Posted by Civilian Jeannette Mathis (Federation Ambassador) in Orbital Platform- Ambassador Mathis & Co Arrive
Ren gazed at her with those grey eyes that always seemed to pierce through her. “Breathe. Everything will be okay, and if it isn’t, well, you’ve dealt with worse, Love.”

“Hmmm,” was Jeanette’s only reply as she flicked her gaze downwards to study her PADD.

Her spouse gave her a disbelieving look before turning to Jones with an expression the two of them had shared many times before. “You talk to her. I think I’m on the wrong frequency today.”

Dashiel grinned at Ren, knowing their frustration was only surface and that they both knew Jeannette was under a great deal of pressure in addition to knowing that there were specific issues that needed to be addressed soon after they arrived on the surface. And none of that factored in settling into the home he had helped arrange, nor getting Jessie set up for school and whatever else the teen needed. He himself had a bunch of things to tackle including likely meetings with various people, both with Jeanette and on his own.

As the shuttle docked and their diplomatic security clearances triggered various notifications to people both on the Platform and the surface, the group was waiting to disembark. Leaning against the bulkhead, Dash eyed his boss and friend. “You’ve reconsidered your approach and you’ve dug a little deeper. Go with your plan and give them a chance to react. They’re allowed to be upset and we both know it. But we’re all going to have to work together so just be yourself Jean and let them get to know you. We may not have a lot of time, but they are aware of that as well. If we’re not all on the same page fast this will be an unmitigated disaster.”

Jeannette burst out laughing, tension flowing outwards. “And that is supposed to be encouraging?”

Jones gave her his trademark grin. “Nope, just reality.”

Inhaling deeply, she gazed at the attaché intently. “So the usual?”

“Exactly.”

Mathis gave him a grateful look. “It’s not like I haven’t been put in difficult situations before but these feels different. Maybe because I’m used to being given the full picture before being asked to handle such a delicate bomb of a situation I’m second-guessing myself knowing I had about half the info needed.” She shook her head in frustration. “Even after giving the Corps an earful, I don’t think they quite know the fullness of my displeasure. But regardless, too much is at stake for me to walk in miffed, so I’m just trying to shake it off.”

Dash nodded. “Well, do it quickly because”-he peered around her-“it looks like we’re on the go now.”

And indeed they were. Jeanette gathered her bag and with an arm slung over Jessie’s shoulder and Ren at her side, the family and her aide stepped through into the spaceport and joined others going through customs.

~Ambassador Mathis

As they stepped into line, a group of armed and armored figures came into the Customs bay via a secure entrance marked ‘Restricted - CCDA Personnel Only’. The four figures were led by a dark-red skinned human male with long, straight black hair. Major General stars sat on his collar and he walked as he looked at a micro-PaDD in his hand. He looked up and quickly spotted Mathis and company in line and walked towards them. Putting The device in his pocket, he said “Ambassador? Major General Charles Tenkiller, Colonial Customs and Defense Agency. Governor Hyrushi has asked us to see you through customs and bring you to the surface.”

He motioned them forward and led the past the myriad individuals and groups waiting to get into the spaceport and to the front of the line. He waited for the party being screened to move inside and ushered the Ambassador forward. “Customs and Immigrations forms.” the Andorian at the screening station said languidly without looking up. “What, you wanna know if they’re bringing in any fruit or something?” Tenkiller asked pointedly. The Customs agent looked up and their eyes went wide. “G-G-G-General! Oh, sir! I’m sorry sir! I didn’t kn-” and Tenkiller held up a hand and quieted the stammering. “Easy. Just stamp the Ambassador and her party through, will you? And how long have you been on screening duty today?” The agent began electronically approving the customs records and said “Sorry sir. Eleven hours today sir. Some bug going through and we’re short handed.” Tenkiller nodded and looked at one of the guards. “Pull second shift in early and make sure everyone is up on vaccinations. And get this guy some help right away.” The guard nodded once and lifted a comm device to his lips and began mumbling.

Tenkiller looked at the Ambassador and said “Sorry about that. This way, if you please.” He led them out of the main bay and towards a set of unmarked doors off to one side, and then through and into a clean and unoccupied hallway. “Your shuttle down to the surface is standing by. Your bags and belongings are being loaded for transport right now and will await your call before heading out to your residences. Once you are planet-side, a slider will take you to the Government Tower. Your clearances are already set and the Governor and Lt. Governor are waiting.” as he led them down the hall.

Tenkiller, VC- CCDA