Joint post with Stander (Mirhaime)
Azniv, having recently returned from making friendship bracelets with the reigning Emira of Sayyed, is wandering about the halls, looking for more connections to make. Unnoticed by many partygoers, she sees Alane from across the room and begins walking towards her. Azniv knows that Alane is the Lewydh, the leader of Aldaar’s (at the moment) greatest enemy. Azniv knows that there is no way on Urth that she should, in this moment, go up and talk to Alane, but then again, it isn’t like her presence here is technically approved anyways. And she, of anyone else in Aldaar, knows what Mirhaimian bureaucracy can be like; after all, she worked for WEGEC for two years. Alane could be evil. But… she might also be Aldaar’s greatest ally in their struggle. Hey, who knows? Without anyone noticing, Azniv quickly and quietly walks up behind Alane, essentially appearing from behind her, waiting for her to turn around.
Alane was enjoying the party, standing by her own corner, with her hands holding a glass of beverages so kindly provided to her by her host. Occasionally taking small sips, her eyes scanned the room filled with foreign guests and dignitaries invited to the occasion just like her. She had no formal plans other than the meeting of the hosts and the occasional chats with foreign dignitaries; it was perhaps, for the better that she didn’t for even a handful of months into her service, the duties and responsibilities that come with being the one on the Marghal Throne were soon mounting in her. Packilvania has been a good change of scenery and a good change in perspective as she tried to study more and more about the country and see how she could put what she learned to work in her own homeland in the far West. She did not expect anyone to approach her, and so, as vigilant and keen-eyed as she was, she still missed Azniv’s presence as she snuck up behind her.
Turning her head around, she was quite surprised by Azniv’s appearance as her eyes widened to look at the woman before her. This face she recognized. As much as she tried to hide it, her Kervarmohedh had already briefed her on who Azniv Haviiz was, intel graciously provided by the Aldaari Surveys. “Dissident terrorist,” She remembered those words vividly, “Radical extremist and threat to national security,”
Still undeterred by those lively words, Alane held slightly firmer the cup in her hand as she crossed her hand. “Greetings,” She said to Azniv. “How may I be of assistance to you today?”
“Well, Madam Lewydh, I believe we may be of assistance to each other. I expect I know what you’ve been told about me - that I’m a ‘radical extremist’ or a ‘dissident terrorist.’ But that isn’t true. Well,” she says, slightly cocking her head, “not entirely true, anyways. Oh, by the way, you should really patch that backdoor I made in your software. Like, come on, it’s been literally months. Where was I?” Azniv pauses a second to scratch her head. “Oh, right. We can help you achieve what you need, and I assume you already know what we need.”
“Pardon me?” Alane asked, whatever point Azniv was trying to make well beyond her. One thing that she could tell for sure was that this woman didn’t quite fit the part of a terrorist. Alane was informed of the software crash when all computers in WEGEC service essentially crashed by an interconnected OS but that was all that she knew about the current situation along with the status of the war in the Dominion.
“Yes, my bad. I suppose I should start at the beginning. Hopefully, you know that WEGEC has been oppressing the Aldaari people from the very beginning. Very unconstitutional, and conveniently for you, orchestrated by your political enemies. If you want more specifics, I prepared a dossier. Well, I actually had an aide prepare it, but that’s besides the point. Any questions so far?”
“Those are some considerably serious accusations, miss.” She spoke, taking a sip of her drink as she looked at her, contemplating what to do next. “Ones that perhaps should not be spoken aloud in a place like this.”
“Oh, no one’s listening. Especially not someone who, if they even care, doesn’t already know what’s happening. Hard to believe, but the relationship between Mirhaime and some small desert country doesn’t interest anyone here besides you, me, and probably He -” There’s a brief pause before Azniv rephrases. “Emira Scheherazade, but trust me; she already knows. Plus, believe me, it’s significantly less suspicious if we’re simply making polite conversation in a public area.”
“The Kervarmohedh could be more resourceful than you might think,” Alane said, taking another sip of her now half-empty drink. “And why are you approaching me regarding this?” Alane inquired, wanting to know more on what Azniv’s intentions were. “Approaching your Lewydh in the midst of a formal event with striking accusations seemed to me quite….daring.”
“Well, these are daring times. And believe me, we can help each other.” Azniv quickly pulls what looks like lipstick from her bag, which Alane quickly realizes is a hidden USB stick. “But hey, even if you don’t believe me, at least take this. It has everything you need on it, both to catch you up on the internal situation in Aldaar… and some ideas you can use back at home.”
This small exchange indeed frightened Alane, ironically so for she was supposed to be the most powerful woman in her own country but yet, as her hand extended to receive the USB stick from Azniv, she thought of the repercussions and how this could, without careful maneuverings, cascade into something that could put more than just her life on the line.
“Sincerely hoping this won’t mess with the OS and launch all warheads at Tretrid,” She said nervously, “I shall…put this under consideration.”
“Don’t worry. We don’t want conflict. We just want our people to be safe and free - freedom of speech, freedom of worship, freedom from want, and freedom from fear. All that jazz. And while I can’t make you choose the right thing, I have faith in you.” Azniv begins walking away, but she briefly turns back for one parting line. “Oh, and by the way - you may be Lewydh, but you aren’t my Lewydh.” And with that, she disappears into a small crowd.
“But yet I shall defend your liberty all the same,” Alane said with a whisper, her eyes switching between Azniv departing and the USB stick that she gave her. It was a peculiar encounter, though one that makes her more frightened than even in live combat. She was terrified at the prospect of the entire history of her nation and the integrity of the Commonwealth resting solely in her hands but alas, she must persevere. Soon, she temporarily retreated from the occasion as she summoned one of her trusted advisors to a more…private corner where she was to have a clearer look into the materials she was provided with. However uncomfortable or distressing they may be.