Post #2 - Dinner With The O'Connells

Posted on Thu Jul 14th, 2022 @ 1:51pm by Commander Jamie O'Connell & Commodore Cyndi Song & Rear Admiral Paul Sanderson

Mission: McKinley Outpost
Location: Cyndi and Paul's Quarters
Timeline: Concurrent

ON:

Cyndi had invited Jamie and his wife Heather to join her and Paul for dinner. She'd cooked a small turkey for dinner complete with homemade stuffing, mashed potatoes, fresh dinner rolls and a caesar salad. The table was set and red wine was chilling.

Cyndi opted not to wear her uniform but instead had changed into a pale green pantsuit. Paul walked in wearing a pair of black slacks, a red shirt slightly open at the neck. All that was left was for their guests to arrive.

"Dinner smells wonderful," Paul said pulling her into an embrace and nuzzled her neck.

"Back off there or dinner will burn and our guests will go hungry," Cyndi teased as she gave the table a final look before kissing her husband.

The O'Connells headed out the door on their way to Cyndi and Paul's for dinner at their invitation. Since this an off duty social event the couple dressed in civilian attire. Heather wore black pants along with a nice rose colored top all of which fit her quite nicely. Jamie sported brown pants with a tan shirt with the neck left open for more of a casual look.

The Senior Officers all lived on the same deck, so it was a short walk to the Commodore's Quarters. Jamie looked at Heather "Nervous at our invitation to dinner" he asked. Heather smiled "A little perhaps, I was just getting used to being around Mystery; but I'll be fine" she commented. Jamie smiled "Just be your usual charming self" then he grinned.

Shortly they were at their destination taking a breathe and looking at his gorgeous Wife "You ready" he asked as Heather nodded yes. Jamie palmed the door sensor and waited for an answer with his arm around Heather's waist.

Paul hearing the door chime "I'll get it Cyndi," he called and walked to the door, palmed the door sensor letting the door slide open. "Please come in," Paul said stepping back to let them in.

Jamie gave Heather a little nudge on her back wanting her to walk in first "Paul it's nice to see you again" he commented as the two shook hands "Allow me to introduce my lovely Wife.....this is Heather Devroe-O'Connell.....Heather this Cyndi's Husband Paul Sanderson."

Heather smiled "It's very nice to meet you Sir" she commented knowing he was a retired Rear Admiral and showing the necessary respect.

"Welcome," Paul said "Dinner will be ready soon, Cyndi's been fussing for hours. She loves to cook when given the chance."

Cyndi walked from the kitchen "Especially when I have someone to cook for. I'm glad you two could make it. I do hope your hungry. Heather good finally put a face to the name."

Heather was a little nervous standing face to face with her new C.O. "Thank you Ma'am, it's very nice to meet you as well" she commented "Thank you for the invitation and yes dinner smells delicious."

Jamie smiled noticing Heather's nervousness "Cyndi I agree, dinner smells delicious" he stated then reached up and placed his hand on the middle of Heather's back then gave her a little rub to try and put her at ease. At his touch Heather looked at Jamie and smiled.

"I don't stand on formality when off duty, I'm Cyndi and he's Paul" Cyndi said

"Please take seats while Cyndi and I get the dinner on the table," Paul commented as he followed his wife into the kitchen and returned with a beautifully cooked turkey with all the trimmings. Paul had even sliced it. Setting it on the table as he held the chair for Cyndi

Cyndi opened the bottle of wine "I want to thank both of you for coming."

"Thank you for the invitation" Heather replied "This sure looks good, we haven't had a meal like this in ages."

Jamie nodded in agreement "Heather's right with both our duties, not to mention the transfers, it seems meals like this eludes us" he commented with a chuckle.

"I don't get to cook like this often," Cyndi said picking up the salad and passed it while Paul poured the wine.

"We usually replicate our meals so when she gets a chance to cook I love it," Paul commented as he started to pass the rest of the dishes. "For the turkey white or dark meat?"

"I know the feeling" Jamie replied with a grin "I'll take some dark meat please."

Heather chimed in "And I would like some of the white meat, if you would be so kind" mouth watering at all the delicious smells.

Paul picked up the meat fork and placed slices of white meat on Heather's plate followed by slices of dark meat on Jamie's plate. Knowing Cyndi's tastes place both white and dark meat on her plate same with his.

"I hope you like it," Cyndi commented "I have a desert that my mum gave me the recipe for."

Heather and Jamie both dug into their plates full of food. Heather finished her mouthful "Cyndi you are an exceptional cook....this is absolutely delicious" Heather commented. Jamie just nodded in agreement enjoying every bite.

"Thank you Heather," Cyndi replied finishing a mouthful as she took a sip of her wine "I love to cook when I have time and same with getting my hands dirty in the science labs."

Heather smiled "It's refreshing to see a commanding officer getting involved in other departments" she commented then thought this would be the opportunity that she was looking for "If I may Cyndi I have a request, as much as I love Jamie when on duty I would like to go by Devroe and not O'Connell. Because of his rank and station on the Ship I don't want any special treatment because I'm his wife" hoping she hadn't over stepped any protocols.


"I'm a scientist by nature," Cyndi replied "I taught it at the academy as for your request to use Devroe I have no problem with it. I didn't take Paul's last name when we married because of his rank as an admiral at the time and i wanted to make this on my own. So request granted."

"Thank you Cyndi, I really appreciate it" Heather replied then continued "I was a Science major at the Academy with a minor in covert operations. Matter of fact I worked in science for quite a few years before also doing Infiltration work. I guess you might say I have Jamie to blame for switching" as she had a big grin on her face.

"I've always loved science, but for some reasons command felt I was being wasted in science and kept recommending me for promotions to my commanding officers and look where it finally put me," Cyndi said

"Command was right Cyndi, your better suited right where your at," Paul replied "Everyone done and did you leave room for desert?"

Heather and Jamie looked at each other "Yes, I think we still have room, but barely" Jamie commented with a chuckle.

Cyndi and Paul quickly cleared the dishes and put them in the reclaimer, Paul picked up four desert plants while Cyndi carried in the desert, it resembled a Root beer Float Cake but tasted more like a combination of Butterscotch and the Root Beet combined and was very light and fluffy.

Cyndi set it on the table and cut it into four equal slices and handed plates to each of them. "It is from my mum and there is no Federation translation to it. I hope you like it."

Jamie tried his first as a smile came across his face "Cyndi this is delightful....it's so light and just plain delicious" he commented as he went back to consuming this fantastic desert.

"I agree with my husband....this is fantastic. I'd be honored if you would give me the recipe" Heather said with a smile.

"I don't think mum would mind, but remember there is not Federation translation for what it's called. It's been handed down from mum to daughter on mum's side of the family. It's not something you can replicate it has to be made," Cyndi said "I'll get the recipe to you. I only ask you not share it."

"That would be wonderful Cyndi and don't worry I am more than happy to go by your wishes" Heather replied.

Then Jamie had to ask hoping he wasn't out of line "Cyndi I hesitate to ask.....but when I was here last you had mentioned that Mystery had something for Heather after she came aboard the Amandora."

"I do at that, I'll be right back," Cyndi said getting up and walking into the living room and returned with a small box and a larger one both wrapped with bows on them. She handed the small box to Jamie and set the larger box on the table that Paul had just cleared. "Mystery is leaving Starfleet, she mentioned how much you enjoyed her house on Earth's moon, this is the deed to it and the other box is an afghan she made as a wedding gift for the two of you."

Jamie just looked at Heather then at Cyndi "I don't know quite what to say" as he opened the small box.....it was indeed the deed to the house that they had enjoyed so much "If you talk to Mystery please thank her for this very generous gift. I'm saddened that she is leaving Star Fleet she was a fine Captain and friend.

Then Heather opened the large box and pulled out this gorgeous light blue afghan.....it was thick and very soft. Looking up she had a tear in her eye "Yes please thank Mystery for these very generous gifts.....we will both enjoy them for years to come and also tell Mystery we wish her all the best no matter what she does."

"I'm trying to talk her into staying. Headquarters wants to put her in command of a star base and Mystery is like me, we belong in space. But command feels that we commodores don't need to risk our lives out here on ships." Cyndi commented "I will pass your thanks to her."

"We appreciate that Cyndi and I hope you can talk her into staying in Star Fleet; she's too good of an Officer to retire" Jamie commented then noticing the time "It's getting late....we probably should be going."

Heather looked over at Jamie "Yes we should be on our way; I'm sure three of us are on duty tomorrow" she stated with a grin as she looked over at Paul.

"We're glad you were able make it," Paul said "I'm sure Cyndi will be able to convince Mystery and headquarters."

"I'll see what I can do and thank you for coming," Cyndi replied

Jamie smiled "Thank you for the invitation and a wonderful meal and conversation" he commented.

"Yes thank you" Heather added then the couple turned and left the C.O.'s Quarters.

On the way home Jamie commented "Well that certainly was an interesting evening, to say the least."

Heather smiled "Yes it was....and besides a wonderful meal we are now proud owners of a nice little Cottage thanks to Mystery. I sure hope things work out for her" she commented.

Jamie agreed as the two walked into their Quarters.

::OFF::-