First Councillor Les Doman Resta took a sip of the favorite hot drink of Tihab. Hot water flavoured by steeping the leaves of the rickes tree for a short fraction, then sweetening to taste. As he did so he considered his host, Admiral of the Legion, Mont De Templer who had supplied the beverage. While the First Councillor was tall and still had his dark hair, the Admiral was shorter and his hair was well in retreat. Mont De Templer calmly returned the appraisal and sipped at his own drink, a cool refreshing one.

The two of them had continued the practise established by previous occupants of their office of getting together informally to iron out any major difficulties between them, something that had been started many, many centuries before. This would enable them, as far as possible, to be able to appear before their Master without any significant disagreement between the two major organs of the Empire, or, if there was one, to be able to place the full story of both opinions in front of him. There had been nothing of any great consequence this morning, 33rd Westika, 1393, New Style, and the meeting was winding down.

“So they have departed?” Resta asked about the one thing not discussed.

“They have.” The Admiral took another sip of his drink, “It will take a bit more than a day to make this transit, including time to reform and jump to their holding positions.”

“Yes, indeed.” The First Councillor considered his next words, “Is there anything I, or the civil service can do?”

Mont De Templer shook his head. “No, it is just that this is the hardest part, the waiting.” He spoke again after a fractions silence. “The Star Builder thing has settled down and the building of additional units is coming along. I am a little concerned about some groups on certain planets that might want to take advantage of our perceived weakness.” He sighed, “Obvious really, and they are very wrong. But we along with your security police are keeping an eye on them. The local authorities have all been warned and we will only get involved if we have to.”

*********

Les Doman Resta nodded, he too had been fully briefed and had ordered all support to be given where necessary. They had also briefed the Dark Lord, their overall master, who had nodded and then politely asked if they wanted Him to get involved. This had caused shivers to run down both their backs and they had carefully declined His help.

With a smile, the Dark Lord dismissed them, first throwing a look at some of the Ladies. Garda, who had escorted them to the Dark Lord, had noted the look and the smile which went with it. Recalling the conversation he had had with the Dark Lord about using the Ladies to gauge public opinion had given him some amusement but he had kept his thoughts to himself.

*********

“Is it still your intention to resign?” The Admiral of the Legion asked.

“Indeed, I shall soon be telling our Master exactly that. I have been in this position for far too long, it is time for a new person to occupy this position.” Resta shrugged, “Not a great time for someone to take over. But with our Master returned and he has the Ladies by His side and the support of most of the citizens, a new person at the helm of the Council should not have too much difficulty.” He looked over at Mont De Templer. “You are satisfied with the admiral in charge of the fourth clusters scouting force?”

“I don’t know Traska well, but Vis gave him his endorsement, and our Master confirmed him.” The Admiral looked less than convinced. “His work in the Dark Lords return was well done and he managed that business with Jenna as well.” He gave a grim smile thinking of the private briefing he had received from the two officers. “We must trust our subordinates.”

The two stood, “I must return to my desk. Both of our new Councillors are to have their first private interview with our Master today!” The Admiral laughed at the First Councillors comment as he started towards the door, then stopped. “That look and smile He gave to the Ladies and the smiles they returned … do you think?” The rest went unspoken.

“I think that we will find out when we are told, or when we get a report from some distant star.” Templer did not smile. “Actually I can see the benefit in not knowing.”

“I agree,” Resta acknowledged the Admiral’s insight. “I will inform you of any ‘sightings’ that are brought to my attention. Thank you for the refreshment.” The two parted with the usual salutations.

*********

It was with some trepidation that Repa Du Krictus entered the palace at the eleventh period. Speaking to the other councillors, the only advice he had been given was to tell the truth and be careful around the Ladies. He was also warned about the power of the palace staff. What the other councillors were silent on was what happened between them and the Dark Lord.

Not a tall man, Du Krictus was also somewhat rotund and bald. He was wearing the rather bright traditional garb for Lukas 12, a soft cap and a long coat over a shirt and short pants. This dress attracted no comment amongst the people of Tihab.

“Greetings Councillor, I am the Head Steward.” Grada greeted the new councillor.

The councillor looked around, “Greetings, where is the Dark Lord?” He asked, uncertain as to where to go.

“In His private quarters.” The Steward replied. “I will show you to the Ante Room. That is where all the meetings between the Councillors and our Master take place.”

“Thank you Head Steward.” They walked along the corridors in silence. Repa suddenly stopped, “How do I address the Dark Lord?” he asked with a worried look.

“My Lord to start, followed by Sire afterwards is normal, Councillor,” Garda answered with a friendly smile. Privately he wondered if this councillor was going to be up to a dose of the Ladies let alone a one on one with the Dark Lord, but he kept his thoughts to himself as they arrived. “See, Councillor, we have arrived.”

Standing around chatting in their private language were a small group of the Ladies. Garda gave a slight bow, “A good morning Ladies.” With his sharp eyes, he noticed that none of the more prominent of the Ladies were present.

After a fraction, Repa Du Krictus gave a belated bow, it seemed that he was tongue tied by the sudden exposure.

“Greetings Councillor Du Krictus,” one gave a big smile, “A long way from Lukas 12, isn’t it?”

“A very long way indeed, Lady, and I don’t mean just the distance.” Repa replied, a somewhat bemused look on his face.

“Indeed, you have come a long way Councillor.” The familiar voice came from the doorway.

Repa started, then bowed to the Dark Lord who was standing, expressionless, with his hands in his pockets. “My Lord.” The Councillor managed. The Ladies watched with open interest.

The Dark Lord stood still for a fraction, then a small smile appeared on his face. “Come,” he waved. The Steward gave a small bow and left. Slowly, uncertainly, the new councillor walked over to where the Dark Lord stood.

“My Lord,” came with a little more confidence.

“Relax, Councillor, we will be informal today.”

“Yes sire.” Now in the ante room, Repa took the seat indicated.

“Never have you travelled out of the second cluster, I understand. This is the first time you have been to Tihab, is it not?” The Dark Lord asked.

“That is correct, sire, actually I had never been out of my home galaxy before this call.” The councillor gave a small shrug.

“And how do you find the sparkling metropolis of Tihab City?”

“Somewhat confusing sire, while my business took me to several of the populated worlds in Drapers Galaxy, none prepared me for this. I must confess I am finding it difficult to deal with.” Repa paused for a fraction before continuing. “To some, this must make me appear somewhat provincial and foolish.”

The Dark Lord regarded Repa Du Krictus, “Perhaps, but I will not be one of them, No.” was the thoughtful reply.

With a look of surprise, Repa opened his mouth to speak, before he could do so, the Dark Lord spoke again.

“Tell me Councillor, what do you see as your role on the new council?” He asked. Repa stared, the question being so unexpected, “Come,” The Dark Lord encouraged him, “You must have given it some thought.”

“Well sire,” Repa paused to collect his thoughts, “I see my first responsibility to represent my people, that of the Second Cluster to you, along with my colleague, Frosta Kuns, of course. Then the rest of the Empire only if there is no conflict.” The Dark Lords laugh surprised him, this interview was nothing like he expected.

“You must think bigger, you are a High Councillor now. Only the highest questions must be those you deal with and, I assure you, there are plenty of those!”

Repa Du Krictus opened his mouth to protest, but, again the Dark Lord spoke first. “No, the problems of a single world, or a single galaxy are not trivial. Especially for those involved. However, if there is malfeasance at those levels, then they must be dealt with by the cluster government. The High Council should only intervene if necessary, otherwise you will become buried in trivia and unable to see and deal with the real issues.”

“I see.” The councillor’s face was furrowed in thought.

The Dark Lord rose. “Think about this, you will see the truth in what I say.” The two stepped out into the corridor. Madla was waiting, the Ladies having disappeared. She bowed to the Dark Lord.

“We will speak again, Councillor.”

“Thank you my Lord.” With a bow to his Master, the two left along the winding corridors to the Stewards offices.

*********

Ladies Dana, Andrea and Luca along with the Dark Lords companion stepped through the unobtrusive door into the ante room.

“Well that was boring.” Luca spoke first.

“Exciting, not.” Agreed Dana.

“You are looking at it from the wrong angle. Repa Du Krictus is somewhat raw, overwhelmed and confused. Yes, but he is experienced in politics at the level of a planet. He is also an accomplished businessman who has built a successful enterprise which he sold at a great profit. He needs experience and seasoning, also he will have to start thinking beyond his present boundaries. I have hope that he will turn out well.” After a pause, the Dark Lord continued. “The others will underestimate him, but I feel that he will surprise them. We will see.” The five looked down the corridor. Some in doubt, others with uncertainty.

*********

The palace was experiencing an unusually quiet thirteenth period when Rummur of Nextus strode with confidence into the offices of the Steward. On her home planet in the fifth cluster, she was considered very beautiful with long black hair and striking figure and face. Full of confidence, she was more than ready to meet the Dark Lord.

Having run Tim Deuris from Timus a close second in the last round of elections, she felt confident in her abilities. After all she had been picked by the Dark Lord himself to replace that disgraced and corrupt individual. Arriving at the Stewards offices she looked around, ignoring the Imperial Guards standing close by. No one seemed to be taking notice of her! This annoyed her and even more when a young lady walked up to her.

“Councillor Rummur?” The young woman asked.

“I am.”

“I am Administrative Assistant Lea Cania. Please come this way, I will guide you to our Master.”

“I am sure that I can find the way myself, I am not incompetent you know.” The Councillor snapped.

Lea’s eyes blinked but she kept her face composed. “The palace is large and complex, not easy even when you have been here a while.” She explained. “Also, all visitors have to be escorted, even those who have been here before.”

Rummur was not impressed. “Escorted! Humiliating!” She snorted.

“This way please.” Lea moved in the direction of the entrance to the inner depth of the palace. As she did so, she shook her head slightly in the direction of a member of the Imperial Guard who was showing interest. Rummur ignored the guard and followed Lea.

In silence they walked through the mostly empty corridors. Most of the staff were otherwise occupied at this time. Approaching the ante room, Lea was surprised when she saw the Dark Lord standing alone in the corridor. She gave a small bow and turned to leave.

“One moment Miss Cania.” He turned to the Councillor. “Don’t you have something to say?”

“Say what to who.” Rummur sounded puzzled.

“To your guide.” Before Rummur could respond, the Dark Lord continued, in a deadly soft tone, “And to me.”

Standing silently to one side, Lea formed a triangle with the two. Feeling the anger flowing from the Dark Lord, for the first time she felt such fear as she had never had before. Rummur was standing frozen in place, mouth slightly open. “Mm my L...l…lord.” she stuttered.

The Dark Lord slowly raised His left hand; equally slowly, He uncoiled His index finger and pointed it silently at Lea. With stiff, frozen movements, the Councillor turned to the Administrative Assistant.

“Thank you for your assistance, Miss Cania.” Rummur managed. With a nod, the Dark Lord moved His hand to point to the door to the Ante Room. With a look that was part fear, surprise and confusion, Rummur entered the room followed by the Dark Lord. As He followed the councillor, He turned His head and gave Lea a smile, a quirk of his eyebrows followed by a wink before entering the room. Lea blinked and her mouth dropped open. After a brief hesitation, she turned and walked back to the offices.

*********

Garda saw the look on her face and ushered her immediately into his office. Security Chief Ferni, warned by the Guard about the Councillors attitude, had been waiting and followed.

“Is she going to be trouble?” Ferni asked bluntly.

“I don’t know,” Was the quiet reply. “For the first time, I felt … afraid, really scared.” She whispered. She went on to describe what happened. The two were hanging on the young woman’s every word, but when she came to the part about the smile, quirk and wink, they burst out laughing.

“Our Master has a sense of humour, it seems.” Garda was amused. Turning to the wiry security chief, he suggested that she be the one to escort Rummur back. “Then you can get a good reading on our latest Councillor.”

“I agree,” Ferni replied with a grim smile. “I’ll be waiting.”

*********

“So, Councillor, do you have any pertinent questions for me?”

Still shocked, Rummur eased herself into a chair. “I am not sure, sire. I seem to have forgotten them.” She stared at the Dark Lord, “Why would you speak to me like you did?”

“Because you were behaving with arrogance and dismissing the palace staff as nothing,” The reply came icily. “I will not allow My staff to be treated thus. They work very hard in difficult circumstances and have a difficult and capricious client, that is Myself and the Circle of Ladies, to serve. They deserve respect and not to be dismissed as underlings.”

Rummur cringed under the sting of the Dark Lords verbal lash.

“Sire, I, I don’t know what to say.” All her preconceptions had vanished. “I wish to tell you how sorry I am.”

The Dark Lord sighed, “Remember to deal with all people with courtesy, even those you feel don’t deserve it.”

“Yes sire.”

“You have a lot to learn, Counsellor. Pay attention to your colleagues. You can learn much from them. Also, do not get caught up with trivia, you are elevated to the highest levels now. While you are elected by your cluster, they have not brought your soul.” After a pause, the Dark Lord repeated, “Do you have any questions for me?”

Rummur looked more confuse, the change of mood had caught her of guard.

“I had some but they all seem to have vanished sire.” Gathering her wits Rummur, sneaked a glance at her sovereigns impassive face as she managed, “Forgive me sire.”

The Dark Lord sighed and stood, Rummur standing at the same time.

“We will meet again Councillor.” He said, “These meetings are important for you and the council.”

They moved out into the corridor where they found several Ladies of the Circle waiting.

“So this is the latest?” One, a slim brown haired beauty said.

“A fitting replacement for that criminal, Deuris.” Another, athletic with black hair and lightly tanned skin put in.

The rest were regarding the councillor with disapproval. Ferni was standing to one side, her face expressionless.

“Now Nina, Lisa, play nice.” The Dark Lord warned unsmilingly.

“Just don’t treat the staff like they are your personal servants again.” Another, blond, beautiful, tall and athletic stated flatly.

Rummur just stared, seemingly paralysed.

At the Dark Lords nod, Ferni steered Rummur away from the group and back to the Stewards office. Not surprisingly the trip was a silent one with the Councillor throwing looks over her shoulder.

“Do you expect the Ladies to follow you?” Ferni asked finally.

“Will they?”

The Security Chief gave a soft laugh. “I don’t think that they will be that vindictive, but it may be a good idea to at least apologise to Lea. It might help.”

“I will do whatever it takes, I have never been so frightened in my life.”

Ferni stopped and looked the councillor straight in the eyes. It wasn’t easy, the councillor being considerably taller than the security chief.

“Listen, do not ever do anything like that again. You can speak your mind to our Master plainly but never try to mislead either Him or any of the Ladies, ever. Treat them both with respect and remember that they all have powers that cannot be guessed at.”

“The staff here as well I see.” Rummur was getting her equilibrium back.

Ferni held her gaze for a fraction longer. Then started walking again. “I believe that, that point has been made clearly.” The rest of the walk was in silence.

*********

The four Ladies filed out from the Ante Room to where the Dark Lord was standing.

“Was that necessary?” He asked, still looking down the corridor.

“She need a slap down.” Dana replied with a note of anger still in her voice.

“I agree, but I hope that you haven’t gone a little too far.” He sighed. “She is beautiful, proud and now has been scolded by several women even more beautiful than she is.” He turned to face the four women. “Tell me, how does a beautiful and proud woman react to that?” The Ladies still standing in the corridor exchanged looks, but remained unrepentant.

The Dark Lord turned to look back down the corridor. “She has little humility in her I fear. I foresee trouble.”

“I will have the Guard watch her.” Andrea stated.

“Do that, however we may have to take some other action. In any case, I will speak to the First Councillor.”

The four nodded. This one needed watching.

*********

In the palace the day continued. Councillor Rummur had left after giving Lea an apology.

It was later in the afternoon that the First Councillor made an unannounced appearance, followed by a request for an audience. The Steward went with Les Doman Resta to the Dark Lord.

“My Lord, I have news. We have a new councillor from the Sixth Cluster, Red Bonnis from Nonnis III.”

“Really? And what do we know about our new councillor?”

“Not a great deal, sire, he has never been involved with politics before. Also Nonnis III is a frontier world which is still under mandate from the Empire. They will not be eligible for self-government for some time as they have not reached the stage of self-sufficiency. This is expected in the next century or two.”

“So we know only that we have a new world member of the council.” The Dark Lord laughed and his companion smiled, “I foresee an interesting series of council meetings in your future, First Councillor!” Other Ladies in the room gave a laugh.

It was with a grimace that the First Councillor acknowledged the truth of the Dark Lords response, “Indeed sire, he may also find a kindred spirit or two on the council.”

The smile had disappeared from the Dark Lords face although his eyes twinkled. “When will he arrive in Tihab? The council needs to meet.”

“I have sent a message congratulating Red Bonnis and requesting his presence here as soon as possible. As yet, there he has not replied.”

The Dark Lord sat back in his chair, his face held a pensive look. “When did you send the message, First Councillor?”

“Four days ago, sire.” Resta felt a sinking sensation in his abdomen.

“That is more than long enough to send a response! I feel our new councillor needs a reminder of who he answers to!”

“Are you sure, sire?”

“Oh yes, a proper start is very important. And I know just who to send.”

When he was told, Les Doman Resta was not reassured.

*********

The planet Nonnis III was as mentioned, a frontier world. That meant two things, an Imperial presence and few, though growing, amenities. The arrival of a Legion battleship into orbit followed by one of its shuttles arrival at the ground station was therefore of no surprise, although the hurried arrival of the planets Governor was. A member of the crew exited and saluted. There was a hurried and somewhat animated conversation and the Governor entered the shuttle which rose on its thrusters then left in a different direction.

On board, the Governor, like many such a career member of the Empires diplomatic service, was introduced to the very important passenger.

“Welcome to Nonnis III, my Lady,” was accompanied by a bow.

“Thank you, this is my first visit to this galaxy in many years,” Lady Tyler replied politely. She was determined to show the others that she had learned her lesson. Although Governor Thessils somewhat fawning behavior was irritating, he was a sideshow and not a candidate for a lesson from her.

“I know the Councillor well, my Lady.” Thessil was anxious to impress one of the Dark Lords personal advisors.

“Really,” Lady Tyler regarded the trembling Governor thoughtfully. “You have had business dealings with him, I believe?” She gave one of the ladies charismatic smiles.

Blinded by the Ladies beauty and charm, Thessil plunged into a one sided dialogue of the history of the planet and the workings of the Empire to make it habitable.

“This is the third planet I have been responsible for, my Lady. In a way, I hope that it has been my last. While it has been the easiest, I stand on the shoulders of those who were in my position before me. I hope to take it to self-government, but in any case, I would enjoy a considerable period of recovery and recuperation before my next assignment.”

“I am sure that is what you will get, Governor.” Lady Tyler smiled. The two members of the Imperial Guard standing nearby kept their faces blank, as did the rest of the crew.

“We’re are almost there, Lady.” He turned a now worried gaze to Lady Tyler. “Perhaps we should have called ahead?”

Shaking her head as she rose, “No, it is better this way.” As the shuttle landed, watched by a group of very curious and tough looking people, at the country estate of Red Bonnis, Lady Tyler opened the door without waiting and stepped out, some calls and whistles were stilled by the appearance of the two members of the Imperial Guard that followed her. The squad of Legion troopers that fanned out in front of Lady Tyler further dampened the exuberance of the onlookers.

Without hesitation, and ignoring the watchers, Lady Tyler entered the main house. An officer and two of the troopers followed her, along with both members of the Imperial Guard. They were met by the private secretary of Red Bonnis, a planetary native by the name of Dirk Ferris.

“What is the meaning of this - intrusion?” He snapped.

Ignoring him Lady Tyler swept past, continuing towards her goal. Ferris reached for her but was stopped by one of the troopers, who pulled him to one side. With an arm across the throat of Ferris, the trooper whispered, “I wouldn’t touch a member of the Circle,” before releasing him and moving on. For the briefest fraction Ferris stood still in shock, then hurriedly followed the troopers.

*********

Red Bonnis was not quite so shocked at Lady Tyler’s arrival. A comm from one of his friends who had witnessed, and was vastly amused by, the hurried boarding of the shuttle by the planets Governor, which had then left in his general direction had given him a chuckle at first, but on reflection, he put two and two together. He wasn’t surprised when the shuttle landed.

*********

However his staff were taken aback when Lady Tyler walked through the office door which had opened at a wave of her hand. Perturbed, they eyed the two Imperial guards with her and the three troopers, one of which went immediately to the windows while the other two stayed by the door. The officer scanned the room, assessing it for any possible perils. All three were carrying shoulder fired plasma rifles.

Lady Tyler and the two guards, one was actually a woman, ignored the troopers.

“I will speak with Councillor Bonnis,” Then turning to Ferris, “Put together the Councillors luggage. He leaves within the hour.” Giving a nod to the officer, she turned and left, followed by the Imperial Guard.

The staff were stunned and a babble of sound arose. The officer, a young captain moved to the private secretary and quietly suggested that he get a move on.

While the councillor’s staff were hurriedly packing, Councillor Bonnis rose from the chair he was occupying on the patio. This gave an exquisite view of the surrounding area, ignored by both. He bowed, “My Lady, it is an honour to meet with a member of the circle. How may I be of assistance?”

Lady Tyler was less than impressed.

“Councillor Bonnis, I had expected to meet you on Tihab.” Lady Tyler was not displaying any of the charisma that Ladies of the Circle were renowned for. This worried Red Bonnis more than anything else. He had spoken to Johnna Xotua about his experience with the Dark Lord and the Ladies of the Circle, the warnings had been carefully worded, but also chillingly clear.

“I thought that you would say that.” He replied quietly.

“Your staff are packing for you, you will leave within the hour.” The words were spoken quietly but firmly. Appraising him, Lady Tyler continued, “You heard the shuttle and read the signs.”

“It wasn’t difficult, the Governor would hurry like that for very few people.” Bonnis answered with a smile. “I admit that I laughed at first, then realisation dawned.”

Lady Tyler appraised the new councillor closely. This man was different to what she expected. A somewhat rough and self-made man, he was polite and deferential but without the awe that most exhibited. While this piqued her interest, she recalled her instructions and also had her own memories, similar to all those shared by all the Ladies. It was time to move along.

She waved her hand at the two members of the Imperial Guard. “These will escort you to Tihab. They are an honour guard for you and for the staff you are taking with you.”

Red Bonnis looked a little surprised, “And the troopers?”

The Lady smiled, it gave a hint of her charm. “The Master dos not like to let us out without protection.” The smile turned dangerous, “But sometimes He lets us play.”

Bonnis froze, the air had turned chill. He understood the warnings that his predecessor had given better now. “It is time,” Lady Tyler said. With a wave she motioned for the Councillor to move back to his house, the Guard following him.

“What can you tell me about …” Bonnis turned around. Lady Tyler was gone. He stared around and looked at the two guards. Wordlessly they waved him back to the house.

*********

It was with genuine angst that Red Bonnis climbed the steps at the front of the palace. While the Dark Lord had not shown any annoyance at his swearing in, that was two days ago, this was today and his first private meeting with his sovereign.

“Welcome to the palace again, Councillor.” Garda smiled.

“Thank you, Head Steward.” Cautioned about the power of the palace staff, Red Bonnis gave an equally courteous reply.

“This way please,” the two walked to the guarded entrance to the private quarters.

“I am impressed with the security to get into certain areas but puzzled by what seems to be a relaxed attitude in other areas.” The councillor considered the somewhat empty corridors, although he was impressed with the rare wood finishes decorated by paintings of strange and ancient scenes, he noted the complete absence of surveillance cameras, although they had been in evidence in the public areas.

“Oh, security is more complete then it seems, our Master sees to that.” The Head Steward replied quietly as they turned yet another corner. “Ah, we are here,” Garda pointed.

Not sure what the head steward meant, Bonnis just nodded and looked where he was pointing. A gathering of the Ladies, many more than normal, were waiting for them, all dressed in their usual dress. That is to say, individualistic. There were short and long dresses, trouser suits, some of the clothes were tight and others loose. Taken with the many colours of the dress and overlaid by the Ladies beauty and charisma, the effect was overwhelming. Red Bonnis came to a complete stop, his action mirrored by the Head Steward.

Being less effected, Garda gave the customary short bow. “Greetings Ladies, may I present the newest councillor.” He noted that the Ladies seemed curious, but not exactly unhappy. That was a relief. One stepped forward.

“Welcome Councillor Bonnis, It is good to see you.” Red headed Sydney spoke for the group, then added, with a slight smile, “At last.”

“I thank you Lady and I apologise for the untoward delay.” He mirrored Garda’s bow while suppressing a shudder at the less then cordial welcome.

“I would add my welcome councillor.” The Dark Lord stood in the doorway of the ante room, his face expressionless. A wave of his hand directed Red Bonnis into the room, the Ladies watching every move. At, “I thank you Steward,” Garda gave a bow and left.

In the ante room, Bonnis sat in the chair the Dark Lord indicated. At a murmured “Here you are,” he stiffened.

“Indeed my Lord, I am here to serve the people of the empire.” The soft laugh surprised him. “You laugh, sire?”

“Indeed I do, I have heard that same remark so many times before, it always amuses me!”

Bonnis stared at the Dark Lord, uncertain what to say next. As others had, he wondered at the appearance of the man sitting across from him, so nondescript with little to distinguish him from any other member of the empire. Yet he also remembered the power he felt holding the Dark Lords hands and the power displayed by Lady Tyler.

“My Lord, what else am I there for, if not to serve the people?”

“You are there to lead the people, it is impossible to serve them all and you will tie yourself in knots trying,” The Dark Lord sighed. “One person want’s this, but the planet governor wants that and the sector governor something else again.” He paused then continued. “You are now a councillor, one of the few highest men and women in the empire. You must not get tied down in lesser matters, only the most significant must concern you. Making those choices will define you or break you.”

“I am not sure that I agree completely, sire. A problem on a single planet may point to larger problems in the galaxy concerned and even a cluster. They will look to us for guidance in such matters.”

“I do not dispute that. But such selections must be made carefully and solutions not imposed from the council but decisions made with consolation. I will only become involved if absolutely necessary, such actions rarely turn out well.” The Dark Lord rose with Red Bonnis following suit.

With some hesitation, the Councillor spoke again. “You are not annoyed with my delay in arrival, sire?”

The Dark Lord stopped at the door. The look he gave Bonnis pierced him.

“I do not see that it is necessary for me to reinforce the Lady Tyler’s caution, do you agree?”

Red Bonnis swallowed and bowed. Thankful that he was getting off as lightly as he was, he respectfully agreed.

Waiting was Security Chief Ferni Massett, after what happened with Rummur of Nextus she was anxious to get a read on Red Bonnis as well, the corridor was otherwise empty.

“Good day to you Chief Massett,” the Dark Lord was courteous in his dealing with the palace staff. “How go’s the palace?”

“It goes well sire. No problems except for the usual ones, all minor and underserving of your attention.” At the Dark Lords nod, she turned to Red Bonnis, “If you will come this way Councillor.” With a bow, the two departed.

*********

A fraction later, the four ladies joined the Dark Lord, from the room inside.

“Well, he was different, tough to figure out.” Dana looked down the empty corridor. “Not like the last one!”

“Indeed, he could turn out well, but he is stubborn and that could weigh against him. He needs to learn compromise.”

“Like you did?” Luca raised an eyebrow.

The Dark Lord turned and stared at Luca. With manifest patience He replied. “If I had not learnt to compromise and accept others opinions we would not be here. For good or ill, this is the world we built. Is it what we thought it would be? No. Did any of you envision the circle? I did not. I never compromised on what I considered vital and, yes, I mislead you and the rest of the Old Ones from time to time. I did what I considered necessary so that the people, as many as possible would survive the plague, the mass death. I do not apologise for any of my actions.” He paused. “In any case, you all know my successes and my failures.” He stepped out into the corridor. The ladies followed, exchanging glances.

He stopped and turned back, “I will deal with Phil the same way.” The Ladies followed him down the empty corridor. Nothing more was said about Red Bonnis.