Fond Farewell

Posted on Wed Jan 14th, 2026 @ 6:26pm by Captain Jamie O'Connell & Commander Angel Devroe & Lieutenant Maria SanChez
Edited on on Wed Jan 14th, 2026 @ 9:00pm

Mission: STELLAR NURSERY
Location: USS Peel
Timeline: Current

::ON::

After their meeting with the Commodore, O'Connell and Devroe returned to the Ship. Materializing on the pads Jamie turned to Angel "Why don't you get your belongings together and after our shifts are over I would very much would like you come to my quarters and allow me to cook you one last meal; say eighteen hundred" he commented with a smile.

"Yes, I would like that and I would like to depart the Peel with as little fanfare as possible; I really hate long drawn out goodbyes" Angel replied returning the Captain's smile.

"Good. I should get to the Bridge and see how Maria is doing and I also need to make an announcement concerning the switch so the Crew isn't taken by surprise" he commented then stepped off the pad heading for the Bridge and Angel heading to her quarters.

[Bridge]

Captain O'Connell exited the Lift and walked over to the conn "Report Lieutenant SanChez" as Maria vacated the center seat then sat in the XO's spot "Everything is as you left it Captain" then she paused "So how did the meeting go with the Commodore, if I may inquire."

Sitting in his chair "The meeting went well. The Commander is transferring to the base and Captain Vehn will be our new XO" O'Connell explained starting to feel the weight of the situation.

"I'm happy for Angel" she replied in a low voice "And I'm sure Captain Vehn will do a fine job but I'm still going to miss Angel none the less."

"Yes so am I" Jamie stated then opening a ship wide "Attention Crew, this is your Captain. I've just returned from a meeting with the Commodore; as some of you may know Commander Devroe has asked for a transfer to the Base. Her transfer has been approved and she'll be departing first thing tomorrow morning so please wish her well if you see her; she'll be missed. The new First Officer is going to be Captain Shauna Vehn so please give her a warm welcome when she arrives aboard tomorrow. O'Connell out."

[Quarters]

Angel was getting her belongings packed when she heard the Captain's announcement. She sat for a moment as the reality of her future just became very real as it hit her "Had she made the right decision to leave the comfort of the Peel for the uncertainty of the Base; although now she could have a different kind of life both professional as well as personal" she thought then stood back up shaking off any doubt looking only to her future.

[Bridge]

Jamie and Maria had been talking about the switch in XO's at the conn "So for at least the next twenty four hours you'll assume the role of First Officer as the switch is being made" he explained.

"No problem Captain; whatever you need Sir" SanChez replied hoping everything was going to turn out for the best.

"Thank you Lieutenant" then he paused a moment "I'm sure, as with any change in Command, there'll be a period of adjustment for everyone. I would however like that transition be as smooth as possible" then he lowered his voice "As you probably know Shauna and I are in a personal relationship. So to avoid any appearances of favoritism, anything that she would need to speak to the Captain about I would like you to handle the conversation."

Maria was a little taken back by the request but understood Jamie's position "Like I said whatever you need Sir" she replied with a smile.

"Thank you Maria, I knew I could count on you" he stated then paused a moment "I'm going to be making dinner for Angel one last time in my quarters and I would like you to join us; it may make Angel feel a little more comfortable and I know she thinks quite highly of you...eighteen hundred and casual attire."

"It would be my pleasure Jamie " she replied in a low voice and a smile starting to feel more and more a part of the Command Team.

[Captain's Quarters]

Returning Jamie grabbed a quick shower and dressed in some casual clothes for dinner. Wanting to make a quick and hearty meal he settled on pasta with a meat sauce, Italian bread and red wine. Before long the meat sauce was simmering on the plasma stove and a pot of water was boiling waiting for his quests to arrive before dropping the pasta. The island table was set for three and the wine was sitting in a bucket of ice keeping cold.

Minutes later his door chime went off "Come in" he stated as the door swooshed open allowing Angel to enter "This place always smells so good when your cooking" she commented as she grabbed her usual seat noticing an extra place setting "So who's joining us for dinner" thinking it must be Shauna."

"Actually I asked Maria to join us; I hope you don't mind. I thought it might make you feel more comfortable given the circumstances" Jamie replied with a grin.

"I don't mind at all, I really like Maria and she has really come a long ways in the last few years" Angel stated with a smile. Just then the door sounded again "Come in" Jamie answered as the door swooshed open once again.

Walking in "Captain whatever you're cooking it smells so good" as she saw Angel "Hi Angel congrats on your transfer" Maria commented with a smile.

"Thanks, and it's Jamie; we're off duty" he replied with a smile.

"Thank you Maria, the only drawback is I'm going to miss everyone here" Angel responded returning the smile.

"Sorry Jamie, old habits are hard to break" then looking towards Angel as she sat beside her "I'll give it a few months and you'll be saying "Maria who?" as she chuckled.

Now that the pasta was cooked perfectly Jamie plated the food and grabbed a plate of bread setting everything on the counter in front of his guests "Careful, it's hot" as he poured each of them a glass of wine to go along with the meal.

Taking a bite of food "Jamie this tastes fantastic....who knew you were such a great cook besides being great Captain" Maria commented enjoying the meal.

"Now this is one thing I'm definitely going to miss" Angel chimed in "And I could I ever forget anyone on this ship."

"Ok you two, stop trying to butter up your Captain....actually no, keep it coming" Jamie replied with a slight laugh. They sat for the next few hours talking about all sorts of different things while avoiding the 'elephant in the room'.

Noticing the time "As much as I've enjoyed this excellent dinner and conversation I should be going" as Maria stood looking at Angel "Commander it has been my honor and privilege to serve with you all these years and I wish you nothing but the best in your future endeavors" she stated with sincerity in her voice.

"The honor has been all mine and I have to stay you've turned into an excellent Officer over these past few years" then Angel paused "Come here you" as she gave Maria a big hug while fighting back the tears.

Maria gave Angel a nod then looked over at Jamie "Thank you for including me as well" she commented with a smile.

"You're welcome Maria and we'll have to do this more often" Jamie responded thinking maybe it would be good for the entire Command Team to have dinner together every once in awhile.

Starting to feel a little emotional at the departure of Angel tomorrow Maria gave a nod then returned to her quarters.

Letting out a sigh "I should be going too Jamie" as she fought back the tears.

Jamie walked up to her "Can I give you a goodbye hug" he inquired as she nodded yes. Putting his arms around her he hugged her as he whispered "I'm really going to miss having you around but you got this and will make Sureth a great First Officer" as he released her and stepped back.

Wiping the tears from her eyes "I swore I wasn't going to cry tonight" as she paused looking Jamie in the eyes "I owe you so much....your willingness to let me make mistakes without judging me....your encouragement when I needed it.....how can I ever repay that kind of friendship, understanding and kindness."

Wiping his eyes "Now you got me doing it" as he grinned "Be the best Officer you can be and please start enjoying your life.....if you ever need anything I'm just a call away" Jamie replied realizing how difficult this moment really was.

"Thank you Jamie for everything" as Angel left his quarters probably for the last time.

Grabbing a whiskey he sat feeling like he had just lost one of his best friends....and he had. Thinking on the future Jamie smiled looking forward to the next chapter in his life, both personal and professional, having Shauna around.

::OFF::

Captain Jamie O'Connell
Commanding Officer

Commander Angel Devroe
First Officer

Lieutenant Maria SanChez
Second Officer/S&T Chief
USS Peel
NCC-71015