*** Rangis Quarters * USS Chimera *** {It looks...perfect} Rangi thought, raising her fingers to lightly touch the small clasp fastened in her hair. It was a pretty thing, shaped like a small flower but made of silver, set with tiny diamonds and sapphires. Her father had made a gift of it to Rangis mother and the treasured piece, rarely worn, had seemed just right for this occasion. On leaving sickbay, Rangi had headed straight to her quarters, thinking over the preceding hours as she made her way there. The childrens party had gone well, with all the 'guests' enjoying themselves immensely. The appearance of Father Christmas had caused quite a stir. Rangi had smiled to herself remembering Lt Fosters amazing performance as the much loved figure. "That man has hidden talents!" Lucy had whispered to Rangi as they watched little Melissa, clinging tightly to Scotts hand, allow the disguised Lieutenant to 'talk' to Mr Bear. Rangis thoughts had turned to the Winter Ball and the question of what to wear. She had already decided on a particular dress and decided to go ahead with her choice even though Athena had said she would be wearing something that sounded very similar. Rangi had lifted her dress from the wardrobe and laid it on her bed gently running her fingers across the long skirt. Her shower had been refreshing and afterwards, she dried her hair, brushing it until it shone. She was limited to style because it was cut short but by lifting a section of it behind one ear and fastening the glittering clasp in place, the result was very pleasing. Her minimal makeup was applied with special care and her favourite perfume, a gift from Shane, was dabbed on pulse spots. She looked at herself in the mirror for a moment, assessing herself, the dark lashed grey eyes, the flawless skin, the faint coral coloured lips, then stood up, moving from the dressing table to the bed. She lifted the satin dress and put it on and slipped her slender feet into the matching shoes. It was more than three years since she first saw it in a shop on Starbase Aurora and she had known straightaway that it was meant for her.True, the cost was more than she had expected, but it was well worth it.The dress was deep blue satin,fitted to below her hips then flowing to the floor.It was without decoration,a curved neckline, quite high at the front, fell in folds over the shoulders to a deeper back.it was simple, yet beautiful. Rangi smoothed her hands across her hips, looking down at the beautiful gown, checking that the outline was smooth and that the pretty lace lingerie beneath did not cause a .As she raised her head she saw herself in the full length mirror and gazed at the reflection, standing motionless for some time. She was not a vain creature and had dismissed the idea of prettiness long ago, but standing in front of the mirror, in that dress, in that moment, she saw herself as she hoped Shane might see her. Slowly raising her right hand, she touched her bare throat, the satin shimmering with the slight movement,the jewelled flower glittered in her soft brown hair. It was suddenly important to her that Shane remembered this dress and the first and only time she had ever worn it.For a moment she wanted to turn back time and have that evening again. She lowered her hand, looking into the mirror, then turning away from her reflection, crossed back to her bed and picked up the small evening bag. {This will be another evening..} she thought {...after the Ball we can be together...just us...for a little while.... just us.} With a faint smile, she walked into the main room and sat down on the sofa to wait for Shane to arrive. *** End Log *** LtCmdr Rangi Summers CMO/AXO USS Chimera