A/N: Sookie gets a chance to talk to the council directly about the plans she discussed with Russell and Stan, details start to unfold, and the Ancient Pythoness has a couple of questions. Let's see, I think we have one more chapter to go after this one before we finally bump into the Viking again - some of Sookie's other supernatural friends will not be far behind.

Everyone reviewing and favoriting is the best! However, just a note that I deleted one "guest" review that was mostly just a mean comment about Charlaine Harris. I know many of us have *ahem* strong feelings about things, but let's not call names.

Disclaimer: everything belongs to Charlaine Harris, although we're a bit off the DEA-beaten path at this point.

While I'd been reading their minions for the past several hours, the vampires had been having their own little meet and greet in the exhibit hall. The human vendors (who I'd worn myself out screening yesterday) were already set up in long rows in the hall, and the vampires with something to sell - like Bill - would have joined them by now. Tonight was an opening reception alongside the exhibits, one I hoped to observe from the sidelines now that my main human-screening duties were completed. That plan was interrupted when Russell's day man appeared to escort me to a meeting of the council.

I freshened up quickly in a nearby restroom, smoothing my hair and dark blue suit. I was glad I'd decided to go professional tonight, taking in my polished look. I called Quinn quickly to give him my report from the screening, and let him know I wouldn't make it to the reception right away. He'd already stationed Were guards throughout the hall, and assured me he'd be okay.

I was able to put my worries to rest a little more when I ran into Barry again in the hallway - he'd been subjected to my screening, too. I told him quickly, "I'll pay you $100 if you'll go listen in the exhibit hall until I get there or it closes." Barry responded the same way I'd spoken to him - telepathically. "Anything in particular?" I could tell he was trying to suppress memories of Rhodes. I reassured him, "Nothing specific. I finished reading the guests, and did all the vendors yesterday. Just a precaution." Barry nodded and headed toward the hall. Russell's Were started walking again, and Karin tagged along. Neither of them demanded to know the contents of mine and Barry's silent exchange.

After taking the elevator and emerging in a long hallway on the top floor of the hotel, we proceeded to a pair of guards outside a nearby double door. This would be one of the hotel's best suites, reserved strictly for council business. Importantly, it would be very difficult to approach this area without detection. I was grateful that Karin was being allowed in with me, and felt relieved when I saw that Mr. Cataliades was already here. These were small comforts as I faced the vampire council, and the Ancient Pythoness herself.

I knew from Russell and Stan that the council had been intrigued by "their" proposal, and wanted to pick my brain about things. I didn't know yet whether they were going to act on any of it, and wasn't sure when or if I would hear the details, aside from whatever Karin would tell me later. Mr. C. had hinted that they might have called the summit not just to discuss the plan among the council members, but to announce a major change related to the idea, although I wasn't sure whether he really knew any more than I did.

The suite was the largest and fanciest I'd ever seen. The council vampires were set up at a modern metal and glass conference table with sleek black and chrome chairs. The Pythoness had taken up a much more comfortable position in a large plush chair, but looked no less intimidating for her position. The monarchs' seconds and other vampire guards lined the walls. There was no wooden furniture in sight.

The King of Kentucky was the only council member I sort of knew, although I recognized the others' faces from Rhodes. As I surveyed the room, I became aware of having one of the only beating hearts in the room, and I hoped they also remembered me well from Rhodes. I knew the Pythoness would, and while the blind ancient couldn't stare at me, her face remained pointed at my position.

"Sookie, let me introduce you to the council. I've just been telling them how fond of you my Britlingens were." It was a struggle to keep my mouth from hanging open. Kentucky introduced me to each monarch in turn, and I tried to incline my head appropriately. I was struggling to figure out the protocol when I was directed to a plush chair of my own. Russell and Stan awkwardly shared a couch facing the conference table.

Kentucky continued, "We have summoned you here tonight to discuss a plan for vampire survival, for a future no longer marred by war." Despite the meeting's apparent lack of formality, the King had a way with words. "Sookie, are we to understand that you are the mastermind behind the plan presented to us by the Kings of Mississippi and Texas?"

I let out the breath I'd been holding and responded, "Yes, your Majesty."

"Would you mind, dear, telling us in your own words why you believe this radical change to our governance would benefit vampire-kind?"

Determined to stick to a business-like persona, I clasped my hands in my lap and regrouped, nodding. "Well, sir, first of all I think it's a good change because it's not a radical change. Things would be very familiar - but stable - while you all carefully determine the most appropriate long-term solution."

I explained to them my ideas, which I knew they'd already discussed at length with Russell and Stan; they wanted to hear me say it. Every vampire in the room was examining me closely for signs of treachery as I spoke, and I felt more than one send the waves of power that meant they were trying to glamor me. Although Karin tensed, I could understand why they'd want to be sure I was free from another's influence and test my abilities.

The vampires seemed to agree with my assessments of the weaknesses created by constant takeovers. I answered their questions and made some suggestions, including my ideas for balancing the power of the various territories. By the time we were done discussing the details, it was only a couple of hours before dawn. I was extremely tired, but the council wasn't done with me yet. For the first time, the King of Missouri spoke.

"Ms. Stackhouse, we all acknowledge that your insights saved many the last time we gathered. Your ideas as described tonight seem to have merit. I understand you have also been quite valuable in securing this summit as well. My question to you, then, is what you want in return from vampire-kind for your input."

I took a more assertive posture and replied, "I'd like to be paid to do similar security work for other summits, and to be appointed as a paid consultant to liaise between the council and the state and federal Bureaus of Vampire Affairs." I briefly described how I thought my experiences and knowledge would make me a good go-between for the human and vampire governments. I understood humans better than just about anybody, and the people of the BVA would trust me more than they ever would a vampire.

"You want money, Ms. Stackhouse? Humans are so short-sighted about finance. You must also know we cannot directly cancel the contract at this point if no terms have been broken, something you'd surely desire." I knew the council had refused to interfere in Eric's contract, but I didn't blame them for assuming it was on my agenda. "What about protection? Surely someone in your situation would prefer vampire protection as a reward." Missouri stopped then to get my response. I didn't think it would be the one he expected.

"With all due respect your Majesty, guarantees of vampire protection haven't exactly worked out for me in the past. A prominent vampire who knew of such a promise to me broke his word, preventing another of your kind from aiding me while I was kidnapped and tortured." I looked at each member of the council before continuing. "In fact, I have been guaranteed the protection of Karin the Slaughterer here for one year as a condition of Eric and Freyda's contract, which also says that no vampire may taste, use, or harm me. Karin has already been a big help, but I'd be a fool to expect vampire promises alone to keep me safe."

The monarchs then whispered among themselves for a minute, which was extremely...weird. I'd expected a more indignant reaction. One of them waved Mr. Cataliades over, which made me nervous, and a couple of the guards were sent out of the room. The demon was blocking me completely, so I sat silently until they decided I was worth their attention again.

When their buzz of activity died down, the Queen of Alabama, a beautiful, round-faced Black woman in an expensive red suit, finally addressed me. "Why involve yourself further in vampire affairs, if we are so dangerous and untrustworthy?"

"Your Majesty, other monarchs have attempted to steal and use me since day one, since before I ever met a vampire. They wanted to use me as an advantage, an edge to help them prevent attack and takeover, or to gain their own power. If you all aren't constantly trying to oust one another, and I work with all of you instead of just one of you, I figure my chances improve a whole lot."

I saw a few nods around the table. After answering a few other questions from members of the council, the Ancient Pythoness finally spoke up. "Miss Stackhouse, I believe your plan is a good one, and you would make a fine representative for us to the BVA. I have one final question, then you may be dismissed."

I braced myself, and the old broad continued. "Your Mister Northman is set to marry Queen Freyda two nights from now. What would you propose we do in Area Five and Louisiana, and with the Viking?"

Every creature in the room waited for my answer. I tried to crush my own nervousness and Karin's transmitted caution, and chose my words very carefully. "Eric and I are now divorced, as was required. I can no longer claim to speak for his preferences. I believe Pamela, his progeny, is happy to have become Sheriff of Area Five, and I hope she can remain there. Given our discussions, I expect Felipe would be made to relinquish his claim to Louisiana. For this plan to succeed, you will have to appoint a new monarch - ideally someone who already knows the state." I paused for a breath, and hoped Karin wouldn't react too badly to my next question. "Problem is, I can't think of any viable long-term leaders currently holding office in the state, can you?"

I could feel Karin's gaze on me, but I could also feel her pride. She'd really liked something about my response, and I'd have to find out what it was tomorrow. The council members were giving each other glances as I sat waiting for a response, and the Pythoness finally interrupted the silence.

"Very well, Miss Stackhouse. As usual, you keep our proceedings interesting. We will negotiate your terms through Mr. Cataliades, and will be in touch. I expect this unusual arrangement will bring our kind much peace and prosperity. I have seen this meeting, Miss Stackhouse. I am pleased you arrived for it."

Well, then. The meeting had gone better than I had expected, and I was glad to tell the council good evening and turn to leave, after being sternly reminded of the need for secrecy about our discussions. The next thing I heard caused me to freeze.

"Ms. Slaughter, please stay behind a moment. Our next matter concerns you."

I was ready to argue to stay with Karin, but she shook her head and gave my hand a gentle squeeze. "Go, Sookie. There may be other things for you to see to this night. I will catch up before any monsters can eat you."