The shuttle hissed open as Damon stepped out, greeted by the sharp chill of spring air over Hubei province and the even sharper gazes of the soldiers flanking the landing pad.
A small unit of Chinese military personnel stood at attention, all in dark-gray uniforms with dark red highlights, their expressions unreadable behind advanced tactical visors.
One of them stepped forward, being an older officer with a clean-shaven face and silver insignia on his collar.
His Mandarin was crisp but cold. "Prime Representative Damon Arnan. Welcome to the People's Republic of China. I am Colonel Ji Sheng. I have been assigned as your local liaison during your time here."
Damon gave a polite nod, his own Mandarin somewhat shaky since he was using it for the first time. "I appreciate the welcome, Colonel Ji."
The colonel didn't smile. "Please understand, your presence here carries weight. Many in the administration are… skeptical of your intentions."
