A successful coup requires more than seizing the capitol building. Not that even Heimerdinger had experience in this area; however, he, Shoola, and Cassandra knew the key points in Piltover's government and commerce well and Jayce and Caitlyn were willing to act fast.

Heimeridnger kept to Academy grounds to confirm the allegiance of its deans and ensure that none of its hazardous technology went missing. Shoola visited the major periodicals to persuade, bribe, or threaten them to run a friendly narrative about the Council's dissolution. Jayce headed back to the Enforcer Headquarters to secure its arsenal and start suspending or even detaining intransigent enforcers.

The last two key points were for the Kirammans. Caitlyn was to make sure the skyport was secure while Cassandra would do likewise with the hexgate itself. This gave them time to talk.

"It is curious. House Kiramman has never been off the Council before. Yet, we will arguably hold more esteem than ever, if Heimerdinger succeeds with this," Cassandra mused.

Incredible. Caitlyn took broad steps to pass her mother. "And if we fail, they might erase us from history."

Cassandra sighed. "You still believe I only did this for our glory? I heard the diplomatic committee's points. The Under–Zaun can no longer be controlled by us. We must find solutions that do not escalate into war, even if it means rewarding their lawlessness."

"Those are akin to the arguments I made and you essentially called me brainwashed."

Her mother scoffed. "You were kidnapped by terrorists and when I next saw you were wearing their outfit. What was I supposed to think?"

I should save my patience for the port officers and then when I speak with the Firelights. Maybe they've negotiated to get Vi back. Please let her be okay; I need to see her again. Please.

"Are you feeling well? You're looking flush."

Caitlyn opened and closed her hands a couple of times and sucked air through her teeth. We're getting closer now. Stay alert. "I was thinking of someone I met down there," Caitlyn confessed.

Cassandra didn't respond for what felt to her daughter for minutes. "Someone you got close to?"

Why did I tell her?! "She has a good heart."

Another pause. "What is her profession?"

Prisoner. Robber. Brawler. Leader. Freedom Fighter. Family Protector. "She is an athlete."

"Hmm. Which sport?"

"Pugilism."

Cassandra frowned. "Oh. Was she among the ones at the heist?"

"No. And I'm ending this interrogation. I don't want an investigation–"

Her mother touched her shoulder and pointed. In a fraction of a second, the new Sheriff spotted and recognized the target. Elora. Mel's adviser/assistant/confidant. She was cloaked and nearing an airship.

Elora must have sensed her detection as she broke into a sprint. The Kiramman women pursued. Elora disappeared behind a wall of crates. Caitlyn turned to her mother, who was lagging behind a little. "I'll follow after. Order the pilot not to take off," Caitlyn instructed. Cassandra nodded and took off while she entered the small maze.

Wait, did Mum actually listen to me? She heard something bump against the boxes ahead. Focus.

She followed with her hand on her service weapon. She could make out the faintest of foot prints and was careful at every corner. She made it to the exit and almost screamed.

Her mother was on her knees. She was clutching her stomach as her gloves were stained deep red.

"Mum! How?"

"Ran into her. Tried to stop. Switchblade," she mumbled. A small pool of blood was already gathering at her legs. She pointed with her right bloody hand. "Stop her."

"I won't leave you," Caitlyn refused. She eased her mother to lie on the ground.

She chuckled as her head landed on the stone gently. "Strong-willed and caring. You are the best of Tobias and me. You always were."

"Keep applying pressure. Medic! We need an ambulance!" Caitlyn shouted, but no one seemed to be in earshot. Damnit! There must be something I can do. She checked her pockets: ammo, notes, pen, pictures, and…

Caitlyn knelt down over her mother. She looked pale and seemed to be getting farther away by the moment. "Caitlyn. A good heart. I saw… in Tobias. You'll lead…"

It wasn't until she tasted salt on her lips that Caitlyn realized she was crying. "Mum, drink this."

Cassandra blinked and gained lucidity when she understood what was in the vial. "Shimmer? Poison."

"Please, Mum. Trust me," Caitlyn implored.

It took a moment then Cassandra leaned her head up enough as her daughter brought the potion to her lips. After a heartbeat, she jolted up and then embraced her daughter tightly.

When they let go of each other, Caitlyn had her eyes on the pink shimmer residue while Cassandra looked skyward to the blue glow of the hexgate teleporting an airship.

Grimacing, Vi stumbled out of the handtruck and was kept up by her sister's arms. Jinx's arms, she thought.

She turned her frustrated lavender eyes to Silco. "How much longer?"

Silco blinked before moving his shoulders up a bit. "Probably an hour more. I'd offer a counteragent, but it is less tested and I don't want to break the blood oath by accident."

Sevika, Ekko, and the others returned. Sevika looked to Silco who gave a slight nod. Ekko, now unmasked, shared a meaningful look with Jinx and then moved to the other side of Vi to offer his support. She took it and put her other arm over his shoulder.

"Don't keep us in suspense. Any consensus or near it?" Silco asked. His cigar was almost down to the stub now.

Sevika took a breath "The proposal is we'll not search or take hostile action against the Firelights nor will they in turn."

Silco nodded.

"Street shimmer will be phased out rapidly with weaning allowed to lessen withdrawal. Firelight treatment methods to be scaled up for the population. Funds and jobs will be replaced by gains from the gemstone and public works," Ekko advanced.

The chemking frowned at that. "Street shimmer can end, but is the one hextech creation going to replace it? And can the shimmer dealers and manufacturers learn to effectively work in road construction, water purification, education, and health care?"

"Jinx and I hope to learn how to make hex crystals into hex gemstones, one way or another. Also, the Armadillo shouldn't be needed if we get peaceful independence with Piltover, so it could be used either to power industry or for other creations. As for the transition, it won't be easy, but we formed a community from those addicted to or victimized by shimmer, so those doing it should be able to learn to turn their syringes into vials. Their blades into trowels. Their betting sheets into grading sheets."

Silco sighed. "Your idealism remains, I see, but Zaun's conditions must improve. We accept this concession and will convince those lower down on the hierarchy to adapt, one way or another."

Is he lying? Vi wondered. Silco wouldn't give up his drug empire in exchange for nothing but the promise of proto-government funds and jobs. He probably has some elaborate plan to work around it.

"Hierarchy is the next point," Scar said. "The chembarons rule will be replaced with local leaders to be chosen by neighborhoods, guilds, and unions."

"But," Sevika added, "the officers in this room will be grandfathered into a revolutionary central committee."

The stub was extinguished into an ashtray as Silco titled his head. "You went as far as conceiving a new government? That will take more time. Still, those outlines seem acceptable. As long as Zaun doesn't fracture and has the capacity to take decisive action in dire times. The central committee should hold sovereignty until the assembly matures or in war/emergency times."

Ekko frowned, but checked those around him. There were a series of nods from the Firelights and then Ekko conceded. "Accepted."

"The last matter is equal representation at the peace conference," Eve said.

"If there is one, yes." Silco held his hand out. Ekko took a deep breath and a long blink then shook his hand. There was applause by the two factions.

Silco signaled over Lock and Ran while Sevika gestured for Jinx to step aside. Jinx moved so Vi was fully supported by Ekko. My strength is returning by the minute.

"Brat," Sevika said in acknowledgement.

"Ogre," Jinx said in kind.

"You've kept your favor for now. Will you be able to do it going forward?"

Jinx nodded.

Sevika actually smiled. "In spite of it all, he did a good job raising you."

Jinx snorted. "You're wrong about that one, toots."

"A long talk," Silco interrupted as Ran injected a needle into Chross' neck. He almost collapsed, but Lock kept him up and brought him to the hand truck which Ran started chaining him to. "A talk on loyalty in general and framing me through Nick in particular."

Vi frowned. Good thing I'm unchained now.