Elysium - Meeting of the Coup

[Keira Kelly]

With only about ten minutes until the deadline, Keira stood in a large but stark boardroom conversing quietly with her Sire, Nathaniel and his Sire, Mirella. Archon had not said anything about inviting Mirella but she was and Elder and well respected so Keira thought the move prudent.

Keira glanced around at the assembled Kindred, most of whom were sitting in chairs around an elegant table. She had not told them what this meeting was about but made it clear to them that it was in their best interest to attend.

There was Viktor Chenkov the Malkavian Primogen. She idly wondered what sort of derangement that one sported as all of his clan did. He seemed pretty level-headed.. at least at present. With a mental shrug, her gaze moved on. Kassir Kane the Nosferatu Primogen.. that was just not a pretty picture. Tony DeSilva the Brujah Primogen sat sideways in his chair, trying to portray the rebel as always. That Brujah liked to play the part just for attention she suspected.

As she studied the others, the Toreador Primogen walked in. Striking as always and fashionably almost late as always, Keira thought. Katerina Tiernay had probably waited until she was sure everyone else was present before making her entrance so she would be sure all eyes were on her.

There were two that Keira had not been able to contact though. Unsurprisingly the Tremere Primogen Friedrich McKenna didn't seem to be taking calls at present. She had managed to get one of his subordinates to show up though, a warlock by the name of Ben Kingston. As well, despite Archon's connections to his own clan, Keira had tried to ring the Ventrue Primogen as well but had been told that Francesca had not been seen since the Ventrue gathering the week before either.

The gathering waiting for Archon and those he was bringing.

[Archon Hamilton]

The minutes slowly ticked away. The tick, tock, tick, tock of Archons Grandfather Clock ticking away in his spartan boardroom. Just as time hit its mark of the two hours entered Archon, wearing his trade mark black suit and shoes, blood red tie, and slicked back hair. He looked very handsome, and very distinguished. Behind him were an entourage of twelve other Kindred with whom the ones in front walked exactly two steps behind Archon at all times. Archon gazed at those in attendance, smiling happily on the inside but letting none of his pleasure boil to the surface. All but two of the Primogen, no Sheriff, and someone else with Keira as well, Grandsire perhaps, ally maybe, wait, no, he knew this Kindred! As he took his seat and he straightened his tie, his entourage fell in behind him. They all wore suits, though none quite as fine as his own. With a final look around he decided to begin

"First and foremost I would like to start this off by saying thank you all for coming on such short notice despite what plans and events you may have had, this will be worth your time. Secondly I am Archon Hamilton, Progeny of Joesph Bourne, Progeny of Lysander, Progeny of Marcus, Progeny of Mithras, Progeny of Veddartha, clan founder of the Ventrue." He started things out with his potent blood lineage. A good starter and a reminder to those present that he is no push over.

"I am here to inform you all now that there is a change in management. Winters has let himself fall to far. He has become paranoid and is close to endangering the lives of all the Kindred of Toronto. To that end I, Archon of Clan Ventrue do here by seize Praxis on the Domain of Prince Winters and name myself as Prince. A Prince that will give you justice for the transgressions and abuses heaped upon you my my rogue Clansmen." He then passed out a number of sheets to the assembled Kindred.

"What qualifications do I have besides my lineage? On the sheets that you are now viewing you will see that I own many powerful corporations and businesses. Further more I have an unrivaled understanding of both kine and Kindred law. IN addition to my business acumen you can see that I have been a member of the Camirilla and have held several of its positions for the past one hundred and ninety six years. I have connection to Camirilla Elders the world over, including Madame Mirella, Elder of Clan Toreador, so good to see you again, and thank you for being her." He said with a respectful nod to Keira's Grandsire.

"Now, getting down to the crux of this meeting. I shall now like you move to the third page I handed you you will see in writing the information I am about to tell you, information that was provided by the Clans Nosferatu, Gangrel, Toreador, and my own. First off some time ago, Winters had called the Blood Hunt on Miss Keira Kelly of Clan Toreador after listening to information whispered in his ear my a known member of the Sabbat, first offense to you noble kindred and the first abuse of his title and power.

Second is that fact that some time ago, Winters was injured with fire by an unknown assailant, and very foolishly assumed it was a member of Clan Tremere whom done so. Many members of Clan Tremere have gone missing recently and not made it to their Havens, or what do they call it, their Chantry I think it is. Victims of Winters personal Clan genocide, a blatant breach of the sixth Tradition: Destruction. Yes as Prince he has the right to bring final death to any in his domain, but not genocide fueled by paranoia. He even has called for a Blood Hunt on the Tremere Primogen, whom I have secreted away and a verdict I shall null immediately should this council support my Claim for Prince." He stopped to let his words and the facts on the paper of the Princes Treason against his Clan and the Camirlla sink in. After waiting a very measured six seconds he continued.

"The third act of treachery on his heinous list of crimes is that he was wanting to initiate a Clan war and purge. Clan Ventrue, a city for Ventrue, I if made Prince can assure you all that no such things would happen. All Clans are welcome in my Domain, so long as you abide by the laws and traditions of the Camirilla, well get on smashingly. Through Winters' would be US or THEM policy he has begun to eliminate or contain any whom would defy him, including my own Ventrue Primogen, for clearly to Winters nothing is sacred, and power has corrupted him. I as Prince, believe in wholly the power of a cities Hierarchy. There is a reason there is a Seneschal, and a council of Primogen, and why more often then not the the three parties work together to make a city run, so as not to fall to the Sabbat. Something Winters has forgotten about or worse, chose to ignore. Something I, yet again should you name me Prince I would rectify." Archon pausing to get a read on those gathered around his table. With him seated at the head, he could see everyone.

Continuing on with his points "Due to his negligence to this city, the Sabbat have gained further ground in this city when in actuality they should have none!" His fist hit the table with purposeful intent and impact. "If you think about it my fellow Kindred, Elders, it all makes sense..." He paused deliberately "Mikhail Winters is a member of the Sabbat, and has been for some time. Think about it, calling a Blood Hunt suggested to him my a knowm member of of the Sabbat, wanting to slay all the Tremere, one of our biggest assets in the battle against the Sabbat, the elimination of his fellow Clanmates in Toronto, a Camirilla held Domain, and the fact that there are now more Sabbat in Toronto, than there ever has been before." With that Archon stood up and looked down at those seated around his long table.

"Make me your Prince, and I will bring this traitor to justice, and even give him his own tasting of what a Blood Hunt is. You deserve a Prince that will not only defend Camirilla ideals, but this city and its Kindred. My name is Archon Hamilton and as of this moment I declare myself Prince of Toronto, all those in favor of my claim say AYEThe twelve Kindred behind him said aye immediately. Archon them waited for those of the Council and other distinguished guests to say aye. After a moment he looked around and said "Now hearing [NAYS]/b]" He said his hands clasped behind his back, he in every way looking a regal leader, a general, a leader....a Prince.

[Keira Kelly]

As the group of Ventrue led by Archon entered the room, Katerina Tiernay the Toreador Primogen spoke just loud enough to be overheard by everyone in the room but not so loud as to be obvious.
"This one knows how to make an entrance!"

Keira rolled her eyes. She had seen Primogen Tiernay make some choice entrances herself.. often. She had caught some glances, especially from Katerina as they had waited. They were probably wondering what she was doing here as Keira had been the lowest ranking Kindred present. She had merely returned a confident smile to each and every one of them.

The group quieted down as Archon began to speak. As he recited his lineage, Keira noticed a few of the Primogen nodding at certain names. No doubt of distinguished stock then.

When Archon spoke his intentions, Keira was surprised there were no gasps or outbursts among the gathered Kindred but when she thought about it, it was likely that none here were all that surprised. They had all noticed something going on with the Prince's office. The more Keira thought about it, the more SHE was surprised that none of them had made a move for it.

Mirella smiled and nodded back at Archon's acknowledgement. Keira wondered how she and Archon knew each other. She would have to find out later.

Whispering began among the Primogen as Archon started listing off Mikhail Winters' transgressions. They all knew about the Blood Hunt against the Keeper of Elysium but few knew what had precipitated it. Undoubtedly many had probably marvelled that Keira had survived it at all. It has only been through proof of innocence and some threat that the Prince had reneged on the Hunt in the end.

The Brujah Primogen, Tony DeSilva stood up when Archon brought up the sixth Tradition. "Yeah! The Prince has gotta be held accountable for each and every Final Death that's ordered! Can't have his secret police going and carting Kindred away..." he said as she slammed a hand down on the table.

The pale Malkavian Primogen Viktor Chenkov who had seemed lost in his own little world previously finally glanced up, looking almost surprised at those around him. He spoke though as if he had been paying attention the whole time. "It was certainly most unpleasant under the reign of Stalin." he replied in a thick russian accent. "There must be checks and balances to the power the Prince wields."

Archon seemed to wait as the group fell silent again and Primogen DeSilva retook his seat.

The whispering started up again as Archon spoke about the Clan war and purge. None of them had known about this. The Primogen council seemed to be truly shocked, something rare for Elder Kindred. Keira could see the disbelief written on their faces.

"Wait!" exclaimed Katerina. "A city for VENTRUE!? He had plans for purging the whole city of all but the Ventrue!?" she said loudly. The statement had seemed so ridiculous she seemed at a loss for how to continue. "How? Why?"

The Primogen fell to loud discussion for a minute before the group one again quieted as Archon waited; they looked to him for an explanation.

The bombshell of Mikhail Winters being a Sabbat double agent dropped with all the force of nuke among the gathered Kindred. Everything was perfectly silent for a good couple of moments before chaos broke loose. There were cries that it couldn't be true mixed with statements that the fact made sense. There were arguing shouts the noise of which made Keira think there were more than only four Primogen and a handful of others present.

Keira knew that the former Prince had not been Sabbat.. or at least she was pretty sure about it. She felt just a twinge of guilt at this tactic. It would almost certainly win Archon the support he desired. The more she thought about it though, so Mikhail hadn't been formally a part of the Sabbat. The choices he had made made him just as bad as the Sabbat. So what if he hadn't sworn himself to them, he might as well have been Sabbat in the end. Archon was right to make the claim as it would be the right thing for the Kindred of the city and the Camarilla.

The council quieted down finally again and Archon put the matter to a vote.

Keira studied the faces of the Elders around her. Though they now made no sounds, she could tell they would be baying for the Blood of Mikhail Winters. Even without that though, she knew they wouldn't want to even seem to be in support of one that appeared linked to the Sabbat. It wasn't hard to predict how the vote would go.

Katerina spoke first. "The Toreador were partners with the Ventrue in the creation of the Camarilla. Where the Ventrue are its soul, the Toreador will always remain its heart. Mikhail Winters has gone to far outside the boundaries of the Camarilla and must be removed. You have the vote of me and my entire Clan." she responded formally, getting some annoyed looks from the other Primogen at her exaltation of both the Ventrue and Toreador clans which she ignored.

The Malkavian Primogen regarded Archon with a suspicious look. He knew something was not right somehow Keira thought but was surprised when all he said was "Aye."

Kassir Kane the Nosferatu gnashed some horrible looking teeth as he considered his vote. "Aye. If it was Clan Tremere first, who knows who would be next. 'Specially if he was Sabbat.." he rasped.

Primogen DeSilva, the youngest of the primogen, on the other hand looked at Archon with a rivalrous look. As he stood up though, Kassir placed a hand on the Brujah's shoulder and whispered something in his ear. DeSilva threw a look at the Nosferatu but the fight left his posture. "Aye, the Brujah of Toronto are with you."

Keira, Nathaniel and Mirella all just gave nods of support to Archon, as not being Primogen, they did not want to take attention.. not to mention Katerina seemed to have already spoken for their entire Clan already.

Keira though decided to progress the matter. "So, Prince Hamilton," she said, "What is the next move?"

Katerina threw Keira a harsh look, almost certainly due to her age Keira decided, and having taken such a role in the discussion.
Before Archon could reply, Katerina interrupted. "Prince Hamilton. You stated something about the Ventrue Primogen before. You have the Tremere Primogen safe but do you know what has become of Francesca?"

[Archon Hamilton]

Archon turned his attention to the Brujah Primogen when he said that the former Prince has to be held accountable. "And you have my word, he will be. He will be held accountable for every atrocity he has committed against Toronto and her Kindred."

His attentions then turned toward the Malkavian Primogen who spoke of Winters as if he were Stalin, nice touch. Archon could appreciate such things. It was not beyond him, not yet at any right.

"I could not agree with you more Primogen Chenkov. To that end I plan to fill as many of Toronto's hierarchy seats as possible. The Prince is the absolute authority in a Camirilla Domain, yet I tell you my fair Kindred, it is nothing with out those whom serve do not support him, especially his Primogen Council. So I once more thank you all for your support." Archon concluded with a smile

"Yes I am afraid you heard me correctly, Winters wanted a city ruled by Ventrue, only for the Ventrue. As a Ventrue myself I find such an idea amusing at best. He clearly was not thinking. A city with only Ventrue would fall into in-fighting and the Kine would suffer for it. Imagine if you would a city full of Kindred, whom think THEY need to be number one. They need to be the very best, it would be sheer chaos. You want a city with high Ventrue control, please visit thirteenth and fourteenth century Italy. Or even many of todays modern cities." Archon stated

Archon listened as vote by solid vote, he became the new Prince of Toronto. He never had a single doubt, though it looked like the Brujah was getting ready to something, good thing the Nosferatu had stopped him. He really did not want to have to dumb things down for the hot tempered Brujah, who he was sure thought this was going to be a another dictatorship. Oh well, Kindred were entitled to their opinions.

As he was getting ready to answer Keira, his Toreador Primogen spoke up. He nodded in answer when she spoke of the worlock, and then shook his head. "As of just now, I do not know where she is, but rest assured, I will find her, or her ashes. So please take peace of mind. You have a very capable Prince now.

As for my first order of business, no Prince is complete with out his right hand, his Seneschal, and I have noted that Toronto, through Winters genius has none. So as Prince I appoint the Kindred Keira Kelly as Seneschal of the Domain of Toronto, with all the responsibilities and privileges that is afforded it. Why have I appointed so young a Kindred as my right hand, it is simple, she as an ambition in her that will take her far, and unlike many at this table now she is still young enough to remember being a mortal, and she helps to keep my conscience cleaner.

Secondly Primogen Desilva, I have a very special task for you and your Clan, which upon success, I shall grant you your own feeding grounds her in Toronto. You all may have noticed the large group of Kindred I came in with, they are not for show, Mr.DeSilva, you and the Brujah, along with the six Gangrel I brought are going, to hunt down and destroy the Sabbat infection here. I want them weeded out, and brought to the Final Death." Archon said walking around to where the Brujah sat. He then handed him a folded note.

"That is the location of a Sabbat pack, ascertain them, get the information you need, and then destroy them. For this assignment, I grant the six Gangrel, you, and clan Brujah the right of Destruction on only the Sabbat. Any violation of this trust, and power I have given you will have the most dire of repercussions.." He let the sentence sit, not needing to finish it

He made his way back to the head of the table. "Thirdly, the rest of us, and the six Ventrue I brought with me, are going to pool our resources and our Influence until we find out where that cur who calls himself Winters is hiding and bring this Blood Hunt to a close. With the my own information network and wealth and that of my Primogen's, this will hopefully be over in a few short nights. IN addition, I would like to meet once a week in this boardroom, or another area or location if by group consensus to discuss local happening and to bring any concerns of your Clans to me, so that I may address them, and if possible help to resolve them. Questions, concerns, comments?" Archon said almost casually winking to to Mirella and Keira.

[Keira Kelly]

As Archon named Keira's new position within the Camarilla, glares turned to her from around the room especially from her own Primogen; Katerina's was pure acid. Keira's only response was a smug and confident smile. It was probably unheard of that one of her age would gain such a position and it had likely taken the others decades or even centuries to get that far themselves. Let them stew in their own resentment if they so choose, thought Keira, still smiling.

She felt a hand on her shoulder; Mirella's. Her grandsire was showing her support of Keira in front of all the others. She'd have to thank Mirella later for that. Some of the Primogen knew or knew of Mirella and her gesture would go a long way to let them move on from this news.

Archon next addressed Primogen DeSilva with a mission for the Brujah and his ilk. The Brujah was still warring within himself, that much was apparent but giving DeSilva an enemy to vent on was a wise move on Archon's part. It would direct his energies to something more useful. The Brujah's hatred of the Sabbat was greater than any Prince. "The Sabbat will be wiped out of the city... but we don't need no help from Outlanders. The Brujah can take care of it." he said as he took the note.

The group of Primogen seemed to become more consolidated as they were given orders. Purpose was always a great means of cohesion. They seemed glad though that this new Prince was willing to listen to them and was interested in the fare of their Clans; it was more interest than Winters had shown in recent years.

Kassir spoke up in his rasping voice. "I can have the Nosferatu begin right away in a search for Winters. We have some information about some of the Sabbat groups infiltrating the city as well..."

Katerina threw another venomous look at Keira before addressing the new Prince. "Are you sure you want one so young as an adviser, Prince Hamilton? I'm sure there are many others young enough to remember their mortality yet with more experience; especially among the Toreador."

Keira threw back her own glare. "You question your Prince's decision?"

This froze the Toreador Primogen. She had made it clear that she did question the choice yet saying that out loud could potentially be counted as sedition and none here knew the new Prince well enough to judge his response to such an act. Katerina's eyes narrowed as she glared at Keira again but said nothing more. Keira knew she had made a powerful enemy here tonight; though she now had maybe just as much power, she reminded herself.

Katerina decided to change the subject. "What of the position of Sheriff?"

A sharp stab of emotion passed through Keira at this. She had a feeling that when they found Winters and the Ventrue Primogen, they'd find Cy but she wondered in what state. As she fought back the bad thoughts, she noticed Katerina glancing her way yet again. She had known of Keira's relationship with the Sheriff.. and had asked that question then maliciously even though it was a valid question in the circumstances.

This battle with the Toreador Primogen would not end with bloodshed Keira knew, but would be a battle of wits, sharp cutting remarks and plays for power. And it had begun.

[Archon Hamilton]

Archon watched as the glared bore into Keira like a sword through the soft meat of the belly. He could tell that they did not like that, he did not think as much, but he was here to run a city, and bring it back into the fold of a proper Prince. He could make friends and enemies afterward. Though most seemed to be taking this new Prince in stride. The real question would be how long will he be able to retain his title of Prince, a year, a decade? Who knew.

Archon listened to the Brujah's words. "Primogen DeSilva, when it comes to fighting, there are no finer warriors in all the Camirilla, indeed few Clans can match your speed, and strength. But do not think for a moment that you do not need help from the Gangrel. They too are brilliant warriors and when it comes to tracking, there are none better, only matched by the the Assassins of Clan Assimite. Perhaps Primogen DeSilva heard not when I said I wanted them not only out of my city but destroyed, decimated, I want those Sabbat bastards to be destroyed so thoroughly that when they say the name Toronto; they spit upon the ground as if it had left a bad and entirely unwholesome taste in their mouth. So to that end, you WILL take the Gangrel, not the Outlanders and you destroy the Sabbat. I entrust that there is no further need for reiteration?" Archon said in a tone that suggested in was not a question.

"Perfect! Primogen Kassir, mke sure to relay your information about the Sabbat to Primogen DeSilva, as he will be in charge of their extermination, as for offering your Clans services for finding Winters, thank you. It would only serve to expedite the matter swiftly. Your Clan is Masters of Information, and right now we need to know where Winters is. Also any knowledge of where are mission Kindred is would be smashing as well." Archon added as an after thought.

Archon was just getting ready to answer the Toreador when his new Seneschal barked in for him. Look at the fangs on her! He was always attracted to women in positions of power. He knew not why, nor how, he just was, it was quite possibly one of very few of his weaknesses. She handled herself well. Excellent. She had so much promise, he will have to cultivate that. Help it grow, perhaps even teach her most of what he knows, after all the Master never truly reveals all his secrets until the very, very end.

"In regards to the position of Sheriff, until Mr.Sindri, Mr.Cyrus, which eve he prefers to be called is found...or accounted for, the position of Sheriff shall be held by....Madame Mirella! But do not fret my dear, tis only temporary assignment, unless you find that you wear the mantle well." Archon smiled and gave Mirella a very sly and very subtle wink

"Does everyone understand their roles and what they will be doing? If anything is unclear now is is the time to speak up?" Archon asked the assembled Kindred still standing up looking regal at the front of the table like a King of Old addressing the masses of his Kingdom.

[Keira Kelly]

The Brujah Primogen bristled at the firm order but said nothing more. The Brujah were known for bucking authority and needed a strong hand to guide them and keep them in line. "Fine, they can tag along..." he replied, acquiescing but not willing to seem subservient to the Prince's command.

Kassir nodded to Archon. "When the meeting is finished, I will talk to Tony about the Sabbat. Now as for Winters.." he hissed, "He operated largely out of his mansion though he owned much property within the city. I would not expect to find him there but there may be some clue to his or the whereabouts of the missing at that location." Kassir suggested with a shrug. "A place to start while we collect what we know."

Keira was just a bit surprised when Archon named Mirella as the temporary Sheriff. It may have not been unheard of for one of her clan in such a position but it was far from ordinary. Mirella returned the smile and gave a nod of her head to the Prince making Keira wonder again at the nature of their relationship, how they had known each other. Archon obviously trusted Mirella greatly.

Keira felt the worry return though. She worried at what Cy's disappearance could mean and feared the worst. She had loved him from even before she had been Embraced, he had saved her life a number of times back then and since.. and the Blood Bond they had chosen to share only made the feelings even stronger. It was all she could do to keep the fear she felt hidden from the sharks in this tank. She kept a blank face on, hiding her inner turmoil.

None of the Primogen or other Kindred gathered spoke up except for Kassir. "I think we got it, boss. Anything else?"

[Archon Hamilton]

Archon still standing at the front of the long table clasped his hands together and looked out at his assembled Kindred. He held each one of them in his gaze for exactly three seconds, no more, no less. He then spoke.

"Yes, there is one thing. Sheriff Mirella, Seneschal Kelly, I would like for you both to accompany me to Winters' private estate. We shall search for him there." Archon said pulling out a miniature hand canon from somewhere inside his suit. It was a massive hand gun. The Smith and Wesson .500 Magnum. He twirled the weapon around in his fingers and hands with an intimate familiarity with the thing.

"This ladies is .500 Magnum, Smith and Wesson. That is its common name. This particular fire arm is called Order, and it it has served me quite well. Also, there is one other thing my dears, there is a high possibility that blood could be spilled this night. With that said I do not want you to think that I have a common disregard for human life, that is not the case. It is merely a fact. Sometimes mortals, or even Kindred die. With that said if there is nothing else I believe that we should be off." Archon said making sure one last time that his gun was very loaded and ready to fire and put a hole through anything that it hit. He loved his gun. Very, very few other guns were as powerful.

[Keira Kelly]

Both Keira and Mirella nodded. Keira had known they would end up going back to Winters' mansion. She really didn't relish the thought of going back there but maybe if she was there, the residual of the presence she had used on the former prince might come in handy if he was still there. Time would tell.

She didn't relish the thought of taking more life either be it Kindred or Kine. She would do what she had to though; something she had proven in the past for the sake of the Camarilla and the Masquerade. In any case, she was glad she had thought to bring along her own two pistols, tucked safely in holsters beneath her coat. While she didn't doubt this new Prince's ability to survive and probably fight, Keira wished that Sindri was here to have her back at the moment. He was probably the best fighter she had known.

She glanced at the rest of the Primogen and her own Sire who were watching Archon, Mirella and her with varying expressions. Shrugging that off, she turned to Archon after a short glance to Mirella. "We are ready." she said.

[Archon Hamilton]

Archon looked out at his Kindred, his city. And then to the two women coming with him on so potentially dangerous a mission as this was. He hoped if push came to shove the two women were indeed able to defend themselves. There only potential offensive ability came from their Discipline of Celerity. He himself could fall back on his Fortitude if he needed to. Whether the Antideluvians actually existed or not he did not know but one thing he did know with out question, Ventrue had the best assortment of Disciplines out of all the Clans.

"Excellent. You all have your assignments, you know what you are doing, and what you are hunting, and whom you are looking for. Good hunting and God speed. Sheriff, Seneschal, if you would please come with me." With that Archon lead the way out of the building and down to the streets below where a car was waiting for them to ferry them off to their destination.

(OOC:Continued in thread Long live the King!) http://elysium.raptorred.com/forum/view ... 3429#p3429