“Okay, that wraps up the Hudson file then,” the soft voice intoned from speaker hidden in the holodisplay, synchronized to the lip movements of the blonde Trill whose face hung in midair over the low table. She was looking at something outside the projector’s field of view, much as Vanessa was swiping across a PADD herself. She tucked a loose strand of dark hair behind her ear and leaned back against the couch.

“That just leaves the S’kovan,” she replied, eyes lifting back to the display. “Which I submitted last night.” The Trill nodded, eyes scanning horizontally a few times before she met Vanessa’s gaze.

“I reviewed it this morning. Thorough, as always.” She paused, lips pressed together in a thin line. “What is your recommendation?”

Vanessa sighed and smiled. “Not my job. I just do the post-combat interviews and evaluations. You determine what to do with the information. That’s why you have three gold pips, Belen.” The Trill closed her eyes and sighed, nodding.

“You’re right, of course. Wish I could convince you to stay.”

Vanessa’s smile brightened. “You knew this was a temporary assignment. No, this is where I belong.” The call wrapped shortly after that, the display winking out as she leaned forward and grabbed a mug of hot chocolate from the table. She blew gently across the surface as her eyes roamed the room, a different office than she had previously been assigned. She’d left out a desk in the layout this time, deciding just the couch and table would suffice - she did most of her work from a PADD most of the time anyway. The carpet was seafoam, better distinguishing it from the blue of the couch. She felt it made the room feel more open, more welcoming, and less “samey” than so many shades of blue.

She leaned against the sofa, thoughts and plans drifting through her head. “Computer,” she said aloud, waiting for the chime to indicate it was ready for input. “Set office hours to open and begin scheduling cadet reviews.” Another chime sounded. She turned, laying back against the arm of the sofa, and looked at the painting over the wall.

“And change the primary painting to The Singing Butler by Jack Vettriano.” Another chirp, and the painting display changed to her familiar one. Yes, she thought, I’ll keep it. I like the red too much.

She sipped her chocolate and waited for the computer to complete her schedule.

Lt. Cmdr Lofton, CNS

Nathan Miller | Contact Me
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