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

Posted by Civilian Revna Freya McKenzie (Resident) in Federation Embassy - Just a quick Courtesy
Posted by… suppressed (9) by the Post Ghost! 👻

(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

“You are welcome anytime,” Mathis said with a sincere smile. “And depending on the timing of things this week, if you want to meet up at this weekend’s market, we’ve been going nearly weekly, barring schedule conflicts. We could show you around.” Mathis didn’t need to specify that her plans were up in the air, but it was nice to think she could make some anyway. Some semblance of ease and normalcy when her world had been turned so thoroughly upside down.

Jeannette Mathis, Federation Ambassador

“I would enjoy that. I plan to go, and if I didn’t I am sure my sister will make me go.” That seemed to amuse the woman. “You’ll get to meet my husband as well.”

“I look forward to it.”

Revna appraised the woman. Revna had a drive to help people, it was what made her so good at her job over the years. It was clear Mathis was hurting, and though experienced and capable it was a lot to take on all on her own. “I am not officially with the diplomatic corp anymore, but if you find you need an extra pair of hands don’t hesitate to ask.” Revna had other commitments now, and she had no plans or desires to return to the corp, but that didn’t mean she couldn’t give of her free time, what there was of it, anyway.

Revna, Lady McKenzie

Jeanette drew in a drew breath and nodded. “Careful there, Ambassador, I might be tempted to call you on that. This week at least I have been told the executive staff will be helping out so that hopefully I’ll actually have some staff around here.” But it wouldn’t be the same. “But it might be nice to have someone experienced as a sounding board who isn’t light years away.”

Jeannette Mathis, Federation Ambassador

“Ambassador Mathis, I never make an offer I don’t absolutely mean. If a sounding board is needed, give me the rest of today to take care of some things and talk to my husband, and then I will come tomorrow and we can see about getting you some staff?”

Revna, Lady McKenzie

Jean took a couple measured breaths before she nodded. “Okay then. I know the Lieutenant Governor is coming by sometime today and we’ll prep for our meeting with Ambassador Kek later tomorrow. But if you were able to come by in the morning, I’d be grateful for the help.” She looked around the expansive foyer and shook her head a little before she looked at Revna. “Dashiel and I worked together for eight years.” For diplomats that was exceedingly rare given most people moved on in their own careers. He had such a tight system and knew when to toss stuff at me and when to hold back. I’m going to admit that I’m wary of having to jump into my work again without him, the least of which was that he kept extensive notes that for the duration of the investigation are all potential evidence. I’m going to try and have some of that expedited, but there are only select individuals on this planet allowed to read any of it.” She blew out a breath trying to hold back the overwhelm. “Which is my rambling way to say that I welcome your help but be warned that I have a mess to wade through and it’s not going to be easy, while I simultaneously advance diplomatic relations with old enemies of this colony.” She arched a brow as she smirked. “But you seem like an adventurous person. Tell me you’re not put off by any of this.”

Jeannette Mathis, Federation Ambassador

Revna laughed, “No not at all. I cut my diplomatic teeth with a Vulcan ambassador who repeatedly set others off by his strict adherence to logic and lack of emotion. In a quadrant that had never heard of Vulcans or anything like them.” She set a hand gently on Mathis’ upper arm. “It’s overwhelming, but you don’t have to do it alone. We can reconstruct what Mr Jones had. I’m sure there are copies somewhere of information we can use. Previous information you sent to the governor, updates back to the council, records of official correspondence. We’ll make do, and professionally you’ll be fine. If you need an ear before then, here’s my private comm.” She handed the woman an old fashioned business card with her contact information. “First, let’s get you some staff to take some of the more mundane burdon’s off your shoulders.”

Revna, Lady McKenzie

Mathis accepted the card and nodded. “I’ll have the long list of candidates ready for tomorrow. That much we had mostly finished. We just need to narrow down to a short list for each position, and then schedule interviews for as soon as we can fit them in. We’ll see where we are at when you come by tomorrow.”

She held out a hand to Revna. “Thank you for coming by, and in advance for the help. Oed is a place that looks after its own. I know you’re new here, but trust me, you’re going to fit in just fine,” she said with a warm smile.

Jeannette Mathis, Federation Ambassador

Revna shook her hand. “I think we will. I will see you early tomorrow. Until then take care of yourself.”

Revna, Lady McKenzie

“And you as well,” Mathis said, walking Revna to the exit. She gave her a bow of her head before she turned and headed back to her office, most likely to comb through resumes and hunt for her assistant’s errant notes.

Jeannette Mathis, Federation Ambassador