On the eve of the Empress’ visit was the Solstice.

As was the custom in the great household, all gathered together, this time in the grand ballroom, the massive space being appropriated for the celebration. In four hearths, spread at equal intervals along one wall, great fires blazed. Along the other wall stood massive and beautifully decorated Solstice Trees. The golden curtains on the windows had been opened, allowing for a view of the falling snow and the formal gardens beyond. Every inch of shrubbery covered in a beautiful layer of white.

Each year, Sienna made sure to gift the Halflings, and the Minis with new house livery, pants, shirts, shoes, levels of dress for every occasion from workday wear, to formal. In addition, each member of the household, high or low received a bonus of 2,000 credits. Money to be spent in any way they might please. Lastly, as the Mini’s lived separate within their own city, Sienna always gave them a choice of a mini sized ham, goose, or a turkey to have for their family feast.

A bit of formality, then dinner could officially begin. After seeing that wine was poured for all, Kyla stood and as she did so, the room fell silent. As well it should, the Viceroy was a commanding presence, dressed in her white Imperial tunic, midnight black pants with shined boots, and white cape.

Her crystal glass rose, “To Zeus and the Olympians” she toasted, her words being repeated by the multitude within the room.

“To the Empress, long may she reign.” Kyla’s enthusiasm appeared dampened to Sienna, and rightly so in her opinion. Looking about, it appeared none had noticed, a good thing.

“To our Empress.” All repeated.

“To our Empire, one flag, one land, one heart, one hand, one Realm evermore."

“To the Empire.” Replied all, before taking a drink.

Sienna rose from her chair. “To our Viceroy, long may she reign.”

All repeated the toast with vigor.

After a sip of wine, Kyla shifted from her place at the head of the table, handing the carving knife to Sienna. This was a loving tribute to her hard work in keeping the great household organized. As Sienna cut into the goose, so did the heads of departments at every table, from Halflings to Mini’s. Giant bird to the smallest, all were carved and served, the Solstice feast beginning in earnest.

“I am most impressed Viceroy,” Said the Governor of the European states. “Here under your roof, Colossi, Halfling, and even Mini’s are seen as equals.”

“Here they are, Governor.” Kyla looked to the woman while taking another sip. “All contribute to this household, and all contribute to the Empire, more outside these walls need to realize that.”

“You mean to say the Minis actually contribute?” The Governor of India asked. “At their size, what could they possibly do in such a grand estate?”

“You will note the beautiful light emanating from the chandeliers and sconces,” Sienna smiled at the woman…

“I do Lady Sienna.” the Colossi Governor responded.

“They wired them, as they are doing to the rest of this old manor.”

“They are running wire! Amazing!”

“Not just wiring.” Sienna added after a bite. “They have re-engineered the power system.”

“You’re joshing.”

“No Torquemada, they are.” Kyla defended. “And doing a dammed good job of it. Did you not see the city the Minis have built? The one I visited”

“I believed we had built it for them.” The small man replied.

Sienna laughed. “Wrong, they are quite inventive. Our little Minis, are doing a far better job than we have at city planning I daresay.”

“True…” the Governor of Southeast Asia agreed. “But they thrive only due to our protection.

“As does every Colossi, Governor.” Sienna leaned over a bit to look directly at the Woman seated a bit further down the long table. Think of it, when the Viceroy was in active service in our military, she defended all in the Empire to include every Colossi sitting at home fat and happy.”

“But, what of the Specks then?” asked Torquemada, I will admit, the display case you have them in is most impressive, but they truly do thrive only because of your beneficence Viceroy.

“Ah, you’ve all seen it then?” Asked Kyla of her Governors. Noting nods all round.

“It is most Impressive Viceroy. I was amazed at the cute little sea you’ve created, never having seen the tiny whales myself. The Governor of the Mongolian states spoke.

“All credit goes to my wife,” Kyla smiled at Sienna. Setting down her fork, she clasped her wife’s hand a moment.

“Even so, you must admit how hopelessly tiny and primitive they are.” Torquemada pressed. “Their whole world is currently displayed on your great State Dining Table for the amusement of our Empress when she visits tomorrow.”

“Perhaps, but, I am open to the idea that given the chance, they can evolve Torquemada.” Kyla set down her knife and fork to reach for her wine glass.

“Think of it,” Sienna began. “Within one Imperial year, I have watched them go from rooting round for seeds and berries, to farming and building villages. Why, they now have gained the ability to build structures out of rock, mortared together. It will be little time before they begin building with cut stones.”

“With due respect Lady Sienna, I say again they do so only due to your protection.”

Sienna nodded, acceding to Torquemada’s point.

“And truly, they live so short a span, what one Imperial year?” asked the Governor of the Pacific Rim states.

“While they live only a brief span, the knowledge they gather lives on beyond them. I think it only a matter of time before the specks learn of our language—“

“And of their true place in our world.” Added Torquemada, causing laughter amongst those as the table.

“And…” Kyla spoke fast, to cut off any biting retort from Sienna. “If they do demonstrate ability as Sienna hopes, rather than feeling smugly superior, we should applaud their achievement of taking a step into the wider world about them.”

“Fair enough Viceroy.” Torquemada agreed.

**
“Amarice you must sing!”

“Oh, no!” the Mini was aghast at the suggestion by those round her at the little table set upon the mantle of one of the great fireplaces. “My singing is best left for the shower.”
The Minis at table laughed as did Lady Sienna, standing near.

“You will not sing for your Viceroy?” Sienna feigned offence. “Refusing to add more joy to the evening?” All should hear how beautifully you sing.”

Now Amarice was in a spot. Taking cider glass in hand she took a long draught, causing all at table to laugh raucously. Even Lady Sienna and the Viceroy laughed.

“Come now, let me hear you sing girl.”

There was no backing out now, the Viceroy had ordered it.

Rising from the table Amarice, walked the short distance to where the orchestra was seated, her long formal dress swishing as she did so. Speaking a few words to the mini conductor, she was relieved when he, and the orchestra knew the tune.

Sienna led her wife out to the dance floor, the first dance being theirs due to long standing ceremony.

With a flourish of notes as introduction, the orchestra then paused as Sienna bowed low to the Viceroy.

Amarice stepped to one of many tiny microphones, clearing her throat with such awkwardness, all in the ballroom laughed.

She began soft.

“I am so awful timid, it is quite a painful thing.
And if you should look at me I really cannot sing;
So if you wish to hear my song, don't stare at me, I pray,
But place your hands before your eyes, and look at me this way.


It was a tune the Viceroy knew well, being that it was quite popular. In perfect time, she led Sienna in a fast step who smiled up at her in joy. The many Governors rose to the feet, right along with the Halflings and Minis, to all sing the chorus.

I'm so shy, I'm so shy, go away, sir, I'm so timid.
Don't intrude, don't be rude, get away, sir, no closer, sir.

Amarice found a bit more confidence, her voice reflecting it for the second stanza.

“I'm very fond of dancing, but I dare not meet the beaux,
For when at me they're glancing I blush down to my toes;
I never had a sweetheart yet but what I was afraid,
And if to me too close he'd get. Why this appeal I've made.”


“This is how I wish it could always be.” Said Sienna after a quick glance round the room. “All of us living together happily, seeing the other as equal to themselves.”

“I'm so shy, I'm so shy, go away, sir, I'm so timid.
Don't intrude, don't be rude, get away, sir, no closer, sir.”


“You are a dreamer Sienna. Praise be.” With a gesture, Kyla invited, the Governors and their small Colossi husbands to dance. Same with the Halflings and the Minis. Those unfortunate to not have a partner, clapped in time with the tune.

“I really can't endure it to be so awful shy,
I've often wished to cure it, but all in vain to try;
And when I wish to seem at ease, I blush and tremble so
That people notice me and tease, which makes it worse, you know.”

Amarice beamed as Lady Sienna winked at her.

“I'm so shy, I'm so shy, go away, sir, I'm so timid.
Don't intrude, don't be rude, get away, sir, no closer, sir.”

It was a night to be long remembered.

**I'M SO SHY. Copyright, 1885, by Chas. D. Blake & Co. **

**

In the sky above thousands of Imperial fighters, screamed though the air in massed formations. Higher above, the massive warships of the Imperial fleet hovered.

Kyla, Sienna, and Every single Governor knelt as the Empress stepped down from her shuttle.

“Rise, my servants.”

All did so.

“Your Imperial Majesty, a pleasure to have you visit.” Said Kyla as the two walked the long path toward the grand entrance to the estate. Sienna fell in behind, after her the many Governors strode.

The old woman said nothing, her wood cane tapping on the concrete as she walked.

Into the house they marched. The Empress stopping to gaze at the large portrait hanging in the entrance hall. A younger version of herself, astride a beautiful horse, dressed in all her regalia. A fanciful rendition, as she was far too big for any horse to bear.

Tucking a long strand of grey hair behind one ear, she looked down at the household servants lined up by department.

“You and Sienna were always so eclectic Viceroy.”

“How so Empress?”

“Of all my Viceroy’s and many Governors, you are the only one to employ so many Halflings. Most, like myself have long used robots, but here you are, trifling with actual living servants.”

“Majesty, I find that people provide warmth, robots are both cold and impersonal.” Sienna said from behind.

The old woman turned, steel grey eyes looking down at Sienna condescendingly.

“Your family was quite poor I hear, that you brought little to this marriage by way of dowry.”
“And this?” asked the Empress, “A pretty little babble,” her finger slid under the sapphire necklace worn by Sienna. “Costly too I should think.”

“A Solstice gift, majesty from my kind and generous wife.”

“There is more to love than money, Majesty.” Kyla defended respectfully. “Money alone gives little happiness, unless you use it to give some measure joy every now and then.”

“You’ve done well Lady Sienna. I hear your family is quite rich due to the indulgence of the Viceroy, they want for nothing it is said.”

“All true Majesty,” Sienna conceded while looking up as the 14 foot Empress, “but like myself all in my family chose to work, chose to contribute to our Empire.”

“My Empire.” Snapped the Empress while clasping her hands behind her to gaze down at the frightened Minis at her boots.

“What are these for then? Toys?”

“No, Empress. They are employed at the estate.”

“I doubt they are of much use. You indulge your wife too much Viceroy. A firmer hand is needed.”

Sienna bit her lip, to quell a cutting riposte.

“In any case, I will see how they perform during my time here.”

“I believe you will be pleasantly surprised, Empress.”

The old woman swept past. Walking to the grand stair, and up to her apartments.
Kyla did not fail to notice Sienna’s harsh look as the Empress departed.

**
All within the State Dining Room watched as the Empress, with Kyla standing behind made the announcement to all within the Empire.

“My people, I bring joyous news!” said the Empress with crooked smile. “Ships of our Empire have found livable planets far from our own Solar system. Three worlds, which I have directed to be colonized, more living space for our grand Empire.”

Under the lights of the cameras the Empress deliberately paused, allowing the news to sink in to those watching.

“Over the past three years, I have ordered a massive fleet constructed which will transport our people to these new worlds. These ships will lift off bearing not only Colossi, but Halflings and Minis as well. I place in charge of the mission my Viceroy to Eurasia and we all wish her much success!”

The feed was cut, and in the stunned silence which followed, the Empress moved to be seated. Her personal servants alone serving her dinner.

No toasts, no ceremony, just the gentle clinking of china.

“All the Halflings and Minis’ will be sent.” The Empress decreed.

Sienna nearly dropped her fork.

“All, Empress?” she gasped in shock.

“Yes.” The old woman said curt. “She doesn’t hear well does she?” Kyla remained stoic, but inwardly fumed.

“This planet.” The old Empress began, projecting her voice so as to be heard by all. “Will be finally rid of the weaker peoples so that we Colossi may live unhindered, free to grow larger and more powerful without their sapping our resources.”

Sienna was disheartened to hear applause from some of those at table.

“You may even take these worthless specks, Lady Sienna.” Reaching out, the old woman took one finger and ran it along the force field. The little things within running about madly due to her action.

“Why must you be so cruel to them?”

“They are weak, and useless, unworthy of respect.”

Kyla cringed, knowing she had used those same words many a time in describing the specks.
“But what gives us the right—“

“We are the biggest that is what gives us the right!” Reaching out the Empress suddenly struck Governor Baruon with a finger. It was Sienna who caught the Mini, keeping him from tumbling completely off the table.

“Are you alright? She asked, the little man held within her hand.

“My ribs have been broken.” He said clasping his side.

“You see my dear, weak and pathetic, with just a flick of a finger, I hurt him.”

Sienna could only look back at the old witch with hatred burning in her eyes.

“Careful of what you say next my dear, I would hate to see you in chains.”

“Might I be excused then most…gracious…Empress.” growled Sienna.

“Oh, why not, see to the health of your little toy.” The Empress raised her glass for a third time, a servant moving to fill it.

Sienna was up and gone…

“And you…” now the Empress' vitriol was directed solely at Kyla. “I watched your display in the mini city and was disgusted by the way you debased yourself, and my Empire, by actually treating these people as if equal.”

“The Empire has declared they are equal.” Kyla reminded.

“Would that I could, I’d strip all these little things of rights. My predecessor was a fool, thinking we could live as equals.” She pronounced to all at table. “Here my Viceroy, goes and visits their little city, speaks sweet words, and offers much flattery. Not a way for a true Colossi to act amongst those who are inferior.”

“I have defended this Empire, like a true Colossi.” Kyla said low.

“And I defended it since before you were born!” replied the Empress with contempt.

“Did you really think that you’d be able to out maneuver me?” the Empress sneered at Kyla. “I the elder lion, craftier and more able than you? You are just a young pup, easily defeated by one such as me.”

The old woman cackled smugly.

“I know well of your plan. An attempt to get my Viceroy’s to vote for you upon my death? Maybe try to get them to vote for my removal on the grounds of senility?”

“Yes.” Kyla said with force. “Nothing treasonous about that, as you have said you are the elder lion, having ruled for some 200 Imperial years.”

“Luckily I had good Torquemada to tell me of your bedroom whispers.” The Empress laughed again seeing the glare Kyla leveled at the man.

“Meet my new Viceroy of Eurasia.”

The little bastard smiled gleefully.

“Torquemada now rules, you are relieved Viceroy.”

Kyla sat numb…

“Tomorrow you shall report to the Baikonur Cosmodrome, There you will oversee arrangements for your imminent departure.”

“Also, please do take your servants, these Halflings and specks, I do not want them to dishonor this great home any longer.” Jeered Torquemada.

“Spoken like a true Colossi.” Added the Empress.

“Then, by your leave I shall depart,” Kyla moved to rise. The clasp of the Empress’ cold hand stopped her.

“Don’t fret my dear, by the time you reach this new world, I will be long gone and so will all present here tonight.”

“Why is that?”

Because your ships have only minimal warp drive. We could not have both quarters for so many millions, and a large warp drive. It will take a 1,000 years for you to reach your destination, as such, you will be placed in stasis. A 1,000 years will seem like a good night’s sleep to you.

“You condemn us all to a barren world.”

“No. You will find a fully habitable world, the robots you distain so much are hard at work, terraforming the landscape and building cities. The largest planet will be populated by Colossi, those weaklings among us that think much like your wife, that inferiors should have rights.

“Halflings and Mini’s will have cities on the moons.”

Kyla could hardly believe what she was hearing.

“Oh, one more thing said the Empress pleasantly. “The universe you find around you when you wake will be much smaller I bet. I’ve ordered the virus we Colossi carry to be placed on probes and sent to the farthest reaches of the galaxy. Why, you may find yourself shrinking as well when you reach the planet, I’ve ordered it laced again with the virus. I wish I could live to see you, the larger than life war hero, the great Kyla, small as a speck.”

“Maybe,” replied Kyla with an evil smile. “Or maybe it will cause us to grow bigger?”

Her words gave the Empress pause.

“Take her and the rest in this household to the Cosmodrome.” Ordered Torquemada.

Guards immediately surrounded Kyla who was hauled away.

“Don’t you worry about making an enemy?” asked the nearby Governor of India. “Sending her off to—“

“You forget, we have a thousand years to advance while our enemies stand still.” Replied the Empress. “Much as I hate to admit, Kyla is a most efficient manager, her hatred of me will spur her on to create an amazing society. In a 1,000 years our people shall be even bigger, able to conquer their planet with hardly lifting a thumb.”

Those round the table laughed.

“A toast!” The Empress rose and all at table followed.

“To an Earth free of vermin!”