11-05-2020, 05:26 AM
(Joint Post with [nation]Xiomera[/nation])
Chancellor's Manor, Geminus
November 4th, 11:17 AM
Chancellor William Lancaster sat at his desk, deep in thought, as he stared at his laptop. A small plant sat to his right, an ironic reminder of a classified secret. Who knew that the Vireksa shrub, which generates dangerous and paralysing sap, also gives beautiful flowers? The innocent looking blue flower, as ironic and amusing as it was, haunted Will as much as his decision to poison Calhualyana did.
It was never meant to be permanent, and given how Vireksa sap works, it likely wouldn't have, even if her reaction had been particularly severe. All he needed was Calhualyana to reveal who she really was to her people and to the world. Still, he couldn't help but feel a pang of sympathy, especially for the innocent people caught in the blast radius.
He puzzled it over for a few minutes, before sighing and picking up his office phone. He did not necessarily like having to make this call, and it was extremely dangerous, given the classification of this information. However, it was inevitable.
Hall of Chuaztlapoc
The great hall of the Shorn Ones was serving as the meeting place of the reconstituted Huenyan Assembly. Its original meeting place, thousands of miles away in Tlālacuetztla, was not exactly available at the moment.
The members of the Assembly were in the midst of discussing what would happen to the now-disbanded Imperial Police garrisons in Huenya, and what would replace them, when the call came in. Yauhmi had it placed through to the speakerphone so that everyone could participate. “Good morning, Chancellor Lancaster,” Yauhmi said pleasantly. “You’re on the phone with myself and the rest of our Assembly. What can we do for you?”
"Good Morning, Madame Empress. And to the honorable members of the assembly. Unfortunately, this is not a social call. Before I go into detail, I need your assurances that what I am about to say is not spoken about to anyone who doesn't need to know this information. This is very important."
The members of the Assembly looked at each other, slightly apprehensive at Lancaster’s words. Finally, Huacue looked at Yauhmi and shrugged. Texōccoatl raised his eyebrows and also shrugged. Yauhmi pursed her lips, turning back to the phone. “Of course, Chancellor. If it is that urgent, you can be assured we will keep this discussion confidential,” Yauhmi said, waving for everyone except the Assembly members themselves to leave. Once the hall was cleared, Yauhmi asked Lancaster to continue.
"Thank you for your discretion. I take it you all have heard about Calhualyana's recent.... Health concerns. And how she claims it was an assassination attempt executed by her enemies."
Yauhmi was the one to raise her eyebrows now. She had a feeling where this conversation was going, but wanted to hear the Chancellor say it. “Go on,” she urged in the voice she used when trying to coax a statement from someone.
The Chancellor sighed, but continued. "It was an Eirian plan. No one outside of a small number of people knew about it. And it was never meant to be lethal. It was specially planned to scare her, not to harm her."
The Assembly members were stunned into silence. Finally, one of them cleared his throat. “Chancellor, this is Huacue, tlatoani of the Necatli. I appreciate what you have done, and the skill and effort required. But....if you had the chance, why didn’t you just kill her?”
Next to Huacue, the Itotemoc leader Sirua giggled softly, shaking her head at Necatli directness. “That would have made things easier,” Texōccoatl muttered under his breath. Yauhmi bit her tongue, before continuing. “It would not have made things easier. Who knows who would replace Calhualyana at this point, if she were assassinated,” she said. “Chancellor....may I ask, if eliminating Calhualyana was not the goal, what your plan was?”
"Calhualyana has been claiming to be the ruler of the people, Loyal to the Xiomeran Populace and their values. Now, we know that her claims are lies, a grand but fragile façade. However, there is only one person who can effectively destroy her image and how the people perceive her. Herself." He paused. "We need her mask to shatter so the people and the world see for themselves who and what she is."
Yauhmi nodded. “That’s a good idea. However, it will take more than this to make Calhualyana slip up. She is exceptionally well-trained and adept at manipulating situations and people. Even I wasn’t able to see past her mask until it was too late, and ended up in a prison cell because of it.” Yauhmi paused, searching for words. “Chancellor, I am very much on board with you as far as the need to make Calhualyana drop her facade. But I respectfully suggest that you consult with us in the future on any such plans. She is already turning this incident to her advantage, using it to gain sympathy among the people. She is simply too adept at manipulating situations. We know her better than anyone and can help you figure out her intentions and possible responses to a situation.”
"Of course. A combined effort will certainly help with countering her moves as soon as we learn of them. Unfortunately, our role in any future efforts will have to remain hidden. I have yet to brief the Senate on the situation, and until I can, I am in a dangerous position if this information gets out."
” I completely understand. We will certainly keep this incident a secret, and will work with you to keep any future efforts confidential,” Yauhmi replied.
"Thank you, Your Majesty. Is there anything you need of Eiria, Intelligence-wise or otherwise?"
”We should probably discuss this offer of peace talks that Calhualyana has made. Where does your government stand on her offer?” Yauhmi asked.
"Well, most of the people in government find it at least a little suspect. I personally find it highly suspect. However, we are stuck in the interesting moral situation where we have an obligation to attend the peace talks, regardless of how suspicious we find the offer. What's your perspective on the offer?"
”I personally believe the offer is garbage. It’s an attempt by Calhualyana to stall until the situation is more favorable to her. I believe that the rest of this Assembly agrees as well,” Yauhmi added, to vocal agreement from the others. “However, I agree with you that we are obliged to make an effort and attend any talks that take place. Even if I were inclined to refuse, there are many here that would insist we take part. I suggest everyone attend, but be extremely cautious.”
"I agree. However, what do you think Calhualyana will do with this time that she's so desperately stalling for? What's her next move?".
”As much as she clearly enjoys masquerading as an Empress, I don’t think power for herself is her goal, unlike Xochiuhue. She wants to preserve the Xiomeran Empire, and will do whatever she can to do so. As a former security officer, she undoubtedly believes that is her duty. But it goes beyond just duty. Calhualyana is....a true believer. She truly believes in what the Empire stands for and that it should continue. That’s her goal.”
Lancaster thought for a few moments, pondering the Empress's words. "Well, that makes things a bit more difficult. Calhualyana may be a true believer in the Empire, but do you think the Empire is a true believer in her? How much do you know of the support she is receiving?".
”It’s hard to gauge,” Yauhmi said after a moment. “Among more religious and traditional Xiomerans, and those in the upper class, she definitely has sympathetic followers. We had made significant inroads into winning over the military while Xochiuhue was in power, but Calhualyana says the sort of things they like to hear, so that is a concern also. The poorer people in Xiomera are no more likely to back her than they did Xochiuhue, as their lot will not change under Calhualyana. In fact, it may even get worse.”
Texōccoatl spoke up at this point. “The real wild card will be the Xiomeran middle class. They’re the largest segment of the population. They were mildly supportive at best of reforms, and were only protesting recently because Xochiuhue screwed up the economy. If Calhualyana gets the economy going again.....”
"Hmm, Interesting. Is there a particular way we can attract middle class support, with Propoganda or direct action?"
”Propaganda would probably be more effective,” Texōccoatl said. “You had the right idea in trying to puncture this fantasy world image Calhualyana is trying to conjure up around herself. We just need to do a lot more of that.”
"Ah. Well, We can get on that. Eirians are masters of Propoganda and Image projection. It's kept us alive and thriving for a very long time." The Chancellor's smile was audible through the phone. "Our resources are at your disposal, with the caveat that you will be discreet with them."
”Of course, we shall exercise utmost discretion. We will also be in touch to coordinate our mutual position during whatever talks Calhualyana has planned. Our stance is actually relatively simple - Calhualyana must allow the Xiomeran people to decide, in some form or fashion, what future they want to take. Whether that’s through negotiations, or a referendum of some kind, it must happen. She simply cannot decide their future with a wave of her hand,” Yauhmi said.
"I wholeheartedly agree, your majesty. Unfortunately, I must go brief the Senate on our current situation, which will undoubtedly be a fun discussion. We'll be in touch soon to discuss further details. Have a good day, Your Majesties and Excellencies."
Yauhmi chuckled slightly at Lancaster’s last remark; she was learning how to navigate having to negotiate with others instead of just issuing orders herself, in the Assembly, and it was proving to be quite an adjustment. “Have a good day as well, Chancellor. We look forward to speaking with you again.”
After the call had ended, Huacue looked at the ceiling. “I still say they should have taken her out. Eirians,” he sighed, shaking his head.
“Of course you do,” Sirua said, still smiling. “Necatli always think that way.”
“Perhaps, but in the case of Calhualyana, I am not wrong,” Huacue said calmly. “She will be a thorn in our side for a very long time now. Wait and see.”
Yauhmi and Texōccoatl exchanged a look. They knew that Huacue could well be right. “She may be, but for now, to hell with Calhualyana. Let’s get back to discussing the replacement of the Imperial Police,” she said, determined to keep moving forward no matter what Calhualyana did.
---
Lancaster sat back in his chair, contemplating the discussion he had just had. So the new Huenyan Assembly is already in session, eh? It'll be interesting to see where that leads. Yauhmi and Texoccoatl are in for a bit of culture shock as they transition to democracy, no matter how slowly they take it. It's how they handle it that will matter.
Chancellor's Manor, Geminus
November 4th, 11:17 AM
Chancellor William Lancaster sat at his desk, deep in thought, as he stared at his laptop. A small plant sat to his right, an ironic reminder of a classified secret. Who knew that the Vireksa shrub, which generates dangerous and paralysing sap, also gives beautiful flowers? The innocent looking blue flower, as ironic and amusing as it was, haunted Will as much as his decision to poison Calhualyana did.
It was never meant to be permanent, and given how Vireksa sap works, it likely wouldn't have, even if her reaction had been particularly severe. All he needed was Calhualyana to reveal who she really was to her people and to the world. Still, he couldn't help but feel a pang of sympathy, especially for the innocent people caught in the blast radius.
He puzzled it over for a few minutes, before sighing and picking up his office phone. He did not necessarily like having to make this call, and it was extremely dangerous, given the classification of this information. However, it was inevitable.
Hall of Chuaztlapoc
The great hall of the Shorn Ones was serving as the meeting place of the reconstituted Huenyan Assembly. Its original meeting place, thousands of miles away in Tlālacuetztla, was not exactly available at the moment.
The members of the Assembly were in the midst of discussing what would happen to the now-disbanded Imperial Police garrisons in Huenya, and what would replace them, when the call came in. Yauhmi had it placed through to the speakerphone so that everyone could participate. “Good morning, Chancellor Lancaster,” Yauhmi said pleasantly. “You’re on the phone with myself and the rest of our Assembly. What can we do for you?”
"Good Morning, Madame Empress. And to the honorable members of the assembly. Unfortunately, this is not a social call. Before I go into detail, I need your assurances that what I am about to say is not spoken about to anyone who doesn't need to know this information. This is very important."
The members of the Assembly looked at each other, slightly apprehensive at Lancaster’s words. Finally, Huacue looked at Yauhmi and shrugged. Texōccoatl raised his eyebrows and also shrugged. Yauhmi pursed her lips, turning back to the phone. “Of course, Chancellor. If it is that urgent, you can be assured we will keep this discussion confidential,” Yauhmi said, waving for everyone except the Assembly members themselves to leave. Once the hall was cleared, Yauhmi asked Lancaster to continue.
"Thank you for your discretion. I take it you all have heard about Calhualyana's recent.... Health concerns. And how she claims it was an assassination attempt executed by her enemies."
Yauhmi was the one to raise her eyebrows now. She had a feeling where this conversation was going, but wanted to hear the Chancellor say it. “Go on,” she urged in the voice she used when trying to coax a statement from someone.
The Chancellor sighed, but continued. "It was an Eirian plan. No one outside of a small number of people knew about it. And it was never meant to be lethal. It was specially planned to scare her, not to harm her."
The Assembly members were stunned into silence. Finally, one of them cleared his throat. “Chancellor, this is Huacue, tlatoani of the Necatli. I appreciate what you have done, and the skill and effort required. But....if you had the chance, why didn’t you just kill her?”
Next to Huacue, the Itotemoc leader Sirua giggled softly, shaking her head at Necatli directness. “That would have made things easier,” Texōccoatl muttered under his breath. Yauhmi bit her tongue, before continuing. “It would not have made things easier. Who knows who would replace Calhualyana at this point, if she were assassinated,” she said. “Chancellor....may I ask, if eliminating Calhualyana was not the goal, what your plan was?”
"Calhualyana has been claiming to be the ruler of the people, Loyal to the Xiomeran Populace and their values. Now, we know that her claims are lies, a grand but fragile façade. However, there is only one person who can effectively destroy her image and how the people perceive her. Herself." He paused. "We need her mask to shatter so the people and the world see for themselves who and what she is."
Yauhmi nodded. “That’s a good idea. However, it will take more than this to make Calhualyana slip up. She is exceptionally well-trained and adept at manipulating situations and people. Even I wasn’t able to see past her mask until it was too late, and ended up in a prison cell because of it.” Yauhmi paused, searching for words. “Chancellor, I am very much on board with you as far as the need to make Calhualyana drop her facade. But I respectfully suggest that you consult with us in the future on any such plans. She is already turning this incident to her advantage, using it to gain sympathy among the people. She is simply too adept at manipulating situations. We know her better than anyone and can help you figure out her intentions and possible responses to a situation.”
"Of course. A combined effort will certainly help with countering her moves as soon as we learn of them. Unfortunately, our role in any future efforts will have to remain hidden. I have yet to brief the Senate on the situation, and until I can, I am in a dangerous position if this information gets out."
” I completely understand. We will certainly keep this incident a secret, and will work with you to keep any future efforts confidential,” Yauhmi replied.
"Thank you, Your Majesty. Is there anything you need of Eiria, Intelligence-wise or otherwise?"
”We should probably discuss this offer of peace talks that Calhualyana has made. Where does your government stand on her offer?” Yauhmi asked.
"Well, most of the people in government find it at least a little suspect. I personally find it highly suspect. However, we are stuck in the interesting moral situation where we have an obligation to attend the peace talks, regardless of how suspicious we find the offer. What's your perspective on the offer?"
”I personally believe the offer is garbage. It’s an attempt by Calhualyana to stall until the situation is more favorable to her. I believe that the rest of this Assembly agrees as well,” Yauhmi added, to vocal agreement from the others. “However, I agree with you that we are obliged to make an effort and attend any talks that take place. Even if I were inclined to refuse, there are many here that would insist we take part. I suggest everyone attend, but be extremely cautious.”
"I agree. However, what do you think Calhualyana will do with this time that she's so desperately stalling for? What's her next move?".
”As much as she clearly enjoys masquerading as an Empress, I don’t think power for herself is her goal, unlike Xochiuhue. She wants to preserve the Xiomeran Empire, and will do whatever she can to do so. As a former security officer, she undoubtedly believes that is her duty. But it goes beyond just duty. Calhualyana is....a true believer. She truly believes in what the Empire stands for and that it should continue. That’s her goal.”
Lancaster thought for a few moments, pondering the Empress's words. "Well, that makes things a bit more difficult. Calhualyana may be a true believer in the Empire, but do you think the Empire is a true believer in her? How much do you know of the support she is receiving?".
”It’s hard to gauge,” Yauhmi said after a moment. “Among more religious and traditional Xiomerans, and those in the upper class, she definitely has sympathetic followers. We had made significant inroads into winning over the military while Xochiuhue was in power, but Calhualyana says the sort of things they like to hear, so that is a concern also. The poorer people in Xiomera are no more likely to back her than they did Xochiuhue, as their lot will not change under Calhualyana. In fact, it may even get worse.”
Texōccoatl spoke up at this point. “The real wild card will be the Xiomeran middle class. They’re the largest segment of the population. They were mildly supportive at best of reforms, and were only protesting recently because Xochiuhue screwed up the economy. If Calhualyana gets the economy going again.....”
"Hmm, Interesting. Is there a particular way we can attract middle class support, with Propoganda or direct action?"
”Propaganda would probably be more effective,” Texōccoatl said. “You had the right idea in trying to puncture this fantasy world image Calhualyana is trying to conjure up around herself. We just need to do a lot more of that.”
"Ah. Well, We can get on that. Eirians are masters of Propoganda and Image projection. It's kept us alive and thriving for a very long time." The Chancellor's smile was audible through the phone. "Our resources are at your disposal, with the caveat that you will be discreet with them."
”Of course, we shall exercise utmost discretion. We will also be in touch to coordinate our mutual position during whatever talks Calhualyana has planned. Our stance is actually relatively simple - Calhualyana must allow the Xiomeran people to decide, in some form or fashion, what future they want to take. Whether that’s through negotiations, or a referendum of some kind, it must happen. She simply cannot decide their future with a wave of her hand,” Yauhmi said.
"I wholeheartedly agree, your majesty. Unfortunately, I must go brief the Senate on our current situation, which will undoubtedly be a fun discussion. We'll be in touch soon to discuss further details. Have a good day, Your Majesties and Excellencies."
Yauhmi chuckled slightly at Lancaster’s last remark; she was learning how to navigate having to negotiate with others instead of just issuing orders herself, in the Assembly, and it was proving to be quite an adjustment. “Have a good day as well, Chancellor. We look forward to speaking with you again.”
After the call had ended, Huacue looked at the ceiling. “I still say they should have taken her out. Eirians,” he sighed, shaking his head.
“Of course you do,” Sirua said, still smiling. “Necatli always think that way.”
“Perhaps, but in the case of Calhualyana, I am not wrong,” Huacue said calmly. “She will be a thorn in our side for a very long time now. Wait and see.”
Yauhmi and Texōccoatl exchanged a look. They knew that Huacue could well be right. “She may be, but for now, to hell with Calhualyana. Let’s get back to discussing the replacement of the Imperial Police,” she said, determined to keep moving forward no matter what Calhualyana did.
---
Lancaster sat back in his chair, contemplating the discussion he had just had. So the new Huenyan Assembly is already in session, eh? It'll be interesting to see where that leads. Yauhmi and Texoccoatl are in for a bit of culture shock as they transition to democracy, no matter how slowly they take it. It's how they handle it that will matter.
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