Head Steward Grada Karkart was worried, very worried. He had failed this night, failed miserably. Instead of heading to the palace as fast as he could when he got the call, he had gone back to sleep! Palace security arriving at his apartment had virtually pulled him down to their vehicle, then driven him to an agitated palace. Fortunately he had spare clothes in his office.

Surprised at his arrival by the state of the palace as it seemed that every light was glowing, he asked a very nervous guard “Why is the palace all lit up?” The whispered reply, “He’s returned,” shocked Garda.

The palace staff never ran, but they did walk quickly when needed. A compact man of medium height, with dark hair and quick, intelligent eyes, the Steward hurried down the corridor, arriving at his office almost breathless. There he found, wide awake, the few staff that resided on the grounds. All looked frightened, some huddling together; others working frantically on some task or other. Quickly he changed.

Senior Administrator Madla Dinsta was standing amongst the staff and distributing assignments, a bulwark in the chaos.

“The Room of The Ministers comes first, followed by the bedrooms for the Ladies. We will deal the Hall of Hearing later. The cleaners are going in now, but everything needs to be perfect for the meeting in the morning.” She paused and glanced over at the Head Steward as he joined the group. “Go to your jobs,” sent the staff scattering.

Turning to the Head Steward, Madla drew a breath and spoke. “He wants to see both you and the Head of Security. She is on her way in.” At the sound of footsteps, she looked for the source. “Oh good, here she is.”

Security Chief Ferni Massett was an unlikely looking security expert. Of medium height, with a bright smile and wiry build, most people underrated her and she rather liked that. It played to her abilities and most never noted the shrewd, cool and calculating eyes. At least until it was too late. Even at this very early morning she was well dressed in a casual and tidy outfit.

Coming up to Madla Dinsta and Grada Karkart, Massett came straight to the point. “Is what I am told correct?”

“I was with Him barely a quarter of a period ago, He is in His private quarters now. I don’t know if any of the Ladies are there, none had shown up with Him that I saw. I have called in the full staff so they should be arriving soon.” Madla paused. “The Ministers will be coming to meet with him at the twelfth period.” She took a breath. “He wants to see you both. He is in the usual room, the one we call the study.”

The Head Steward and Head of Security looked at each other. Grada Karkart squared his shoulders. “Then He will see us!” He declared. Going to the secure entrance leading to the quarters at the rear of the office, they passed through into the private sanctum of the Dark Lord, walking in silence down the empty corridors.

“What do you think?” Massett ventured after glancing at the Head Steward.

Karkart just looked at Massett, shook his head and said nothing. They continued in silence taking the not unfamiliar twists and turns until they reached the room that, by tradition, the Dark Lord normally used. We will be taking this route a lot more from now on, Karkart thought.

Stopping, they exchanged another look, took a deep breath, and entered through a small room into the Dark Lords study.

*********

“Ah, welcome.” The Dark Lord was sitting in a chair beside an empty fire place. Sitting in a chair on the other side of the fireplace, was a very pretty and slender woman with shoulder length brown hair surrounding a pixyish face, highlighted by her blue eyes. She was wearing a conservative blue jacket over a bright green top, complimented by a pair of tan pants. Sandals completed her outfit.

The two stopped and bowed although somewhat nonplused by the Lady’s unannounced but not unexpected presence. Although they had met a few of the ladies, this was one they had never seen before. The Dark Lord smiled and waved them in “Come in, you are both entitled by your positions here to request access to me at any time.” He smiled again, a cold smile this time. “I may grant access or refuse it however.”

The two exchanged a glance then hesitantly stepped further in.

“Head Steward, I have several tasks for you.”

Grada Karkart, smiled, masking his inner quaking. “I am at your service, my Lord.”

“And for you as well Chief Massett.” Massett was surprised that her name was known to the Dark Lord, but hid it well. “Of course, sire.” She responded.

“But, first things first. All who work in the palace have to be confirmed. Those who are in lesser positions, I do not need to see and I confirmed Madla Dinsta earlier. I will confirm you both now.” The two had no idea what he was talking about. There was nothing in previous stewards’ notes about this that either had read. Standing, He approached them and reached out with His right hand, touching them both on the forehead. “Now, if any should obstruct or otherwise abuse you, I will know of it.” His smile was dangerous.

Of medium height, the Dark Lord was physically unimpressive. Dark pants and shirt along with black socks and foot ware completed the image. An ordinary face, surmounted by black hair held His most impressive feature, His blue grey eyes. Even so, they only glowed when He showed some of His power. Otherwise, only the thin, somewhat pale lips gave a hint of His ruthless side. Both Garda and Ferni considered that they would have walked past the Dark Lord on the street. The unspoken thought crossed their minds that they might have done just that.

Massett took a deep breath and spoke. “A certain amount of abuse go’s with my position, sire.” That earned her a smile from the Dark Lord and a laugh from the Lady.

Returning to his seat, the Dark Lord glanced at the Lady sitting across from him and nodded. She smiled and stood.

“Now that you are confirmed, any of us Ladies of the Circle and certain others, will know you and will trust you.” She sat back down.

“Thank you, sire, Lady.” Karkart spoke for them both. He did not know what was meant by certain others and didn’t dare ask. He continued, “What tasks do you have for us sire?”

“First security. I have spoken to both the First Councillor and The Marshal. Steward, you have full control over both the palace and the grounds. You answer only to me. If there were any other arrangements made, they are now null and void. Chief, you answer to the Steward and, where necessary, to me as well. Make that clear to both your staff and to any other agency involved. If there is any dispute, tell those who may wish to dispute this, that they are welcome to discuss same with me.” He smiled again, another chilling smile. Both standing in front of Him shivered.

“Chief Massett, there will be in the near future a Day of Hearing. The date may be set today, in conjunction with the High Council, or at a later time. You may wish to research what was necessary from earlier hearings, but there is no need to hurry.” Massett nodded her understanding. “Otherwise your main concern is general security of the building and grounds. Once my return is known, there will be many who wish to see me or the Ladies for their own ends. It will be best for their long term prospects that they be kept well away from both. That includes the news people and their ilk. You understand?”

She nodded. “With you permission sire, I will withdraw to review and confirm all arrangements for the security of the palace.”

“You may, but before you leave, you should know that Fleet Admiral Vis Vistricer is now Star Commander. He will be here in a few weeks and has the same right of access to me as does the Marshall of the legion and the First Councillor.” He paused and nodded. “Report to me by the eighth period, with your arrangements for the meeting with the ministers.”

“Yes sire.” Massett bowed and left.

“Steward! Now your tasks. I believe that your Senior Administrator, Madla Dinsta has the matter of the Room of The Ministers in hand. What you will need to do is to make certain that that rest of the palace is ready. The Ladies will be returning in their own time, so their accommodations will need to be prepared. Also a company of the Black Guard will be arriving within the next five periods. They are usually housed in the front of the palace. Please inform Chief Massett and Senior Administrator Madla Dinsta. And one last item, a repast must be prepared, here are the details.”

The Lady rose and passed over a slim folder of a thick paper like material. Karkart didn’t know why he hadn’t noticed it before. “You will find the details inside.” She said with a gentle smile.

“Lady.” Came with a bow. Karkart took a deep breath. “Anything else sire?”

“If there is, I will contact you.” There was a real smile this time. “I do anticipate certain difficulties, but they will not be your concern.”

“Sire, if they occur in the palace they are most definitely my concern.” The Steward stood upright. The Dark Lord raised an eyebrow, “With respect sire.” Came hastily.

“Off course, you are correct.” The Dark Lord gave an apologetic smile. The Lady smiled, showing she was impressed. “Certain of the council, members of the Empire and even some in the Legion have concluded that I would never return notwithstanding that I have been sending messages from time to time and that the Ladies have also been acting on my behalf.” He smiled, this smile again sent a chill down the Stewards spine. “They will not be happy at my return!” He paused. “It is now the first period and you need to go to your office.”

“As you command sire.” With a bow, the Steward left.

*********

With as much haste as dignity allowed, Karkart returned to his office. Once there he called in both Dinsta and Massett. He also gave a call out to the Chief Usher who was responsible for the internal workings of the palace insofar as food, cleaning, accommodation and related items were concerned. When they arrived, Massett looking annoyed, he informed them of the Dark Lords instructions then added the revelations about possible problems in the High Council, the Empire and the Legion finishing with, “You all needed to know.”

Turning to the traditional head of the ushers, kitchen, porters and cleaning staff, Karkart handed over the list detailing the meal requirements. “Chief Usher, here are the details of what the Dark Lord wants for a meal. It is comprehensive. If you need any supplies, get them fast. Wake up whoever you need to. We will send palace security if necessary.” The Chief Usher looked ready to faint but composed himself and left.

“Madla, you stay on top of, and get the Room of the Ministers perfect. But first, do you have a sketch of the general layout?”

“Better, I have detailed drawings of the required seating plans and where everyone sits including, when he arrives, the new Star Commander.” Madla grinned.

“Good, bring it and then get back to fixing up that room. That is your primary job right now.” Grada Karkart was working at his best in this pressure situation.

“Back in a fraction.”

Madla Dinsta was as good as her word and the other two were soon going over the seating arrangements.

“Here you are. Ok, now what do you suggest?” The Steward murmured to the Security Chief.

Security Chief Ferni Massett weighed her options. “I want five on each wall. I would put a half dozen in front of our Master, but I don’t think that he will agree with that!” She thought some more. “Yes five on each wall, but an escort from outside, and all the way in.” She smiled, a humourless smile. “To honour them.”

“Don’t forget the Black Guard, the Imperial Guard rather. They should be involved.”

“Yes, of course. A whole company of them.” She smiled again. “I will speak to their commander. It will be to honour the return of our Master, of course.” Massett laughed. “Leave it to me.”

“Oh I will.” Replied the Steward. “I have more than enough on my plate. But don’t forget, our Master wishes to be kept informed.”

“I won’t forget. I have until the eighth period, and will have spoken to whoever is in charge of the Black Guard by then. So I will have a better appreciation of the overall needs.” Ferni smiled and repeated. “Don’t worry.” Then she left, taking the seating plan with her.

Some hope of that. The Steward thought as he got to work on his own troubles.

*********

Well before dawn arrived, the palace was fully manned and all the arrangements had been sorted out. A terse “The Master has returned, get here now”, was all that was needed for the staff to arrive in a hurry. The Head Carpenter, Painter and Grounds Keeper had all been brought into the information loop and were all working hard in their various specialties along with their crews. The carpenters and the painters’ crews had finished with the Room of the Ministers. The Chief Usher was deep in the critical item of food preparation with the cook, and had delegated to the Housekeeper the responsibility for cleaning of needed rooms, particularly if any more of the Ladies arrived.

The Imperial Guard had all arrived, a full company of almost two hundred men and women. The commander of the company seemed already aware of the Dark Lords concerns, to Massett’s surprise although not to either Dinstas or Karkarts.

“You know exactly what you want to do?” The Steward queried the Security Chief.

“I do.” Came with a grim smile.

“The room is ready?” Went to the Senior Administrator.

“It is.” Madla confirmed with a nod.

“And I have overseen the rest of the palace including the arrivals area,” Garda reassured the group.

The Head Steward turned to the fourth person standing silently by. This person was wearing a black robe lined with two red bands. A long curved sword hung at his side. “You have discussed with the security chief what she wants to do?” A nod was given in reply.

“And you are in agreement?”

“I am.” The Senior, as he was known, member of the Imperial Guard replied with a grim smile. “The Guard will do what is necessary to uphold the dignity of our Master.”

“Remember, this is to honour the Council and the Marshal.” Garda gave a raised eyebrow. “The intimidation is just a happy secondary effect.”

“Of course Head Steward. I would never presume otherwise.” The Security Chief protested with an innocent look.

“If you are all ready, let us brief our Master. It is close to the eighth period anyway.”

While everyone took a deep breath, they all indicated one way or another that they were ready. The guardsman remaining characteristically silent.

Down the silent corridors they went, all four of them. Arriving at the same room, the sitting room it was called, they paused, took a breath and entered, and froze in shock.

There were now many Ladies in the room, some standing, some siting and more chairs had been brought in. Some were reading while others sat chatting. All gave big smiles as the four entered. They were all wearing clothes that while strikingly beautiful, in the eyes of the palace staff appeared strange.

“Ah, Steward, right on time. The rooms for the Ladies are ready I trust?” The Dark Lord greeted the four.

“They are my Lord, or they will be soon. The Housekeeper is herself working on the next floor with two crews. Only five rooms were needing finishing touches when I last spoke to her, half a period ago.” He finished with a bow.

The Ladies all clapped.

“Very good work, please pass all our thanks onto her and her crew.” A slim Lady with long dark hair spoke for the group. She was wearing a long dark blue dress with a deep slit down the front of the top along with further splits up each side almost to her hips.

“I most certainly will, Lady.” Garda replied.

“That is good Andrea, but I believe Steward, that you have some news to impart.” The Dark Lord interposed.

“Certainly my Lord, I have spoken to the Chief Usher, and the meal is being prepared as per your instructions. He is confident that the repast will be ready by the appointed time of the thirteenth period.” He had given Lady Andrea a look thinking, so this is the famed Lady Andrea. He and the others carefully kept their thoughts to themselves.

“Very good, now Chief Massett, your plan for security.”

“Sire, there is a tight cordon patrolling the perimeter of the palace grounds. This includes certain of the Tihab police and the security police. My deputy is monitoring and I have appointed another officer as liaison.” She paused. “After the formal opening of the palace,” The Dark Lords eyebrows rose at this and the Ladies looked on with sudden interest, “these precautions will be relaxed, and we can move to a lower degree of security.

“Now sire, I did a quick search through the archives.” Ferni Massett continued. “There is a lack of detail but it seems that after you returned from such extended absences as this, there was a ceremonial opening of the palace. On such occasions, the High Council and the Marshal or Admiral of the Legion all swore renewed allegiance to you.” By this time the Dark Lord was covering his mouth with his hand.

“Where did you get your information from?” He asked.

“It was a quick computer search sire. All I had to do was give the computer a voice command and the artificial intelligence did the rest. There were cross references and I got the basic information from your return on Tihab date 2457, old style, third recovery, twenty fourth restructuring.” Chief Massett explained.

“That’s a long time ago. There was a ceremony but little news groups’ attention.” The Dark Lord managed.

“Well sire, I always liked a little pageantry. This I felt was a good time to bring some into the palace, besides, it will give all the High Command of the Empire a chance to publicly show their loyalty to you.” The Ladies all clapped at that.

“And how do you plan to do this?” The Dark Lord asked.

“With the help of the guard, sire,” Ferni continued, “There will be a troop of guardsman escorting the Ministers and the Marshall. They will be led by the Head Steward, along with a troop of palace guards, to the Room Of The Ministers. There they will be seated in proper order. At the appropriate time, they will each be called upon to swear allegiance to you. The Head Steward will perform this. He has the oath of allegiance in its proper form.” Taking a deep breath, Security Chief Ferni Massett drew herself up. “Sire you have the full loyalty of the palace.” She paused. “If anything … happens, we will be ready for it.”

For the first time the Head Guardsman spoke, “We are also ready, sire.” He finished with a bow.

The Dark Lord Sat for a fraction. He seemed surprised, and taken aback for once. All the Ladies were standing and staring, awaiting his response. Standing, he moved to the group. Clapping his hand on each of their shoulders. He responded. “I will not forget.” He gave a genuine smile. The Ladies all moved forward, and clapped together.

“Now return to your duties. I will look forward to the twelfth period.”