A Vote of No Confidence

Writers: Estelle, Heather
Date Posted: 31st July 2024

Characters: Esermin, Ohmuran, Reslerin, Zalin, Kastan, Jorbil
Description: The Master Weavers convene to discuss the removal of the Hallmaster.
Location: Elsewhere on Pern
Date: month 12, day 15 of Turn 11
Notes: The "new" Weaver Hallmaster position is open for any who are interested. With the coronation of the new Weaver Hallmaster, the Hall will officially begin accepting female apprentices.

After the bad bit of business with Shuvan, it was hard to ignore the
Hallmaster's neglect of the Hall any longer. Esermin had taken it upon
himself to call the other Masters together for a bit of a conversation
before addressing Master Draffyl.

"Thank you for coming, gentlemen, I know you all have busy schedules."
They'd even called back some of the Master Weavers who had been posted
at other locations across the territory, but if Draffyl had noticed
the unexpected returns of these men, he'd not let on.

Zalin closed the door behind the last of the Masters and leaned against
it while Esermin spoke. A few of them had been quietly discussing what
he was about to propose over the past sevendays. Zalin's role had been
to research the procedure in the Records, and he knew a lot would depend
on what the other men thought.

"Well, it's always a pleasure to pay a visit to the Hall." Master Kastan
had travelled from his post at Coral Bay. His genial manner, and the way
he looked around the room in mock confusion disguised a sharp mind. "But
won't the Hallmaster be joining us?"

"Not today," Esermin replied crisply.

Ohmuran glanced sideways at Reslerin and elbowed him in the ribs. This
was it!

"Today, gentlemen, we are gathering to discuss Hallmaster Draffyl and
his abilities at leading the Weaver Hall. As many of you know, Shuvan
was taken into custody after some shady dealings. All of this
happening under the Hallmaster's nose. I believe some others have
concerns of his neglect of the Hall as well?" Esermin opened the floor
for others.

"I've been troubled about the apprentices," Master Jorbil volunteered.
He was one of the more recently promoted among them, and he glanced
around, reassured to see a few nods. "Studying here at the Hall should
be an honor, but some of them seem to have been admitted on account of
their influential families, rather than talent or interest in the Craft.
Also, I've heard some worrying reports of bullying. I took my concerns
to the Hallmaster, but he dismissed them."

Reslerin spoke up next. "That 'influential' part isn't just with the
apprentices, but with the journeymen postings as well. Surely you have
all noticed the journeymen from 'better' families get the better postings?"

"Oh, I've noticed, and then they have very little product to show for
those large postings. The Hall should be brimming with orders from the
larger holdings," Ohmuran barked.

"It's true. I've been looking over the Records," Zalin said. "Orders are
down, and we can't blame the Pass or unrest in the Hold. Our neighbors,
the Harpers, are thriving. They're even opening up a new Printer Hall."
He had his own opinion about why the harpers had become so successful,
but he kept it to himself. Some of the Masters here had traditional
views, and their support would be needed.

Kastan cleared his throat. "As satisfying as it is to air our grievances
on this matter, there's only so much any of us can do. Draffyl is the
Hallmaster." He raised an eyebrow at Esermin. "Isn't he?"

“He is,” Esermin said slowly. “But that’s why I called this meeting. A
Hallmaster’s authority comes from the Masters that support him. In order
to preserve the good reputation of the Weavers, I make a motion to take
a vote of no confidence against Hallmaster Draffyl.”

"I second the motion." Zalin spoke before the other Masters could react.
Some looked shocked, and a few outraged, but there were more who seemed
intrigued, or nodded as though they'd been expecting it. "There is
precedent. If a majority of the Masters believe the Hallmaster is
failing in his duty to the Craft, he must step down and make way for the
election of a new leader."

Ohmuran and Reslerin spoke in unison, confirming their votes of no
confidence. Others around the room joined in.

"Those opposed?" Esermin asked. A couple of voices spoke their
opposition, but it was not enough to overturn the vote.

"Then it's settled. Hallmaster Draffyl is out. Should we vote in a new
Hallmaster now, or put in an interim and decide at a later date?"
Reslerin asked.

"The usual practice is for an interim Hallmaster to take over until a
vote is held, to give the possible candidates time to consider whether
to put themselves forward," Zalin said. And, he imagined, to canvas
support among their peers. "Also, as a Master Weaver, Draffyl has the
right to cast a vote."

"I nominate Zalin to be the Interim Hallmaster," Reslerin said, speaking up.

"I second," Esermin said with a grin.

"All in favor?" Ohmuran jumped in.

"Aye" was said heartily by those Masters present.

"Thank you, Masters." Zalin was not surprised, for he had no ambition to
become Hallmaster himself so knew that choosing him made sense, but it
was still a strange feeling to be in the post. Although it was only
temporary, he felt the weight of responsibility heavy on his shoulders.
"I suggest that the election of the new Hallmaster be held in a month's
time. That should give those of us who are still at their postings time
to travel to the Hall. Anyone who wishes to nominate one of his fellow
Masters may do so by writing to me before the day of the vote. Are there
any objections?"

There were none and so the meeting was adjourned. Esermin felt relieved
that it had gone well. Now he and Zalin would need to inform Draffyl
that he was no longer Hallmaster. It wasn’t a task he relished but it
felt like a spark of hope in moving the Weaver Hall in a new direction.

Last updated on the August 1st 2024

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A Vote of No Confidence