In silence Vis Vistricer and Mont De Templer, followed by the rest of the empire’s witnesses walked to their shuttles, still shaken by what they had seen. They were not alone, the power revealed by the Dark Lord had shaken everyone in the building even his own people. Yet all had been reassured as, while the manner of the final execution of sentence had not been revealed by the Dark Lord, the decision of which option to be applied had been made by the group as a whole with all aware of grave consequences. The Dark Lord had clearly followed the laws that guided the people who he had referred to as The Old Ones.
As the empires witnesses approached the Star Commanders shuttle, all of them were taken aback to see the Dark Lord speaking to the crew while Commander Rita Caenett and two other officers stood to one side, faces expressionless.
Stopping for a fraction, the two senior officers continued forward at a slower pace followed by the fleet admirals. The two news people exchanged a look then hurried forward, sensing an opportunity for a story. The High Councillors took a different view, not anxious to annoy the Dark Lord at a time when his mood might be very uncertain, so like the legion officers, they kept their distance. All of them also noted the absence of any of the Ladies, something that worried them as the Ladies usually indicated the mood of the Dark Lord.
As the group approached, the Dark Lord after exchanging a last laughing comment with the crew, turned and addressed the officers first, motioning them closer to him.
“Ah, Star Commander Vistricer and Admiral of the Legion De Templer, I have instructions for you.”
“We are at your service my Lord.” The Star Commander replied politely.
“Nothing onerous, I just wish for both of you and the Fleet Admirals to meet and decide what portions of the fleet should be returned to the empire and to agree on who is to remain in command. In particular, I would like to see the forces that the various associated worlds fleets supplied returned as early as can be arranged.” After giving these instructions and receiving a “Yes sire,” He turned to Sabra Boon who was standing nearby.
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“Ah Miss Boon,” He began, “Would you like to return with the task force supplied by the Kingdom of Findus?” While this conversation took place, the legions officers moved to one side to huddle.
Once again Sabra was momentarily caught off balance by the Dark Lord, but recovered quickly. “Thank you sire that would be excellent.”
“Good, Prince Viacumb is attached as an aide to the commanding officer, so you will have someone that you know to talk to.”
“Thank you sire,” was the best response that Sabra could come up with.
The Dark Lord smiled, “Perhaps he can introduce you to some of the cousins that you have never met.”
“Indeed, sire.” Sabra was unable to say more, Tobis hid his amusement.
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With a nod, the Dark Lord turned to the rest of the group and to his discomfort Tobis Nenna was summoned by the crook of the Dark Lords finger.
“Sire?” Tobias enquired as he reluctantly approached. His amusement at Sabras discomfort gone, replaced by his certainty that their positions were now reversed.
“You have been treated correctly?” Was the Dark Lords enquiry as He stood seemingly relaxed, His hands in His pockets.
“I have sire, no complaints.”
“And what are your future plans?”
Tobies paused before answering. “Well sire, I would like to find out more about this planet and its people.” He paused then continued. “More about the Kingdom and how it operated. I would like to stay on here.”
“Of course you want to stay. A newsman first and foremost. I look forward to reading your reports.” The Dark Lord smiled, “better make sure that your assistant gets here.” The Dark Lord turned to Assistant Steward Lea Cania leaving a bemused Tobias standing and wondering, like many in the past had, how the Dark Lord knew.
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“Miss Cania, you are well?”
“I am sire, thank you.” Lea gave the usual bow of acknowledgement.
“And, since we last talked you have been treated well?” Hearing this, the Legions officers having made some tentative decisions and postponed further discussions until they returned to the command ship, stiffened as did the councillors, they all knew how protective the Dark Lord was regarding the palace staff.
“I have been given every possible accommodation sire.” She replied soberly. The officers relaxed, slightly.
“Excellent. Do you consider that you are needed here further?”
Lea paused then answered. “Sire, while I feel that I might be able to do some good here, I think that it would be best to appoint a semi-permanent governor to take over the administration of the galaxy from the legion. That person would also have a mandate to eventually prepare for civilian rule through the high council as well as working to return to local administration. The legion would also be reduced and a senior officer chosen to command the forces remaining which would also be rotated on a regular basis.” She paused before continuing.
“Perhaps expansion to some of the closer unoccupied galaxies could also be planned with the objective of forming a local cluster. I understand that all this will take a long time.” The small group of onlookers held their breath at the Assistant Stewards forthright recommendations, but relaxed when the Dark Lord just nodded in agreement. It further underscored to all of them the power and influence the place staff could wield.
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The shuttle pilot, a sub lieutenant and like all the shuttle crew an interested onlooker, noted this. Sitting back in his command chair he thought that in the remote possibility that he ever got promoted to Tihab and had to deal with the palace staff, he would be very careful.
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Turning to Les Doman Resta, Armistee Devonis and the rest of the high council, the Dark Lord waved them closer. “You have heard what the Assistant Steward has recommended. What say you?”
“My Lord,” Les Doman Resta replied, “What the Assistant Steward says has merit and will have to happen. What remains is a question of timing, also the question of who to be installed in such a position. This must be carefully considered along with the nature and the extent of that persons support as well as their authority. All this will have to be determined, including the legions role.”
‘You have an excellent point, First Councillor, consider the matter during your return. I will meet with you and the High Council the day after your arrival back on Tihab and will expect a recommendation from you then.” All of the council, including the First Councillor – Designate, looked aghast at the prospect. The onlookers maintained a sober mien and a discreet silence.
“Now you all need to go to your respective craft.” The Dark Lord turned back to address the Admiral of the Legion. “I think that you should join the High Council for the journey back, Admiral, your opinion should be heard as well.” Mont De Templer nodded, he had expected this as soon as he had heard Leas’ recommendations.
“Of course, sire.” He glanced at the Councillors. “We will leave in a day, is that satisfactory First Councillor?”
“Perfectly satisfactory, Admiral.” Les Doman Resta replied giving a slight bow of acknowledgement. “So long as that gives you sufficient time for your own meeting?’
The Admiral of the Legion assured the First Councillor that the fleet officers would be meeting immediately and that general agreement on redistribution and return of forces would not be a problem. Details could be left to staff and the Star Commander could rule on any contentious matters.
With agreement reached and their relief hidden behind sober faces the group dispersed, each to their assigned shuttle. Rita boarding with the Star Commander, having said farewell to Liss. Finally, just Assistant Steward Lea Cania remained, standing as instructed with the Dark Lord on the now empty expanse of concrete.
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As the shuttles departed, Lea turned to the Dark Lord with an inquiring look, He smiled.
“I believe that your work here is done. With the appointment of a governor, events can be handled through the normal channels, so you will return with me. I am certain that the Head Steward will be very happy to see you.”
“Oh, I see.” Lea said, her voice showing her disappointment.
The Dark Lord laughed. “It is natural to feel that way. You were at the center of much excitement and held in high regard. Now you must return to a much less exciting existence.” At Leas’ grimace, He looked closely at her. “Do not be so downcast, there will be room for further excitement in the future. Now close your eyes then open them.”
Doing as the Dark Lord asked, on opening her eyes Lea found herself in her apartment along with all her luggage. As she stared around her room, her comm pinged. On checking it, she read the message. Get rested and come to the palace in the morning. As she expected there was no signature or senders address. Going to the window, she moved the privacy curtain aside, looking out, she saw that it was night in Tihab and the palace was all lit up. After a fraction, she closed the curtain, stepped back and leaving her luggage where it sat, walked to the bedroom discarding her clothes as she did and fell onto her bed.