02-15-2020, 07:37 PM
(Joint post with [nation]Lauchenoiria[/nation])
Institute for International Studies Building, Tlālacuetztla Polytechnic University
8:45 am
The morning had been quiet. This was a rarity for Tlālzixiuhxa.
The professor at Tlālacuetztla Polytechnic was usually quite busy. As a Senior Fellow with the school's Institute for International Studies, she was a highly-sought after person on the Xiomeran talk show and speaking circuit. As a well-known writer, she was also usually quite busy promoting her latest books. The joke around the Institute was that Tlālzixiuhxa's students needed to watch TV to see her, rather than go to her office or classroom. No one dared say that to her face, though. Her wit was known to be quite sharp, like a dagger. Just last night, she had dismantled an opponent on a popular evening talk show who had been critical of Empress Yauhmi's recent reforms so effectively that clips of the show were already trending on the Internet and spawning memes.
The professor sipped her coffee and read through her notes. A knock sounded on her door, startling her. Her office hours didn't begin until two hours later, and most people knew damn well not to bother her in the morning before they began. "Enter," Tlālzixiuhxa barked, dabbing at a stray bit of coffee that had spilled on her desk.
When the door opened, Tlālzixiuhxa went from being annoyed to alarmed. Standing in her doorway were two ASI agents. "Professor, we are sorry to disturb you, but you are needed for an audience."
"Oh?" She asked, trying to remain calm. "Do I have a choice in this matter?"
"In Xiomera, we always have a choice," the other agent replied blandly. "We also always have consequences for those choices."
His partner laughed. "It's not as grim as all that, Professor. You are asked to accompany us to the Palace of Flowers for a discussion. The Empress saw your appearance on television last night and was impressed. Her reforms are being questioned by some less-than-enthusiastic people. The Empress could use a strong defender of her reforms on her side, and has asked us to bring you to the Palace," she said.
Tlālzixiuhxa breathed a sigh of relief and smiled. "Of course, I would be very glad to accompany you. My work here will have to wait."
"Very good. If you can follow us, please," the female agent said with another smile. The second agent, whose face did not seem capable of smiling, followed as they made their way to the front of the Institute. A government car, a quite luxurious model at that, was waiting.
The drive from the university to the Palace was a short one; Tlālzixiuhxa found herself idly admiring the scenery that passed outside the window. The car soon arrived at the east gate to the Palace walls, and was admitted inside. The car meandered through the extensive Palace grounds. It eventually parked near a small (by Palace standards, but still quite large) building. The Tlilpohua Palace, legend said, was built by the Emperor Quiauhticue as a place to escape from the duties of his office and relax occasionally. In modern times, it served as a sort of conference center and meeting place for the Palace complex.
Tlālzixiuhxa walked inside, accompanied by the two agents. They made their way up a long staircase to the top of the building. The professor was familiar with the building, having attended conferences here in the past.
At the top of the large staircase, an expansive room waited, at the center of it a long table. Multiple people were already seated around the table, but Tlālzixiuhxa only recognized three of them. The Empress, the Crown Prince, and his wife.
"Professor, welcome," Yauhmi said, with a smile. "Please have a seat. We have much to discuss."
Tlālzixiuhxa's heart skipped a beat as she saw the scene in front of her. She had never imagined being in a room with all three of these people. It seemed surreal.
"Empress Yauhmi," she began, "it is an honour to be invited here."
Yauhmi chuckled at that. "I should be the one feeling honored. I saw your rather spirited defense of my reforms last night. You've become quite the hit on the Internet, taking apart poor Xocolcōza like that. Not that he didn't deserve it. For being such a tech genius, he's kind of an idiot."
"It really was quite fun to watch," Texōccoatl added, with a laugh of his own. "When you told Xocolcōza that if he ran his company like he wanted us to run the country, we'd all be using tin cans and string to talk and abacuses for math, I almost coughed up my drink."
Tlālzixiuhxa smiled at the comments. "He is the kind of man whose ideas are frequently full of obvious flaws, which are just waiting to be pointed out. And it is my pleasure to do so."
"Indeed. I could see that you enjoy your work. You're also quite good at it. And that is something we could use right now," Yauhmi replied. "As you undoubtedly know, my reforms to date have been quite popular, but there is a significant minority who are questioning them and are pushing back against them. I'm not terrible at defending them," the Empress said with another chuckle, "but I can always use help."
Texōccoatl nodded. "What we were hoping is that you would consider taking up a role as a sort of spokesperson for the Empress and her reforms. Someone who can actively promote and defend them, from a position of knowledge and strength. You're already a trusted expert on the national stage, and you've proven quite capable of such a role."
"I would be honoured," she replied, her face lighting up. This was an excellent opportunity for her.
"I'm glad to hear that," Yauhmi replied. "There is just one more thing we must discuss before you step into that role."
Tlalmaxxi spoke up at that point, sliding a card over to Tlālzixiuhxa. It had her name and Kerlian citizen ID number on it. "We know," she said quietly.
She paled, looking up in alarm. She didn't know what to say. She didn't know what was going to happen. The day she had spent her life dreading had come.
Yauhmi saw Tlālzixiuhxa turn pale. "Please don't be alarmed. If we had any intention of harming you, I wouldn't have just offered to make you my spokesperson and defender of my goals for this country."
Tlalmaxxi smiled. "The only reason we are even mentioning this is to get everything out in the open. Xiomera and Kerlile are not enemies. There is no reason for you to hide any longer."
"You've built a very good life here in Xiomera, Tlālzixiuhxa." Yauhmi added her own smile to the mix. "What I am offering you is a chance to make that life real - and not have this haunting you and lingering over your shoulder any longer."
She remained silent for a moment, thinking, then eventually spoke. "I don't know how much you know of the Kerlian Civil War. Horrible conflict, lasted years. The Council thought they'd lose at the start. I don't know when they changed their mind, or how they won, but in 1993 they were convinced their days were numbered. I was only fourteen at the time, and everything I knew was about to be destroyed. DKS were evil terrorists, so we were taught. But when they won? I don't know, I was almost disappointed. The Matriarchy endured and so did my mission. I guess I'd almost looked forward to it, being free of them. Free of the obligations. Freedom was not something many Kerlians had, but I yearned for it."
She paused, shaking a little, uncertain why she was choosing to say all this. "I want to be free of the Matriarchy but if I betray them they will kill me. Or worse. Do you know what they did to DKS prisoners? They're capable of such terrible things."
"Not in our country, they aren't," Yauhmi said firmly. "And I say our country deliberately. Xiomera is your home now, if you want it to be. And we will protect you. I have already spoken with the Kerlian leadership and made it quite clear that there would be severe consequences if anyone tries to harm someone under my protection."
"You will be safe here, if you want to stay. We will make sure of that," Tlalmaxxi added. The two ASI agents who had escorted Tlālzixiuhxa to the Palace both nodded in response to her.
"I..." she hesitated. "I'd like that. There's something you should be aware of, though. Something major. I... I dare not say aloud. Councillor Hale may have already told you, but I fear to say it."
Yauhmi nodded. "Is it something that would endanger you, or endanger Xiomera?"
"Not Xiomera, no. It would endanger me, but no more than agreeing to stay here. But it would endanger others. Some that I know, and some that I don't."
"I see," Yauhmi said. "Is this something you can tell us now?"
"I..." she hesitated. "I dare not say it aloud. I can't be certain... it's such a crucial time..."
Yauhmi sighed. "If it poses no risk to Xiomera or its people....I cannot in good conscience compel you to tell me. If it's a personal risk....we all have to choose what risks we take or don't take. The only thing that I will ask is that if the risk to yourself becomes too great, or when the time is right, that you let us know what this involves. Also...if others are at risk, it is important to remember that their own safety matters too." Yauhmi clasped her hands in the manner of someone putting a matter to rest. "Is there anything else you would like to say, or any questions that you have for us?"
"I am curious as to why you have extended this offer to me," she said. "Given the current alliance between Kerlile and Xiomera, I would have thought this whole affair would only serve to cause tension."
"There were discussions that needed to take place after this all came to light. Some of the discussions were....a bit direct," the Empress said. "But I am convinced that the majority of people currently on the Council are not to blame for this matter, and that none of the people sent here have harmed Xiomera. So I am content to let the matter rest. Our alliance with Kerlile has been fruitful and mutually beneficial. I am not the sort of person to throw all that away over the first problem that arises." Yauhmi looked at Tlālzixiuxha more keenly. "As for why we are offering this opportunity to the Auroras sent here, and to you in particular, there are two good reasons. One: Xiomera is built on the achievements of the talented and the meritorious. I am loath to waste such talent as you represent. Two: Xiomera is the motherland of all Xiomerans everywhere. I am their protector. I thus feel a certain responsibility to my fellow Xiomerans, which you are, no matter your past. This is your ancestral home, and you have a right to it."
"I think this is the first genuine choice I have had over my life," she replied after a pause. "Everything else has been written for me. I want to escape from that life, those obligations. I want to stay here."
"Does this mean you'll accept my job offer?" Yauhmi replied with a mischievous grin.
"It does," Tlālzixiuhxa replied, nodding. "I really am truly grateful for the opportunity, and I'm fully supportive of your reforms here - and the reforms of the present Kerlian Council, back in Kerlile," she added, looking at Yauhmi as if seeking her thoughts on the matter of Kerlian reform.
"The reformist Councillors and I have more in common than many realize. Maybe that's another reason I've been sympathetic to Auroras - I've been keeping my own secrets for a while," the Empress mused. "But my own time for secrets is also coming to an end. Change will come - to both Xiomera and Kerlile. And I have a feeling that your help in supporting reforms will be quite important in ensuring that."
Tlālzixiuhxa relaxed visibly. "I hope I can be of assistance. As for the matter to which I referred earlier, I should be able to give you more details in a week's time. But I promise it is no danger to Xiomera."
"Then I shall take you at your word, and let you inform me of it when you can. For now, Tlalmaxxi will walk you through your new job responsibilities. We shall be in close communication though, since you'll be speaking for me quite often. Welcome to my service, Tlālzixiuhxa. And also, welcome home." Yauhmi stood up, extending her hand, as the others rose.
She shook Yauhmi's hand, smiling, and breathing a sigh of relief. She had so many secrets, that the idea of one day being free of most of them was surreal. "Thank you, Empress," she said.
Institute for International Studies Building, Tlālacuetztla Polytechnic University
8:45 am
The morning had been quiet. This was a rarity for Tlālzixiuhxa.
The professor at Tlālacuetztla Polytechnic was usually quite busy. As a Senior Fellow with the school's Institute for International Studies, she was a highly-sought after person on the Xiomeran talk show and speaking circuit. As a well-known writer, she was also usually quite busy promoting her latest books. The joke around the Institute was that Tlālzixiuhxa's students needed to watch TV to see her, rather than go to her office or classroom. No one dared say that to her face, though. Her wit was known to be quite sharp, like a dagger. Just last night, she had dismantled an opponent on a popular evening talk show who had been critical of Empress Yauhmi's recent reforms so effectively that clips of the show were already trending on the Internet and spawning memes.
The professor sipped her coffee and read through her notes. A knock sounded on her door, startling her. Her office hours didn't begin until two hours later, and most people knew damn well not to bother her in the morning before they began. "Enter," Tlālzixiuhxa barked, dabbing at a stray bit of coffee that had spilled on her desk.
When the door opened, Tlālzixiuhxa went from being annoyed to alarmed. Standing in her doorway were two ASI agents. "Professor, we are sorry to disturb you, but you are needed for an audience."
"Oh?" She asked, trying to remain calm. "Do I have a choice in this matter?"
"In Xiomera, we always have a choice," the other agent replied blandly. "We also always have consequences for those choices."
His partner laughed. "It's not as grim as all that, Professor. You are asked to accompany us to the Palace of Flowers for a discussion. The Empress saw your appearance on television last night and was impressed. Her reforms are being questioned by some less-than-enthusiastic people. The Empress could use a strong defender of her reforms on her side, and has asked us to bring you to the Palace," she said.
Tlālzixiuhxa breathed a sigh of relief and smiled. "Of course, I would be very glad to accompany you. My work here will have to wait."
"Very good. If you can follow us, please," the female agent said with another smile. The second agent, whose face did not seem capable of smiling, followed as they made their way to the front of the Institute. A government car, a quite luxurious model at that, was waiting.
The drive from the university to the Palace was a short one; Tlālzixiuhxa found herself idly admiring the scenery that passed outside the window. The car soon arrived at the east gate to the Palace walls, and was admitted inside. The car meandered through the extensive Palace grounds. It eventually parked near a small (by Palace standards, but still quite large) building. The Tlilpohua Palace, legend said, was built by the Emperor Quiauhticue as a place to escape from the duties of his office and relax occasionally. In modern times, it served as a sort of conference center and meeting place for the Palace complex.
Tlālzixiuhxa walked inside, accompanied by the two agents. They made their way up a long staircase to the top of the building. The professor was familiar with the building, having attended conferences here in the past.
At the top of the large staircase, an expansive room waited, at the center of it a long table. Multiple people were already seated around the table, but Tlālzixiuhxa only recognized three of them. The Empress, the Crown Prince, and his wife.
"Professor, welcome," Yauhmi said, with a smile. "Please have a seat. We have much to discuss."
Tlālzixiuhxa's heart skipped a beat as she saw the scene in front of her. She had never imagined being in a room with all three of these people. It seemed surreal.
"Empress Yauhmi," she began, "it is an honour to be invited here."
Yauhmi chuckled at that. "I should be the one feeling honored. I saw your rather spirited defense of my reforms last night. You've become quite the hit on the Internet, taking apart poor Xocolcōza like that. Not that he didn't deserve it. For being such a tech genius, he's kind of an idiot."
"It really was quite fun to watch," Texōccoatl added, with a laugh of his own. "When you told Xocolcōza that if he ran his company like he wanted us to run the country, we'd all be using tin cans and string to talk and abacuses for math, I almost coughed up my drink."
Tlālzixiuhxa smiled at the comments. "He is the kind of man whose ideas are frequently full of obvious flaws, which are just waiting to be pointed out. And it is my pleasure to do so."
"Indeed. I could see that you enjoy your work. You're also quite good at it. And that is something we could use right now," Yauhmi replied. "As you undoubtedly know, my reforms to date have been quite popular, but there is a significant minority who are questioning them and are pushing back against them. I'm not terrible at defending them," the Empress said with another chuckle, "but I can always use help."
Texōccoatl nodded. "What we were hoping is that you would consider taking up a role as a sort of spokesperson for the Empress and her reforms. Someone who can actively promote and defend them, from a position of knowledge and strength. You're already a trusted expert on the national stage, and you've proven quite capable of such a role."
"I would be honoured," she replied, her face lighting up. This was an excellent opportunity for her.
"I'm glad to hear that," Yauhmi replied. "There is just one more thing we must discuss before you step into that role."
Tlalmaxxi spoke up at that point, sliding a card over to Tlālzixiuhxa. It had her name and Kerlian citizen ID number on it. "We know," she said quietly.
She paled, looking up in alarm. She didn't know what to say. She didn't know what was going to happen. The day she had spent her life dreading had come.
Yauhmi saw Tlālzixiuhxa turn pale. "Please don't be alarmed. If we had any intention of harming you, I wouldn't have just offered to make you my spokesperson and defender of my goals for this country."
Tlalmaxxi smiled. "The only reason we are even mentioning this is to get everything out in the open. Xiomera and Kerlile are not enemies. There is no reason for you to hide any longer."
"You've built a very good life here in Xiomera, Tlālzixiuhxa." Yauhmi added her own smile to the mix. "What I am offering you is a chance to make that life real - and not have this haunting you and lingering over your shoulder any longer."
She remained silent for a moment, thinking, then eventually spoke. "I don't know how much you know of the Kerlian Civil War. Horrible conflict, lasted years. The Council thought they'd lose at the start. I don't know when they changed their mind, or how they won, but in 1993 they were convinced their days were numbered. I was only fourteen at the time, and everything I knew was about to be destroyed. DKS were evil terrorists, so we were taught. But when they won? I don't know, I was almost disappointed. The Matriarchy endured and so did my mission. I guess I'd almost looked forward to it, being free of them. Free of the obligations. Freedom was not something many Kerlians had, but I yearned for it."
She paused, shaking a little, uncertain why she was choosing to say all this. "I want to be free of the Matriarchy but if I betray them they will kill me. Or worse. Do you know what they did to DKS prisoners? They're capable of such terrible things."
"Not in our country, they aren't," Yauhmi said firmly. "And I say our country deliberately. Xiomera is your home now, if you want it to be. And we will protect you. I have already spoken with the Kerlian leadership and made it quite clear that there would be severe consequences if anyone tries to harm someone under my protection."
"You will be safe here, if you want to stay. We will make sure of that," Tlalmaxxi added. The two ASI agents who had escorted Tlālzixiuhxa to the Palace both nodded in response to her.
"I..." she hesitated. "I'd like that. There's something you should be aware of, though. Something major. I... I dare not say aloud. Councillor Hale may have already told you, but I fear to say it."
Yauhmi nodded. "Is it something that would endanger you, or endanger Xiomera?"
"Not Xiomera, no. It would endanger me, but no more than agreeing to stay here. But it would endanger others. Some that I know, and some that I don't."
"I see," Yauhmi said. "Is this something you can tell us now?"
"I..." she hesitated. "I dare not say it aloud. I can't be certain... it's such a crucial time..."
Yauhmi sighed. "If it poses no risk to Xiomera or its people....I cannot in good conscience compel you to tell me. If it's a personal risk....we all have to choose what risks we take or don't take. The only thing that I will ask is that if the risk to yourself becomes too great, or when the time is right, that you let us know what this involves. Also...if others are at risk, it is important to remember that their own safety matters too." Yauhmi clasped her hands in the manner of someone putting a matter to rest. "Is there anything else you would like to say, or any questions that you have for us?"
"I am curious as to why you have extended this offer to me," she said. "Given the current alliance between Kerlile and Xiomera, I would have thought this whole affair would only serve to cause tension."
"There were discussions that needed to take place after this all came to light. Some of the discussions were....a bit direct," the Empress said. "But I am convinced that the majority of people currently on the Council are not to blame for this matter, and that none of the people sent here have harmed Xiomera. So I am content to let the matter rest. Our alliance with Kerlile has been fruitful and mutually beneficial. I am not the sort of person to throw all that away over the first problem that arises." Yauhmi looked at Tlālzixiuxha more keenly. "As for why we are offering this opportunity to the Auroras sent here, and to you in particular, there are two good reasons. One: Xiomera is built on the achievements of the talented and the meritorious. I am loath to waste such talent as you represent. Two: Xiomera is the motherland of all Xiomerans everywhere. I am their protector. I thus feel a certain responsibility to my fellow Xiomerans, which you are, no matter your past. This is your ancestral home, and you have a right to it."
"I think this is the first genuine choice I have had over my life," she replied after a pause. "Everything else has been written for me. I want to escape from that life, those obligations. I want to stay here."
"Does this mean you'll accept my job offer?" Yauhmi replied with a mischievous grin.
"It does," Tlālzixiuhxa replied, nodding. "I really am truly grateful for the opportunity, and I'm fully supportive of your reforms here - and the reforms of the present Kerlian Council, back in Kerlile," she added, looking at Yauhmi as if seeking her thoughts on the matter of Kerlian reform.
"The reformist Councillors and I have more in common than many realize. Maybe that's another reason I've been sympathetic to Auroras - I've been keeping my own secrets for a while," the Empress mused. "But my own time for secrets is also coming to an end. Change will come - to both Xiomera and Kerlile. And I have a feeling that your help in supporting reforms will be quite important in ensuring that."
Tlālzixiuhxa relaxed visibly. "I hope I can be of assistance. As for the matter to which I referred earlier, I should be able to give you more details in a week's time. But I promise it is no danger to Xiomera."
"Then I shall take you at your word, and let you inform me of it when you can. For now, Tlalmaxxi will walk you through your new job responsibilities. We shall be in close communication though, since you'll be speaking for me quite often. Welcome to my service, Tlālzixiuhxa. And also, welcome home." Yauhmi stood up, extending her hand, as the others rose.
She shook Yauhmi's hand, smiling, and breathing a sigh of relief. She had so many secrets, that the idea of one day being free of most of them was surreal. "Thank you, Empress," she said.
<t></t>