#divinity:task01

By-laws for Diadem Imperium adopted as amended on November 4, 1786.

                          BY-LAWS OF DIADEM IMPERIUM

                                                                ARTICLE I. 

                                                       Purpose and Powers

Sec. 1. DEFINITION. Diadem Imperium is incorporated as a secret society under the laws of the Kingdom of Great Britain, and being thereunder constituted a body corporate and politic, has those purposes and powers set forth in its Certificate of Establishment as amended and those further corporate powers and rights granted to it by law.

                                                                         ARTICLE ll.

                                                           Board of Trustees

Sec. 1. PURPOSE. The business affairs and government of the Society shall be under the management and control of a Board of Trustees.

Sec. 2. POWERS. The Board of Trustees of the Society shall have the powers provided for in these By-laws and any additional powers necessary for the governance of the Society and not vested either in the Officers of the Society exclusively, or in the membership thereof. Interpretations of these By-laws shall be made by the Board of Trustees and shall be conclusive. Except as otherwise provided in these By-laws or otherwise provided by the Board of Trustees all decisions of the Board of Trustees shall require the presence of a quorum and shall require a majority of those present and voting.

Sec. 3. TERMS OF OFFICE. Elected Trustees shall serve for a period of one year beginning with the announcement of their election or at such other times as the Board of Trustees may establish. A Trustee appointed to fill the unexpired term of an elected Trustee under the provisions of Section 5 (B) shall serve until that elected Trustee's term has expired. Nothing in this section shall prevent the Board of Trustees from making changes of less than six months in the term of office of a class of elected Trustees in order to accommodate changes in the date at which Trustees are elected, nor shall anything in this section require a class of Trustees to cease serving before their successor class has been elected.

Sec. 4. VOTING. Each member shall have one vote on any matter voted upon by the Board of Trustees. A quorum for the purpose of exercising any of the powers of the Board of Voters shall consist of fourteen (14) voters. Any eight or more Trustees shall have the power to conduct the business of the Board of Trustees in the absence of a quorum, provided that at least a quorum of the Board of Trustees has either authorized the actions of the smaller group in writing or at a meeting.

Sec. 5. EX OFFICIO TRUSTEES. Ex Officio Trustees shall be elected or appointed in accordance with the provisions made for their election or appointment to the office by virtue of which they serve as Trustees ex officio.

OOC INFORMATION UNDER THE CUT !

spotless black shiny suit abreast a burgundy silk dress shirt wrapped his tall frame in a blanket of elegance and unandulterated confidence, almost threatening, idle impulses scratching the line of narcissism. there was something dark around him, as if the soul of a leonidas leading his 300 spartans and 900 helots to a war against the persians who threatened to reduce the greece they called home to ashes had decided to merge with his own, as if an almighty god decided to reside in him and enjoy the show. dangerous, determined, with his prey right in front of his eyes, teasing his fingertips in a way it made him feel thrilled, the euphoria triggering through his veins chained up by nothing more than simple resolution, the will of a final goal interlocking fingers with the immense pleasure that comes with the promised result, and maybe, he had a bit of greed for power in him. just for this once, let’s sink into the sin that is lusting for power.

out of all the occassions, today’s wasn’t one he plastered his immaculate threaded mask of perfect appareance on his semblance  ───  he had nothing to hide, his honed but saccharine & sly tongue was naturally implanted in him.

sharp jaw was pressed tightly together, hickory hues holding an ominous blaze deep within them. patient, yet with a thirst that had him gulping harshly. composed, yet with an eagerness he hadn’t been met with in a long, long time. yet his confidence & conviction didn’t falter for a second. as easy as stealing candy from a kid, whether he wins or not. he was born for this, to entertain an audience with his twisted but velvety tongue. in more scenarios than one, he felt like a young god  ───  unstoppable, untouchable, with the olympus casting a cocoon of unconditional blessings & protection upon him.

this one time may have been one of them.

digits itching with ambition smooth the cuffs of his blazer, halting to dart his eyes with a raised eyebrow to the person calling him to step forward. his tongue clicks as hands reach for the bottle of water standing beside the front legs of his chair, uncapping it to take a long sip, adam’s apple bobbing slowly. the water-filled plastic was left behind atop his seat the moment he marched with long legs to the podium. he stood there like he already owned the place, slender fingers caressing the border of the pristine wood with love-filled touches followed closely by his eyes & a raised eyebrow that only accentuated the smug smile stretching his plump, pink tinted lips, head slightly tilted to the side. the confidence radiating from him was nothing short of maddening. intimidating for some.

sharp hues didn’t take long to fix themselves on the small audience, smile only growing bigger, more menacing as they ran from left to right, the faintest scoff shaking his frame. the devil was standing next to him, hand on his shoulder and contract splayed on the firm surface of the podium  ───  ‘ make them sign it. ‘

the smug smile turned into a sweet giggle, the soft shaking from side to side of his head making his neatly styled hair sway a bit, chin resting on his right hand as he took a more relaxed pose.  “ it’s hard to believe i’m running for president this year, isn’t it ? it’s hard to believe it myself. “  a beam is resting on his lips as he raises his eyebrows, wiggling them once. shaking his head as he looks down, hands reach to fix his tie, he lets the set of words spill.  “ i would say i’m nervous standing here, but if i were to start my speech with a lie, it would take away every bit of veracity from what is yet to be spoken, right ? “  with digits done playing around with the fabric, he stares back into the eyes of those in front of him.  “ so as always, i’m going to remain honest, for the sake of the society, and in the place of those candidates who may choose toying with you over being a honorable person as the best resolution. “  his hands hold tightly onto the borders of the podium, that lopsided smile he got from lucifer plastered on his face as he leans forward in a small push up, arms flexing with the motion.  “ hm, so here we go. “ he resumes to a straight position, index finger tapping against the food.  “ staying on this line of utmost honesty we are walking together, it’s not a secret that outside of my formal duties i am known for being a bit too troublesome, a bit too crazy, and going the extra mile, an absolute asshole. some of you more likely think i’m stupid. why lie ? “  a shrug and raised arms follow his words, a hint of playfulness hiding in the corners of his lips.  “ that’s what a great majority of you know me for: the way i choose to be in my private life. but it isn’t a secret that outside of this building, and once i step a foot outside my private daily life, i hold an untarnished reputation built on fine manners, a composed and calm personality, a selfless attitude and an excellent academic career as old as i am myself. in short, i am seen as a respectable person and a model student who commits to his studies and responsibilities, never once failing to adhere to his duties, adored by teachers and the higher-ups in this university. “  with teeth biting softly on his lower lip and head tilted, soft eyes trail over the audience.  “ the society can benefit immensely from this, and inadvertently, it secures that i am a responsible candidate  ─  for if i’m chosen as the new president, the society will become one of my most important liabilities. “

“ were any problems to arouse, we would have the certitude of being guarded by my father’s buffet, composed by the best lawyers only, included my father himself. “  there was a bitter taste lingering in his tongue left by the spoken words, acknowledging his parent for what he is never a favourite for romeo. “ it would be my  B  I G G E S T  pleasure to be elected as the next one in our line of past eloquent presidents that have made diadem imperium what it is today  ─  a society for the generations chosen to make an impact in the world, a remarkable change worthy of our names. “  the flow of words fall down the brims of his lips accompanied by the hand resting on his chest, almost a reverence aimed at the spectators.  “ aware of the importance of this role, and raised by parents who always aimed for the best in every minuscule aspect, i am more than confident i am qualified to take our society in the direction it deserves, with the collaboration of  e v e r y  member taken into consideration, and not in the one a single greedy individual thinks will benefit them best. this is run on a democracy  ─  let’s start treating it like one. together. “

he’s not nervous,   he’s done this twice before    &   he’s stood in front of thirteen of his peers countless of times too : but nonetheless,   excitement is buzzing under his skin like electricity.   he remembers the first time he’s sat down to write a speech,   to collect his thought   &   make them into something that proved him worthy of the position he’s yearned for.   he’s wanted it even before he’s set foot between the heavy walls of the university for the very first time,   before he was officially introduced to diadem imperium.   he’s wanted it from the second the magical world of an elite society has been revealed to him in the stories of his mother.   he’s been promised the universe   &   he’s always been good at taking.    pearly whites sink into his lesser brim as he steps behind the temporary podium.  posture straightens,   lips pressed into a tight line for a moment only before he’s brushing away the invisible wrinkles of his shirt   &   smiles.

‘   before we starts with the speeches,   i want to make sure everyone is clear about the ground rules.   i did send you all a copy of the relevant part of the original by-laws,   but just to be sure : voting is anonymous for the reason of keeping peace within the society.   you’ll find paper   &   pen next to you   &   you will be given twenty minutes after the speeches to make your choices.   the current secretary will collect   &   count the votes for every position   &   the results will be announced shorty after.   if there are no questions,   i think it’s time for the speeches.   ’

‘   shall we   ?   you know me,   i’ve been here for longer than many of you,   i’ve been the president of diadem imperium in the past two years and during that period,   the society has been more successful   –––   based on the opinion of three generations of alumni   –––   than in the twenty years before me.   in the past two years,   we have reached circles,   both social    &   political that we had no access ever before,   we have contributed to many of the most praised charities of the world   &   we have earned a reputation,   as a group   &   as individuals that will have many benefits in the future.   i’m not here to list my own achievements,   i do realise how little interest that holds to you.   i want to talk about what diadem imperium under my hand can offer you.   ’

‘   in hoc signo vinces.   tuo presidio.   we’ve heard these phrases so many times before,   it’s practically a second nature to straighten our backs,   to look invincible,   ethereal the second someone utters the words.   but do you really know what they mean    ?   this society was created by a group of people who wanted to conquer the world,   who wanted to unite their powers   &   achieve something incredible : immortality.   dieadem imperium lost it’s real purpose decades before any of us learned of its existence,   the glory of which our ancestors bestowed upon us over two hundred years ago has faded into nothingness.   it is us,   whose responsibility it is to make a change,   to revive every ounce of power that is our birthright to posses   &   prevail.   we were meant to be great,   like so many that came before us,   it’s in our blood : to lead,   to rule,   to succeed.   ’

never want anything too much and you will never be disappointed. never believe in yourself too much and you will never be surprised when you fail. these were the rules verena had shaped her life around, her self-deprecating mindset one of the most memorable gifts bestowed on her by her parents. it’s been a year but verena can still remember the metallic taste of blood in her mouth the night the moon’s found out their daughter intended to run for a position on diadem imperium’s board as secretary, the way her cheek stung for hours after a familiar pain the way a sore muscle might be to an athlete. the lowest job on the hierarchy and yet even that had not satisfied her parents who had only ever wasted their breath to warn her against the dangers of ambition. never strive to be more than you are and you will never be corrupted. never reach for the things you can’t see and you will never fall short. they had tried to dissuade her the only way they knew how. by beating her down, by breaking her spirits, by reminding her above all she was to be humble — but verena had grown accustomed to the violence. it didn’t work. and once her parents had flown back to their home in new york, she ran for secretary. she won. and now a year later, she was preparing to do it all again.

verena hadn’t answered her phone all day. a larger part of her wanted to smash it, to chuck it out a window, maybe, until the dangerously high amount of missed calls was no longer seared into the back of her eyelids every time she tried to close her eyes. it would be pointless and she knew that. the society had eyes everywhere, and past members like her parents were always in the know even countries away. she was exhausted — dark circles flawlessly concealed by make-up, fatigue momentarily put at bay by energy drinks. she had long since mastered the art of looking and acting put together when she was far from it, the right garments and twist of her dark hair doing most of the work. this was not the first time verena had faced sleepless night after sleepless night, but it was the first time guilt had wracked her stomach hard enough she had thought it was the flu the first time she had tried to take a bite of food only to find out she couldn’t keep it down.  never want anything too much and you will never be disappointed. never believe in yourself too much and you will never be surprised when you fail. but she wasn’t listening anymore.  never strive to be more than you are and you will never be corrupted. never reach for the things you can’t see and you will never fall short. the words were a forgotten echo now, something that only existed inside the deepest parts of her memory. ambition was a curse and she knew it. she would have to pay for defying her parents, win or lose, and she knew it. verena knew all of it — but it didn’t matter. 

she was hungry for something she had never been allowed to have: HOPE.  

“ astronomers tell us we are made from stardust. when the universe was first created, no other elements existed besides hydrogen and helium. and then the first star exploded, the supernova creating new elements, the very elements our bodies are made up of. if that’s true, then each one of us is something celestial. and looking across this room, i can’t say i disagree. but i think we are more than that. there is a bigger reason we are all connected. my atoms knew your atoms before you or i existed. i think we all came from the same star. and i know in ancient times people might have called this fate, or the will of the gods — but i don’t believe in destiny. i believe in us. more importantly, i believe in this society. on november fourth, 1786, fourteen people shared the same vision. two hundred and thirty-two years later and we are still striving for the same things. we all want to change the world. we all want to make a difference. we all want to be remembered. that is what diadem imperium is about. ” 

 verena was tired of biting her tongue, of convincing herself she didn’t deserve more than that biting pain. and maybe she didn’t. but god, did she wish she did, she wanted so badly to believe that maybe, just maybe, she was allowed to dream for more. she was never good with her words. she had years of practice when it came to swallowing them, but expressing the things that usually went unspoken within her was unfamiliar territory. her nails dig into her palms to stop them from shaking.