Posted by Captain Eela Dasca (Lt. Governor) in A New Day, A New World, A New Life

Posted by Civilian Karilan Massat (Owner, Quill and Parchment Books) in A New Day, A New World, A New Life

Posted by Civilian Jeannette Mathis (Federation Ambassador) in A New Day, A New World, A New Life
Posted by… suppressed (4) by the Post Ghost! 👻
She tipped her head up, soaking up the sun. Not all that long ago there had been a dome and dust blocking such an occurrence. Jeannette Mathis luxuriated in the sensation care of the atmospheric shield, noting its importance. She had visited hundreds of worlds and that sensation of warmth seeping into her skin never failed to calm something in her. This fact was why she was never destined to be a space dweller and the majority of her diplomatic assignments were on planets. Not all worlds had had a sunny disposition, but she gravitated towards them nonetheless. It was the difference between her and a diplomat like Dasca had been. The powers at be would often task Eela to meet on ships, travel long distances and back, for shorter missions because the woman enjoyed the stars. Hell, from their one early encounter, Mathis swore that Eela was eager to be away from Earth. The simple fact was that Jean had paid her dues enough to no longer have to if she didn’t want to. She she rarely did.

That said, being stuck on Black Rock had not been enjoyable- a necessary evil for the sake for the mission.

This was a layered mission. She had to find way to help the Vren and maintain the security and peace on the colony. She was also expected to bring a more open Federation presence to this neglected world. It wasn’t her fault, but it was her issue to navigate.

Mathis understood this was a long shot, but she did enjoy a challenge, and more than that she enjoyed people who undertook challenges with her. These colonists were those people and she knew it deep down in her gut.

After a dinner of takeout, the tired family crashed knowing that the days ahead were bound to be both interesting and exhausting. She needed all the sleep she could get. An expert at hiding her fatigue to most people, Jeannette laughed at herself knowing that both the Governor and Lieutenant Governor were both empaths. So much the better- they could cut out the bullshit and carry on openly. She preferred it.

With her guard nearby, she had arrived early at the location Dasca suggested they meet. Dash should be along shortly as well. For now, she was taking in this place known as Sloane Square (and the sun) with a relaxed smile, absorbing every detail as important.

~Ambassador Mathis

From her right shoulder, a presence approached, exuding calmness. Eela smiled at Mathis. “The lovely thing about an atmospheric shield is that we still have weather control. They do vary it but these stretches of nice weather have been lovely lately.

Jeanette mirrored the smile. “It’s been a mixed bag weather wise the last few years. Coridan had no weather control but they did have stretches of beautiful weather mixed with weeks where you barely wanted to go outside. And a couple days on Black Rock and I’m more than happy being outside.”

Eela was about to ask about Jones but felt a presence behind her, of course allowed close by the discreet security presence that was omnipresent anytime she was outside of the Government Tower or her apartment building. It was strange how quickly she had gotten used to the team, but they all seemed to work well together and if she were truly honest, given her rather tumultuous first weeks here, she was rather glad for their presence.

Dash arrived wearing a relaxed smile, grinning deeper as he saw the two women. He gave a knowing nod to Jeannette and she returned it, as was their custom. “So, where is it you’re taking us, Madam Lieutenant Governor?”

She noted that he didn’t use her captain title, which was a nice surprise. “Please, right now it’s just Eela. The rest is such a mouthful and entirely weird in the delightful place I’m going to show you.”

Dash laughed. “I am pretty sure you are never just anything.”

Dasca laughed and shook her head. “Come on, it’s just over here.” She led them around the corner where the sign for Quill & Parchment Books indicated a door and stepped inside, holding the door for them.

“Karilan?” she called out with a warm smile, looking forward to seeing her new friend again. The Quill was quickly becoming a favourite haunt of hers and it was more than the books and quiet back room in which she could work. It was the feeling that she was always welcome here, which was not something she could say was ubiquitous on this colony.

~Dasca & Co.

A Deltan appeared from the back of the center bakery-slash- coffee bar-slash customer service counter. “Lieutenant Governor! Hello!” Karilan said as they approached. They looked at Mathis and Jones and said “Welcome. I am Karilan Massat, the owner.” He looked back at Eela and said “I have your regular alcove ready, if you would like to sit?” and they gestured to the back of the store.

Massat, Owner

Taking in the two-level shop Jeanette dropped her jaw. “Wow, this is an amazing place, “ she said before her focus snapped back to reality. “I’m Jeanette Mathis, a newly arrived ambassador and this is Dashiel Jones, my attaché.”

“Madame Ambassador, it is an honor.” Massat said. “And Mr. Jones, welcome.”

“A pleasure,” Dash said, his trademark smile and slightly mussed curls of his hair giving him a very slight impish appearance. “And I have to agree, this place is something else. And I’ve seen a few bookstores in our travels.”

Massat smiled and looked back at the shop with a subdued pride. “And I thank you. It is a relatively new passion, but one I think may hold my attentions for some time.” He looked back at the Lieutenant Governor. “Shall we?” and he gestured again to the back.

“Always ready for me. One of these days I’m actually going to surprise you,” she said with a grin as she followed and gestures for her companions to join her.

“Challenge accepted, Miss Dasca.” Massat said with a smile.

“Careful now. It’s not well known, but I’m rather a competitive person,” Eela said with a wink.

Eela stepped into the space she often worked from and turned to include Mathis and Jones. “We’ll definitely sit in the alcove but before that I was thinking my friends here might want to poke about the shop.”

~Eela Dasca, Lt. Gov.

“Oh yes! Definitely,” Mathis said, a lightness having settled into her. Trust Dasca to have picked to perfect place to ‘introduce them to Oed’.

~Ambassador Mathis and Dash Jones

“Of course. You are free to look wherever you like on the first floor. That is where we have our retail section, coffee bar and cafe, and the desk for assistance with Special Requests. Upstairs is the rare tome library. When you are ready, I will show you and Mr. Jones that section.” Massat said with a slight nod.

Massat, Owner

Eela watched the new ambassadorial pair venture off to browse the ground level and then reached out and touched Karilan’s arm. “So, are you still willing to help with my bookcases? After several inexplicable and frustrating delays, my belongings are finally arriving next week.”

~Eela Dasca, Lt. Gov.

Massat smiled and said “Absolutely, Ms. Dasca. I would be happy to assist you personally. Before you leave, let me know when you are thinking and we can sort out the details a few days before.”

Massat, Owner