It was now the thirteenth Wassas, Year 1392. Three days since the Dark Lord had returned and the Head Steward still was not over his failure. Walking from his suite to his office after seeing his children off to their schools, he made a decision. Changing his destination, he strode with firm steps to the Dark Lords room.

“Steward, this is a pleasant surprise.” Came the jovial greeting.

“Thank you my Lord.” He glanced at the Ladies. “A word in private, if I may.”

“Of course.” The Ladies present showed some surprise but left at the Dark Lords request.

Alone together, Grada Karkart stood silent for a fraction under the Dark Lords steady regard.

“Sire, he started, “on the night of your arrival, I failed you.” He took a breath. The Dark Lord sat expressionless. “I received your summons and ignored it.” He paused again. “Sire, I no longer deserve to be your Steward, you should find another.”

Silence reigned for a fraction. Then the Dark Lord smiled.

“I think not. Yes, what did on the tenth Wassas was an error, but your staff did the right thing and covered for you. That shows me you have a good and loyal staff and that tells me a lot about you.” He stood. “You are forgiven. “ Came with a solemn face. “Now go, Japua Conti should be here soon.”

As Karkart turned to leave, the Dark Lord stopped him and he turned back

“Wait. You know what I said when I arrived here. The very first words that the security guards heard?”

“You mused about the décor of what is called The Dark Lords Bedroom.”

“Yes, talk to the painter. It all needs redoing, the entire building. Not now, but soon.”

“As you wish my Lord.” At the door a thought occurred to the Steward, turning around, he posed a question. “My Lord, where would you like to meet with the councillors? Here or another room?”

“We will use the Ante room.” The Dark Lord replied, He called for Dana who stepped in with a look of enquiry on her face. Others followed, their interest undisguised.

“Please show our Steward to the Ante room, I will see the Councillors there.”

With a smile Lady Dana beckoned to Grada Karkart. The Steward bowed to the Dark Lord and followed her out, feeling honoured by such a guide. Some of the Ladies curious, followed.

At the ante room, noting that there were a small number of chairs, the Steward nodded and smiled. “This will do perfectly.” Turning to Lady Dana. “I just need to ask our Master one question if you do not mind, my Lady.” The Ladies that had come with them, seeing that there was little of interest happening, stayed and occupied some of the seats.

On their way back, Lady Dana gave Grada Karkart a penetrating look. “You are more relaxed Steward. Whatever you discussed with our Master must have gone well.”

“Thank you my Lady, it did. A great weight has been lifted of my mind.” A rueful smile appeared. “At least until the next emergency.” They both laughed. After a fractions silence he continued. “I have been also considering our Masters words of yesterday. If what I suspect is correct, I am glad that it is only the palace that I am responsible for.” That earned him a long look from Lady Dana, but she said nothing.

Arriving back at the Dark Lord’s living room, as it was called, the Steward posed his question.

“My Lord, do you wish an informal session, two or more chairs or something more formal?”

“A good question. Group meetings of two, three or more councillors can be held in a semi-formal meeting room. Meetings like today and later of single councillors will be held in the ante room, where there can be an informal atmosphere. That will do nicely I think.”

Giving a bow and thanks, to Lady Dana as well as the Dark Lord, the Head Steward withdrew and returned to his office. There he was greeted with surprise by his staff, first, due to his late arrival and second, as they noted that he came from the interior of the palace.

*********

With the weight off his mind, if only temporarily, Karkart was in a good mood. Calling his senior assistants into his office, he told them of the Dark Lords decisions. “Madla, Lea and Ferni, I have spoken with our Master, He will meet with single councillors in a room called the ante room while smaller group meetings will be held in the semi-formal meeting room. I will show you later as we will all escort Japua Conti to his meeting. After that only one of us four will be needed to show the way.”

Madla spoke for the others, “Good! Anything else?”

“Yes, find the painter. He, our Master that is, wants the painter to spruce up the building. Better get the carpenter as well, I think, he will likely be needed.”

“Ah yes, I didn’t understand what he meant, what the security guards told me.” Madla was punching notes into her comm unit as she spoke. “When does He want to start?”

“Not straight away. Our Master said soon. Have them both do a complete inspection of the building, interior and exterior including all rooms and draw up a complete list of what needs to be done. Tell them I need to know what area is the highest priority, besides the Hall of Hearing, the work must continue on that. And they can’t forget the basement levels either.”

“That’s taking our Masters words a little far don’t you think?” Lea commented.

“It’s not much use painting a wall if we are going to have to tear it down in a year. Tear it down first, repair and then repaint it.” He leant back in his chair. “We won’t start work until we get His approval anyway.” He smiled. “The two previous Stewards did a lot of necessary maintenance so I think that the building itself is in good shape.” After a pause the Steward continued. “I want one thing by today, The Hall of Hearing. I want, no, need a schedule for when it will be completed and ready to be opened. Tell the carpenter and the painter that I need that today.”

“On to it, I will go and make their day right now.” Madla bustled out.

“When will our councillor be here?” Ferni asked.

“Ten point five, we have plenty of time.” Lea replied.

“That was quite a show you put on yesterday.” Ferni gave Lea an appraising look. Garda looked suddenly interested.

“It wasn’t me. Our Master just told me what to say and that he would take care of the rest.”

Ferni pursed her lips. “Well I don’t think that we won over any friends in that room.” She grimaced. Then another thought came to her. “We need a friend, someone on our side who can talk to these people. A professional.” She turned to the Steward. “What do you think?”

“I think that it is a very good idea.” The Steward nodded. “But who?” His eyes rested on Lea.

“Not me, they will already hate me for what happened yesterday.” She laughed.

“I agree.” Ferni paused in thought. Her eyes snapped open. “I have it.” She said.

“Well, give it up! Don’t keep it to yourself.” Karkart smiled.

Ferni gave him a long look. He really is different this morning, she thought. I wonder what has happened. She turned to Lea.

“Remember the two that we gave the job of seating everyone to, one was an ass.” She stopped. “Well both were, but one was smart as well.”

“Yes I remember.” Lea spoke slowly, “But I don’t have his name.”

“The guard who accompanied us would.”

*********

Japua Conti was a more than a bit worried. Now that the Dark Lord had returned, the Head Steward, and by extension his staff, were now the most powerful people in the Empire. Because they reported only to the Dark Lord there were in effect, few constraints on them should they chose to exert their influence. He had heard, very quickly, about what had happened with the news organisations. Those groups were currently in a state of shock so, while they might recover and revert to their old ways, they would, at least for a while, be submissive to the Dark Lords will.

What really scared Conti however, was the naked display of power by the Dark Lord. It showed clearly that he would both use his staff and also back them with all his power. He didn’t know exactly what had happened on the night of the arrests, but he had heard that the Dark Lord had intervened to protect his Security Chief. Yes Japua Conti felt that he had plenty to worry about.

Stepping around the last corner they arrived at the ante room. There had been a number of twists and turns, so many that Conti had no idea where he was. He was also surprised by the staff that used these corridors and when he remarked on it, was informed that they were cleaners, ushers as well as others who had duties in the palace and that most of the positions had been passed down through family ties.

“You know that no member of the staff can marry without His approval?”

“I have heard that, but you married.”

“Yes, that won’t change and neither will any of the others who married be affected.” The Steward gave a grim smile. “But no more will be allowed,” was followed by “Ah, here we are.”

Not to Conti’s surprise, some of the Ladies were there to greet them

“Welcome, I am Elizabeth,” two more came out, “this is Sydney and Sofia.”

“Ladies.” The group gave a small bow. Conti following the palace staffs lead.

Lady Elizabeth was tall with dark hair. She wore a pair of bright yellow pants with a pale orange top and had sandals on her feet. Sydney the willowy red head, the shortest of the three, was wearing a short bright red dress with knee high black boots. Sofia, a tall athletic brunette wore a loose fitting bright green top which was off one shoulder and a short pale green skirt. White shoes with ankle socks and laces completed her outfit. Conti was still opened mouth when his head came up.

“Ah, Councillor, you arrive in good time, kindly step in.” At the sound of the Dark Lords voice, Conti’s mouth snapped shut. The four who accompanied him experienced both amusement and sympathy, having been in the same predicament. The Ladies all wore wide smiles of amusement. They laughed at a comment from the Dark Lord, given in their private language.

“We will see you later Councillor.” With a nod, the Head Steward turned away. Giving a look at the departing foursome, Japua Conti followed the Dark Lord slowly and reluctantly.

“Be seated Councillor.” Came with a smile and a wave to a chair.

Taking his seat slowly, Conti looked at the Dark Lord, seated just across from him. The Ladies stayed outside. He considered his Sovereign. Of medium height and build, not handsome, His features could be even called plain. Hair dark, skin fair but lightly tanned. The rather pale lips were all that gave a hint of a ruthless side. Like others the thought crossed Japua Conti’s mind that the Dark Lord could walk down the street and be completely unrecognised. A sinking realization came to him that the Dark Lord had probably done just that on many occasions.

“My Lord, what do you want from me?” He asked.

“Your industry, for one thing. Your loyalty for another. Your trust for a third.” Was the Dark Lord’s reply.

“You are our sovereign, you have this already.” Conti protested.

“I have your words, not your truth.” Was the stark reply.

“You are putting pressure on me to be your servant, your creature?”

“The only pressure I will put on you will be to fulfil your oath. To be a proper servant to the people who have put their trust in you.” The Dark Lord replied.

There was silence for a fraction. Then the Dark lord spoke again.

“How are the people back on Hybura, by the way?” A rather cold smile crossed the Dark Lords lips. Conti sighed.

“I haven’t been back there in a while,” he looked at his sovereign. “But you must know this.”

“You are supposed to return at least once every year. Most, although not all of your colleagues have done this.”

The two sat in silence for a fraction. Then the Dark Lord spoke again.

“What has happened in the past, before I arrived back, unless it weighs on the future I am willing to leave in the past. Are you willing to work for the future, or are you going to hang on to the past?”

Conti just stared at the Dark Lord. “You are willing to forgive any past indiscretions? Just like that?”

“Forgive, but not forget. I don’t forget.” Again a smile, this time a rather sad smile. “I never forget, no matter how much I try.”

“My Lord …” Conti could not finish.

“Do not fool yourself. If you play me false, my vengeance will be swift.” The Dark Lord gave the Councillor a cold stare. “It would be better for you to resign and leave the council then to hold onto the power you now possess, be very sure of that. I will hold you to your oath. Do you understand?”

The Councillors mouth opened and closed. He stared at the Dark Lord and could not speak.

With a sigh the Dark Lord continued. “This is not a threat, I simply wish you to be clear in your own mind where you stand. If any time in the next few months you feel that you can no longer serve, speak to First Councillor Les Doman Resta. But do that only if you are certain in your own mind. There will be a lot of work and I will be calling on all the councils to fulfill their mandates. Not just the High Council but all the cluster and galactic councils as well. This is just the beginning so I have to be certain of you, and the rest of the council as well.”

“I see, my Lord, you have given me much to think on. Give me leave to depart.” Japua Conti spoke slowly.

“Think clearly. Yes, you have done well for yourself but now it is time to do well for the people of the empire. We will speak again.”

As the two stood the, Dark Lord continued. “There are those who think that they have a hold on you. That is something that you must deal with.”

At these words Conti paled. He could not speak for a fraction. “My Lord, I have committed no crime.” He managed.

“You have not been asked to, yet.” There was a pause. Conti was silent.

“It is inevitable when you are in the position that you are in. you make deals to support people and give favors. A little more each time but then comes the big move. You must be very careful councillor.” The Councillor was treated to the Dark Lord’s level stare.

“Yes sire.” Conti was now very submissive.

“Understand, I need strong men and women in the council. I need the best. I would not be talking to you in this manner unless I saw in you what I need.”

The two stood looking at each other. Then Conti spoke. “I will deal with it.” He smiled, “If I die, will you speak at my funeral?”

“If it comes to that, there will be a good send off.” They both laughed.

With a bow, Conti left. He was unsurprised to see that Madla Dinsta was waiting for him although the Ladies had left. He thought long and hard as they walked back to the public areas of the palace.

*********

From the ante room door, the Dark Lord watched the councillor leave, then turned to the unobtrusive door at the back of the small room. It opened and Ladies Dana, Andrea, Luca and the Lady with brown hair stepped through.

“Do you really think that he will change?” Lady Luca spoke first.

“If he deals with his problem, he could become what we need.” The Dark Lord replied.

“His problem involves some very powerful people. People of industry.” Lady Dana pointed out. “Not that that worries you I am sure, but do you want to cause that much disruption so quickly? I mean what with the council and the legion already in turmoil?”

The Dark Lord paused before replying. “I would prefer to not do anything at all. But that is a choice for a perfect world. This situation exists because of greed and a lust for power, a condition that we are familiar with. It is one reason why we live apart from the others, we Old Ones. In any case, most of those who wish to corrupt want the power and the rewards that go with the power, but not the publicity. They will not be too difficult to deal with.”

The four nodded.

“So we wait?” Lady Andrea spoke.

“We wait and we have the Imperial Guard watch our wayward councillor for his safety. Andrea, you will take care of that.” She nodded.

*********

They walked back to the sitting room in silence. There they found the other Ladies. Also waiting was Grada Karkart. He gave a bow. The Dark Lord greeted him warmly, then:

“You have something for me Steward?”

“The First Councillor wishes to meet later today, Sire. Perhaps the fifteenth period?”

“That should be fine.” The Dark Lord took his seat, “There is more?”

“Indeed sire. You wish to hold a Day of Hearing, I recall?” There was a nod in reply.

“I am afraid that the Hall of hearing will not be ready for some time. I have spoken to both the Carpenter and The Painter. The condition of the interior of the hall is poor although the exterior has been well maintained so far as we can tell. The neglect of the last thousand years cannot be repaired quickly and that is only after a single days, superficial inspection. Furthermore, you have indicated that you, quite correctly, wish to have the décor of the palace updated. We have the resources to perform both but inevitably, one impacts on the other. The alternative is to focus on one and then work on the other when we can.”

The Ladies had been switching their heads back and forwards. There were looks of respect thrown at the Head Steward. More speculative looks were given to the Dark Lord.

“I see.” The Dark Lord mused a fraction, “What do you recommend, good Steward?” The Ladies interest perked up even more. The answer came promptly.

“That we proceed on both. There is sufficient resources to do both as different crews will be able to switch back and forwards in their own specialities. There is necessary, although not urgent work to be done in the palace. There is more urgent work to be done in the Hall, but scheduling will not be difficult. Not easy, but workable.”

The Ladies held their breath, then let it out as the Dark Lord smiled.

“Excellent! Proceed on that basis. Carry out a detailed inspection and bring in say, a weeks’ time, a firm schedule for repair of the Hall of Hearing along with a similar estimate for the palace interior. Will that be suitable?”

“I will have the Head Carpenter and Head Painter draw up a detailed schedule along with built in contingencies, sire.” He paused.

“There is more?”

“Yes sire. We, that is myself, Senior Administrator Dinsta, Administrative Assistant Cania and Chief Massett, discussed the possibility and advisability of engaging the services of a professional to deal with the news organizations. None of us feel that we are truly capable of doing this task.”

“Indeed, especially after the last, ah, episode,” He smiled and then chuckled, “They must be truly upset with me, and be watching like a hawk to see if I stumble.” He chuckled again. The Ladies were watching avidly. The Steward had no idea what a hawk was.

After a fraction the Dark Lord spoke. “Very well, proceed and interview suitable candidates. Bring me a list for my review first however.”

“Thank you my Lord.” The Head Steward turned to leave.

“Steward.” Karkart turned, a look of enquiry on his face. “One thing, that room that is called my bedroom, it is to be removed, I would never have approved of it.” The Ladies were nodding in agreement.

“Immediately sire.” Karkart bowed again and left.