=/\= Begin Log =/\= Rangi and Athena needed to get together to see how things were coming along for both parties. They had assigned Gina to MaiKai with the suggestion of a makeovers for the winter ball. The young doctor gave a look that said, "As if " but Gina was excited and even Michelline had asked to tag along. Michelline liked the idea of a day of pampering. Mercedes had been asked to occupy Sissy and Missy for a couple of hours, Richard, Mickey and the Goffe brothers all went to the science for some fun. The Goodwell sisters and Melissa were being entertained by Anne and Poor Aunt Lucy was stuck with Jules and Julian for a bit. Scott and Steve were at their post in the sickbay. Philip, Damon and Ruth were beginning occupied by the tactical officer's handy work for the time being and the others were either entertaining themselves or with another member of the crew for a bit. Athena was meeting with Rangi in the counselor's office. The two had been passing the ideas Athena had been thinking about and either changing them or improving them and thinking of others. With quick steps, Rangi made her way to Athena's office. She felt guilty for leaving so much of the children's care in the counselor's hands but first one thing then another had delayed her from leaving sickbay. In her hand she carried a packed lunch box that she had collected on the way past the mess hall. Arriving at the office door, she sounded the chime and stepped back, running a hand over her hair as she did so. =/\= Athena's Office =/\= Athena was rescheduling appointments as much of her time was being taken up by the children. She looked at the appointment for Ceril Winnie trying decide if she should take the appointment or reschedule it The chime sounded and interrupted her thoughts momentarily. "It's open," she yelled causing the door to slide open at the verbal command. She was expecting Rangi and knew that neither of them had a lot of time. Athena smiled when the doctor walked through the door. "I'm glad you could make it." "At long last!" Rangi smiled and held up the lunch box. "Peace offering" she said and set it down on the edge of Athena's desk as she took a seat opposite the counselor. "At least this time when I try to eat, I'm fairly certain it won't end in a fight," Athena responded and smiled. She handed the Doctor a bottle of water and asked, "Where would you like to start?" Rangi accepted the offered drink. "How far have you got?" she asked. "Lucy was talking about Father Christmas...that's a nice idea. I expect almost all the children will know who he is...have you anyone in mind?" Athena let her mind wonder off a bit and then smiled before she turned her gaze to Rangi. "I still need to thank Lt. Foster for getting all the children in the same area; perhaps him," Athena stated and looked at Rangi to see what she thought of the idea. "Lt. Foster?" The CMO looked doubtful at the suggestion. . "...mmmm...well I cant say he sprang to mind...General Bretam would have made an 'excellent' one...but Lt. Foster?" She considered Athena's choice for a moment and her expression changed. "Actually he might do it well." She looked at Athena innocently. "Shall we 'ask' him or 'tell' him?" she said. Athena raised her eyebrow and replied, "I thought you might have a better idea since you recommended him for an appointment at his discretion, but I think I'll ask." Athena paused for a moment or two and added, "Besides if Lt. Foster won't do it ..... perhaps Shane will." Rangi busied herself opening the lunch box and taking out the contents. "He might.." she said, not meeting Athena's eye. An all too familiar feeling caused her to sit back in her chair and push the food away. Forcing herself to sound 'normal', she looked at the counselor and said: "Perhaps Shane would be the better choice....after all..he's acting CO so the honor should go to him I suppose." "Well, I considered that but the CO is always so busy," Athena paused to think about how her friend might be reacting to his new position. She continued, "... that I thought perhaps someone else would be better suited and if Shane should happen to find time to stop by The kids would probably love to see the CO in uniform." Rangi smiled and looked away. The thought that it was Athena herself who might like Shane in his uniform flashed through Rangi's mind. She freed herself of the thought and replied brightly. "Lets ask Lt. Foster then...it might do him good...to be a part of a celebration...make him feel really involved. Yes...let's ask him." "I'll ask Lt. Foster then," she was silent for a couple of moments, "what did you think about the list of other ideas I sent you earlier; if you had time to look at it." Athena gave Rangi and encouraging smile knowing that the doctor had been a bit busy of late. Rangi gave a weak smile in return." Errrr....I think the children will be thrilled, it's such a nice surprise...and the Winter Ball will be lovely. The candles and...everything..it will look perfect." A moment passed and Rangi changed the subject by asking a question that had lingered in her mind for some time "What will you wear?" she asked with an air of friendly interest. "Hhmmm...," Athena thought about what was in her closet a moment of two, "I think I'll wear the floor length midnight blue dress that's been hanging around gathering dust." Athena looked at Rangi and asked, "And you," before taking a drink of her water. {Midnight blue?...but that's like my dress} Rangi shrugged as though not too bothered. "I haven't decided yet," she said and suddenly felt compelled to tell Athena her plan. "Actually..I had in mind to wear the dress I wore the first time Shane asked me to dinner...in his quarters.....but I don't know...I might find something else." Athena smiled, "I'm sure Shane will love anything you pick out." Athena felt they were getting a bit off topic and knew that Ceril was due in her office in a while. "Do you have anybody who's helping or can help with the decorating?" She paused a moment and asked another question as well, "What do you think about letting the children decorate some cookies of their own at the party?" "Scott and Steve will certainly help. I think one or two of the technicians are keen to lend a hand...and decorating cookies?" she smiled "...are you a glutton for punishment?" Athena closed her eyes and thought a moment before answering, "Evidently." She took a long swallow of her water relishing its coolness before adding, "I don't know what I was thinking." She paused for another minute or two and continued, "I can only imagine what Jules and Julian could do with frosting and such. You saw the results of some of their efforts with mashed potatoes and peas." Rangi nodded and sighed. "Well...you must take along a supply of toothbrushes then!" she said. Athena smiled, "I was just following through on a threat but since they will be having plenty of sweets perhaps I should have Santa pass out toothbrushes to them all." She took a deep breath and a sip of her water, "Do you know if there are any problem with the children?" "None as far as I know," Rangi replied. "You know Melissa came back to sickbay? She wanted Scott to check Mr. Bear was OK. I think she has taken a liking to our DR Fisher...he's getting quite a following isn't he?" Athena giggled a bit, "Somehow I think he will prefer Melissa's admiration more than Gina's. I'm glad to see Melissa being more active and talking. She was so quiet at first.." Athena stopped to think for a moment or two, "I don't think she said anything for most of the first day." Athena nibbled at a piece of cheese from the lunch box while she processed a couple of thoughts to completion. "I guess I'll be meeting with the decorating teams in a few hours and then we'll be all set for the parties." Rangi shifted in her chair, ready to stand up." I'm sorry to have had everything fall on your shoulders," she repeated. "Scott and Steve will be off duty soon, I'll tell them you're expecting them." She stood up. "Make sure you don't over do it on that ankle." she told Athena. "it might feel well enough but could still be troublesome. Find a chair and...issue orders or something." She smiled at the counselor. Athena saluted the doctor and said, "Will do." =/\= End Log =/\= LtCmdr. Rangi Summers CMO/ ACO & Lt. Athena Wellington Counselor