[Democratic Republic Of Eiria]

Grapevale, Kerlile

Lōra Vanaka slowly stepped down off of the plane's jetway, a pair of Solar Guards at her side. Her posse was eyed suspiciously by security and gate agents alike as they escorted her through Grapevale's airport. She shrugged it off, hiding her nerves behind a solid expression. Despite Kerlile being apprehensive at best to cooperation with Eiria, Vanaka was determined.

This was what she was best at, after all. Her colleagues at the Ministry of Diplomacy had nicknamed her "Zōbe Dern" ("Final Blade"), in reference to the type of light dagger that Eirian soldiers and spies would carry as a last resort. Her quick thinking and brutally realistic analysis had set her apart from many other young prodigies in the Ministry, and she had garnered a reputation for getting her colleagues out of tough spots. As such, it only made sense that she was the delegate chosen by Stendē and Alice Lancaster to make one  last-ditch effort at relations with Kerlile.

A set of Kerlian guards guided her and her security detail to a small line of cars with tinted windows, which she hesitantly climbed into. As she watched the major buildings of the Kerlian capital pass around her, her mind was plagued with concern. Is this pointless? Is this something that no one can pull off?

Upon arriving at the Council building, Vanaka and her guards were ushered into a waiting area. Every second felt like an eternity as she waited for her Kerlian hosts to grant her an audience.

The Council had been discussing the matter of the rogue Aurora Zichitla, who they expected was behind the disappearance of their small taskforce at Xomaxtli Hill, when a messenger arrived to inform them that the Eirian was here. Councillor Chiu quickly ordered all paper documentation stored securely and hidden from sight, to be replaced by copies of the edited agenda that they published online.

"And put away your homework, Rosemary," Chiu ordered the youngest Councillor, who had returned to a part-time course at university and who kept attempting to write essays in the middle of Council sessions. The young Arnott Councillor grumbled, but did indeed slip her university laptop into her bag and replace it with her work tablet, on which she brought up a blank document for note-taking.

After checking everything classified was hidden, and the gathered Councillors looked presentable, they gave the order for the Eirian representative to be allowed entry. They all turned to the door and waited expectantly.

Vanaka entered, making note of each assembled Councillor and their expressions. "Good afternoon, Councillors. I appreciate that you made time in your doubtlessly busy schedules to meet with me." She coughed into her arm, clearing her throat. "I have been sent here at the behest of Chancellor Stendē in order to see if something can still be done about relations between our nations."

"Please, take a seat," Councillor Chiu gestured to a guest chair that had been hastily added to the end of the table. It would be an intimidating position to sit in, with the others in a horseshoe facing it. This wasn't entirely done on purpose - the Chamber had not been designed for guests to attend meetings. The last few years, though, protocol had somewhat gone out the window.

The gathered Councillors had a variety of expressions. Arnott, Hart and Viallamando all looked fairly neutral, though the former of the trio had clear boredom behind her eyes already. Letitia Greenwood and Nirmala Patel had their eyes narrowed as if expecting a trap. Chiu herself was maintaining a polite poker face, while Georgiou looked welcoming and eager to hear what Vanaka had to say. However, Pierre was glaring at the Eirian with barely disguised malice.

"Thank you very much." To her credit, Vanaka remained stoic under the fierce gaze of Pierre and the watch of the other Council members. "If I may, before we begin, I must make something known. I have always thought of myself as more of an analyst than a diplomat, and a pragmatic analyst at that. I'm not here to..." She mentally searched through her list of English expressions. "...pay you lip service, as I believe is the phrase. I do not believe that it will be mindless flattery that will heal the divide between our nations. And while it may not be conventional diplomacy, I will try to be as honest and open as I can, and I hope that you all can give me the same courtesy."

Rosemary Arnott perked up at that, a mischievous grin slowly creeping across her face. "Of course," the young Arnott replied before any of the others could get a word in. "I assure you, if any of my colleagues use, say, any local expressions you don't understand, let me know and I'll be happy to translate them."

The other Councillors all suppressed the urge to glare at Rosemary. In a room of liars, promising honesty was the perfect form of rebellion. But they had to present a united front, so none of them could say a word.

"I appreciate that, Councillor." Vanaka sat forward in her chair. "All things considered, on our end, most factors are in favor of rebuilding a diplomatic connection. We have been thrilled to see the progress made in Kerlile, and in these turbulent times, we'd much rather have as many friends or acquaintances as we can get. However, there is one pressing issue, I'm afraid, and I trust you know what it is."

"Your... ow!" Pierre began, but was silenced by something unseen under the table, but judging by where Pauline glared, done by Patel.

"Xiomera," Chiu said calmly. "The reason you broke off relations in the first place. For, after all, that was your choice. We are, of course, open to dialogue - but not to blackmail. If your intention here is to threaten us if we do not break our relationship with Xiomera, you will fail."

"You did ask for honesty," Pierre smirked, pleased with Chiu's response.

"Of course. And please believe me, it is not my intention to blackmail or threaten you. What Calhualyana put into action is likely going to affect Kerlile regardless if Eiria interferes. After all, once evidence of Xiomera's support for the Golden Blade is exposed, the Acadians certainly won't stand idly by, and we don't want to see Kerlile caught in the crossfire."

The Eirian looked towards Chiu and Pierre. "And so, we are willing to help you, as a show of good faith. We can provide assistance in disentangling yourself from Xiomera, or helping mitigate Acadian fury. We do not expect trust or loyalty, as those things were in short supply even when we had embassies. All we request is respect and neutrality."

"If Councillor Hale was here, she would say that evidence of such was already exposed," Rosemary Arnott shrugged, to a glare from several of the others. "Hey, don't look at me, I'm just the messenger. The Lauchenoirians claimed to have proof ages ago; and we promised honesty."

"Disentanglement implies we are 'tangled' in the first place," Pierre snapped, narrowing her eyes. "We chose to work with Xiomera; they did not colonise us, or entrap us, and they do not control us. And if you wish for us to respect you, you can start by respecting us and our families."

"Enough, both of you," Chiu sighed wearily. Goddess, could they not present a united front for once, for longer than ten seconds!? The elderly Councillor shook her head a few times and then turned back to their Eirian guest. "We are not involved in the conflict between Xiomera and Huenya. We maintain diplomatic relations with both parties."

"While that may be true, that is not what I am referring to." Vanaka gave Pierre a slight side-eye before continuing. "I'm afraid that the currently operational Xiomeran military base will likely be considered 'entanglement' or other terms not conducive to neutrality. And I am well aware that said base was not forced upon you, however that is not as relevant to the conversation. You may claim neutrality or non-involvement, but the military base on your soil may appear externally like support, or at very least, collusion. And, correct me if I'm wrong, but I doubt that that's what you all want to be perceived."

"How curious," Councillor Patel piped up. "By that logic, Sanctaria is also entangled, with their military base in Huenya. But Xiomera would not be foolish enough to attack them. Should the allies of Huenya attack us for the mere leasing of land to another nation, that would be a dramatic departure from the present established order. Do you dispute the existence of Sanctaria's neutrality also?"

Vanaka was quick on her toes, thinking up a reply in seconds. "I believe that the situation with Xiomera and Huenya is quickly becoming one of hypotheticals and deterrence, in which leaders with the luxury of neutrality are beginning to hint at where they would show their support, should a full-scale war arise. Eiria, unfortunately, has never had the luxury of neutrality, which is exactly why we want to help extend it to you, before it is too late." The Eirian resisted the urge to smirk. "And, although I don't want to be persistent, the lack of reply to the final of my previous points suggests that I am not the first to cast doubt on the actions of Xiomera to this Council."

"We do not wish to be involved in, or perceived to be involved in, any conflict," Chiu confirmed."However, the world will believe what it will about us, regardless of truth. That we have learned, time and time again. We have little control over what the patria... the wider world believes."

"Let's hear her out," Rosemary Arnott piped up. "I'm texting Mother, she ought to be here. You know she was never in favour of the Xio..."

"Silence, child!" Patel snapped, before Rosemary could finish. "Would you like to tell the Eirian every single personal piece of information about your family!?"

"Maybe," Arnott retorted, grinning. "Shall I tell her how the missile crisis actually escalated?"

"Goddess," Hart growled, "save us from the stupidity of youth."

"Enough, all of you!" Chiu hissed. "Our apologies, Madame Vanaka. Several of my colleagues had a drinks reception this morning with some very strong champagne. Perhaps we ought to have a recess to allow them to compose themselves, and for us to contact President Arnott."

"Of course. I would love to have another meeting with President Arnott involved, if possible." An idea sprang to Vanaka's mind, and her eyes had a wicked glint. "My apologies, I just realized that I am being quite rude right now! I have gone on and on about the circumstances of our offer without even considering asking you all. So, before we adjourn, may I ask what Kerlile would require in order to begin normalizing relations?" The diplomat glanced around the horseshoe-shaped table. "I would like to hear a variety of perspectives on this. And while President Arnott may not be here, I'm sure that Councillor Arnott-" She nodded at Rosemary. "-would be more than able to give at least a basic overview of her mother's position."

Rosemary smiled nervously, wishing she'd paid more attention in the family strategy meetings. Her teasing of the Patels aside, she did not truly want to put her foot in it, she just got carried away sometimes. She looked to Chiu for guidance.

"Well, I suppose we can give you a brief summary of our positions," Chiu said, her smile not meeting her eyes. "Councillors, do go ahead."

"You can start by giving me my daughter back," Pierre chimed in, still scowling.

"Actually, this is a fantastic opportunity," Georgiou said eagerly. "Okay, so with the Xiomeran military base we are in something of a bind, you understand. Any attempt to remove the base from Kerlile would likely provoke a war we cannot win, and to be blunt we do not want to fight it even if we could. But if you're offering us the opportunity to expand our trade and normalise relations with a number of democratic states then we would totally..."

"Nothing you can offer us would prevent what Georgiou just said," Patel interrupted, speaking loudly but calmly. "We do not want a war on Kerlian soil. You will not give us anything with a Xiomeran base here. Therefore we are at an impasse."

"You are presuming that Xiomera is in any sort of position to invade Kerlile at the moment. It would be a logistical nightmare, and Calhualyana will already have enough controversy thrown at her by LIDUN. I doubt she would invade a nation that leaned neutral, especially if you seek to maintain trade and diplomacy with them." Vanaga sat more rigidly upright. "Xiomera is attempting to do so many things at once, military-wise. While the UCS and many of our allies are stretched thin, so are the Xiomerans. Attempting a land war in Hesperida would leave them too vulnerable, in my opinion, and Calhualyana would realize this."

"But you cannot give us a guarantee that they will not," Letitia Greenwood pointed out. "Only probabilities. Assuming that we even want to abandon Xiomera. I will grant you that certain of our number are rather keen on courting you and your fellow liberal democracies, but do not presume that we are all so keen on acquiescing to a system of government invented by males."

"Speaking of democracy, with Hale in Lauchenoiria, there are eight of us present," Pierre informed Vanaka. "Suppose we vote on your proposal here, to tell the Xiomerans to leave in exchange for vague promises of security and trade. Nothing you say will sway the votes of three of our number. You need five. Say you get the other four. You still need me. And I will not believe a word you say if you do not give me my daughter back."

"As for your comments on democracy, Councillor Greenwood, I would like to point out that Eiria's system of democracy was pioneered by both men and women. And I admit that in the past, we have been too eager to demand reform from this council. Given our recent history, we still have some, shall we say, political trauma surrounding backsliding and stricter governance. I will grant that must learn that our system of democracy may not work for Kerlile, especially at the moment."

The Eirian turned her gaze towards Pierre, donning a sympathetic expression. "As for the matter of your daughter, Councillor, I'm afraid it's not as simple as 'giving her back.' According to the briefing I was given on the situation, due to Camille's stay in Kerlian 'Alternate Education' programs, she qualifies for what's called an Ozolina visa. Essentially, she has a better claim to asylum than the Robinsons do. Repatriation of an Ozo Visa recipient is highly illegal, so the only way that Camille may return to Kerlile is through her own volition."

"However, all is not lost. I may be able to arrange a meeting for you with your daughter, one on one. And then, a meeting with Natasha Robinson. We can help lay the groundwork, but in the end, it would be your daughter's choice. My apologies that we could not assist more, but that would be the best that we can do under these circumstances."

Pauline Pierre turned to glare daggers at Patel, who she blamed for the entire Alt-Ed debacle. It took a lot of her inner strength to prevent herself from making some ill-advised comment about the Patels, as Rosemary had seemed so intent on doing. Instead, Pierre turned back to the Eirian visitor.

"I have been informaed that I am not welcome in your country - nor are two of my daughters. And my last daughter, as you may have heard, is presently in the hospital after someone attempted to burn down our Archive. I would be willing to have a meeting, but how do you intend to arrange this?"

Chiu was relieved that Pierre seemed to be engaging in at least somewhat good faith. It was better than they'd been doing for most of the meeting, and if they focused on Camille for a while then it gave her and the others some time to consider the Xiomeran matter in more detail.

"In my opinion, to avoid jurisdictional and legal nightmares, secure digital meetings would probably be best. My condolences and best wishes to Madame Olivia, and my sincerest apologies for the trespassing scenario. Legally, the hands of EICA were tied by Carmen Robinson, but I admit that there were ways in which it may have been handled better. It was very bad timing all around, I'm afraid. Nevertheless, would you be open to digital meetings, at least to start?"

"I distrust the security of most such platforms," Pierre said, "but I am open to this as a beginning. Thank you for your apology; I do understand that Carmen is somewhat... easily alarmed, these days. I do not entirely blame her after what happened in Zongongia to poor Natasha."

"Exactly." Vanaka subconsciously glanced behind her. "If we are speaking off of the record, many of us at the Ministry of Diplomacy were both stunned and a little startled at the situation, from the asylum to the extradition requests. It appalls me."

"If we are speaking off the record," Chiu added, "it appalled us too. Regardless of what happened between this Council and the Robinsons in the past, we would not wish what happened to Natasha on anyone, not even our worst enemies. Indeed... no, perhaps I should not say. But do keep your eyes on the news in a few days' time."

"Mother says she's on her way," Rosemary piped up, tapping on her phone and not looking up.

"Noted. I will search the headlines, then." After nodding at Chiu, Vanaka turned her attention to Rosemary. "Thank you for the update, Councillor Arnott. I do appreciate that this discussion could take place in good faith. I may be optimistic, but it seems like a good sign." She paused, waiting for any Councillor's reply.

A quiet had fallen over the room as several Councillors turned away to look at phones, or take notes. Greenwood and Patel were whispering to each other, eyeing Vanaka distrustfully. A couple got up and left the room, seeming to take the quiet as a sign that the aforementioned recess had been re-added to the agenda. Georgiou got up and took Viallamando's vacated seat, closest to Vanaka.

"So," she said quietly, so that only the Eirian - and possibly Rosemary, though the young Councillor was now playing a game on her phone - could hear. "Pierre was not lying when she said it will be very difficult for you to convince the others. If it was up to me, I'd take your offer in a heartbeat, but most of the others will either be actively opposed... or too frightened to try."

"I understand. And I do appreciate your support." Vanaka looked back at the whispering councillors before continuing. "It'll be a long journey towards restoring relations, if it's even possible. But if it is possible, even if it is difficult, we would be foolish not to try our hardest."

"I agree, but you have to understand..." Georgiou began.

"You're in my seat," Viallamando pointed out upon her return. "Move."

Georgiou gave Vanaka a brief smile before standing up and moving back to her own assigned place around the table. Viallamando herself turned instead and studied the Eirian openly, looking her up and down. "Tell me," she asked. "What do you think of the Lauchenoirians?"

Vanaka remained stoic as the Kerlian examined her. "Well, what exactly do you want to know about my thoughts on Lauchenoirians? What I think of their recent history, their current government, certain politicians in particular? I'm not sure I understand what you want to know, I'm afraid."

"My ancestors, prior to the formation of Kerlile, were Aelurians. During the foundation of the Lauchenoirian state, most of my great-grandmother's family was killed," Viallamando revealed, watching Vanaka for a reaction.

The Eirian analyst tilted her head slightly as she spoke. "I'm sorry to hear that. And I am fully capable of criticizing other nations about their historical actions, including Lauchenoiria. If I may ask, Councillor, respectfully, what point are you trying to make? What would you like to know?"

"I'm not sure," Viallamando said truthfully. She did not know what had compelled her to ask the question. "I just wondered."

At that moment, President Arnott arrived and the Councillors quickly took their own seats once more. Rebecca Arnott turned to the Eirian. "My sincere apologies, I was in another meeting. Welcome to Kerlile."

"No worries at all, Madam President. Thank you for meeting with me." Vanaka said, her tone a touch more friendly than it had been with the rest of the Council. "Let's see where we left off... Ah, yes. A few Councillors were telling me what they would need from Eiria in order to begin to normalize relations."

"Yes, my daughter says there has been quite the discussion," the President replied, sharply glancing at the Councillors. "To answer your question, however, first I would have to know exactly what you are asking us to do here. We would be willing to resume normal diplomatic relations tomorrow; but I believe it is Eiria who has conditions over such?"

"It's true that we do have a condition, but given the current geopolitical situation, in my opinion, it would've been beneficial for you to consider it regardless." Vanaka nodded to Pierre. "And, as I understand it, members of the Council do have some conditions for Eiria. So, I just wanted to put all the cards on the table, so to speak."

"Your one condition being the Xiomeran military base," Rebecca Arnott said, more of a confirmation than a question.

"Of course. That is truly the one circumstance that we cannot justify, for obvious reasons" She quipped. "Now, I must ask if you think your initial reasons to have a Xiomeran base on your soil are justified now and can be justified in the future, given the flagrant actions of Xiomera's Empress."

President Arnott sighed and began tapping her fingers on the table slightly. Several Councillors shifted awkwardly in their seats. A silence fell for a few moments, before the President spoke again. "I do not know what you think our reasons are or were, but I do think that you and your superiors in Eiria lack a full understanding of our position here."

"On the contrary, I believe that I understand the situation better than you would expect, hence why I am able to suggest these... bolder actions." Vanaka examined the expressions of the President and the Councillor on either side of her. "I know that the future will be rough, but I implore you to think of the alternative. Should the current situation in Huenya escalate to all-out war, and should other democratic nations intervene, you will have to deal with the implication of having a primary target on your soil."

She donned a more sympathetic expression. "You all know better than anyone that the leaders of the world rarely give Kerlile the benefit of doubt. When the angel of justice comes for Calhualyana because of her actions, you will be caught in the crossfire if you don't act now."

"I understand that you fear Xiomeran retaliation, but I say, in no uncertain terms, that Calhualyana is not in a position to fight a war on another continent. Not as she's interfering more in Huenya. Besides, she will already face so much backlash for her actions in Auria and Huenya. Attacking a nation that is not even in Caxcana would trigger too much international hatred. After all, Sanctarian politicians are already talking about removing their constitutional neutrality clause. Calhualyana would not invade Kerlile for removing their military base. She's smart enough to know that the base isn't her biggest problem."

"This is not about fearing Xiomeran retaliation," President Arnott replied, sighing. At least, not entirely, she thought but did not voice. "As you say, the world rarely gives Kerlile the benefit of the doubt. Indeed, the world rarely gives Kerlile space to breathe. Do you truly believe that the threats to Kerlile, that led us to invite the Xiomerans to build a base to assist us with our defence, have abated? Do you truly believe that nobody would consider taking advantage were we to close their base?"

"If I may ask, where exactly are your concerns? If you don't fear Xiomeran retaliation, who do you fear will attack you?" Vanaka asked, head tilted.

Arnott stared for a few seconds, as if trying to ascertain if the Eirian was being serious. "Who do we fear? Everyone, of course! There are any number of nations who could choose to attack us. Members of the Lauchenoirian Parliament regularly call for such a measure. The mad King of Zargothrax is not known for his friendliness towards women - and he declared war on another country for bizarre reasons merely two months ago. Numerous countries discussed 'intervention' during the Aurora affair. Do you truly not understand what we fear? We fear the world, Madame Vanaka. Because the world has given us reason to."

"With all due respect, I don't believe the situation is as bad as you think. Lauchenoiria couldn't even intervene in Huenya right now if they wanted to, especially not this close to election season. So, an invasion is out of the question for them. Given that the Thraxian war that you were referring to was fought with animals, I doubt that you have as big of a problem there, unless you have allergies. The relationship that is most at risk currently, in my view, is Greater Acadia, specifically because of the Xiomeran base on your soil."

Vanaka carefully examined the expressions of each Councillor. "I don't mean to diminish Kerlile's issues, please don't misunderstand. But I don't believe that the situation is as bad as you think. At least, not bad enough to make a detachment from Xiomera impossible."

"In the hypothetical scenario where we do as you ask, and then we are attacked, would you come to our aid? What if it was one of your democratic allies attacking us? Could you guarantee our safety?" Councillor Nirmala Patel piped up. "For I do not think you can, as that would open you to criticism from your domestic population and may well lose your current government an election. Indeed, when you next have an election and the government changes, can you honestly tell us that any guarantees would stick?"

"Regardless of the PR implications, you can trust that Eiria would intervene." Vanaka sighed. "While it is true that many Eirians are tired of war, we are also a pragmatic people. A Xiomeran foothold in Hesperida poses a gigantic risk for both us and our allies, and the Chancellor is willing to do whatever it takes to prevent any sort of Xiomeran advantage. Besides, I believe that an Eirian intervention would sufficiently prevent any sort of invasion by our democratic allies, even if they were to attack, which I highly doubt." The Eirian stared down Councillor Patel. "If I may be honest, Councillor, you seem to underestimate how much we are willing to do to level the playing field between us and Xiomera."

"Well," President Arnott said before Patel could reply. "You have certainly given us something to think about and discuss. Please, feel free to remain in Grapevale for a few days. We will need to discuss this in private, I'm sure you understand."

"Of course, Your Excellency. I appreciate that you all were kind enough to listen to me. I hope we can mend this divide, for the sake of both of our nations." As Vanaka stood, she gave a slight bow to both sides of the table. "And if you have any questions, requests, or new terms to propose, I will be happy to hear them. Thank you for your hospitality."

The Council watched as President Arnott escorted Vanaka out of the room. Once the door had clicked closed behind the pair, the Councillors looked at each other, and then all at once began to talk over each other, as usual.