"Good morning Sir!" exclaimed Msizi cheerfully as he turned the main lights on at half-power. "Your agenda today is full of meetings in the conference room. They start at nine o'clock, it's currently seven thirty. The Princess has just arrived and is waiting for you in the main lounge when you are ready."

"Thank you Msizi", replied James as he got up. "Does she always get up this early?" he asked.

"No Sir, she wanted to see you before everyone else turned up. She said there was no rush and she was happy to wait."

James jumped out of bed and quickly showered. Once dressed he picked up some toast and left the bedroom. He found Sara standing by the picture window looking out over the station.

"Good morning James," she said without turning around, "how was the tour yesterday?"

"Good morning Sara. Tranquillity is a wonderful station, one of the most relaxing I have seen in the known galaxy. The people are friendly and welcoming too," he replied.

"It is good to hear that, we have put a lot of effort into it," Sara smiled. Changing her tone a little, "I just wanted a quick chat before the meetings started. There are quite a lot of topics to cover and with you mentioning that you are usually on site for a month or two, I am afraid that we will not be able to complete most of them in that time frame."

"There is no need to worry, I have already sent a message to the Council informing them that we'll push the timeline back due to Xilquin's accident. I am here to stay as long as required," he reassured her.

"Oh that is good news. Thank you very much, it does take a lot of pressure off."

Elle walked over, "Sorry to interrupt Ma'am, Sir. The team are currently on their way up. You are set up in the conference room for the day. Lunch will be served around one o'clock, and an end of day wrap up scheduled at five, or whenever the last meeting finishes."

Unlawfully taken from Royal Road, this story should be reported if seen on Amazon.

"Thank you, Elle," Sara replied.

"Good morning, Elle," James smiled.

After another minute of staring out of the window, waiting for the diplomatic team, James and Sara made their way to the conference room.

-----

The next six weeks were spent in much the same way, with the odd day off here and there for a break; Breakfast, all day meetings, dinner then bed. A familiar routine that James had gotten used to from some of his previous missions. The tedious monotony of being an ambassador to a fledgling species!

It was a productive period though. The new team were quickly learning the ins-and-outs of being diplomats and getting up to speed with the guidelines set out by the Galactic Council. Boril, Jafar and Fula were present in most of the meetings at the start, but as time went on they appeared less often and spent their time in the main lounge area helping other teams. They were a real credit to the team.

For being thrust into this role Princess Sara was keeping up and offering helpful advice where needed, being pragmatic and wasn't afraid of getting stuck in. She was an ever constant presence at all meetings sat next to James.

During some particularly difficult meetings, the two of them would stay late to work through the details, often eating dinner together amongst all the documents and data-tablets.

-----

"Good morning Sir, just a reminder that you have an event tonight," Msizi said one morning. "At seven-thirty this evening there is to be an official banquet for you at the station Palace. It's will be a formal affair with guests from all over Tranquillity and Beldor. The guards and I will escort you there."

"Good morning, Msizi," yawned James, "a change of pace would be nice."

* * *

"Thank you everyone, that was another productive day," James announced. The last meeting of the day was planned to complete slightly earlier than previously so everyone had a bit more time to get ready for the banquet.

As people started to get up and leave, James leaned over to Sara and quietly said "Am I meeting you here or at the Palace tonight?"

"At the palace, I have to make sure the some of the preparations are completed. Msizi knows all the details, and your security will escort you there."

"Seven-thirty?"

"Seven-thirty," Sara confirmed as she got up to leave, "and don't be late!" she smiled.

...