After her meeting with the Governor, Arin led Ana down to her own office. It was nice, comfortable. Decorated in dark colors the room was occupied by a large desk, with a comfortable looking chair and two guest seats, a sofa/coffee table/chair combination that made a nice cozy space, and a massive bookshelf. Ana breathed in deeply. “Bring in the senior staff.” She said to Arin, taking her seat behind the desk. “Yes ma’am.” He replied, vanishing from the office.

A moment later, a few people filtered in. Arin introduced them in turn. “May I introduce: Erin Hayes, Governor’s Counsel. Modre Vimix, Communications Director. Charles Foreman, Deputy Communications Director. And your Deputy Chief of Staff, Jess Wyatt.” There was a long pause. “Where’s the Press Secretary?”
“He quit this morning, ma’am.” Jess answered.
“You answered, your problem. Find a new one. Today. I will not have someone making their prime time debut during the Vren negotiations. Vimix?” Jess retreated towards the door as a Trill stepped forward. “Yes?”
“The Governor needs a toast and some remarks on hand the day the Vren arrive. Write them, have them ready a day in advance for the Governor to approve.”
“Yes ma’am” he responded before joining Jess in the back.
“Erin?” The young human woman simply moved forward. “I need you to prepare a brief for the Governor. He’s made a massive move, limiting Federation access to OED. We need to know how legally exposed we are.”
“That’s a very broad question.”
“Yes, I guess it is. Let me clarify, if the Federation government decides to sue us, how will they do it, and can we defend ourselves? Does that help?” Erin stepped back with her colleagues. “My name is Ana Caputo. I’m the new Chief of Staff I’m sure you were all warned about. I apologize for introducing myself after giving out orders, but that’s how it goes. We’ll be busy around here. I know my predecessors have not lasted long, but I assure you I will. We will. This government will run like clockwork under our watch. Let’s get to it.” Everyone but Ana and Arin filtered out. “They haven’t been this needed in a while.*” Arin said.
“We’ll be busy until retirement.” Ana replied.

-Chief of Staff