Terran (Mirror) Universe

2253 – Eighteen Months Before the Lorcas Switched Places

Imperial Summer Palace

Kyoto, Japan

Philippa Georgiou grabbed the nearest breakable and flung the large vase across the room. Her chancellor, who had served the Empress for many years and was intimately familiar with her mercurial moods, nimbly dodged the projectile before it crashed into his skull. Her Most Imperial Majesty, President of Terra, Overlord of Vulcan, Dominus of Qo'noS, Regina Andor, Praetor of the Romulan Star Empire, Arana Rey of Tholia, Grand Nagus of Ferenginar, Kai of Bajor, Tzarina of Ishari, Khan of Khans, Huntress of the Forests, Daughter of the Moon, Keeper of the Sun, Mother to her People (the chancellor found that honorific particularly amusing), Maiden of the Mists (this was his second favorite), Ore-Sama, Meijin, Kensei, yada, yada, yada hissed, "Sarek and that slut escaped? What incompetent and short-lived fool presided over this debacle?"

"It is believed the Lady Amanda was alerted by an unknown source and warned her husband."

Philippa shook her finger at the chancellor. "She is no longer the Lady Amanda. She and her immediate family forfeited everything when she renounced her lineage and heritage and bonded with an inferior."

"Are you angry because she chose a slave as a mate or that she did so without your imperial permission?"

"Yes," was the surly answer.

"May I repeat all other members of the rebel cell were captured, tortured until they provided valuable information, and then executed."

Philippa scowled. "You may not. Entertainment value aside, torture serves little purpose, and anything gleaned as of a result of it is rarely credible."

Her tone turned menacing, and her eyes narrowed. "Who is responsible for this failure?"

"Captains Lorca and Burnham. Your favored field marshal and your adopted daughter."

"How disappointing."

The chancellor tsked. "At the risk of depleting your collection of rare Ming vases, may I suggest waiting for Michael's explanation before rushing to unsubstantiated conclusions?"

"Old man, do not push too far. Your status as my grandmother's last favorite will only protect you up to a certain point."

He shrugged then saluted. "I serve the mighty Terran empire. Sometimes speaking truths is required. If that separates my head from by body, so be it. I have lived a long and privileged life."

Philippa glared before conceding. "Very well. When do they return?"

"In a week sire."

"What news from your spies?"

"There is unrest among the peoples of the ice floes on Andor. The local governor has neglected to include this in her reports."

"Instruct the deputy governor to eliminate her. If he deals with the problem swiftly and to my satisfaction, he may be granted the post in her stead, as well as her titles and lands."

"May I sit in your presence? As you reminded, my bones are aged." Receiving permission, the chancellor gratefully sank into a chair and continued, "I caution you Andor's current governor is a favored niece of Prince Baden."

"And an addled one. He is growing too confident of his power and status; this will serve as a potent reminder of whom he owes his fortunes to."

"It will be done." Choosing an item that would lift the Empress' mood before switching their conversation to naming a successor the chancellor reported, "Enterprise has passed the nearest long-range beacon in our warning net. She is on a direct course for Terra and should arrive within the next two months."

"Ah. Pretty Pike. Too bad Christopher isn't cleverer, then he could have been the father of the next Empress. Yet he always indulges me with such exquisite gifts and pets. And he is very loyal. If his conquests from this mission please me … he shall have a suitable reward." Philippa's lips curled into a satisfied smile. "Yes, my handsome Captain shall be gifted with one of my favorites while Enterprise is prepped for its next deep space tour. Perhaps even her … but only if he pleases me very, very much."

"That is generous, but has he any thoughts to read?" The chancellor inquired with a raised eyebrow, indicating his own conclusions on the subject.

The Empress laughed. "Is that jealousy I hear, my dear former tutor? You have served me well and shall be indulged with the same gift. Discerning your thoughts will present a greater challenge for her, will it not? And she can be exceedingly gentle … if that is what you desire."

The chancellor rose and bowed deeply. "You honor me sire."

"That is all. You may leave my presence. I shall send her to you tonight."

Philippa rose and went to stand before the life-sized portrait of her immediate predecessor, Empress Hoshi Sato, the first female in the history of the empire to rule without a male consort and Philippa's beloved grandmother. She traced the painting with her fingertips. "Sonkei sa reru o bachan."

Philippa did not voice her thoughts out loud. Even in the private throne room, the walls listened.

How easily a lustful old man can be distracted. I am not yet ready to name an heir and that is all Chancellor Afsah wishes to discuss at the moment. I miss your wise counsel obachan. How do I best protect our empire?

I groomed Michael all these years to succeed us. Though she is not a child of my body, her soul and mine are connected and have traveled together many times and in many places. Yet now I am unsure. I hesitate. Something is different about her. It is unlabeled, unnamed, but there.

Sannan is the child of my body. But when he matures will he be strong enough to wield power? I am unsure, judging character is difficult with the very young. If he inherits and embraces his paternal heritage, as well as mine, he will be dauntless and formidable. Mighty. A true heir to both you, obachan, and me. He will continue living in hiding until I am convinced of the correct path. Only a handful know of his existence, and all are loyal to me.

I will observe Michael over the next few months and then decide.

A/N: obachan means grandmother, Sonkei sa reru o bachan means revered grandmother.