Melissa pauses for another few seconds, as if speechless. She initially tries to talk but it's obvious she struggles. Instead she just simply nods. After a few seconds after nodding, she takes a sip of her coffee and clears her throat.
"I think this is absolutely fair, and graciously accept this offer, Doc."
For a moment, it almost seems like she is still unsure of what to say, as if meeting a hero or being given the best news ever. She chuckles, shaking her head to get herself back into the conversation.
"As far as the stations that we aren't involved with, we only assist at the administrator's behest. A mistake we made in the past was assuming we had a right to operate in places. Now... Things are becoming much more different. We need to focus on our own struggles. Specifically with the nomads and helping Order and Core only against that, as well as the safety and security of our own people. Doc, with me and my people, you will only get what backing you need, beyond that, we will only assist you when needed. If you want a security detail, you've got it. If you want funding, you've got it. You need a personalised ship... Rest assured, be it a small ship we can do on Corfu it will be done, if it's a capital vessel, Livadia is as much open to you as it is the rest of the leadership. Of which now, I would be honoured if you would accept the position along with Voncloud as my advisor should it be needed or you want to weigh in. Voncloud sort of has... Veto powers over me. If I have an idea, everyone else likes it and he doesn't, his word is now final. I made the mistake in the past of thinking I knew better, and often sometimes do. But I would like to think that as you say, 'something I have to learn.' And... I can't thank you enough for the trust you're showing me."
Melissa bows her head respectfully, it's obvious from the way she was speaking and her body language that this was something that meant a lot to her. She looked up at Doc and smiled, lightly laughing as if still trying to get over what was still happening.
