08-22-2020, 11:36 PM
(joint post with [nation]Lauchenoiria[/nation])
August 20th
President Rebecca Arnott of Kerlile stared at the picture of her predecessor, Joanna Greenwood, as she waited for her assistant to make the phone call. Greenwood had expected to go to prison for her role in the Lauchenoirian affair, just like the late Anita Patel, but had been spared. They'd all been as surprised as each other when that happened, but it gave Arnott hope that what she was about to do would not result in negative personal consequences.
At least, she hoped not.
Her assistant nodded to her once the call was patched through, and she picked up the phone on her desk, placing the receiver to her ear. "Good afternoon, Crown Prince Texōccoatl. This is President Arnott. May we speak?"
”Of course, madam President. I’m glad to take your call.” Texōccoatl was in the midst of planning the Zapotlán operation. “I trust that things are going well in Kerlile.”
"As well as they can be, given the economy," sighed President Arnott. "I rather think the black marketeers from Kvask are enjoying this. Anyway, Kerlile is not what I wished to discuss with you. I have just come from witnessing a Council meeting, and the Council has made a decision you should be informed of."
Texōccoatl paused for a moment, wondering if this would be good news or bad. “I’m guessing under the circumstances that this is related to recent events in Xiomera and how we plan to respond to them.”
"You will recall that at the beginning of the conflict my nation was reluctant to provide any military assistance. We have reevaluated that decision, in light of recent events. As long as Lauchenoiria does not join the war on the other side - something that is extremely unlikely - we are now willing to dedicate a number of military resources to assist in your cause."
”That’s very good to hear,” Texōccoatl said, surprised. “I admit that I was not expecting that. But I would be very grateful for the help. What kind of resources would you be able to contribute, and how can we assist?”
"We have manpower - well, womanpower," Arnott laughed self-consciously at her own bad joke before continuing, "and plenty of ammunition and basic weaponry. We lack any high-tech capabilities, but if you need people, we've got people."
”If you have people, we can make sure they get what they need. I can authorize a sort of exchange program where we provide Kerlian forces with Xiomeran equipment. I think we had been doing that before the civil war started, but we can do so on a much bigger scale. Some of the factories we built in Kerlile can be switched over to production of war materiel easily enough. We also can make sure that anyone you send can get to the action with our transport capabilities. There are actually several possible places they could make a contribution. The question would only be, how much in the thick of things you prefer your people to be.”
"Kerlian soldiers are always prepared to die for their country. That said," Arnott winced slightly, "we've still got some issues with the transition to reform in our country, particularly in the military. We've drummed it into them that some of the... tactics used in Lauchenoiria are no longer acceptable. As to whether or not they all got the message... well, I don't know how close you want our people to your civilians."
”There is sadly no place that is not somewhat close to civilians at this point. That’s the nature of civil conflict,” Texōccoatl said. “That being said, there are three potential sites. The Netlcoātl Islands, Zapotlán and Chuaztlapoc. Getting people to Chuaztlapoc is problematic right now, as it is deep inside territory controlled by Xochiuhue. The Netlcoātl Islands are easy to get to, but peripheral to our efforts. Zapotlán, where we intend to launch the main effort of our initial invasion, may be the best suited for your help. That will be a very intense operation, however. Amphibious assaults tend to be that way.”
"We are willing to assist in that operation, if that is the best option for winning this war," President Arnott replied firmly. "And we will make it crystal clear in our orders that no civilians are to be harmed, and any prisoners of war should be handed over to your forces immediately."
”That is very good to hear. I will be happy to accept your help, on behalf of my mother the Empress,” Texōccoatl said formally. Xiomerans had to make things official. Adopting a less formal tone, Texōccoatl asked Arnott, “I am slightly concerned though. Will committing troops to our fight cause Kerlile any problems as far as the Haven Accords or any of that?”
"Not unless Lauchenoiria gets involved in the war, at least by my lawyers' reading of things," President Arnott sighed. "And probably not then, though we wouldn't want to risk it. I can't see Lauchenoiria becoming involved, unless you know something I don't?"
”Lauchenoiria is not officially involved, and the rather loud silence of Prime Minister Alvarez about our situation would seem to imply they will not be,” Texōccoatl said. “In the interest of full disclosure though - and please keep this between us - Lauchenoirian citizens are fighting on Manauia Island. They are volunteers, however, and in no official capacity from their government.”
President Arnott muttered a swear word under her breath, but likely loud enough to be heard through the phone line. She tapped her fingers on the desk a few times and let out a sigh. "We are fine as long as it does not affect the stability of Lauchenoiria itself."
”I believe it should be acceptable. Any Kerlian soldiers would be fighting well away from any Lauchenoirian volunteers - the Lauchenoirians involved have made it very clear that their only interest is Manauia Island. And this doesn’t affect Lauchenoiria at all, so that should also be fine. I did think that it was important to let you know this before you officially commit to anything, however. I have no wish to hurt Kerlile just to help ourselves.” Texōccoatl meant it, but was silently dreading having to say so. They could use the help, after all.
"Manauia Island? Ah, the climate people, presumably," chuckled Arnott. "Good luck with them. No, we should be just fine. Although, the Council did have a couple... stipulations before consenting to this, regarding who commands the Kerlian forces."
”That makes sense, we would have the same in such a situation. What stipulations did the Council have?”
"Well, they want one of their relatives in command. Cousins and whatnot. They don't trust anyone else, especially after Lauchenoiria. My sister, or that Patel cousin, or any of the five or so Chiu who are high up in the military ranks. The Chiu have a lot of children."
”We would have no problem with that, given one stipulation of our own,” Texōccoatl said, his voice taking on a slightly apologetic tone. “I mean this with no disrespect, but in any country, there is a possibility that people connected to leaders can earn positions they are not strictly qualified for. We would respectfully ask that whoever is placed in charge of your troops be a qualified soldier skilled in command. I know I am not in a position to look a gift horse in the mouth, so to speak. But there is so much riding on this operation, including my mother’s life. So it is a concern,” Texōccoatl finished.
"I do not know what the situation with the Chiu cousins is, but I can assure you that my sister has worked her way up the ranks just the same as anyone else and is an excellent officer," President Arnott couldn't keep all the ice out of her tone, though she tried. Family was always a sore point with her. "I can send you redacted versions of the personnel files for the possible candidates for you to choose from, if you wish."
”That will not be necessary. I believe your sister sounds like an excellent choice, although the final decision is of course yours,” Texōccoatl replied, hoping that he had not offended Arnott. He had seen, during his time in the Xiomeran military, the negative effects an unqualified officer could wreak on their unit - or their mission. There was just too much at risk in the weeks ahead for that. “No matter what, we will be very grateful for whoever you send to help us.”
"She's well trained," Arnott relaxed a little, knowing he didn't mean to offend her. "Comes across as rather blunt for one of her social class, has a way of telling it like it is. She's also pro-reform, which is rare for the upper ranks of our military."
”It proved to be rare in our upper ranks as well, unfortunately,” Texōccoatl said wryly. “But it sounds like she will get along quite well with our people then. Especially the blunt part.”
"Just as a further warning, aside from some of those who were in Lauchenoiria, most of our people don't have much experience working with... men," she winced. "But it shouldn't be a problem. Is there anything else you want to discuss?"
”Not at present. I will be sure that any of our people who interact with yours are well-versed on how Kerlian society works to avoid any issues. I thank you once again for this call, and I look forward to seeing what we can accomplish together.” Texōccoatl’s voice brightened. “Hopefully soon, we’ll be able to accept thanks from my mother in person as well.”
"I hope so too. I was glad to see her alive, though furious about what they had clearly done. I look forward to when whoever did it is brought to justice."
”As do I. And they will be. Thank you again, madam President. I hope you have a pleasant day.” Texōccoatl hung up the phone with a feeling that things were finally beginning to go the way of his government.
August 20th
President Rebecca Arnott of Kerlile stared at the picture of her predecessor, Joanna Greenwood, as she waited for her assistant to make the phone call. Greenwood had expected to go to prison for her role in the Lauchenoirian affair, just like the late Anita Patel, but had been spared. They'd all been as surprised as each other when that happened, but it gave Arnott hope that what she was about to do would not result in negative personal consequences.
At least, she hoped not.
Her assistant nodded to her once the call was patched through, and she picked up the phone on her desk, placing the receiver to her ear. "Good afternoon, Crown Prince Texōccoatl. This is President Arnott. May we speak?"
”Of course, madam President. I’m glad to take your call.” Texōccoatl was in the midst of planning the Zapotlán operation. “I trust that things are going well in Kerlile.”
"As well as they can be, given the economy," sighed President Arnott. "I rather think the black marketeers from Kvask are enjoying this. Anyway, Kerlile is not what I wished to discuss with you. I have just come from witnessing a Council meeting, and the Council has made a decision you should be informed of."
Texōccoatl paused for a moment, wondering if this would be good news or bad. “I’m guessing under the circumstances that this is related to recent events in Xiomera and how we plan to respond to them.”
"You will recall that at the beginning of the conflict my nation was reluctant to provide any military assistance. We have reevaluated that decision, in light of recent events. As long as Lauchenoiria does not join the war on the other side - something that is extremely unlikely - we are now willing to dedicate a number of military resources to assist in your cause."
”That’s very good to hear,” Texōccoatl said, surprised. “I admit that I was not expecting that. But I would be very grateful for the help. What kind of resources would you be able to contribute, and how can we assist?”
"We have manpower - well, womanpower," Arnott laughed self-consciously at her own bad joke before continuing, "and plenty of ammunition and basic weaponry. We lack any high-tech capabilities, but if you need people, we've got people."
”If you have people, we can make sure they get what they need. I can authorize a sort of exchange program where we provide Kerlian forces with Xiomeran equipment. I think we had been doing that before the civil war started, but we can do so on a much bigger scale. Some of the factories we built in Kerlile can be switched over to production of war materiel easily enough. We also can make sure that anyone you send can get to the action with our transport capabilities. There are actually several possible places they could make a contribution. The question would only be, how much in the thick of things you prefer your people to be.”
"Kerlian soldiers are always prepared to die for their country. That said," Arnott winced slightly, "we've still got some issues with the transition to reform in our country, particularly in the military. We've drummed it into them that some of the... tactics used in Lauchenoiria are no longer acceptable. As to whether or not they all got the message... well, I don't know how close you want our people to your civilians."
”There is sadly no place that is not somewhat close to civilians at this point. That’s the nature of civil conflict,” Texōccoatl said. “That being said, there are three potential sites. The Netlcoātl Islands, Zapotlán and Chuaztlapoc. Getting people to Chuaztlapoc is problematic right now, as it is deep inside territory controlled by Xochiuhue. The Netlcoātl Islands are easy to get to, but peripheral to our efforts. Zapotlán, where we intend to launch the main effort of our initial invasion, may be the best suited for your help. That will be a very intense operation, however. Amphibious assaults tend to be that way.”
"We are willing to assist in that operation, if that is the best option for winning this war," President Arnott replied firmly. "And we will make it crystal clear in our orders that no civilians are to be harmed, and any prisoners of war should be handed over to your forces immediately."
”That is very good to hear. I will be happy to accept your help, on behalf of my mother the Empress,” Texōccoatl said formally. Xiomerans had to make things official. Adopting a less formal tone, Texōccoatl asked Arnott, “I am slightly concerned though. Will committing troops to our fight cause Kerlile any problems as far as the Haven Accords or any of that?”
"Not unless Lauchenoiria gets involved in the war, at least by my lawyers' reading of things," President Arnott sighed. "And probably not then, though we wouldn't want to risk it. I can't see Lauchenoiria becoming involved, unless you know something I don't?"
”Lauchenoiria is not officially involved, and the rather loud silence of Prime Minister Alvarez about our situation would seem to imply they will not be,” Texōccoatl said. “In the interest of full disclosure though - and please keep this between us - Lauchenoirian citizens are fighting on Manauia Island. They are volunteers, however, and in no official capacity from their government.”
President Arnott muttered a swear word under her breath, but likely loud enough to be heard through the phone line. She tapped her fingers on the desk a few times and let out a sigh. "We are fine as long as it does not affect the stability of Lauchenoiria itself."
”I believe it should be acceptable. Any Kerlian soldiers would be fighting well away from any Lauchenoirian volunteers - the Lauchenoirians involved have made it very clear that their only interest is Manauia Island. And this doesn’t affect Lauchenoiria at all, so that should also be fine. I did think that it was important to let you know this before you officially commit to anything, however. I have no wish to hurt Kerlile just to help ourselves.” Texōccoatl meant it, but was silently dreading having to say so. They could use the help, after all.
"Manauia Island? Ah, the climate people, presumably," chuckled Arnott. "Good luck with them. No, we should be just fine. Although, the Council did have a couple... stipulations before consenting to this, regarding who commands the Kerlian forces."
”That makes sense, we would have the same in such a situation. What stipulations did the Council have?”
"Well, they want one of their relatives in command. Cousins and whatnot. They don't trust anyone else, especially after Lauchenoiria. My sister, or that Patel cousin, or any of the five or so Chiu who are high up in the military ranks. The Chiu have a lot of children."
”We would have no problem with that, given one stipulation of our own,” Texōccoatl said, his voice taking on a slightly apologetic tone. “I mean this with no disrespect, but in any country, there is a possibility that people connected to leaders can earn positions they are not strictly qualified for. We would respectfully ask that whoever is placed in charge of your troops be a qualified soldier skilled in command. I know I am not in a position to look a gift horse in the mouth, so to speak. But there is so much riding on this operation, including my mother’s life. So it is a concern,” Texōccoatl finished.
"I do not know what the situation with the Chiu cousins is, but I can assure you that my sister has worked her way up the ranks just the same as anyone else and is an excellent officer," President Arnott couldn't keep all the ice out of her tone, though she tried. Family was always a sore point with her. "I can send you redacted versions of the personnel files for the possible candidates for you to choose from, if you wish."
”That will not be necessary. I believe your sister sounds like an excellent choice, although the final decision is of course yours,” Texōccoatl replied, hoping that he had not offended Arnott. He had seen, during his time in the Xiomeran military, the negative effects an unqualified officer could wreak on their unit - or their mission. There was just too much at risk in the weeks ahead for that. “No matter what, we will be very grateful for whoever you send to help us.”
"She's well trained," Arnott relaxed a little, knowing he didn't mean to offend her. "Comes across as rather blunt for one of her social class, has a way of telling it like it is. She's also pro-reform, which is rare for the upper ranks of our military."
”It proved to be rare in our upper ranks as well, unfortunately,” Texōccoatl said wryly. “But it sounds like she will get along quite well with our people then. Especially the blunt part.”
"Just as a further warning, aside from some of those who were in Lauchenoiria, most of our people don't have much experience working with... men," she winced. "But it shouldn't be a problem. Is there anything else you want to discuss?"
”Not at present. I will be sure that any of our people who interact with yours are well-versed on how Kerlian society works to avoid any issues. I thank you once again for this call, and I look forward to seeing what we can accomplish together.” Texōccoatl’s voice brightened. “Hopefully soon, we’ll be able to accept thanks from my mother in person as well.”
"I hope so too. I was glad to see her alive, though furious about what they had clearly done. I look forward to when whoever did it is brought to justice."
”As do I. And they will be. Thank you again, madam President. I hope you have a pleasant day.” Texōccoatl hung up the phone with a feeling that things were finally beginning to go the way of his government.
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