[Xiomera]

(Joint post with Eiria)

Chancellor's Manor
December 16th - evening

The Chancellor's Manor. A place of both fame and notoriety in Eiria, and as the golden lights shone from the ballroom, and famous politicians and spouses walked up the iconic steps, the Chancellor, his sister, and his husband waited on the steps, walking down to greet the Empress of Xiomera when her car arrived. The Chancellor gave a short bow. "Welcome, Empress. We are glad you are here. It's been a long time since a leader of Xiomera has attended a Delegation Dinner. It's long overdue." Both gentlemen were wearing black suits, while Alice was in a dark blue dress with a light mesh cape.

The Empress was dressed in her customary black, although the dress in question was a flowing A'pilne creation that probably cost more than most peoples' cars. The relatively restrained black of the dress was contrasted by the brilliant red and gold silk scarf around her neck, a flashing display of the Xiomeran colors. Undersecretary Lōnoch, standing next to her in his own black suit, looked much like a penguin in comparison. "It's long overdue that my nation has visited at all, much less to a function of this significance. I am honored to be able to attend," Yauhmi replied with a smile.

The Provīri smiled. "Thank you. Well, let's head inside, shall we?"

The Chancellor's ballroom was magnificent. People dancing, a band playing, and table after table of food was laid out near the back of the room, along with a huge bar fully stocked with Eirian liquor. It was, in simplest terms, a very Eirian party.

At the sight of the ballroom, Yauhmi's eyes lit up. While Xiomerans tended to be on the restrained side most days, a nice selection of food and drink and music to dance to warmed anyone's heart. Xiomerans were no exception. "This is lovely. You do know how to throw a party," the Empress said. The Undersecretary, for his part, was already eyeing the buffet line with a pleased smile.

"Why, thank you." At the sight of the delegation, a woman came gliding across the dance floor in a lavender dress, stopping in front of the Empress. She bowed formally. "It's an honor to meet you, your Majesty. I'm Leah Stendē."

The Empress returned the bow politely, albeit at a slightly higher angle appropriate in Xiomeran culture for royalty showing respect to someone who was not royal themselves. "I am honored to meet you as well, Vice-Chancellor." The Empress introduced her to Undersecretary Lōnoch, who enthusiastically gave Stendē a bow as well. "Are you enjoying your evening so far?" she asked.

"I am, actually. Good food, good music, and now good people. What else does a party need?"

Yauhmi chuckled heartily at that statement. "That's very true. So, where do you recommend I start first?"

"Well, either my boss here or I can take you on the rounds to meet everyone, which I would recommend doing with a bit of liquor, or you could go straight for the food." The Chancellor smiled at the boss comment. "Well, you've always been an excellent employee."

Yauhmi's expression took on a contemplative look. "Food, first, I think, then drink. Liquor on an empty stomach is usually a bad idea," she laughed. "And then, meeting your guests would be lovely."

"Good idea." The band started playing a light, fast song with a violin and a flute, one that was evidently very popular, as people started flooding on to the dance floor. Alice nodded at Will and his husband. "You two can go dance, We'll show Yauhmi around the array of Eirian delicacies." She gestured to the tables as Jacob and Will danced. "What looks appealing?"

"Well, everything, but I will restrain myself," the Empress laughed. She accepted a plate that a server handed her with graceful thanks, and began taking small samples of various delicacies. The other Xiomerans began to do the same, with high praise for the quality of the food. "Is there anything that is your favorite or that you recommend?" she asked Alice.

"Well, most of our fish is good. Occasionally, that's because it's drenched in ungodly amounts of butter, oil, seasoning, or all three. I would stay away from the Klatènhà, though." She replied, pointing at a fish dish. "It's picked Klatè fish with roe on top. Quite the acquired taste."

Yauhmi paused for a moment. "Well, I am here to learn," she said, taking a deep breath and placing some of the Klatènhà on her plate. She sniffed it, then took a forkful. After she finished swallowing, she picked up a nearby water glass and took a drink. "That is....interesting," she said finally.

The woman stared at her, astonished. "Impressive. The first time, I wasn't able to swallow it. But we should find you some good ones. Here, Salmon Helā. Salmon in Butter, Garlic, Herbs, and assorted other seasonings. Tastes infinitely better then Klàtenhà."

Yauhmi smiled gratefully and tried the new dish. The raised eyebrows indicated a much higher appreciation of the Salmon Helā than the Klàtenhà. "This is excellent," the Empress said. The other Xiomerans were also occupied trying various dishes. Unlike their Empress, none of them seemed inclined to try the Klàtenhà.

The Vice-Chancellor Smiled. "Thank you. Eirian fish dishes are very common. The northern and eastern coasts are fishing hotspots, so it's no surprise we have a surprising amount of fish". She had chosen a slice of Smoked Halibut with a Light sauce over it, and Alice had selected a plate of Shrimp in a butter-herb sauce, Similar to the one on Salmon Helā. "Well, there's also soups, Salads, Breads, Meat, and the infamous dessert table". She said, pointing to each table. "Would you like a side to go with the Salmon Helā?".

"That would be lovely. What would you recommend as a side dish?"

"Well, probably a light soup or salad. We do have a good salad called Sera Treà. Lettuce, tomatoes, an Eirian cheese called Gēalta, and a creamy, tangy dressing. Would you like to try some?"

Yauhmi accepted the salad eagerly, along with a glass of wine. "I am highly enjoying learning more about the cultural aspects of Eiria. Our nations really should hold events like this more often, seeing as how we are such close neighbors."

The Minister nodded and gestured to a vacant table. "Shall we take a seat so we can eat?"

Yauhmi agreed and sat down, along with the Undersecretary. The two of them had an extensive array of dishes to try, and were enjoying people-watching while they sat down and ate.

Leah was pointing people out to the Xiomerans, explaining their role in the Republic, Political views, and some juicy gossip, while the Xiomerans ate. She nodded to a man at the bar, taking sips of a scotch. "Mason Eldrin, Eclipse Senator. Quiet man, introvert, doesn't say much. He writes like a poet, though. The way he can phrase stuff is amazing. Former Librarian of the National Library, so I suppose that makes sense." He nodded to the man next to him at the bar. "Justin Olmansēn. Minority Leader, Centrist Party. Similar personality to Eldrin, but he has a wide array of legislation written by him. Those two have contributed a chunk of the legislation that has passed these past years." Next up was a woman in a dark purple dress socializing with a few other Senators. "Ah, the infamous Amara Chin. Leader of the Eirian Party of Socialists, and a talent for public speaking. However, if you screw her over...... Let's just say she'll make you suffer."

Yauhmi found the gossip and the political talk just as appetizing as the meal. "Very interesting. Is there anyone in particular that I should introduce myself to, among those three or otherwise? I do like the idea of making contacts."

Alice thought for a moment. "Well, Amara Chin would probably be good to communicate with. She's a valuable ally, and a dangerous enemy." She lowered her voice. "After all, I've heard a few rumors she was a Medeurre, a member of an infamous guerilla group during the Civil War. They were tough, and more secretive than the bloody Guard of the Republic. And God knows how mysterious they are."

Yauhmi smiled. "Well then, once we're done eating, perhaps you can help me make the rounds of the room."

She smiled. "It would be an honor, Madame Empress. There may be a lot of people to meet, I hope you don't mind if I take you on an abridged tour, to try to get as many people as we can." She sipped her wine, and suddenly both women tensed, glancing at the door. Alice recovered quickly, and turned back to the delegation. "So, how do politics work in Xiomera? I'd imagine it's quite different than here."

Yauhmi smiled. "We don't have politics, at least as most people understand it. The Great Selection, which you're familiar with, is the closest thing to traditional politics we have. There is, of course, the usual jockeying for power and position that comes with a royal court, along with those who may try to bypass the throne or circumvent it. But that's probably not much different from what goes on behind the scenes in a democracy."

"Yeah, You'd be surprised how many loopholes we've had to patch when it comes to Senatorial process. It's ridiculous. I guess exploiting power and bypassing authority is common to international politics."

"It's common to any situation where ambitious people with no scruples are involved. Sadly, that is a universal phenomenon," the Empress replied.

"Sadly so." The Eirian women finish their meals and sip their drinks, occasionally glancing among the crowd on the floor, scanning. Alice got herself a dark red wine. "Ah, Dieuhonneur. One of my favorites." She turned back to the Empress. "How are you enjoying your trip so far, Madame Empress?"

"I am enjoying it immensely," the Empress replied with another smile. "Everyone has been so welcoming. It's been a very pleasant and relaxing trip so far." Yauhmi had, in fact, indeed been enjoying the visit, but she was also looking forward to the following day when deals would be done.

Alice smiled. "I'm glad to hear that. I hope that you enjoy the rest of your trip. I am so sorry that my brother and I have to leave for Laeral tomorrow evening, but we leave you in the good hands of Leah here and my witty brother-in-law."

"No apology is necessary. I know how duty calls in our positions. Hopefully you'll have the opportunity to meet with my son or chat with him while you're there," Yauhmi said. "His first trip abroad representing Xiomera should be an eventful one."

"I look forward to meeting him." Alice stacked her and Leah's plates, then looked over to the Xiomerans. "Would any of you like my to take your plate?"

"That would be most kind of you," Yauhmi replied, as she and the Undersecretary handed off their plates. She took a sip of wine and smiled. "It may be a good idea to take that walk around the room now. Otherwise the food and drink may make me sleepy!'"

"Of Course. Leah, could you go get the Party Leaders? I think it would be nice to start with them." Alice placed the stack of plates in a bin and returned as Leah led two men and two women over. "May I present the Party Leaders, Senator Alison Legrand, Senator Alexander Dukov, Senator Justin Olmansēn, and Senator Amara Chin." All four of them did a formal bow to Yauhmi. "It is an honor to meet you, Empress!" one of the women, Senator Legrand, Exclaimed.

"I am honored to meet all of you as well," the Empress said politely, giving them a head nod characteristic of Xiomeran rulers greeting other high, if not noble, figures. The feeling of being honored was not necessarily true in the case of Dukov, but Yauhmi did try to be diplomatic when she could. "It has been a great pleasure visiting Eiria, and I hope this will be the beginning of closer relations."

Amara Chin spoke up. "I hope so as well. Your reputation proceeds you, your Majesty. You are famous here. We don't have many great and powerful figures..." She gave a glance at the other Majority Leaders. "So other nations' leaders of great accomplishment don't go unnoticed. I'm sure it's quite different here than in Xiomera, isn't it?"

"It is very different in some ways, not so different in others, Senator," Yauhmi replied with a friendly smile. "You have elections, of course, while we do not. But in either system, people with the drive and the talent to do so tend to rise to the top."

"Very well said, your Majesty. Though not having a democracy may be more efficient, Eiria is a very egalitarian nation. Ironically, once we had a group protest over mandatory voting. You can't really get more democratic than that."

Yauhmi chuckled. "Indeed, it is very democratic to be able to protest about whether or not to exercise one's privileges. Your system does seem to work very well here, though. I believe that is the key - to find the system that best works in a particular place, for a particular people, whatever it may be."

Justin Olmansēn smiled. "That's every government's job, really. I've studied the Intricacies of the Xiomeran bureaucracy, and it really is quite fascinating." At this point, Dukov and Legrand were muttering back and forth in Eirian. Amara rolled her eyes, and her and Justin took over the talking to distract from the pair. "So, Madame. Any particular spots you want to see while you are here in Eiria?" Amara asked, subtly moving away from the pair.

The Empress chuckled again and smiled at Olmansēn. "If you enjoy studying bureaucracy, Xiomera is an ideal subject. The members of our civil service would love to tell you about it, as long as you fill out all the forms and make sure you sign them in the right places!" Yauhmi smiled again. "The Cihuatzin is really good at what they do, though. We're lucky to have them running things behind the scenes."

When Dukov and Legrand began muttering to themselves, Yauhmi was tempted to poke the bear and ask what they were discussing. But when Amara pulled them away from the pair and asked a clearly distracting question, the Empress went along with it politely. "Liberty Square and Rivière Park were recommended to me, along with the civil war memorial. If you have any other suggestions, I would love to hear them. I do enjoy getting to meet people and seeing new places."

Amara Smiled. "Well, the Santolia Monument is always beautiful, especially during the evening. Her statue almost glows with beauty. Otherwise, the Dargere Museums and the Dupree Sculpture Gardens are also beautiful". Leah gestured to the crowd. "Well, we've got lots of people to get through, so we better get going. Thank you." She led Yauhmi over to another woman in a dark red dress. "This is Lira Nērala, Chief Justice of the Eirian High Court."

"Chief Justice, it's an honor to meet you," the Empress said politely, with another nod of the head.

"It is an honor to meet you, your Majesty. I may not be as well known as some of the Senators and Leaders here..." She gestured to the crowd. "But I'm no less important. I'm sure Alice and Leah here have told you about the.... chaotic nature of Eirian politics. It's my job to set boundaries for these politicians, and to make sure these guys don't tear each other apart while in the Senate Building. It's a stressful, yet occasionally hilarious, job."

Yauhmi smiled. "That is an aspect of democratic politics that I am unfamiliar with. Xiomera has no need for such a function, after all. However, we do have our own Chief Justice, the Cihuacoatl. In our system, they serve a similar function, to ensure justice is delivered and to advise the throne."

She nodded. "Many nations do have a Chief Justice, or something similar. Only, in Eiria, in addition to judicial duties, the Chief Justice serves as a neutral overseer of Senate procedure, instead of a politically-motivated Speaker of the Chamber in other democracies. It's an attempt to make sure Senate procedure is enacted neutrally and equally."

"That seems like a wise precaution. In Xiomera, while we don't have a Supreme Court per se, the Emperor and Empress, together with the Chief Justice, serve as court of final appeal. It is a different system from most of the world, but it works for us."

"Interesting. Well, Your Majesty, It was lovely meeting you. Have a good evening!" She went back into the crowd. Alice stretched. "Well, Empress, that was the crash course in political figures. You have the rest of the night to yourself. You may meet a few more people, dance, head back to the hotel, have dessert... It's completely up to you!"

"Those are all appealing options. I could also," Yauhmi said with a hint of a mischievous look in her eye, "stir the pot a bit." She looked over to where Legrand and Dukov still seemed buried in an argument. "Parties are better with a little spice, sometimes."

Both women grinned. "Be my guest, Madame." The Party leaders were arguing loudly, going between English and Eirian, earning the attention of bemused onlookers.

Yauhmi winked at Alice, before strolling over to where Legrand and Dukov were buried deep in the midst of their discussion. "This sounds like an interesting conversation," she said calmly.

Both politicians turned to the Empress, instantly putting on fake smiles. "A little, your Majesty. We were just discussing appropriate political procedure and tact, which it seems we disagree on." They gave each other a quick glare. Anyway, have you enjoyed the party?"

"I've enjoyed it greatly. Everyone has been most welcoming and pleasant since we arrived here," the Empress replied. "I do find the discussions I've had about politics and governance in all the places I've visited to be quite interesting. Xiomera is quite different from most countries in how we do things. The way your political parties work, and the nature of governing in a democracy, is most interesting in particular. Xiomera operates in a completely different manner, which might be why I find it so fascinating.

Dukov nodded. "Xiomeran bureaucracy is also interesting, but probably provides more order to the nation. Unlike here, where some people want to let chaos reign in the Senate." Cue a subconscious glance at Legrand, causing Legrand to mutter.

"Admittedly, our system makes it easier to govern and get things done. But too much of a heavy hand, we have found, is as dangerous as too light a hand. Balance in all things is how Xiomera has managed to remain stable and successful for the past six centuries."

Legrand nodded, sipping her wine. "Balance is very important. I find myself saying that over and over again to some people in the Senate. It still is good advice, no matter the source." Now it was her turn to glance at Dukov. "Well, is there anything about our politics you are still wondering about?"

"From what I have seen, politics in a democracy can be quite spirited. How do you manage to overcome your differing positions and work together to keep things functioning? In Xiomera, it's a bit simpler - I tell people to stop debating and do something, and...well, they do it. But that way of running a country has its own problems and its own risks. One of the reasons I undertook this tour of so many different nations is to see how other forms of government work. Xiomera's system has worked well for us for a long time, but even our ways may need to change someday."

Next to the Empress, Undersecretary Lōnoch coughed as he choked on his wine a bit, then quickly downed the rest of it to cover his surprise.

Legrand thought for a moment. "Well, we may disagree quite frequently, and may not always keep things civil, but we have two common motivations. One, to keep our constituencies happy, and two, to keep Eiria steady. There is a range of things that people in the Senate view as acceptable, and even though we have different views, we occasionally band together to prevent anything outside the acceptable range." Dukov nodded. "For once, I agree with Alison. We also have compromises, usually negotiated by either the Chancellor, a neutral writer, or a Compromise Committee. Above all, most, if not all, Senators know when to put Partisanship behind for the sake of Eiria."

"That's a very interesting and noble setup," the Empress said, seeming to be thinking about something. "That gives me much to consider. Thank you for the explanation."

The Empress spent the rest of the party in polite conversation, along with an occasional dance, before returning to her hotel. As they traveled back to the hotel, Undersecretary Lōnoch couldn't help but notice that the Empress was clearly distracted, as if pondering something important.

Private Meeting Room, Balcony Floor, Eirian National Library, Geminus
December 17, 9:52 AM

Vice Chancellor Leah Stendē waited in the meeting room for the Empress to arrive, browsing the books on the shelves. The books were on a variety of subjects, and had mainly been placed in the meeting room for decoration, but they were readable. When she was reading the back of a philosophy book titled "Explaining The Concept of Individuality", an out-of-breath Derek Haley entered, setting his suitcase on the table. "Traffic again?!" she lightly teased him in Eirian. Haley had a reputation of running too close to deadlines and appointment times. "Actually, just came from the Archives. I was looking for prior agreements with Xiomera, just to provide some history."

Stendē Nodded, but still smiled. "The Archives building is attached to the library, and both are huge. Don't tell me you underestimated the size of the buildings and had to run up here." He responded with a sheepish grin.

For her part, the Empress arrived at the National Library in a much more measured and dignified manner than Haley. Rushing somewhere in a late fashion was just not Imperial.

Her delegation arrived at the Library with a flourish, pulling up to the front of the building in several vehicles bearing the Imperial seal. The Empress waved to media and onlookers that had gathered, before proceeding inside and to the meeting room with a proper pace. As they arrived and were announced, Yauhmi walked to the Vice Chancellor, a friendly smile on her face. "Good morning, Vice Chancellor. Thank you for seeing us."

"Good morning, your Majesty. It is my pleasure to introduce my associate Derek Haley, Minister of Finance." He bowed. "It is an honor, your Majesty." He gestured to the table. "Shall we get down to business?"

"That sounds perfect," Yauhmi replied as she sat down. She had greatly enjoyed the visit to Eiria, but now was the time to accomplish her purpose for the visit. "As you are undoubtedly aware, we have signed trade deals and made other arrangements with Kerlile and with Legionas on this trip. I am hopeful that we can come to a similar arrangement. Eiria and Xiomera are such close neighbors, it just makes sense for us to have closer ties."

Stendē nodded. "I wholeheartedly agree. Our shared history plus our proximity definitely need to be supported by stronger relations. What trade deals did you have in mind?"

"Xiomera is a firm believer in free trade. As such, we would like to propose a joint agreement to eliminate tariffs and other trade barriers between our two countries. We would also propose adding Eiria to the list of countries that have fast-track rights through our customs at ports of entry. We would request a similar courtesy for Xiomeran trade entering Eiria, but this is open to discussion," the Empress said. "In addition, we would be open to discussing possible opportunities for mutual investment."

Minister Haley grinned. "Well, that does sound promising. I do like the free trade agreement Idea, and it would certainly help things run smoother. I would have to consult the Customs Bureau to ensure the fast-track rights are enacted, but I'm sure that can be arranged. And what sectors of Eiria would Xiomera be open to investing in?"

"We have a strong high-tech sector, and also a strong manufacturing sector. We would be best suited to investments in similar areas. Also, we are always in need of raw materials," Yauhmi said.

"Well, for high-tech companies, you've come to the right place. Eiria has a bunch of advanced technology and research companies, and it is a sector that is growing and expanding rapidly. Regrettably, besides hydropower, fish, and cropland, the only natural resources we have are gems and a couple precious metals."

"Precious metals are useful for our electronics and manufacturing industries. We could make some investments there. As for high-tech, we could have joint partnerships between your leading companies and ours. We do also produce a great deal of agricultural products, so we can supply those as well," Yauhmi said. "Livestock is a particular source of pride for our ranching industry."

Haley raised his eyebrows, pleasantly surprised. "That would be excellent. Meat costs a small fortune here, and livestock aren't common on farms. We would love to invest in your livestock industry, if you'd like."

"That sounds like a great match. I shall have to have some top-grade Xiomeran steaks sent to you both and to the Lancasters in appreciation. The best beef comes from the Necatli region, and they've been herders and ranchers for centuries. I doubt you'll find a better steak anywhere," Yauhmi said with a smile.

Leah brightened up. "Oh, that is very generous! Also, I almost forgot. It's custom to give a guest a parting bag, and there are only two things Eiria are really famous for, so.....". She reached below her feet and pulled up a bag, containing a few glass bottles and a couple books, and handed it to the Empress.

Yauhmi's expression grew more pleased as she looked inside the bag. "Books and bottles are both ideal gifts. Could you tell me about the gifts?"

"Well, the three bottles contain a smooth berry liquor called Baīalé, a eed wine, and Spēce, and the books are 'Yauhmi: Sun Empress Rising', which actually helped boost your reputation in Eiria, and an excellent collection of stories from the Eirian Civil War titled 'Memories of the Dark Side of the Eclipse', which is insanely popular here, but not in other nations. I hope you enjoy them!"

"These are wonderful gifts. I am most grateful. Thank you," the Empress said warmly. She was especially excited about the books. The one about the Eirian Civil War appealed to her love of history. The one about herself would also be interesting, if only for the insight it would provide about how Eirians viewed her.

"It's my pleasure, Your Majesty. Well, this has been a very productive trip, thank you so much for visiting our country. How long are you staying here?"

"Probably just for another day. As much as I have enjoyed visiting your wonderful country, the duties of state do call. I can only be away from Xiomera for so long. Have either of you had a chance to visit Xiomera?"

Both Eirians shook their heads. "I would love to visit, but it's hard to find the time these days". Stendē lamented, sighing."Would you like to visit anywhere else before you depart, while Minister Haley draws an agreement up?"

"Honestly, while Undersecretary Lōnoch remains behind with Minister Haley to finish the final details, I think I would just like to tour the city a bit, get a chance to meet everyday people. Xiomeran rulers in the past have been these imposing, unapproachable figures. I don't want to project myself to the world that way. Meeting some of the people of Eiria would be nice, if it's not a burden on your security, that is."

The Vice Chancellor smiled. "I believe we can spare some officers." She nodded to the guards behind her, and one of them began speaking into his radio. "Where would you like to go, Center, further downtown, or the Rivière?"

”Where is the best location to be able to speak with everyday people? I want people to be able to get to know me on a personal level,” Yauhmi replied.

"Well, the parks on the Rivière are popular with everyday people, especially college students. That may give you a good mix of people to get to know. We'll escort you down there, if you wish, to give you a tour of the parks and monuments in that area."

”That would be a lovely way to round out the day, while we let everyone else here hammer out the final details of the agreement,” Yauhmi said.

The remainder of Yauhmi's last day in Eiria was spent with the Empress visiting with the people of the Eirian capital, chatting with citizens, signing autographs and taking selfies with people. Much as she had done in Kerlile and in Legionas, the Empress made sure she was approachable and friendly. It wasn't just Xiomera's reputation she was trying to shine up, after all. But her visits would accomplish both. And that would serve the Empress most amenably.

As the Great Tour finally wrapped up, and the Empress returned to Xiomera the next morning, Undersecretary Lōnoch couldn't help but remember the pensive nature of the Empress' demeanor through much of the trip. He finally summoned the courage to ask what she was thinking. Yauhmi looked out the window of her plane a moment before speaking. "This trip has been most beneficial for myself, and for Xiomera....but it does have me thinking. Despite the fears that have always been drummed into us that reforms would be the death of the Empire....did any of these countries we visited seem like they were in danger of imminent collapse, or that they were suffering, because of their liberal policies? Even the Kerlians are changing, and for the better, it seems. As for Legionas and Eiria....did things seem so horrible in those places to you?"

Undersecretary Lōnoch was surprised, but eventually shook his head. "No, your Majesty. They certainly did not."

"So it would seem. Everyone has always told us that if we loosen our grip in Xiomera, chaos and collapse would certainly follow." The Empress shook her head. "I was never sure that I really believed all that rubbish. Now, I am certain I do not."

As Yauhmi looked back out the window, Undersecretary Lōnoch had to ask. "You seem to have come to a decision about something, your Majesty."

"Not a new decision, Lōnoch. Just....a confirmation of something I had already decided and suspected." The Empress nodded firmly, as if having come to a conclusion.

The Imperial plane soared back towards Xiomera, the light of the new day shining on its wings.