Harris had woke early and enjoyed breakfast with Molly before she had left for the office. Before she left, she had helped him make sure the four bright stars on his tactical dress uniform for the Colonial Customs & Immigration Authority (CCDA) were perfect.

Walking into the Tower, Cal stepped into the lift and scanned his badge. The lift rocketed nearly to the top of the massive structure before slowing and with a ding… an automated voice announced.

=A= Now arriving… Headquarters, Colonial Customs & Defence Authority =A=

Stepping off the lift, Harris was astounded to see the floor alive with activity. Dozens of personnel in a variety of uniforms hurried about setting up the very heart of OED’s new Paramilitary organization. Established as a long-needed solution to a variety of headaches the rapidly growing colony had faced for years, over the next few months… OEDs very first in-house defense organization would be formed. To be comprised of three distinct branches… the Astro Control Service, the Colonial Defense Force, and the Customs & Immigration Service… the CCDA would change the way OED’s government addressed planetary issues forever.

To say the Marines, much less his father, were shocked at not only Calvin’s sudden and early retirement… but the dramatic shift in OED internal defense was an enormous understatement. Though shocked, his dad… the Vice Commandant of the SFMC… couldn’t blame his son for a life altering career opportunity. Though… as Vice Commandant… the elder Harris was pissed.

As Harris approached the Admin Clerk at the Welcome Desk, the young woman’s eyes grew large. She reached for a call button, the same move he had seen the clerk at SFMC Headquarters do every time he and his dad came back to his office from lunch while Harris had been in command of SFA’s flight school in order to warn everyone there was brass in the building. He rolled his eyes slightly and smiled.

“Good morning…” Cal began. “… you all seem rather busy already.” He chuckled.

The young woman smiled. “You could say that sir. I don’t think anyone wanted to look lazy not knowing when you’d arrive…” She have a slightly wider smiled. “… and we do have a lot to do today General. Welcome to the CCDA. I’m Staff Sergeant Sara Johnson… formerly of the OED Police force. I’m in charge of Headquarters Security & Reception. If you need anything, just let us know.” Turning, she motioned to a large set of doors at the opposite end of the floor. “That’s yours sir… I believe your Receptionist is already inside. And General…” Johnson blushed slightly. “… I think I was likely the first person to sign up after you. I think what the CCDA will become is incredibly important to the future of the colony and honestly…” It was her turn to blush. “… we’re damn lucky to have someone like you in charge. It is an incredible privilege to serve with you sir.”

Harris was genuinely touched. Reaching out a hand, he shook Johnson’s hand with a warm smile. “You’re mistaken, Sergeant… the CCDA is damn lucky to have you!” Johnson blushed brightly as she shook Harris’ hand. “Thanks for leading the charge. I hope we get a lot more just like you.” With that, Harris nodded “Have a good day Sergeant Johnson.” Then turned and walked to his new office.

Gen. Harris, CCDA