Outside the palace, Napoleon and Lucien made their way toward the army, which had been stationed in Saint-Cloud since the previous day.
"Soldiers! Soldiers of the Republic!" Lucien called out, standing atop a black powder barrel that served as a makeshift platform. "Gather round, I have an important announcement to make."
The soldiers turned their attention to Lucien, their faces reflecting curiosity and anticipation. They knew that something significant was about to be revealed.
"The faction of desperate men, armed with daggers, is threatening the assembly," Lucien declared, his voice filled with urgency. "They have even made an attempt on the life of our esteemed general. They have the audacity to accuse Napoleon of orchestrating a coup d'état to seize power. It is a baseless and vile lie!"
Lucien paused for a moment, reaching for his dagger and raising it high in the air. The soldiers' eyes fixated on the gleaming blade, their attention fully captured.
"Look at this weapon," Lucien proclaimed, directing their gaze toward the sharp edge. He then lowered himself down and pointed the blade at Napoleon's chest. "I swear upon my honor that I would plunge this dagger into my own brother's heart if he were ever to endanger the liberty of our fellow countrymen."
"Upon hearing Lucien's solemn vow, the soldiers cheered, raising their muskets and getting into formation. Meanwhile, Murat, who had just gathered his fellow cavalrymen, approached Napoleon.
"What shall we do, General Bonaparte?" Murat asked, his eyes reflecting the same unwavering determination shared by the soldiers.
"General Murat, I order you and your men to invade the assembly" Napoleon commanded, his gaze fixed on the horizon as he formulated his plan. "We must act swiftly and decisively to protect the Republic and uphold the principles we hold dear. Ensure that all the deputies are accounted for, no one shall escape."
Murat saluted and swiftly relayed the orders to his cavalrymen. With unwavering resolve, they set off on their mission, galloping through the palace grounds, to the chamber, and down to the Orangery where the Council of the Five Hundred is convened.
Murat forcefully entered the door of the Orangery, followed closely by his cavalrymen and infantries. The deputies inside looked up in surprise and shock as the soldiers burst into the chamber with their muskets aiming at them.
"Citizens, you have been dissolved! Get this effing rabble out of here!" Murat shouted, sending chills down their spine.
Taken aback, the deputies were sent into a panic. The French soldiers began rounding up the deputies, making sure to keep a watchful eye on any signs of resistance. Some of the deputies, in a desperate attempt to evade arrest, threw their sashes and hats on the ground, hoping to blend in with the chaos and confusion. A few even tried to make a run for it, but they were swiftly apprehended by the soldiers.
In the midst of the commotion, a small group of deputies reached the windows, looking for any chance of escape. Fear and desperation etched on their faces, they contemplated jumping out to avoid capture. However, they were met with stern warnings from the soldiers, who firmly commanded them to stand down.
Meanwhile, in the other chamber of the Palace of Saint-Cloud. The Council of the Ancients found themselves in the same situation as the Council of the Five Hundreds. The chamber was flooded with armed soldiers, muskets trained at them, and arresting them.
The deputies from both chambers were gathered in one huge chamber, large enough to accommodate them all. The soldiers were still aiming their musket rifles at the deputies who were visibly shaking in fear.
Moments later, Napoleon himself entered the chamber with Lucien by his side. The soldiers who were in the way parted to make way for their general. Napoleon's presence alone commanded authority, and the room fell into an uneasy silence as all eyes turned to him.
"Now…shall we hold a vote?" Napoleon's voice resonated through the chamber, cutting through the tension like a blade. His piercing gaze swept across the assembly, locking eyes with deputies who were once his peers.
The deputies exchanged wary glances, unsure of how to respond to Napoleon's proposition. Some were still reeling from the shock of the sudden turn of events, while others harbored doubts about the legitimacy of the proceedings.
Lucien stepped forward. "Gentlemen, the first order of business is to adjourn both chambers of the legislature for four months and to expel neo-Jacobins whom I believe are in league with the enemy, the British. Raise hands to those who are in favor."
When Lucien said that, the soldiers inside tightened their grip on their muskets, intimidating the deputies to put their hands up in agreement. The chamber was filled with tension, and the deputies understood the consequences of resisting. Slowly, one by one, they reluctantly raised their hands, signaling their support for the adjournment and expulsion.
"As the majority has voted in favor of the adjournment and expulsion, let it be done," Lucien declared and continued. "Now, the second order of business is to dissolve the Directory altogether and create an executive commission with Sieyès, Ducos, and Bonaparte at its head."
The assembled deputies exchanged surprised glances, not expecting such a significant proposal. Murmurs of uncertainty rippled through the chamber as they contemplated the implications of this new plan.
"We already drafted the new constitution here!" Lucien said, raising the bundle of papers he held in his hand. "This constitution will pave the way for a more efficient and stable government, ensuring the prosperity and progress of our beloved Republic. This new government structure will be known as the Consulate. It will consist of three consuls, with Bonaparte, Sieyès, and Ducos at the helm."
"So, it's like a Directory but instead of five, there are only three?" One of the deputies asked.
Lucien shook his head. "No, there would be only one person in charge. That would be the First Consul, as stipulated in the constitution, and the man to assume this role is none other than General Napoleon Bonaparte. However, his term would be limited to ten years."
As Lucien clarified, the assembled deputies absorbed the significance of this statement. The idea of a single person holding such authority for a decade raised both hopes and concerns among the members.
"Ten years is a substantial term," remarked one of the deputies. "Will this not lead to a concentration of power in one individual's hands?"
Lucien waved off the question dismissively and spoke. "Let's make a vote now."
The soldiers, still standing guard and ready to enforce the decision, maintained an intimidating presence in the chamber. The deputies, aware of the consequences of opposing the proposed plan, reluctantly raised their hands, albeit with a mix of resignation and apprehension.
"As the majority has voted in favor of the dissolution of the Directory and the establishment of the Consulate, let it be done," Lucien declared.
***
Five o'clock in the afternoon, November 10th, 1799. Napoleon, Murat, and Lucien returned to Ducos, Sieyes, and Talleyrand.
"So what happened? Is it done?" Sieyes asked.
"Yeah, it is done, Sieyes," Napoleon concurred. "Let's announce it to our soldiers."
With that, the soldiers were gathered around the trio, their eyes eager for news. Lucien stood beside Napoleon, holding the draft of the new constitution in his hand. The soldiers noticed the serious expressions on their leaders' faces, and their anticipation grew.
"Soldiers of the Republic! Today, the Directory has been dissolved, and in its stead, an executive consular commission is formed. General Bonaparte, along with Citizen Sieyes and Ducos, shall hold the esteemed titles of Citizens and Consuls of the French Republic. This decree takes effect immediately."
Lucien then turned to the officers standing in attention and spoke. "Officers! Present arms to the Consuls of the Republic!"
"Present arms!"
The soldiers presented arms in unison, their muskets held high in a salute to the newly established Consuls.
Napoleon, Sieyes, and Ducos exchanged glances, smiling.
"Long live Bonaparte!" Lucien exclaimed, raising his voice above the cheers of the soldiers. The chant echoed across the palace grounds, resonating with a fervor that reflected the admiration and trust the soldiers had in their new First Consul.
Napoleon stood tall, his eyes fixed on the soldiers before him. He could feel the weight of their expectations, and he knew the immense responsibility that rested on his shoulders.
"It's my time now," Napoleon muttered under his breath.
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