Artists of Progress (COMPLETE)
#84

(Joint Post with Xiomera)
Somewhere in the Nereus Sea

Chief Admiral Circè stood on the main deck of the Triton, waiting for the Xiomeran command delegation to cross from the ship alongside them. A meeting between Admirals was overdue, and Circè was pleased that Admiral Techilō agreed. She had left the Bridge in the trusted hands of Captain Farrasei, who has command of the Triton when it isn't designated as a flagship. Farrasei was disappointed on missing the command meeting, but was happy to actually be active, since Circè had overseen the operations near Xiomera's territory since they began.

Admiral Techilō, for her part, was also looking forward to the meeting. She had left the First Empress, the flagship of the First Fleet, in the capable hands of the carrier’s own captain, Xipal. She had Xōchlin, the Jaguar Warrior who had taken over command of the expeditionary force attached to the fleet, accompany her to the meeting.

The two of them, along with a ceremonial honor guard of two Jaguar Warriors, landed on the Triton using the Axtexoc transport helicopter attached to the fleet. The Admiral and the other Xiomerans exited the helicopter, waiting for their hosts to greet them.

Circè walked into the helipad as the helicopter's blades slowed to a halt, followed by assorted officers and guards of her own. She gave a shallow, cordial bow to the Xiomeran Admiral. "Welcome aboard, Admiral Techilō. It's a pleasure to meet you in person."

”Thank you for the welcome, Admiral Circè. It’s great to meet you as well,” Techilō replied with a smile, as the two Jaguar Warriors saluted Circè. “I’m pleased to be here. I think this is the first time a Xiomeran admiral has been aboard an Eirian flagship.”

"Yes, it certainly is a momentous occasion, warranted by even more extreme circumstances. Well, if you would follow me, I can take you to the Command Meeting Room." She walked at a decent pace to a nearby entrance. One of her guards opened the bulkhead in front of her, and Circè led the Xiomerans up a flight of stairs, any lower officers dodging out of their path. She brought them inside a room more formal than the rest of the ship, with a wooden table surrounded by chairs and walls painted in a light blue. "Take a seat wherever you'd like."

Techilō and the rest of her team seated themselves. “I’m glad we have a chance to talk. The recent operation that we conducted against Xochiuhue will probably result in some kind of retaliatory response from our own Navy. I’m honestly hoping to convince more of them to change sides to our side, but in the meantime, it is only fair to warn you. We don’t expect you to put yourselves at more risk on our account.”

"Nonsense. Do you think we've been doing operations with you guys just to chicken out when something happens? I have a feeling the sailors would get unruly if we didn't join you in the case of an attack. Plus, the folks in charge have made our duty clear. An attack on your forces is an attack on ours." She sighed. "Some of the sailors are just so keen on risking their lives. But there is no way this fleet will abandon yours, I can reassure you."

Techilō smiled in relief. “I’m glad to hear that. Those of us who have remained true and loyal to Xiomera are very glad to have friends out there willing to help. We are not anticipating that Xochiuhue will send another fleet out after us - he is likely conserving his naval strength in the event of an invasion. But he will probably send submarines to try to hit some of our capital ships. ASW sweeps will be essential to protect the fleets.”

"I'll have our ships work on increasing the frequency of sweeps. If you wish, I believe there are a few submarines docked at northern posts that we can call up, as well as the EIS Arion, a Perseus-class Aircraft Carrier, all available for deployment if necessary." Circè adjusted her pinned insignia, five silver Eirian Military stars linked together with thin bars supporting the symbol of the navy. "I will have to give notice to the Senate if an active war is declared or a hostile action is taken."

”That is perfectly understandable,” Techilō replied. “I would probably be ready to make that call. Xochiuhue won’t target foreign warships immediately, but once you try to block any attacks on my fleet, the sub captains will undoubtedly have instructions to respond accordingly.”

"Naturally. Would you like those submarines called up?."

”Yes....I think they will be important to have, to protect both your ships and mine,” Techilō said. “I was also asked by our new Defense Secretary to recommend to you that your government contact the appropriate officials in Laeral, as we are coordinating some of our future strategies with them.”

"Of Course. We would be delighted with their assistance. Will you be needing Air support along with Naval support? We can call up the Arion, and I can contact Chief General Jansons of the Air Force if necessary."

I never turn down air support,” Techilō said, her smile growing. “If you can commit additional resources to help us, we would be highly appreciative. We will probably need the help. Our own Air Force is quite competent - although I think their support for Xochiuhue will waver quickly.”

"Let's hope so. Tyrants have a way of repelling their allies. Especially if their only allies are among their own people." Circè turned to one of her officers, a Senior Lieutenant. "Tell Captain Farrasei to contact Levourard Naval Base and request the Arion and as many subs as possible be placed under my command." The Lieutenant asked a question in Eirian, eyeing the Xiomerans. Circè answered curtly in the same language, and the officer left for the Bridge.

Techilō noted the brief conversation between Circè and the other officer with curiosity, but chose not to comment on it. We need friends right now, better not to offend anyone with too many questions, she thought. “I am excited to be working with you. Eiria and Xiomera haven’t worked together on a military goal since....well, since the Bjeorg conflict.”

"I suppose it has been that long. Especially with Darrin's regime. We weren't exactly the kind to have decent enough relations to have a joint goal back then. But now, we've found a common cause to fight for. And although I despise the situation that is causing this common ground, it's still helping entrench ties between our nations."

”That is true. And once we’ve defeated Xochiuhue and the junta together, I imagine that there will be more opportunities for our nations to work together. But for now, I hope for a speedy victory.”

"So do I. Do you have anything else that you wish to discuss or bring to my attention?"

”Not at present, except for this.” Techilō handed Circè a document. “This has instructions on how to access a radio channel and data link that we have set up to maintain speedy communications between our fleets. You can reach my command center at any time via these links.”

The Eirian Admiral accepted the document and looked it over quick. "Thank you, Admiral. I hope that our cooperation helps restore your government and your nation back to glory."

”I have no doubt that it will,” Techilō replied.

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