Station Post - Testing The Waters

Posted on Fri Jun 20th, 2025 @ 3:22pm by Captain Jamie O'Connell & Captain Shauna Vehn
Edited on on Fri Jun 20th, 2025 @ 3:31pm

Mission: Stellar Problems
Location: Various
Timeline: Star Date: 78934.1

::ON::

[Peel]

Entering the Lift "Deck 2" Jamie requested then tapping his comm "Captain Shauna Vehn, this is Captain O'Connell I would very much like to see you privately at your convenience."

[M-69]

Having returned to duty on shorter shifts Shauna was just on her way back to her quarters when Jamie’s voice came over the comms. “I’m just on my way back to my quarters now Captain, feel free to meet me there.”

[Peel]

"Sounds good; I'll be by in about an hour. O'Connell out." Arriving at his Quarters Jamie removed his uniform and showered to wash off the day. After toweling off he shaved, combed his hair then splashed on some aftershave. Going to his closet Jamie grabbed some civilian clothes consisting of denim pants, a tan shirt along with some comfortable shoes.

When finished he went and sat on the couch, for several minutes, not being in a hurry to give Shauna time to freshen up after her shift. Thinking, Jamie was a little concerned what her demeanor might be since being joined but decided just to play it by ear like he had done previously. Ready to head out he secured his quarters then headed to Transporter Room One. Handing the Operator the desired coordinates he stepped onto the pads "Energize" came the order just before he vanished from sight.

[M-69]

Shauna had spent her time getting ready for Jamie’s visit, having changed into a dress she thought he’d like, she also had her hair down from its usual put up style.

Arriving at her door Jamie palmed the door chime then waited for an answer eager to see her.

Opening the door Shauna smiled as she greeted Jamie. “Jamie, please come in.” She stepped back to let him enter, waiting for the door to close to surprise him with a romantic kiss.

Being completely surprised by her actions, but in a good way, Jamie smiled "Hello to you too" he said in a low voice before returning her romantic kiss with one of his own "You must have read my mind" as he grinned.

“Ohh no I didn’t, but I have missed you!” Shauna smiled a wry smile. “Just be careful or who knows where this might lead.”

Jamie stood for a few moments looking into her beautiful blue eyes liking this relaxed version of Shauna "I've missed you too" he replied with a smile "When you're ready Captain....you lead and I'll follow" not wanting to push her into something she wasn't comfortable with.

“In that case…” Shauna smiled as she lead him across to the sofa to begin with, they needed to talk things through before any serious relationship moves were made. “I think we should talk first, you must have questions?” She settled down motioning for him to sit beside her.

Sitting Jamie turned himself so he could face Shauna "My biggest question is how are you getting along after being joined considering everything you've been through these past few months; I've been concerned about you" he asked concerned for her well being.

Shauna offered a smile. “I’ll be the first to admit that it’s completely weird! There are times I’ve woken up wondering who I am.” She paused. “Vehn is an old symbiont, previously the Dragon Queen but not anymore. We’ve become accustomed to each other now, but I’m still learning.”

"From my previous experience from being around joined Trills, it does take some time for the joining to be complete but it sounds like you're well on your way" then Jamie paused "I've also noticed you seem to be much more relaxed and it suits you. So are you on medical leave now; I seem to remember Doctor Ramvek mentioning it when he notified me after your joining which I really appreciated" he inquired.

“I wanted you to know, as for medical leave I’m back on duty but working reduced hours for now.” Shauna offered a smile. “To be honest I feel more….I guess you could say, free. Before I was so…tied up in my work, I didn’t take much time for me, but that’s going to change now starting with us.” She moved to sit on the edge of the sofa gently taking hold of both of Jamie’s hands. “I want to be with you Jamie, I want us to be together and I’m ready to take that next step.”

"Thank you Shauna I'm just sorry I wasn't able to be there for you then. Unfortunately having my own command I don't always get to pick and choose where I'm at for the most part and I can certainly understand being caught up in your work" then he paused "When we were swept away together, and went back in time, I was very glad when you caught my eye....I was in a situation where I was devoid of responsibility so I could see what was right in front of me and I very much want to be with you when I'm able to be" as Jamie leaned in and whispered "I'd like that...taking the next step" then gave Shauna a very passionate kiss for several minutes.

Shauna let herself be carried away by the kiss, having to come up for air she smiled as she stood and slowly pulled Jamie towards the rear of her quarters and her bedroom. “Like I said I’m not waiting around anymore, I want to enjoy my life, and I want that enjoyment to start right now.”

Smiling Jamie kissed her once again then moved behind her pulling her blonde hair to one side kissing her neck tenderly as he unzipped her dress then helped her out of it and continued kissing her neck as he whispered "You are a very beautiful woman" before turning her around and kissing her passionately.

Shauna was only too happy to let their passionate encounter continue, her fingers nimbly helping Jamie out of his shirt. “I hope you don’t have anywhere to be tonight?”

Grinning "I'll gladly let you have your way with me" he said teasingly "I just need to be back aboard the Ship by zero seven hundred tomorrow so until then I can't think of any other place I'd rather be" then gave her another kiss.

“Good, because neither can I” Shauna smiled.

~~ Sometime later ~~

The bedroom floor littered with clothing, Shauna lay entwined in bedcovers her head resting on Jamie’s shoulder, her arm draped across his chest. “Now that, was amazing!”

"It certainly was!" as he grinned. Turning his head looking at Shauna "When you said you wanted to start enjoying your life.....you weren't kidding around.....I mean wow...that actually went way past amazing" Jamie replied with a light chuckle.

Shauna smiled as enjoyed cuddling. “I have to admit I’m not looking forward to you leaving the station again, I know it wouldn’t be for long but I’m definitely going to miss you.”

"I'm going to miss you as well" as he gave her another kiss "Being the Station XO I'm sure you're aware that tomorrow a new Saber Class Peel will be arriving; hence my reason for having to be back at the Ship tomorrow morning bright and early. Probably two days tops everything will be transferred to the new Ship; at that time Admiral Stone wants us to take her out for a few days just to get everyone familiar with all the new tech aboard. When we return I'll be giving the Crew some time off to relax and enjoy the Station to unwind before our next mission" then he paused "I would really like to spend some more time with you then; that is if your duties allow it. Maybe we'll get lucky and you'll have a day off."

“I have some leave time accrued, I can ask Commodore Sureth if I can take some of that time to spend with you.” Shauna smiled. “It’s time I started thinking more about what I want, than be forever wrapped up in my career.”

"Years ago I had a Science Chief tell me the best way to have a happy life is to have a balance between duties and your personal life and she was right. Unfortunately I'm just as guilty being wrapped up in my duties; but having my own command I really don't have much of a choice" Jamie explained " At least now being able to spend time with you I have something to look forward to."

Shauna nodded in agreement. “As do I. Just promise me you’ll take care whilst you’re out there amongst the stars.”

"Always; so I can return and see this beautiful woman laying here beside me" Jamie replied with a smile "Perhaps you'd like to try round two" as he leaned in and gave her a passionate kiss.

Responding to his kiss Shauna let it linger before smiling. “I can’t think of anything I’d like more…”

Jamie grinned "Nor do I" as the couple proceeded to make love into the wee hours of the morning before falling asleep out of pure exhaustion.

::OFF::

Captain Shauna Vehn
First Officer
Star Base M-69

Captain Jamie O'Connell
Commanding Officer
USS Peel
NCC-71015