So it’s done now. The senate is no more. And as I said to Simon what seems a lifetime ago: My name will forever be connected to that little experiment. Doesn’t matter if it’s for good or for bad. There is no real good in this world anyway.

Jason was surprised by the whole thing, despite the tips I gave him before it happened. Seems to me they never really registered. He also had the very bright idea to once more team up with Thomas. I’m giving him one week to think better of it and come crawling back. There’s no way I’ll team up with that guy again, let alone hand him some form of power. As for pulling strings to make me – I’d very much like to see you try, Jason. Also this proves that I will have to be more direct about Pearse. Letting him know that he can’t trust her. At all. He won’t be likely to buy it. Seems to me I will have to make him understand a lot of things.

The council of primogen is established. Now we have to ensure that we regain the power the council originally had. Euler is very keen on that. Me? Well. I have on adlat under my direct control, so I’m happy. Now all I need to do is convince that guy that he’s still taking orders from me.

As for Jacques… He’s leaving. As well he should be. It breaks my heart to watch him go. But I’ve seen into the minds of others… I know what would happen to him if he stayed. In fact, I can’t be sure that this isn’t going to happen to me. But I’m willing to take that risk. With the investment I am for Bruni, I don’t have much of a choice anyway. I have to prove to him that I’m worth the effort he made for me. Him and his wife, no matter how much she can’t stand me. But he – he has to stay away for as long as he can and as far away as possible. No contact to this circle of people. I will have to write him that.

Raphael seems a safe bet for now. So does Shepherd, as well as Euler. Rottenmeier considers herself patrician, so she won’t watch the Gangrel freak out. And the Gangrel and Nosferato? Stupid enough to let me know that they can’t stand me. A very big mistake. The Brujah… Now that’ll be interesting to watch.