A/N: Kentucky has a speech to make, and the vampires learn about the changes in store for them. This one is pure politics, so you may not enjoy it if you're not into that sort of thing, but this is where we finally find out how Sookie's ideas get translated in vampire action. Thanks again for reading and reviewing; I finally got my first more negative review, which is pleasing in a weird way. :)
Disclaimer: characters belong to Charlaine Harris, I'm just making them vote.
As great as I was feeling, the meeting wasn't quite over yet. Kentucky called the room to order, and leaned into the podium seriously. He seemed to be the voice of the council for the night's proceedings. It seemed fitting, because he obviously liked to talk. I settled in for what was likely to be quite a speech.
"Thank you all for your vigorous support of Ms. Stackhouse and the council's decision. We look forward to working together profitably for many years to come. Tonight we have one other extremely important announcement, and it is not only the reason you have all been required for this meeting, but the very reason we called this summit."
"You may have been under the assumption that we met this week as an excuse for business alongside a now-cancelled wedding. This is not the case. We have always adapted, always adjusted in response to a changing world. Leading up to this summit, we have engaged in serious conversations about the nature of our governance, and how best to adapt it to our post-Revelation world."
"You are aware that vampire-kind has come under increasing scrutiny since our Revelation, and many aspects of our integration with human society are still in flux. We expect, such as through the establishment of state-run donor banks here in Louisiana, to need more than ever a stable government with which to interface with the humans, one which the American humans will recognize as legitimate."
"We cannot accomplish this through constant infighting and coups. A fitting explanation from our own Ms. Stackhouse is that bloody overthrow and turmoil is natural for organizations that operate in the shadows, but that is no longer us. Although some of you are still adjusting to thinking of the human needs at all, it is crucial for our survival in this nation to consider how we present ourselves to U.S. authorities, and to the population in general."
"Now, many of you are from times and places in which governments 'reform' by installing brutal dictatorial regimes. I assure you this is not what we have in mind. Tonight, we propose to embark on the vital project of reconsidering how we select and maintain our leaders, nothing less than the redesign of vampire governance in America. To that end, the council proposes immediate changes to stabilize our governance, to precede a deliberate process of modernizing our ways, defining our rights, and educating the human government about our needs."
"To further reassure you, voting paddles are being passed out as we speak. After you hear our proposal, you will be given the opportunity to show your support - or lack thereof - for this plan. If we do not receive a majority support, we will hear your objections and regather tomorrow to discuss revisions."
I shifted in my seat, a little anxious about how the announcement would be received. No vampires had protested so far, and Kentucky continued. "We propose the following. The council declares all leadership stable for the next forty years unless actions such as mismanagement of territory, violence against humans, or gross violation of vampire or human law or custom take place. This period will allow the rebuilding and progress many of our areas have sorely lacked. During this time, the council, with representatives and input from each territory, will work to develop a new system for preparing and placing future leaders that does not depend on violent overthrow. We will spread the word that attempted incursions from outside our clan and our rules will be met with swift retribution from the allied forces of Amun. Under no circumstances will the council approve or allow rule by takeover."
"We also declare that monarchs may not hold non-adjacent territories. Those of you from nations that have been colonized from afar are well aware of the unrest and dissatisfaction - and rebellion - that inevitably result. The territories currently affected by this decree are those of Arkansas and Louisiana. The council declares that King Felipe de Castro will refocus on his own state of Nevada, and will immediately relinquish all claims to our two states. Failure to do so will result in the final death for King de Castro and all who aid him. Red Rita will be promoted from Regent to Queen in Arkansas, and our former Sheriff Eric Northman will assume the title of King of Louisiana."
That really stirred up the room again. Felipe looked absolutely murderous, but was surrounded by guards and could do nothing - he couldn't even leave. Felipe had needed the Narayana council's approval to move on us in the first place, and it occurred to me that Amun must have at least approved after the fact. They'd likely realized since then that his rule of the two impoverished states hadn't improved things any, and Narayana couldn't be too happy about the vampires he and Victor had lost them. Quinn easily secured him as he'd done to Freyda, who also looked furious. I thought she should just be glad she got to keep her own state.
I could feel Karin's pride again - this time directed at Eric - and I finally looked at him. He turned to me with an unreadable expression, just before Kentucky resumed speaking.
"Of course, there will be negotiations to be made regarding the changes in leadership for these territories, and by no means will excellent rulers automatically be removed at the end of the forty year period. The measures taken here will require much effort and cooperation, but we believe they are both necessary and overdue."
"Finally, please be aware that the councils of other regions are closely watching our progress tonight. In principle, they are all interested in similar action, and are hopeful that our announcement is well met. If so, they plan to implement these measures in the other regions within the month. They offer Amun recognition as leaders in modernizing and strengthening vampire society, and seek to follow our example. If you support these declarations of the council, please hold up the blue voting paddle. Keep them up so we may obtain a count."
Almost every vampire in the room held up a blue paper strip. They didn't need to pull the humans aside to get an accurate picture - the vampires' slight glow made them stand out in the crowd, and it turned out that one vampire's talent was apparently rapid counting. Who knew? By my rough estimate, the vampires who hadn't agreed were so few that there wouldn't even be a fight.
The counting vampire approached Kentucky to provide the results, and the King began speaking again. "It is reported that 97% of the vampires present vote in favor of these changes. Those of you who disapprove are welcome to find homes in other lands. In keeping with the results, we hereby declare that the council's proposal of this night is law, and that the vampires of Amun will carry America into a new and more prosperous future for our kind."
It was basically like watching vampires at the reading of their own Declaration of Independence, except they were declaring independence from themselves, from their old ways. This was a historic moment. For the second time this evening, the crowd erupted in applause. It was extremely strange to see vampires be so expressive. I wondered if the need to take these measures had been on their minds for a while. I wondered how many present had noticed Kentucky's mention of me in his speech.
In the next moments, Kentucky called Red Rita and Eric to the stage, and officially installed them as Queen of Arkansas and King of Louisiana. Quinn had the regalia all ready, and the coronation itself was surprisingly fast and simple. They were both provided with real crowns, which I kind of wanted to tease Eric about. I hoped he wouldn't mind too much, given that he'd never expressed an interest in being King, but really, this was best for everyone. He'd been a good Sheriff whose vampires respected him, and he knew how to run an area. He'd do even better as King, and the job should be a lot easier now that he wouldn't have to worry about leaving the throne on the end of a stake, the usual way monarchs had been removed by their rivals.
At the end of the brief ceremony, Kentucky once more returned to the podium. "This concludes our business meeting. Please, feel free to enjoy the vendor exhibits, music, and light snacks" - which included the donors I'd helped screen - "before retiring for the day. Council members will remain on hand should you wish to speak with us about any of the matters decided here tonight. Tomorrow evening, in time slot previously scheduled for the wedding, we will instead have a coronation ball; formal attired planned for the wedding will be appropriate. Please note that no additional guests may be brought, only those prescreened for the summit itself may attend. Good night, thank you, and enjoy."
A/N: Coming up next - everybody wants to talk to Sookie. We're getting really close to the end now, so there are many conversations to be had.