[Lauchenoiria]

Jointly written with [nation]Xiomera[/nation]

The Cauhloc, Xiomera
Sunday 13th October 2019

Letitia Greenwood sat inside the limousine the Xiomerans had provided for her, staring out at the city. Tlalacuetzla was much larger than Grapevale, and far brighter. She couldn't help but stare at the tall buildings as they drove past. There weren't many skyscrapers in Kerlile, with the cities full of smaller buildings. The height wasn't necessary in an underpopulated country with a shrinking population, after all.

She was impressed with the accommodations the Xiomerans had given her and her fellow Councillors. The limousine was very high-end, and she was very happy at the respect they had been shown. Kerlians were unused to being treated well abroad, and despite her faults, Greenwood had to give President Arnott credit for forming this alliance.

She was due to meet with Tepilcayotl, the frontrunner in what passed for an election in Xiomera - and the man she had previously offered torturers to. She was curious about how her professional interrogators were getting on in Xiomera, and she was rather excited about the idea of the man she had helped out in such a big way possibly becoming Emperor.

Soon they approached the intimidating building that was the Cauhloc, and she nodded in appreciation. Traditionalist Kerlians were, after all, great fans of a little intimidating. She was almost sad, however, to leave the limousine which was rather comfortable. She was greeted at the entrance by a pair of ASI agents, who escorted her to Tepilcayotl's office.

The two agents had greeted Greenwood at the main entrance to the Security Secretariat headquarters with flawless politeness before escorting her to the top level of the building. Tepilcayotl's office was more geared towards efficiency than comfort, but the Xiomerans had clearly made an effort to make Greenwood feel welcome. As she was escorted into the office, the Security Secretary stood up, giving a slight bow. "Councillor Greenwood, I am honored to have you pay us a visit," Tepilcayotl said smoothly. "Please have a seat. Would you like some coffee or tea?"

"Secretary Tepilcayotl, it is a pleasure to meet you in person," Greenwood said, sliding into her seat effortlessly as she took in the room around her and smiling at the secretary. "I am glad you agreed to meet with me. I would love some coffee with milk please. I am impressed with your country. This city is far larger than our own, though it is our hope that our cities can grow in the future."

Tepilcayotl smiled as Greenwood made herself comfortable and was handed a cup of Xiomeran coffee by an attendant, who then left the room. "It took a long time, and a lot of hard work, to build Xiomera. Our country was not always as prosperous as this. But anything is possible, and we hope to help Kerlile achieve a similar level of success. Our results were achieved by a long struggle to make ourselves a stable and secure society, a struggle that I know you can appreciate, given your own nation's history," he added.

"It is proving difficult for us to achieve stability, yes. And the recent so-called 'reforms' have not helped, but rather only served to drive our country into chaos," she shook her head, sipping her coffee. "I pray we can get back on the right track. I also would like to express my condolences once more on Emperor Topilpopoca's death. If there is anything more I can do to help, please do not hesitate to ask. I hope the assistance I have provided already has been useful."

Tepilcayotl chuckled softly at Greenwood's comment about the assistance that had been provided. "Thank you for your condolences. As a friend of Topilpopoca, I appreciate them more than most. Your help has been most useful indeed. We are quite grateful for it. If you would like to see your countrywomen, or our facilities, I would be quite happy to accommodate that."

"Really? I'd be very interested to see them," Greenwood perked up even more. She hadn't been expecting such an offer and she was rather pleased. She was quite interested to see Xiomera's facilities. "How is Adelina Sasaki? Before I became a Councillor, I used to work with her. I was briefly an analyst for the Kerlian Intelligence Service during our civil war."

Tepilcayotl, for his part, took a sharper interest upon realizing that Greenwood had herself been an intelligence officer. He had served his own time in the depths of both ASI and military intelligence, so having someone who was familiar with that world was a nice rarity. "Ms. Sasaki is doing well. She seems to have settled in nicely here and has already produced quite a bit of effective intelligence for us concerning the assassination," he said, standing up and politely gesturing for Greenwood to follow him. As the two walked, Tepilcayotl took Greenwood through a brief but thorough tour of the Cauhloc's facilities, highlighting their various functions. As they finally headed to the lower level, where interrogations were held, Tepilcayotl paused in his somewhat exuberant demonstration of his favorite place. "Are your facilities in Kerlile similar to ours? I know you can't reveal too much for security reasons. But it is nice to compare notes," he said with a slight chuckle.

"Somewhat, although we spread our functions across more buildings. Much of it is underground, the region in which we keep such facilities is mountainous, and, well, it hides the size from our enemies," she laughed, though it was not clear whether or not her statement was a joke or the laugh was to cover up the seriousness. "What is kept in the Restricted Region is highly classified. And much of it is being shut down now on President Arnott's orders, though I do not know what she plans to replace the essential functions based there with. Despite the reputation, it is not just one giant prison. Various useful activities take place there. Although I would say the branch of our intelligence service based in Grapevale bears something of a resemblance."

"Ah....we also have many other facilities around Xiomera. This is just the most important one," Tepilcayotl replied. "It did also concern me, to be honest, when President Arnott decided to shut down the Restricted Region. I do hope that does not hinder your ability to maintain control - although it is not my place to criticize your nation's decisions, of course," he added quickly. "Xiomera will always be ready to aid Kerlile if needed, assuming the right decision is made when we choose a new Emperor."

"Thank you for your support. I do hope the correct decision is made here, unlike back home. I was very disappointed in our result. I hope no nation makes the same mistakes again," Greenwood said carefully. "People often feel the need to change a system that works perfectly well. It is a shame."

"It is indeed a shame. In time, however, all mistakes can be fixed," Tepilcayotl said enigmatically. "Of course, in Xiomera, we are hoping to avert any mistakes here. There are some candidates for Emperor who would take us down a dangerous road. This would prove detrimental both to us and to our allies. Ah, here we are," he said as the elevator slid to a stop. The two of them exited into the detention block, where Tepilcayotl led Greenwood to the area where interrogations took place. "Good morning. Could you ask Ms. Sasaki and Ms. Adema to come here, please?" he asked an attendant. The attendant was quick to comply, bringing the two Kerlians to the main room.

Upon seeing Councillor Greenwood, the two interrogators snapped doubly to attention and lowered their eyes respectfully. They remained silent, awaiting permission to speak. Adelina Sasaki was dressed smartly and looked like she had been doing paperwork. To her shame, Mariya Adema was a mess, and despite her usual personality, she was trembling slightly to be in the presence of a Councillor - such a reaction was, after all, trained into Kerlians young.

“Adelina, you look well,” Councillor Greenwood addressed the woman, gesturing with her hand subtly in a manner that would mean nothing to most people, but to a Kerlian meant permission had been granted to speak and make eye contact. “Have you been enjoying your time in Xiomera?”

“It has been informative, Councillor. I have been very focused on my work, of course. It is important that we are of use here,” Adelina responded.

“Of course, and I am certain you are making sure the others have as strong a work ethic as you do. I hope you have found something other than work to do, of course! I know how you get overly focused.”

“I have started language lessons. It is… difficult.”

“I can imagine!” Greenwood laughed, then turned to Mariya. “You have a stain on your shirt.”

Mariya did not respond, except to grip her hands behind her back even tighter at the criticism. The mention of the stain was far less offensive to her than the fact she hadn’t been granted permission to speak. She had never met the Councillor before in person, but clearly she hadn’t made a good first impression. She was rather distraught, though she hid it.

“Join me for dinner tonight,” Greenwood turned back to Adelina. It was not a suggestion, but an order. “I am sure that she can have one night off?” Greenwood asked of Tepilcayotl.

"Of course. She's certainly earned it. We have been very pleased with both of their work," Tepilcayotl said. "They've both helped with two very critical cases: the Emperor's assassination and the terrorist movement calling itself One Huenya. Bringing them into our service has been one of the most beneficial decisions I've made in a while," Tepilcayotl said.

"I am very pleased to hear that, Secretary," Greenwood smiled, then turned to Mariya and repeated her earlier gesture. "No need to look so frightened, Ms. Adema. I think you've both done a splendid job."

"Thank you, ma'am," Mariya visibly relaxed and nodded respectfully to the Councillor.

"So, I will let them get back to work now, of course. I did not want to disturb your operations," Greenwood said to Tepilcayotl.

"It's no trouble. Indeed, it has been nice discussing our operations and facilities with someone who can actually understand what we do. I find most people don't have quite the stomach for it," Tepilcayotl replied. After giving the two interrogators a polite nod of dismissal, he led Greenwood back out of the lower levels.

Once the pair were back in the office, and more coffee had been acquired, Greenwood settled down and took a sip, then looked Tepilcayotl in the eye.

"I will be rather blunt about this, as I would to a fellow Councillor. I hope you do not mind. You have been a great friend to Kerlile at our time of need, and I fear some of your opponents would not be so willing to work with us. I would like to help you, if I can, to improve your chances of being elected Emperor. How may I help you?"

"I appreciate people being direct, Councillor. While subtlety is often required in our line of work, being direct saves time." Tepilcayotl sipped his coffee before putting it down and getting to business. "The nature of our 'election' here is such that a great deal of behind the scenes work is required. Dealmaking, convincing various people in various ways to vote for the candidate you favor....either nicely or not so nicely. Money is the easiest way, whether through direct payments or through business or trade offers. Also, if incriminating information or things that would otherwise discredit one of my opponents can be found, that would work as well. If need be, things can be fabricated, as long as they can't be proven false until after the election. If there are any ways you can help, that would be greatly appreciated. Unlike our chat now, however, this is a scenario that does require subtlety." The Secretary paused, then looked at Greenwood. "I am grateful for the assistance you've provided with the Kerlian contractors you have supplied. If you can aid my bid for Emperor, I would be even more grateful. And more importantly, in the best possible position to thank you, and Kerlile, appropriately and fairly for your assistance."

"Given that trade between our two nations is increasing, I am sure I can convince some Kerlian businesses to offer favourable business offers that benefit certain individuals," Greenwood smiled, finishing her coffee. "In terms of hard cash my nation is somewhat... short, presently, but I will see what can be done. And in terms of information, I can make a few calls back home to some individuals who may be able to deliver certain files. And I recognise the need for subtlety in this situation, of course. Even among my own people I do not trust certain other Councillors. My advice would be to keep your eye on Carmen Robinson. I do not know what she plans - but I know it will not benefit either you or me."

"Indeed....I have my own misgivings about her, and even President Arnott, although I do respect her as head of state," Tepilcayotl said carefully. He didn't think the remark would offend Greenwood, given her position on reform, but it was best to proceed slowly. "The subject of reform, both here and in Kerlile, seems to be a sore subject. And an ill-timed and ill-omened one."

"The damage on our economy has been increased by our reformists. President Arnott is... mistaken. Although, I will confess she is not quite as bad as I thought she would be. She seems... moveable. If one was to work hard on her. Give her offers of things that benefit her and policies that keep up her reformist image while watering down their goals... and she could become, well, acceptable," Greenwood said carefully. "I would still prefer someone else but she is better than Hale or Robinson. She is an opportunist at heart."

"That does seem more promising. If she can be convinced to be pragmatic, perhaps we can work with her. It would be much easier if there was a change of leadership, however. Perhaps given time, we can both help each other in that regard," Tepilcayotl said calmly with another sip of his coffee.

"Perhaps we can. My country's problems can wait though. Right now, we must focus on what is happening here in Xiomera. I will do my best to help you, I promise," Greenwood said.

"Your support is greatly appreciated. And you are, of course, correct. We can't put the cart before the horse, after all. Securing my election is the key before anything else can happen. I am confident that with your help, we will be that much closer to victory." Tepilcayotl put his cup down. "Do you have othee business to attend to today? I have greatly enjoyed this visit, but I do not wish to monopolize your time."

"It is not strictly business, but I was hoping to go on a tour of the city. I have travelled outside Kerlile only rarely, and I am interested to see more," Greenwood replied. "I have enjoyed our conversation, and I wish you the very best of luck in the election."

"Thank you again, Councilor. If there is anything else we can do during your visit, please do not hesitate to ask. You are welcome to use our state vehicle for as long as you wish - the driver will take you to any site you wish to visit. We do just ask that you remain with our diplomatic security - after what happened with the Emperor, we are eager to keep everyone visiting safe," Tepilcayotl said, standing up and walking Greenwood out.

After the Councillor had been escorted to the limousine, Tepilcayotl returned to his desk and plunged back into his dual duties of preparing for the funeral of Topilpopoca and preparing his own election bid. He allowed himself the luxury of cautious optimism.