Posted by Lieutenant Commander Vanessa Lofton (Counselor) in Post-Sim: Introductions
The familiar hustle and bustle of a busy shuttle bay greeted Vanessa as she stepped off the shuttle behind the line of eager young cadets. They had all avoided her on the flight, the only person aboard with pips. She smiled inwardly; she didn’t need to be telepathic to feel their nervousness about her, or hear the hushed whispers as they tried to figure out who she was. Take that, Betazoids, she thought.

A nearby figure approached her, clad in Operations gold. “Welcome aboard the Challenger, Lieutenant Commander Lofton,” he greeted, and tapped his PADD to hers. “Your room is ready, and you now have directions to it on your device; we’ll bring your belongings along shortly. Would you like a tour of the ship?” She smiled but shook her head.

He pressed another button. “If you ever desire one, please just ask the computer and we’ll be glad to send someone right away. The Officer’s Mess is available on Deck 6, and the main crew lounge is Nine Forward.” He looked at her. “I’m sure you can guess where that is,” he chuckled, and she laughed at his easy manner.

He’s in the right position for his personality, she thought as he walked away. Efficient, polite, and just a touch of humor.

The cadets were gathered in the hall, discussing what their schedules were for the day, where they were assigned quarters, conversations she remembered having herself on her Academy cruise. Checking her PADD, they parted for her as she walked down the hall and entered the turbolift. “Bridge,” she requested, and the car began moving.

“Pause,” she commanded, and the car stopped. She held up the PADD, activating the internal camera, and checked her appearance. Her black hair was done in a tight bun on the back of her head, held in place by a small wooden stick, which she adjusted minutely. She stared into her own blue eyes and smiled. “Knock ‘em dead, kiddo,” she said, then tucked the PADD under her arm again. “Resume.”

The doors hissed open to the bridge of the Challenger, and she took in the heart of the ship briefly before stepping out. She immediately recognized Captain Davis and Commander Holmman, and paused. She was intending to report to the XO, who would be who she reported to directly, but since they were both here…

She approached at an angle where both could see her and smiled broadly. “Commander Holmman,” she greeted him, extending her hand. “Lieutenant Commander Vanessa Lofton, reporting for duty as your new counselor.”

She turned to the CO and did the same. “Captain Davis, a pleasure. I understand I have big shoes to fill. I can’t wait to help you shape the next round of cadets.”

Lt. Cmdr Lofton - CNS

Eric stood up as Lofton approached. “Counselor, welcome aboard Counselor. Glad you were able to find us,” he said with a grin, shanking hands. “I trust there were no difficulties in arriving with our latest arrivals from the Academy?”

-Cmdr. Eric Holmman, XO