01-04-2020, 10:35 PM
(written jointly with [nation]Lauchenoiria[/nation])
Ximac Fortress - Defense Secretariat Headquarters
Tlālacuetztla
Huatli was both excited, and slightly nervous, at the same time.
The Imperial Army captain had not been to the Defense Secretariat Headquarters before. She had been summoned by her commanding officer in Huitzitaca unexpectedly, and informed that she was being called to the capital to receive a possible promotion and reassignment. The whole thing was a surprise - and Huatli didn't like surprises.
The ancient pile of stone that served as the Defense Secretariat's home was located on the western side of the capital. It had once served as a fort defending Tlālacuetztla from attacks from Necatli raiders. As an ancient fortress in the Xiomeran style tended to be, it was a bit overwhelming. Huatli still admired the architecture, if only for its overwhelming sense of security.
The captain was delivered to a building well inside the perimeter, near the main fortress that now served as the home of Xiomera's defense establishment. Office of Special Defense Operations, the sign outside the building read. Huatli's interest was piqued - OSDO was the group within SecDef that handled the Xiomeran military's special operations planning.
Inside the OSDO building, Huatli was led into a large conference room. She was offered refreshments and asked to wait.
Soon, the door opened to the conference room, and two people entered, accompanied by a pair of Shorn Ones. Huatli immediately jumped up and saluted - the two most high-ranking Xiomerans in the chain of command, outside the Empress herself, had just walked into the room.
Defense Secretary Xochiqui smiled and looked at Xōchhuitl. Xōchhuitl, the head of the Xiomeran General Staff and commander of the entire Imperial Army, smiled as well. "At ease, Captain," Xōchhuitl said, waving her to sit down.
After a bit of polite conversation, Xōchhuitl and Xochiqui got to the point. "Captain Huatli, your record in command of your company has been exemplary. We would like to consider you for a special role."
Huatli smiled in response. "I am eager to serve however I can, sir. What is the role I am being considered for?"
"We will get to that," the General said calmly. "But first, we must clear the air a bit." He slid a card over to Huatli. When she looked at it, it showed her name - along with a number she had never expected to see on a Xiomeran document.
Her Kerlian citizen ID number.
All the colour drained from her face as she stared at the card. Her heart rate increased and when she looked up there was a definite hint of fear in her eyes.
"I don't understand, sir," she said.
"I believe that you do," Xōchhuitl said, still smiling. "We have received this information from an extremely reliable source. You, Huatli, are an Aurora." The General shook his head to forestall any further protests. "Please do not try to deny it. Our intelligence on this matter is undeniable. You have served Xiomera well, even if under a fictitious identity; there is no need to shame that service now."
"Indeed, there is not," Xochiqui added. The Defense Secretary looked at Huatli. "Especially since Xiomera and Kerlile are not enemies, and since President Arnott and the Empress have reached an understanding." Xochiqui smiled. "We're not here to punish you, Huatli. We're here to offer you a deal - if you're interested."
Huatli looked between the two of them, distrusting. It was true that Xiomera and Kerlile had far better relations than when she had been deployed, yet she had been taught to never, ever admit what she was, regardless of the circumstances. She remained silent, saying nothing.
After a few seconds of the silent treatment, Xochiqui sighed. "You don't trust us. I can't blame you, under the circumstances. Perhaps we should ask someone who is more trustworthy to help." The Defense Secretary stepped out of the room, pulling his phone out of his pocket as he did so. He soon walked back into the room, pocketing his phone once more.
After about twenty minutes of the two men futilely trying to engage Huatli in conversation, the door swung open. A figure even more familiar to anyone who was even remotely familiar with Xiomera walked into the room.
"Hello, Huatli," Empress Yauhmi said softly. "I believe it's time we had a talk - with significantly less testosterone in the room. You two, out," Yauhmi said, looking at Xochiqui and Xōchhuitl.
The two men exited, with Xochiqui heard plaintively telling Xōchhuitl "I mean, we did try."
Yauhmi chuckled and sat down. "Never send a man to do a woman's job. I should have learned that lesson long ago. So....where do we begin?"
Huatli was shocked, and a little afraid. Of all the things she had considered happening, this was possibly the least likely. She was uncertain how to react.
"Empress Yauhmi... I am honoured you would choose to speak to me."
"I appreciate the sentiment, but you need not be so deferential. I'm here just to talk," the Empress replied, her expression gentle. "Those two are good at what they do, but as military men often are, they're astonishingly blunt at times." Yauhmi leaned back in her chair. "From what I understand, they dropped the news on you about certain discoveries we've made with all the grace of a bricklayer dropping his bricks on someone's head."
The Empress paused for a moment. "I know you were taught not to trust anyone. And I know why. Trust me, in my position, and after surviving two decades in the shark pit that is Xiomeran politics, I know how dangerous putting your trust in someone can be." Yauhmi's expression took on an almost motherly demeanor. "But sometimes it's far safer to come out of the dark. You don't need to hide anymore. I can help you, if you'll let me."
Huatli had spent so long in fear of discovery, that now it had happened, she didn't quite know what to do. She thought over what she'd been told. Since her deployment, it was true that Kerlile and Xiomera had become fast friends. She had received a warning text saying Auroras were being hunted, which seemed accurate given the circumstances. It was entirely possible that Xiomera and Kerlile had ended up working together, but if that was the case, why hadn't she been told? Still, she was curious.
"How, Empress?" she asked.
"First, we must be honest with each other. I'll start. I've been in touch with President Arnott and with members of the Council of Kerlile. We have reached an understanding concerning Auroras....the 'deal' that Xochiqui mentioned." The Empress paused to help herself to a glass of water before continuing. "So, here's the deal. Any Auroras in Xiomera have a choice. They can either return home with no ill will on our part. They can resume life in the Matriarchy and continue as they please. But they can also stay in Xiomera, if they wish, and continue to serve here."
Yauhmi looked at Huatli keenly. "You have had an exemplary career in the Imperial Army. I would not have expected anything less, now that I know about Auroras....you do tend to be exceptional. Xiomera values that kind of exceptional quality, and also believes in rewarding it. We are a country where merit equals success - but you know that," Yauhmi continued. "In any event, I personally do not wish for Xiomera to lose such talented and skilled individuals. I wish to let them come into the light, and be rewarded as they should be."
The Empress smiled again. "So, I am hoping you will agree to stay in Xiomera, and remain in my service, as you have been until now. The Council has agreed that this is acceptable to them, if you are willing. And we will not force you. But....I believe that you can have a truly exceptional life here in Xiomera, and still serve the cause of women in a nation that values it.....right here. Xiomera needs people like you, and regardless of where you grew up, you are one of us," the Empress said. "So, to be direct, we'd like you to stay."
The Empress paused again. "If you do not wish to stay in Xiomera, however, we will help you return to Kerlile. You can confirm this by speaking with the Council if you wish - I can easily arrange that, although I know you have your own means of doing so," Yauhmi added.
Huatli considered the offer. She lacked many fond memories of the Matriarchy, and hadn't considered leaving for a second when the warning message had come through. Her training class had been treated rather worse on average than other classes, and it had been noticeable. Whenever she thought of her childhood, she became a little depressed. In contrast, she had enjoyed her life in Xiomera. She had a longing inside her to remain.
"I'd like to stay in Xiomera, if I can, Empress. I do not know what would await me back home if I return now, and I have no family there, and quite possibly no friends if the others have not returned. I do not want to go back."
"Then you shall stay here, with my blessing and under my protection," Yauhmi replied. "And I am very glad you have chosen to remain with us. I am quite excited to see where your story leads." The Empress stood up. "We will inform the Council, unless you would like to deliver the message yourself."
"I doubt Councillor Pierre would much like to hear my voice," she said bitterly. "Uh, I mean, you can inform the Council, Empress, I have no desire to deliver the message personally."
Yauhmi laughed when Huatli mentioned Pierre, then rapidly explained when she saw the look of slight confusion on Huatli's face. "Sorry for laughing - I can quite understand why you don't wish to speak with Councillor Pierre. I have had my own conversation with her recently - explaining certain new realities to her," the Empress said with just a slight flash of what Xiomeran commentators had already termed her Imperial voice. "We will be more than happy to deliver the message. Is there anything else that you may need at this time?"
She shook her head. "What happens now, Empress?"
"What happens now....is that you can leave this room, and live your life. Without any clouds lingering over your shoulder any more. You're free - in every sense of the word," Yauhmi replied. She reached into her handbag, and handed Huatli a note. When Huatli opened it, it was a phone number, written on the Empress' personal stationary. "One last thing. I have been assured by President Arnott that there will be no repercussions for any Auroras that stay here. But, to be blunt, I trust the President but not all of her colleagues." Who the Empress meant by that was very clear even unspoken. "That number will connect you to my security detail. If you ever need that kind of help, it is at your disposal."
"Thank you, Empress. I am very grateful for this opportunity," said Huatli, looking down at the note gratefully.
The Empress simply nodded, giving Huatli another smile before walking out.
A clearly surprised but pleased Xochiqui entered the room, and made sure Huatli was transported back to her base.
When Huatli entered her quarters, she noticed an envelope on her desk. Surprised, she opened it. Inside were new insignia and rank tabs, along with a small note. Congratulations, Major Huatli. You made the right choice and earned this promotion today. Welcome home.
It was simply signed, Yauhmi.
Ximac Fortress - Defense Secretariat Headquarters
Tlālacuetztla
Huatli was both excited, and slightly nervous, at the same time.
The Imperial Army captain had not been to the Defense Secretariat Headquarters before. She had been summoned by her commanding officer in Huitzitaca unexpectedly, and informed that she was being called to the capital to receive a possible promotion and reassignment. The whole thing was a surprise - and Huatli didn't like surprises.
The ancient pile of stone that served as the Defense Secretariat's home was located on the western side of the capital. It had once served as a fort defending Tlālacuetztla from attacks from Necatli raiders. As an ancient fortress in the Xiomeran style tended to be, it was a bit overwhelming. Huatli still admired the architecture, if only for its overwhelming sense of security.
The captain was delivered to a building well inside the perimeter, near the main fortress that now served as the home of Xiomera's defense establishment. Office of Special Defense Operations, the sign outside the building read. Huatli's interest was piqued - OSDO was the group within SecDef that handled the Xiomeran military's special operations planning.
Inside the OSDO building, Huatli was led into a large conference room. She was offered refreshments and asked to wait.
Soon, the door opened to the conference room, and two people entered, accompanied by a pair of Shorn Ones. Huatli immediately jumped up and saluted - the two most high-ranking Xiomerans in the chain of command, outside the Empress herself, had just walked into the room.
Defense Secretary Xochiqui smiled and looked at Xōchhuitl. Xōchhuitl, the head of the Xiomeran General Staff and commander of the entire Imperial Army, smiled as well. "At ease, Captain," Xōchhuitl said, waving her to sit down.
After a bit of polite conversation, Xōchhuitl and Xochiqui got to the point. "Captain Huatli, your record in command of your company has been exemplary. We would like to consider you for a special role."
Huatli smiled in response. "I am eager to serve however I can, sir. What is the role I am being considered for?"
"We will get to that," the General said calmly. "But first, we must clear the air a bit." He slid a card over to Huatli. When she looked at it, it showed her name - along with a number she had never expected to see on a Xiomeran document.
Her Kerlian citizen ID number.
All the colour drained from her face as she stared at the card. Her heart rate increased and when she looked up there was a definite hint of fear in her eyes.
"I don't understand, sir," she said.
"I believe that you do," Xōchhuitl said, still smiling. "We have received this information from an extremely reliable source. You, Huatli, are an Aurora." The General shook his head to forestall any further protests. "Please do not try to deny it. Our intelligence on this matter is undeniable. You have served Xiomera well, even if under a fictitious identity; there is no need to shame that service now."
"Indeed, there is not," Xochiqui added. The Defense Secretary looked at Huatli. "Especially since Xiomera and Kerlile are not enemies, and since President Arnott and the Empress have reached an understanding." Xochiqui smiled. "We're not here to punish you, Huatli. We're here to offer you a deal - if you're interested."
Huatli looked between the two of them, distrusting. It was true that Xiomera and Kerlile had far better relations than when she had been deployed, yet she had been taught to never, ever admit what she was, regardless of the circumstances. She remained silent, saying nothing.
After a few seconds of the silent treatment, Xochiqui sighed. "You don't trust us. I can't blame you, under the circumstances. Perhaps we should ask someone who is more trustworthy to help." The Defense Secretary stepped out of the room, pulling his phone out of his pocket as he did so. He soon walked back into the room, pocketing his phone once more.
After about twenty minutes of the two men futilely trying to engage Huatli in conversation, the door swung open. A figure even more familiar to anyone who was even remotely familiar with Xiomera walked into the room.
"Hello, Huatli," Empress Yauhmi said softly. "I believe it's time we had a talk - with significantly less testosterone in the room. You two, out," Yauhmi said, looking at Xochiqui and Xōchhuitl.
The two men exited, with Xochiqui heard plaintively telling Xōchhuitl "I mean, we did try."
Yauhmi chuckled and sat down. "Never send a man to do a woman's job. I should have learned that lesson long ago. So....where do we begin?"
Huatli was shocked, and a little afraid. Of all the things she had considered happening, this was possibly the least likely. She was uncertain how to react.
"Empress Yauhmi... I am honoured you would choose to speak to me."
"I appreciate the sentiment, but you need not be so deferential. I'm here just to talk," the Empress replied, her expression gentle. "Those two are good at what they do, but as military men often are, they're astonishingly blunt at times." Yauhmi leaned back in her chair. "From what I understand, they dropped the news on you about certain discoveries we've made with all the grace of a bricklayer dropping his bricks on someone's head."
The Empress paused for a moment. "I know you were taught not to trust anyone. And I know why. Trust me, in my position, and after surviving two decades in the shark pit that is Xiomeran politics, I know how dangerous putting your trust in someone can be." Yauhmi's expression took on an almost motherly demeanor. "But sometimes it's far safer to come out of the dark. You don't need to hide anymore. I can help you, if you'll let me."
Huatli had spent so long in fear of discovery, that now it had happened, she didn't quite know what to do. She thought over what she'd been told. Since her deployment, it was true that Kerlile and Xiomera had become fast friends. She had received a warning text saying Auroras were being hunted, which seemed accurate given the circumstances. It was entirely possible that Xiomera and Kerlile had ended up working together, but if that was the case, why hadn't she been told? Still, she was curious.
"How, Empress?" she asked.
"First, we must be honest with each other. I'll start. I've been in touch with President Arnott and with members of the Council of Kerlile. We have reached an understanding concerning Auroras....the 'deal' that Xochiqui mentioned." The Empress paused to help herself to a glass of water before continuing. "So, here's the deal. Any Auroras in Xiomera have a choice. They can either return home with no ill will on our part. They can resume life in the Matriarchy and continue as they please. But they can also stay in Xiomera, if they wish, and continue to serve here."
Yauhmi looked at Huatli keenly. "You have had an exemplary career in the Imperial Army. I would not have expected anything less, now that I know about Auroras....you do tend to be exceptional. Xiomera values that kind of exceptional quality, and also believes in rewarding it. We are a country where merit equals success - but you know that," Yauhmi continued. "In any event, I personally do not wish for Xiomera to lose such talented and skilled individuals. I wish to let them come into the light, and be rewarded as they should be."
The Empress smiled again. "So, I am hoping you will agree to stay in Xiomera, and remain in my service, as you have been until now. The Council has agreed that this is acceptable to them, if you are willing. And we will not force you. But....I believe that you can have a truly exceptional life here in Xiomera, and still serve the cause of women in a nation that values it.....right here. Xiomera needs people like you, and regardless of where you grew up, you are one of us," the Empress said. "So, to be direct, we'd like you to stay."
The Empress paused again. "If you do not wish to stay in Xiomera, however, we will help you return to Kerlile. You can confirm this by speaking with the Council if you wish - I can easily arrange that, although I know you have your own means of doing so," Yauhmi added.
Huatli considered the offer. She lacked many fond memories of the Matriarchy, and hadn't considered leaving for a second when the warning message had come through. Her training class had been treated rather worse on average than other classes, and it had been noticeable. Whenever she thought of her childhood, she became a little depressed. In contrast, she had enjoyed her life in Xiomera. She had a longing inside her to remain.
"I'd like to stay in Xiomera, if I can, Empress. I do not know what would await me back home if I return now, and I have no family there, and quite possibly no friends if the others have not returned. I do not want to go back."
"Then you shall stay here, with my blessing and under my protection," Yauhmi replied. "And I am very glad you have chosen to remain with us. I am quite excited to see where your story leads." The Empress stood up. "We will inform the Council, unless you would like to deliver the message yourself."
"I doubt Councillor Pierre would much like to hear my voice," she said bitterly. "Uh, I mean, you can inform the Council, Empress, I have no desire to deliver the message personally."
Yauhmi laughed when Huatli mentioned Pierre, then rapidly explained when she saw the look of slight confusion on Huatli's face. "Sorry for laughing - I can quite understand why you don't wish to speak with Councillor Pierre. I have had my own conversation with her recently - explaining certain new realities to her," the Empress said with just a slight flash of what Xiomeran commentators had already termed her Imperial voice. "We will be more than happy to deliver the message. Is there anything else that you may need at this time?"
She shook her head. "What happens now, Empress?"
"What happens now....is that you can leave this room, and live your life. Without any clouds lingering over your shoulder any more. You're free - in every sense of the word," Yauhmi replied. She reached into her handbag, and handed Huatli a note. When Huatli opened it, it was a phone number, written on the Empress' personal stationary. "One last thing. I have been assured by President Arnott that there will be no repercussions for any Auroras that stay here. But, to be blunt, I trust the President but not all of her colleagues." Who the Empress meant by that was very clear even unspoken. "That number will connect you to my security detail. If you ever need that kind of help, it is at your disposal."
"Thank you, Empress. I am very grateful for this opportunity," said Huatli, looking down at the note gratefully.
The Empress simply nodded, giving Huatli another smile before walking out.
A clearly surprised but pleased Xochiqui entered the room, and made sure Huatli was transported back to her base.
When Huatli entered her quarters, she noticed an envelope on her desk. Surprised, she opened it. Inside were new insignia and rank tabs, along with a small note. Congratulations, Major Huatli. You made the right choice and earned this promotion today. Welcome home.
It was simply signed, Yauhmi.
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