Silent Storm

Several people swarm outside the Academy gates in protest.

Someone from the crowd throws an object, which bounces harmlessly off a force field covering the entire estate.

The force field becomes visible for only a split second then vanishes.

Sarah Summers is at the front of the crowd, weeping. The pain of loss etched on her face.

The crowd gets more restless, and the noise levels keep increasing---

---In the Academy Staff Room, Marie and the rest of the faculty with the exception of Vanessa, are seated around the table looking at a video feed of the protests outside.

“This is a gaping disaster,” says Gregor.

“Lady Stanislaus, what are we going to do?” asks Isabella.

The video feed depicting the unrest at the gate is interrupted by an incoming video call from Vice Chancellor Voller.

Marie stares at the screen, hesitating before accepting the call.

A virtual image of Vice Chancellor Voller emanates from the wrist pad. “Lady Stanislaus, you people have done it this time,” he says.

“Your Excellency let me-----”

“Cordelia and Dorian for God’s sake, and you withheld this information,” the Vice Chancellor interrupts.

“We didn’t want to,” says Marie, who is lost for words.

This further agitates the Vice Chancellor. “Lady Stanislaus, I’ve been using my position as Vice Chancellor on the Council to support the Academy because I truly believe in what you’re doing, and it hasn’t been winning me any friends.”

“I know Vice Chancellor,” says Marie.

“Then an innocent girl gets executed on live television, and you and Vanessa were powerless to stop it.”

“She’s using dark magic like I’ve never seen, she’s gotten stronger Sir.”

“I don’t think I’ll be able to help you guys out this time. The fate of the SSA will be decided by the council through a vote two weeks from today at a formal gathering.”

“Your Excellency please, buy us some time,” pleads Marie.

“You need more than time Lady Stanislaus, you need a God damn miracle,” he says, ending the video call.

A hopeless and defeated Marie is alerted of another incoming call from President Couture and answers immediately.

“Madame Couture.”

“My Lady, what have you done?

Marie gets another incoming call alert, this time from President Desir.

“Where is Lady Terrell? She’s not answering my calls,” asks a flustered President Desir.

“I don’t know where she is President Desir, but I’m glad I have the two of you on this call.”

The two Presidents scoff at each other.

“I understand there’s going to be a formal gathering in two weeks to determine the fate of the Academy.”

“That’s right, says President Couture,”

“We’ve been able to shield the Academy from a complete overhaul with our votes over the years, however, the decision to establish joint leadership of the Academy between yourself and the CDF doesn’t require a unanimous vote, only a majority” explains President Desir.

“As part of the Gallic and Neustrian Royal Families, you and Lady Terrell will always receive our support, however, this situation is completely out of our hands,” adds President Couture.

“The two of you need to figure something out, fast,” says President Desir.

“Noted your Excellencies,” says an almost lifeless Marie as she ends the call.

She rests her head on the table and raises it after a few seconds with a stern look on her face and stares at Isabella.

“Isabella, locater spell, find that bitch,” she commands.

“Lady Stanislaus, you know I’ve tried already, without something personal of hers it’s impossible,” Isabella explains.

Marie walks over to her and slams the strands of Cordelia’s hair on the table in front her.

“Find that bitch,” she repeats.

“Ok, but I need time,” says Isabella.

“Well, you heard the Vice Chancellor, you’ve got two weeks,” Marie responds.

“Where the hell is Vanessa at a time like this?” asks a concerned Jax.

***

Vanessa is kneeling before Gaia’s tree, exclaiming at it, but to no avail.

“Tell me what to do, give me a sign, anything. An innocent girl died today by your daughter’s hand. The same daughter you spawned to guide us. I know you felt it.”

Vanessa gets up and begins to shout, “Do we look guided to you? Where are Aurelia and Natalia? Can’t you see we’re lost? Do something!”

She gets no response, prompting her to fire a bolt of lightning at the tree.

The tree glows brightly and counters with a blast of energy that knocks Vanessa unconscious.