When Rentap Dressiler arrived at his company, Ti Lepus Imports, a full period earlier than normal there was surprise, swiftly repressed. The receptionist, one of the few women he employed, recovered quickly and greeted him cordially although Rentap noted with amusement the puzzlement in her eyes. The company was mainly concerned with the financing of imports from other planets, along with the business of exporting various goods to other planets. A sideline, but a profitable one, was supplying services to the Empire’s Representatives, including starship services, as needed.

Walking past the reception desk to his office, Rentap responded with courtesy to all the greetings. While he had worries that he could not share with the staff, it would be unbecoming for one of his status to display his concerns openly, and to respond to greetings impolitely. Therefore, he composed himself and secretly enjoyed the looks of surprise he saw. Arriving at his spacious office, he placed his comm on his desk and greeted his private secretary.

“Good morning to you sir,” The secretary greeted him, having been warned that Rentap had arrived early by both the receptionist and the office manager. A long-time employee, as with almost all employees his secretary was a male of the service class. The few women employed mostly carried out minor functions. The small number of technical workers employed were a mixture of the science and service class.

For other work, relating to necessary jobs such as delivery of goods or documents, contractors were employed when needed. With most of the work being performed by computers, the number of direct employees was actually quite small. Most of the outside workers were subcontractors who had given satisfaction in the past. Rentap tended to be loyal to those who had been proven reliable and loyal. His reputation was such that he received loyalty in return.

“At present there are a few minor matters needing your attention sir, here they are.” Some folders were placed onto Rentap’s desk. Rentap’s secretary, Osterwald ra Tyrrel, had quickly recovered from his surprise at seeing his employer so early in the day. “More details are expected for the contract with the importing of the new computer programs, sir.” He paused. “There is one message, it is from Councillor De Markus, sir.”

“I will return his call,” Rentap said, then he paused and asked. “When exactly did the call come in?”

“Point two five ago sir.”

“Has my wife called?”

“No sir.” That was good, if she had known Cheaine would have called while he was in transit to warn him. Should he call her? No, there was nothing that she could say that would make any difference.

“Did he give any indication as to what his call was about?”

“No sir.”

“Did he call himself or was it someone else on his behalf?”

“It was the Councillor himself, sir.”

With a nod, Rentap reached and initiated the communicator specifying the direct line to De Markus. Waving his hand, he dismissed Osterwald. He had no doubt that this call should be taken in private.

“You are in early my friend.” Came the almost immediate response.

Rentap answered with a laugh, “Not as early as you, good friend. You should have seen the looks my staff gave me. I wish it was recorded so that I could show you and have a good laugh together.”

A chuckle was his reward. “And how is you good wife, Cheaine?”

“Very well, and Lesse?” This was Markus’s own wife.

“She is well.” Another laugh. “I should be worried though, Lesse is meeting her sister and they are going shopping together.”

Rentap laughed at that, and at the oblique reference to De Markus’s mistress. It was not uncommon for the wife to make sure that the husband’s mistress was properly outfitted. It was her duty to make certain that her husband did not lose status and an unkempt mistress would certainly do that. The two men could not enquire directly about each other’s mistress. That was not done.

“It is wonderful to talk to you old friend, but this cannot be just a social call.” Rentap’s question was implicit.

“It is imperative that we get together soon, one day in the next seven days?” Markus replied.

“I think sooner, your call came before mine to you.”

“So you saw the news this morning?” Markus made the question sound like a statement.

“I did, these fools are getting out of hand.” Rentap practically snorted.

“Some of the assembly and the ministers want to do something about it.” Markus paused. “But even secure lines leak.”

“Your place, office, or mine?” Rentap understood, Trem De Markus did not did not want to speak openly on the comm.

“Your dwelling I think. We can make it appear a social occasion.”

“Tonight then, if that is not too soon?” They set a time. Rentap paused, “Is there anything that I should prepare for you?”

“This shipment that will be coming in from the Empire, I will ask you to bring full details,” De Markus sighed. “Information received has been passed by the Chairman to me.”

Rentap sat still, silent and stared at the communicator. A chuckle followed this revelation and Markus continued, “I think that I have surprised even you. Oh, some men have been sent to you. They should be there shortly. You were in too early, this change of routine has caught them of guard.” With a laugh the call was disconnected.

‘So, there is something about the shipment with the new computer programs. Why would anyone be interested in those imports?’ Rentap sat thinking for a fraction. “Osterwald.” Brought his secretary in.

“Sir?” Osterwald inquired.

“Bring in all the hard copy files on the ‘Semi-Mil-Empire, Con’ programs, along with the hard copy of the Retka Imports file, please.”

“Current ones, sir?”

Rentap considered for a fraction. “Last five shipments will do and the latest file on Retka.”

“Yes sir. It will take a while, maybe two periods or more, as only the current files are here.” Osterwald was somewhat hesitant. “I will have to have the other files brought over.”

A fractions thought. Then, “It will have to be done. See who is familiar with the files and send them Even if it one of the ladies and it probably will be. In that case send a man with her, but make it clear that whichever lady sent is responsible. If which man go’s with her has a problem with that, he will have to answer to me.”

Osterwald ra Tyrrel was flabbergasted. Never had he seen Rentap Dressiler in such a stern mood. Something was definitely up. This was troubling, especially as he had no idea what it was. The files requested gave an inkling so he decided to press, just a little.

“Sir, something is obviously troubling you.” That was as far as he got.

“Not right now, Osterwald. Later perhaps. Right now I have to concentrate.” Rentap stood up, walked to a refreshment bar built into the wall beside an informal seating area and poured a hot drink. “Bring me the files requested please, along with any other item that I need to look over.”

With a nod and a “Yes, sir”, Osterwald left. He was back in a fraction with that morning’s regular items. The sort that any owner of a business thinks that he has to deal with, but really doesn’t. “Sir I will be back with the files requested and the new documentation we were advised about.” His employer, reading electronic mail, nodded absently. A look of surprise and comprehension passed over his face as he read one item. Noticing this Osterwald paused. However Rentap went back to reading the mail.

Almost as tall as Rentap, Osterwald was a solidly built man from the southern part of Lepus Mal. His round face and shrewd eyes reflected his concerns only when he wanted them to. He was the perfect secretary for Rentap.

Outside Rentap’s office, Osterwald called the office manager over. “The master wants the last five hard copy files on the ‘Semi-Mil-Empire, Con’ programs along with the last two standard years hard copies of the Retka Imports file.” The look that appeared on the office manager’s face was full compensation for the shocks that Osterwald had received this morning.

“But, we only have the last year’s file for Retka and the last shipment of Empire data files.” The man was practically wringing his hands.

“Then get those immediately and report back as to who knows the best person is to retrieve the files from storage.” Waving his hands the office manager turned to leave.

Osterwald stopped him. “It does not matter if it is a man or a women. If it is one of the women, select a competent man to go with her. Have the pair you pick at my desk, with the files we already have in this office in point oh five, or less.” Turning he left the office manager standing in the corridor, his mouth open.

By the stated time, a man and a woman were standing at Osterwald’s desk. Behind them stood the office manager. ‘Two of the older long term employees,’ he noted. ‘Good, should be no problems then with these two.’ Wordlessly the woman handed over two slim metallic, coloured files. One red and one yellow. He took them and nodded.

“Good, thank you.” Their society stressed politeness. “You have both been told what the master wants?” They both answered yes. “Do you know where the files are located?”

“Yes.” The woman began to reply. “In the ...” That was as far as she got. Osterwald held up his hand.

“Good, you have two periods. Go and get them.” Looking at the male clerk in particular, he continued, “There will be no trouble. The master has stressed that any problems are to be brought to his attention and he will deal with the problem himself. Understand?”

The two clerks looked at each other and both replied, “Yes sir.” They were both cowed by Osterwald’s manner.

“Very good. Now be back by period eleven point five or sooner.” With this dismissal, the two hurried out, collected their street clothes, the necessary identifications, keys, security tabs, and left.

“You gave them plenty of time,” The office manager observed. “The storage unit is only two blocks away.”

“They may have difficulty in finding the correct files. Better to give them more time than not enough.” He looked at the Office Manager. His name was Narkupt ion Spectu and he was another long-time employee. “There will be further documentation coming from the Empire’s office regarding the next shipment. Bring it to me as soon as it arrives,” Osterwald said as he moved, carrying the files, to the private door that connected the two offices.

“Of course, Mr. Tyrrel.” Narkupt left.

Moving through the door to Rentap’s office, Osterwald handed over the two files. Rentap was deep in his correspondence, but still gave a thank you. He did not enquire about the search for the other files. That would be clear in two periods.