[Lauchenoiria]

Written with Xiomera

President Arnott was relieved to have an excuse to get away from the other Councillors when she was informed that Empress Calhualyana wished to speak with her. She immediately went straight to her office, had her secretary patch through the call, and picked up the phone.

"Empress, what a pleasant surprise. I hope things in Xiomera are well," she began.

"They are wonderful, but thank you for asking. I would ask how things are going with Kerlile, but I know you are going through a bit of a crisis at the moment with the Acadians." Calhualyana made a noise of sympathy. "Xiomera still views Kerlile fondly, and we would like to help if we can."

"We would be grateful," Arnott replied. "They are massing troops at our border, and we fear retaliation for our failed test. It is well-known that our neighbours are no fans of our existence." She did not mention how her own Councillors had sent troops to the border first.

Calhualyana didn't need Arnott to tell her that; Xiomeran surveillance had precisely tracked each nation's troop movements. Instead, Calhualyana went with the story Arnott was spinning. "Xiomera can certainly relate to having difficult neighbors," she said.

"Xiomera is willing to provide missile technology and equipment to Kerlile, along with advisors to help you implement it all. This would ensure less likelihood of accidents such as the one that started this whole crisis. It would also give you the means to protect yourself in the future, should certain neighbors prove to be hostile." Calhualyana tapped her pen in thought as she spoke. "Xiomera can also provide you equipment to bolster your military stockpile. I believe we have done that in the past, but more is always better," the Empress added with a laugh.

Yes please, Arnott thought to herself immediately. One of the only things both factions of the Council of Kerlile agreed on was the need for better defence technology. Arnott was a reformist, not a revolutionary. She did support the continued existence of Kerlile, and she believed there were many threats to such a thing. She couldn't sound too eager, though.

"We would appreciate that, your majesty. Xiomeran technology is remarkable," she replied, going for flattery. It was also stating the obvious. "This would ensure that our neighbours think twice before attacking us. Not just the Acadians, but the Lauchenoirians too. A fair number of them want vengeance for their civil war and have chosen to blame us for it."

"It is typical of Lauchenoirians to blame others for their shortcomings," Calhualyana said sympathetically. "Acadia and Lauchenoiria are no friends to Xiomera. If I can help Kerlile and block them at the same time, this is a double win for Xiomera, as I see it. Kerlile has always been a nation very similar to Xiomera in many ways, it is only natural that we support each other. So, I shall send my first team of advisors to Kerlile tomorrow, with your permission. They will bring a trial run of equipment from our stockpiles, to lay the foundation for missile defense and for improving your forward operating bases. From there, we will begin supply runs regularly to beef up your defenses. It is fortunate that we have been in a fairly constant state of production since the Aurian crisis began and have not allowed our stockpiles to become depleted."

"We would be happy to receive your advisors tomorrow," Arnott said. "And we are very grateful for the assistance and support. This is a difficult time in Kerlile."

"Difficult times cannot break strong people. Kerlile will get through this, I am confident. If there is anything else Xiomera can do to help, feel free to contact me. It is my hope that once this crisis is over, Xiomera and Kerlile will be able to renew our historic ties of friendship."

"Thank you," Arnott said. "We do appreciate everything Xiomera has done for us in the past and present." It was just a little awkward, she thought privately, that Huenya had also done a fair bit.

"I am so glad to hear that. Our advance team will arrive tomorrow in Grapevale, then. If their performance is in any way substandard, do let me know. Otherwise, we will speak again soon. Thank you for taking my call, madam President."

"Thank you for calling, Empress," Arnott said. Once the call ended she exhaled slowly in a mix of relief and apprehension. Relief because Kerlile certainly needed better defences. Apprehension because closer ties with Xiomera would undoubtedly benefit her opposition. Still, that risk was better than getting invaded. And Xiomera was a very helpful ally for Kerlile to have.