NPCW: Behind the Curtain – Episode 004: “A NEW ERA”
Scene 1 – Flashback to News Release January 1, 2026
KWO Headquarters – Main Boardroom
Toronto
The boardroom is silent in the way only rooms of power ever are—polished, deliberate, waiting. A long table dominates the space, every seat occupied, every posture calculated.
At the head sits Chairman Alexander, hands folded, expression unreadable. To his immediate right is Victoria Deschamps, composed but distant, already carrying the weight of finality. Her title is still intact—for now.
Further down the table, on the right side, Scrooge leans back with an air of proprietary confidence, fingers drumming lightly. Beside him sits Bob Cratchit, straight-backed, attentive, clearly uncomfortable being this close to corporate sharks.
On the left side, Bernard sits calm and observant, hands clasped. Next to him is Aurelius Valor, immaculate, serene, and unfamiliar to several in the room—particularly at the far end.
That far end is claimed by Ardan Vantrell, posture rigid, eyes sharp with expectation, and beside him his son, Lucien Vantrell, composed to the point of opacity.
Near the middle of the table sit Kris Kringle and his daughter, Ms. Sweetins—introduced only as such. Kris is relaxed, almost amused. Kristine is poised, hands folded, eyes quietly taking everything in.
Chairman Alexander clears his throat.
Alexander:
“Ladies and gentlemen… thank you for attending on such short notice. The purpose of today’s meeting is simple, though the implications are not.”
He lets the silence stretch.
Alexander (continuing):
“The KWO Board has voted—unanimously—to divest itself from all direct wrestling ownership holdings. Effective immediately.”
Scrooge straightens. Ardan’s eyes narrow.
Alexander:
“KWO was never meant to be a proprietor. We were meant to be stewards. Oversight. Guardians of balance.”
He turns his gaze down the table.
Alexander:
“With that in mind, the final organization to be divested… is NPCW.”
Ardan does not wait.
Vantrell:
“Circle Enterprises would be more than happy to assume KWO’s forty-eight percent stake. Cleanly. Efficiently. Immediately.”
The confidence is practiced. Rehearsed.
Alexander does not blink.
Alexander:
“KWO’s stake has already been divested.”
The words land like ice water.
Vantrell:
“That’s impossible. Forty-eight percent cannot simply vanish without my consent.”
Alexander:
“It didn’t vanish. It was restructured.”
A pause.
Vantrell (cold):
“You restructured ownership without consulting Circle Enterprises?”
Alexander slides a single document across the table toward Ardan.
Alexander:
“Notice was provided. Acknowledged. And approved.”
Ardan snatches the paper, scanning it quickly. His jaw tightens. He looks up—slowly—at Lucien.
The signature is unmistakable.
Lucien meets his father’s stare without flinching.
Vantrell:
“You signed this.”
Lucien’s voice is calm, controlled.
Lucien:
“It was presented as procedural compliance. Nothing more.”
Ardan’s anger simmers—not explosive, but dangerous.
Vantrell:
“You exceeded your authority.”
Alexander interjects, unfazed.
Alexander:
“The new ownership structure ensures no single entity holds controlling influence.”
Bernard nods once.
Bernard:
“NPCW will no longer answer to one master.”
Scrooge scoffs.
Scrooge:
“Then someone needs to be in charge. You can’t run a promotion by committee.”
Alexander inclines his head.
Alexander:
“Which brings us to the next matter. NPCW will have a new President and CEO.”
Scrooge is immediate.
Scrooge:
“Cratchit. He’s loyal, he knows the books, and he won’t rock the boat.”
Cratchit stiffens, clearly unprepared to be volunteered.
Ardan leans forward.
Vantrell:
“Alton Bell. He understands scale. Expansion. Control.”
Bernard raises a hand slightly.
Bernard:
“We already have a candidate.”
He turns his gaze—not to Kris, but to his daughter.
Bernard:
“Kristine Kringle.”
The room shifts.
Scrooge’s eyes widen.
Scrooge:
“Kringle?”
Ardan turns sharply toward Ms. Sweetins.
Vantrell:
“Kringle?”
Kris smiles faintly, proud but unsurprised.
Kris Kringle:
“My daughter.”
Aurelius Valor finally speaks, his voice smooth and measured.
Aurelius Valor:
“She has my full support.”
Ardan studies Aurelius now—clearly trying to place him, failing.
Vantrell:
“And you are…?”
Aurelius only smiles.
Kristine rises slightly in her chair, composed, unflinching.
Kristine Kringle:
“NPCW doesn’t need to be owned. It needs to be led.”
A beat.
Alexander nods once.
Alexander:
“Then it is decided. Kristine Kringle is hereby appointed President and CEO of NPCW.”
Ardan leans back, fury carefully masked.
Alexander stands.
Alexander:
“This meeting is adjourned. We reconvene Sunday to review President Kringle’s forward plan.”
He gathers his papers.
Alexander (final):
“Welcome to a new era.”
Ardan remains seated, eyes locked on Kristine… and then briefly on Aurelius Valor—an unknown variable in a boardroom suddenly full of them.
END SCENE 1
Scene 1 – Epilogue
KWO Headquarters – Boardroom Antechamber
The meeting has dissolved into motion—chairs sliding back, low conversations forming in cautious clusters. Power recalibrates as people stand.
Chairman Alexander exits first with quiet efficiency, Victoria Deschamps at his side, her expression thoughtful, already moving on to what comes next.
Scrooge mutters to Bob Cratchit, frustration thinly veiled. At the far end, Ardan Vantrell leaves without a word, Lucien Vantrell trailing behind—eyes down, jaw set.
Near the center of the room, Kris Kringle places a reassuring hand on his daughter’s shoulder. She nods to him—steady, grateful—then watches him depart.
For the first time since the appointment, Kristine Kringle stands alone.
A calm presence approaches.
Aurelius Valor stops at a respectful distance, hands clasped behind his back, voice low.
Aurelius Valor:
“You handled that well.”
Kristine turns, offering a measured smile—professional, but sincere.
Kristine Kringle:
“Thank you. Your support… it mattered.”
Aurelius inclines his head, acknowledging the truth of it.
Aurelius Valor:
“I don’t give it lightly.”
They begin to walk, passing through the antechamber toward a quieter corridor, the hum of departing executives fading behind them.
Aurelius Valor:
“There is another matter I hoped we could discuss. The Iron Ring Academy.”
Kristine’s interest sharpens—not surprise, but recognition.
Kristine Kringle:
“I was hoping you’d bring it up.”
Aurelius smiles faintly.
Aurelius Valor:
“I am… deeply invested in the Academy. Not merely as a feeder system, but as a philosophy. How wrestlers are trained. How they’re protected. How the future is shaped.”
They walk in step now, voices kept deliberately low.
Kristine Kringle:
“Iron Ring isn’t just a school. It’s meant to be the foundation of what NPCW becomes—discipline, resilience, accountability.”
Aurelius Valor:
“Then our interests align.”
He glances ahead, ensuring they are truly alone.
Aurelius Valor (quietly):
“The Academy’s future must be secured—independent of corporate whims. Integrated with NPCW, but never owned by it.”
Kristine considers this, nodding slowly.
Kristine Kringle:
“That was always my intention.”
They reach the end of the corridor, light spilling in from tall windows overlooking the city. Snow continues to fall—soft, relentless.
Aurelius stops.
Aurelius Valor:
“We should continue this conversation. Soon.”
Kristine meets his gaze, steady and confident.
Kristine Kringle:
“Yes. We should.”
They turn and walk on together, voices fading as plans begin to take shape—plans not yet spoken aloud, but already in motion.
The future of NPCW… and the Iron Ring Academy… has begun to align.
END EPILOGUE – SCENE 1
Scene 2 – Grand Manipulator’s Wrath
January 1 – Post-Announcement
Interior: Ardan Vantrell’s limousine, moving through the winter streets
The door seals shut with a muted thud, cutting the world outside into silence. Frost traces the tinted windows as the city lights slide past like distant stars.
Inside, the air is tight.
Ardan Vantrell sits rigidly, one hand resting on the polished cane across his lap. His eyes burn—not wild, but precise. Calculating. Across from him, his son Lucien Vantrell sits straight-backed, hands folded, already bracing for impact.
Ardan breaks the silence.
Ardan Vantrell:
“I cannot believe you would betray me in that way. In front of them.”
Lucien exhales slowly before answering, voice measured.
Lucien Vantrell:
“Father… wrestling is beneath us. A distraction. The Circle’s resources should be focused on higher endeavours—projects that endure.”
Ardan’s grip tightens on the cane.
Ardan:
“I am tired of your insolence.”
He leans forward, eyes narrowing.
Ardan:
“I have said—repeatedly—that professional wrestling is important to the Circle. Influence does not always wear crowns or sit in boardrooms. Sometimes it wears boots and bleeds under lights.”
Lucien’s jaw tightens, but he remains calm.
Ardan:
“My word is law. If you had concerns, you should have told me before the restructure—so our lawyers could stop it.”
Lucien nods once.
Lucien:
“I did consult them. All of them.”
Ardan’s expression flickers—just slightly.
Lucien (continuing):
“They said there was nothing we could do. The laws of the North Pole favor the people of the North Pole. KWO exploited that.”
Ardan raises a brow, intrigued despite himself.
Ardan:
“Interesting.”
A pause follows. Then his voice turns colder.
Ardan:
“And this… revelation. Ms. Sweetins.”
Lucien looks away for half a second.
Ardan:
“Kringle’s daughter. Under my nose.”
His eyes harden.
Ardan:
“Have whoever conducted those background checks punished.”
Lucien inclines his head.
Lucien:
“Yes, sir.”
Ardan reclines slightly, anger sharpening into focus.
Ardan:
“And this Aurelius Valor. I do not like unknown variables.”
Lucien nods.
Lucien:
“He isn’t in any Circle archive I’ve seen.”
Ardan:
“Then he is either very new… or very well hidden.”
He turns his gaze back to his son.
Ardan:
“Find out everything. Origins. Assets. Alliances. Beliefs.”
Lucien:
“I’ll put our best investigator on it.”
The limo slows briefly at a light. Snow swirls outside.
Ardan speaks again, softer—but far more dangerous.
Ardan:
“On Sunday, I am going to push for you to be appointed Executive Vice President.”
Lucien stiffens.
Lucien:
“Please, Father—no.”
Ardan’s eyes lock onto him.
Ardan:
“You will be my instrument inside NPCW. You will correct what others have distorted.”
Lucien swallows.
Lucien:
“If this promotion fails—”
Ardan cuts him off.
Ardan:
“If NPCW fails… you fail.”
A beat.
Ardan:
“And you know the punishment for failing the Circle.”
Silence fills the limo again. Lucien nods once—slow, resigned.
Outside, the city continues to move, unaware of the reckoning being planned within.
END SCENE 2
Scene 3 – Part 1 - Leadership
January 4
Location: New NPCW Headquarters – Boardroom
The new boardroom is warmer than KWO’s ever was—wood accents, northern motifs, subtle NPCW branding on the walls. It feels owned, not borrowed.
At the table sit the architects of NPCW’s future:
Kristine Kringle
Kris Kringle
Aurelius Valor
Bernard
Scrooge
Ardan Vantrell
Lucien Vantrell
Bob Cratchit
Victoria Deschamps
Johnny Michaels
Chairman Alexander (Special Observer)
Kristine stands, hands resting lightly on the table. There is no hesitation in her voice.
The Executive Leadership
Kristine Kringle:
“NPCW does not need to be rebuilt. It needs to be aligned. My vision is simple: stability at the top, clarity in leadership, and insulation from any single interest group—corporate or otherwise.”
A subtle glance toward Ardan. He does not react.
Vice President – Talent Relations
Kristine:
“I am appointing Victoria Deschamps as Vice President of Talent Relations.”
Victoria inclines her head, composed.
No objections. Not even Scrooge.
Vote: Unanimous approval.
Vice President – Broadcast & Media
Kristine:
“Johnny Michaels will remain Vice President of Broadcast and Media… and Senior Lead Commentator.”
Johnny gives a half-smile.
Johnny Michaels:
“Happy to keep the trains running—and the stories straight.”
Again, unanimous.
Vice President – Finance / Chief Financial Officer
Kristine:
“Bob Cratchit. Vice President of Finance and CFO.”
Scrooge leans forward immediately.
Scrooge:
“Now let’s be clear—this doesn’t interfere with your duties at Scrooge & Marley Counting House.”
Cratchit takes a breath. Then speaks with quiet finality.
Bob Cratchit:
“I’m resigning from the firm. Effective immediately. NPCW will have my full attention.”
Silence.
Scrooge stares, wounded.
Scrooge:
“You’re… quitting?”
Cratchit:
“Yes.”
Scrooge slumps back, sulking.
Vote: Passes 4–1.
(Scrooge opposed.)
Vice President – Marketing
Kristine:
“I am currently conducting interviews for Vice President of Marketing. No appointment today.”
Ardan’s eyes narrow slightly—information noted.
Executive Vice President
Kristine pauses.
Kristine:
“There is one remaining executive position. Executive Vice President.”
Before she can continue—
Bernard:
“Tilda Thimblewhistle.”
The room stills.
Bernard:
“Ms. Sweetins’ executive assistant. She understands operations, messaging, and internal coordination. She would be an admirable choice.”
Scrooge scoffs openly.
Scrooge:
“Absolutely not.”
Ardan leans forward, voice smooth but edged.
Ardan Vantrell:
“With respect, this executive slate lacks representation from Circle Enterprises. We hold thirty percent ownership. That warrants a seat.”
He gestures subtly toward his son.
Ardan:
“I nominate Lucien Vantrell as Executive Vice President.”
Scrooge nods eagerly.
Scrooge:
“Seconded.”
Kristine stiffens—about to object—
But Kris Kringle raises a hand.
A long beat.
Kris Kringle:
“I support the nomination.”
Shock ripples across the table—Kristine included.
Ardan blinks.
Aurelius studies Kris… then nods once.
Aurelius Valor:
“I agree.”
Lucien remains expressionless, though his jaw tightens.
Vote: Lucien Vantrell appointed Executive Vice President.
Kristine says nothing—but her eyes flick briefly to her father.
Board Structure
At last, Chairman Alexander speaks.
Alexander:
“Executive roles are only part of governance. The board itself must be finalized—Chair, Vice Chair, and remaining membership.”
Kris speaks first.
Kris Kringle:
“Alexander should remain—this time as a director.”
Aurelius nods.
Bernard:
“Agreed.”
Ardan smiles thinly.
Ardan:
“I concur.”
Scrooge hesitates… then nods, boxed in.
Seventh Board Seat
Ardan:
“I propose Mistress Tynell as the seventh board member.”
The temperature drops.
Ownership votes swiftly.
Vote: Defeated 3–2.
Ardan’s displeasure is visible—but controlled.
Alexander:
“The seventh seat will be revisited at the next meeting.”
Chair & Vice Chair
Kris Kringle:
“I nominate Bernard as Chair.”
Aurelius Valor:
“Seconded.”
Ardan counters immediately.
Ardan:
“I nominate Scrooge.”
Scrooge:
“Seconded.”
The vote is taken.
Chair: Bernard
Vice Chair: Scrooge
Scrooge forces a smile. Bernard simply nods, already carrying the weight.
Kristine exhales quietly.
The structure is set—but the fault lines are clear.
Scene 3 – Part 2: The Reorganization
January 4 – New NPCW Headquarters, Boardroom
The room settles after the final votes. Papers are stacked. Coffee cups sit forgotten. This is the moment where structure becomes strategy.
Kristine Kringle remains standing.
She does not rush.
Kristine’s Vision
Kristine Kringle:
“Before we talk about what NPCW will become, we need to acknowledge what it already is.”
She looks around the table, meeting each gaze deliberately.
Kristine:
“When KWO assumed control in late 2024, NPCW was promising—but fragile. A Nightmare at the North Pole put us on the map. It pushed us toward the mainstream.”
A glance toward Chairman Alexander, who inclines his head slightly.
Kristine:
“And in 2025, NPCW grew. New wrestlers. New shows. Supercards that mattered. It wasn’t perfect—but it laid a foundation strong enough to build on.”
She pauses.
Kristine:
“Now we evolve.”
The Changes
Cancellation of Chill Factor
Kristine:
“Chill Factor will be discontinued.”
A ripple of reaction.
Kristine:
“It never found consistency—creative or commercial. We cannot prop up a brand that doesn’t know what it is.”
Ardan Vantrell watches closely. No objection—yet.
The Four Pillars of NPCW
Kristine taps a remote. Four concepts are laid out.
Pillar One – The Polar Division
Kristine:
“The Men’s Division will be split in two. First—the Polar Division.”
Kristine:
“Based out of the North Pole Arena. Polar Power remains its flagship show.”
She continues smoothly.
Kristine:
“This division represents tradition, toughness, and endurance.”
Pillar Two – The Mythic Division
Kristine:
“The Mythic Division will operate out of Camelot Coliseum.”
Scrooge clears his throat.
Scrooge:
“Scrooge’s Camelot Coliseum.”
Kristine nods politely without missing a beat.
Kristine:
“Dark Fable will serve as its lead program. This division is spectacle, legacy, and larger-than-life conflict.”
Pillar Three – Northern Belles
Kristine:
“The Northern Belles Division remains our women’s division, anchored by the weekly Northern Belles show.”
She looks directly at Victoria Deschamps.
Kristine:
“Women will continue to appear across all brands, not isolated from the rest of NPCW.”
Victoria nods approvingly.
Pillar Four – Iron Ring Academy
Kristine’s tone sharpens—this matters.
Kristine:
“The Iron Ring Academy becomes NPCW’s exclusive developmental system.”
An intrigued eyebrow from Ardan.
A quiet smile from Aurelius Valor.
Kristine:
“It will feature a weekly live show—The Crucible—broadcast directly from the Academy.”
Aurelius folds his hands, satisfied.
General Managers
Polar Division GM
Kristine:
“Interviews are ongoing.”
No debate.
Mythic Division GM
Kristine:
“I propose Hammer Washington.”
Murmurs.
Kristine:
“Former champion. Veteran presence. He understands storytelling and locker-room leadership.”
Bernard nods.
Bernard:
“Strong candidate.”
Ardan interjects.
Ardan Vantrell:
“Why not Alton Bell?”
He leans forward.
Ardan:
“He should not be punished for Chill Factor’s failure. That brand was mismanaged long before he arrived—by Fenwick Grimbough.”
Kris Kringle speaks calmly.
Kris Kringle:
“That may be true. But Hammer appears better suited for Mythic at this time.”
Scrooge:
“I agree with Ardan.”
The room pauses.
Then Aurelius Valor speaks.
Aurelius Valor:
“Alton Bell deserves the opportunity to prove himself—without inheriting someone else’s wreckage.”
A measured silence.
Vote: Alton Bell appointed General Manager of the Mythic Division.
Kristine nods once—accepting the board’s will.
Iron Ring Academy GM
Aurelius Valor:
“Then Hammer Washington should lead the Iron Ring Academy.”
Aurelius:
“His experience will shape wrestlers, not just matches.”
Consensus. Unanimous.
Northern Belles GM
Kristine:
“For Northern Belles, I want Goldie Locks.”
No dissent.
Vote: Approved.
Championship Structure
Kristine lays out the final framework.
Men’s – Overall
Universal Champion
Universal Tag Team Champions
Polar Division
North Pole Champion
Northern Lights Champion
Mythic Division
Mythic Crown Champion
Eternal Flame Champion
Women’s Division
Queen of the North Champion
North Star Tag Team Champions
Iron Ring Academy
Iron General (Men’s)
Iron Maiden (Women’s)
The Mean Jack Mason Issue
Kristine:
“One final matter.”
She looks to Bob Cratchit, then to Victoria.
Kristine:
“Mean Jack Mason currently holds both the Universal Championship and the North Pole Championship.”
A low murmur.
Kristine:
“He will be required to choose one.”
Victoria nods.
Victoria Deschamps:
“We’ll handle the conversation.”
Kristine:
“The other title will be vacated.”
No objections.
The room sits in silence—not tension, but consequence.
NPCW has been reshaped.
Four pillars. Clear lines. Controlled chaos.
Kristine gathers her notes.
Kristine Kringle:
“This is how NPCW moves forward.”
Some faces are pleased.
Some are calculating.
All understand one thing—
This is no longer the same company.
Episode Epilogue 1 – Father’s Goodbye and Counsel
The boardroom has emptied. Voices have faded down the corridor. What remains is the quiet hum of a building settling into its new purpose.
Kristine Kringle gathers her notes when she feels a familiar presence behind her.
Kris Kringle stands near the window, coat already on, the glow of the winter light framing him like an old story refusing to end.
Kristine:
“You’re leaving already.”
Kris smiles gently.
Kris Kringle:
“Today. Romania.”
The word carries weight.
Kristine:
“Watchers’ business.”
He nods once.
Kris:
“There are things stirring that cannot be ignored. And you—”
(he turns to face her)
“—are ready to stand on your own.”
Kristine exhales slowly, absorbing the moment.
Kristine:
“I thought you’d stay longer. Help steady things.”
Kris reaches into his coat and produces a slim folder.
Kris:
“I am.”
He hands it to her.
Kris:
“My ownership proxy. While I’m gone, my vote is yours.”
Kristine’s eyes widen slightly.
Kristine:
“That’s… a lot of trust.”
Kris:
“It’s earned.”
They sit—father and daughter—across from one another at the table where power was just redistributed.
The Counsel
Kris’s voice softens, but his words sharpen.
Kris:
“Now listen carefully. Leadership isn’t about choosing sides—it’s about keeping them from destroying each other.”
He ticks names off quietly.
Kris:
“Scrooge will always follow the scent of profit. Promise him riches and he’s loyal. Stop delivering, and he’ll turn just as fast.”
Kristine nods. She already knows.
Kris:
“Ardan Vantrell is far more dangerous. He doesn’t want success—he wants control. NPCW is a tool to him. A vessel for the Circle’s influence.”
Kristine’s jaw tightens.
Kris:
“Bernard… means well. He loves this company. But he’s so steeped in its history that he struggles to see beyond it.”
A pause.
Kris:
“Aurelius is a good man. Clever. Principled. But he believes—truly believes—that light should always win.”
Kristine looks up.
Kristine:
“And that’s a problem?”
Kris smiles knowingly.
Kris:
“In wrestling? Yes.”
He leans forward.
Kris:
“Conflict sells. Tension sells. If one side dominates too completely—good or evil—the audience drifts away. Balance is what keeps the world watching.”
Kristine absorbs this in silence.
Kris:
“That’s why Lucien needed to be in the room. Not because I trust him—but because imbalance is worse than opposition.”
Kristine finally understands. Not agreement—strategy.
The Goodbye
Kris stands.
Kris:
“I won’t be close. But I won’t be gone.”
He takes her hand and presses something small and cool into her palm.
A delicate snow globe, miniature and perfect, suspended on a silver chain.
Inside it: a tiny North Pole beneath falling snow.
Kris:
“If you ever truly need me… wear this.”
Kristine looks up, eyes glassy.
Kristine:
“And it will work?”
Kris smiles—the kind that has comforted generations.
Kris:
“Magic always knows where it’s needed.”
They embrace—not long, not dramatic—but full of everything unspoken.
Kris steps back, already turning toward the door.
Kris (softly):
“Lead wisely, my daughter.”
Kristine watches as he leaves, the future heavy in her hands… and the snow globe resting against her heart.
Episode Epilogue 2 – The Convergent Champion
The building has grown quiet again.
Night has settled over the new NPCW headquarters, lights dimmed except for the boardroom where Kristine Kringle remains—standing by the window, fingers brushing the snow-globe necklace at her collar. The city below feels distant. Smaller.
Footsteps approach.
She turns as Victoria Deschamps and Bob Cratchit enter together. There’s a gravity to the way Cratchit carries himself—finality mixed with relief.
Bob Cratchit:
“President Kringle… before the night ends, there’s one more matter.”
Kristine nods.
Kristine:
“As long as it’s not another vote.”
Cratchit allows himself a faint smile.
Cratchit:
“This one’s already signed.”
He produces a slim folder and places it on the table.
Cratchit:
“As my final act as Commissioner, I executed the agreement with HCW.”
Victoria’s eyes sharpen with interest.
Victoria:
“The Convergent Title.”
Cratchit nods.
Cratchit:
“Shared championship. Joint sanctioning. Full cross-promotion.”
Kristine opens the folder, scanning quickly.
Cratchit:
“Donnie B agreed. Van Helsing will be the inaugural champion.”
Kristine looks up.
Kristine:
“Because he holds both the Northern Lights Championship… and the HCW TV Title.”
Cratchit:
“He’ll vacate both. One champion. One symbol.”
A beat.
Kristine closes the folder and exhales.
Kristine:
“This is the right move.”
Cratchit’s shoulders loosen slightly.
Kristine:
“NPCW doesn’t survive in isolation. We need allies—real ones.”
Her gaze hardens.
Kristine:
“Count Vlad and the Dark Dominion may be wounded… but they aren’t finished. They never are.”
Victoria folds her arms thoughtfully.
Victoria:
“A shared champion sends a message. Unity without submission.”
Kristine nods.
Kristine:
“And Van Helsing is exactly the kind of standard-bearer we need.”
Cratchit straightens, the weight finally lifting.
Cratchit:
“Then my work here… is done.”
Kristine extends her hand.
Kristine:
“Thank you, Bob. For everything.”
They shake—firm, respectful. A chapter closed properly.
Cratchit turns and leaves them alone.
Looking Ahead
Victoria steps closer, already shifting gears.
Victoria:
“Tomorrow’s interviews. Polar Division General Manager first thing in the morning.”
Kristine smiles faintly.
Kristine:
“And Marketing Director in the afternoon.”
Victoria:
“Some strong candidates. Some… very ambitious ones.”
Kristine fingers the snow-globe necklace again.
Kristine:
“Ambition isn’t the problem. Direction is.”
She meets Victoria’s eyes.
Kristine:
“We’re not just filling roles anymore. We’re shaping the future.”
Victoria nods, resolute.
Victoria:
“Then we’d better get it right.”
They stand together in the quiet boardroom—two architects of what comes next.
Outside, the snow continues to fall.
NPCW moves forward.
NPCW INTERNAL ARCHIVE
Interview Records – Executive Appointments (Excerpt)
Date: January 2026
Location: NPCW North Pole Annex – Executive Conference Room
Classification: LEVEL BETA – RESTRICTED
SCENE I Appointment Interview – Celeste Noir
Position: Vice President, Marketing & Brand Strategy
Present:
Kristine Kringle, President & CEO
Lucien Vantrell, Executive Vice President
Victoria Deschamps, VP Talent Relations
The room is immaculate. No banners. No screens. Only a long table and three folders.
Celeste Noir does not bring a portfolio.
She sits perfectly still.
Kristine Kringle:
“Ms. Noir, NPCW is not short on attention. It is short on control. Tell me—why should you be trusted with our image?”
Celeste does not hesitate.
Celeste Noir:
“Because attention is noise. Perception is power. NPCW has been loud for years. I would make it inevitable.”
Lucien leans forward, intrigued.
Lucien Vantrell:
“You’re proposing exclusivity in a mass-market product.”
Celeste:
“I’m proposing desire through restraint. When everything is visible, nothing is valuable.”
Victoria studies her carefully.
Victoria Deschamps:
“And controversy?”
A faint smile.
Celeste:
“Controversy is useful when controlled. When uncontrolled, it cheapens the brand.”
Kristine closes her folder.
Kristine:
“If hired, you answer to me—not the board, not the loudest shareholder, not the market.”
Celeste inclines her head.
Celeste:
“Of course. Influence only works when the center holds.”
Silence.
Then Kristine stands.
Kristine:
“You understand that NPCW is not just a company.”
Celeste meets her gaze evenly.
Celeste:
“That’s why I want it.”
Decision: Unanimous approval.
Reason for Selection:
Celeste Noir demonstrated complete command of narrative psychology, brand restraint, and crisis containment—without once appealing to ego or spectacle. She was not dazzled by NPCW. She understood it.
SCENE II Appointment Interview – Elias Coldmere
Position: General Manager, Polar Division
Present:
Kristine Kringle
Lucien Vantrell
Victoria Deschamps
Elias Coldmere arrives early.
He stands when they enter. Hands folded. Calm.
Kristine:
“The Polar Division is our oldest division. It doesn’t forgive careless leadership. Why do you want it?”
Elias Coldmere:
“I don’t want it. I respect it.”
Lucien raises an eyebrow.
Lucien:
“Respect doesn’t run a division.”
Elias:
“No. But it prevents one from breaking it.”
Victoria flips through her notes.
Victoria:
“You’ve written extensively on balance. On sacrifice. On maintaining myth through limitation.”
Elias nods.
Elias:
“Winter survives because it is harsh. If we soften it, it becomes decoration.”
Kristine watches him closely.
Kristine:
“And talent welfare?”
Elias:
“Essential. But comfort cannot be the guiding principle of the Polar Division. Meaning must be.”
Lucien smiles faintly.
Lucien:
“You sound like a traditionalist.”
Elias:
“I am a preservationist.”
A pause.
Kristine leans back.
Kristine:
“If the audience turns on a decision you make—will you bend?”
Elias answers instantly.
Elias:
“No. But I will explain it. Calmly. Until they understand.”
Victoria closes her folder.
Victoria:
“You come highly recommended.”
Elias inclines his head, just slightly.
Elias:
“I try to earn that.”
Kristine stands.
Kristine:
“The Polar Division requires a steady hand. You will have autonomy. But you will also have scrutiny.”
Elias meets her eyes.
Elias:
“As it should be.”
Decision: Approved by consensus.
Reason for Selection:
Elias Coldmere presented as composed, deeply knowledgeable, and ideologically aligned with the preservation of NPCW’s Polar identity. His demeanor projected trust, patience, and scholarly restraint—qualities deemed essential for stabilizing the division.
(Internal Note – Sealed): His philosophical rigidity was noted but not classified as a risk at the time.)
ARCHIVAL FOOTNOTE
Both appointments were made within the same week.
One reshaped how NPCW is seen.
The other reshaped how NPCW is felt.
Surprised Vlad didn’t try to get him some lol.
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