<snip>

Madison stepped into Vanessa’s office for her appointment. She observed the counselor adjusting her hair and understood the need to do so. She had to adjust her own hair often to maintain a professional appearance per Starfleet regulations while on active duty. She mirrored Vanessa’s smile and shook her hand in greeting. “That is correct Vanessa. You can call me Maddie. I will take a flat white coffee, hot please.” Her accent was clearly of Australian origin.

Madison followed Vanessa’s directions and took a seat on the sofa. While she waited for her beverage, she observed the artwork piece on the wall. She then shifted her position on the couch and looked in Vanessa’s direction. “I love the art work Vanessa. Do you happen to know what time period that piece was originally from? Is it authentic?” Maddie had a curious expression on her face and her head was tilted just slightly as she appeared to be genuinely interested in the beautiful work of art.

Cadet Marsh (Science)

Vanessa nodded and ordered from the machine, bringing the two mugs on saucers to the couch. She handed Maddie hers and sat with her own, cradling it in her palms, enjoying the warmth that suffused. She looked to the painting as she sipped.

“It is not original,” she answered, eyes wandering softly over the scene. “It’s by a 20th century painter named Jack Vettriano.” She reached up and tapped the name in the corner. “I love the whimsy it captures, the sensations it evokes.”

She turned to face Maddie and leaned back against the sofa. “You have quite the impressive record, Maddie. Two master’s, a doctorate, Command school - you’re going to be quite the asset to Starfleet.” She took a deep sip of her chocolate and sighed. “But what do you like to do to relax?”

Lt. Cmdr. Lofton - CNS

Maddie had nodded in agreement in regards to Vanessa’s comments on the art work and made direct contact as she displayed interest in what the Lieutenant Commander has to say. Maddie paused and pondered the question for a moment as she thought about what she typically did to relax.

“To relax I find reading after a days work is a beneficial. I also exercise five days a week. The work out regimen includes yoga, cardio, and weight lifting primarily. I do this to not only remain in good health, but to relieve the stress that comes with research, my work, and life in general. How about yourself? What do you do to relax Vanessa?”

Cadet Marsh (Scientist)

“You’ll need to check out the gym, then,” Vanessa smiled. “It’s not the facilities you’d find on a Mythology-class, but I’ve seen starbases with worse.”

Vanessa placed the mug of chocolate and saucer on the end table before she continued. “I’ve got a bit of sweet tooth,” she faux-whispered with a grin, then continued normally. “So I find myself in the gym quite a lot, too. I try to run a few kilometers, and occasionally do some sparring in a combat program. What kinds of works do you like to read?”

She readjusted, tucking her feet behind and beneath her on the sofa as Maddie answered, propping her head on her hand from the back of the couch.

Lt. Cmdr. Lofton - CNS