Posted by Civilian Jeannette Mathis (Federation Ambassador) in Federation Embassy - Just a quick Courtesy

Posted by Civilian Revna Freya McKenzie (Resident) in Federation Embassy - Just a quick Courtesy

Posted by Civilian Jeannette Mathis (Federation Ambassador) in Federation Embassy - Just a quick Courtesy

(snip)

With a nod, Mathis rose and led Revna out of her spacious office and back into the administrative area of the embassy. There was a quietness thats she was unaccustomed to. Even when they were working in the Government Tower, Jeannette had bene aware of the hum of activity in areas and levels other than hers. Here it was just the security team and it was disconcerting right now. It made her all the more aware of Dash’s absence.

It certainly was quiet, even compared to Revna’s single office on the Manhattan. Officers and crew had always been coming and going in the corridor, and Wednesday mornings were always eventful.

“This wing is all administrative offices, or it will be when I have staff. This estate was built by a previous Treasury Secretary who was… removed due to misappropriating funds. You could tell where some of that went by the gilt finishings on almost everything. When this place became the final choice for an embassy we
did our best to make it less jarring but there are some lovely details that give the place character. I think in time it’ll become its own sort of place here on Oed.”

It was still ostentatious for Revna’s personal taste, but a bit of elegance for elegance’s sake went a ways to help visitors understand this was a special place. It also helped to remind of the status the people inside held. Diplomacy and politics. Over all it was lovely. “It already seems to be expressing itself having been shed of it’s previous owner. It’s very delicate.”

“My hope is that more of Oed’s craftsmanship and artistic influence will find its way here,” Jeanette said with a warm smile. Her feelings on the matter were very sincere.

She led them out into the main foyer which was rather large and open and featured that grand staircase. “Upstairs are residential areas for staff, including my family, as well as office space for visiting staff.”

Jeannette Mathis, Federation Ambassador

“Is your family looking forward to moving in? Being in a more permanent residence?”

Revna, Lady McKenzie

She nodded. “We like the townhouse, but practical matters sometimes outweigh the simple enjoyment of a space. At the end of busy days it just makes more sense for me to be able to leave work behind in the embassy and go upstairs to my family. Less travel time means more time with them, even if travel is relatively quick in a settlement of this size.”

“It is so important to carve out and hold to that personal and family time. My father taught me that when I was very young. He said if he didn’t make time for us, then he would lose track of his purpose.”

Jeannette moved across the foyer and opened one of two very large wooden doors carved in bas-relief with floral motifs and scrollwork around the borders. Inside was a generous space with polished wood floors. “This is the ballroom where we’ll host all our formal events. There’s a kitchen nearby for staff to use for preparations, and we have access to replicators as well. But I like that Oed has an agricultural concern, right down to a farmer’s market. So far I’ve found the cuisine here to be a wonderful fusion of foods from across the quadrants and some of it comes together in a blend that seems unique to Oed.” She didn’t add that the first official formal event in where was likely to be a memorial service.

Jeannette Mathis, Federation Ambassador

Revna stood at the door and listened to Mathis’ voice echo softly in the empty space. “It’s lovely. It has a very old world elegance to it. The carving in the wainscoting is hand done, is it not?”

“It is. I think it’s why don’t begrudge some of the opulence. It might not be my taste, but you can’t deny the exquisite workmanship.”

“I am looking forward to my first Market. We had one at home that I never missed. My sister talks of nothing but the market at Sloan Square. She said if everything else goes wrong, that market makes the move to Oed worth it.” Revna laughed softly, “If you knew how opposed she was at first, those words would carry even more praise.”

Revna, Lady McKenzie

She chuckled. “Well I think you will enjoy the market. I took my family and it was a really lovely morning. My spouse especially enjoyed it given that they were able to get recommendations for art supply shops. It made their day,” Jean said, some of the heaviness lifting. Then again, talking about Ren always did that for her.

Revna knew that look. She had the same one when she so much as thought about Mike. And that thought in turn brought the look to her own features. “I’m quite excited to get out and explore more.”

Mathis moved out of the ballroom and wandered back towards her office. “That’s more of less the gist of the tour. Is there anything you want to see in particular or any questions you have?”

Jeannette Mathis, Federation Ambassador

“Oh no. I truly only came by to introduce myself. I knew you were already busy, but it seems more so now. I won’t take more of your time.” Revna smiled gently, “It was a pleasure to speak and meet with you. I hope we will again.”

Revna, Lady McKenzie