04-29-2023, 06:30 AM
(written with input from Sanctaria)
Sanctarian Embassy, Tlālacuetztla
In the grand lobby of the Sanctarian embassy, Denise Adams found herself waiting. Again. The Xiomerans were half an hour late. She sighed to herself at the tedious games that her counterparts in the Imperial Ministry of State insisted on playing. The Caxcanans may be impressed with you lot, but I’m not. Childish games, she thought to herself as she prepared mentally for the meeting.
Finally, the doors to the lobby swung open and her guests were escorted inside. Toquauhtli, the Minister of State, marched in with the three climate activists Xiomera had detained in tow. Flanking them were several men and women in black suits. They were ostensibly the Minister’s protective detail from Imperial Security, but were probably Imperial Intelligence in truth. Adams allowed herself a cold smile as the group of Xiomerans arrived.
“Good morning, madam ambassador,” Toquauhtli said. “I apologize for the late arrival, but business of the state delayed us.” The expression on the Minister’s face did not match the apologetic nature of his words.
“Not a problem, Minister,” Adams replied smoothly. “I’ve grown rather used to it, since all the clocks and watches in Xiomera always seem to run a bit late. It’s funny, we don’t have that problem in Sanctaria, our timepieces always keep the correct time.”
Toquauhtli’s own smile grew a bit tighter at the jab. It was a clever insult both to the habit of arriving late as an intimidation tactic and at the quality of Xiomeran technology, a sure way to offend any Xiomeran. But it was too subtle for Toquauhtli to call her out on it. Instead, the Minister stepped aside to allow the three activists behind him to step forward. “Our prisoners, as promised.”
Adams looked the Lauchenoirians over. While there were no signs of physical abuse, it was also clear that the Xiomerans had not gone out of their way to be kind or even humane to their detainees. All three of them clearly needed a shower, and looked as if they could also use a long rest in a decent bed. The smile on the ambassador’s face grew colder. “I am sure they will be happy now that they will experience our hospitality, and then return home.” The tone of the ambassador’s voice made it clear what she thought of Xiomeran “hospitality”.
Toquauhtli laughed. “We don’t go out of our way to be hospitable to foreign criminals; we want them to return home and not ever come back once their sentences are done, after all.”
Adams eyed the Minister. “Nevertheless, I am sure there will not be any issue with how you may treat Sanctarian citizens, should they experience a legal issue in your country.”
The Minister smiled without warmth. “I would assume that your citizens would be smart enough not to break our laws, and your government wise enough to advise them to that effect, so that it need never be an issue. In any event, these individuals are your concern now. We look forward to the arrival of the individuals they are being exchanged for.” Toquauhtli made a bow to the ambassador that was only slightly sarcastic in demeanor, before exiting with his entourage. Adams was already turning away, clearly putting the pompous Xiomeran diplomat out of her mind. She quickly issued orders for the three activists to be taken into Sanctarian custody.
Sanctarian Embassy, Tlālacuetztla
In the grand lobby of the Sanctarian embassy, Denise Adams found herself waiting. Again. The Xiomerans were half an hour late. She sighed to herself at the tedious games that her counterparts in the Imperial Ministry of State insisted on playing. The Caxcanans may be impressed with you lot, but I’m not. Childish games, she thought to herself as she prepared mentally for the meeting.
Finally, the doors to the lobby swung open and her guests were escorted inside. Toquauhtli, the Minister of State, marched in with the three climate activists Xiomera had detained in tow. Flanking them were several men and women in black suits. They were ostensibly the Minister’s protective detail from Imperial Security, but were probably Imperial Intelligence in truth. Adams allowed herself a cold smile as the group of Xiomerans arrived.
“Good morning, madam ambassador,” Toquauhtli said. “I apologize for the late arrival, but business of the state delayed us.” The expression on the Minister’s face did not match the apologetic nature of his words.
“Not a problem, Minister,” Adams replied smoothly. “I’ve grown rather used to it, since all the clocks and watches in Xiomera always seem to run a bit late. It’s funny, we don’t have that problem in Sanctaria, our timepieces always keep the correct time.”
Toquauhtli’s own smile grew a bit tighter at the jab. It was a clever insult both to the habit of arriving late as an intimidation tactic and at the quality of Xiomeran technology, a sure way to offend any Xiomeran. But it was too subtle for Toquauhtli to call her out on it. Instead, the Minister stepped aside to allow the three activists behind him to step forward. “Our prisoners, as promised.”
Adams looked the Lauchenoirians over. While there were no signs of physical abuse, it was also clear that the Xiomerans had not gone out of their way to be kind or even humane to their detainees. All three of them clearly needed a shower, and looked as if they could also use a long rest in a decent bed. The smile on the ambassador’s face grew colder. “I am sure they will be happy now that they will experience our hospitality, and then return home.” The tone of the ambassador’s voice made it clear what she thought of Xiomeran “hospitality”.
Toquauhtli laughed. “We don’t go out of our way to be hospitable to foreign criminals; we want them to return home and not ever come back once their sentences are done, after all.”
Adams eyed the Minister. “Nevertheless, I am sure there will not be any issue with how you may treat Sanctarian citizens, should they experience a legal issue in your country.”
The Minister smiled without warmth. “I would assume that your citizens would be smart enough not to break our laws, and your government wise enough to advise them to that effect, so that it need never be an issue. In any event, these individuals are your concern now. We look forward to the arrival of the individuals they are being exchanged for.” Toquauhtli made a bow to the ambassador that was only slightly sarcastic in demeanor, before exiting with his entourage. Adams was already turning away, clearly putting the pompous Xiomeran diplomat out of her mind. She quickly issued orders for the three activists to be taken into Sanctarian custody.
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