Robert Anderson sat quietly in the waiting area of Starbase 1, his duffel bag resting at his feet. The soft hum of the station’s systems surrounded him. The only thing that broke the silence was the occasional noise of the nearby transporter. Starbase 1 was busy, as always, with officers coming and going, but Robert found solace in the anonymity of the crowd. It gave him a moment to breathe, to reflect on the massive shift his life was about to take.

He absently fiddled with the edge of his PADD, where his assignment to the USS Valkyrie flashed in bold letters on the screen. His first official post: Counselor. The reality hadn’t quite sunk in yet; he was going to his first assignment. The word Counselor felt like a stone he couldn’t entirely lift. He wouldn’t be the one running to a more experienced officer; he was now that officer. He slipped down in the chair. The lower he sat, the more the weight of his new responsibility began to weigh on him.

His thoughts wandered to his family: his father, mother, and siblings Julia and Leo. Leo, the youngest, was still finding his way at Starfleet Academy. They had all called him before he left, each with their own version of advice. Julia told him to be ready for anything. Leo joked about the perks of being a counselor—like having the best seat at the poker table. And his father, his anchor, reminded him that the mind was as crucial to Starfleet as any warp drive.

Robert chuckled as he leaned back in his chair, glancing around. The station still felt familiar. He’d spent several years here during his residency in psychiatry. However, this time, he wasn’t a student learning under the guidance of seasoned professionals. Now, he was the one others would turn to. He slipped lower into the chair.

He closed his eyes briefly and took a deep breath, just as he had been taught. The memories of Frontier Day still lingered in his mind. He’d forced them down and tried to push the thoughts away, but it didn’t work. He had studied trauma counseling, xeno-psychology, and cultural sensitivities extensively, preparing for the diverse crew he would encounter in his career. Each species had its unique challenges, but Robert found that at the core, most sentient beings wanted the same things: understanding, peace of mind, and someone to listen.

Robert’s eyes opened as a soft chime announced an incoming message on his PADD. The transport to the Valkyrie would be docking shortly. He stood, straightening out his uniform and grabbing his bag. His hand shook for just a second as he gripped the strap. “It’s just fatigue,” he told himself, “or maybe the lack of sleep.” He took a deep breath. This was what he had trained for; this was that moment.

Walking toward the transport gate, he couldn’t help but feel a mix of anticipation and excitement. Yet behind it all, a small knot of doubt sat in his stomach. What if he wasn’t ready? What if he couldn’t keep his thoughts together while helping others? The next chapter of his life was beginning. There would be new faces, challenges, and opportunities to make a difference. As the doors to the transport slid open, Robert stepped through. In no time, he would be standing on the deck plating of the USS Valkyrie.

He reached over, adjusting the duffel on his shoulder,  “Physician, heal thyself,” he muttered, trying to calm his nerves.

He took one last look at the station before he turned to find his seat.