The business of the palace rolled on. Elsewhere everything proceeded as normal. The interrogations of, and investigation into, the arrested and confined Councillors and Legion officers continued. An announcement of the date for the courts martial of Vice Admiral Vic Tappa and Rear Admiral Tupper Hills had been made. This was all handled by the Marshals office.

Lawyers for those arrested continued to loudly proclaim their innocence and demand their release.

They were told that in matters of treason, there was no possibility of release before the trial. Appeals to the First Councillor and to the Marshal for pretrial release were rejected on the same grounds.

An appeal to the palace for release on clemency grounds prior to the trials was rejected outright by the Head Steward. When asked why, his reply was simple and framed in tones of disbelief. “Do you really want me to take a matter of treason to The Dark Lord? Think about it!”

The lawyers thought about it and withdrew.

Having solved that simple problem, Grada Karkart turned to other matters.

“Ah, Chief Massett and friends. How did the interview go?”

The three exchanged looks. Rita replied. “Our Master did an excellent job. However the interviewee politely declined the position.” She pulled out her comm unit. “He was kind enough to give us the names of potential candidates however.”

Other than raising his eyebrows, Grada showed no surprise. “We couldn’t expect the first to go perfectly. In fact, I am not at all surprised. We will have to keep looking and not only for that position. I will tell you later but I have spoken to our Master and he has given me instructions.”

Turning to Rita, “The Councillor Authua is with our Master now, which should be finishing soon. If you please.”

“Yes, Head Steward.” Rita left.

Turning back to Lea and Ferni, Grada smiled. “You know what to do with the list. Speak to the Senior Guard. Get them onto it for a preliminary run through.”

“Already in hand. He was waiting for us, it seems someone looks ahead.”

“I see.” Was all Grada could manage.

*********

Just as punctual as the rest of the councillors, Johnna Xotua was met at the Stewards Office by Lea Cania.

“Good afternoon Councillor, and welcome to the palace.”

“Thank you, I am happy to be here.” He returned the short bow customary to the citizens of Tihab.

Lea smiled. “This way Councillor.” She led the way through the security door in the rear of the Stewards offices. Taking the now familiar journey to the Ante room, seemed quicker than normal to her as the Councillor was silent and seemed undisposed to talk.

Even though Lea had been told that Ladies of the circle that had not been seen in the palace before had arrived she was still surprised. There were twice as many Ladies outside the Ante room than usual. If Lea was surprised, Johnna Xotua was stunned and came to a dead stop.

The sheer number of Ladies along with their beauty and charisma overwhelmed the Councillor. And he started to back away.

“I don’t know, I can’t go in there.” He whispered.

“Don’t worry sir, the Master is there. And yes, they can be overwhelming.”

Johnna looked at the young woman. How can she be so calm around them? He wondered.

Lea pointed, “Look.” As his eyes turned in the direction indicated, Johnna saw the Dark Lord standing outside the door a quizzical expression on his face. Pulling himself together, Johnna gave a nod and a weak smile to Lea, then walked up to the Dark Lord.

“My Lord.” Came with a bow. Johnna stiffened up as he noticed that the Ladies were watching openly, their amusement clear.

“Councillor Xotua. You are well?”

“I am sire, just … crowded.”

“I see, step in.” The Dark Lord waved at the entrance to the ante room. Turning, he spoke a brief word to the Ladies, laughter followed.

“Please sit.” The Dark Lord smiled.

Clearly uncomfortable, Johnna sat in the indicated chair.

“Relax Councillor. Perhaps you have some questions for me?”

“Sire, before your return, I was worried about the activities of the Ladies. They seemed to be … how can I put this … aggressive.” He turned a worried face to the Dark Lord. “I was concerned that they were going to bring in someone as a substitute.”

“You think that I am or may be a surrogate for the real Dark Lord?” Came after a pause. The Dark Lord hid an amused look. “What can I do to convince you?”

“I am not sure you can, sire.” The Councillor looked helpless.

“Come now, get a grip on yourself. The Ladies have infiltrated your imagination! They have power but not that much. Now, what do you have to say to me?”

The Councillor shook his head as if to clear it. He looked at his sovereign.

“My Lord...” He began, then stopped. “My Lord, perhaps I should resign. I don’t know if I can continue like this. In truth I have not been well for some time.”

After a pause and a searching look, the Dark Lord responded slowly. “I am loath to make further changes to the council at this time. On the other hand, if your health affects your performance, then perhaps a change is necessary. I will not force anyone to stay on to the determent of their health.” The Dark Lord looked closely at the Councillor. “What is your wish?”

There was an exchange of looks between the two followed by a long pause. Finally Johnna sighed and repeated, “I wish to resign.”

“Very well. I do not accept at this time.” The Dark Lord regarded the Councillor with sympathy before speaking again, “Think it over for the next two days, then, if you are certain, speak to the First Councillor, there is a process. I also wish for you to see the doctors, there may be a reason for the way you feel that is treatable. However I will not force you to go, either to the doctors or to leave the council. The choice is yours.” They both stood at the same time.

“I thank you My Lord.” Johnna bowed. “I have made my decision and am certain it is the correct one. I have seen the doctors and that is their advice as well”

“I understand, still I wish you to take the next two days to reconsider all your options.” The Dark Lord was smilingly adamant. “Tell no one until you speak to the First Councillor.”

“I will, thank you sire for your kindness.”

Waiting in the now empty corridor was the Security Chief, Ferni. When the two stepped through the door, she gave a small bow.

“Master.” The Councillor bowed and smiled, a smile of a great weight removed.

The Dark Lord nodded in reply, then spoke to Ferni. “Please tell the Steward that I will hear from him as to how the day has gone.”

“Indeed Sire.” Ferni replied. With a motion to the Councillor, the two left.

*********

The usual four Ladies stepped out of the room behind the ante room.

“That was unexpected, he really seems to be ill.” Andrea spoke for the four.

“Indeed, well the decision is his, I will do nothing in this matter.”

“His replacement?” Dana queried.

“That will be handled by the cluster, there is established procedure to deal with this.”

The five walked down the corridor, discussing the possible replacement.

*********

The Head Steward found the Dark Lord in the study. He had been warned about the additional Ladies so was prepared to see even more new faces. However he was disconcerted by the number and variety of the new arrivals.

“Steward, it is good to see you, however I will not keep you for long.”

“Thank you sire. I am happy to say that the palace is running well and while there have been matters of contention, none are worthy of your attention, in my opinion.”

“Nothing of interest?” The Dark Lord pressed.

“Well some lawyers came to demand the release with conditions of those charged with treason.” The Steward admitted.

“You did not bring that to me.” The attention level of the Ladies zoomed from mild to extreme. “Your answer was?” The Dark Lord continued.

“I simply asked them to consider the most likely response from you when asked to rule on a matter of treason.” Grada replied. “After some argument amongst themselves, they withdrew their request.” At that the Ladies laughed.

The Dark Lord agreed. “I see, you were quite correct. I want both sets of traitors to be dealt with by their respective courts.”

“Yes my Lord.” Grada hesitated, then continued. “If they insist?”

“Then I will deal with them.” The Dark Lord continued. “The question will be mote I think soon. Is there anything else?”

“Yes my Lord, I have been informed that there has been an influx of members of the circle.” The Dark Lord raised his eyebrows. “We may have to add a new wing to accommodate them,” the Steward bowed.

There was silence for a fraction then the Ladies all burst into laughter.

The Dark Lord remained silent, although his mouth twitched. His companion hid a smile behind her hand.

“Steward, if you feel that is necessary, arrange for a concept drawing for my study.” The Dark Lord gave a calm reply. “But would it not be easier to go up instead?”

“I will consider that my Lord.” The Head Steward replied thinking I must have a death wish, I will never do that again.

“Steward, I wish you to contact the marshals office. Remind them of my instructions regarding the spy ship sent to SB14. Also, contact the head of the security police, Rim De Pour. Tell him that Lia Du Passa is not to be approached as yet, I will send word when this is to be done. Is that clear.”

There was a coldness in the Dark Lords last sentence that chilled the steward. That the Dark Lord had made a decision of some kind was clear. The Ladies had gone quiet. That was also not a good sign.

Giving a stiff bow, Grada replied. “It is clear my Lord.”

“Thank you Steward.” Came in a quieter voice. Then “Have you started on the matter we discussed this morning?” The Ladies perked up at that comment, their eyes flickering between the two.

“I have sire. Lea Cania and Rita Caenett are both working on the names given by Tobis Nenna and I have started to draw up a list of descendants from previous members of the palace. We should have twenty to thirty names for your consideration soon.” Garda replied.

“Wonderful, keep on that! Thank you Head Steward.”

“Thank you sire.” With a bow, Grada Karkart left.

*********

In the study there was a gathering of puzzled Ladies. The blue eyed Lady looked at him. “Come on, give.” She said. The rest showed their curiosity and interest plainly.

“Give what?” Came the innocent reply. “It was merely a palace matter.”

“Thirty names? More than that!”

“The palace needs additional staff. Many of the current staff are overworked. I approved a search for more staff.”

“Hmm.” The lady grunted.

“I’ll tell you what, you can take over the search with the Steward. Get some of the Ladies to help you.” He looked around. “Sydney, Taryn, Tyler. Would you like to help?”

“Thanks a lot, I get to interview kids?”

Sydney, Taryn and Tyler jumped out of their seats and ran over to the Dark Lord and his companion. “Let’s get started.” Tyler exclaimed, earning a cold look from the companion and a laugh from Dana, Luca and Andrea along with the rest of the Ladies.

“Calm down,” Lady Sydney grinned. “This is going to be fun!”

“Why don’t you take it over then?” Pouted the blue eyed Lady.

“Oh no, He gave it to you, we are just helpers.” Tyler parried that snag to general merriment.

“Ladies, room to breathe please.” The Dark Lord smiled. The comment was ignored as the discussion continued.

“Ladies, please.” Came a little louder. The discussion died down.

“Please, take your discussion to another room, perhaps in the basement!” Although closely scrutinised by all four of the Ladies, it was difficult to decide whether or not He was joking. The Ladies gave Him the benefit of the doubt.

“Also, one of you has to let the poor Steward know that he has been afflicted with you, I am sure that he will be overjoyed. Likely just as overjoyed as Rita and Lea.” The smile was genuine. “Now off you go and play.” The Dark Lord settled back in his chair and smiled.

The four Ladies looked at each other, laughed then turned and left.