Four o'clock in the morning of November 9, 1799, saw a clandestine gathering taking place in the heart of Paris. In the quiet hours before the city stirred to life, a group of 60 officers from the 17th District and National Guard assembled at Napoleon's residence on the Chateau de Chantilly.
"Soldiers of the Republic! We stand at a critical juncture in our nation's history. The Republic, once a beacon of hope and progress, now finds itself mired in chaos and uncertainty. The very ideals we fought for are threatened by corruption and inefficiency. But fear not, my comrades. For I stand here today as a guardian, a protector of the government that has failed us. I ask for your loyalty, not to individuals who have lost sight of their duty, but to the ideals upon which this Republic was founded. We cannot allow our beloved France to wither under the weight of incompetence. We must seize this moment, unite in purpose, and forge a path toward stability and prosperity. Together, we can reshape the destiny of our nation. We can restore the values of equality, liberty, and fraternity that have been tarnished by those who sought personal gain. By taking action, by conducting this coup, we become the agents of change that France so desperately needs. Our purpose is not to destroy, but to rebuild. To usher in an era of strength, unity, and progress. So I ask you, soldiers of the Republic, to join me in this endeavor. Together, we can reclaim the spirit that once made France great. Our loyalty will not be to a failing government, but to the ideals that bind us as brothers-in-arms."
A moment of silence followed Napoleon's passionate plea. Then, one by one, the soldiers began to nod, their determination mirrored in their eyes.
As they stepped forward, pledging their loyalty to the cause, the course of history shifted beneath their feet. The stage was set, the actors assembled, and the fate of the Republic poised on a knife's edge.
Meanwhile, Napoleon's wife, Ciela watched his speech from the window and she couldn't be more proud of him.
"Good luck! My dear husband." Read latest chapters at nov(e)lbin.com Only
***
Six o'clock in the morning. In the Tuileries Palace.
The murmurs grew louder, the Ancients engaging in whispered conversations amongst themselves. Some voiced their reservations, others weighed the potential benefits of these drastic decrees.
Lucien's eyes, filled with determination, scanned the room, his gaze landing on each hesitant Ancient. He must make them believe that they are in danger, if not, then the coup will fail.
"Citizens representatives! I implore you to consider the future of our Republic. In the face of this imminent danger, we must act swiftly and decisively," Lucien concluded,
Silence hung in the air as the Council of Ancients contemplated the proposals set before them.
One by one, the Ancients began to nod in agreement, their hesitations fading as they recognized the necessity of these measures. The decrees were signed, the die cast and the Council prepared to embrace the uncertainty that lay ahead.
After securing their agreement, Lucien smiled in satisfaction, he had achieved one of his goals. Now it's time for Sieyes, Ducos, and Talleyrand to do their job.
***
Tuileries Palace, 10 am in the morning.
Napoleon and his army made up of local armed forces arrived in the Tuileries Palace.
Dressed in the general uniform, he addressed them inside the chamber.
"Citizen representatives! I stand before you today, summoned by the decree, ready to answer its call," Bonaparte declared in a determined expression. "In the face of a grave threat that looms over our beloved Republic, it is my duty to protect you from the insidious Jacobin plot that seeks to undermine our values and tear us apart."