Dedicated to tootiredtowork. Your comment inspired it.
Author's Note: This story assumes the Lorcas traded places in 2255 before the Battle of the Binary Stars. It is a companion story to Terran Multiverse.
Terran (Mirror) Universe
2253 – Eighteen Months Before the Lorcas Switched Places
ISS Enterprise
On the Fringe of the Empire
"Number One, the deadline has expired. Have the Xaheans agreed to my demands?" Pike, Captain of the ISS Enterprise asked his first officer.
Her mouth twisted into a triumphant smile. "Yes. Queen Me Hani Ika Hali Po has reluctantly acceded to subjugation rather than the slow painful extermination of her people."
"Smart girl. Commence mining operations. Are the cargo ships in position to receive the dilithium crystals?"
"All but one, it is expected in two hours. A minor engine problem delayed them."
Pike's eyes narrowed, "Again? Once is a mistake, twice is negligence, a third time is unacceptable. Investigate. Find out if this is due to the captain's incompetence or the chief engineer's and then deal with it. Order another cargo hauler from Istari."
The rest of the bridge crew shivered. Commander Una 'dealing with it' was typically final, often fatal, and one of their night terrors.
He continued, "And remind the pit bosses the conditions in the mines are to be kept safe and the local workers fairly compensated. At all times they are to respect the indigenous peoples' spiritual relationship with their planet. This includes waiting for the priests to bless the mining sites and conducting the morning and evening gratitude rituals. Anyone one deviating from these rules will be severely and painfully punished."
"Yes sir," Number One answered.
"Nicola, open a ship wide channel," Pike ordered.
"Ready to broadcast sir."
"All hands. Xahea is mine. The natives are granted the privileges of my protection, self-governance, retaining their current Queen, worshiping as they choose, and living their lives without fear of harm from any who serve me. If you violate these rights I have granted them, you will see the inside of Isak's specially modified agony booth. There will be no repeat of Istar." Pike's voice grew menacing, "And I shall be displeased if further reminders are required."
Few survived the Security Chief's punishments with their bodies and minds intact. Number One knew there would be no further breaches of discipline towards the local populace.
Pike turned to his first officer, "I'll be in my quarters. Do not disturb me under any circumstances."
"Yes sir." He didn't have to add, 'not even if Empress Georgiou hails.' Few had the courage to ignore the Empress, but Una had learned Captain Pike does, and that his is true audacity rather than arrogance.
When the Empress gifted Enterprise to Pike, Commander Chin-Riley believed this was her chance to command the empire's flagship through a man considered to be a foolish pretty boy with little ambition or intellect, one good in bed with little else to recommend him. Rather than assassinate him, she decided Pike would be her protection, providing the aspiring a more tempting target. There would be side benefits as well, he could warm her bed.
She quickly learned that the image was carefully crafted by Pike himself and was maintained by his former crews because they were unreservedly loyal to him. And that the image is utterly untrue, except for the exquisite bedroom skills. In reality Enterprise's Captain is immensely ambitious and possesses the brilliance to make use of it. He has an ego the size of the Oort cloud but is also patient, careful, and without sentiment; methodically executing his decades' long plan for accumulating affluence and power. With his acquisition of Xahea, his wealth now exceeds the Empress'.
Pike can also be utterly ruthless if you unluckily or unwisely push him too far. Otherwise he is a benevolent dictator who prefers loyalty gained through reasonableness and trust rather than fear.
They are lovers as well. Not in a romantic or emotional sense, but physically, as equals who share similar desires and goals. It began two months after Pike joined Enterprise when he called her to his quarters. The summons had unnerved her as Pike never allowed crew in his personal rooms.
Chris laid out his proposal in his usual matter-of-fact style. "I don't ravish my crew or those I govern. Nor do I wish to be celibate or to have to watch my back when indulging in pleasure. You are a beautiful woman Number One. And I believe we are much alike in addition to wanting the same things. Shall we see to each other's needs?"
That was nearly five years ago. I may not command a vessel, but I am rich beyond my wildest dreams and possess far more privileges and authority than a mere ship's captain, she thought.
And now Enterprise was preparing to return to Earth.