One of the surprise announcement at last Friday’s Star Trek: Discovery panel at San Diego Comic Con was the word that actor Rebecca Romijn had been cast as the new Number One — the first officer of the USS Enterprise under Captain Pike — and a role originated by Majel Barrett in 1964.

She wasn’t at the Discovery panel herself, but she did comment briefly to MTR Network about the announcement, from elsewhere in the San Diego convention:

Today, however, Romijn shared some more of her reaction to taking on the Trek role with Entertainment Tonight, describing how the opportunity was described to her:

“I didn’t know the full story. I was asked if I’d be interested in a somewhat iconic role in the series and I jumped at the chance. I was a Trekkie as a kid with the original series. After I was filled in with all the details — after I said ‘yes’ — oh man, I was floored. It was amazing.

She also described what it was like to first put on that 23rd century Starfleet uniform for he first time — and her thoughts on the classic Trek-inspired costume and set designs of the ‘new’ Enterprise.

“When they fit me [for the uniform], they fit me in the original gold uniform from [the classic] Enterprise because “Discovery” takes place 10 years before the Original Series. But when they fit me for that uniform, I was teary-eyed.

Because [classic “Trek” with the] Enterprise was shot in the ‘60s, we’ve gone with a little bit of a ‘60s flair, which is great — and being there on set, there’s a ‘60s vibe on set. The production is amazing. Just walking through the stages up there, it’s gorgeous — really, really beautiful sets.”

Romijn’s first tweet on the subject showcased a small glimpse at her Starfleet look, wearing the same golden uniform as Captain Pike, with official service-issue pants, boots, and Starfleet delta badge in tow.

She would not tell ET how many episodes she’ll be appearing in — though she noted that she’s expecting to head back to Toronto for additional filming — but Romjin did reveal that she and Anson Mount’s Captain Pike have spent time talking about their missing Mr. Spock.

“I’m working with Anson Mount, who plays an amazing Captain Pike, and we have discussed Mr. Spock. Mr. Spock has been a topic of conversation.”

We didn’t get a chance to see Romijn’s new Number One in last week’s Season 2 trailer, so hopefully CBS will share some of the actor’s performance with us soon as we get closer to the new season, expected to kick off in January 2019.

Keep checking back to TrekCore for all the latest Star Trek: Discovery news!