Personal Log, Lt. Jen Lee
Stardate 9906.22
"A Night to Remember"*
**Amma is Taiwanese for Grandmother, and A'Kong is Taiwanese for Grandfather.**
Been one tough week, dead on my feet
Exhausted, Jen walks into her quarters after speaking with her mother. She strips off her uniform and throws it into the fresher. While walking into the bathroom, she removes the myriad of pins holding her hair up in the official Starfleet bun. Tossing them next to the sink, she turns on the water, and steps into a steaming shower.
But I've made plans for tonight
Stepping out of the shower, feeling completely refreshed, she vigorously towel dries her hair and tosses the towel into the fresher. She picks out her most comfortable pair of sweats and a large oversized T-shirt. Putting them on, she sits on the bed and brushes her hair out, taking care not to tug knots harshly from her long tresses.
When I'm feeling blue, know just what to do
Walking into the living room, she goes to the replicator and orders a cup of hot chocolate and a small plate of chocolate chip cookies. She places them on the coffee table, and heads back into her bedroom.
And how to make it right
She goes into the closet, and pulls down a big box, bringing it into the living room. She places it on the floor, next to the coffee table. She goes back into the bedroom.
Seems like I've needed this forever
Back in the closet, she pulls down her quilt, handmade by her mother, and carries it to the couch. She takes a moment to collect her thoughts.
So tonight I'll have a night to remember
From the endtable, she removes several candles, and places them on the endtables and coffee table. Lighting them reverently, she then sits on the couch, wrapped in the quilt.
(Chorus)
Dim the lights, lock the door
"Computer, lights 15%. Door secure to my voice only." The lights dim, and the computer beeps, telling her that the door is now secured.
Spread your pictures on the floor
Opening the box by the table, she pulls out the first holobook, filled with pictures from her childhood. She opens it and sees her beloved Amma holding a little baby.
Blow the dust off of our past
She gently runs her fingers over the precious face of her Grandmother, and turns another page. The baby in the pictures is now a precocious five year old Jen.
Let it all come flooding back
She turns another page. It's her graduation from Starfleet. Amma and A'Kong on either side of her, beaming at her. She was so proud that day, that her grandparents, who had never left Taiwan, actually came to San Francisco to see their first grandchild graduate.
Cause it ain't easy bein' strong
She opens into another book. Her Amma sitting regally in her wheelchair, at the family home in Kaoshuing.
And when I can't forget you're gone
Her A'Kong standing in the field outside the home he lived in for 40 years with his wife, a large pile of fresh flowers beside him. He tried so hard to be strong for the family.
I just surrender, and have myself a night to remember
A tear falls down her face, striking another picture. This one of her A'Kong sitting at the kitchen table, holding the twins.
Sad ain't my style, but once in a while
She flips back to younger years. Amma teaching her how to ride a bicycle, and tending to the subsequent scraped knees.
I just have to give in
Taking a break from the flood of emotions, she drinks some of her hot chocolate, and eats a cookie. Wiping the tears from her face, she continues looking at her holos.
Cause a woman like you, is so hard to lose
Her parent's wedding. Amma had loved Anna as if she were her own. You could see the love and pride in Amma's face on that day.
You just don't want it to end
A young Ensign, standing at attention next to her grandmother's coffin. The look of sheer anguish on her face, revealing the deep emotions she tries to hide behind her uniform.
I know this can't go on forever
Sighing, Jen sits back with her hot chocolate. "Oh, Amma, I miss you so much. I wish you were here to hug me and tell me everything's going to be OK."
So tonight I'll have a night to remember
She finishes eating her cookies and drinking her chocolate. The candles have burned down several inches, and most of her tears have subsided.
Repeat chorus
Cause it ain't easy bein' strong
Slowly, Jen stands and places her used dishes in the reclimator. She goes to the couch and folds the quilt, then puts it back in her closet.
And when I can't forget you're gone
She carefully boxes up the holobooks again, and gives a silent prayer to her Amma as she places them away as well.
I just surrender, and have myself a night to remember
She blows out the candles and crawls into bed, calling for lights out. She falls into a deep sleep, and in her dreams, her Amma is there with her, loving her always.
A NIGHT TO REMEMBER
Barnes-Hale
Sung by Joe Diffie
Been one tough week, dead on my feet
But I've made plans for tonight
When I'm feeling blue, know just what to do
And how to make it right
Seems like I've needed this forever
So tonight I'll have a night to remember
Chorus
Dim the lights, lock the door
Spread your pictures on the floor
Blow the dust off of our past
Let it all come flooding back
Cause it ain't easy bein' strong
And when I can't forget you're gone
I just surrender, and have myself a night to remember
Sad ain't my style, but once in a while
I just have to give in
Cause a woman like you, is so hard to lose
You just don't want it to end
I know this can't go on forever
So tonight I'll have a night to remember
Repeat chorus
Cause it ain't easy bein' strong
And when I can't forget you're gone
I just surrender, and have myself a night to remember
