04-12-2021, 07:51 PM
The special conference room at the Ixtenco headquarters of the Federal Intelligence Service was as private and secure a room as one could find anywhere in Huenya. And it needed to be, for this meeting.
Six Huenyans were sitting on one side of the conference table. Yauhmi was at their head. On either side of her were Princess Tlalmaxxi and Cuetlancaona, the director of the FIS. On either side of them, Defense Secretary Tlanexchel and Etlahuatzitl, the leader of the Shorn Ones. General Huatli rounded out the Huenyan side of the table.
After everyone had introduced themselves, Cuetlancaona stood up to begin the meeting with a thorough security review of the Xiomeran border, Xiomeran internal security, the capital city Tlālacuetztla, and the Cauhloc itself. It was a very long review, and a very daunting one. Calhualyana had been steadily amping up the already extensive security throughout Xiomera to a new level of almost paranoid intensity. When the review was finally completed, and the Huenyans' guests now fully aware of what they would be up against, Cuetlancaona sat down and asked for questions.
The other end of the table contained a sight that would have made the leaders of several countries throw up in fear. Seven Auroras were at the table, ranging in age from 20 to 52.
Nelichē looked deeply uncomfortable, but the other six had the neutral expression which indicates one is getting down to business. Riley Nelson was nodding along, while Lily Doll and Samantha Collinsgate looked eager to get to work. Alyssa Robinson was taking frantic notes on pen and paper in a language only she understood while Maricela Tobin and Xing Yawen were still and expressionless.
After the presentation concluded Xing Yawen, as the eldest Aurora present began the questioning. "Do you know the make and model of the weapons they are likely to carry? If so, then we can potentially sabotage their capacity to deal with us."
Cuetlancaona calmly pulled up a set of slides and pictures on the television mounted at one end of the room. "The standard guard at the Cauhloc is a bit more equipped than the usual ASI agent. They are usually Department E and Department G personnel," the director said, naming Special Security and Special Operations. "The guards in the detention blocks will carry a CC-K-1 fighting knife hidden on their person; some will carry more than one. They will also likely carry a CC-PS-1 pepper spray canister, and some form of electroshock weapon, either one that can be fired from a distance or that requires close contact. They rarely carry firearms, because it's not smart to let a prisoner get ahold of a gun."
Cuetlancaona moved on to another slide. "The guards responsible for actually defending the Cauhloc will have everything I outlined above, but more. Most of the security personnel outside the detention blocks will also carry a mācuahuitl and a standard CC-P-28 or CC-P-30 compact or subcompact sidearm; again, some may carry more than one sidearm, especially the subcompact versions, as those are ideal for concealed carry. Never assume you've completely disarmed one of the guards at the Cauhloc unless you've stripped them naked." No one laughed, as it was clear that Cuetlancaona was dead serious. "Some of the guards will also be carrying carbines, shotguns or assault rifles. And all of them are trained to some degree or another in unarmed combat and martial arts. Some very highly trained."
"I can vouch for that," Tlalmaxxi said. "I was one of those agents."
Cuetlancaona continued on to yet another slide. "The guards at the Cauhloc also wear body armor and have access to arsenals and weapons lockers on all levels to equip themselves rapidly with heavier weapons should it be necessary. That's not the only danger either. In addition to the standard guards, ASI and the Defense Ministry maintain multiple rapid reaction teams that are on site at the Cauhloc, as well as around the capital. The rapid reaction teams will arrive very quickly once it becomes apparent that there is an attack happening - you'll have minutes at most. The rapid reaction teams are as well equipped as any military unit you can imagine. They'll have everything I mentioned above, along with heavy weapons and armor. And they will respond in force."
Yawen pulled her lips into a grim line, nodding to acknowledge the information. It was clear from the looks of the Auroras that sabotage was not going to be an option. Yawen looked to Alyssa and her notes, prompting the younger Aurora to ask the next question.
"Entrance to the country will be an issue. What would you recommend in terms of our entering Xiomera?"
"You will definitely want to avoid any established ports of entry," Cuetlancaona replied. "The border security has increased massively since Calhualyana took power, and the risk of trying to bluff your way into the country is simply too great."
"We recommend traveling in small groups and trying to infiltrate via remote sections of the border away from major ports of entry," Tlanexchel spoke up. "Larger groups are too likely to attract attention, especially since most of you are clearly not Xiomeran. You will want to breach the border at any of these points we have designated," the Defense Secretary added, highlighting several points on a map of the northern Xiomeran coastline. "Those are all areas we have identified as being relatively low-staffed with border guards, and more remote than most. You may still have to eliminate a few border guards, but that shouldn't be too challenging a task for you. I recommend going in individually, or in groups of no more than three, to avoid being detected too soon. Once you've made it inside Xiomera, you will want to rendezvous with the rest of your team in Zipacpepe."
Alyssa took down more notes in her strange code, and then scanned what she'd already written, looking for any gaps in her knowledge.
"Can you repeat the part about the security system? Just so we're clear and haven't misinterpreted anything?" she asked, despite the low likelihood that any Aurora had misheard earlier.
Tlalmaxxi took over the presentation at this point. "The underground levels have their own security center, on level B2, just below the top service level. The surveillance and door control systems are operated there, and the level is heavily guarded. There is also a backup link to the main security center in the Cauhloc headquarters building. Each room door requires a key card entry, and the elevators and doors to the stairs also require a key code entry. Not all cards will work on all card readers, or all levels; it depends on the access permissions given to whoever holds the card. There are, as you might expect, a lot of cameras to contend with as well."
Tlalmaxxi returned to the slide showing the breakdown of the Cauhloc's many levels. "We can bypass the security system by inserting recorded information and surveillance to fool the security people in the main security center, but it must be seamless; any interruption of the system will be detected. Also, we'll have roving security patrols to worry about. One other thing to worry about: these details and floor plans we have are from before the war. No one has managed to get into the Cauhloc since then to record any changes Xochiuhue or Calhualyana may have made since then. Calhualyana, in particular, is likely to have made adjustments and changes to the security since then."
"I don't see how you're going to do this without all being caught or killed," remarked Nelichē, who was sitting with her arms crossed looking at the other Auroras like they were crazy.
"If it was you in there rather than Tlalzixiūhxa, you'd want us to try," Riley pointed out and Nelichē fell silent.
"Moving on," Yawen warned the younger pair, "who should we acquire a keycard from?"
"If you can, you will want to get a keycard from one of the senior guards," Tlalmaxxi replied. "They're usually the higher ranking ones leading security teams on patrol. They should have access to most levels. Once you get into the security level B2, you can acquire keycards from agents there that will work anywhere - unless the main security center catches on too quickly and shuts them all down. Time and speed will be of the essence."
"And I assume," Yawen said slowly, "that if they shut it down while we're in there, that we are unlikely to succeed." Or return. That was a risk on this mission.
"It makes it much harder for an escape to be successful, true," Tlalmaxxi said soberly. "This is why I say time is essential."
"Then we need to be fast," Riley said firmly. She had no intention to back down in spite of the risks. None of the Auroras affiliated with Robinson could afford to. If there was any chance that Tlalzixiūhxa hadn't yet broken, they had to try.
None of them knew that it was already too late.
"No further questions from me," Alyssa said, turning to Yawen, who frowned for a second in concentration.
"That is all we have at this juncture. There is, of course, the matter of our secondary objective," she said, referring to Cozamalotl. "You understand that it may not be possible? Our priority is Tlalzixiūhxa."
Yauhmi nodded in response. "I know that you are trying to free him as a personal favor to me; if you cannot do so, we will understand. We tried to warn Cozamalotl not to go, but he felt that he could make a difference. So, he knew the risks he was taking. If anything can be done to try to save him, we should try. But if a choice must come....Cozamalotl chose his fate. Tlalzixiūhxa did not choose hers."
The gathered Auroras fell silent for a couple of seconds. They all knew what that fate entailed, some better than others. It was one they'd spent their childhoods in fear of.
"No further questions," said Yawen after the pause. None of the others spoke up.
"In that case, Director Cuetlancaona and Secretary Tlanexchel will finalize the arrangements to help you get to Xiomera and undertake your mission - transport, supplies and equipment, identification, currency and the like. One other thing we must mention.....due to the Jinyu Agreement, it cannot become apparent that Huenya is assisting you in this mission. Not, at least, in an official capacity. Therefore, we will have to keep our involvement as secret as possible," Yauhmi said.
"That....may be an issue," Tlalmaxxi said quietly. "Because I intend to accompany the Auroras on this mission."
Yauhmi and the other Huenyans looked at her as if she had spontaneously gone insane. "Are you out of your mind? You will do no such thing," Yauhmi said firmly in Huenyan.
"I know ASI and the Cauhloc better than anyone else. I am combat-trained to a degree no one in the FIS can match - sorry, Cuetlancaona, but it's true," Tlalmaxxi said calmly in Huenyan as the Director was about to protest. “I have the inside knowledge of the capital, and Xiomera as a whole, that this team will need to be successful. Who else is more qualified? I am a top former ASI agent."
"You are also the Princess of the Huenyan Federation, mother to my grandchild and future heir, wife to my son....are you trying to prove something....no. No. It does not matter, you are not going," Yauhmi said, her voice growing even more firm.
"I suggest, instead of discussing this in front of everyone, that we discuss this privately with my husband and decide then," Tlalmaxxi replied, her voice showing no sign of wavering. After a moment, Yauhmi nodded. Switching back to English, she turned back to address the Auroras. "The Director and the Secretary will finalize everything with you. Both on behalf of Huenya, and on a personal level, I thank you for your bravery and your strength in taking on this mission. We are most grateful."
Yauhmi stood up, taking a moment to personally thank each Aurora and offering them either a handshake, a shoulder pat, or a hug - whatever personal gesture they seemed willing to accept - as if the touch could somehow offer them a measure of protection for their dangerous mission. After that, Yauhmi and Tlalmaxxi left quickly, leaving the rest of the Huenyans to finalize things with the team.
Six Huenyans were sitting on one side of the conference table. Yauhmi was at their head. On either side of her were Princess Tlalmaxxi and Cuetlancaona, the director of the FIS. On either side of them, Defense Secretary Tlanexchel and Etlahuatzitl, the leader of the Shorn Ones. General Huatli rounded out the Huenyan side of the table.
After everyone had introduced themselves, Cuetlancaona stood up to begin the meeting with a thorough security review of the Xiomeran border, Xiomeran internal security, the capital city Tlālacuetztla, and the Cauhloc itself. It was a very long review, and a very daunting one. Calhualyana had been steadily amping up the already extensive security throughout Xiomera to a new level of almost paranoid intensity. When the review was finally completed, and the Huenyans' guests now fully aware of what they would be up against, Cuetlancaona sat down and asked for questions.
The other end of the table contained a sight that would have made the leaders of several countries throw up in fear. Seven Auroras were at the table, ranging in age from 20 to 52.
Nelichē looked deeply uncomfortable, but the other six had the neutral expression which indicates one is getting down to business. Riley Nelson was nodding along, while Lily Doll and Samantha Collinsgate looked eager to get to work. Alyssa Robinson was taking frantic notes on pen and paper in a language only she understood while Maricela Tobin and Xing Yawen were still and expressionless.
After the presentation concluded Xing Yawen, as the eldest Aurora present began the questioning. "Do you know the make and model of the weapons they are likely to carry? If so, then we can potentially sabotage their capacity to deal with us."
Cuetlancaona calmly pulled up a set of slides and pictures on the television mounted at one end of the room. "The standard guard at the Cauhloc is a bit more equipped than the usual ASI agent. They are usually Department E and Department G personnel," the director said, naming Special Security and Special Operations. "The guards in the detention blocks will carry a CC-K-1 fighting knife hidden on their person; some will carry more than one. They will also likely carry a CC-PS-1 pepper spray canister, and some form of electroshock weapon, either one that can be fired from a distance or that requires close contact. They rarely carry firearms, because it's not smart to let a prisoner get ahold of a gun."
Cuetlancaona moved on to another slide. "The guards responsible for actually defending the Cauhloc will have everything I outlined above, but more. Most of the security personnel outside the detention blocks will also carry a mācuahuitl and a standard CC-P-28 or CC-P-30 compact or subcompact sidearm; again, some may carry more than one sidearm, especially the subcompact versions, as those are ideal for concealed carry. Never assume you've completely disarmed one of the guards at the Cauhloc unless you've stripped them naked." No one laughed, as it was clear that Cuetlancaona was dead serious. "Some of the guards will also be carrying carbines, shotguns or assault rifles. And all of them are trained to some degree or another in unarmed combat and martial arts. Some very highly trained."
"I can vouch for that," Tlalmaxxi said. "I was one of those agents."
Cuetlancaona continued on to yet another slide. "The guards at the Cauhloc also wear body armor and have access to arsenals and weapons lockers on all levels to equip themselves rapidly with heavier weapons should it be necessary. That's not the only danger either. In addition to the standard guards, ASI and the Defense Ministry maintain multiple rapid reaction teams that are on site at the Cauhloc, as well as around the capital. The rapid reaction teams will arrive very quickly once it becomes apparent that there is an attack happening - you'll have minutes at most. The rapid reaction teams are as well equipped as any military unit you can imagine. They'll have everything I mentioned above, along with heavy weapons and armor. And they will respond in force."
Yawen pulled her lips into a grim line, nodding to acknowledge the information. It was clear from the looks of the Auroras that sabotage was not going to be an option. Yawen looked to Alyssa and her notes, prompting the younger Aurora to ask the next question.
"Entrance to the country will be an issue. What would you recommend in terms of our entering Xiomera?"
"You will definitely want to avoid any established ports of entry," Cuetlancaona replied. "The border security has increased massively since Calhualyana took power, and the risk of trying to bluff your way into the country is simply too great."
"We recommend traveling in small groups and trying to infiltrate via remote sections of the border away from major ports of entry," Tlanexchel spoke up. "Larger groups are too likely to attract attention, especially since most of you are clearly not Xiomeran. You will want to breach the border at any of these points we have designated," the Defense Secretary added, highlighting several points on a map of the northern Xiomeran coastline. "Those are all areas we have identified as being relatively low-staffed with border guards, and more remote than most. You may still have to eliminate a few border guards, but that shouldn't be too challenging a task for you. I recommend going in individually, or in groups of no more than three, to avoid being detected too soon. Once you've made it inside Xiomera, you will want to rendezvous with the rest of your team in Zipacpepe."
Alyssa took down more notes in her strange code, and then scanned what she'd already written, looking for any gaps in her knowledge.
"Can you repeat the part about the security system? Just so we're clear and haven't misinterpreted anything?" she asked, despite the low likelihood that any Aurora had misheard earlier.
Tlalmaxxi took over the presentation at this point. "The underground levels have their own security center, on level B2, just below the top service level. The surveillance and door control systems are operated there, and the level is heavily guarded. There is also a backup link to the main security center in the Cauhloc headquarters building. Each room door requires a key card entry, and the elevators and doors to the stairs also require a key code entry. Not all cards will work on all card readers, or all levels; it depends on the access permissions given to whoever holds the card. There are, as you might expect, a lot of cameras to contend with as well."
Tlalmaxxi returned to the slide showing the breakdown of the Cauhloc's many levels. "We can bypass the security system by inserting recorded information and surveillance to fool the security people in the main security center, but it must be seamless; any interruption of the system will be detected. Also, we'll have roving security patrols to worry about. One other thing to worry about: these details and floor plans we have are from before the war. No one has managed to get into the Cauhloc since then to record any changes Xochiuhue or Calhualyana may have made since then. Calhualyana, in particular, is likely to have made adjustments and changes to the security since then."
"I don't see how you're going to do this without all being caught or killed," remarked Nelichē, who was sitting with her arms crossed looking at the other Auroras like they were crazy.
"If it was you in there rather than Tlalzixiūhxa, you'd want us to try," Riley pointed out and Nelichē fell silent.
"Moving on," Yawen warned the younger pair, "who should we acquire a keycard from?"
"If you can, you will want to get a keycard from one of the senior guards," Tlalmaxxi replied. "They're usually the higher ranking ones leading security teams on patrol. They should have access to most levels. Once you get into the security level B2, you can acquire keycards from agents there that will work anywhere - unless the main security center catches on too quickly and shuts them all down. Time and speed will be of the essence."
"And I assume," Yawen said slowly, "that if they shut it down while we're in there, that we are unlikely to succeed." Or return. That was a risk on this mission.
"It makes it much harder for an escape to be successful, true," Tlalmaxxi said soberly. "This is why I say time is essential."
"Then we need to be fast," Riley said firmly. She had no intention to back down in spite of the risks. None of the Auroras affiliated with Robinson could afford to. If there was any chance that Tlalzixiūhxa hadn't yet broken, they had to try.
None of them knew that it was already too late.
"No further questions from me," Alyssa said, turning to Yawen, who frowned for a second in concentration.
"That is all we have at this juncture. There is, of course, the matter of our secondary objective," she said, referring to Cozamalotl. "You understand that it may not be possible? Our priority is Tlalzixiūhxa."
Yauhmi nodded in response. "I know that you are trying to free him as a personal favor to me; if you cannot do so, we will understand. We tried to warn Cozamalotl not to go, but he felt that he could make a difference. So, he knew the risks he was taking. If anything can be done to try to save him, we should try. But if a choice must come....Cozamalotl chose his fate. Tlalzixiūhxa did not choose hers."
The gathered Auroras fell silent for a couple of seconds. They all knew what that fate entailed, some better than others. It was one they'd spent their childhoods in fear of.
"No further questions," said Yawen after the pause. None of the others spoke up.
"In that case, Director Cuetlancaona and Secretary Tlanexchel will finalize the arrangements to help you get to Xiomera and undertake your mission - transport, supplies and equipment, identification, currency and the like. One other thing we must mention.....due to the Jinyu Agreement, it cannot become apparent that Huenya is assisting you in this mission. Not, at least, in an official capacity. Therefore, we will have to keep our involvement as secret as possible," Yauhmi said.
"That....may be an issue," Tlalmaxxi said quietly. "Because I intend to accompany the Auroras on this mission."
Yauhmi and the other Huenyans looked at her as if she had spontaneously gone insane. "Are you out of your mind? You will do no such thing," Yauhmi said firmly in Huenyan.
"I know ASI and the Cauhloc better than anyone else. I am combat-trained to a degree no one in the FIS can match - sorry, Cuetlancaona, but it's true," Tlalmaxxi said calmly in Huenyan as the Director was about to protest. “I have the inside knowledge of the capital, and Xiomera as a whole, that this team will need to be successful. Who else is more qualified? I am a top former ASI agent."
"You are also the Princess of the Huenyan Federation, mother to my grandchild and future heir, wife to my son....are you trying to prove something....no. No. It does not matter, you are not going," Yauhmi said, her voice growing even more firm.
"I suggest, instead of discussing this in front of everyone, that we discuss this privately with my husband and decide then," Tlalmaxxi replied, her voice showing no sign of wavering. After a moment, Yauhmi nodded. Switching back to English, she turned back to address the Auroras. "The Director and the Secretary will finalize everything with you. Both on behalf of Huenya, and on a personal level, I thank you for your bravery and your strength in taking on this mission. We are most grateful."
Yauhmi stood up, taking a moment to personally thank each Aurora and offering them either a handshake, a shoulder pat, or a hug - whatever personal gesture they seemed willing to accept - as if the touch could somehow offer them a measure of protection for their dangerous mission. After that, Yauhmi and Tlalmaxxi left quickly, leaving the rest of the Huenyans to finalize things with the team.
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