From: Christine Fontaine
Date: Sun, 13 Apr 1997 21:31:20 -0400
Subject: USS CHESAPEAKE: Vacation Plans?
SD 90413.2130
MD 04.1730
Scene: USS CHESAPEAKE: CMO's Office
Lieutenant Commander Catherine Ledoux was sipping a glass of orange juice
trying to gather her courage together. It wasn't every day that you had to
tell your second in command that you would be on vacation for the next two
days and wouldn't be showing your face in sickbay for the duration of that
vacation.
Glass in hand, Catherine swirled her orange juice about, watching the vortex
that was created. How could she properly present her vacation to Doctor
Donne without looking like a complete idiot or a total fool. Honest to a
fault, Catherie wasn't about to lie to her assistant Chief Medical Officer,
but on the other hand she didn't have to tell Caitlin everything.
After taking another sip of orange juice Catherine placed the glass down on
her desk. Picking up a PADD, she scrolled through the information it
displayed, making sure that the data was complete. Included were the
training schedules for the next two days, complete with holodeck scenarios,
and a list of the cross-trained personnel who were expected to join them.
Assorted other pertinent files had also been downloaded to the PADD.
Now, all she had to do was find the courage to call Doctor Donne into her
office.
Easier said than done.
Rising from her chair, Catherine decided that she might as well just go
ahead and tell Doctor Donne that she would be away from sickbay for the next
two days. There was no reason that she had to tell her aCMO why she was
going to be away.
Running her fingers along the desk's patina, Catherine took in a deep
breath. Before she spoke with Doctor Donne she wanted to know *exactly*
what she was going to say. Carefully composing her words in her mind, the
vet mentally prepared herself.
A few minutes later Catherine was as ready as she'd ever be. Reclaiming the
PADD that was sitting on her desk she strode out of her office and into the
main sickbay area. Luckily, Doctor Donne was nearby.
"Doctor Donne? Could I see you in my office please?" Catherine asked softly.
"Of course," Caitlin replied, looking a bit puzzled.
Catherine stepped back into her office, Caitlin just a few paces behind.
"Is everything alright Doctor Ledoux?" Caitlin queried, noting that the
Chief Medical Officer appeared a trifle nervous.
Nodding, Catherine gave Caitlin a timid smile. "Yes, there are just some
things that I need to discuss with you."
Taking her seat behind her desk, Catherine motioned to the chair opposite.
"Please, have a seat," she said quietly.
Handing her PADD to Doctor Donne, Catherine took in a deep breath. Exhaling
it slowly, she began to speak, her voice soft. "I am going to be away from
sickbay for the next two days," Catherine explained, "this PADD details
everything that needs to be taken care of while I'm away."
Doctor Donne looked up sharply. "Away? Is there anything wrong Doctor?"
Caitlin was clearly concerned.
Catherine shook her head, her long curls falling about her shoulders like a
cloak. "Nothing that you need concern yourself with," she stated, hoping
that Doctor Donne would not press the matter further.
Caitlin seemed to sense that Doctor Ledoux did not want the Irish doctor to
pursue the matter. Accordingly, she nodded her understanding.
Continuing to speak softly, Catherine added, "however, if I am needed for
any reason, please contact me immediately."
"Understood, sir."
Catherine started at the use of 'sir', looking up at the other doctor. A
puzzled frown crossed the vet's face. Not knowing how to take Doctor
Donne's use of the 'sir', Catherine shrugged it off.
Motioning to the PADD that she had handed to Caitlin, Catherine stated,
"several drills have been scheduled over the next two days, all of which
will be held in the holodecks."
Caitlin nodded.
"The first drill listed on your schedule is a standard emergency procedures
drill, strictly for the medical staff. It shouldn't present any
difficulties."
Quickly calling up the informatin on the PADD, Caitlin nodded, "yes,
standard drill. That shouldn't be a problem."
Catherine nodded in turn. "The second programme, also for the medical
personnel, covers a wide range of races. Vulcan, Rihannsu, Shrevashal and
several other races are included."
Returning her attention to the PADD, Caitlin noted, "Klingon, Bajoran,
Sivaoan, Horta?" she looked up, "how would you treat a Horta?" Then she
shook her head, "never mind. That's what the programme is for."
Doctor Ledoux nodded.
"Cardassian?" Caitlin looked up again. "No, never mind. I'll see that the
programme is completed."
Tucking a loose strand of hair behind one ear, Catherine continued. "For
the next series of drills, cross-trained personnel from other departments
will be joining the medical personnel. I'm sure yet sure exactly how many,
but several Vulcans from the Science department have indicated that they
will be present."
Scrolling through the data on the PADD, Caitlin nodded, "yes, and we'll run
a standard emergency procedures drill again. That's wise." Then she
paused, looking pensive. "It might also be usefull to throw in something
unexpected."
That brought a small smile to Catherine's lips. "That's already been
included in the programme."
Caitlin looked at Doctor Ledoux with renewed respect. "Excellent. Well, I
think I should be able to handle everything while you're gone."
"Good." Catherine nodded, her cheeks flushed. "Now, do you have any
questions?" she asked softly, hoping there would be none.
"You'll still be here for the remainder of today?"
Catherine nodded, her cheeks still coloured pink.
"I'll review the information here," Caitlin tapped the PADD, "and if I have
any questions, I'll come and ask then, if that's all right?" she smiled at
Catherine.
"That's fine," the vet replied.
"Well, then I'll get right to work." With that, Caitlin rose from her seat
and headed back into sickbay, hoping that Doctor Ledoux *was* alright.
Closing her eyes, Catherine released a heavy sigh. Trembling slightly, she
took a few minutes to compose herself.
Then it was back to work. Her vacation began all too soon.
Respectfully submitted,
Chris Fontaine
LCDR Catherine Ledoux, DVM
Chief Medical Officer
USS CHESAPEAKE
<< NRPG >>
Just preparing things for Catherine's vacation. Hopefully tomorrow I'll get
a post out with Catherine's views on the mission.
TTYL!
Chris - happy the semseter is nearly over :)
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