Expedition to E-2: Status

Preparations for the journey to E-2 is going quite well, given the circumstances. At this rate, the voyage might commence ahead of schedule, if the assembled team is no longer incomplete when the ship is ready to set sail. After the recent security breach, no chance can be taken for the expedition to succeed, and most of the current staff members of the guild (partially thanks to their insistent union) have been discharged from the expedition team in favour of newer faces whom can be subjected to stricter vetting. One of the main problem that stands however, is the requirement for a small, government assembled team, to join the odyssey and act as representatives for Equestria, for the necessary permits to be approved. To add fuel to the fire, this team is to be permitted some degree of authority upon the expedition crew for the entire duration of the operation. Stressful. Stressful times indeed, and the journey haven't even started!