There was nothing somber about Simone of Christos. In fact, from the authority she showed walking into the palace, one might have supposed she was the ruler of the Empire.

“Good afternoon Councillor.” The Steward nodded in greeting.

“Good afternoon Steward.” Was the polite reply. “I was happy to receive the summons.”

“I am pleased that you were able to come, it was sudden. This way please.”

Walking down the corridors, Simone gave a sideways glance at Grada.

“I spoke to Councillor Lika Dupra before coming over. She seemed, how should I put this? Disconcerted,” Simone ventured, “I just wanted to see what His mood was.”

“Really.”

“Yes, I sort of watch over her.”

“You do?” Grada enquired politely. Simone was irked but held it in.

“Indeed, all the Councillors so far seem to react differently to our Master, or is it that he reacts differently to them?”

“Well, you are all individuals.” Was all Grada said.

Simone was exasperated, Grada was quite clearly not going to reveal anything, that is, if he had anything to reveal.

“Ah, here we are, the ante room.” Grada pointed to a doorway outside of which stood five of the Ladies, chatting. Lady Andrea and Lady Sydney included.

“The what?”

“A small room which leads to another, larger room.” He smiled. “I had the same question.”

“Oh.”

“Ladies.” Grada gave a small bow, which Simone copied.

“Steward.” Lady Andrea smiled then turned to Simone. “Welcome Councillor, it is a pleasure to see you. Please give my best wishes to Grand Leader Maccana. She was so pleasant to me when I visited a few years ago.”

“I will Lady Andrea, I will make a point of it.” Simone was dumbfounded. Maccana had been appointed Grand Leader only in the last month. She had occupied several senior positions in the past, but had never been in contact with any of the Circle, Simone would have known this. Equally, if any of the Circle had been to the planet of Christos, that would also have been recorded and Simone should have known. They had not, at least in the last century.

“Ah, Councillor Simone, welcome. Please enter.”

The calm words washed over Simone. The Dark Lord stood there, with a wave of his hand, He beckoned her into the ante room. Giving Lady Andrea a look, she turned and followed the Dark Lord.

Taking the seat indicated, Simone looked over at the most powerful person in the Empire. He returned the look.

“You have been studying me.” Was the surprising opening. A laugh followed. “Don’t be surprised. You are a smart person, one of Christo’s finest. It was logical to do so.”

“You flatter me, my Lord.” Was all that Simone managed.

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“Not at all. I need smart and intelligent people on the council. As I have told the others, there are dark days ahead.”

“That is not good, and the Star Commander is not here.” Simone responded.

“In four days, he has been able to accelerate his return. It will be good to see him.”

“Yes sire.”

“Have you heard from Christos lately?” Was the Dark Lords polite inquiry.

“Indeed I have sire.” Simone replied.

“Things are well there?”

“They are sire.”

“That is good, when you next return, give my thanks again to Jenna, she performed a great service for me.”

“I will sire, I am sure that she will be glad to hear from you.” Simone was startled at the request and wondered what the service was. Jenna of Christos was a pirate and in disgrace. I wonder what the next report from home will bring. Ran through her mind.

“Do you have any questions for me?” The Dark Lord smiled his enigmatic smile.

“The business community sire, I am sure that you have heard.” Simone sounded apologetic.

“Indeed I have, profits before anything!” The Dark Lords smile had turned cynical. “But I understand, we need them as they need us.” He sighed. “As you know, I will be meeting with the First Councillor this afternoon. I will deal with it then.”

I must never underestimate Him. Ran through Simone’s mind. She had only heard from the First Councillors office as she entered the palace.

“Thank you sire.” Simone managed. “I am sure that they will be grateful.”

The laugh from the Dark Lord was hearty! “Their interests and mine run hand in hand for the moment. A business has only one object, to make money for its owners. I understand that, without such a climate, we could not get much done, it runs parallel with peoples need for approval and accomplishment.” Simone started to protest.

“Yes that is a simplistic view. The reality is much more complex, but it will do for the moment.” The Dark Lord replied as He stood. Simone of Christos stood with Him.

“Again my thanks to your home world for the many services it inhabitants have performed for me. It is truly one of the stalwarts of the Empire. Others could learn from it.”

“I thank you my Lord. The people of Christos will be gratified to hear your words. I will send them immediately.”

“I would visit, but I feel it is better that I send a member of the Circle from time to time.”

“They will always be welcome, my Lord.”

The Dark Lord smiled as He noted that there was no protest that He should visit. Such was Christos.

Madla bowed as they stepped out into the hall. None of the Lades had stayed and the hall was otherwise empty.

“Sire, Councillor.”

“Senior Administrator.” The people of Christos were always formal. The Dark Lord nodded.

“We will met again, Councillor. It is important that we do so, but most matters must flow through the First Councillors office.”

“Yes sire.” Simone wondered at the implied warning.as she bowed and left.

Walking in silence, Simone ran everything through her mind. I must emphasise in my next report to Christos that the Dark Lord stands alone atop the Empire. It is clear that while he trusts and works through us, it would always be a master-servant relationship. No world can stand against Him, neither can any business or accumulation of business. Also that last was clearly a warning that I should not presume any personal relationship with Him because of services done in the past.

Madla wondered what had gone between the two, as all of the guides did.

Reaching the public area they were met as usual by two members of the Imperial Guard.

“These will escort you to your transport, Councillor.” Madla spoke with a formal bow.

“My thanks, Senior Administrator and my thanks to the Steward as well.”

On the way back to the Council Administration Building Simone reflected, as others had of the potential power of the palace staff. ‘I must remind my staff to always deal with the palace staff with both courtesy and caution.’ She told herself.