Posted by Civilian Jeannette Mathis (Federation Ambassador) in Government Tower- Ambassador Mathis & Co Arrive

Posted by Civilian Kenzo B’tren-Hyrushi (Governor) in Government Tower- Ambassador Mathis & Co Arrive

Posted by Civilian Jeannette Mathis (Federation Ambassador) in Government Tower- Ambassador Mathis & Co Arrive

(snip)

Mathis gave a grateful nod, knowing full well that she and Dasca would need to have a private chat before they did anything else.

“And I am willing to be there with you as you make said statement.” Hyrushi added. “I will even go so far as to ensure there are voices favorable to the idea in the crowd. But Captain Dasca is correct. The sooner we make the announcement, the more advantage we have in addressing concerns before the Vren arrive.”

Hyrushi, Governor

“I’m glad we’re all in agreement. I had no intention of waiting long but I’m going to be honest, I haven’t started to draft that statement yet. I could have, while we were travelling, but it made no sense to me to do so until I met with both of you and got a feel for the colony itself.” Jeanette leaned in, her serious facade slipping just a little. “I have a spouse and a teenage son here with me. When possible, they have lived wherever I have been working, because these later years of my career have been primarily embassy work. Assuming that everything doesn’t go to hell with all of this, Oed is going to be our home for foreseeable future. Understand that while I don’t have the history of dealing with the Vren, I have some of the same concerns that many of the citizens here will. I have loved ones I care about that I don’t want to see in harms’s way. I know one person cannot in full represent an entire people, but that what Ambassador Kek and I do. After conversing with the Ambassador, I’m more optimistic than I expected to be. And this is coming from someone who spent four years on post-war Cardassia and then was asked to go back for another three years later.” She offered a genuine, if tired smile. “This is an uphill battle, I get that. But if there is an actual battle to be had, know that I am in the trenches with everyone else, and it’s not my first foray.”

Ambassador Mathis

Hyrushi’s face remained passive, but he inclined his head in acknowledgement. He then said “I trust that what you say is true, Ambassador. Although I might suggest we leave out references to warfare going forward.” Even though his delivery was dry and acerbic, Eela would know it was humor… at least as far as the man allowed himself in formal settings.

Mathis placed a finger to her slip. “Mum’s the word,” she said, her pale blue eyes glinting.

“May I suggest that the draft of the statement commence as soon as possible. And if you will allow me to see it before it is presented, I will draft a co-statement. It is imperative that we appear to be working together as a cooperative unit. That in and of itself will make this news slightly easier for the people to swallow.”

Hyrushi, Governor

It all sounded like a reasonable plan to Dasca and she simply gave a nod of agreement.

She gave a crisp nod and looked to Dashiel. “We can have something sometime tomorrow?” He nodded, and she looked back between Dasca and Hyrushi. “And if anything in it strikes you as awkward for Oed or not hitting the right tone, by all means, let me know. Drafts are just that, I won’t be offended.”

It was clear they were wrapping this meeting up, so Jeanette focused on Eela. “Lieutenant Governor, before I leave, may I have a minute of your time? It won’t take long.”

Ambassador Mathis

“Of course,” Eela said, understanding that Mathis wanted a word in private. So she simply looked to Kenzo. “I think we’ve more or less covered what we needed to at the moment, don’t you?” She tapped her wrist twice with her index finger, a small sign to him that they needed time after to talk. He would tell her where and when most likely.

~Eela Dasca, Lt. Gov.