A New Era (11-03-2022)

## Results - Arthur’s Bay, Camelot [11/03/2022 A.D.]

The day was extremely busy. The entirety of Grail was at attention. This was not any regular day, this was the week of the elections of the Leader of the Lake, the second most powerful position in Camelot, and ultimately the second most powerful position on the planet due to Camelot’s superpower presence. The Sovereign was sitting comfortably, as everyone adored them and was pretty much a landslide victory. However, the Leader of The Lake position has been completely vacated. The incumbent had lost the candidacy to another candidate, an occurrence that hasn’t happened in decades. Now it was between the new candidate and the even newer one, Heralda Smith.

Heralda Smith had run a campaign revolving around fear and responsibility of the supernatural. Which has been quite successful, gaining traction and support by many Camelotians. While she didn’t directly target the CACG, she alluded to them many times and had even bumped heads with the second-in-command, known as Void. Millions of citizens came out to vote, with a near historic turnout. Heralda sat in the warehouse, with the rest of Mordred’s Hold watching the TV with her. Wraith is looking at his absent hand with anger. Heralda looks over and thinks as she stares at Wraith’s arm as well. “We’ll fix it,” She says, looking back at the TV. “How? You know how to reattach hands now?” Wraith snides.

“No, but I know someone who can make a new one.”

“Yeah right.”

“Believe me or not, you’re coming with me to see him anyways.”

“Who the hell are you talking about?”

They’re interrupted by Lucifer who points at the TV, “Looks like we’re on the last few provinces. Shall we get you ready, Ms. Smith?” Heralda grows a smile as she looks at the polls, which is at 90% completion. Heralda had seventy percent of the vote, with her competition lagging behind at a mere thirty percent. “Yes, can you grab the car?” Heralda asks while getting up and adjusting her suit. Lucifer nods and walks towards the warehouse exit, getting rid of his horns and his blindfold.

## Inauguration - Arthur’s Bay, Camelot [11/03/2022 A.D.]

Heralda walks up to the podium in the Parliament chambers. Many Members of the Parliament are talking amongst themselves. She taps her paper on the podium and the members all draw their attention to her. The cameras all focus on her, and the lights dim around the chamber. Heralda starts, “Hello Members of the Parliament, and the people of the Kingdom of Camelot. As the polls close all around the nation, it is quite clear of the winner, especially after the other candidate had conceded. I, Heralda Smith, humbly take the role as Lady of the Lake. In this position, I will hear the people, and make changes needed to make a more prosperous country. While I would love to celebrate this historic victory, I realize that the people want change now. With that being said, as my first act as Lady of The Lake, I will be making a law that will ban superpowered beings.” A few gasps and murmurs go across the chamber. Heralda continues, “I will be creating a program that helps get rid of anomalous properties in partnership with the Syndicate. While this organization may be from another universe completely, their ideals align with the For Peace Party and the people of Camelot. For around a year now, the aliens on our beloved moon of Vela have looked down on us like a benevolent force, while all they’ve done is create unrest, and death on the planet of Grail in cooperation with the Camelot Anomalous Containment Group. It is within all of our best interests that the Roundtable Council be investigated for the national security of Camelot. It is also within our best interests to help them, as they are all affected by this disease that they share. We can help them, and I plan to do so. For Humanity.” She splays out her hands towards the skylight and faces her palm towards Draco, the shining star of their Draconian System. The supporting Members applaud her, along with a flurry of cheers outside the chambers, presumably from devout voters of the new Lady of the Lake.

## Puzzle Complete - Jericho, Vela [11/03/2022 A.D.]

From Jericho, the Precocious Squadron and Here Lies Fate watch from her domain. Hellscream has a rare frown on his face and says, “I fucking knew something was up with that lady. She’s working with the Syndicate.” Bloodclaute asks, “How does she even know the Syndicate? They haven’t been on the planet since like April when they tried to kill the Council.” Virulentus adds, “And we’ve been monitoring them for months. We would’ve noticed if they had made a move. Unless they-” Volume 0 chimes in, looking at Heralda still, “Unless she’s a Syndicate member to begin with. She says ‘For Humanity’ a lot. And we know one person that’s probably more fanatical than Havelock himself." They all look at each other and nod, with Imperialist finally giving the answer, “Keira Levin.” Here Lies Fate informs them all, “The Roundtable Council is now in direct danger. She plans to kill them all. So that the Syndicate can finally take over.”

“I’m sure they’re all already watching and seeing this unfold. So what do you propose we do?”

“We…wait.”

“Wait? Like do nothing?”

“Yes.”

“What happens, Aaliyah?”

“I have changed the events that will transpire. The Council will be safe...at least from the Syndicate.”

Hellscream asks, “From the Syndicate? You mean there’s another danger?”

“Yes. I will leave these events in place however. As it’s their conflict to solve.”

“I trust your judgement. And your powers.”

“Be prepared in two months time.”

“For what?”

“A new threat to our world.”

The Squadron looked at each other and then at Fate again. Bloodclaute inquires, “Violet?” to which Fate nods and adds, “With other threats as well.” Virulentus stretches and groans, “I guess we have a bit more time off then. Did you hear all of that, Eden?” Her wristwatch projects an image of Eden’s avatar and they give a playful salute while saying, “Absolutely. I’m setting a reminder in January.” Virulentus nods and blows a kiss to Eden, to which they catch and fake faint before going back into the wrist watch. Imperialist looks over at the window and gazes at the two Syndicate Dreadnaughts. She glares, but feels Volume 0 touch her shoulder. She says with a gentle voice, “We’ll get them. We just have to wait a bit, Bria.” Imperialist looks at her and after a while says, “You’re right.

We’ll get those fuckers.”

## Malistair News - [11/03/2022 A.D.]

Hello everyone! Breaking news, Heralda Smith has officially been appointed as Lady of the Lake in a historic win. As her first order of business, she has legally outlawed superbeings and will be setting up clinics for them to admit themselves and return to their original human lives. This will be effective immediately.

This Law also directly outlaws the Camelot Anomalous Containment Group, and the Lake has personally asked for an investigation on the Roundtable Council. We have not been able to reach the Council at this time, which brings the question of what’s happening on their end. In a later interview with Lady Smith, she has stated that she has also partnered with the Mordred’s Hold, who previously attacked her at a campaign rally, to enforce the law, including pursuing the Roundtable Council if they decide to become fugitives.

There has been no comment from the Sovereign incumbent yet, and his Cabinet has suggested the press to wait for an official statement in the coming months.

It seems that Camelot is changing, with Lady Smith making the law, she hopes to bring a new age to the country and a new age of progression without the hindrance of the super natural. She hopes to make a better Grail...