Lieutenant JG Mercedes Carpenter Assistant Medical Officer USS Chimera NCC 96899 = Mercedes’ Quarters The doctor smiled at herself in the mirror, pleased with her reflection. For a moment she forgot about the rush of the day and the fact that she was running late for the ball. She had informed Scott that she would meet him at the ball and that he shouldn’t wait for her. He hadn’t sounded too pleased about the idea, but had agreed. Mercedes had explained that she didn’t want to keep him waiting outside her door, and it would only make her more nervous than she already was. After helping Tessa Browne to get ready for the ball, she’d rushed back to her own quarters to shower and get dressed. She had combed her long dark hair back and swept it up, fixing it with a clasp and letting her curls cascade down her back. The dress she wore was one she had bought for a special evening back at the Academy, but had never worn it. It had a strapless bodice, embroidered with Risean silk, with a plunging back and a pleated bell-shaped skirt that reached down to her ankles, all in Andorian blue. Her shoes were pointed with moderate heels, making them a little more comfortable to dance in than average high heels. She thought about Scott for a moment and how nervous she was feeling about the whole situation. Something deep inside her seemed to warn her that she had reason to be nervous, but she ignored it. When it came to romance, Mercedes was lost. She didn’t understand how it worked, what the protocols were; she didn’t understand her own feelings and much less trusted them. With Scott she hoped that she would feel strong enough to understand those feelings, but only time would tell. Mercedes added the last of ten small blue daisies to her hair and checked her make-up one last time in the mirror. Reaching down to an elongated black box that stood on the edge of the sink, she picked it up and opened it. From it she produced a plain silver necklace with a diamond pendant and matching diamond earrings. She fastened the necklace at the back of her neck and then clasped the earrings to her ears. Everything was set to go. = Mess Hall Approaching the mess hall from the corridor outside, Mercedes felt herself suddenly feeling a little more nervous than she had anticipated. The corridor was quiet, and from inside the sounds of music and voices could be heard. Taking a deep breath, she walked up to the double doors of the mess hall and waited for them to slide open. The ball was in full swing as Mercedes stepped through the doors. The music hit her like a wall as she entered, and she was amazed at how beautifully the mess hall had been decorated. What had been a chaotic muddle from the children’s party only a few hours before, had been transformed into a sophisticated winter wonderland. The men looked handsome in their dress uniforms and the women glamorous in their gowns as they danced to the music and took a break from the rigidity of Starfleet life on a deep space vessel. Mercedes glanced through the crowd, here and there spotting people she knew. The person she was looking for was Scott Fisher, but she had trouble finding him among the throng of people. Stepping sideways from the door, she continued to look for him. A waiter came around with a tray of champagne glasses, and she graciously took one. Taking a sip, she decided to wait by the side of the door until she found Scott. “You look amazing.” The whisper in hear ear made her jump and nearly spill her drink. Mercedes spun around to see Scott standing behind her, looking strikingly handsome in his dress uniform. “Scott,” she smiled, swallowing her words and not knowing what to say further. He smiled back at her and offered her his arm. “I’ve been waiting for you… but it was worth it. Shall we dance?” Mercedes nodded and placed her drink on the tray of a passing waiter. “That would be lovely.” Taking her hand in his, Scott led her to the dance floor. It had been a long time since Mercedes had danced with anyone, but she soon got into the rhythm of the music. She could tell Scott was comfortable on the dance floor; he knew what he was doing and it put her at ease. Following his lead, she enjoyed the swaying rhythms and the touch of her hand in his. “You’re a very good dancer, Mr Fisher,” she remarked as she leaned closer to his ear. “Thank you, Miss Carpenter, you’re not doing bad yourself,” he replied with a wink. “That’s a compliment, considering I haven’t danced with anyone in a long time.” “Well then, perhaps we should dance together on more occasions… that way you won’t lose touch with it,” Scott said to her, looking in her eyes. “Yes, perhaps we should,” Mercedes replied with a mysterious. “Perhaps we should.” = -- No virus found in this outgoing message. Checked by AVG Anti-Virus. Version: 7.0.300 / Virus Database: 265.6.9 - Release Date: 2005/01/06