ON: 

LOCATION:  {Ten Forward} 

::  I, Counselor Jade, was still sitting at the table finishing off my _third_ cup of latte.  CDR Ford, had not been gone for more than five minutes.  I decided that once I finished my cup, that I would go to my office on deck 22.  I knew that I needed to check out my replicator for myself, and the only way to do that was to get another latte.  :: 

LOCATION:  {Deck 22, Ships Counselor's Office} 

::  I walk into my office, I just stand there for a minute looking around wondering if everything was put in the right place or if I should rearrange it all again.  I walk over to my salt water fish tank to check on my fish.  It had been their first time to be beamed anywhere, and I was hoping that it didn't case them any stress.  They seemed to be happy in their new home.  :: 

::  I walk towards my replicator.  :: 

Jade:  :: Talking to herself out loud ::  "Well, I hope this thing works because if it doesn't then I am going to go crazy."  

:: I eye the machine.  ::  

Jade:  "Computer, _amaretto_ latte', with whipped cream on top.  Hot!" 

:: It materializes.  :: 

Jade:  "Wooo Hooo!  It worked!  Yes!!!!!  I am so happy." 

:: I walk to my desk and sit down. :: 

Jade:  =^= Counselor Jade to First Officer Tolbin =^= 

Tolbin:  =^= Tolbin here, what can I do for you Counselor? =^= 

Jade:  =^= I just wanted to let you know that I just got finished checking my replicator in my office, and it seems to be functional. =^= 

Tolbin:  =^= Great, that is good to hear. =^= 

Jade:  =^= I will check the one in room this evening, and will report back to you tomorrow, if that will be fine. =^= 

Tolbin:  =^= Sure. =^= 

Jade:  =^= Thank you, Jade out. =^= 

::  I turn to the computer on my desk. (I was hoping that I got some mail.)  :: 

Jade:  "Computer, have I gotten any new messages yet?" 

Computer:  "You have one new message, from Earth." 

Jade:  "Computer, can you tell me who sent me the message?" 

Computer:  "The new message is from Scott Johnson." 

Jade:  :: I just sit there for a minute wondering if I should read it or delete it. ::  "Computer, please bring the message on screen." 

(Scott's letter:  "Dear Crystal,  I am sorry that things did not work out between us.  I understand that that traveling through space is your dream, and so I understand that you had to take the position on the Excalibur.  I just never thought that you would be leaving so soon.  I feel really bad about how we left things, and not being there when you boarded on your new adventure.  I hope that you can forgive me for all the horrible things I said to you. I know that you just want to be friends, and even though I had wanted more, I know that it is impossible to do so now.  I was hoping for someone who would actually be here on Earth with me, not millions of light years away.  You are a beautiful person, and a great Counselor, I know that you will do fine on the Excalibur, and I am sure that you will meet someone who isn't me.  -Scott") 

:: I sat back in my chair, and looked out into space.  I sighed in relief, Scott had given me the closer I needed, I was now ready to begin my adventure, with no unfinished business back on Earth. :: 

:: I had cared for Scott, but had long wanted to end our relationship, but didn't know how, and then the position on the Excalibur became available, and that gave me the best reason of all. :: 

OFF:  Well, I hope this post makes for good reading.  Can't wait to read the rest of yours. 

Ensign Crystal Jade, Ships Counselor
USS Excalibur, NCC-2997