While Princess Jirril was dreaming about the wedding dress she was to wear for her nuptials and her father was being rudely woken by Great Khan Dessi Ra, on Tihab, Sabra Boon was approaching the palace. It was in the middle of the morning of the 23rd Dolmas and soon it would be autumn. At the security check point she used, Sabra gave a bright smile to the security guard as she handed over the security pass she had been provided with. The smile was returned, but that did not stop the guard from examining the pass thoroughly before returning it and letting her into the Stewards office.

“Good morning!” Sabra greeted the office staff. The replies were somewhat less than wholehearted. With a frown, Sabra went in search of her contact, Special Assistant Anis Le Brackel. Finding her in her office, she carefully studied her as they exchanged greetings.

“Good morning, Anis.” Sabra noted the smile was not returned.

“Morning.” The assistant rose from her seat. “Glad to see you. You’re wanted.” Was the terse reply.

“Oh.” Was Sabras less than brilliant response. “Why, and why is everyone on edge?” Sabra asked, adding, “I know that action is expected soon with the task forces, but everyone knows that.”

Anis didn’t answer but moved to her door.

“Can I at least put my coat away?” Sabra spoke as she threw her light coat over her shoulder.

The Special Assistant put her hand on the door jamb and took a deep breathe. The smile she showed was somewhat forced. “I am sorry,” She said, “this morning He was in a bit of a bad mood, I don’t know why, none of us do. And if the Ladies do, they are not letting on.” Anis shook her head as if to clear it. “He has always been in a pretty good mood since He returned so I think that it just caught us all by surprise.”

There was no smile from Sabra as she recalled that Anis had come to the palace after she, Sabra had. That was unimportant, Sabra knew that she would always be considered something of an outsider. She accepted that, knowing, no matter how politely she was treated, there would always be that bit of distance between them.

Anis motioned to a chair, “Just leave your things here in my office, no one will touch them. Sorry, but we have to go, I was told to bring you to Him straight away.”

At the entrance to the private apartments of the Dark Lord, they were met by the Head Steward and the Senior Administrator. Garda Karkart had a look of relief on his face while Madla Distra was her phlegmatic self.

“Good, Ferni is on her way with our visitor,” the Head Steward said. Sabra blinked, visitor? Her face showed her surprise, usually she was advised ahead of any significant persons so she could be prepared.

“Yes and from your home world. It is Prince Viacumb of Findus, he contacted us this morning to see if he could pay a courtesy call on our Master. It is an unofficial visit so he wasn’t on our list of people to expect.” Garda gave a smile of apology. “Sorry for the short notice.”

“Oh, I see.” Sabra was relieved. She had known of the visit and her secretary had contacted the Princes social secretary to see if an interview could be arranged. They had been told that as this was not an official visit, there would be no interviews granted to any news organization, but that Sabra Boon would be top of their list if this was to change.

“Do you know the Prince?” Madla asked, as they walked down the corridors to the meeting rooms.

“I know of him, but we have never met,” Sabra answered, for some reason it didn’t seem appropriate to smile, “different social circles.”

“I see.” Madla responded.

“Findus is a federated monarchy, with several kingdoms and principalities along with some other governments and different worlds, close to thirty in total, although there are only about twenty planets. But they all agree to be bound to the King or Queen of Findus. Counting all the planets, it has a population of about forty billion. It’s rather complicated but it works and, of course, the Empire is a consolidating factor.” Garda and Madla nodded at Sabras brief explanation of her home world’s political setup.

“What’s a factor?” Lea Cania asked as she joined the group.

“Sabra was just giving us a lesson on her home world’s political make up.” Garda responded.

“Just a little complicated?” Lea queried with a smile.

“A little.” Sabra admitted. After a pause, she continued. “It is difficult for some to understand, but it works for us and the Empire has only a small presence in the system and in the other worlds that are associated. In fact I think that, if you exclude the big planetoids, Findus has a stronger military presence in the galaxy then the Empire.”

“I think that you are correct, and we are grateful to the Kingdom of Findus for their continued support.” The small group came to a sudden stop. Without realising it, they had reached the study and had not noticed the Dark Lord waiting outside. The collection of Ladies standing around were watching with what appeared to be more than causal interest. Garda noted with relief, however, that there appeared to be no sign of anger or annoyance on the Dark Lords face.

“Thank you, sire.” Sabra managed after a fraction.

The Dark Lord acknowledged all the bows, with a nod. “Come, we will go to the small meeting room, our good Chief Usher has prepared a light meal for us there.” He started to walk down the corridor.

“Head Steward, walk with me.” Brought Garda to the Dark Lords side.

“Sire, you have a question?” Garda asked.

“I do, I have been considering what to do in the Kingdom when the fighting is finished and I have concluded that a stronger governmental presence is going to be needed. Apart from the Legion, that is and it will need to include representation from both the High Council and the Palace.” The Dark Lord paused as he turned into the small meeting room. The Chief Usher was waiting, along with two very nervous young ushers, one male and one female.

*********

“All is well, Chief Usher?” The Dark Lord gave the trio a smile. To the onlookers it did not appear forced, although the Ladies knew better. Tyler was watching closely. Although clearly the Dark Lord was not at all happy about what was going to be done in The Kingdom, and how he was going to deal with ‘Phil’ in particular, he had taken no offence at the behaviour of the palace staff and Sabra Boon. Filing that away for future thought, Tyler wondered just what was going to happen with ‘Phil.’ No hint had been given, although the Ladies had discussed and debated it amongst themselves. Tyler herself had never liked or trusted Phil when they were changed. She had been just sixteen when she had taken one of the lights in the first wave, and had, had her issues with him from then. However she knew that some others did like Phil and had supported him in the distant past.

*********

“Very well, sire” The Chief Usher replied with a bow, “These two juniors will serve you today.”

“Thank you.” The two juniors were acknowledged with a nod.

With another bow, the Chief Usher left.

“Anyway, good Steward, I was considering who, amongst the palace staff, could be spared. I would like you to consider the matter and give me your opinion.” The Dark Lord returned to the matter at hand.

“I will sire,” Even taken aback as he was, Garda recovered quickly. “When do you need an answer?”

“Soon, while the person nominated will not be leaving straight away, they will need time to prepare and pack what they will need there.”

“I see, sire,” The Head Steward thought for a fraction, “Would this be a long term posting sire.”

The Dark Lord in his turn considered the question. “No.” He said slowly. “No longer than a standard year at the most, but really much shorter, until the worlds are mostly settled and most of the fighting is done.” Taking a seat, He continued. “Any longer would create difficulties so the shorter the better. I would consider that this will be for a short term only to guide the representatives of the Legion and the Council.”

“Then I have a recommendation for you, sire.” The Dark Lord and the Ladies all looked at the Head Steward with interest.

“Yes, Administrative Assistant Lea Cania.” Anis let out her breath in a sigh of relief. Lea gasped.

“Lea?” Lady Andrea looked surprised.

“That’s a great idea,” Lady Sydney was enthused. “I knew that she would go far!”

“Well that galaxy is pretty far away!” Lady Taryns’ lilting voice showed how amused she was at the thought. There was some laughter at the comment but Lea opened her mouth to protest.

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“An excellent idea, Steward. Miss Cania, it will not be for very long.” He stopped for a fraction, “I wish to make your authority clear, so have Senior Administrator Madla Dinsta report today.” The Dark Lord considered the Steward, “Unless you have an objection, I will appoint Ms. Dinsta Deputy Steward and Miss Cania Assistant Steward. Please consider this carefully.”

All the onlookers were watching with avid interest. The Steward was clearly on the spot, this was not how the Dark Lord usually worked. He stirred, “I apologise for the nature and manner of this, Steward, but events are moving faster than foreseen.”

Garda took a deep breath and stood erect. “I have no objection, my Lord.”

“My Lord …” Lea Cania tried again, but stopped when the Dark Lord held up his hand.

The Dark Lord smiled, “Steward, this will also mean that some of your considerable load will be shifted onto others,” The smile broadened, “Which means that you will have more time to deal with matters involving both myself and the Council.”

The Head Steward could not quite hid his consternation, but took the Ladies laughter well! Sabra Boon watched, fascinated as always by the workings of the Dark Lord.

“As you wish, my Lord.” The Steward bowed. The Dark Lord turned back to Lea.

“Miss Cania, I realise that this is sudden, that unfortunately cannot be helped. I will discuss with you this new duty of yours in the next day or two. Please do not worry yourself unnecessarily.” Lea looked unconvinced.

Just as this was arranged, the Security Chief appeared at the door, along with Prince Viacumb of Findus, a stocky, although solid man with dark brown hair and a neatly trimmed beard. He had sharp eyes, a prominent nose and was neatly dressed in the traditional manner of Findus, a pair of baggy pants and a dark blue shirt topped with a decorated one piece jacket. Following him as an honour guard were two members of the Imperial guard. Chief Ferni Massett introduced him.

“Sire, may I present Prince Viacumb, a member of the royal house of Findus.” The Prince bowed.

The Dark Lord rose and smiled, “Welcome, Prince Viacumb, all members of the Kingdom of Findus are welcome here. I realise that your visit is an informal one and I thank you for your courtesy and for taking the time to grace us with your presence.” Sabra noticed that some of the Ladies gave the Dark Lord somewhat speculative glances at the fulsome manner of the Dark Lords greeting.

Prince Viacumb smiled and bowed again. “Thank you for your kind words my Lord. I am honoured that you have taken time from your day to greet me at such short notice. My visit here was on matters of business only and my call to your good Stewards office was as a matter of courtesy.” The Prince gave a bow to the Head Steward, who gave a small bow in reply.

There was a fractions silence, then the Dark Lord smiled. “Now that we have the formalities out of the way, let us talk as real people.” His smile disappeared. “A Prince of the Royal House of Findus does not request an informal meeting without a good reason, or refuse all interviews. King Theadore has concerns, I see.”

The Prince gave a sigh and a nod of his head.

“There has been unrest and certain individuals in a lust for power have been making, how should I put this, noises, and gaining some notice in political circles. The group are more of an annoyance than a real danger at the moment, but the stripping of the empire of much of its fleet has given them encouragement that they have a real chance at power. This includes the usual anti empire talk as well, of course.”

“I see.” That Dark Lord sat back in his chair, waving the prince to another. “I am loath to interfere in planetary politics directly, especially with such a great supporter of the Empire as the Kingdom of Findus, it rarely ends well. The vessels that you have supplied to the fleet that even now are doing their deadly work in the galaxy K311, are behaving with both courage and honour.” The Dark Lord paused and looked at the Prince. “How would the remainder of your fleet react to the offer of some joint maneuvers with one or more of the empires fleet?”

“I think well, my Lord. And the presence of an increased number of your ships, working with ours would send a rather pointed reminder to the agitators.” Tugging at his beard, Viacumb thought for a fraction. “I would need to speak to the King, the First Minister and the Chief of the Military Staff, all this will take some time.”

“I think that we could speed thinks up a bit.” The Dark Lord smiled as He turned to the Ladies. “Sydney, Tyler. You both just came back from Findus. How would you like to go back again?”

With her open laugh, Lady Sydney stepped to the front, followed by Lady Tyler. Prince Viacumb had a stunned look on his face Sabra noted with well concealed amusement. Somewhat used to such happenings by now, she was not as surprised. She also noted that the Head Steward and staff were equally amused, though they all hid it, I think that they knew that the Ladies were being used like this by the Dark Lord, she thought.

“My Lord, just returned?” The shocked prince asked.

“Indeed, just before you arrived on Tihab but that is not important.” Ignoring the Prince’s stare, the Dark Lord turned back to the two Ladies.

“Go back and speak to His Majesty, King Theadore. Explain what has happened here, and tell him of my suggestion. If the King and his advisors agree, unless I have a better idea, Prince Viacumb will return with an escort, the exact nature of which has to be confirmed. I must discuss that with both the First Councillor and the Admiral of the Legion.” He added, “Please stress that to King Theadore.” He turned back to the prince.

“Prince Viacumb, is there any message that you would like to have the Ladies pass to the King?”

The Prince took a fraction to gather both his thoughts and his reactions. Steading himself, he spoke to the Ladies. “Please tell the King from me that I saw the King’s cousin, and that she is both well and highly connected.”

Neither of the Ladies showed any surprise at the cryptic message. “Well, we are off.” Said Lady Sydney, flashing her smile as they walked out through the door.

“It may be some time before we get a reply from Findus, Prince Viacumb, and I must attend a meeting with my counsellors. Perhaps this would be the time for you to have a bite to eat with your cousin. You may use this room, secure in the knowledge that nothing you say here will be repeated. I will speak with you again before you leave.” With a smile the Dark Lord left followed by Garda with the staff and the Ladies following. When Sabra moved to follow them the Dark Lord held up his hand to stop her. Confused, Sabra turned to the Prince.

“So, who is your cousin, sir?” Not exactly sure what to call the prince, she compromised on sir.

The look of surprise on the Prince’s face was mirrored on Sabras at the reply, “Why, you are.”

Rarely was Sabra taken off guard but this was one of those occasions. Her mouth actually dropped open, then closed. It opened and closed once more. The two young ushers glanced at each other, but kept their faces immobile. When Sabra staggered slightly, they moved smoothly forward and guided her to a chair into which she sank. They then silently returned to their places.

“You didn’t know?” Prince Viacumb gave the shocked women a fraction to compose herself. “A drink perhaps.” He signed to the ushers. The young lady usher selected some Findus sparkling water in a chilled container and handed it to Sabra who took a sip and smiled her thanks.

“It was a long time ago, almost a thousand years. An ancestor of yours met a member of the royal house on a frontier planet.” Prince Viacumb explained as he took a seat himself. “She was young, newly arrived, and had no idea who he was. He was also not using his title as he was actually in another galaxy.”

“Why?” Sabra could not keep the reporter in her down.

“Findus was helping the planet with its development. They were building a factory to assist in the final stages of terra forming, and the Prince, it was Prince Isk von Sabera.”

Sabra Boon sat up as the commonality of the name leapt to her.

Noting the reaction, Prince Viacumb smiled, “Apparently the young girl, she was much too young for the prince at that time, had a number of protectors. Several had joined the police service on that planet and from the little that was recorded, they were very protective.” He laughed, “The prince, he too was still young although many years older, had to leave after a while, but returned numerous times over several years, each time he resumed seeing the young girl until she was old enough to agree to a proposal of marriage.” The prince held his hands wide. “And that is how we are related!”

There was silence while Sabra absorbed this to her, new information. Viacumb waited patiently and went to the counter to sample the food.

“The girl, what was her name?” Came in a whisper from Sabra.

“Sorry Sabra, I didn’t hear you.” The prince turned around and took a step towards Sabra, then stopped.

The question was repeated as Sabra turned her head to the prince. The Prince was staring at the door. Slowly, she turned to see the Dark Lords companion standing there, a sympathetic look on her face and in her eyes.

“Her name was Cami sis Nep, and she was one of those who had left Ti Lepus.” The Lady walked slowly into the room as she answered. Sabra stared at the reply, slowly getting to her feet.

“Lady, how do you know this? It was never kept in the records.” Prince Viacumb was equally surprised.

“I was here when she arrived from Ti Lepus. She stayed here, in the palace for several weeks, recovering from a traumatic experience. She needed a considerable amount of help to deal with the shock.” A reminiscent smile played on the Lady’s face as she explained. Even the two young ushers showed their surprise.

“But why?” The prince pressed.

The Lady sat, waving at Sabra and the Prince to sit as well. Briefly, she explained about Ti Lepus and the collision between the planets rulers and the Dark Lord. How Cami came to be with the Dressilers, how she was badly injured in the murderous attack on the family, and how the Dark Lord healed her.

“I have rarely seen Him so angry, He was furious. We were all scared that He would do something terrible.” She sighed, “And He did, although not then. But I think that it was at that moment that He made His mind up.” She fell silent.

“The rumours, the stories about what He did after. Hunting down survivors, are they true?” Sabra lent forward.

It was with a laugh that the Lady replied. “If they were, would you be here?” There was another laugh, then the Lady sobered again. “Under thirty left the planet but no others. Girls and men in equal numbers. There was also another fourteen businessmen who were already off planet. They were all collected, received counselling and some education about the Empire, then everyone was sent to the same world as your ancestor, Sabra. No, there was no hunting down of people from Ti Lepus and killing them.” She shook her head sadly, “No one else tried to escape from the planet. That shocked us all.” The look on the lady’s face showed her sorrow.

The Lady stood, the other two standing as well. “You have a lot to talk about, both of you.” Another smile and the Lady turned to leave.

“Wait, Lady,” she turned, “if I have more questions?”

“I have given you all the answers I can. I can give you no more.” The Lady turned to leave.

“Can anyone else?” There was a note of desperation in Sabras voice.

“Yes, only one.” A raised eyebrow accompanied the answer. Comprehension showed on the faces of both Sabra and Prince Viacumb.

The Lady nodded and left.