Detachment T was on their way in hyper, heading for the Kingdom of Findus carrying the First Councillor – Designate. What had passed between the Dark Lord and Armistee Devonis remained a subject of speculation back on Copus Minor. The two had been closeted together for almost a complete period but neither had revealed anything except that Armistee had accepted the position offered. At least the Dark Lord hadn’t. The new First Councillor may have explained her decision to her husband, but no one knew for sure and they weren’t talking.
Venturing onto the bridge of the Barrows Star, Armistee spoke to Captain Tina Fulton. “When will we arrive at Findus, please Captain?”
“We have to go to the rim first, Ma’am, and then make the jump to the galaxy in which Findus is located. We should be there in under five periods and the jump to the next galaxy will take about twelve periods. Findus will take about another six.”
“So about another day,” the First Councillor – Designate spoke slowly with a frown. “Thank you Captain.” She turned to leave.
“It will actually take a bit longer due to the need to reorganise after each jump. About another two periods. Say a standard day and a half in total.”
“I see, thank you again Captain.” She turned away, then turned back as a thought struck her. “If it takes all that time, and I understand the dark matter, dark energy ratio is different in intergalactic space then it is in a galaxy, how did you get to Copus Minor so quickly?”
The bridge went quiet. Armistee frowned again. Had she said something wrong?
“We had help from our Master, Ma’am.” Captain Fulton did not elaborate. Armistee nodded, slowly turned and left.
Walking to the offices of Rear Admiral Traska, she entered and stopped, looking around. An aide came over to her immediately. “Can we help you Ma’am?” He asked.
“Admiral Traska please if he is available.”
“Certainly Ma’am, I will see if he can meet with you.” The young officer disappeared into the offices, reappearing quickly.
“This way please,” at a gesture, Armistee followed the young officer back the way he came.
“Madam, you are well housed, I trust?” Rear Admiral Traska stood as Armistee entered the small office. Other officers stood around.
“I am, Admiral. Your staff and crew have been very accommodating.” Armistee took the seat indicated as Traska sat down.
“How can I help you?” the Admiral queried, keeping his face composed.
“There is something I need to discuss with you …” Her voice trailed off. The officers standing around stiffened. Traska nodded and turned to Captain Brown, giving a wave of his hand. Correctly interpreting the gesture, the Chief of Staff hustled everyone out. After the staff had left, Rear Admiral Traska stepped out from behind his desk and took a seat opposite the First Councillor – Designate. He understood what was bothering her and had expected this conversation.
“I am not sure what I can say to help you. Madam. I have only met with the Dark Lord twice before this. Once each on Trilla and Tihab.”
“It is just that he is so, so... I am not sure how to describe it.” She had a distant look in her eyes.
There was a fractions silence between the two of them. It was broken by the Admiral.
“When you get to Tihab, talk to the First Councillor. He has had to deal with our Master for many months now. He can tell you more.”
A bitter smile passed over the face of Armistee Devonis. “Perhaps you have heard about the time I quit the council. I am not sure if Les Dom Resta would give me good advice or not!”
Traska took a slow breath. He had heard of the incident but knew nothing of the details and was quite certain that he didn’t want to know. “I am sure that he would not mislead you. When I went to the palace to be confirmed by our Master, I was warned to speak the truth and if I couldn’t answer a question to say so. If the First Councillor was to mislead you, the fault would be his, not yours.”
“Yes, I had heard that.” She sighed. “I just wanted to talk to someone who has had dealings with Him. Someone who could understand, I think.”
They both stood. “Thank you for listening to me. I never wanted this you know.” Armistee gave another somewhat bitter smile.
“I believe you, he must have wanted you badly!” Traska paused. “I will tell you one thing, the palace staff.” He stopped and considered what further to say.
“Yes?” Armistee prompted.
“Treat them with courtesy and respect.” Traska cautioned. “I was warned on my visit to the palace that He watches over them very carefully and I have been told of incidents in which He took action to protect the staff. I don’t know any details, but be very careful. Remember also that they see Him and speak with Him every day.”
“I hadn’t considered that.” Armistee had the look of someone who had just been surprised. “Thank you.” She quirked her eyebrows as she looked at the Admiral. “Any words of caution about the council?”
Traska laughed. “You are better equipped to deal with them than me. I can’t help you there.”
*********
With a nod, Armistee left, arriving at her own quarters a fraction later. Her personal staff were waiting for her. She had only taken her secretary and an administrative assistant plucked to his surprise from the office staff. The Dark Lord had reminded her that the balance of staff in the First Councillors office consisted of a permanent directorate. With a sigh, she started to go over all the materials they had prepared for her.
These two had been overawed when they were introduced to The Dark Lord, even though he had welcomed them into their new positions with a smile. The smile vanished, however when he warned them to be careful.
“There are many distractions on Tihab, many pitfalls that can catch those new to the city, so be careful. You must always remember that your first function is to serve the office of the First Councillor, that is your most important job. Remember also, there are many who will try to use you for their own means. Be wary!” With a nod He dismissed them. With chastened looks they departed.
Next he introduced Rear Admiral Traska to the First Councillor – Designate. “This is an officer that I have the utmost confidence in. You may trust him.” He turned to the other officer. “Commodore Quill, you understand what to do in the Kingdom of Findus?”
“I do sire,” He smiled, “I have great respect for the fleet there.” The smile vanished, “I assure you sire that I won’t give them an even chance.”
The Dark Lord laughed. “I see that the honour of two fleets is at stake!” He turned back to the admiral. “Admiral Traska, have you decided on the ships for the exercise?”
“I have sire. Commodore Quill will have Yellow Quad and the Battleship Barrows Night. Captain Jal Don Trist will exercise command of the heavy cruisers in his absence.”
“Excellent, I will see you both on Tihab.” When the Admiral went to speak again, the Dark Lord interrupted. “I do not need to know any more, I leave this in your capable hands.” With another nod, he walked out of the door.
Taking a breath, Admiral Traska turned to Armistee. “Well madam, I think that you had better go and pack, also you had better speak with your husband and discuss whatever you need to discuss with him. We will depart in four periods.”
“So soon,” Armistee was surprised. “I still have responsibilities here.”
Admiral Traska waved to the Vice President hovering at the door. “The documents for your resignation have been printed and the Superior Judge is here to swear in the President elect as your successor. He arranged it all.”
The President, now past President, she thought, gave a stare at the admiral but all she did was motion in the Vice President.
“Give me the dammed papers!” she snapped. “Where is the Judge?” she continued, looking around. A portly man with a round face in which were set shrewd eyes stepped forward. The two legion officers moved to one side.
“All I need to do is witness your signature, Madam President.”
“Let’s do this and then I will speak to my husband!”
“You may do that while we transport you to your house, Madam.” Traska interposed. “A shuttle is ready for you and your husband is already aboard.”
“I see.” Armistee stood after scrawling her signature. “Let’s go then.” The two officers followed as she stalked to the door. Reaching it she stopped, gave a deep sigh and turned around. “I am sorry. I have been very rude. Thank you all for your service, to the planet and to me.” She turned to Amos Derr, now the new president. “Good luck Amos.” With a smile that encompassed everyone in the room she turned and left her past life behind her.
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*********
The sprawling city of Tihab glowed below the incoming First Councillor – Designate as the shuttle floated down to Fleet Ground Station Central, where she had been told, a receiving committee awaited her. It was night, and the city shone with lights from thousands of buildings. It was with a certain amount of trepidation that she considered the dark area in the center of the city lit by just a single bright spot which she remembered was the palace. It had not been so well lit up when she had left Tihab. She had given sincere thanks to Admiral Traska and the crew on leaving the Barrows Star.
Walking into the arrivals area followed by her two personal staff members, the first person Armistee recognised was Les Doman Resta. Somehow she dredged up a smile to cover the discomfort that she knew both were feeling. Four members of the Imperial Guard stood silently in the background.
“First Councillor, it is kind of you to meet me.”
“It is my pleasure, Madam, welcome and it will also be my pleasure to escort you to your residence.” The First Councillor gave a small bow. He turned to the stocky woman standing next to him. “I would like to introduce Deputy Steward Madla Dinsta, representing the palace.”
“Welcome Madam, to Tihab. Our Master sent me to enquire as to any service the palace can give you.” Introductions of both Sherely Rackness, personal secretary and Jon de Nasti, personal assistant followed.
As she replied, Armistee considered the woman with interest. “Thank you Deputy Steward, I believe that all mine and my staffs needs have been provided for at this time.” On their trip in from Findus, several messages had been received outlining provisions made for accommodations and any necessary other services needed along with copious amounts of briefing notes for the First Councillor – Designate. Included was a note about the new titles for two of the staff of the palace, but without giving any reason for the sudden promotions. Along with many other items, Armistee intended to raise this as soon as possible with Les Doman Resta.
“I do have a question for both of you, I wish to meet the council as soon as possible but has our Master set any time for me to visit the palace?”
“He has, the fifteenth period tomorrow, 1st Augar. You will have a lot to do tomorrow in the morning. It will be a ceremonial meeting only and a more in-depth meeting can be arranged for later.”
“I see, thank you. I am at our Masters service.” Armistee turned to the First Councillor. “If I could retire now, I don’t mean to be rude but the trip has been long and it is late. Both of you no doubt will need to find your beds as well. Also my personal staff will need to be accommodated.”
“Of course, but you will need to make a brief statement to the news groups. I am sorry.” While Les Doman Resta did look apologetic, Armistee Devonis was not entirely convinced of his sincerity. She looked around.
“I don’t see them.”
“We have kept them away from you, they are waiting outside. Be polite but careful.” With a sideways glance at Madla he continued. “I will explain later.” More questions flowed through the First Councillor – Designates mind, but she felt that it was better to be silent for now.
“Okay, let’s see if they are still as bad as I remember,” was all she said. They were, shouting questions as soon as the doors opened. Armistee spoke after Les Dom Resta formally introduced her and welcomed her to Tihab.
“I am happy and excited to be back in Tihab and I am looking forward to taking up the position as requested by our Master. I also wish to give thanks to the First Councillor for his many years of dedicated service. Few have served the Empire as well.” She braced herself. “I will now take a few questions.” The room erupted.
“What is your opinion on the war so far?” One asked.
“I have not spoken to any of the Legions senior commanders so all I can say is that we seem to have won.”
“What about the attack that wiped out the base at the start?” Another asked.
“First of all, the war started when we were invaded. Second, I am not going to second guess the Star Commander on his tactics.”
“I have heard of disagreements in the High Council about programs to help those in the empire who need help. Do you have opinions on where the empire should be heading?” A third asked.
“Of course I have my own ideas, but I will be discussing them with the Dark Lord and members of the council first. As to disagreements, I am sure that there will be some, when you get any number of people together, there are going to be disagreements as well as agreements”
“Follow up, can you give us some of your ideas?”
“Not at this time. The Dark Lord and the council deserve to hear them first.”
“The executions of …”
Armistee stopped that question. “I am not going to go over that topic. I had no part in it and it is history.” Another question as to why she had left the council years earlier was also dismissed as history.
Armistee wondered at the sudden quiet as a reporter Armistee recognised from news items as Sabra Boon, stepped forward. “Do you know when you will be going to the Palace to meet with the Dark Lord?” Was Sabras question.
With a wave to Madla Distra, Armistee replied, “I will be attending on our Master at the fifteenth period tomorrow. My thanks go to the Deputy Steward for her courtesy in greeting me.”
At a further burst of questions were halted by the First Councillor. “It is late and the First Councillor – Designate needs to go to her residence. You will have the opportunity to speak to her at a later date.”
Escorted by the Imperial Guard, they walked to where transport was waiting for them, secured by two more members of the guard.
“I will see you tomorrow.” Madla gave a smiling good bye, returned by Armistee and Les Dom Resta.
After Madla had left, Resta turned to Armistee and her two assistants. “I will escort the First Councillor – Designate to her residence. The guard will escort Sherely Rackness and Jon de Nasti, to the apartments that they may enjoy for the present.” He signaled to an aide standing nearby and after introducing him, addressed the two new staffers. “This aide will escort you and will also pick you up in the morning. He will be your guide for the next week to assist you in settling in.” The two looked at the aide with thanks, and followed him. An imperial guardsman had collected all the luggage and passed over the correct bags. Armistee’s he placed into the First Councillors transport. With a wave of his hand, he indicated that the two were to board.
Les Dom Resta spoke a word of thanks to the members of the imperial guard while Armistee smiled her thanks as well. Two fit looking men got into the front of the transport and, after the two councillors boarded, it moved off. In just a fraction, it was surrounded by other equally anonymous vehicles.
After a period of silence Armistee turned to Les Dom Resta. “Thank you for meeting me, I would not have been surprised if you had simply sent an aide, considering how we parted.”
“I must admit that I thought about it.” Resta replied after a fraction. He gave a slight smile. “But there are things that I must tell you. First the palace staff.”
“Rear Admiral Traska warned me about them but was not specific, anything more that you can add, well, I would be most grateful.”
“That is good. Traska is someone that the Dark Lord puts a lot of faith in. I think that he will go far.” Resta gave a nod. “I could give you some specifics but I don’t think that it is really necessary, just remember to treat them with courtesy and respect.”
“And why all the security?” Armistee waved at the two men sitting in front of the privacy screen that had been activated when they had boarded.
“We are people of distinction now. Important. Our Master has trodden on more than a few toes and we would be easier and safer targets then Him.” The bald statement had Armistee sitting back in her seat. Used to driving herself around Copus Minor, this was not something that she had considered. Looking around, she saw that they were in the main business area. Even though it was late, there were a lot of people around. She turned her thoughts back to what they had been discussing.
“My husband will be arriving once he has consolidated our business and put management into place. Should I worry about him?”
“I ordered the security police to place you both under observation and protection as soon as I had the Masters decision regarding you.” Resta smiled. “You didn’t see it but Ingre Devonis will. I imagine that he is rather annoyed right now.”
With a laugh, Armistee agreed. The laugher died as a thought crossed her mind. “The news reporter, Sabra Boon, when she stepped forward the rest fell silent, why?”
A thoughtful look appeared on the face of the First Councillor. “For reasons that have never been revealed to me, Miss Boon has won the confidence of our Master. She has also won the confidence of the palace staff and the Ladies.” There was a pause as this was considered by Armistee. “She has even attended conferences at the highest level but has been most discrete in her reporting, I would not be surprised if she was there tomorrow.” His voice took on a wry note as he continued. “That means of course, that most of the rest of the news groups hate her, but they also fear her and her connection with the Dark Lord. He has shown quite nakedly that he will protect her.”
“Oh.” Was all the First Councillor – Designate could say as she digested that bit of information.
As the automatic transporter turned into what Armistee recognised was the High Council building, Les Dom Resta gave an “Ah, we are here.”
“I am staying with you?” Armistee was surprised as she knew and had been reminded that there were suites which were maintained for visitors.
They left the vehicle still talking. A medium sized rather portly man with a formal air about him matched by his formal dress, approached.
“In a manner of speaking, I have my own place a short distance away. I will leave you in the tender care of my butler, Germanis. Ah here he is.” There was an apologetic smile, “I should say, your butler,” He turned to Germanis. “This is your new mistress, Armistee Devonis, First Councillor – Designate.”
The Butler bowed. “Welcome Madam, I hope that you will be comfortable here.”
“Thank you, I am sure that I will be.” The First Councillor – Designate turned to Les Dom Resta. “I thank you for this. You have had time to move anything that you want? If not, please don’t hesitate to do so.”
“I have had time to prepare.” Resta replied. “In fact, I started a few weeks ago, when I reached my decision. It was not a surprise to our Master.” The last was spoken with a wry smile.
By this time, Germanis had collected Armistee’s luggage and was waiting.
“I will see you tomorrow. Shall we say the ninth hour?” With a bow, Resta sat back in the transporter and left. One security man left with him.
“This way, please madam.” The butler indicated where Armistee was to go. Taking the lift to the main floor, they walked around to another lift when Germanis entered a code. The two entered the lift while the security guard remained behind. He would return to the security center after they had entered the First Councillors apartment.
Warned by Germanis, all the staff were waiting to greet their new mistress. Armistee found meeting them no less a trial, even though the domestic staff was small; just the butler, housekeeper, manservant, cook and two maids. The formalities were soon completed.
Shown to her room by both the butler and the housekeeper, along with the two maids, Armistee was soon unpacked and ready for bed. Declining a late meal, she was assured that they would call for her at the seventh period, then she was left to her own devices.
Strolling around the room after putting on her night clothes, Armistee pulled back a curtain and looked out over the well-lit canyon landscape. Moving to the other side of the corner bedroom and pulling back the curtains there, she realised that she had a view of the palace, now all lit up. Thinking over what faced her the next day, she shivered, took a deep breath, let the curtain drop and climbed into her new bed, falling into a dreamless sleep.
*********
Across the park, the Dark Lord hummed an ancient song as he walked with his companion amongst the trees covering the darkened garden. His companion rolled her eyes at the tuneless rendition.