08-05-2021, 12:19 AM
(Joint post with Lauchenoiria)
Day One: Evening Reception
Having not had much luck with Calhualyana, Neina Arana was irritated. She took a rather long drink from her glass, and her eyes lit upon someone else she had intended to speak with. Placing her now empty glass on the table with a thonk, she took a determined stride towards Sandra Pavía. The other two Milintican officials followed eagerly, with the civilian activist trailing along far less enthusiastically.
Arana came to a sharp halt in front of her target. “Minister Pavía. Could we speak with you?”
Sandra Pavía had been lost in her thoughts and hadn't noticed the Milinticans approaching. She tensed as she spotted Arana. She'd been hoping to avoid needing to speak to the interfering little communist country. She pasted a fake smile on her face. "Of course, would you like me to get you a drink?"
"No, thank you. I do not wish to become intoxicated,” Arana replied. “I was hoping to speak with both you and Prime Minister Alvarez at some point in the evening on behalf of President Matōchmizalo. Our paths happened to cross first. My government has been concerned with Lauchenoiria’s lack of involvement in the crises our world has been facing up until very recently, and your still less than firm stance on Xiomera.”
"Well, we've been recovering from our own civil war, of course," Pavía replied, helping herself to a new glass from a passing waiter. "Our policy has been to focus on domestic recovery. Thankfully, we've now reached a point where we feel able to contribute more to the international community, hence our planned involvement in opposing the coup in Auria."
"Ah, yes. We are grateful that you have joined the efforts against the Aurian coup. We just hope that Lauchenoiria will remain in the fight, whatever that may entail. It was concerning that your government did not intervene during the Xiomeran conflict, nor in Mallacaland.” Arana sighed. “We do hope that this means Lauchenoiria will finally stand up to tyrants like this fake king in Auria and Calhualyana. After all, Milintica has been doing so all along despite our less fortunate position than yours.”
"Our military was still recovering from our own civil conflict at the time of the Xiomeran coup," Pavía pointed out, the fake smile still on her face. "We were not able to contribute. As for Mallacaland, I assure you we are watching very closely given their threats to our diplomatic staff earlier in the year."
"Yes, but watching is not the same as doing. And I would point out that some Lauchenoirians did contribute to defeat the Imperial forces. You threw their comrades in jail for it, as I recall. And again, Milintica has far less military capability than you do, and we still acted. It seems rather, hrm, convenient. This is why we are concerned. Auria’s freedom depends on people staying the course and not bowing to Xiomeran pressure.”
Pavía bristled at the accusation. "We cannot condone terrorism. Warriors of Our Earth was classified as a terrorist organisation not because of Manauia Island but because of their targeting of domestic government buildings and their encouragement to use violence to achieve their aims. And if Milinticans are willing to risk their own country's security in order to participate in foreign conflicts, that is your business. Lauchenoirians made it clear at the ballot box, however, that they are not."
Arana was not deterred. “The only reason they had to seize government buildings was because your government was not listening to them, Minister. And it’s not about risking national security to engage in international adventurism. It’s about fighting for what is right and making sure the entire world is safe, not just our tribe or our little corner of it. We’re just asking that Lauchenoiria do that for once. No nation is secure if any of us are under threat.”
"I quite agree that it is necessary to act in Auria to make sure the world is safe," Pavía replied, her fake smile slipped into a sneer. "And if WOE had wished for the government to listen to them, they could have made that known in the elections last year. That is, after all, how things work in a functional democracy where people behave in a civilised manner."
"In a truly democratic state, all voices are listened to and considered, not dismissed because they do not hold power.” Arana scowled. “And are you implying that Milintica is not a functioning and civilized democratic state?”
"Of course not, I was merely commenting on how government works in my own country," Pavía's sneer became more pronounced. "We did consider WOE's position, and even the Green Party found it unrealistic. They did not like that, so attempted to force their position on us using violence. Hence why we needed to act."
"The occupation of the government building in question hardly seemed excessively violent. But it is a common tactic to label groups one disagrees with as ‘violent terrorists’ in order to control them,” Arana mused. “But in any event, we are gratified to be able to advise the President that Lauchenoiria is finally coming around. We were concerned that some in your government were a bit friendly to the Xiomeran state and that this might be a problem under Calhualyana.” Arana smiled slightly at that last statement.
"Oh, are you the source of those rumours?" Pavía's face hardened into a scowl. "I want to make it very clear that my loyalties lie with Lauchenoiria, and the people whispering falsehoods about me in Alvarez's ears are playing a dangerous game, if they think they can attempt to influence Lauchenoiria with slander."
"We are never the source of rumors. However, we certainly heard those rumors. We are pleased to hear you state so strongly that this is not the case. We had wondered why Prime Minister Alvarez was so reluctant to act and had concluded that perhaps she was getting…..bad advice.” Arana smiled a bit more tightly.
Pavía turned red and glared at the Milintican. "I already informed you of why we have been avoiding conflicts in recent years. But I understand that you can't take my word for it, after all you probably would prefer to hear someone more in keeping with your ideology, like, say, some of the people in Sanctarian prisons for war crimes committed under Chaher in our war."
"We had no connection to Chaher or his people, but I understand that people such as yourself lump socialists and communists together all the time. A lack of ideological understanding. We do not, however, allow emotions or ideology to blind us to what must be done, or to facts. If my words are upsetting you, Minister, perhaps the truth hurts.” Arana had stopped smiling at this point.
Pavía opened her mouth, showing her teeth, and it was at that point that Alvarez rushed over from her conversation with Yauhmi to interrupt her Foreign Secretary before she could say something she'd regret. "Good evening, Sandra, good evening Minister... Arana, is it? Such a lovely reception, this, hm?"
"It has been quite entertaining, Prime Minister,” Arana replied, smiling slightly once more. “The Minister and I were just discussing Lauchenoirian inaction up to this point in the crises of the world. I was happy to hear that Lauchenoiria plans to remain steadfast concerning the Aurian situation. We had some....concerns about that.” Arana glanced at Pavía at that last remark, before turning back to Alvarez.
"Of course, we can't allow these copycat coup plotters to inspire any more would-be tyrants into seizing power," Alvarez replied, sighing a little. "We should not have remained neutral in the Xiomeran conflict, that was a mistake on our part, but we were focused on rebuilding after our own war. Ah well, what's done is done."
"Indeed. I doubt the Xiomerans who had to deal with that are quite so casual on the subject, but that is water under the bridge now.” Arana asked a passing server for a glass of water. “Minister Pavía was just assuring me of her loyalty and devotion to the same purpose we share of preventing coups. I am sure you will be gratified to hear that. As we had mentioned to her, there was some concern on the subject.”
Alvarez flinched at what she viewed as an accusation. She already felt bad about those who had suffered in Xiomera. "Minister Pavía and I have discussed at length the concerns some have had regarding our stance on Xiomera, and I am confident we are now on the same page."
"Yes, we cannot allow the normalisation of coups, something which challenges the rule of law at an international level and opens the door to chaos," Pavía added, still rather irritated with the Milinticans.
"We agree wholeheartedly. And I am glad the two of you have had a chance to discuss the concerns about your previous reluctance to act. As I explained to Minister Pavía, we were rather concerned that you were receiving questionable advice which may have caused you to hesitate until now,” Arana said. “And we are very glad, in particular, to hear you openly deny the legitimacy of coups,” she added to Pavía.
"Are you accusing me of something, Minister?" Pavía snapped, unable to keep it under control any more. "Because it feels like you're trying to accuse me of something."
"Oh come now, it’s not like this is a shocking question, now is it? People both in your own country and worldwide have noted your fondness for the Xiomeran regime. A rather unbecoming fondness, for a political leader in a democratic state. One might even say that you seemed just as fond of Xiomera as Lauchenoiria. We know Prime Minister Alvarez is no fan of dictatorships, so where should we assume the problem lies?” Arana looked defiantly at Pavía.
"How DARE you!" Pavía shouted, drawing glances from around the room. "You dare accuse me of being some kind of Xiomeran plant? You sound like Paul Doberman, crying that there are Auroras under the bed! I have never supported dictatorship, the commonalities between myself and Empress Calhualyana are rooted in our mutual dislike for your authoritarian system - communism! Or whatever you decide to call it this week! It always ends the same. I don't support Xiomera's system of government, but I sure as hell don't support yours either!"
"We are not authoritarians, nor do we cozy up to authoritarians like you do!” Arana shouted back. “As for your dislike for communism, which isn’t even what we follow, how far would your hate for it drive you? That is certainly a question Milintica deserves an answer to. If your blind hate for our system lets you find any common ties with a tyrant, then we all have reason to be concerned!”
"My hatred for communism is because it is an authoritarian system! Why else would you have to interfere in every country going to try and force them into your system? You wouldn't need your little militias in Manauia Island and Mallacaland - don't even try to deny it - if people actually supported your ideology!
"Sandra, let's just..." Alvarez tried to interrupt, but Pavía only yelled louder.
"But they don't, so you try to force it on them!" Pavía spat. "You claim to support freedom while you want to deny economic freedom to your people and to anyone else unfortunate enough to get within your sphere of influence."
"Nonsense. We were asked by people in Mallacaland and Manauia Island to come to their aid - aid which your own citizens defied your crackdown on to join us in offering on Manauia Island because you did nothing and let Xiomera commit horrific crimes there. And you wonder why we consider you suspect?” Arana laughed with an edge of scorn. “And our people have the freedom of knowing they won’t ever be left homeless, or starving, or deprived healthcare or education regardless of what’s in their pockets. Unlike a capitalist state.”
"Ah yes, a hovel and some gruel, just what everyone's always dreamed of," Pavía sneered again. Alvarez interrupted this time.
"You've drunk too much. You're going to back to the hotel right now, Sandra," Alvarez tried to take Pavía's arm and lead her away, but Pavía stepped towards the Milinticans and let her glass of wine tilt, dropping it so it spilled on Arana.
"Oops," Pavía laughed. "Sorry, I'm so clumsy!"
Watching the discussion from a safe distance and listening in, the Xiomeran delegation had to fight really hard to keep smiles from their faces and maintain their stoic pose. Calhualyana allowed herself a smile. “If it’s not milkshakes, it’s wine. What is it with Lauchenoirians and beverages,” she murmured to herself.
Arana was by no means as amused. She began cursing Pavía in both Paora and Huenyan, her face turning redder and her volume going higher with each word. Before she could do something rash, however, the Milintican police providing their delegation security hastily ushered the Milinticans away. A set of Kerlian security prudently followed.
"Hotel. Now," hissed Alvarez to Pavía, practically dragging her in the opposite direction to where the Milinticans had gone. Pavía kept laughing, glancing behind herself and sneering at the departing Milinticans as Alvarez ushered her away.
Day One: Evening Reception
Having not had much luck with Calhualyana, Neina Arana was irritated. She took a rather long drink from her glass, and her eyes lit upon someone else she had intended to speak with. Placing her now empty glass on the table with a thonk, she took a determined stride towards Sandra Pavía. The other two Milintican officials followed eagerly, with the civilian activist trailing along far less enthusiastically.
Arana came to a sharp halt in front of her target. “Minister Pavía. Could we speak with you?”
Sandra Pavía had been lost in her thoughts and hadn't noticed the Milinticans approaching. She tensed as she spotted Arana. She'd been hoping to avoid needing to speak to the interfering little communist country. She pasted a fake smile on her face. "Of course, would you like me to get you a drink?"
"No, thank you. I do not wish to become intoxicated,” Arana replied. “I was hoping to speak with both you and Prime Minister Alvarez at some point in the evening on behalf of President Matōchmizalo. Our paths happened to cross first. My government has been concerned with Lauchenoiria’s lack of involvement in the crises our world has been facing up until very recently, and your still less than firm stance on Xiomera.”
"Well, we've been recovering from our own civil war, of course," Pavía replied, helping herself to a new glass from a passing waiter. "Our policy has been to focus on domestic recovery. Thankfully, we've now reached a point where we feel able to contribute more to the international community, hence our planned involvement in opposing the coup in Auria."
"Ah, yes. We are grateful that you have joined the efforts against the Aurian coup. We just hope that Lauchenoiria will remain in the fight, whatever that may entail. It was concerning that your government did not intervene during the Xiomeran conflict, nor in Mallacaland.” Arana sighed. “We do hope that this means Lauchenoiria will finally stand up to tyrants like this fake king in Auria and Calhualyana. After all, Milintica has been doing so all along despite our less fortunate position than yours.”
"Our military was still recovering from our own civil conflict at the time of the Xiomeran coup," Pavía pointed out, the fake smile still on her face. "We were not able to contribute. As for Mallacaland, I assure you we are watching very closely given their threats to our diplomatic staff earlier in the year."
"Yes, but watching is not the same as doing. And I would point out that some Lauchenoirians did contribute to defeat the Imperial forces. You threw their comrades in jail for it, as I recall. And again, Milintica has far less military capability than you do, and we still acted. It seems rather, hrm, convenient. This is why we are concerned. Auria’s freedom depends on people staying the course and not bowing to Xiomeran pressure.”
Pavía bristled at the accusation. "We cannot condone terrorism. Warriors of Our Earth was classified as a terrorist organisation not because of Manauia Island but because of their targeting of domestic government buildings and their encouragement to use violence to achieve their aims. And if Milinticans are willing to risk their own country's security in order to participate in foreign conflicts, that is your business. Lauchenoirians made it clear at the ballot box, however, that they are not."
Arana was not deterred. “The only reason they had to seize government buildings was because your government was not listening to them, Minister. And it’s not about risking national security to engage in international adventurism. It’s about fighting for what is right and making sure the entire world is safe, not just our tribe or our little corner of it. We’re just asking that Lauchenoiria do that for once. No nation is secure if any of us are under threat.”
"I quite agree that it is necessary to act in Auria to make sure the world is safe," Pavía replied, her fake smile slipped into a sneer. "And if WOE had wished for the government to listen to them, they could have made that known in the elections last year. That is, after all, how things work in a functional democracy where people behave in a civilised manner."
"In a truly democratic state, all voices are listened to and considered, not dismissed because they do not hold power.” Arana scowled. “And are you implying that Milintica is not a functioning and civilized democratic state?”
"Of course not, I was merely commenting on how government works in my own country," Pavía's sneer became more pronounced. "We did consider WOE's position, and even the Green Party found it unrealistic. They did not like that, so attempted to force their position on us using violence. Hence why we needed to act."
"The occupation of the government building in question hardly seemed excessively violent. But it is a common tactic to label groups one disagrees with as ‘violent terrorists’ in order to control them,” Arana mused. “But in any event, we are gratified to be able to advise the President that Lauchenoiria is finally coming around. We were concerned that some in your government were a bit friendly to the Xiomeran state and that this might be a problem under Calhualyana.” Arana smiled slightly at that last statement.
"Oh, are you the source of those rumours?" Pavía's face hardened into a scowl. "I want to make it very clear that my loyalties lie with Lauchenoiria, and the people whispering falsehoods about me in Alvarez's ears are playing a dangerous game, if they think they can attempt to influence Lauchenoiria with slander."
"We are never the source of rumors. However, we certainly heard those rumors. We are pleased to hear you state so strongly that this is not the case. We had wondered why Prime Minister Alvarez was so reluctant to act and had concluded that perhaps she was getting…..bad advice.” Arana smiled a bit more tightly.
Pavía turned red and glared at the Milintican. "I already informed you of why we have been avoiding conflicts in recent years. But I understand that you can't take my word for it, after all you probably would prefer to hear someone more in keeping with your ideology, like, say, some of the people in Sanctarian prisons for war crimes committed under Chaher in our war."
"We had no connection to Chaher or his people, but I understand that people such as yourself lump socialists and communists together all the time. A lack of ideological understanding. We do not, however, allow emotions or ideology to blind us to what must be done, or to facts. If my words are upsetting you, Minister, perhaps the truth hurts.” Arana had stopped smiling at this point.
Pavía opened her mouth, showing her teeth, and it was at that point that Alvarez rushed over from her conversation with Yauhmi to interrupt her Foreign Secretary before she could say something she'd regret. "Good evening, Sandra, good evening Minister... Arana, is it? Such a lovely reception, this, hm?"
"It has been quite entertaining, Prime Minister,” Arana replied, smiling slightly once more. “The Minister and I were just discussing Lauchenoirian inaction up to this point in the crises of the world. I was happy to hear that Lauchenoiria plans to remain steadfast concerning the Aurian situation. We had some....concerns about that.” Arana glanced at Pavía at that last remark, before turning back to Alvarez.
"Of course, we can't allow these copycat coup plotters to inspire any more would-be tyrants into seizing power," Alvarez replied, sighing a little. "We should not have remained neutral in the Xiomeran conflict, that was a mistake on our part, but we were focused on rebuilding after our own war. Ah well, what's done is done."
"Indeed. I doubt the Xiomerans who had to deal with that are quite so casual on the subject, but that is water under the bridge now.” Arana asked a passing server for a glass of water. “Minister Pavía was just assuring me of her loyalty and devotion to the same purpose we share of preventing coups. I am sure you will be gratified to hear that. As we had mentioned to her, there was some concern on the subject.”
Alvarez flinched at what she viewed as an accusation. She already felt bad about those who had suffered in Xiomera. "Minister Pavía and I have discussed at length the concerns some have had regarding our stance on Xiomera, and I am confident we are now on the same page."
"Yes, we cannot allow the normalisation of coups, something which challenges the rule of law at an international level and opens the door to chaos," Pavía added, still rather irritated with the Milinticans.
"We agree wholeheartedly. And I am glad the two of you have had a chance to discuss the concerns about your previous reluctance to act. As I explained to Minister Pavía, we were rather concerned that you were receiving questionable advice which may have caused you to hesitate until now,” Arana said. “And we are very glad, in particular, to hear you openly deny the legitimacy of coups,” she added to Pavía.
"Are you accusing me of something, Minister?" Pavía snapped, unable to keep it under control any more. "Because it feels like you're trying to accuse me of something."
"Oh come now, it’s not like this is a shocking question, now is it? People both in your own country and worldwide have noted your fondness for the Xiomeran regime. A rather unbecoming fondness, for a political leader in a democratic state. One might even say that you seemed just as fond of Xiomera as Lauchenoiria. We know Prime Minister Alvarez is no fan of dictatorships, so where should we assume the problem lies?” Arana looked defiantly at Pavía.
"How DARE you!" Pavía shouted, drawing glances from around the room. "You dare accuse me of being some kind of Xiomeran plant? You sound like Paul Doberman, crying that there are Auroras under the bed! I have never supported dictatorship, the commonalities between myself and Empress Calhualyana are rooted in our mutual dislike for your authoritarian system - communism! Or whatever you decide to call it this week! It always ends the same. I don't support Xiomera's system of government, but I sure as hell don't support yours either!"
"We are not authoritarians, nor do we cozy up to authoritarians like you do!” Arana shouted back. “As for your dislike for communism, which isn’t even what we follow, how far would your hate for it drive you? That is certainly a question Milintica deserves an answer to. If your blind hate for our system lets you find any common ties with a tyrant, then we all have reason to be concerned!”
"My hatred for communism is because it is an authoritarian system! Why else would you have to interfere in every country going to try and force them into your system? You wouldn't need your little militias in Manauia Island and Mallacaland - don't even try to deny it - if people actually supported your ideology!
"Sandra, let's just..." Alvarez tried to interrupt, but Pavía only yelled louder.
"But they don't, so you try to force it on them!" Pavía spat. "You claim to support freedom while you want to deny economic freedom to your people and to anyone else unfortunate enough to get within your sphere of influence."
"Nonsense. We were asked by people in Mallacaland and Manauia Island to come to their aid - aid which your own citizens defied your crackdown on to join us in offering on Manauia Island because you did nothing and let Xiomera commit horrific crimes there. And you wonder why we consider you suspect?” Arana laughed with an edge of scorn. “And our people have the freedom of knowing they won’t ever be left homeless, or starving, or deprived healthcare or education regardless of what’s in their pockets. Unlike a capitalist state.”
"Ah yes, a hovel and some gruel, just what everyone's always dreamed of," Pavía sneered again. Alvarez interrupted this time.
"You've drunk too much. You're going to back to the hotel right now, Sandra," Alvarez tried to take Pavía's arm and lead her away, but Pavía stepped towards the Milinticans and let her glass of wine tilt, dropping it so it spilled on Arana.
"Oops," Pavía laughed. "Sorry, I'm so clumsy!"
Watching the discussion from a safe distance and listening in, the Xiomeran delegation had to fight really hard to keep smiles from their faces and maintain their stoic pose. Calhualyana allowed herself a smile. “If it’s not milkshakes, it’s wine. What is it with Lauchenoirians and beverages,” she murmured to herself.
Arana was by no means as amused. She began cursing Pavía in both Paora and Huenyan, her face turning redder and her volume going higher with each word. Before she could do something rash, however, the Milintican police providing their delegation security hastily ushered the Milinticans away. A set of Kerlian security prudently followed.
"Hotel. Now," hissed Alvarez to Pavía, practically dragging her in the opposite direction to where the Milinticans had gone. Pavía kept laughing, glancing behind herself and sneering at the departing Milinticans as Alvarez ushered her away.
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