06-01-2021, 10:59 PM
Jointly written with Xiomera.
Today, 1st June
Morning in Kerlile, Evening in Xiomera
Empress Calhualyana was angry. Not just about the Cauhloc raid. But about who had done it.
I knew I was right about the Auroras all along. They have chosen to make themselves my enemy, out of their misguided loyalty to Yauhmi. They will regret that. It’s time.
She placed the call personally. “Good evening. This is the Empress of Xiomera. I need to speak with the Council on a matter of great urgency.”
The Council attendant on the other end of the call hadn't been expecting this, and was somewhat nervous as she typed a quick message to Councillor Chiu asking her if the Council would take the call as a group, while they were in their meeting. It took a few minutes of nervousness on the part of the attendant before she received an affirmative and was able to patch the call through to the Council Chambers. Once this was done, Councillor Chiu was the first to address the Empress.
"Empress Calhualyana," Chiu said once the call was connected. "You are on with seven out of ten members of the Council of Kerlile. To what do we owe the pleasure?"
”I wish I could say that this was a pleasant matter that I was bringing to you.” The Empress made sure that her voice conveyed tones of concern and friendship as she spoke. “There is information that has been brought to my attention by ASI that is of major significance to Kerlile. It concerns one of your own. Is Councillor Robinson there with you?”
In the Council Chamber, the seven present Councillors exchanged glances with each other. Chiu was the one who spoke. "Councillor Robinson is not present in the Chamber. Nor are Councillors Arnott or Hale."
Calhualyana raised a slight eyebrow at the list of Councillors present. Most of the reformers are not there. Interesting. And so much the better. “Very well. This information was uncovered during an investigation we were conducting of individuals connected to the former ruler here.” She carefully avoided saying Yauhmi’s name. “During our investigations, we uncovered information that proves that Councillor Robinson, and her family, have been leading a group of Auroras in support of DKS, with the intention of overthrowing you and establishing a democratic government. We have ample proof of this deception, should you desire it.”
The Councillors again exchanged glances. This time, it was Councillor Pierre who spoke. "Thank you for informing us of this, Empress. You are, alas, somewhat late to the party. I am happy to provide an explanation. On Saturday, I received a phone call..."
*
Last Saturday, 29th May
Afternoon in Kerlile
Nelichē had not heard from Riley Nelson. It seemed that her former classmate had failed to heed the ultimatum she had been given. It had been 48-hours; in fact it had been 52, but in spite of the (short) grace period, Yauhmi had not called Nelichē to tell her she was remaining in power. Nothing had changed, Huenya was still at risk. So, she dialled the phone number for Pauline Pierre she had acquired from other Auroras who were less out-of-favour with the Kerlian establishment. It was not long before the Councillor picked up.
“Nelichē, I’m guessing?” Councillor Pierre answered her own phone.
“I… you expected my call?” the Aurora responded, faltering. This was not part of the script she’d expected.
“Well, it was either you or Empress Calhualyana and I doubt she’d call from a mysterious withheld number.”
“Councillor?” Nelichē asked, confused.
“You’re calling me to tell me that Robinson is a traitor, that she betrayed her country to DKS and has Auroras working for her.”
“What? Yes, that was… did the Empress call already?”
“Not quite…” replied Pierre, as Nelichē clutched her phone tighter, afraid of what was happening back in the country of her birth.
*
The Day Before, 28th May
Morning in Kerlile, Evening in Huenya
Riley Nelson, panicking, who could think of no way out of the ultimatum given to her by Nelichē, called Councillor Robinson. It occurred to her as the phone rang that the Auroras’ mission to the Cauhloc had not only been a failure, it had damaged their cause far more than inaction would have. They’d been too late to prevent Tlalzixiūhxa from breaking and telling Calhualyana a secret that had been kept under wraps for generations, and she might already be too late to prevent what was inevitable - perhaps Calhualyana had called the council before Nelichē could even consider making her move.
“Good morning, Councillor Carmen Robinson’s office, how may I help you?”
“It’s a stormy day on a boat near the forgotten island at the edge of the gate to an afterlife not imagined in any texts,” Riley commended idly to the phone. On the other end, the person who had answered the phone would be reading the phrase in a guidebook on their desk, and probably freaking out when they realised what it meant.
“Please hold,” said the voice, quickly and nervously. Riley listened to some elevator music for thirty seconds or so, idly tapping her fingers even though she wanted to throw up. It could not be guaranteed that she wasn’t being watched.
“Identify yourself,” the phone said suddenly in Carmen Robinson’s voice.
“Aurora Rita, known as Riley Nelson,” she replied. “Councillor, we are all in grave danger.”
*
Saturday, 29th May
Morning in Kerlile (before Nelichē called)
Councillor Carmen Robinson was shown into the front room of the Pierre family mansion, as she tried desperately to keep her breathing steady. After yesterday’s call with Riley, yesterday’s warning and the threat of what Nelichē planned to do later today, she’d finally made her decision about how she would respond to her family’s deepest secret possibly coming to light. It was the most dangerous thing to happen to a Councillor in years, even counting the Hale fiasco, the most recent Presidential Selection, and the TRC added together.
“To what do I owe the pleasure?” Pierre greeted her guest as she entered, gesturing to a tea set in invitation. Robinson shook her hand, politely turning down the tea with a gesture. “I can’t imagine this is a social call, given the history between our families.”
“No,” Carmen swallowed, standing by the offered seat nervously, her hands clasped together as she tried to steady her breathing, suddenly terrified of what was about to occur. “This is… rather different. I don’t suppose you’ve heard from either Aurora Nelichē or Empress Calhualyana recently?”
“I have not,” Pierre replied, confused. “What’s this about, Carmen?”
"I have a confession. And first of all, I'd like to state that the others involved in this plot were forced into it against their wills by myself or my mother and as such are not responsible and should not be punished."
“That sounds ominous,” Pierre said, quaking her eyebrow and smirking a little. At the sight of Robinson’s facial expression, however, Pierre quickly sobered, and a look of fear and something approximating concern crossed her face. She didn’t like Robinson, but she’d never seen a look like this, and it frightened her.
“I…” Robinson began, “I… I can’t, oh Goddess. I’ve done something really terrible, Pauline. I’m going to die for it and I’m scared.”
“Hey,” Pierre gestured for Robinson to sit down and sat beside her. “Hey, things are changing here, even among my own family. What can you possibly have done that’s so bad?”
“Auroras,” blurted out Carmen, speaking quickly. “I had Auroras working with DKS to try and overthrow the Council and work against the other Auroras and try to create a democratic Kerlile after your grandmother killed my grandmother. My family’s worked with them all this time.”
Pauline Pierre recoiled in shock. Carmen shrunk into herself. Pierre stood, walking away until she stood against a pillar and held onto it. She stared at the other Councillor in disbelief, looking for the lies in her face but nobody would lie about this, and Robinson was telling the truth. Despite their rivalry, despite Pauline’s prior bloodlust and desire to have Robinson kicked off the Council, Pauline really, really wished this wasn’t happening.
"I don't understand, why are you confessing this now?" Pauline said, brows furrowed.
"The Auroras… I put them in even more danger than they already were. My own principles meant nothing, I betrayed them and I don't want others to suffer because of what I did. I know you care about them, the Auroras. These ones are just the same, they're still Aurora. Save them, Pauline, take my life but spare theirs."
"You came to me, instead of the whole Council… to save their lives," Pierre said softly, walking up to Carmen and looking her in the eyes. "Thank you," she said, smiling, before her face hardened. "It will not save your own."
Carmen looked down and closed her eyes. She barely heard Pierre call for someone and order them to call the police to arrest her. She focused on keeping her breathing steady as she waited, for all the minutes before they showed up and they handcuffed her. She didn't cry, she'd made her choice. She would sacrifice her own life to save others.
*
Today, 1st June
"So, Empress, we placed Robinson under arrest. We have yet to announce this publicly, as we wanted to track down those Auroras still in Kerlile who aided her. Alas, most of them seem to be hiding out in Huenya," Pierre finished her explanation of the events of the weekend.
”Yes, we know. They are the same ones who attacked the Cauhloc. It would seem we have a common enemy,” the Empress replied. She was disappointed that the secret was already out, but still determined to gain what advantage she could from it. “The Huenyans do seem to have quite the affinity for traitors.”
"We have yet to contact Huenya about the traitors hiding in their state, as we cannot be certain they would not warn any traitor Auroras still in our country," Councillor Natalia Hart interjected. "Yauhmi seems to attract Auroras like moths to a flame at times; I personally believe she has been turning them against us but that view is... disputed here."
”Yauhmi has, in my opinion, been doing that for quite some time. And now, she appears to be turning them against Xiomera as well. Her actions show no shame. In regards to this, one of the individuals who attacked the Cauhloc died during the raid. If you wish, I can arrange for her body to be returned to Kerlile. I regret that she lost her life due to the manipulations of others.”
"Are you aware of the identity of this Aurora?" Pierre asked, her stomach lurching at the thought of losing yet another one; even one who may have been a traitor.
"That's not the most important thing here, Councillor Pierre," Chiu chastised, before addressing the Empress once again. "We thank you for the offer, and will gladly take you up on it. We apologise for Huenya manipulating our citizens into carrying out these acts and we will be disciplining any Aurora involved should they return to the Matriarchy."
”No apology is needed; this is not your fault. I will be happy to ensure that she is returned to her homeland so that she can be laid to rest. I am glad that you are aware of this plot against you. Xiomera values the stability and peace of its true friends - as do I.” Calhualyana chose her words deliberately - Chiu’s words showed a seed of doubt towards Huenya had already been planted. The Empress was not at all above watering that seed, to make the Kerlians wonder who their friends really were.
"We thank you for the information. Is there anything further, as we were about to vote on loosening rationing restrictions on alcoholic beverages and I'm sure there are many in Kerlile keen to hear the result of this particular vote," chuckled Chiu.
Calhualyana laughed as well. “If the vote goes in favor of loosening those restrictions and you find yourself with a sudden need for greater supply, we’d be more than happy to help. But that is all I needed to bring to your attention. Thank you for your time, and hopefully we can speak again soon.”
"Thank you, Empress," Chiu said, before ending the call, and turning back to the Council. "Well, I think it's about time we contacted the media about Robinson, before anyone else who happens to have stumbled upon this information calls. We've arrested as many Auroras as we're going to find."
The other Councillors all nodded, apart from Georgiou, who was pretending to look at her phone, and Pierre, who had her eyes squeezed shut, finding this whole situation rather painful. Nonetheless, no objections were raised. The conflict could not be avoided; it was time to go public with the betrayal of one of their own.
Today, 1st June
Morning in Kerlile, Evening in Xiomera
Empress Calhualyana was angry. Not just about the Cauhloc raid. But about who had done it.
I knew I was right about the Auroras all along. They have chosen to make themselves my enemy, out of their misguided loyalty to Yauhmi. They will regret that. It’s time.
She placed the call personally. “Good evening. This is the Empress of Xiomera. I need to speak with the Council on a matter of great urgency.”
The Council attendant on the other end of the call hadn't been expecting this, and was somewhat nervous as she typed a quick message to Councillor Chiu asking her if the Council would take the call as a group, while they were in their meeting. It took a few minutes of nervousness on the part of the attendant before she received an affirmative and was able to patch the call through to the Council Chambers. Once this was done, Councillor Chiu was the first to address the Empress.
"Empress Calhualyana," Chiu said once the call was connected. "You are on with seven out of ten members of the Council of Kerlile. To what do we owe the pleasure?"
”I wish I could say that this was a pleasant matter that I was bringing to you.” The Empress made sure that her voice conveyed tones of concern and friendship as she spoke. “There is information that has been brought to my attention by ASI that is of major significance to Kerlile. It concerns one of your own. Is Councillor Robinson there with you?”
In the Council Chamber, the seven present Councillors exchanged glances with each other. Chiu was the one who spoke. "Councillor Robinson is not present in the Chamber. Nor are Councillors Arnott or Hale."
Calhualyana raised a slight eyebrow at the list of Councillors present. Most of the reformers are not there. Interesting. And so much the better. “Very well. This information was uncovered during an investigation we were conducting of individuals connected to the former ruler here.” She carefully avoided saying Yauhmi’s name. “During our investigations, we uncovered information that proves that Councillor Robinson, and her family, have been leading a group of Auroras in support of DKS, with the intention of overthrowing you and establishing a democratic government. We have ample proof of this deception, should you desire it.”
The Councillors again exchanged glances. This time, it was Councillor Pierre who spoke. "Thank you for informing us of this, Empress. You are, alas, somewhat late to the party. I am happy to provide an explanation. On Saturday, I received a phone call..."
*
Last Saturday, 29th May
Afternoon in Kerlile
Nelichē had not heard from Riley Nelson. It seemed that her former classmate had failed to heed the ultimatum she had been given. It had been 48-hours; in fact it had been 52, but in spite of the (short) grace period, Yauhmi had not called Nelichē to tell her she was remaining in power. Nothing had changed, Huenya was still at risk. So, she dialled the phone number for Pauline Pierre she had acquired from other Auroras who were less out-of-favour with the Kerlian establishment. It was not long before the Councillor picked up.
“Nelichē, I’m guessing?” Councillor Pierre answered her own phone.
“I… you expected my call?” the Aurora responded, faltering. This was not part of the script she’d expected.
“Well, it was either you or Empress Calhualyana and I doubt she’d call from a mysterious withheld number.”
“Councillor?” Nelichē asked, confused.
“You’re calling me to tell me that Robinson is a traitor, that she betrayed her country to DKS and has Auroras working for her.”
“What? Yes, that was… did the Empress call already?”
“Not quite…” replied Pierre, as Nelichē clutched her phone tighter, afraid of what was happening back in the country of her birth.
*
The Day Before, 28th May
Morning in Kerlile, Evening in Huenya
Riley Nelson, panicking, who could think of no way out of the ultimatum given to her by Nelichē, called Councillor Robinson. It occurred to her as the phone rang that the Auroras’ mission to the Cauhloc had not only been a failure, it had damaged their cause far more than inaction would have. They’d been too late to prevent Tlalzixiūhxa from breaking and telling Calhualyana a secret that had been kept under wraps for generations, and she might already be too late to prevent what was inevitable - perhaps Calhualyana had called the council before Nelichē could even consider making her move.
“Good morning, Councillor Carmen Robinson’s office, how may I help you?”
“It’s a stormy day on a boat near the forgotten island at the edge of the gate to an afterlife not imagined in any texts,” Riley commended idly to the phone. On the other end, the person who had answered the phone would be reading the phrase in a guidebook on their desk, and probably freaking out when they realised what it meant.
“Please hold,” said the voice, quickly and nervously. Riley listened to some elevator music for thirty seconds or so, idly tapping her fingers even though she wanted to throw up. It could not be guaranteed that she wasn’t being watched.
“Identify yourself,” the phone said suddenly in Carmen Robinson’s voice.
“Aurora Rita, known as Riley Nelson,” she replied. “Councillor, we are all in grave danger.”
*
Saturday, 29th May
Morning in Kerlile (before Nelichē called)
Councillor Carmen Robinson was shown into the front room of the Pierre family mansion, as she tried desperately to keep her breathing steady. After yesterday’s call with Riley, yesterday’s warning and the threat of what Nelichē planned to do later today, she’d finally made her decision about how she would respond to her family’s deepest secret possibly coming to light. It was the most dangerous thing to happen to a Councillor in years, even counting the Hale fiasco, the most recent Presidential Selection, and the TRC added together.
“To what do I owe the pleasure?” Pierre greeted her guest as she entered, gesturing to a tea set in invitation. Robinson shook her hand, politely turning down the tea with a gesture. “I can’t imagine this is a social call, given the history between our families.”
“No,” Carmen swallowed, standing by the offered seat nervously, her hands clasped together as she tried to steady her breathing, suddenly terrified of what was about to occur. “This is… rather different. I don’t suppose you’ve heard from either Aurora Nelichē or Empress Calhualyana recently?”
“I have not,” Pierre replied, confused. “What’s this about, Carmen?”
"I have a confession. And first of all, I'd like to state that the others involved in this plot were forced into it against their wills by myself or my mother and as such are not responsible and should not be punished."
“That sounds ominous,” Pierre said, quaking her eyebrow and smirking a little. At the sight of Robinson’s facial expression, however, Pierre quickly sobered, and a look of fear and something approximating concern crossed her face. She didn’t like Robinson, but she’d never seen a look like this, and it frightened her.
“I…” Robinson began, “I… I can’t, oh Goddess. I’ve done something really terrible, Pauline. I’m going to die for it and I’m scared.”
“Hey,” Pierre gestured for Robinson to sit down and sat beside her. “Hey, things are changing here, even among my own family. What can you possibly have done that’s so bad?”
“Auroras,” blurted out Carmen, speaking quickly. “I had Auroras working with DKS to try and overthrow the Council and work against the other Auroras and try to create a democratic Kerlile after your grandmother killed my grandmother. My family’s worked with them all this time.”
Pauline Pierre recoiled in shock. Carmen shrunk into herself. Pierre stood, walking away until she stood against a pillar and held onto it. She stared at the other Councillor in disbelief, looking for the lies in her face but nobody would lie about this, and Robinson was telling the truth. Despite their rivalry, despite Pauline’s prior bloodlust and desire to have Robinson kicked off the Council, Pauline really, really wished this wasn’t happening.
"I don't understand, why are you confessing this now?" Pauline said, brows furrowed.
"The Auroras… I put them in even more danger than they already were. My own principles meant nothing, I betrayed them and I don't want others to suffer because of what I did. I know you care about them, the Auroras. These ones are just the same, they're still Aurora. Save them, Pauline, take my life but spare theirs."
"You came to me, instead of the whole Council… to save their lives," Pierre said softly, walking up to Carmen and looking her in the eyes. "Thank you," she said, smiling, before her face hardened. "It will not save your own."
Carmen looked down and closed her eyes. She barely heard Pierre call for someone and order them to call the police to arrest her. She focused on keeping her breathing steady as she waited, for all the minutes before they showed up and they handcuffed her. She didn't cry, she'd made her choice. She would sacrifice her own life to save others.
*
Today, 1st June
"So, Empress, we placed Robinson under arrest. We have yet to announce this publicly, as we wanted to track down those Auroras still in Kerlile who aided her. Alas, most of them seem to be hiding out in Huenya," Pierre finished her explanation of the events of the weekend.
”Yes, we know. They are the same ones who attacked the Cauhloc. It would seem we have a common enemy,” the Empress replied. She was disappointed that the secret was already out, but still determined to gain what advantage she could from it. “The Huenyans do seem to have quite the affinity for traitors.”
"We have yet to contact Huenya about the traitors hiding in their state, as we cannot be certain they would not warn any traitor Auroras still in our country," Councillor Natalia Hart interjected. "Yauhmi seems to attract Auroras like moths to a flame at times; I personally believe she has been turning them against us but that view is... disputed here."
”Yauhmi has, in my opinion, been doing that for quite some time. And now, she appears to be turning them against Xiomera as well. Her actions show no shame. In regards to this, one of the individuals who attacked the Cauhloc died during the raid. If you wish, I can arrange for her body to be returned to Kerlile. I regret that she lost her life due to the manipulations of others.”
"Are you aware of the identity of this Aurora?" Pierre asked, her stomach lurching at the thought of losing yet another one; even one who may have been a traitor.
"That's not the most important thing here, Councillor Pierre," Chiu chastised, before addressing the Empress once again. "We thank you for the offer, and will gladly take you up on it. We apologise for Huenya manipulating our citizens into carrying out these acts and we will be disciplining any Aurora involved should they return to the Matriarchy."
”No apology is needed; this is not your fault. I will be happy to ensure that she is returned to her homeland so that she can be laid to rest. I am glad that you are aware of this plot against you. Xiomera values the stability and peace of its true friends - as do I.” Calhualyana chose her words deliberately - Chiu’s words showed a seed of doubt towards Huenya had already been planted. The Empress was not at all above watering that seed, to make the Kerlians wonder who their friends really were.
"We thank you for the information. Is there anything further, as we were about to vote on loosening rationing restrictions on alcoholic beverages and I'm sure there are many in Kerlile keen to hear the result of this particular vote," chuckled Chiu.
Calhualyana laughed as well. “If the vote goes in favor of loosening those restrictions and you find yourself with a sudden need for greater supply, we’d be more than happy to help. But that is all I needed to bring to your attention. Thank you for your time, and hopefully we can speak again soon.”
"Thank you, Empress," Chiu said, before ending the call, and turning back to the Council. "Well, I think it's about time we contacted the media about Robinson, before anyone else who happens to have stumbled upon this information calls. We've arrested as many Auroras as we're going to find."
The other Councillors all nodded, apart from Georgiou, who was pretending to look at her phone, and Pierre, who had her eyes squeezed shut, finding this whole situation rather painful. Nonetheless, no objections were raised. The conflict could not be avoided; it was time to go public with the betrayal of one of their own.
LIDUN President 2024 | she/her | Puppets: Kerlile, Glanainn, Yesteria, Zongongia, Zargothrax