[Lauchenoiria]

International Women’s Congress
Kerlile 2021

The following content is what attendees to the IWC would have been handed in a booklet upon entry.

Welcome

I warmly welcome all attendees to the 65th International Women’s Congress here in Grapevale, the capital of Kerlile. It has been many years since the IWC has returned home to the land where it was first held, and we in Kerlile are honoured to be the hosts for this year’s conference. This introductory booklet will provide the agenda for the event, handy information for tourists in Grapevale and a map of the venue. Thank you all for coming, and here’s to a productive and enjoyable conference!

Rebecca Arnott
President of Kerlile

Agenda – Plenary

DAY ONE

Session One (10:45am – noon): Welcome & Introductions
Session Two (1pm -5pm) : Women in Politics: Q&A with female world leaders
Session Three (6pm+): Evening Drinks Reception

DAY TWO

Session Four (9am – 11am): Reproductive Justice: Reframing the Abortion Debate
Session Five (1pm – 3pm): Women and Religion
Session Six (4pm – 6pm): An Equal Start: Improving Girls’ Education

DAY THREE

Session Seven (9am – 11am): Promoting International Collaboration on Women’s Rights
Session Eight (1pm – 3pm): Women in the Workplace
Session Nine (4pm – 6pm): Misogynistic Marketing: How the Advertising Industry Can Improve

DAY FOUR

Session Ten (9am – 11am): Women’s Health
Session Eleven (1pm – 3pm): Protecting Women in Conflict Zones
Session Twelve (4pm – 6pm): Modern-Day Sexism: The Signs

DAY FIVE

Session Thirteen (9am – 11am): Committee Election Speeches
Session Fourteen (1pm – 3pm): Election Results & Round-Up

Breakout Sessions

Please note: there will be no breakout sessions on days one and five. All breakout sessions take place during lunchtime and food is provided.

DAY TWO

Room One: Was the Kerlian Project Successful? A discussion on how successful the creation of a feminist state has been since the foundation of Kerlile in 1924.
Room Two: Gender Equality in Caxcana. A look at the state of affairs on the continent of Caxcana and how different states have implemented policies over the years.
Room Three: So, You Want To Be A Politician – tips for running for office for any women seeking to make change.


DAY THREE

Room One: Political Scandals. Panel discussion on how the standards female politicians are held to can differ greatly from male, with a focus on Lauchenoiria.
Room Two: Secadualist Sects. Learn about the different denominations of Kerlile’s major religion and why so many radical feminists worship Feminea.
Room Three: Beauty Standards in Laeral. Discuss how the intersection of racism and sexism can produce pressure for women to conform to societal standards.


DAY FOUR

Room One: How to Make Change. Interactive session discussing tactics for improving the women’s rights situations in countries, companies, schools, universities and anywhere else.
Room Two: Examining History. Discussion on women’s role in history textbooks and the way history is taught in schools in many countries.
Room Three: Women in Theocracies. A comparative look at women’s rights in states where religion plays a large role in governance, focusing on Zongongia, Iskiram and Mallacaland.

Other Events

A drinks reception will be held on Day One in the conference venue. All over 18s are warmly invited to attend, including men.

Tours of Grapevale will be leaving throughout the event. Please see the tours stall for more information and to sign up.

Voting delegates will have received invitations to a private reception to take place in Councillor Greenwood’s residence on the evening of Day Four.

Childcare is available in the Wilma Greenwood Function Room. Please ask a member of staff for further information or visit the childcare venue. 

Grapevale Tourist Information

Transport

The conference venue is accessible via bus routes 4, 4A, 42 and 87. All of these buses stop directly outside the main entrance.

The nearest subway station is Hartwood Cross, which is a two-minute walk to the venue. 

The nearest train station is Grapevale West. The train station is a ten-minute walk.

Parking charges for private vehicles are 20 KCD per hour, unless the vehicle displays a valid Disability Exemption badge. Foreign visitors can pick up local badges by showing their foreign equivalents at any tourist information office.

The Conference Centre taxi rank is located to the right of the main entrance.

Hotels

There are two hotels attached to the conference centre that will cater for voting delegates and national delegations from foreign governments. For observers and those attending fringe events, a wide variety of hotels can be found online at visitkerlile.ker/Grapevale/accommodation 

Internet Access

Upon arrival in Kerlile, instructions on internet access within the Matriarchy should have been handed to you after border control. If you do not wish to sign your foreign SIM card up for our registration service, a temporary local SIM can be purchased at any tourist information office, central train station, or airport. Please note that local SIM cards are subject to greater restrictions than foreign SIMs accessing our networks.

Attractions

Booklets on things to do in Grapevale will be available at the information kiosk at the conference venue, and in leaflet stands nearby. A map of tourist information points should have been given to you upon arrival in Kerlile. If you have not received a map, or you have lost it, spares can be collected from the information kiosk.

Emergency Procedures

In the event of a fire, please leave the building and congregate at your nearest fire assembly point. These are marked in green throughout the car park. 

In the event of an attack, please remain calm and follow instructions given by security personnel. Details about our common procedures in such scenarios will be available in the tourist information pack all visitors to Kerlile are given. You are advised to familiarise yourself with these procedures, though such an event is highly unlikely.

Please read your Tourist Information Pack, as it contains important information on emergency procedures, local laws and customs, and current product rationing due to the local shortages of certain items.

---

OOC Information

Posts about any session except the elections can be made on any day. Please label your post with the session or event you’re writing about, or the day of the event if writing about things happening outside of the organised event program. For example, title your post “Day Two: Session Five”, or “Day Four: Breakout Room Three”, or “Day Three, streets of Grapevale”.

If you would like to have a character run in elections, message me on discord. Any female world leader can make a speech in Session Two, you don’t need to run the speech content by me, just post.

[Slokais]

1 day before Day 1 of IWC, Lune Monair International Airport, Port Koldar Province, Kolda

A refitted Slokasian Airlines plane approached the landing strip at Lune Monair. To the south Port Koldar its parliament building in the distance. To the North, the wide Koldar River cuts through fields and villages. The plane hit the tarmac, jolting Margert Hassan awake from her sleep. As the head of the Lassa Tribe, it was her job to advocate but also protect the rights of her tribe.

In Lassan culture, Women are the heads of their households and usually act as leaders of the local community. Property is often transferred to the oldest daughter and in marriage, Men often take the last names of their female partners. Because of this, she was invited by Prime Minister Ahamad herself to be part of the delegation. She feared that people would treat her almost like a curiosity, however, there was a great level of respect. Margaret was only her given name, back in the 60s when the Government had lists of names. She however called herself Maha or “Queen Mother”. She looked around at the other passengers, to the left was Aaron Lyons, a representative but often considered a leader within the Feminist Movement, she often faced attacks from those within her Movement and those on the Right such as Micheal Spencer.

In the next row forward, SIBC has sent a news team to report on the conference and capture a unique look inside Kerille. They were all either engaged in work or checking their phones. Finally at the front, 2 Cabinet Ministers. Gloria Cruz and Marshall Zhao, both brought a unique perspective on Women in the workforce as well as reforms to Social Issues within Slokais.

Prime Minister Ahmad stepped out of her office as the plane was prepared. Basically what would happen is that she would meet with President Adebayo of Kolda in regards to future relations, as that was happening the plane would be refueled.
“Everyone, you should get your sim cards verified before we arrive. You don't want to be stuck on a Kerllian Sim card” Prime Minister Ahmad said.

Outside, Koldan Soldiers saluted the Prime Minister as she made her way down to the tarmac. President Adebayo stood alongside her as the two of them made their way into the terminal. As she entered the airport, the Koldan President spoke.
“Welcome to Kolda, Ms. Ahmad”
“Thank, you Mr. Adebayo”
“For your sake, I hope your trip to Kerille is a safe one”
“Indeed, I am also worried about the Xiomerans”
“Come let us discuss,” he said pointing to two chairs

By the end of the 2 hours, Alexandra had talked enough about ethnic tension and economic development that she was almost excited to talk to the IWC. These things were less her main issues and instead something that President Chavez or even Vice President Khan was much better suited for. As the plane took off once again, she fell back into her chair and began to prepare her speech. She also had to mentally prepare herself as well, WA Ambassador Jonnson had warned her that many nations would not be there to talk or agree but to play mind games and force you into things, Xiomerans were often harsh and demanding, while even the Erians could be tough at times.

[Democratic Republic Of Eiria]

(A Joint Post with Xiomera)

Day One: Evening Reception

Minister Alice Lancaster looked down at the glass of wine in her hand, staring at the glass with an unreadable expression. Making small talk and smiling at political leaders was oddly more tiring than usual. Maybe it was the fact that she was in an oppressive state. Maybe it was because she had to leave Adrian behind again. But whatever it was, she despised it with a burning passion.

One of her Solar Guards tapped her on the shoulder, causing Alice to break her glare and glance at her. "Minister, are you alright?" Alice nodded in response, quickly reapplying her diplomatic mask. Oh, well. Let's get the rest of this over with. She glanced around the crowd, looking for anyone she hadn't greeted yet.

A short distance away, the Empress of Xiomera stood with her own security detail. In the past, Xiomeran leaders had traveled with security agents in suits, trying to downplay the militaristic nature of Xiomera. Calhualyana had decided to break with that tradition. Surrounding her were multiple Xiomeran women, all clad in the same formal jet black uniforms. Golden buttons with red inlay gleamed in the light whenever one of them moved; gold and red piping formed intricate loops in a stylized sunburst and falcon pattern on the front of their uniforms. On their shoulders, the new rising sun flag of the Empire gleamed proudly, in gold, orange and black radiance. Black berets, trimmed in red and gold like the uniform, finished off the sharp and rather ominous package. These were the Imperial Guard, the new protectors of the Empress. None of them showed any expression on their faces; all of them were clearly muscular and athletic. One of them, bearing the insignia of the troop commander, leaned over to the Empress and pointed out Lancaster. Calhualyana smirked in response.

Alice Lancaster locked eyes with the Xiomeran Empress, before examining her ornate security detail carefully. Lancaster's security detail wasn't as flashy, in Simple purple uniforms inlaid with golden thread and the insignia of the Solar Guard. But they were just as strong and expressionless as the Xiomerans, well trained and determined. The Eirian women scanned every angle of the party carefully, noting every potential threat.

Lancaster briefly considered shotgunning her drink, but decided against it, beginning the short walk towards the empress. She donned a determined expression, slightly smirking at the thought of interacting with the Empress. Now, this will be fun. "Your Majesty. It's a pleasure to see you again." Alice said, maintaining eye contact.

”Ah, Minister Lancaster. A pleasure to see you as well,” Calhualyana said in a polite tone of voice underlain with the most subtle hint of sarcasm - just enough to be noticeable without being able to be called out. “How are things in Eiria?”

"Things are excellent. We're prosperous, civil, and united. I really can't complain. I personally consider myself lucky to be Eirian." Alice poured every ounce of fake sweetness into her voice. "How is Xiomera? Congratulations on your engagement, by the way."

”Things could not be going better in Xiomera. We are quite pleased with the current state of affairs,” Calhualyana replied. “We are recovering quite quickly from the civil conflict, and once again growing and trading with other countries. We see ourselves emerging even stronger over the next year. And thank you for your congratulations. I am quite excited about the marriage - Xiyāōtl has proven to be a wonderful partner. How are things personally for you? Adrian is doing well, I trust.”

Alice's expression hardened slightly, the smile edging towards a grimace. This... woman thinks she can use Adrian against me? She clearly underestimates me. "Of course, he's doing well. Enjoying a lot of time off. Although it's hard not seeing him all the time." She gave a dry chuckle, acting as if she actually felt humor in the situation. "But I can't complain. A marriage built on love, and trust... It's perfect. It's everyone's dream, really."

”I couldn’t agree more. I am so glad the two of you are back together. Xiyāōtl and I started off slowly, I must admit. But the two of us have so much in common and have grown so close. It will be nice to have someone I can trust by my side as I guide Xiomera’s future.” Calhualyana smiled more broadly. “Speaking of people and sides….how is Queen Sophie doing? I can only sympathize with her plight, it is always awful for a ruler when they are sidelined.” The Empress glanced meaningfully at Yauhmi, who was at the other end of the room chatting with a group of Kerlians, before looking at Alice again.

"She's doing quite well. I'm sure she appreciates your concern." Alice followed the glance, letting her words take whatever interpretation they could. "She's a noble, kind ruler, and a hell of a speaker. It's too bad that her vacation will be so short, we quite enjoy her company."

”Interesting. I was under the impression that it was up to the people of Auria to decide how long her stay with you would be.” Calhualyana calmly sipped her drink, which had already been tested by one of her guards.

"If it was up to the people of Auria, she and the Aurian Parliament wouldn't be in Eiria right now. It just goes to show how a few opportunists can ruin everything." Alice sipped her own wine, a strong red that probably cost more than most Kerlians make in a week. "Hmm, not bad. You know, this reception's better than I expected."

”The reception has been quite lovely. Our hosts have been most gracious.” Calhualyana, having finished her drink, took another glass that had been handed to her by one of her guards after a discreet check. “I would respectfully disagree that the new leadership in Auria are opportunists, however. Some would call them patriotic Aurians who acted out of love for their country. I can certainly sympathize, having been forced to do the same in Xiomera.”

"Ah, right. But, to be fair, if they acted out of love for their country, was committing high treason against a democratic government really the way to do it? That's disrespectful to the Aurians who voted in the government, which is to say, most Aurians. I guess we have different definitions of patriotic obligation." Lancaster said, glancing down at her almost-empty wine glass. She glanced at the Xiomeran guard contingent, acting impressed. "Very elegant uniforms, by the way. Very flashy."

”Thank you. Our military is undergoing a bit of a reorganization and expansion in the wake of the war. It revealed some weaknesses in our defenses that I am correcting. I am confident that soon, we will be in a much better position.” The Empress looked at her guards approvingly, before turning back to Lancaster. “Even if we agreed on the legitimacy of the current Aurian government, I do have to ask if the blockade you intend to put in place will hinder the free flow of commerce between sovereign nations. This is a matter of great concern to Xiomera as a trading nation.”

A slight glint of amusement came to Alice's eyes. "My apologies for causing any concern. It's not our intention to hinder the free flow of commerce. Far from it, in fact. Trade is essential to Caxcanan regional prosperity. Once Auria is reinstated as a sovereign nation, and the unrest is settled, our blockade will withdraw. You have nothing to worry about. After all, the Aurian Coup plotters don't even have a government in place. You won't have any reason to trade with them, and our operations shouldn't hurt Xiomera in the slightest."

”I must have missed something, or perhaps you have. Didn’t a new king get crowned today? I would say that establishes a government, leading a sovereign nation,” Calhualyana replied. “As for who we might have reason to trade with, or not, that is ultimately up to Xiomera as another sovereign nation to decide. A blockade will not change the course of events. It will only hurt everyday people in Auria. We believe they should be allowed to decide their future without other nations strangling Aurians economically because foreign leaders disagree with their choices.”

Alice began to smirk, the irony almost making her laugh. "You know, I never thought of that. Huh, it's a tricky situation. You know what would be great? If there was a form of government that allowed people to choose their own government, without a bloody coup or treason needed! Oh, oh wait...."

”Aurians did choose their own government, in what you have chosen to label a coup. Others would call it a revolution, and who are we to disagree with them? Do their aspirations not matter just because you don’t like their beliefs or their methods? Instead of hostility in the form of a blockade, you could have chosen to engage with this new government as we are doing. Your actions will only ensure their complete refusal to cooperate with you. That is the definition of counterproductive foreign relations,” Calhualyana said. “The new government in Auria, I am sure, feels like you are attacking them. And by seeking to cut off their trade, that is exactly what you are doing. All politics or agendas aside, it just won’t work.” Calhualyana’s voice took on a firmer tone. “What is even more troubling is that you have no authority under international law to engage in such a hostile act.”

Lancaster's tone hardened to match the Empress, any trace of a smile vanishing. "Some Aurians did. But they already had a choice to choose their government. They chose to use what power they had to commit treason. You talking about how authoritarian governments are 'People choosing their own governments' is incredibly absurd and hypocritical. And, according to the Lapointe Agreement, we have all the authority we could ever possibly need. You lecture me on "counterproductive foreign relations" while you withdraw from the WA? Incredible. You're quite lucky Queen Sophie didn't attend this conference. She'd be much less eloquent and patient than I am." She turned around to leave, before turning back. Her guards stepped forward, concerned about potential escalation. "Oh, and one last thing. I have a message, from Queen Sophie and pretty much every democratic ruler." She leaned in closer, lowering her voice to almost a whisper. "Keep your damn guns to yourself."

In contrast to Lancaster’s guards, the Imperial Guards around Calhualyana didn’t react. They remained impassively in place, as the Empress looked at Lancaster for a dramatically long moment. And then, Calhualyana laughed.

“Your ‘Lapointe Agreement’ is something you crafted out of thin air to suit your agenda concerning Auria. We may have withdrawn from the WA, but we still know about international law. And that ‘agreement’ you cobbled together is not law, and has no authority over the Xiomeran Empire or any other nation,” Calhualyana said, openly allowing her amusement to show now. “We are not bound to follow it, and we do not answer to the former Queen of Auria, or any other self-proclaimed ‘democratic ruler’. As I stated before, Xiomera is a sovereign nation, and we will trade whatever goods we wish with whoever we wish. Including Auria. And you have no authority to tell us otherwise.”

"Oh, according to the Aurian government, they won't be trading with you. So we have full authority, according to international law and the Aurian Government, to protect Auria from dangerous powers." Lancaster's smirk returned. "It's quite fitting, actually. Your pathetic attempt to gain an ally in the region pushed Lauchenoiria away, and united democracies against a common enemy. So I guess we should thank you. Your ineffective power grab had united the democracies of the world against you. And no matter what you'd like to think, against us, you are outgunned and outmanned. It just goes to show, in your desperate lust for power, you've alienated any potential allies."

”According to an Aurian government, to be accurate. Not the one that currently holds power in Lumiere. We do not recognize either that government, nor any ‘agreements’ it may make. So literally everything else you said about your self-appointed authority on this matter is a moot point, as far as we are concerned,” the Empress replied with disdain. “As for nations being allied against us….the nations you speak of already were. So, again, a moot point as far as we are concerned. It will not change either the course of our actions or the course of our destiny. If you have not figured it out yet, Minister, let me explain it more simply: neither rhetoric nor threats impress or deter us.”

"Oh, Lauchenoiria was already allied against you? Really? Huh. Face it, you drove them away. And, regardless of who you recognize as legitimate, who's side will the world take in this situation? The dictatorship with imperialistic tendencies and a history of oppressing the populace? Or the group of democracies? And, even if they don't pick a side, they won't care who you recognize. Claim whatever you want. But at the end of the day, not a single ship is getting through to Auria without our authorization."

”Lauchenoiria under Alvarez has always been hostile to Xiomera, even as far back as Topilpopoca’s time as Emperor. If you knew anything about our history with them, you would not be so quick to label my belief concerning them as erroneous. As for your blockade….” Calhualyana paused, then laughed again. “You have yet to see just how inventive we Xiomerans can be when faced with a challenge. But you will. The oceans are vast, and your fleets not as grand as you suppose. We will find a way. We always do.”

"Ah, overconfidence. It always comes back to bite you in the ass. I personally look forward to when it does." Alice sipped her new glass of wine, not breaking eye contact. "And you underestimate the Eirian navy. It's how our military shines, after all. And, with multiple nations holding the line, firing on the blockade would be an incredibly stupid decision, even for you." She paused. "And you're not stupid. Foolish, cocky, hypocritical, selfish. But not stupid."

Calhualyana smirked cockily in response, on cue. The smile did not reach her eyes.

“No navy, no matter how adept, can block off the entire ocean. We don’t intend to fire on anyone. I doubt we will have to. Perhaps you are the ones overconfident in your abilities, thinking you can wall off an entire nation from the outside world. But we shall see. Because nothing whatsoever you have said changes my mind one bit.”

Before Lancaster could respond, Calhualyana put her glass down, raising her hand. “As entertaining as this chat has been, I can only find so many ways to tell someone how wrong they are. Have a pleasant evening, Minister.” Favoring Lancaster with another cold smirk, the Empress turned and left, her entourage following her.

Alice watched Calhualyana leave, feeling both angry and vindicated. Overconfidence is going to catch up with her one day. She took another sip of her wine and looked around the room, feeling much more energized. "So..." She muttered to herself, scanning the reception. "Who's next?"

[Xiomera]

Day One: Evening Reception

As Calhualyana and her entourage walked away from Lancaster, a group of four women approached her. "Empress Calhualyana, we have some questions for you," one of the women said. Calhualyana stopped, recognizing the women from earlier in the day. The Milinticans, she sighed inwardly, forcing herself to assume a polite expression once more. "Yes, Minister....Arana, was it?"

"Neina Arana. Minister of Decolonization and Depatriachalization of the Democratic Peoples' Republic of Milintica," the Paora woman said with a scowl.

"Yes. What questions do you have for me?" Calhualyana said, managing to cling to politeness only with the help of yet another drink.

"Does the Xiomeran Empire intend to continue pursuing its aggressive course of repression at home and colonization abroad in places like Auria? Milintica's government believes the world deserves an answer as to that," Arana said grimly. Two of the other Milintican women, other government ministers, nodded in agreement. The fourth woman, Tloxochitli, who was the director of a civilian Milintican womens' rights group, looked like she wanted to disappear as Arana stared aggressively at the Xiomeran ruler.

"Your actions are harmful to the world, as a whole, but they are harmful to women in particular," Arana continued in the same fierce tone. "You have hundreds, if not thousands, of women in your prisons. You engineered a set of actions that deprived the world of two female heads of state. Yauhmi, in Huenya, and Queen Sophie in Auria. We wonder how you are able to show your face here, quite frankly, at a conference for women when you do so much harm to your own gender."

Calhualyana looked at the Milintican minister as if she was a lunatic. "Minister Arana....with respect, and I say this as politely as I can, I completely disagree with your premise that my rule is harmful to women. I am myself a female head of state, leading a nation that is recognized the world over for its gender equality. I have continued our friendly stance with Kerlile, another leader in womens' rights. Xiomera is both a historic and current leader in promoting and protecting the rights of women, whereas Milintica isn't a leader in....well.....anything."

As Arana's expression turned even more angry, Calhualyana continued. "As for what happened with Yauhmi in Huenya. Instead of questioning me about her fate, perhaps your anger would be better directed at men like Tiacihitli, Huacue and Texōccoatl. You know, the ones who actually made her step down. And as for Queen Sophie....again, you're addressing your anger to the wrong location, I fear."

"The DPRM fully intends to ensure that both the Huenyans and Aurian coup plotters know exactly how we feel about their actions. But you must be held accountable as well," Arana said. "We do not intend to ignore your role in these events."

"Oh dear. I suppose I should be concerned about that," Calhualyana said, with a slight chuckle. Without even bothering to entertain the conversation further, she turned to walk away. Arana attempted to speak to Calhualyana further, only to have an Imperial Guard stand firmly in front of her. "Our Empress does not have the time to speak with minor functionaries such as yourself. Do not approach her further," the Imperial Guard said flatly. Arana's face turned bright red, and she looked up until she was looking squarely in the Imperial Guardswoman's eyes. "Minor functionary? I am a member of the Presidential Cabinet of Milintica. You can take that condescending attitude and fancy uniform and shove it right up your - "

At that point, two Kerlian security officers intervened, politely asking everyone to move on. The Imperial Guardswoman nodded to them in an equally civil manner, turning on her heel and walking away. Arana snorted, turning and walking away with the other Milinticans following.

Calhualyana, however, had at least one more conversation in mind. With a calm stride that undoubtedly had the Kerlian security quite nervous, she led her delegation over to where the Huenyans were standing. Yauhmi was still in conversation with several Kerlians, and did not notice Calhualyana approach until the conversation abruptly went silent. "Good evening, Yauhmi. How are you doing? Are you enjoying your retirement?" Calhualyana asked in a mock-friendly tone.

The silence in that corner of the room, after that remark, was such that not only would one have been able to hear a pin drop, it would have echoed like a hammer.

After a moment, Yauhmi smiled. "More than you can imagine, Calhualyana, although someone like me is never retired, truly."

"I'm sure. I've heard about some of your hobbies in retirement. Your new, ahem, delivery service, for example. That one seems like a rather unwise venture. I would consider winding it down, if I were you."

Yauhmi carefully hid her shock. How has she found out about the Deliverers already?  "Oh, I don't know. I think that little hobby of mine will bear some useful fruit. Speaking of unwise ventures and deliveries....I saw you talking to Minister Lancaster. I assume that your conversation was about Auria. Challenging the blockade would be quite a bad idea."

Calhualyana chuckled. "I noticed that Huenya was joining that blockade, or at least, trying to. It will be interesting to see if you can even put any ships to sea, or find anything to supply them with. I suppose you can just beg more fuel or goods off of Eiria or Laeral, that seems to be how you survive these days. I suppose it works for you...not having any pride or shame must be rather convenient when you sell your 'country' off to others."

"You really believe that asking for help equates to subservience. I hate you for what you did to Xiomera, but I honestly pity you more." Yauhmi folded her arms across her chest with a look of judgement.

"Save your pity for someone who needs it. You may need to have others prop you up to survive, but we do not. Your Xiomera was the past, and the past is dead. My Xiomera is the future."

One of Yauhmi's Shorn One guards snorted at that. The commander of Calhualyana's Imperial Guards glared at her. "Got something to say, traitor?"

"Only this. If you fancy peacocks in your precious uniforms really think you're the future, and want to prove that against the Shorn Ones, the originals, you're welcome to try at your convenience. But knockoffs rarely match up to the genuine article."

Before things could escalate further, the same Kerlian security personnel who had fended off the Milinticans walked up to Calhualyana again, their expressions one of silent pleading. "Another time, perhaps. I would not insult our hosts in such a manner," Calhualyana said. With a polite nod of her own, the Empress led her people away. Once she had left, Yauhmi turned to a nearby server. "Whatever your strongest drink is....bring me a double of it."

[Lauchenoiria]

Somewhere Above the Kerlile-Lauchenoiria Border – Day Before the Conference

When the pilot informed the passengers that they’d crossed into Kerlian airspace, Josephine Alvarez’s stomach clenched and she had to grab for the brown paper bag provided for passengers who were experiencing motion sickness. Alvarez had no history of that particular condition. Next to her, one of her security personnel turned to her and asked if she was okay, and if she needed any travel sickness pills.

“It’s not… I mean, the plane… it’s just… Kerlile,” she gasped, struggling to breathe for some reason.

“Ma’am, I think you’re having a panic attack. Shall I call over the first aid people?”

“I’m fine,” Alvarez waved her hand dismissively, forcing herself to take some deep breaths. “Just leave it, okay?”

She turned away, ashamed. It had been her idea, after all, for Lauchenoiria to send a government delegation and for her to attend personally. It had seemed like a good idea at the time, a way to resolve some things that needed resolving while also expanding Lauchenoiria’s pool of countries with decent diplomatic relations. In the interim, since she’d made her announcement, however, Carmen Robinson had been imprisoned, the Kerlian Reformists had lost their majority, Xiomera was probably invading Auria and everything just seemed so much more dangerous.

*

After they landed, each individual including all their security personnel was handed a folder with a bunch of booklets inside by the Kerlian border guards. The Kerlians, while checking passports and visas, recited in a monotone what they clearly told every new arrival: “Please read the emergency information enclosed in the tourist information pack. This includes information on local laws, emergency procedures and the current rationing situation.”

All the Lauchenoirians shared some glances of amused alarm after this speech. In the cars to their hotel, Alvarez flicked through the “current laws” booklet, which had an “updated: July 2021” sticker on the front. Evidently, the situation was rather fluid. She was relieved to note the lack of ‘anti-matriarchal activity’ in the list, and chuckled aloud at “males making unsolicited eye-contact with females is NOT, contrary to popular belief, illegal, and is merely seen as socially unacceptable by many Kerlians.”

“This is ridiculous,” Pavía shook her head at her own booklet. Much to Alvarez’s dismay, Sandra had quickly joined her in the car and was now sitting there frowning at the tourist information pack. “This map contains directions to public bunkers in case of nuclear attack. I’m sorry, but they spent their limited amount of government funds on that? If there’s a nuclear war, I’m sorry but I very much doubt anyone will survive.”

“Ever the optimist, Sandra,” Alvarez replied drily. “Frankly, I’m relieved to see that they’re looking out for the common people and not just abandoning them to the nuclear winter, at least in theory. Most states’ nuclear plans involve the leaders fleeing while the common people are left to die.”

“Ours?” Pavía asked.

“Let’s not discuss that woefully inadequate document while on the territory of a nation we have a history of conflict with.”

“Speaking of conflict, there’s a reason I wanted to speak to you in private,” Pavía said, putting the booklets back in her pack and shifting to a more serious posture and expression. “Auria. Both Calhualyana and Yauhmi will be here, and both of those pose a problem for us right now. Yauhmi because they’re now our allies and you need to resolve that personal dispute you have with her.”

“She attacked-“

“I know. I agreed with your decision to freeze out Huenya because of that, but maybe we need to rethink. She’s not in power there anymore, and despite what the Xiomerans have been saying, clearly they’re a threat to any democracy they view as sufficiently unstable to influence.”

“I’m surprised to hear you of all people calling Xiomera a threat. I fully expected you to oppose the blockade and try to encourage me to make friends with the Empress. You’re well-known as a fan of Xiomera.”

Pavía was surprised to hear Alvarez’s words, which were delivered with a tone of accusation. She frowned, confused. “You thought I’d continue to support them once they’ve shown their ambitions? I took Calhualyana at her word, but she’s now shown that she won’t keep that, so…”

“So, you don’t work for her, then?”

“What!?” sputtered Pavía. “Of course not! Did you truly think that? God, Josephine, how long have we known each other? Empress Calhualyana was one of the strongest anti-communist voices out there, but why do we oppose communism except in pursuit of greater freedom? The Auria affair has proven that her ambition is not ideological but merely territorial and for greater power and influence. I agree wholeheartedly with her position on communism, that doesn’t mean I want her to rule the damned world!”

“I’m so relieved,” Alvarez exhaled, laughing slightly. “I was worried you’d end up being the Chaher to my Moore. But have you considered that Calhualyana might be using you without your knowledge?”

“I…” Pavía was horrified at the accusations placed in front of her. She put her hand on her heart and looked Alvarez in the eye. “I swear I’m not working for Calhualyana or any other foreign power. My loyalty will always be to Lauchenoiria. It wounds me that you’ve spent time thinking that. I promise, I swear, I would never betray Lauchenoiria.”

Alvarez noticed the tears beginning to form in Pavía’s eyes, the way the horror in her expression filled every inch of her face and the way the other woman was shaking, clearly genuinely upset. She felt almost guilty. “Hey… sorry. Look, I didn’t mean… it’s just with the whole Aurora thing, and all these coups… it’s easy to get a bit paranoid.”

“God, did you think I actually supported Xiomera’s system of government? I promise, it was only ever about opposing communism, and our mutual worry that Huenya was dishonest in their intentions given Yauhmi’s history. Look, Auria opened my eyes. You may have been paranoid, but I’ve been naïve and I know now that Xiomera is not, can never be, our friend.”

“I’m glad, truly,” Alvarez exhaled, reaching over and taking one of Pavía’s hands as the car pulled up outside of the hotel. “We need a united front on this coup issue. The communists hurt us, god knows, but they’re not the only form of authoritarian government out there, and we need to oppose all forms. Okay?”

Pavía nodded, as they both got out of the car and checked into the hotel. Once Pavía had gone into her room, Alvarez lay down on her own bed, looking up at the ceiling and biting her lip. Pavía had seemed genuine, but could she really, truly, trust it? She groaned. This was going to be even more difficult than she anticipated.

[Lauchenoiria]

Day One: Evening Reception

Alvarez was hovering near the buffet table, glancing around the room surreptitiously hoping to see Councillor Hale, and dreading it at the same time. Unfortunately, there was no sight of her, and Alvarez was beginning to feel a little depressed.

A strong whiff of alcohol attracted her attention and she saw a waiter drift past with a glass of something much stronger than what the others had been serving all evening. She followed the waiter with her eyes until he handed the glass to Yauhmi. She sighed. She knew she needed to do this at some point, so she made her way through the crowd and greeted the Huenyan former monarch.

"Yauhmi, a pleasure to see you here. How are you enjoying this reception so far?"

Yauhmi looked up, and was clearly surprised for the second time that evening. After taking another sip of her rather strong drink, she nodded politely to Alvarez. “The reception has been…..interesting so far. I just had the pleasure of speaking with Calhualyana. A pleasure I hope you are able to avoid. How have you enjoyed the evening otherwise?”

"My condolences on that encounter," Alvarez said, sipping her own drink. "I'll be honest, given my experiences the last time I was in Kerlile, I've been rather too nervous to enjoy myself. I also..." Alvarez paused, searching for the words, feeling awkward. "I also need to apologise to you for my actions and words towards you and Huenya. I allowed my personal feelings to get in the way of doing the right thing, and I'm sorry. Lauchenoiria should have supported you following the coup."

”I appreciate that apology, and the courage it took you to make it under the circumstances. In truth…I also owe you an apology. I made quite a few mistakes during my brief reign as Empress of Xiomera. The action I undertook, during our last conversation, was one of them. It was a prideful act, and an arrogant one. I have learned, quite well, how the arrogant are humbled. So, perhaps I earned my fate,” Yauhmi said, uncharacteristically hesitant. “I wish to say that I am sorry for the things I did that caused the rift between us in the first place. And I hope that, now that I am somewhat out of the way, that things can improve between Huenya and Lauchenoiria.”

Alvarez breathed a sigh of relief. "My actions at that time were also not something to be proud of. I want to heal this rift, especially since our countries will be working together in the Auria affair. I also ought to inform you of something our intelligence services discovered - though, I stress - this is not yet completely verified. You see, Gabriel Fleming, the rogue intelligence agent who... well. There have been unconfirmed sightings that indicate he has entered Xiomera."

There was a moment of utter silence, as Yauhmi digested that information. “So he has joined Calhualyana,” she breathed after a moment. “I should not be surprised, she does seem to enjoy collecting the worst possible human beings and making use of them…..well. This explains a rather interesting warning Calhualyana took it upon herself to deliver me. We have begun sneaking Xiomeran dissidents across the border, and Calhualyana made it clear to me that she knows. I would not be surprised if she utilizes Fleming somehow to try to stop that.”

Each report I read on Calhualyana concerns me more," Alvarez sighed. "I would like to assure you that the rumours that Lauchenoiria planned to align ourselves with her are false. I fear Kerlile because of what they did to me in 2018. I can't begin to imagine how much worse it was for you when Xochiuhue first snatched power."

”It was….difficult. I can very much sympathize with what you dealt with back then, now. Experience is a painful but effective teacher. Calhualyana….she not only ordered my torture, she supervised it. And routinely visited me in prison to make sure I knew it. If we were not guests in a foreign country, there would not be enough guards to protect her right now,” Yauhmi said. “I don’t expect you to fully trust me, under the circumstances, nor would I blame you for not doing so. But you can trust Tiacihitli and Texōccoatl. And, as you can now see, you cannot trust Calhualyana. She has ambitions that cannot be contained within the borders of Xiomera.”

"It's a concerning pattern, all these coups. One attempt emboldens those others who would plot, until it spreads like a plague," Alvarez shuddered, but relaxed a little now that it seemed the pair would indeed be able to let the past be. "It will only get worse if someone doesn't put a stop to it. We need to show those in Auria that this will not be allowed to become a norm. If Calhualyana thinks promoting coups is a valid form of international relations, she will find that Lauchenoirians will stand against her."

”I am glad to hear that. I’m sure you know my opinion, and that of Huenya, about coups,” Yauhmi said with a small smile. “There are some within our emerging politics who are opposed to intervening in Auria, because of our own rebuilding state and the desire to be neutral and avoid another conflict. But most Huenyans agree that this cycle does need to end here. First there was the coup in your country, then in Xiomera….then the unrest in Mallacaland and now Auria. We’re concerned that a precedent may have already been established.”

"As you know, we remained neutral in your situation, partly as a result of our own rebuilding. And we're now seeing the consequences of that. We should have been there for you, and we weren't because of fear and petty squabbles. Now, this is escalating. We can't change the past, but we can try to change the future. We need these plotters to see that attempting coups will lead to negative consequences. It's the only way this tide will turn. Hence our support for the blockade."

”I could not agree more. Despite the efforts of those politicians trying to push us to remain neutral, Huenya will support the effort as well. We’re finally getting our naval forces back up and running, and will have ships joining in very shortly. The more nations join this effort, the clearer it will be to people who have these kind of aspirations that it’s a losing game.”

"Agreed," Alvarez nodded. She glanced around the room once again, lowering her voice in case of eavesdroppers. "We know Fleming was plotting another attempt at a coup in Lauchenoiria. Now that he's working with Calhualyana, I'm deeply concerned. I expect that Xiomera is meddling in many states' internal affairs. Lauchenoiria has tried to appear neutral out of fear, but that strategy is not working. It's time we took a very public stand against tyrants and imperialists. No matter how angry it makes both Xiomera and Shuell."

”As someone who was trying to reform a tyrannical system, I can vouch for that. Neutrality is only seen as weakness and opportunity to such states. And with Fleming now apparently working for her….you are right to be concerned. She could well seek to sabotage your opposition to their coup in Auria by either staging another one in Lauchenoiria, or at least causing enough unrest to force you to withdraw. Chaos benefits her in this scenario. As for Shuell….I suspect they will watch as Xiomera causes chaos and wait for an opportunity.”

Alvarez clenched her glass tighter at the thought of another coup in Lauchenoiria. Without thinking, she downed the rest of her drink and then stared at the empty glass. "I think I could do with some of whatever you're drinking. God forbid there's another coup attempt in Lauchenoiria. God forbid."

Yauhmi smiled sympathetically, waving the server over again. In a few moments, two more glasses of the strongest drink at the reception had appeared. “That is why we will make sure such a thing doesn’t happen. We both know what a civil war looks like, now. So we both have more than enough incentive to prevent any more,” she added, handing a glass to Alvarez and picking up the other one.

"Thank you," she said, taking the glass and smiling slightly. "We've taken many precautions in Lauchenoiria. Sometimes I worry we've been overzealous. The WOE affair, perhaps, could have been handled more tactfully. This is a dangerous situation; we need to be vigilant, and we need to send a clear message. So, in light of this, I don't know how much authority you have to negotiate such things any more, but Lauchenoiria would be interested in negotiating a deal with Huenya. Trade, rebuilding, ideas... all on the table."

”I don’t have that kind of authority anymore, but one could say that I have an in with the new Great Speaker,” Yauhmi replied with a grin. “So I will be more than happy to let Texōccoatl know of your interest. I imagine you’ll get a phone call very quickly after that.”

"Excellent," Alvarez nodded. "Perhaps wait until after this conference, however. Speaking freely here is difficult for me, given my history. I know you have a good relationship with Kerlile but we really don't. It's odd for me, being here. Especially given everything going on right now."

”Yes, the overall situation both here and around the world seems to be changing dramatically in unexpected ways. All at once. It does make one wonder if something behind the scenes is driving it all,” Yauhmi mused. “In any event, I will make sure Texōccoatl doesn’t follow up with you until you’re back in Lauchenoiria. What plans do you have during your time here, if any?”

"You mean you haven't heard the rumours?" Alvarez chuckled drily. "Aside from the conference, everyone is expecting me to have secret lover's trysts in the woods with Councillor Hale every five minutes. In truth, she hasn't even... sorry, that's not your problem. I'll be attending some of the conference sessions, and I'm also hoping to speak with the Slokasians at some point about Mallacaland, given it is within their sphere of influence. Did you see that they sent men? I mean, brave of them, but I don't think the Kerlians are particularly happy with them."

”I rather suspect not. It was brave, but perhaps not entirely diplomatic of them,” Yauhmi said with a soft chuckle. “I will also be attending some of the different sessions, and undoubtedly having conversations with various leaders about the state of things. I also may take the Kerlians up on their Grapevale tours and the reception at Councillor Greenwood’s estate. I’ve been here before, but it’s been quite a while. And I am a diplomat of sorts now, so I suppose it’s expected.”

I am very much not welcome at Greenwood's place," chuckled Alvarez. "Perhaps I'll see you in some other sessions, however. Now if you'll excuse me, I think Pavía may be about to start a war with Milintica." She nodded towards where Pavía stood, a look of rage on her face as she spoke to a Milintican while some Kerlian security guards watched helplessly.

”Good luck with that,” Yauhmi said with a soft chuckle of her own. “And I am glad we were able to have this conversation.”

"As am I," Alvarez said truthfully, smiling. It had gone much better than she expected and she felt so much more confident that, actually, coming to the IWC had been the correct choice.

[Democratic Republic Of Eiria]

(A Joint Post with Lauchenoiria)

Day One: Evening Reception

Alice Lancaster scanned the room, looking for her next discussion partner(and potential victim of her fire-like temper). The discussion with Calhualyana had left her reinvigorated and ready to make pleasant conversation and/or angry debate with anyone she could.

She noticed a pair of Kerlian Councillors enjoying a discussion. Georgiou and Hart. Now there's a pair. This could be interesting. And I might as well pay my dues to the hosts while we're here. She grabbed a new wine glass and gestured to her guards the direction she was headed, before beelining for the pair. Her navy blue formal dress drifted behind her somewhat, giving her an air of elegance and making her seem almost regal.

She gave a nod to both of the women as she got to them, her eyes glancing between them. "Councillor Georgiou, itg's a pleasure to see you again. And under better circumstances. Negotiating a tense peace treaty really doesn't make for a good meeting place." She turned to the other woman. "And you must be Councillor Hart? Pleasure to meet you. Alice Lancaster, representing the Eirian government." Alice gave a slight, respectful bow to Hart.

"A pleasure to meet you," returned Councillor Hart. "Is this your first visit to Kerlile?"

"Yes it is. I don't believe I've really had the opportunity to travel here before. It's a rare treat." Alice spoke politely, slightly biting her lip on that last remark.

"Well, if you're heading out on one of the tours of Grapevale, you have to stop off at the Central Secadualist Temple. It's one of the oldest Secadualist temples in existence, it was here back before Fleura split in two! It's absolutely gorgeous. We were just discussing the stained glass designs."

"In great detail," Councillor Georgiou piped up, sending a meaningful look to Alice. "Very great detail. But it is a gorgeous temple, so if you want a break from stuffy conference centres you should consider a trip. How have you been enjoying the reception?"

"It has been excellent so far. I've had the opportunity to have some..." Alice glanced at Calhualyana before returning her gaze to the Councillors. "... interesting conversations. Plus the drink keeps flowing. What more could anyone ask for?" She glanced around the room, chuckling slightly when she noticed Alvarez trying to keep an enraged Pavía from yelling at a Milintican. "Well, I think Alvarez could probably use an aspirin or something."

The two Councillors followed her gaze, and Hart snorted in laughter. "I told Jennifer that if she didn't show up the Lauchenoirians would get in trouble. But she wanted everything to be..." Hart trailed off as Georgiou shot her a sharp look. Evidently whatever she was going to say wasn't meant to be public knowledge.

"Kerlile is very different from Eiria," Georgiou said, making an understatement. "We're very pleased to have everyone attending this conference, it's been a long time since people have been willing to come here. I hope we have many more opportunities like this in the future."

Alice noted Georgiou's reaction to Hart's comment with a slight eyebrow raise, not wanting to comment on it and push her luck. "Yes, Kerlile is very different from what I'm used to. I was surprised to hear you have a national plan in case of a nuclear attack. It's very smart to be prepared for every situation. And I hope both of you get a chance to visit Eiria sometimes. We love hosting foreign visitors."

"I would love to visit Eiria," Georgiou replied eagerly. "I hear you've got quite a lovely collection of art! As for the nuclear attack plan, you can never be too careful when you have as many enemies as we have historically had, alas. I wish it wasn't this way but better safe than sorry."

"Yeah, we do have sizable museums. And I may be slightly biased, but some of the Architecture in both big cities and smaller settlements is amazing." Alice turned to Councillor Hart. "If you like religious art and stained glass, you should visit Ņuceda, the 'Capital of Unitism'. The Cathedtal of the Angels is a huge church full of amazing art and statues, with intricate stained glass all over. It even hosts the 10 Great Angels, which are amazing statues by Madame Lapis, a famous Eirian Sculptor and Artist. She practically defined Eirian art for centuries."

"She?" Hart mused for a second. "I will consider it. I'm not fond of travel personally, I find airplanes make me rather sick."

"That's only because you don't fly enough," chuckled Georgiou.

"Flying isn't safe!" Hart snapped back, leading to Georgiou giving Alice an exaggerated expression of amused shock.

"Ignore my colleague, Minister Lancaster," Georgiou chuckled. "She has a small plane phobia - and a phobia that 'patriarchal elements' will down her plane and arrest her."

A small smile crossed Alice's face. "Ah. Well, planes can be intimidating. But yes, Madame Lapis was a very strong influence on Eirian art. In fact, the Lapis Academy is still one of the best Artistic schools in all of Eiria. It has contributed hundreds of amazing alumni to the Eirian art community. And the Ten Great Angels are her most well known and best work. It took her and her apprentices years to finish, but when they did, they were truly stunning depictions of the five Unitist Great Angels and their duality."

"I'm unfamiliar with the teachings of Unitism but I'm going to do some research after this reception," Councillor Hart assured the Eirian. "And you too would fear planes, Georgiou, if you'd been there during the incident."

Alice glanced between the women, wondering what 'The incident' entailed. "Researching other cultures is honestly one of my favorite parts of this job. It's so interesting and unique, to watch how the people of other nations go about their day-to-day lives."

"I agree," Georgiou said, then winced slightly as the argument between Pavía and the Milintican hit a new volume. "We in Kerlile haven't had the opportunity for a while, thanks to the policies of some of the previous presidents, so I'm glad we can finally meet more people from other cultures and develop positive relationships."

"So long as we remember our purpose," Hart said sharply, eyeing Georgiou. "And we do not allow ourselves to be influenced by patriarchal elements," she added, glaring in the direction of the Slokasian delegation.

Alice followed her gaze, pursing her lips at Hart's comment. Hmm. How the hell should I play this? "World politics has always been an immensely complicated subject, so positive relationship are a key to survival." Alice smirked slightly at the shouting argument across the room. "But, alas, international politics are tricky."

"I don't know why the Milinticans think they can shove their communist propaganda at Lauchenoirians," Hart said irritably. "It's pretty clear that they won't be doing that again anytime soon. Ah, well, perhaps we'll get some amusement out of it if Pavía throws something."

"Natalia, be civil," hissed Georgiou. "My apologies, my colleague may have had a little too much to drink. I am sure that the Lauchenoirians and Milinticans can work something out."

"I sure hope so. But hopefully the Milintican doesn't push Pavía any further. It's not going to end well." She shook her head. "No need to apologize. Aggressive discourse can, sometimes, be entertaining. I know that's not the most diplomatic thing for the Minister of Diplomacy to say, but hey, debate's fun." She smirked. "You should here some of the more dramatic Eirian debates. They actually started selling popcorn to the audience."

"Eirians are very interested in politics, aren't they?" Georgiou asked. "I find it interesting how political engagement varies across nations."

"Well, for some, it's not their cup of tea. But Eirians tend to be a bit more... Flamboyant with their beliefs, at least when in Eiria. We have a very high civic participation, after all, so debates and protests are quite common." Alice sipped her drink slowly.

"You may be surprised at how many debates we have here in Kerlile," Georgiou chuckled slightly. "At least, behind closed doors. As for protests, I'm sure Councillor Hart here can enlighten you about the situation here."

"Just because the Secadualist community sometimes needs to make its voice heard loudly does not mean I am interested in furthering the causes of anarchy and chaos," Hart retorted.

"Councillor Hart is the number one signer of protest permits on the Council," Georgiou laughed as Hart crossed her arms and glared. "Any time the Secadualist Church wants a permit, she's right in there. Of course, if any other group wants a grievance heard, she's down at the police station turning them in."

Alice nodded slowly, donning a fake expression of interest to hide her amusement. "Interesting. I'm relatively unfamiliar with how protesting works in Kerlile. In Eiria, you have a right to protest on public property or on private property with the owner's permission. You only need a permit if you intend to block any streets or roadways. What does getting a permit allow? And does a Councillor have to approve a permit?"

"Basically, yes," Georgiou nodded. "A Councillor has to approve a permit, otherwise the protest is deemed illegal. Though, in the last couple of years we've been more lenient on allowing protests without permits to go ahead, as long as they're peaceful."

"I'm glad to hear that. Protests are very important to Eirian society. If we didn't have the right to protest... Well, there would probably be a protest." Alice said, laughing a little.

"How would that work, then?" Hart frowned, confused. Georgiou rolled her eyes and waved over a waiter, handing Hart another drink.

"It seems that Eirian society and Kerlian society differ greatly," Georgiou said to Lancaster. "I do hope that in spite of this we can have a better relationship going forward."

"So do I. And I do hope that you'll be able to visit Eiria soon. We've had a bit of a tourism boom since the Olympics, so some of the famous sights may be crowded, but we can help you find the hidden gems." Alice said, trying not to laugh at Georgiou's eye roll.

"I hope we have the opportunity," agreed Georgiou. "Now, if you'll excuse us, I'm going to make sure Natalia here has some food to go with all this wine."

"You're the one who keeps giving me more wine!"

"It was lovely to see you again, Minister," Georgiou said, ignoring Hart's comment.

"Thank you, it was lovely to talk to both of you. Have a pleasant reception!" She waited for both Councillors to leave before letting out a bit of a laugh. That was way more hilarious that I expected. She glanced back at Pavía, still leading a heated argument with some poor Milintican. Perhaps Kerlile will be more entertaining than I thought.

[Xiomera]

(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.

[Lauchenoiria]

Jointly written with Xiomera

Day Three: Session Seven

Sandra Pavía had sat through the session on "Promoting International Collaboration on Women's Rights" semi-distracted thinking over and over what she and Alvarez had discussed two days prior. She'd chosen a seat as far away from the Milinticans as possible, though now that Kerlian security was deliberately trying to keep them away from her, she was less concerned.

As the session ended, she began to gather the mess of booklets she'd been handed throughout the session into her bag, sipping her now-cold coffee and glancing over the conference centre map to work out where the Political Scandals breakout session was taking place.

As Pavía sipped her coffee, Empress Calhualyana and the two security escorts who had accompanied her to the session walked over. They were trying to be as casual as possible in their approach, but when someone has two warriors in full dress military uniform with them, that is a rather challenging feat at best. "Hello, Minister Pavía," Calhualyana said in a polite tone. "Did you enjoy the session?"

Pavía glanced up, pulling her focus back to the room. The Xiomeran Empress. Great. Just what she didn't want to have to deal with right now. She gathered the booklets into her arms and stood, nodding a greeting. "Empress Calhualyana, I didn't realise you were also attending this session. It's a rather large crowd in these plenaries, is it not?"

"It is indeed," the Empress replied. "Sometimes large crowds can be a good thing, and sometimes not. I witnessed that rather unpleasant encounter you had with that rude Milintican....leader. That was certainly an example of a large crowd leading to an unfortunate situation." Whether the Empress was referring to having to deal with Arana, or to Pavía's somewhat loud declaration of lack of support for Xiomera, as the unfortunate situation was not yet clear.

Pavía blushed slightly, recalling the same encounter in great detail. "Milinticans do tend to bring out the worst in me, alas. They are so obsessed with pushing their ideology they do not care that we in Lauchenoiria have collective trauma around communists."

"Milinticans bring out the worst in everyone. That is the only thing they seem to be successful at," Calhualyana replied with a soft laugh. "They could be easily ignored if their ideology wasn't so dangerous, and they weren't so determined to force it on the rest of the world. I honestly would not be surprised if they are conspiring in some form or fashion to make common cause with whatever communists remain in Lauchenoiria to cause trouble."

"If they are, they will regret that," Pavía replied. "I am informed that the food in Lauchenoirian prisons is rather poor quality."

The Empress laughed again in response, keeping her less-than-impressed opinion of the roughness of Lauchenoirian prisons well hidden. "I should hope so, and that the Milinticans find that out should they indeed have any malevolent intentions towards your country. I know that, under the circumstances, you have to be.....careful about appearing connected to us in any way. But I just want you to know that, if help to prevent a communist plot is ever needed, Xiomera would be happy to do so. We have as much to fear from them and their ideology as you do, after all," Calhualyana said with a smile.

Even as Calhualyana was trying her best charm act to regain Pavía's trust, however, the conversation was not going unnoticed. In the far corner of the room, Neina Arana and her Milintican police escort were about to exit, when she noticed the two others talking. Her eyes narrowed. Slowly, she reached into her pocket for her phone.

Pavía took a step backwards. "Empress, with all due respect, while we have some common cause regarding Milintica, I rather think our two countries' opposition to communism comes from different places. In Lauchenoiria's Communist era, people suffered greatly. But economics alone could not have caused all that suffering. In light of recent events, I must make that clear."

"I understand," Calhualyana replied, still smiling. "And while I acknowledge that our two nations will have some disagreements on various matters, it is my hope that we can still work together on matters where we do have common cause." A slight click interrupted Calhualyana's thoughts. She dismissed it, continuing. "Even now, Lauchenoiria and Xiomera do not need to be foes on the international stage..." Another click interrupted Calhualyana's thoughts once more. She suddenly felt an unusual feeling, for her: dread.

Slowly, very slowly, the Empress turned to her left. Until she was fully facing Neina Arana, phone in hand, a look of triumph on her face. Click.

Pavía followed the gaze of the Empress, alighting upon the same figure. Then the colour drained from her face, and she froze like a rabbit in headlights.

"I knew it!" Arana shouted. "I knew it! You are conspirators, I knew it all along."

"You insufferable, irksome, ignorant.....Milintican," Calhualyana said in response. Her polite act completely fell away. "How dare you." Her face was a study in anger.

Calhualyana's two guards, hearing their Empress in fury, tensed up as if preparing to take Arana's phone from her by force.

Pavía secretly hoped the Xiomeran security would do just that, but saying so would only make matters worse. After the last incident, Alvarez had drilled it into her that she was to remain calm - at least, visibly. So she adopted a look of cold dislike and said to Arana, in a clipped tone: "Just because world leaders ignore your delegation at these conferences does not mean that the same can be said about every other country."

Arana sneered. "No one has been ignoring us. And soon, neither of you will be ignored either. Once I show the pictures of you two plotting to the world, all eyes will be on you."

"Enough!" Calhualyana shouted at the top of her voice. Her expression was dark. She barked something in Huenyan to her two guards. One of them began moving forward towards the Milinticans, stretching out her hand to seize Arana's phone. The Milintican policeman moved to stop her, and suddenly found himself several feet away, sprawled out on the floor and not even being quite sure how he got there. With a snort of disdain, the other Imperial Guardswoman straightened her uniform, before also moving towards Arana.

Pavía looked up towards the ceiling and groaned. "For god's sake, we weren't plotting you commie charlatan! Stop behaving like you're in primary school! Give me strength!"

As Pavía sought divine intervention, the Kerlian security guards were all exchanging looks, trying not to be the one who had to wade into the mess. A few who were nearest started towards the fight, wishing they'd paid more attention to the whereabouts of the Milinticans a few minutes ago.

Before the Kerlians arrived, the Xiomeran guard was upon Arana, moving incredibly fast. She yanked the phone from Arana's hand like a bodybuilder taking a lollipop from a child. With a single gesture, she dropped the phone to the ground and shattered it with a single well-placed slam of her boot heel.

Arana laughed in response. "I already uploaded the pictures! They'll be all over the net in minutes! You accomplished nothing by destroying my phone."

"I at least had the joy of depriving you of the phone. Who knows when you'll be able to afford another one, on a Milintican's salary. That should keep you out of anyone's hair for a while," Calhualyana replied coldly. "Be grateful it's only your phone you have lost the use of."

Pavía had not moved, she was still looking up at the ceiling, her eyes closed, praying even though she hadn't been to church in years. One of the Kerlians, a higher rank, stepped forward and cleared her throat. "That is enough. I must ask you all to leave this room. My colleagues will direct your three delegations now."

Three sets of Kerlians appeared towards different exits, clearly intending to separate each of them. They all looked on edge, as if they feared that the leaders in front of them would not cooperate.

"Of course. My apologies for this....disruption," Calhualyana replied. "Minister Pavía, I am sorry that our conversation was so rudely interrupted. Perhaps we can speak again in the future." The Empress then eyed Arana. "As for you, Milintican....congratulations, you have elevated yourself from being a nobody to someone I am now quite aware of." Leaving the question open as to just how much Arana would enjoy being brought to her attention in the future, Calhualyana slowly strode from the room, her escorts following.

With a sniff of dismissal, Arana exited in a different direction, closely followed by Kerlians.

Pavía groaned, following her Kerlian escort, complaining to them the whole time as they walked her to her breakout session about how Milintica clearly had it out for her. The Kerlians, as one might expect, did not respond.

[Lauchenoiria]

Day Four – Alvarez’s Hotel Room

It was the evening after the fourth day of the 65th International Women’s Congress. Prime Minister Josephine Alvarez of Lauchenoiria was exhausted, stressed and deeply disappointed. The sources of all of these emotions were subtly different – she was exhausted by how long the debates had been, stressed by being in Kerlile, and disappointed that her still-lawfully-wedded-wife hadn’t bothered to come out and see her even while she was in the only country Jennifer Hale was permitted to be in.

If she was honest with herself, Alvarez’s main aim in coming to Kerlile, especially in light of the Robinson affair where “supporting reform” could no longer sound genuine, was in order to have a face-to-face conversation with the person she still couldn’t work out her emotions around. Distance had not made anything easier, and the last they’d seen of each other had been too close to the revelation for Josephine to be objective. She deeply wanted to know if, when she looked at Jennifer’s face, she still loved her.

But it seemed like the last three years had already given Hale enough time to move on. At least, that’s what it seemed like to Alvarez, who had tried getting in touch just to discover the line was disconnected, who had tried to find her only to be told that leaving the city limits would be “ill-advised” and “unsafe” by both her own country’s security and the local police (though whether the locals were warning, or threatening, was still yet to be determined by the agents looking into it).

“I don’t need you anyway,” Alvarez muttered in Spanish to herself, as she got herself ready for bed, and for the last day of the conference in the morning. She was so successful she was the head of government in her country! What did it matter if her wife had moved on, if she’d been lied to for years, if all her feelings that she knew were still in there would need to be buried and…

Tap, tap.

Josephine froze at the sound from the window. She was eight floors up, and Grapevale didn’t have many birds (rumour had it the locals ate them to supplement the food rationing) so a tapping noise at her window immediately activated her fight-or-flight response. She grabbed a letter opener off the table, as if it could protect her, and slowly turned around towards the window, brandishing it like a dagger.

Outside, standing on the balcony was a rather bedraggled looking Kerlian Councillor. Josephine dropped the letter opener and stared, open-mouthed at the sight of her wife standing there. Jennifer mouthed something and Josephine blinked, quickly opening the balcony door and pulling Jennifer inside.

“Sonja, what the hell!?” she said, using the old name before she thought.

“Josie…” Jennifer breathed, staring into her eyes.

“What the hell?” repeated Josephine.

“I… sorry,” Jennifer blushed, and looked away. “Listen, your security would never have let me near you if I’d tried to come in the normal way. So, I bribed hotel security to sneak me up to the balcony and distract them.”

“Son… Jennifer… Councillor Hale. If you had asked for an appointment, my security would have been pleased to facilitate that in a manner more befitting both our stations.”

“Josie, what are you talking about? You’ve rejected every appointment I tried to schedule all week! I tried to get into the conference to see you, but the Council doesn’t want us to meet any more than you do. Why did you even come to Kerlile if you were going to avoid me the whole time?”

“I never rejected any appointments! I’ve been waiting all week for you to show up! Your phone line is disconnected, I’m not allowed to leave this damned city unless it’s by airplane back home, and the whole damned reason I came here was to speak to you!”

Jennifer blinked once, twice, three times, and then sank down into a nearby chair in shock. “But I spoke directly to your head of security in Kerlile. She told me point blank that you would not meet with me and that I need to stop asking.”

“Who? Who did you speak to?” Josephine demanded.

“Alicia Alloza, with your security detail? The one who is liaising with your assistants to manage your diary, according to the Council’s files.”

“That’s correct, Alicia is… Alicia told you I didn’t want to see you!? I was not informed of any appointment requests and I specifically told them I wanted notified immediately if you got in touch. Why would she lie!?”

Jennifer stayed silent, and looked up at Josephine, a mix of shock, anger and love in her eyes, all at once. Josephine’s eyes grew wider in response, as she realised what was going on, and she sat down on the other chair immediately.

“My own people have been trying to stop me meeting you. Against my explicit orders.”

“If it makes it any better, mine have been doing the same. But at least I know why; they think you’re a corrupting influence, that you’ll at best encourage me to push for greater reforms, and at worst recruit me for Lauchenoiria’s intelligence agencies.”

“Alicia is going to be fired immediately,” Josephine said coldly, “and if she has any links to Gabriel Fleming she is going to spend the rest of her life in prison.”

“Forget about that for one minute,” Jennifer said, then looked Josephine directly in the eyes. “Put aside this conspiracy, because we do not have a lot of time, especially if both our countries want to keep us apart. You said you came here for me. Is it true?”

Josephine looked at her wife, at the look of longing, of hope, of sheer love and she crumbled. All the words she meant to say, all the accusations, just disappeared. After all, she’d done her research. She knew what Jennifer would tell her: Kerlian policy would be to find and execute the families of anyone deemed connected with DKS. “Sonja Viratnen” was indeed connected with DKS. If Josephine had known, she would have been in danger. It didn’t make up for it; the lie that was so big… but she understood it.

“Is it the only lie you told me?” Josephine blurted out. She had to know. “Was there anything else? Or was your secret identity all of it?”

“Josie, I… listen. Yes, I lied. And I am so, so sorry. I regret it every day of my life. But, if it’s worth anything, I never intended to be Jennifer Hale again. I fully intended to be Sonja Viratnen-Alvarez for the rest of my days, to never look back. This is not to say I wished to lie to you, but that Sonja is who I wanted to be, is the real me in every way that matters. Jennifer Hale is a persona, a symbol of a messed-up family at first, and now of a reform movement that’s failing before it made any real headway. Jennifer Hale is not real. Sonja was. Sonja is. Jennifer is what I had forced upon me, but Sonja is who I chose to be. And I chose to be with you. I love you, Josephine, more than you can ever know and more than I ever thought was possible.”

Jennifer took a quick breath before continuing, not allowing herself to be interrupted. “I ran away when I was thirteen because I knew I’d never survive here. I hated it, I hated my family and I hated my life. I gave up everything, I renounced everything and I swore I’d never go back willingly. I would not be here, in Kerlile, if I had a choice and I pray that you believe me. I made a choice to reject my birth family and my duties because they were cruel, and horrific, and I hated everything they stood for. When we met, I was who I said I was because that was my choice and I never intended to look back.”

“It is the one lie that I told you. Everything else is true. That I love you, that I love the way you smile and your ambition and the fact that in spite of all that, you always found time to relax even when things were chaotic. That I did not want to go into politics myself and preferred to avoid the spotlight because I never, ever, wanted to be where I am forced to be now and I renounced that life, but I loved you for being brave enough to do it and to do it well. That when Chaher overthrew Moore and imprisoned you it was the worst day of my life, even including all the things I’ve seen and all the ways I was mistreated as a child. Because you are my world, Josephine, and when you said you hated me it broke my heart into a million pieces and I did not want to go on living.”

“I love you so deeply, I am so sorry for lying, I did it to protect you but that’s not an excuse. I let my own fear of Kerlile consume me and hid something you deserved to know from you because I myself did not want to face up to it. But you are stronger and braver than I could ever be, you are the light of my life and the centre of my world and I should never have hidden anything from you because I love you, and want to be with you, and share everything with you for the rest of my days. And I am devastated that I cannot because of this.”

Jennifer finally stopped, gasping for breath as tears ran down her face as she spoke, her voice speeding up as she desperately tried to let out the words she needed to say to the woman she loved unconditionally, the women she hoped and prayed could forgive her and take her back, even after what she did and the barriers and borders that separated them and their lives after the war.

“Sonja… Jennifer… Sonja. You say that’s who you want to be, so that’s what I’ll call you,” Josephine replied softly, after a pause of a few seconds that felt like eternities. “I believe you. I believe you, because I know you, the real you, not this façade. Because I know you’d never have abandoned all those Council votes if you were thinking clearly. Because you lied to me, yes, but I was unfair to you, begging you to join the Council for me and then hating you for it. Because everything was perfect until one day it wasn’t, and because by letting that separate us forever we’re letting Suleman Chaher win from beyond the grave.”

“And because… because I love you too,” Josephine said, her voice breaking as she began crying too. “I haven’t been able to deny it. It would have been easier if I could, but I’ve spent every day wishing you were there, every difficulty wanting to speak to you. Marwick, Pavía, Yauhmi… everything was so much harder without you. And I saw you trying to do good even when it hurt you here, and you wouldn’t do that if it had all been a lie. If you had all been a lie. I believe everyone deserves a second chance and even if they didn’t, I’d still give you one because I want to be with you forever too.”

The two women looked at each other, both crying for several seconds, before they both crossed the distance to each other in a split second and kissed as if it was the end of the world and they had only this moment, and only the two of them, and nothing else mattered, or existed, or had ever mattered or existed. They embraced as if they were two parts of the same whole finally coming together again after a long and painful separation, and as if they would never, ever, be separated again.

It could not last. The next day, Alvarez would have to return to Lauchenoiria. Hale still could not leave Kerlile. Sonja, the person she wanted to be, would have to stay hidden a little longer, and the persona of Jennifer Hale, no matter how false, would have to stand up and address the world, and fight against Kerlile’s slip back into totalitarianism. Alvarez would have to hide her rekindled romance to retain the trust of the Lauchenoirian people, and they would both have to deal with the people and conspiracies trying to keep them apart. But for tonight, for this night, they did not have to be separate, they did not have to be apart, they were together as they should be and as they both knew they were destined to be. Tomorrow would stay away, just a little longer.