"Good morning Sir!" exclaimed Msizi as he turned the main lights on. "Did you rest well?"

"Aghhh! Bright light! Bright light!" Complained James covering his eyes. He was still laid on top of the bed having failed to get under the covers during the night.

Msizi dimmed the lights a little. "Apologies, but it's time to get up Sir. It's seven thirty and you have a meeting with Princess Sara at nine. Breakfast has been served."

"Thank you Msizi, I'm getting up," James managed, pushing himself into a sitting position and squinting at the light. "Thank you for the food last night, it was wonderful. Not sure I can manage breakfast though."

"I'm glad you enjoyed it, Sir. I have only brought a small selection this morning"

When James finally looked around, he could see that last nights dinner plates had been removed and the food trolley replaced with a new one. Just one dome this time, containing some toasted bread and a selection of jams. Tea and coffee pots were also provided.

"I'll be outside if you need anything, Sir," said Msizi and promptly left.

"Ugh," groaned James, as he sloughed back down again. He left like he was still digesting last nights food and slightly hung over from the bottle of wine.

* * *

Looking slightly refreshed and with a piece of toast in his mouth, James entered the main area of the suite. Msizi and Elle were talking at one end. The room had been thoroughly cleaned, not a scrap of paper or cup was left, chairs pushed back under tables, cushions fluffed and placed neatly where they should be.

Giving a little wave James made his way over to them. "Good morning Elle, how are things this morning?" James asked.

"Good morning Sir. After you retired for the night things sort of wound down for the day, it was quite late. The Princess left shortly after you did. She should be with you shortly Sir," she replied.

"Thank you. While I have you both here, if you can please call me James. I am not one for formalities or titles once I know people; unless it is absolutely necessary or the occasion requires it," he said, "we are all friends."

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"Thank you Sir, er, James," Elle replied nervously.

"I'll just be over there catching up on any messages if anyone needs me," he said pointing at a random sofa.

James found a sofa that looked comfortable, adjusted the cushions, pulled out his tablet and sat down. There were quite a few emails from Council members asking for an update, clearly they didn't read the one from last night. A couple of congratulations messages on his easy mission, and a couple of news snippets he had saved. Nothing too exciting.

Looking up from his table, James was distracted by the view. He got up and walked over to the large picture window of the suite, it looked out over a large area of the station where he could see through the glass ceiling of the doughnut section below. He could make out lots of green park areas filled with trees and bushes; a rare commodity for space stations. The extra weight, water and upkeep requirements often meant these areas don't exist due to the massive costs involved. It was good to see the Tolian people valued nature and recreation.

"Stunning isn't it?" said the Princess standing next to him, "I love this view looking out over the station."

"Good morning Princess Sara, you sneaked up on me there."

"Sorry, I have been told I am a quiet walker, " she smiled.

"No worries, just give me a little warning next time," he smiled back.

Princess Sara was wearing a business-casual outfit of dark blue trousers and a white blouse. Her pale-blue skin shimmering in the light.

"What did you expect?" Sara said when she noticed James checking out her clothes. "It's not all ballgowns and frilly dresses," she laughed.

"I'm sorry, I have not met many princesses outside of official functions," he blushed before turning back to the window.

After a few more minutes admiring the view, James enquired "What do we have on the agenda for today?"

"We have arranged for you to have a tour of the station and a chance for you to meet some of the staff and workers here. I am sure they will all be excited to meet a real-life alien," she laughed.

"A tour sounds wonderful; we ambassadors rarely get to see the outside of conference rooms," he smiled.

"Tomorrow the team and I will be meeting you here to start discussions and plan future meetings. Boril, Jafar and Fula have really stepped up and have started to put a plan together to teach the new team and bring them up to speed, but they have not had long to do it. I will have to rely on them heavily to start with."

"They are three great people. From my time talking to them over the last year they are hard workers and very quick to learn new things. They are a real asset and I am glad we have them with us," James said.

"That is very good to hear, thank you."

"Excuse me ma'am, your next meeting starts soon," Elle interrupted.

"Thank you, Elle," Sara replied. "James, I must go but please enjoy your tour and have a relaxing day today. We have a lot to do in the coming weeks." She gave James a smile and left with Elle.

Once the Princess had left, Msizi walked over, "Shall we start the tour, Sir?" he said pointing to the lift doors and the two security guards.

...