In an apparent attempt to capitalize on unrest in Milintica, the Xiomeran government announced today that it is entering a formal alliance with one of the factions in the civil unrest in Taragai.
Empress Calhualyana made an unannounced trip to Khongkhortai, the capital city of the monarchist faction. Holding a joint press conference with Khatun Ebegei Qoriqacha, the Empress declared that the Xiomeran Empire was formally allying itself with “the one true government in Taragai with the right to rule the country.”
“The tyrannical and backwards communist regime of Taragai lost power for good reason. But the feckless and disorderly coalition of so-called ‘democratic parties’ that have seized power in Bor-Öndör have no legitimacy either. Only the true heir of the Qoriqacha dynasty, Khatun Ebegei, has the legitimacy and heritage to lead the proud nation and people of Taragai,” Calhualyana said. “And the Xiomeran Empire will help her regain her throne in every possible way.”
“The friendship and support of a fellow ruler of iron will and stone strength such as Empress Calhualyana, and the indomitable Xiomeran people, honor the people of Taragai. With our Xiomeran allies, and our own iron will, we will restore the Khanate of Taragai and bring its glories to new heights,” Khatun Ebegei said.
While full details of the alliance have not been released, it is believed that Xiomera will send several thousand troops to Taragai to train and provide combat support for the monarchist forces. This represents a departure from previous Xiomeran practice of using mercenaries from infamous corporations such as CSSC to extend its military reach. It also raises the possibility of Xiomeran forces coming into direct combat with both the forces of the communist remnant led by Choghagan Khoga, and the nascent democratic government emerging in Bor-Öndör. Xiomeran officials indicated off the record that the change in policy was a recognition of the limitations of Xiomera’s previous strategy of using mercenaries. Those officials also said that the Xiomeran move was sparked by the announcement by Neina Arana of Milintica that her country would be sending guerrillas to aid the Taragaian communists. “Xiomera has interests in Taragai and we weren’t going to just let the Milinticans put the communist regime of the TPRP back in power,” one official said. “Neina Arana’s bumbling around and sending her army onto the streets of her own country instead of here in Taragai gives us an opportunity to pre-empt her designs on Taragai.”
Government officials in Bor-Öndör have tried to downplay the Xiomeran alliance with Qoriqacha, but “a low level sense of fear is palpable here now,” DTNS reporter Hwan Lee said. “Officials with the interim government are publicly trying to put forth a strong face for the people, but behind the scenes both the officials and the general populace are concerned that Xiomeran forces could steamroll over the government’s forces within days and install Qoriqacha in Bor-Öndör.”
