"The plan would be something like this, General Bonaparte," Sieyes began. "It is going to be a two-day coup. The first thing we got to do is to get the Directory out of Paris. If they remain in the capital, we run the risk that the neo-Jacobins would call the people of Paris to arms in defense of the government."
Napoleon nodded, understanding the need to remove the Directory from the immediate reach of potential opposition. He listened intently as Sieyès continued to explain the details of their plan.
"So, on the first day, Joseph and I will call an emergency meeting of the Council of Ancients," Sieyes explained. "During this meeting, I will inform them that a Jacobin plot has been discovered, creating an imminent threat to the Republic. We will emphasize the importance of ensuring the safety of the legislature by moving the meeting to the palace of Saint-Cloud west of Paris."
Napoleon considered the strategic move. Taking the Council of Ancients away from the capital would not only safeguard their gathering from potential disruptions but also give the conspirators a controlled environment in which to proceed with their plans. The way the plan it is like how it was planned in the real history.
"While the Council of Ancients convenes at Saint-Cloud, Ducos and I will tender our resignations from the Directory. Through coercion and bribery, we will persuade the other three Directors to do the same. This will create a power vacuum that will be filled by the provisional government we intend to establish."
"Now I tried doing that to Citizen Barras but he wasn't cooperating when I asked nicely," Talleyrand chimed. "But with money, he might do so."
Sieyes continued. "On the second day you, General Bonaparte, will address both legislative chambers. Given your reputation and military prowess, your words will hold great weight. You will inform them that due to the Jacobin plots, the Republic is in grave danger and can only be preserved by repealing and replacing the Constitution of Year III. As you address the legislators, we will already have the provisional government set up, headed by myself. Our task will be to draft a new constitution that will reflect the aspirations and needs of the nation."
Upon concluding his words, Napoleon eyeballed Talleyrand, Joseph, and Lucien who acknowledged his gaze by nodding subtly.
"So you will be the head of the government huh?" Napoleon mused.
"Is there a problem with the plan, General Bonaparte?" Sieyes asked.
"Not really," Napoleon smiled slyly and continued. "I was wondering, am I your first choice as the sword of this coup?"
"No, I first approached General Joubert as the 'sword' for our coup," Sieyes revealed, his voice tinged with a hint of regret. "He had proven useful to me during the Coup of 30 Prairial, and I believed he would play a vital role in our plans. I had placed my hopes on Joubert," Sieyes continued a note of disappointment in his tone. "However, destiny had different plans. We were forced to search for a new 'sword,' someone who could rally the support of the army and the French citizenry."
Napoleon listened intently, absorbing the details of their previous attempts to secure a strong military leader for their cause. Sieyes' disappointment was evident as he explained the reasons why other generals had been unsuitable for their plans.
"General Bernadotte was too much of a Jacobin, so that was a no-go for me," Sieyes stated firmly. "And General Jourdan, the hero of the Battle of Fleurus, flat out refused to help the coup, though he promised not to hinder it either. I also approached General Moreau, but he declined, hesitant to get involved in politics. But it was at that time when we heard of your arrival in early October that Moreau referred you to me."
Napoleon nodded, recognizing the significance of the timing. The stars seemed to align, guiding him toward this moment.
"It appears that fate has brought us together, then," Napoleon replied, chuckling. "Anyways, so now you got me as your sword, is there anything that we are missing?"
"There are two, General Bonaparte," Talleyrand interjected. "First we are going to need you to secure the help of your wife, Ciela Bonaparte. Currently, she owns the largest newspaper company in France. She will be the one to help us spread our message and shape public opinion in our favor."
"And the second thing?" Napoleon inquired, his curiosity piqued.
Talleyrand cleared his throat before responding. "The second thing is we need to secure support from the Minister of Police, Joseph Fouché. Currently, Fouché had spies everywhere in Paris, hidden amongst the city's butchers, wigmakers, bartenders, and prostitutes, and had, moreover, never been on the losing side of a coup. If we gain his support, we will have valuable intelligence and control over the city's security apparatus."
Napoleon's eyebrows raised at the mention of Fouché. He had heard of the Minister of Police's infamous network of informants and his reputation for survival.
"Fouché, huh?" Napoleon mused. "He is indeed a shrewd operator. But how do we convince him to join our cause?"
"It would be up to you, General Bonaparte, because he won't talk either to me or others here," Talleyrand said. "This is the file I have prepared for him, containing his records at the height of the revolution which you can use to sway on our side."
Talleyrand handed Napoleon the file containing Fouché's records during the revolution. Napoleon took the file and flipped through its pages, skimming over the information about Fouché's past actions and alliances.
"This is quite comprehensive," Napoleon remarked, impressed by Talleyrand's meticulousness. "It seems Fouché has been involved in quite a few intrigues."
"He is a master of manipulation and survival," Talleyrand replied with a wry smile. "But everyone has their weaknesses, and Fouché is no exception. Use the information in that file to appeal to his ambitions and fears. Show him how our plan can benefit him personally, and he may be swayed to join our cause."
"Very well."
"Once you get him on our side brother, the last thing you'll need to do is to gain support from your fellow generals. The more the better," Joseph said.
"Don't worry about that, I have a lot," Napoleon said confidently. "Okay, I think we are done here? Another revolution is going to sweep France again."
Lucien, who had been silent since his arrival finally spoke.
"Who said anything about revolution, brother?" Lucien interjected, his voice filled with conviction. "We are not seeking to ignite a revolution, but rather to bring about change through legal means. Our objective is to persuade the deputies to elect a new government, effectively dismantling the Directory and establishing a new governing body. This new government will consist of three members: Ducos, Sieyes, and yourself, Napoleon. It is a transformation from within."
"Yeah…that's right, General Bonaparte," Sieyes concurred.
"You may define it however you like, but let us not delude ourselves. This plot of ours is indeed a coup d'état. We must acknowledge the risks that come with our actions. Failure could lead us to prison, at best, or more likely to the cold embrace of the guillotine."
"Well, it's either that or the former King that escaped Paris seven years ago return to France and destroy the republic that was established by the people," Sieyes said. "The plan will commence on the 18th and 19th of Brumaire. Is everything clear?"
Everyone nodded.
"I'll go visit the Minister of Police," Napoleon said.
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