11-04-2019, 02:03 AM
Huēyi Teōcalli
The final day of the Great Selection began much the same as every other day, albeit a bit more hectic. Lobbyists and campaigners for Yauhmi and Tepilcayotl scurried around the floor of the temple, engaged in last-minute scrambling for votes, lobbying the voters of the council of experts, making threats or promises or giving inducements depending on the target. The voters themselves held court almost like mini-Emperors; they held a lot of peoples' fate in their hands, and they knew it. In the stands around the temple floor, the crowd whispered feverishly with excitement. Some enterprising entrepreneurs, this being Xiomera, were even taking bets on the outcome of the final vote. Their Cala tablets, equipped with card readers, buzzed frequently as they relayed bets and received real-time updated odds on who would win. The whole thing had the feel of a sporting event whose teams had finally reached the championship round, but the chamber quickly went silent as the bell at the dais was struck. Its ringing echoed out through the now dead-silent chamber as the Master of the Selection walked to the podium.
"All be seated and silent! The next round of the Great Selection is about to begin. All voters on the honorable council of experts, take your seats and prepare to vote now," the Master of the Selection bellowed. "We shall have final statements before the vote. First, we shall hear from the honorable Secretary of Security, Tepilcayotl."
Tepilcayotl walked slowly to the podium, grasping its sides as he arrived. He looked out over the assembled voters. "Voters of the Great Selection, those watching in the audience, and those watching wherever this is being broadcast. I am Tepilcayotl, Secretary of Security of the Xiomeran Empire. I come to you now, to ask for your vote."
"I have served Xiomera and its people for over fifty years. During this time, I have worked tirelessly to keep Xiomera and its people safe. I have seen everything that the gods and fate, and plots and machinations, can throw at us. We are at a pivotal moment in our history, and there are two paths we face. We must choose one to walk down. One path will lead to political upheaval, social disorder and unrest, and the eventual collapse of the Xiomeran nation and society. This is the path that the so-called reformers demand we take - domestic malcontents influenced by their own failure and by foreign manipulations. This is the path of danger."
"The other path is a path that our last Emperor, Topilpopoca, one of the greatest Emperors we have ever had, trusted me to walk down with him for almost twenty years. This is the path of safety, security, order, harmony, peace and prosperity. It is a path I have walked down for long years, and know well. It is the only path that will lead us to a safe horizon and a secure, prosperous future together. I am the person best suited to be our guide as we weather whatever storms the future may throw at us."
"Xiomera faces a choice between two people at this podium, and two possible futures. While my opponent, having been the wife of an Emperor, may have observed what must be done to rule, I actually did those things. I therefore am the best choice to ensure continued stable governance and the success of our country. We face a very real choice - inexperienced leadership, leading to disorder and collapse, or proven leadership that has walked the same path that was begun over 600 years ago by the first Emperor, Quiauhticue, and has since been walked by all of our rulers down to our last Emperor - Topilpopoca, my friend and mentor for over two decades. Choose the sure guide with the experience to lead us down the right path safely home. Choose me as Emperor, and Xiomera will remain strong."
Tepilcayotl returned to his seat as the Master of the Selection stepped back to the podium. "Thank you, Secretary Tepilcayotl. We shall now hear from the second candidate - her Majesty, Empress Yauhmi. Please step forward."
Tepilcayotl eyed Yauhmi as she walked forward. For her part, Yauhmi pointedly didn't spare Tepilcayotl a single glance as she swept to the podium.
"People of Xiomera! Voters of the Great Selection! And all people, watching both here in this great sacred temple, and both in Xiomera and around the world. I am Yauhmi, wife of Topilpopoca, Empress of Xiomera. I come before you now to state why I should remain Empress of Xiomera, and why you should choose me to lead this great nation," Yauhmi said.
"My opponent claims I do not have the experience to lead us properly, and that I merely observed my husband from the Palace as he led us well and wisely for almost two decades. Topilpopoca may have been his mentor, but the Emperor was my husband. Who, of all people in the world, should you believe he talked to when he needed advice, or a friendly ear to help guide him? I helped our fallen Emperor as much as anyone, during his reign, to support the wise and just decisions he made on behalf of our people. Attitudes otherwise are merely the beliefs of someone who perhaps does not think women do more than listen to their husbands ramble and fix them dinner," Yauhmi chucked dryly. "So, enough of that argument. I gained the experience needed to run this country by watching and supporting a master at it - Topilpopoca - for not just the entirety of his reign, but for the entirety of our marriage of over forty years. If anyone knows what it takes to lead Xiomera, I do."
"Now, let us discuss the future of Xiomera. My opponent is correct that there is a path, called 'reform,' that domestic malcontents and failures, influenced by foreigners who despise our government and our society. He is also correct that if we walk down this path, we will bring about the collapse of our society and our nation. He is not correct in the idea that I would lead Xiomera down this path. Xiomera, I promise you, will not hurl headlong into some utopian pipe dream of 'reform' if I remain as Empress. Now, should some things change in Xiomera? Yes, and indeed they must, for any nation that never changes anything is doomed to stagnation and collapse of an entirely different sort. And that is where my opponent is most incorrect," Yauhmi said.
Raising one hand, Yauhmi placed two fingers in the air. "He states there are two paths - one where everything stays the same, and we succeed, or one where everything changes, and we fail. But that omits one path, that he does not see, but I do." Yauhmi raised a third finger. "The third path, a path between extremes. I will lead Xiomera down the third path. A path where we change what should and must be changed, as we continue to adapt and adjust to the modern era. A path where we preserve what we must, to remain Xiomeran, to protect our culture, our heritage, and our people. And a path where we find balance, and grow ever stronger."
"My opponent's vision sees only two possibilities, and wants us to pick one - where we just keep doing what we've always done, stay just as we always have been, and nothing changes. Such a narrow vision! So unworthy of the greatness of Xiomera! I see a future where, in balance and harmony, Xiomera does change - because it grows ever stronger, soars even higher, succeeds even more. I see a future where this nation of ours, so often dismissed as some little island in the middle of nowhere, becomes the shining example that other nations respect and seek to emulate - and also, do not dismiss as cavalierly as has happened in the past.
"You have a choice to make, voters of the Great Selection. You must choose wisely and well, if Xiomera is to achieve such greatness. For that, you must not choose a vision of narrow scope and little ambition, except to just survive as we have for twenty years or even 600 years. For Xiomera and Xiomerans to achieve the fullest they are capable of - you have only one choice. That choice is me."
Yauhmi turned, her long gown swirling, and strode back to take her seat.
The Master of the Selection walked back up to the podium, his facial expression clearly saying tough act to follow after both speeches. "The time has come, voters of the Great Selection. Cast your votes now, fulfill the mandate of Huītzilōpōchtli, and decide who shall sit upon the Obsidian Throne."
Within minutes, it was decided. A runner carried a tablet to the Master of the Selection. He looked at the results. "It is done. The experts of this council, wisest and best of Xiomerans, have decided. Bring forth the Crown of Huītzilōpōchtli."
Two Shorn Ones stepped forward from behind the dais, carrying a magnificant featherwork crown. The Crown of Huītzilōpōchtli, the symbol of absolute power in the Xiomeran Empire.
"The candidates shall step forward and kneel," the Master of the Selection bellowed.
Yauhmi and Tepilcayotl walked forward, sinking to their knees. "Whose head I place this crown upon, the choice of those with the wisdom and mandate, is your new ruler."
With a flourish, the Master of the Selection raised the Crown of Huītzilōpōchtli over the heads of the two candidates.....before slowly lowering it.
"Yauhmi, you are the choice of the people. You are the Empress of Xiomera. Rise and take the Obsidian Throne. And may you reign as long as the sun rules in the sky," the Master of the Selection shouted. Yauhmi rose, the Crown of Huītzilōpōchtli shining atop her head, as Tepilcayotl closed his eyes.
The final day of the Great Selection began much the same as every other day, albeit a bit more hectic. Lobbyists and campaigners for Yauhmi and Tepilcayotl scurried around the floor of the temple, engaged in last-minute scrambling for votes, lobbying the voters of the council of experts, making threats or promises or giving inducements depending on the target. The voters themselves held court almost like mini-Emperors; they held a lot of peoples' fate in their hands, and they knew it. In the stands around the temple floor, the crowd whispered feverishly with excitement. Some enterprising entrepreneurs, this being Xiomera, were even taking bets on the outcome of the final vote. Their Cala tablets, equipped with card readers, buzzed frequently as they relayed bets and received real-time updated odds on who would win. The whole thing had the feel of a sporting event whose teams had finally reached the championship round, but the chamber quickly went silent as the bell at the dais was struck. Its ringing echoed out through the now dead-silent chamber as the Master of the Selection walked to the podium.
"All be seated and silent! The next round of the Great Selection is about to begin. All voters on the honorable council of experts, take your seats and prepare to vote now," the Master of the Selection bellowed. "We shall have final statements before the vote. First, we shall hear from the honorable Secretary of Security, Tepilcayotl."
Tepilcayotl walked slowly to the podium, grasping its sides as he arrived. He looked out over the assembled voters. "Voters of the Great Selection, those watching in the audience, and those watching wherever this is being broadcast. I am Tepilcayotl, Secretary of Security of the Xiomeran Empire. I come to you now, to ask for your vote."
"I have served Xiomera and its people for over fifty years. During this time, I have worked tirelessly to keep Xiomera and its people safe. I have seen everything that the gods and fate, and plots and machinations, can throw at us. We are at a pivotal moment in our history, and there are two paths we face. We must choose one to walk down. One path will lead to political upheaval, social disorder and unrest, and the eventual collapse of the Xiomeran nation and society. This is the path that the so-called reformers demand we take - domestic malcontents influenced by their own failure and by foreign manipulations. This is the path of danger."
"The other path is a path that our last Emperor, Topilpopoca, one of the greatest Emperors we have ever had, trusted me to walk down with him for almost twenty years. This is the path of safety, security, order, harmony, peace and prosperity. It is a path I have walked down for long years, and know well. It is the only path that will lead us to a safe horizon and a secure, prosperous future together. I am the person best suited to be our guide as we weather whatever storms the future may throw at us."
"Xiomera faces a choice between two people at this podium, and two possible futures. While my opponent, having been the wife of an Emperor, may have observed what must be done to rule, I actually did those things. I therefore am the best choice to ensure continued stable governance and the success of our country. We face a very real choice - inexperienced leadership, leading to disorder and collapse, or proven leadership that has walked the same path that was begun over 600 years ago by the first Emperor, Quiauhticue, and has since been walked by all of our rulers down to our last Emperor - Topilpopoca, my friend and mentor for over two decades. Choose the sure guide with the experience to lead us down the right path safely home. Choose me as Emperor, and Xiomera will remain strong."
Tepilcayotl returned to his seat as the Master of the Selection stepped back to the podium. "Thank you, Secretary Tepilcayotl. We shall now hear from the second candidate - her Majesty, Empress Yauhmi. Please step forward."
Tepilcayotl eyed Yauhmi as she walked forward. For her part, Yauhmi pointedly didn't spare Tepilcayotl a single glance as she swept to the podium.
"People of Xiomera! Voters of the Great Selection! And all people, watching both here in this great sacred temple, and both in Xiomera and around the world. I am Yauhmi, wife of Topilpopoca, Empress of Xiomera. I come before you now to state why I should remain Empress of Xiomera, and why you should choose me to lead this great nation," Yauhmi said.
"My opponent claims I do not have the experience to lead us properly, and that I merely observed my husband from the Palace as he led us well and wisely for almost two decades. Topilpopoca may have been his mentor, but the Emperor was my husband. Who, of all people in the world, should you believe he talked to when he needed advice, or a friendly ear to help guide him? I helped our fallen Emperor as much as anyone, during his reign, to support the wise and just decisions he made on behalf of our people. Attitudes otherwise are merely the beliefs of someone who perhaps does not think women do more than listen to their husbands ramble and fix them dinner," Yauhmi chucked dryly. "So, enough of that argument. I gained the experience needed to run this country by watching and supporting a master at it - Topilpopoca - for not just the entirety of his reign, but for the entirety of our marriage of over forty years. If anyone knows what it takes to lead Xiomera, I do."
"Now, let us discuss the future of Xiomera. My opponent is correct that there is a path, called 'reform,' that domestic malcontents and failures, influenced by foreigners who despise our government and our society. He is also correct that if we walk down this path, we will bring about the collapse of our society and our nation. He is not correct in the idea that I would lead Xiomera down this path. Xiomera, I promise you, will not hurl headlong into some utopian pipe dream of 'reform' if I remain as Empress. Now, should some things change in Xiomera? Yes, and indeed they must, for any nation that never changes anything is doomed to stagnation and collapse of an entirely different sort. And that is where my opponent is most incorrect," Yauhmi said.
Raising one hand, Yauhmi placed two fingers in the air. "He states there are two paths - one where everything stays the same, and we succeed, or one where everything changes, and we fail. But that omits one path, that he does not see, but I do." Yauhmi raised a third finger. "The third path, a path between extremes. I will lead Xiomera down the third path. A path where we change what should and must be changed, as we continue to adapt and adjust to the modern era. A path where we preserve what we must, to remain Xiomeran, to protect our culture, our heritage, and our people. And a path where we find balance, and grow ever stronger."
"My opponent's vision sees only two possibilities, and wants us to pick one - where we just keep doing what we've always done, stay just as we always have been, and nothing changes. Such a narrow vision! So unworthy of the greatness of Xiomera! I see a future where, in balance and harmony, Xiomera does change - because it grows ever stronger, soars even higher, succeeds even more. I see a future where this nation of ours, so often dismissed as some little island in the middle of nowhere, becomes the shining example that other nations respect and seek to emulate - and also, do not dismiss as cavalierly as has happened in the past.
"You have a choice to make, voters of the Great Selection. You must choose wisely and well, if Xiomera is to achieve such greatness. For that, you must not choose a vision of narrow scope and little ambition, except to just survive as we have for twenty years or even 600 years. For Xiomera and Xiomerans to achieve the fullest they are capable of - you have only one choice. That choice is me."
Yauhmi turned, her long gown swirling, and strode back to take her seat.
The Master of the Selection walked back up to the podium, his facial expression clearly saying tough act to follow after both speeches. "The time has come, voters of the Great Selection. Cast your votes now, fulfill the mandate of Huītzilōpōchtli, and decide who shall sit upon the Obsidian Throne."
Within minutes, it was decided. A runner carried a tablet to the Master of the Selection. He looked at the results. "It is done. The experts of this council, wisest and best of Xiomerans, have decided. Bring forth the Crown of Huītzilōpōchtli."
Two Shorn Ones stepped forward from behind the dais, carrying a magnificant featherwork crown. The Crown of Huītzilōpōchtli, the symbol of absolute power in the Xiomeran Empire.
"The candidates shall step forward and kneel," the Master of the Selection bellowed.
Yauhmi and Tepilcayotl walked forward, sinking to their knees. "Whose head I place this crown upon, the choice of those with the wisdom and mandate, is your new ruler."
With a flourish, the Master of the Selection raised the Crown of Huītzilōpōchtli over the heads of the two candidates.....before slowly lowering it.
"Yauhmi, you are the choice of the people. You are the Empress of Xiomera. Rise and take the Obsidian Throne. And may you reign as long as the sun rules in the sky," the Master of the Selection shouted. Yauhmi rose, the Crown of Huītzilōpōchtli shining atop her head, as Tepilcayotl closed his eyes.
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