From: Christine Fontaine 
Date: Fri, 18 Apr 1997 20:25:55 -0400
Subject: USS CHESAPEAKE: What Love Can Do

SD 90418.2016
MD 06.1000
Scene: USS CHESAPEAKE: CMO's Quarters
Lieutenant Commander Catherine Ledoux was smiling.  Not one, not two, but 
*three* packages had arrived for her that morning!  Just the thing to cheer 
her up on the second day of her vacation.
Actually, it appeared that the packages had arrived aboard sometime during
the previous day, prior to the CHESAPEAKE's launch.  For one reason or
another it had taken this long for the parcels to be delivered to the CMO's
Quarters.  Catherine, however, didn't care.  She had the packages now, and
that was all that mattered.
Two of the packages in particular caught Catherine's eye, and one of them, 
well, that one was very, very special.  It took all of Catherine's 
self-control (a considerable amount to be sure) to put that package aside, 
deciding to savour it last.  Even so, her sapphire gaze kept darting back to 
that one package, eagerly anticipating what was inside.
Deciding to save the best for last, Catherine opened the package from the 
University of Guelph first.  To her delight, they had sent her another copy 
of her Winegard Medal; the original had been lost when the REGENT-A was 
destroyed.  Gold in colour, the medal was imprinted with the figure of a 
horse.  It was awarded to a veterinary student who demonstrated compassion 
and caring and who was actively involved in community service.  Along with 
the medal was a certificate, inscribed with Catherine's name and the date 
she had been awarded the medal.
Immediately Catherine wanted to head to her office; the medal would be 
proudly displayed upon one of its walls.  Frowning, the vet realized that 
she was on vacation; she wasn't allowed to set foot in Sickbay, not even to 
complete such a simple task.  Of course, Catherine knew that the minute she 
stepped into her office she'd want to stay there, doing work.  So, since she 
was on vacation, it was better to just stay away from temptation.
Carefully laying the medal and its accompanying certificate on her desk, 
Catherine placed them in a prominent position so that she would not forget 
them, once her vacation was over.  They would join her diplomas, already 
vaunted on her office walls.
Next, Catherine tackled a rather large package; this one was from her friend 
StarWander to-Vallrisa, serving aboard the USS REGENT.  Eagerly delving into 
the box, the vet was delighted with the surprises she found inside.
Right at the top of the package was a beautifully carved instrument case, 
looking as if it housed a flute.  The wooden case was sitting on top of what 
appeared to be a usefull.  Setting the musical instrument aside for the 
moment, Catherine pulled out an aritistically woven blanket which was indeed 
a useful.  Sky blue in colour, with threads of white and silver flashing 
through the weave in a breathtaking pattern, the usefull was almost a work 
of art in itself.  Underneath the first usefull was a second, this one 
skillfully woven in varying shades of blue, from deep navy to pale cerulean. 
 Catherine smiled as she lay the two beautiful usefulls aside.
Underneath the usefulls were the musical recordings that StarWander had 
promised Catherine.  Fondly recalling the impromptu concert she had been 
treated to back when she was at ALB, Catherine was looking forward to 
listening to the recordings of StarWander and his Bardic parents.
Having emptied the box, Catherine turned back to the gorgeous instrument 
case.  Carefully lifting the lid of the case, the vet discovered an 
exquisite woodwind instrument.
Crafted from a pale, golden wood that gleamed, the flute was a work on
art.  Etched along its length were tiny carvings of horses that frolicked
across the surface of the wood.  Whether they trotted, cantered or
galloped, the minuscule equines seemed to chase each other around the
flute.  
Catherine opened the paper note that came along with the woodwind.  In it, 
her Sivaoan friend stated that the instrument was a type of flute used by 
the horse-herding Equarians.  Not only was the flute incredibly beautiful 
with its detailed carvings, but StarWander stated that it had a wonderful 
sound, producing a clear, warm tone.  Catherine could certainly trust the 
judgement of a Sivaoan bard.  StarWander went on to say that the flute was a 
work of art, both visually and musically.
Promising herself that she would contact StarWander later and thank him for 
the wonderful birthday gifts, Catherine eagerly turned towards the last 
package.  Sapphire eyes shining brightly, Catherine's face was animated with 
a contented smile as she opened the parcel with excitement.
It was from Rich.  A tear of joy glistened on Catherine's cheek as she 
gently lifted the red rose that was nestled on top.  A tiny card attached to 
the rose read:  
	"Happy Birthday my love.  A silk rose for you, that will last as long as 
	 our love.  Forever yours, Rich."
Another tear of happiness escaped as Catherine lovingly put the rose aside,
and delicately picked up the tiny jewelry box that had been tucked
underneath the crimson flower.
A little thrill coursed through Catherine as she eagerly opened the jewelry
box to find a brilliant gold ring nestled within its velvet lining.
Carefully lifting the exquisite ring Catherine was enchanted by the words
that were engraved upon it.  "Pensez De Moy" she read, "Think Of Me" in old
Lombardic script.  Tears of love and happiness coursing down her face,
Catherine slipped the ring onto her finger; it was a perfect fit.  Then,
noticing for the first time the parchment note that came with the beautiful
ring, Catherine read, the words blurry from her tears:
	" 'Is this a prologue or the poesy of a ring?' - Hamlet II.ii.162
	"Poesy or love rings are simple gold bands engraved on the outside with a
brief poem or sentiment.  Poesy rings reached their greatest popularity in
the 16th and 17th Century when they were used as a lover's token, a wedding
gift, or simply as a means of showing regard or giving a gift.
	"The original of this 15th Century English poesy ring can be found in the
collection of the Victoria and Albert Museum in London, Great Britain, Terra."
Added to the bottom in Rich's hand were the words:
	"For my dearest Catherine.  Love, Rich."
	
A joyous peace settled over Catherine.  She was so blessed, so lucky, to
have Rich and his love.  That was all that mattered.  Their love would see
them through anything.

Respectfully submitted,
Chris Fontaine
LCDR Catherine Ledoux, DVM
Chief Medical Officer
USS CHESAPEAKE

<< NRPG >>

Yes, I jumped ahead to MD 06, but given Catherine's mood on MD 05, I
thought it would be more appropriate for her packages to arrive the
following day.  A little 'pick me up' if you will after the events of the
previous day.
Takako:  I've got a start on the Ledoux/Brennan encounter.  Hopefully it
will be coming your way soon.
James:  Can't wait to see how Stavay handles Catherine!
Masako:  Joint post?  But of course! 

Chris - busy packing

***********************************************************************
* Chris Fontaine                    * "If I waited for perfection...  *
* cfontain@uoguelph.ca              *   I would never write a word."  *
* http://www.uoguelph.ca/~cfontain/ *       - Margaret Atwood -       *
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
* LCDR Catherine Marie Ledoux, DVM, CMO, USS CHESAPEAKE, NCC-31813    *
* LCDR StarSong to-Ennien, MD, PhD, COUNS, USS LEVIATHAN, NCC-25002   *
* RADM FireSong to-Vensre, MD, ALB Adjutant, Armstrong Lunar Base     *
***********************************************************************

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