Posted by Civilian Jeannette Mathis (Federation Ambassador) in Federation Embassy

Posted by Civilian Revna Freya McKenzie (Resident) in Federation Embassy

Posted by Civilian Jeannette Mathis (Federation Ambassador) in Federation Embassy
Posted by… suppressed (2) by the Post Ghost! 👻

(snip)

“Well, I won’t say that I can devote whatever time you need. I have duties I can’t put aside. But I can easily give you 6 hours in the morning. I’m always up quite early, and be done by lunch.” There were days she would need to move things around. “Given those responsibilities, I would need you to be flexible with that. If you needed me longer, I’m sure we could work that out as well.”

Revna, Lady McKenzie

Jean rubbed the side of her index finger along her lower lip. There was only so much control she had over the negotiation schedule, but she felt confident she could request meetings to take place in the morning. If that wasn’t possible and Revna wasn’t available that day, that was fine. This was about making sure things in general happened and the work progressed. “We’ll make it work,” she said, knowing that everything was going to be a bit messy for awhile, but at least they had a plan.

Jeannette Mathis, Federation Ambassador

“Don’t worry about sticking strictly to that,” Revna told her. “I just know the earlier I get here, the less likely it is I have to feel rushed and we aren’t prepared for the day. I can totally be flexible with when I come in. Most of the time,” Revna added being honest. Just because she and Mike had Seamus, Ragna, Capall, and Runa didn’t mean she was going to foist all her duties off on them.

“So, that’s settled. What do you need me to do right now?”

Revna, Lady McKenzie

Jeanette hadn’t even taken a look at her messages and in some ways was dreading doing so. “Right now, things are going to be quiet today, but we still have new staff onboarding that need their security clearance sorted and around lunchtime, our time, the diplomatic message packet should should arrive. I’ll need to read that right away.” She looked out the window and was about to say something else, but there was a knock at the door.

Revna jotted a few things down. The head of Jeanette’s security was already handling their security clearances, and she was having an orientation with them in about two hours. Just to get them started. She turned at the sound of the knock and took in the young man who stuck his head in the door.

“Come in,” Jean said.

The lanky dark-blond haired head of her son, Jessie, poked in. He saw that someone was there and frowned. “Sorry, you’re busy.”

Jean shook her head and waved him in. “Not at all.” She gestured to Revna. “Jessie, this is Revna, Lady McKenzie. She’s also a diplomat and is helping me out around here for the time being. Revna, this is my son, Jessie.”

Jessie gave Revna a nod. “It’s nice to meet you,” he said. It was a genuine statement, even if the implications were clear to him.

Jeannette Mathis, Federation Ambassador

“It’s nice to meet you as well, Jessie.” He reminded her a bit of Terjay. They were about the same height and had the same bearing, almost. Revna stood, “I’ll check on those for you, Jeannette. Just yell if you need anything,” she gave the woman a comforting smile. She paused next to Jessie, “I’m very sorry for your loss, Jessie.” Unlike most people simply giving a platitude the words were genuine and seeped into both Jessie and Jeanette. Revna understood their loss and how much of a struggle everything was now.

Revna, Lady McKenzie

He gazed at Revna and then nodded. “Thanks,” he said quietly. Which for a teenager, was more than might be expected, but then again he was the son of an ambassador and not only had he been taught to respond to people with respect, he was used to the layers of etiquette.

She offered him a soft understanding smile and then turned as Jeannette walked over.

Jeanette smiled fondly at her son and then rose from her desk, coming around to stand near Revna. “I’m going to go for a short walk after Jessie and I are done and then I’ll join you in meeting some of the new staff.”

Jeannette Mathis, Federation Ambassador

“Of course. I’ll go get started.” Revna slipped quietly out of the room to allow the mother and son to have their privacy.

Revna, Lady McKenzie

Jeannette shifted her attention away from the door. “What do you need?” she asked, her keen eyes searching those of her only child, who was hurting just as she was.

“Umm, Per wanted to know if you were coming up for lunch.”

She couldn’t help but smirk. “And Per would have just sent me a message, asking. What’s up, Love?”

His embarrassment was obvious, but Jessie drew in a deep breath. “Per said to ask you, because they weren’t sure.”

“About?”

“Security? Kyle and Tess and a couple others are going to meet at a cafe near the Square for lunch. I guess it’s popular with the kids at school?” He shrugged. “But I wasn’t sure if it was okay to go right now.”

Maybe it was instinct, or maybe it was simply impulsive, but she crossed the space between them and pulled Jessie into a hug. “We’ll make it work,” she said, her voice wavering.

Jessie hugged back tightly for a brief moment before pulling back, a frown upon his face. “Mom, you okay?”

Tears blurred her eyes. “Oh Love, no, not really, but you know what gives me hope? You. I love that you are willing to be brave and go out with some friends. It might seem like a small thing but it’s important. We need to feel our sadness, absolutely, but Dash also loved life and I think he’d love nothing more than to know that you were out experiencing life and having a good time.”

Jessie nodded slowly. “I miss him.”

“Me too, Love. Me too.” She took in a deep breath. “The answer is yes. But just give me a few minutes to work it out with our detail and then I’ll send Per a message if I can’t come up, alright?”

Jessie nodded and then left his mom to handle what was a potentially tricker situation, but she knew all too well that they couldn’t just hide out in the embassy, even if a part of her wanted to do just that.

After checking with their security team lead, Mathis stepped out the side door and into the garden. It wasn’t massive, but it was enough for a short and private stroll. After awhile, and she had given herself a chance to centre herself, she stepped back inside and went in search of Revna.

Jeannette Mathis, Federation Ambassador

Revna was going over the current media news with the PR director. It was always prudent to be aware of the news else where. They knew what Oed was saying about the Vren and negotiations. It didn’t hurt to know what the rest of the Federation and other powers might be saying as well.

Revna, Lady McKenzie