky-blue jumpsuit, Catherine didn't know what
to do with herself. Both cats were curled up together at the foot of her
bed, seal brown and lilac grey tails entwined. The Siamese apparently knew
she was on vacation, for they had not awakened the vet at their usual hour.
Despite the lack of her 'Siamese alarm system' Catherine had risen at 0830,
unable to sleep any longer.
Catherine had hoped that she would be able to sleep in; she had been so
tired recently. Unfortunately, it appeared that her body had other ideas.
Even the long, luxurious shower with which she had indulged herself had not
taken long. Choosing something to wear and slipping the comfortable jumper
over her head had taken even less time. Now, she had nothing to do but sit
and think.
The sound of her door chime was a welcome relief.
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Outside CMO's Quarters
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MD 5.0930
Anne wasn't at all sure she should be doing this... but she knew
that Catherine would need to speak with a Counsellor in any case. She
hadn't seemed all that well the night before, and she wanted to make sure
she was all right.
She rang the chime.
[Yes? Who is it?] came Catherine's reply.
"It's Anne, Catherine," said Anne. "I need to ask a favor of
you... as a friend. I know you're on vacation right now, and I'll
understand if you don't want to do this, but... I'm reporting to the
Counsellor right now, as I promised Commander Brennan I would, and I was
wondering if you'd... come with me?"
The door slid open and there was Catherine, out of uniform, clad in a soft
blue jumper. Of course she was out of uniform, she was on vacation.
"Hello Catherine," Anne greeted the doctor.
"Hello Anne," Catherine replied softly, while considering Anne's request.
"And yes, I'll come with you." After all, she had promised Anne that she
would see the counsellor again and going with a friend was certainly an
appealing idea. Although Counsellor Tats-Marush had been very kind,
Catherine was still a bit nervous when it came to approaching counsellors.
Having Anne's accompaniment would make it easier.
As they walked down the corridor, toward the turbolift, Anne made
some light conversation, trying to keep both Catherine and herself from
getting cold feet. She complimented Catherine on her jumper, she
prattled on about the non-existent weather, she babbled about Myron.
By the time they reached the Counselor's office, Anne was
starting to feel like a blabbermouth again. She gave Catherine an
apologetic smile as they walked into the office.
Timidly returning the smile, Catherine let Anne walk in first; the vet was
still feeling a trifle nervous, as evidenced by the way she kept fiddling
with her curls.
Counsellor Stavay Tats-Marush greeted the two officers. Catherine
couldn't tell if the Shevashal counsellor was surprised to see both the Chief
Medical Officer and the Chief Science Officer appearing in her office, for
the
vet was too busy trying to calm her racing thoughts.
"I'll go in first, Catherine," whispered Anne, noticing
Catherine's worried expression. "That'll give you some time." She smiled
at her friend with a confidence she didn't feel and followed the
Counselor into the inner office.
Taking a seat in the reception area, Catherine decided that she should
have brought a book with her. Perhaps she could go back to her quarters
and pick one up? But if she did that, would she be able to find the
courage to come back?
Tucking a strand of hair behind one ear, the vet decided that it would be
best to stay put. Leaning back in her chair, she decided to use this time
to gather her thoughts together; she could certainly use all the help she
could get.
Respectfully submitted,
Chris Fontaine Masako Goto
LCDR Catherine Ledoux, DVM LT Anne Murray, PhD
Chief Medical Officer Chief Science Officer
USS CHESAPEAKE USS CHESAPEAKE
<< NRPG >>
James: Two officers ready to see Stavay! :)
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