It was a warm weekend on Findus so King Theadore, a working king, was taking a break from his many burdens and enjoying a brief time of privacy when Sydney and Tyler arrived. Walking with his wife and family brought some relief to his troubled mind. This day he was walking on the banks of the river Finziici, a small river leading into Lake Fundis. Both were popular with the citizens of Findu City, the capital of the Kingdom of Findus.
The river had walkways on both sides and these were well supplied with restaurants and other places of convenience. As Findus was a considered a standard world, with a gravity identical to the galactic norm and an ideal proportion of water to land, it was popular with visitors from other empire planets. It also had a warm climate with seasons as it had a moderate polar axis incline and a well sized moon. Ideally located in its suns green or water zone, it was as nice a place as one could find.
Well-known as he was, the King, a personable man, was also highly popular. A happy characteristic of the people of Findus was that they were polite and accommodating. This showed itself in that the people gave the king space to walk in public without surrounding him with a crowd. While not erasing their concerns, this meant that he needed just a small security detail. One of these stiffened at call on her comm unit, the content of which had her moving quickly to the king.
“Your majesty.” She began.
The King smiled, “Something has arisen I see, are the FAF’s demonstrating again?”
“You have visitors Sir.” At the guards reply the smile on the King’s face disappeared and was replaced by a thoughtful expression.
“Then let us not keep the Ladies waiting.” At the King’s response, everyone close by showed surprise except for his security.
“I have been expecting this.” King Theadore explained to the Queen while the guard signalled the kings’ personal vehicle. “My cousin Prince Viacumb has no doubt delivered his message and our overlord has responded, as I expected, swiftly.”
Queen Lenia showed her doubt, “Hours of debate have taken place with no result. How can the Dark Lord solve matters in an afternoon? I don’t see it.”
“I agree,” Princess Vinizza endorsed her mother. “In any case, look what happened to that planet years ago, when he last got involved in a planets affairs.” She made a face, “I don’t remember the name.”
“Ti Lepus, daughter, that was a while ago indeed.” Theadore gave his daughter a fond glance as he climbed into his personal vehicle. “And we are not as those people were.” He signaled his driver. “Now go finish your walk and we will talk later.” The vehicle smoothly moved off.
The rest of the family watched Theadore leave. “How did he know that the visitors were Ladies of the Circle?” Prince Tedore wondered. He was third in line after his older brother and sister.
“Who else would the Dark Lord send so quickly?” The Queen asked, giving her youngest son a sideways look.
Princess Vinizza laughed. “That was obvious really, you should pay a bit more attention to your briefings, Tedore. Who else would He send indeed?”
“Well it could be anyone.” Prince Tedore replied and promptly changed the conversation to a less dangerous subject.
*********
The trip to the palace did not take long. Built in the traditional style of Findus, it was a strictly functional residence that doubled as a reception facility. It was also rather small and all the planets business, as it related to the monarch, was done in an annex. Crown Prince Junniar, next in line to the throne was waiting at the front door.
A taller, huskier version of his father, Prince Junniar was eager to be more involved with the administration of the planet and the kingdom. Standing in line and waiting was not something he enjoyed, as many a prince or princess would agree, along with many another person in politics, business or other venue. Meeting the two Ladies of the Circle was a major event for him so he was outside and the eagerness showed as his father drove up.
King Theadore noted his heir’s eagerness and sighed, half amused and half worried, such was the burden of a monarch. He reflected that it was likely no easier in by-gone days. With relief he noted that there was no security visible other than the regular guards.
“Father.” Prince Junniar, gave the customary salute in greeting. Being a member of Findus’s armed forces, he held the rank of captain in the Royal Reserve Regiment of the Guard. This was another worry for the king, his sons regiment was soon to embark for Galaxy K113. The question of whether or not the Crown Prince should embark with them weighed heavily on Theadore.
“Son.” The King returned the salute. “Where are the Ladies?” Theadore came straight to the point.
“In the drawing room.” Prince Junniar paused, “The Ladies also asked for the First Minister and the Chief of the Military Staff to attend. I alerted them and they are on their way from their houses in the country. I didn’t mention the Ladies so we have some time to consider whatever it is the Ladies want to discuss.”
“Did they give you a hint about why they are here?” The two talked as they walked into the palace. The King did not ask for any information about the Ladies, it was unnecessary. The King noted a certain nervousness about the staff as he walked to the drawing room. Well, he thought, they will just have to get over it!
“None at all, father.” The prince replied. “Could it have something to do with the visit of Prince Viacumb?”
There was a pause as they arrived at the door, the King gave his son a glance, opened the door and entered.
“Welcome, Ladies of the Circle, I hope that you have been properly treated in my absence.” The King bowed.
Lady Sydney rose from the chair that she occupied followed by Lady Tyler. “We have been well treated by your son, the heir, and the staff your Majesty. We thank you for your words of greeting. I am Sydney and this is Tyler.” The King answered with another bow.
Turning to his son, the King gave orders for some refreshment to be brought in. Walking to the door, Prince Junniar spoke to the staff, after which he returned to stand with the King.
“I gave orders that the First Minister and the Chief of Staff are to be shown in when they arrive, sir.”
“Thank you, son.” Turning to the two Ladies, who were obviously waiting for the king to start, he spoke. “Ladies, please be candid. Did my cousin give you any message for me?”
Sydney, clearly the senior of the two answered. “A cryptic one, he said to tell you that your cousin was both well and highly connected.”
“I was sure that she would do well, she is determined that one!” King Theadore smiled. Then the smile vanished. “I must ask, do you have a message from the Dark Lord for me?” Watching he noted that the two Ladies showed no surprise at the response.
“Indeed we do. The Master is unhappy at your worries and will do what He can to help. He is appreciative of the support Findus gives the Empire and wishes to succour you. While He feels that His direct involvement would be … counterproductive;” There was a pause as the King nodded in understanding. “He did have a suggestion, a visit for maneuvers with some of the fleet and the Legion.”
“I think that that would be an excellent idea.” The King nodded. “Did He have any idea which units?”
Lady Sydney smiled her charismatic smile. “That is something He will need to discuss with both the First Councillor and the Admiral of the Legion.” She looked to the door, where food was being brought in. “The First Minister is here, you will need to discuss this with him and your military chief as well. This should be done before we return to Tihab.”
The King and his son shook themselves, somewhat overcome by Sydney’s charisma and mildly shaken by her sight.
“Off course, Lady.” The King turned as the door opened again. “Ah, First Minister, we have important guests.”
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A tall, somewhat gangly man, the First Minister was unlike most citizens of Findus as he was from one of the associated worlds. Not expecting the Ladies, for a fraction he was speechless. Arriving right after the First Minister, the Chief of Staff of the Findus military was equally taken aback. Both were clear what, if not who, the two Ladies were, the King stepped into the breach.
“Gentlemen, may I present, Lady Sydney and Lady Tyler, they came as representatives of our Overlord. They bring a message for your consideration.” Both bowed to the two Ladies, who acknowledged politely.
“The Prince Viacumb has met with the Dark Lord then? You come bearing his message my Lady?” The First Minister, Non ra Gould had quickly recovered his poise, as had the general, a broad man of medium height, with close cropped hair.
“We have given our message to your sovereign, King Theadore. He will give it to you and we will withdraw to another room while you consider it.” Lady Sydney replied.
“That is not necessary, Ladies.” The King protested.
Before he could say more, Lady Tyler held up her hand. “No, it is right that you should freely discuss this in private. It would not look good if we stayed, others may view our continued presence as, shall we say, improper.”
There was an exchange of glances which did not include the king, who answered. “I see your point, Lady. We will withdraw to the meeting room across the hallway. You may remain here or walk in the grounds as you wish. I will give instructions that if you need anything, the staff are to supply it.”
“You are most kind, King Theadore, a true reflection of your kingdom. We will wait here.” Sydney replied giving the four men one of her big smiles. Tyler also smiled.
The four withdrew, all showing the effects of the Ladies charisma and beauty.
Once across the hall and in the room that doubled as an alternate cabinet room, the four men each took a seat. They also took a deep breath and the First Minister and the General looked expectantly at the King.
“Well sir,” The general asked, “What has the Dark Lord spoken?” The General, a native of Findus, had risen to his position on merit and ability. The First Minister looked anxiously at the King as well. He was worried by the, as yet, mild agitation and hoped for a solution.
“The Dark Lord has expressed his sympathy for us.” The King went on to repeat the message Lady Sydney had given.
There was silence for a fraction as the message was adsorbed. The First Minister sat back in his chair. “I think that it will be a good idea, but there are dangers.”
“I agree, while the fleet that remains will be enthusiastic and the population in general supportive, there is a part that will be unhappy. We must consider this carefully.” The General, De Ryter by name, shook his head.
*********
Located in the sixth cluster, the Kingdom of Findus was already a powerful confederacy of eleven systems when it had been approached by the Empire almost a hundred thousand years before. The two had begun negotiations that had lasted for a couple of lifetimes, long even for these long lived peoples. In the end, the Dark Lord had approached the current king directly and to everyone’s surprise, they had settled on an agreement. Findus would acknowledge the Dark Lord as sovereign overlord, accept the constitution and acknowledge citizenship as common with other empire worlds. Otherwise they would be free, and continue to maintain their own fleet and their own freedoms. They would also provide such assistance as necessary when asked, and be provided assistance if it was requested. Thus they would remain the dominate power in their galaxy.
This rather unusual arrangement had been in existence ever since and the Kingdom of Findus was considered the most powerful group in the empire after the Empire itself.
*********
The discussion between the King and his Ministers lasted for a considerable time, it fact it lasted almost two periods. During this time, several other members of the cabinet were drawn into the discussion. Finally a consensus was reached, to accept the Dark Lords proposal so the King and the First Minister crossed the hall to inform the two Ladies. To their surprise, the duo was now a trio.
The newcomer rose from the chair she was occupying and smiled as she introduced herself. “I am Taryn, your Majesty.” The King and the First Minister bowed.
“You are welcome Lady Taryn.” The two were stunned by the newly arrived Lady’s beauty. The off the shoulder short black dress and high heeled shoes along with her equally dark hair contrasted beautifully with her snow white skin. “You bear another message from our Master, I assume?” The King finished.
“I do, but I am instructed me to hear your decision first.”
The King paused and visibly gathered himself. “We are agreeable, Ladies. But we have concerns of protests and possible demonstrations. We wonder if there can be a cover arranged for such a visit by units of the legion.” He held his breath.
The three Ladies exchanged looks and Lady Taryn smiled as she answered. “Then I have good news for you and your advisers’ majesty that thought had occurred to the Master.”
*********
The First Councillor had arrived at the same time as Mont de Templer in the underground parking lot of the palace. “Greetings Admiral, here we are again. Do you have any idea as to why we have been summoned?”
“Possibly something to do with Findus. They have been having some minor problems and as you know, one of the princes is here in the palace right now. My guess is the war with the Kingdom however.” Admiral Mont De Templer shrugged, “But it is just a guess. I really have no idea.”
“Let us venture in and see then.” First Councillor Les Doman Resta smiled.
He seems relaxed now that he has told the Dark Lord that he wants to leave. The thought crossed the Admirals mind. And there was no argument. He voiced some of his thoughts. “You are quite relaxed, First Councillor. I have not seen you like this for a while.”
“I am feeling much relived. The Dark Lord has our recommendations for my replacement and I have been promised an answer soon.”
While talking the two had stepped into the transit shaft, and were whisked to the Stewards offices. Waiting were the Head Steward and Lea Cania.
“Welcome, our Master will see you immediately.” They passed through security into the depths of the palace, the routine now familiar.
Chatting quietly as they walked, no one broached the reason they were here. While Garda and Lea knew, they felt that it was best for the reveal to be left to their Master.
Passing the meeting room, the four noticed Sabra and Prince Viacumb in such a deep conversation that Sabra Boon, normally very alert, ignored them. Mont De Templer and Les Doman Resta exchanged raised eyebrows but kept their thoughts to themselves. Reaching the study, they saw the usual congregation of Ladies.
“Look, they’re here!” The attractive brunette Lisa exclaimed. “Better go in, he’s waiting.” She finished. Sensitive to the moods of their sovereign as always the four stiffened. “Don’t worry, the Lady smiled, “He is not upset at you. He just has a lot to think about.”
Giving thanks to Lady Lisa, although not completely convinced, they passed into the presence of the Dark Lord.
“Ah, enter please, I have need of both of your counsel, the Kingdom of Findus is in need of our assistance.” The Dark Lord waved the four into the study.
“What is your desire My Lord?” The First Councillor opened the meeting.
“The Kingdom of Findus is suffering a small amount of unrest.” The Dark Lord replied, “I have a suggestion that may be of assistance to them.”
Les Doman Resta and Mont De Templer braced themselves for the Dark Lords revelation but had to wait as He smiled slightly and addressed the First Councillor. “I have decided on your replacement First Councillor.” There was a slight pause. “It is Armistee Devonis, the President of Copus Minor, Twenty Star Galaxy in the Sixth Cluster.”
The rigid posture of the First Councillor betrayed him. Mont De Templer eyes flashed to the First Councillor as the name sank in. Armistee Devonis had been a member of the High Council almost forty years earlier. She had quit in a very public dispute with the then First Councillor. That gentleman had also resigned when his term was completed and Les Doman Resta had taken over. He blamed Devonis for his predecessor’s early death afterwards.
“My Lord, I realise that you can appoint anyone, but…” Resta swallowed, then continued. “I do not believe that she is qualified for such an appointment. She clearly showed her contempt for the council earlier.” The First Councillor stopped, seeking what to say next. He finished with, “I am not sure if she will even accept.”
The Ladies were watching openly, as was the Admiral of the Legion although more discreetly. Mont De Templer kept silent, uncertain as to what he would be asked to do.
Taking another breath Resta started to speak again. He stopped when the Dark Lord held up His hand. “First Councillor, I did not lightly step outside your recommendations and I am well aware of the reasons you hold against considering her.” He stood.
“In any case, she has had the opportunity to learn much over the years since.” The look He gave Resta was one of compassion. “As to her not accepting, I will take care of that!” He turned to the Admiral of the Legion.
“Admiral, Detachment T is still in the Fourth Cluster, I believe. They can pick up The President and deliver her. On the way, they will pay a courtesy call on the Kingdom of Findus. While there, the detachment can arrange some maneuvers, thus the Kingdoms current problem can be addressed and, hopefully, alleviated. Do you agree?”
“The full detachment, sire?” Templer showed his surprise. “That would delay their return considerably.”
“I think not, a quad and one of the battleships could be detached and that should suffice. The rest will escort their charge to Tihab.”
“And when should this happen sire?”
“Let us return to the Prince and his cousin, we can work out the details there.”