[Lauchenoiria]

(Written jointly with [nation]Xiomera[/nation])

President Rebecca Arnott of Kerlile sat at her desk, tapping her fingers in a repeating pattern, nervous with anticipation over what Emperor Topilpopoca was going to say on the call. She was cautiously optimistic: Kerlile was desperate for new trading partners and it seemed to her like the Xiomerans would be more than willing, something Kerlile desperately needed in light of the TRC verdicts.

She flicked through her notes on Kerlian trade policy, even though she knew everything on the paper off by heart. She was trying to avoid staring at the phone. The words of her predecessor echoed in her mind, about how her trade policy was sure to fail, and she became even more determined not to let that happen.

In his spacious, sunlit office in the East Wing of the Palace of Flowers, Emperor Topilpopoca of Xiomera sat down at his expansive beechwood desk with a contented sigh. It was a beautiful day, and the palace gardens outside his window were especially resplendent in the sunlight, ensuring the Palace of Flowers lived up to its name. And the Emperor was about to engage in a favorite Xiomeran pastime: making a deal.

Trade had been the signature goal of Topilpopoca's current reign. But troublesome dissidents, bleeding heart democracies and nosy neighbors were all combining in a particularly vexing way to thwart the Emperor's ambitions. That wasn't a good thing for any Emperor who wanted to keep his Imperial posterior on the Obsidian Throne; rivals were always circling like sharks around prey, and any leader found wanting would find themselves chum in short order.

Topilpopoca had been Emperor for far too long to allow that to happen. And when he had demanded suggestions from his Trade Secretary, Tlanextia, on nations likely to ignore silly concerns about Xiomeran internal affairs when it came to trade, Kerlile had been first on her list.

Topilpopoca had read the dossier on Kerlile. Unlike many other regional leaders, he liked what he had read. A strange matriarchial system, to be sure, but also a proud nation with a unique culture, one often unappreciated and attacked by its neighbors. Xiomerans could certainly relate to that. And given Xiomera's own unusual political system, the Emperor wasn't inclined to look down on other nations whose systems were....unorthodox.

More importantly, since the Haven Accords, Kerlile needed trade and friendly nations to offer that trade. Xiomera had needs of its own. Resources, to power the ever-hungry maw of the Xiomeran industrial sector. People, to buy the goods and services that sector produced. Xiomera relied on trade to maintain its prosperity, the underpinning of what held the entire Xiomeran system together and kept the sheep contently grazing. Without trade, Xiomera would collapse eventually. The Xiomerans needed a deal just as badly as Kerlile did.

Topilpopoca certainly wouldn't let them know it, however. Xiomera presented an image of golden, implacable strength to the world. He would rely on that image during the negotiations.

When the time came, Secretary of International Affairs Huitzilhuani passed the Emperor a phone number. Secretary of Trade Tlanextia was also there, both of them ready to help the Emperor if he ran into trouble on the call. But the Emperor placed his own phone calls.

When the call was answered, he spoke simply. "Good morning, and thank you for taking my call. I am Topilpopoca," he said in his warm baritone voice. He didn't feel the need to try to impress Arnott with his title; she was a head of state in her own right, after all.

Besides, Topilpopoca was supremely confident that anyone important enough for him to call would already know who he was.

“Good morning, Emperor. I am Rebecca Arnott, President of Kerlile. It is a pleasure to speak with you,” Arnott said, her voice perfectly calm, giving away none of her nerves. She wasn’t going to let her emotions ruin this opportunity.

"It is a pleasure for myself as well, madam President. I believe I am the first leader of Xiomera to have the privilege to speak with a President of Kerlile in such a way. This is a momentous occasion, a milestone that I hope will lead to many more in the future of our nations," Topilpopoca said. His voice was pitched to convey warmth and sincerity, and confidence without arrogance. Rather than seeming prideful, it would reflect the Emperor's belief that this conversation would not prove to be a waste of time for either party.

"I am in agreement. For too long, my nation has failed to see the wisdom of developing positive relations with the rest of the world. It is my hope that during my time as president, we can change that, and it would please me greatly if we could begin our new era of international cooperation by working with Xiomera. You are an admirable nation," Arnott said, keeping her voice even. She had begun to relax as Topilpopoca spoke, and she was now feeling very hopeful that good would come from this call.

"Thank you for saying so. We find Kerlile to be a nation worthy of admiration as well. Xiomera is also unique in that we do not have the peculiar notions that many nations have considering women," Topilpopoca replied. "We respect anyone who has the strength to stand up for themselves, especially in the face of such malevolent opposition as you have faced. Xiomeran women have long been exemplars of strength in our own society. When some of the greatest leaders in your history are women, you rapidly discard any silly patriarchial notions," he continued. "As such, we have long admired your particular ability to maintain your society in the face of resistance."

"I believe there is much we can offer each other. But rather than start with what we want, I like to begin discussions by finding out what a potential partner is hoping to achieve. So please, tell me: what do you, and Kerlile, hope to achieve by partnering with Xiomera? What is it that we can offer you, or do to help you?"

“You may have heard of our current… predicament,” began Arnott, hating to appear weak but knowing that she had little choice. “Following the verdicts of the TRC we have had to cancel several planned trade deals. While we try to remain self-sufficient, there are certain goods that just cannot be found in Kerlile. Oil, for example.”

“I have no doubt you are also aware of the recent attack on our sovereignty by the Trivian Empire. While we are hopeful this will not turn into a conflict, we must be prepared for that possibility. We have heard good things about weapons manufactured in Xiomera, and we would be grateful for the opportunity to purchase some. I hope that is something you are open to?”

"These are all things we can provide. Oil is something we have access to in abundance; we are more than happy to export it to you. We also can supply just about any manufactured good you can imagine. As for your recent incident with Trive....we can help you take measures to prevent such intrusions in the future. Surveillance equipment, early warning technology, technology to jam unwanted broadcasts and protect your networks....and defense equipment as well, should it be needed. We can provide everything from basic firearms all the way to missile systems and main battle tanks. We can also provide experts to help train your forces and boost their capabilities, should that be desired." At the other end of the phone, Topilpopoca smiled. If defense equipment was what Kerlile wanted, Xiomeran factories would be more than happy to churn out as much of it as Kerlile wanted to buy.

“Thank you, we would be most grateful for all of that. Especially technology that would allow us to prevent a similar incident from occurring again. I, and the Council, are concerned that a repeat of such an occurrence would lead to massive unrest across the country. For the safety and security of our people, we cannot allow such a thing to come to pass. It is my hope that we will not need defence equipment but in these times, one never knows. What about you? What do you wish to gain from our partnership?” Arnott asked. She was thrilled with the way the conversation was going. It seemed like Xiomera had exactly what they needed to defend themselves from what was, at present, their biggest threat.

"For Xiomera, first and foremost we are hoping to build solid and mutually beneficial relationships with other nations. We are a nation that makes things, but need people to make those things for. More importantly, we are dealing with foreign challenges of our own. You have probably heard of the unprovoked sanctions recently leveled against us by Zamastan. These events have impressed upon us that we need to find less imperialistic trading partners," Topilpopoca replied. "As for specific needs, as a manufacturing nation, we are always in need of raw materials. Ores, steel, lumber, rare minerals and the like. If we can be supplied those, we can maintain our economy."

“We have an abundance of raw materials in Kerlile. Our mining sector especially is very large. We can provide you with considerable quantities. And yes, I have heard of the sanctions. The Zamastanians sanctioned us too, back in February. They claimed we were interfering in the Aelurian referendum, which was a blatant lie. It hurt our economy. If you are taking any action against Zamastan, we would be open to joining you,” Arnott said. “Rest assured that Kerlile will not attempt to influence the internal politics of Xiomera, unlike so many other countries who feel the need to interfere in others’ affairs.”

"That is good to hear. Xiomera will likewise respect the sovereignty of the Matriarchy and will not interfere in your affairs in any way. We believe the best partnerships are built on that kind of mutual respect," Topilpopoca replied in a pleasant tone. The Emperor was growing more pleased with the conversation as it went on; the situation seemed very promising.

“I am in full agreement. I am glad we see eye to eye on so many things, emperor. I hope that we can cooperate on many things in the future. If you like, I will have my trade minister draft up a full list of resources we would be willing to trade, and send it to your government?” Arnott asked. “We may also soon announce some measures of our own that we will be taking against Zamastan.”

"Such an announcement will be greatly appreciated, along with your list of resources. In return, we will denounce the actions of the Trivians, and supply a list of available defensive weapons and manufactured goods, as well as oil exports," Topilpopoca said with genuine pleasure. Nothing satisfied a Xiomeran more than a well-done deal. And this deal seemed to be just that for both nations.

“We are grateful. I look forward to receiving your list. It has been a pleasure speaking with you,” Arnott replied. She could not have been more pleased. The two nations were perfect trading partners, and what’s more, Xiomera seemed fully willing to work with Kerlile. Her trade policy was shaping up to be a success, despite the numerous forces which had been working against her.

"We are grateful as well, and look forward to a long and mutually beneficial and respectful relationship between our two nations. Thank you once again for taking my call," Topilpopoca replied. For his part, the Emperor felt the conversation could not have gone any better. Xiomera would soon show the world that it would be subject to no one's economic blackmail.

“You are very welcome. I hope we can speak again soon. Have a good day, emperor,” said Arnott. She leaned back in her seat and smiled at the ceiling. This day was going very well indeed.