I thought it was about time that there was a fic about the excellent UK comedy Yes Minister. So I took the task on myself and her is the first installment of what I'm planning on being quite a few!

I thought that it was time that Bernard got a good storyline. And perhaps some romance??? With the help (or should that be hinderance?) of the Minister and Sir Humphrey!

Disclaimer - I don't own any of the character's from "Yes Minister." Obviously I'm not old enough to!!!

The Departmental Affair

Sir Humphrey Appleby entered the office of the Minister of Administrative Affairs in the most jovial of moods. Not only had Cabinet approved plans for a multi-billion pound budget for the DAA for that year, he was about to take a new member to the Service under his wing. Not even the eminent meeting with Jim Hacker – the minister – could destroy his mood.

"Good morning Minister," he said with a grin as he sauntered up to Jim's desk.

"Ah Humphrey," replied Jim. "I trust the news of the approval of our new budget greets you well?"

"Indeed Minister, indeed," replied Humphrey. He looked around him.

"Bernard not here yet?" he enquired, knowing full well the answer.

"No," said Jim frowning slightly. "It's not like him to be late."

"Yes Minister," agreed Humphrey. "And today isn't a good day to be late is it Minister?"

Jim looked worried. What had he forgotten or not been informed of this time?

"I'm sorry?" he asked.

"I am of course referring to your new Private Secretary," said Humphrey smiling.

"But I already have a Private Secretary," said Jim, confused. "Bernard."

"Ah but our new boy is going to be Assistant Private Secretary," said Humphrey.

"Why on earth do I need an assistant Private Secretary," asked Jim. "Isn't Bernard up to the task?"

Humphrey's smile faded a little – he didn't approve of Minister's criticising his staff – that was after all, his job!

"Well Minister," said Humphrey. "As I'm sure you're aware, my depart... I mean our department has grown in considerable strength since you became Minister and we have many more responsibilities than with the previous government. You only have to think – parliamentary affairs, local government, Minister responsible for the Arts... the list goes on."

"Yes, yes I see that Humphrey, but why do we need to take on yet more staff?" asked Jim.

"Because Minister," said Humphrey, beginning to sound a little irritated. "We need more staff to fill the places created by new responsibilities. I should have thought that it was quite obvious."

"Yes, obvious," echoed Jim, though he didn't see why it was so.

"Anyway," continued Humphrey. "We have a new Assistant Private Secretary starting today and I have it on good authority from Arnold that he's a real high-flyer."

"High-flyer?" asked Jim.

Humphrey sighed. The Minister really was so dense at times. He allowed himself a private smile, no better make that at all times!

"A good Civil Servant," he explained. "Destined to go far, maybe even become a Permanent Secretary one day."

"Oh, someone like you, mean," said Jim grimly.

Humphrey gave him a reproachful look.

"What may I ask do you mean by that Minister?" he asked.

"Nothing Humphrey," replied Jim. "Nothing at all."

To be contined...

To Laura - you know my secret and share my love of this excellent programme!