The Emperor paced the space in front of her thorn as she continued to think of solutions. Slaves entered the room and quickly cleaned up the mess. Maintenance work had to be done on the throne room to bring it back to it's previous state, but that would be done in a matter of hours.
A young female officer approached the throne and gave the Terran salute to the Emperor and knelt on one knee. "You have summoned me Mother of the Fatherland."
"Yes. I need you to get a list of all the personal enemies of T'Latya on Vulcan. I will be choosing the next Governor of Vulcan from that list."
The officer looked like she was about to speak and the Emperor was curious what she was going to say, "Speak!"
"Emperor, if you will allow me?"
"Continue. My patience is wearing thin."
"Why must the next governor be from a list of T'Latya's enemies?"
The Emperor frowned deeply, "You really want your life to end don't you? No one questions me. But if you must know it is to bring punishment to T'Latya's crimes against me."
The officer remained silent, but looked like she wanted to speak. The Emperor wanted to know why. "You may respond, officer."
"Would it not be more important to pick someone the Vulcan people respect? One wrong choice out of spite could make you lose complete control of Vulcan, and maybe the entire Terran Empire."
Empress Sato could almost see red. She craved to see the officer's blood spilt on the floor, "Ha! How dare you! You act as if you are one of my advisors. Who said I was loosing control of Vulcan? Let alone the Terran Empire! I will do as I please and I will no longer listen to your insolence and stand here as you disrespect me."
The officer's eyes were wide with fear and they tried to speak, but Sato III took out her phaser and fired at the officer. They were dust in a matter of seconds.
She deviously smiled at the work she had just accomplished. There was truth in the words of the dead officer. She had to choose a governor wisely, but she told herself that she came to that conclusion on her own and they were not from the words of a dead Terran. Yes. It was her own idea. It was enough of a vengeance to put someone in the Governor's spot that wasn't T'Latya. That alone was enough to make T'Latya pay for her crimes. She smiled to herself thinking how brilliant she was.
She pushed a button on the side of her throne. "Admiral Abarca."
"Yes, Emperor."
"Bring the Council of the Governors' Circle together. I want them here in 2 days. Understood?"
"What message would you like me to relay, Your Imperial Majesty?"
"Tell them it is time to fill the empty seat in the council."
"I will do so with haste. Long live the Terran Empire."
The comm was cut and the Emperor walked to her lounge area in the palace. A Kelpian slave started to fan her and give her food. "Slave retrieve my Orion pets, and bring two of them."
The Kelpian slave bowed and left the room. The Emperor smiled to herself. Soon she would be in control of the Vulcans and they would worship at her feet. She laughed as she envisioned a Vulcan kissing her individual toes.
2 days later...
Stardate: 2227.25
Emperor's Palace
Chamber of the Governors' Circle
"You're a damned fool, Andrus! The Emperor asked for a proper candidate for Governor of Vulcan, not some old worn bag of dust!" The Fleet Admiral replied.
Fleet Admiral George Kirk glared at the Betazed Governor, Andrus Grax.
Governor Grax only countered his statement, "You let your rage get in the way of proper discussion, Fleet Admiral. I was only suggesting a safe option."
Shukar, the Governor of Andoria, sneered at the conversation that was taking place. "Andrus, you are too proper. Rage is what fuels the Terran Empire. Or have you forgotten? Besides Fleet Admiral Kirk is correct, why would the Emperor elect L'Saya of the Zyn Lor. She is at least 170 years. She would get murdered in a matter of hours. We need someone with more youth and bloodlust. Someone who would glory in battle and rally the people of Vulcan together."
Andrus Grax remained silent and turned his head. "I have no more to say if you will not listen to my suggestions."
Fleet Admiral Kirk laughed, "Andrus, let go of your pride. We need to find a solution soon."
Governor Gav of Tellar chimed in, "As if you can speak Kirk! You of all Terrans have the most pride. Andrus was only trying to help the Empress."
"Gav, you son of a bitch!" Kirk slammed his fist to the table and the tableware and platters rattled against the surface.
The Tellarite governor growled, "I think it best you remain quiet Fleet Admiral. You are but a mere child. So young. You aren't even a governor."
Kirk laughed, "Empress Sato wanted the head of the Imperial Starfleet involved in important Terran Empire matters. My opinions are of equal value. Are they not, Empress Sato?"
Kirk turned his head to look at the Emperor who was lounged on a plush seat. She looked amused, and she took a sip of her wine. She laughed, "Please continue. I do love entertainment at my dinners. I suggest you eat while you talk. This meal is too glorious to waste. Especially since it is my hospitality. I don't think any of you want to lose a spot in the Council of the Governors' Circle? Delta IV, Rigel and Cordian lost their spots, and we know what that outcome is like. See that empty chair in that corner. We need to fill that vacancy and I suggest you come up with more options. "
The Governors' Circle consisted of the Emperor's most trusted advisors. Not all governors were a part of this special council. All major planets had a governor and acted under the Empress but only some planets had the honor to be represented in this council. It meant more credits, a strong Starfleet presence, and ultimately more power in the Terran Empire for those planets.
Fleet Admiral Kirk smiled, "Of course, Empress. This meal is exquisite. And may I commend you on your good taste for putting Phillipa Georgiou as Captain of the ISS Forge. I never did like T'Latya."
"You flatter me Kirk. I know I have good taste. I suggest you continue eating and listing options for the next Vulcan governor."
Kirk nodded and took another bite of the meal in front of him. The Andorian looked like he had something to say.
Governor Shukar spoke, " I suggest we pick Sitar of the Alar-sen-dasmeen. Sitar is currently in charge of the VSA. He is a theoretical scientist, highly intelligent and well-respected."
The Tellarite spoke up, "A theoretical scientist? Sounds like a disaster. It means he thinks in theory. I bet you he is a part of the Ak'spar! What about V'Latak of the Krivakh?"
Shukar spoke in defense, "V'Latak? A rich boy with a Vulcan shell but not much intellect even within his own species. We might as well say goodbye to Vulcan with that."
Kirk spoke, "I'm liking Sitar over V'Latak. Emperor?"
The Emperor gave off a haughty air, "None of these Vulcans seem like the right fit. Andrus, you seem awfully quite. I know you can just hear the cacophony of all our thoughts. You must have an opinion."
Governor Grax spoke, "Empress as always you are right. All these Vulcans are average options. Governor Skon was well-liked and I fear that these other options won't do."
A snide remark from Kirk disrupted Andrus' explanation, "Andrus, you only say that because you got along so well with Skon."
Andrus felt his patience wearing thin with Kirk, "That is besides the point, Fleet Admiral," He turned to look at the Empress, " My suggestion is why don't you elect his son, Sarek, Empress? It would be more of a succession rather than placing someone foreign in the position of governor. He is more familiar to the Vulcans and you know how steeped in tradition they are."
Gav spoke, "Why would we put the son of a traitor in the Governor's seat? You are biased! All of us know you had a close relationship with Skon. We need someone with a coolness like the planet of Tellar and an icy glare like the snowcaps of Naarg."
Governor Shukar interjected, "Skon was not a traitor but framed as one! Gav, you revel in the glory of your 'ice world' too frequently. You forget that one part of the planet actually has vegetation and an open body of water! The truest ice world is that of Andoria!"
"Shukar, must you always state the superiority of your world's weather conditions over mine?"
The Empress was no longer entertained by the old debate that existed between the two governors. "Silence!"
The governors immediately closed their mouths and looked nervous; they knew better than to test the Emperor. The Empress scowled at the Tellarite and Andorian.
Then she turned to the Betazoid, "As always Governor Andrus, you have my best interest in mind. I have decided that is the Vulcan I will decree as Governor. As a reward I will give you 1 million credits."
The look on Kirk's face was pure envy. He looked over at Andrus who gave him a knowing look. It only pissed him off further.
Kirk spoke, "Ok I agree. Skon's son is the perfect choice, but what about that peace offering."
"Gift him a personal set of guards," replied Gav.
The Empress spoke, "Ludicrous thought, Governor Gav. That only benefits him personally. It needs to benefit Vulcan and bridge the Terran Empire with them."
Kirk murmured silently, "Hmm...bridged."
Andrus was reading his train of thought and spoke before Kirk could put his thoughts to words, "Why don't we offer him a bride?"
Kirk slammed his fist to the table, "You took that idea from me, Andrus!"
"I did not. We both arrived to the same conclusion."
Kirk gritted his teeth, "Ha!"
Emperor Sato laughed, "There is a healthy amount of tension in this room. Good. Is Skon's son married, Andrus?"
"No, his last wife was branded a traitor and executed. Remember the first candidate for captain of the ISS Forge?"
"Ahh, yes I remember. That was a couple years ago. She deserted in battle a week before she was supposed to take the ISS Forge on its maiden voyage. So Skon's son does not have a bride then?"
"As far as I know, he does not. It shouldn't be just any bride though. I think it should be a Terran bride."
Multiple gasps reverberated on the walls of the room. Kirk's face wrinkled in disgust, "No one marries outside of their race! Ha! That is unheard of and disgusting. Why would I want a Terran mixing our blood with a Vulcan! I can't even imagine what a half-pint half breed would even look like."
The Empress looked unimpressed by the reactions of Andrus' peers and ignored them, "Governor Grax. You have a point. Why would we give him a Vulcan as a bride? That does not sound like a peace offering. What better way to bridge the two worlds than with a marriage. It needs to be a woman who is equal in social and political power to Skon's son."
Kirk tried to discourage the Emperor, "Empress you are right, but why would any Terran father let you take one of their daughters and marry them off to a damn Vulcan? Especially the wealthy and powerful. There would be a revolt on Terra!"
"Kirk. I suggest you silence yourself if you want to live another day! Can't you see that Governor Grax and I are having a conversation? How dare you interrupt me!"
Kirk's face turned pale white, "Forgive me of my insolence, Empress. Please continue your conversation."
Andrus spoke, "We wouldn't be able to take a daughter of high social status. Do we have any high-profile female prisoners that would work? Kirk?"
"Hardly. They are all in correctional camps or they are delusional."
It remained silent for a moment as everyone gathered their thoughts. Governor Gav's face lit up with an idea, "Remember Admiral Grayson?"
The Empress narrowed her eyes, "How could I forget? His action were the beginning of this whole mess with Vulcan."
Gav continued, "He had a daughter. Admiral Grayson is dead and he was well-respected before he betrayed the Terran Empire. His daughter had to be raised in high society. He isn't alive to stop the marriage."
Governor Shukar contributed, "In a way, it could work as a continued prison sentence for the woman. The Terran Empire could strip her citizenship from Terra and make Vulcan her home world. It would be a good way to purge her from her birth planet. Who know's what that Vulcan will do with her. Do we know if she is still alive?"
Kirk spoke, "The ex-Admiral's daughter's should be. Commander Robau is over the prison located in San Francisco and he would know more than me."
Empress looked at Kirk, "I suggest you leave and personally find that information. Time is of the essence! Go!"
Kirk stood without question and gave the Terran salute, and left the room.
The Empress let out a slow laugh, "I think this is a delightfully sinful idea, the daughter of a traitor marrying a Governor to Vulcan. A slave bride like that of old Earth history. There is great irony since both their fathers were executed the same night."
Shukar used his blue hand to grab his cup and took a sip of wine, "Everyone one loves a good intergalactic wedding. This will be the wedding of the century. This is the perfect thing to put on the Official Imperial Holonews."
Governor Gav took his glass, "A toast to the Mother of the Fatherland, the Overlord of Vulcan, Regina Andor, Sovereign Tellar, our Imperial Majesty for her genius and cunning."
The governors' raised their glasses, "To the Emperor!"
The Emperor was always pleased by pomp and circumstance done in her honor. She smiled wickedly at their submission. Vulcan was practically in her control and that thought alone made her feel powerful.
City: San Francisco
Terran Empire High Security Correctional Facility
Amanda wiped the blood that was on her mouth. It was a warm oozing liquid and she could feel it run down the side of her face. Her eye sight had been practically taken from her. She wasn't blind but her vision was horrendous. Her eyes could make out blurry faces and silhouettes. She could not read even if the Imperial Starfleet officers tried to force her.
She had no idea how long she had been in this prison but she started to keep track of the days based on when they fed her. They only gave her a meal once a day. She plucked one strand of hair and placed it in the same corner of the room to mark each meal. She could feel them to calculate how many days had actually passed. Making marks on the walls wouldn't do her any good because she wouldn't have been able to see them. She had decided that she had been in this place for roughly 16 days or so. It could have been more, and it felt like an eternity. Amanda thanked her luck that she wasn't on that weird drug at the moment. Every other day or so they injected her with it and the spot they put the hypo in was starting to get a little sore. Amanda decided to call it "LSD Truth Juice" because that is what it did. She had seen everything from tribbles to raptors. In those moments she would see and hear so many things it was overwhelming. Yet the truth they got out of her was the same. She was not a traitor!
There were two instances within her first 3 days in this hell hole where they used a Centaurian slug on her. It was so painful to have a parasite latch onto her brainstem. She passed out both times. Pain and agony had become a part of her daily life as the guards tried to take the little sense of hope and perseverance she clung too. The light torture happened twice a day and it got to the point that whenever Amanda saw any bright light source she flinched. She cried herself to sleep the first few nights in her prison cell until she had no more tears to shed.
On her fourth day, she got beaten by Imperial Starfleet Officers because she continued to say she wasn't a traitor. She might have broken a rib then and she was still sporting sore spots on her body from that beating. Breathing too deeply was painful still. After that particular beating they threw her in an agonizer for what felt like her whole life. No one saw her as a human being here.
Amanda was getting weak physically and even mentally. It was hard to find hope in the worst of circumstances. Her body was starved and she could feel her ribs starting to show through her skin. She could feel her cheek bones protruding more. There was always a pang of hunger present in her stomach. She found herself thinking about food frequently.
She was innocent and she was being treated like some of the Terran Empire's worst criminals. Amanda was always taught to believe in the Terran Empire and that the Empire was doing a great work in the galaxy. But this prison, these fours walls and this torture chamber could have only been built by the most deplorable of humanity. It was so void of any real human interaction and it only perpetuated the inconceivable truth that this place was a magnate for those who seek immense pleasure from the pain of others. The anger she felt at the Terran Empire was real and raw. This was the reality of it. She wondered how she could have been so disillusioned her whole life. How everyone was so disillusioned. Was this how her father felt?
Growing up she had such a beautiful life, she was so privileged. She did not realize it until just recently. Amanda knew her next stop would be to a correctional camp. They had nothing left to take from her. And she knew she would die there soon after. Her eyesight was poor and that meant her proficiency as a worker would put her at a huge disadvantage. She frequently found herself mentally holding up both her middle fingers at the Terran Empire. It made her angry when she thought about it too long. She needed to blame something and the Terran Empire deserved every ounce of her anger.
Amanda had no other contact with any of the other prisoners near her. She only knew them by their familiar screams as she was getting escorted to her interrogation sessions. Once in a while she would hear a new scream, but what gave her chills was when one that was present for the past couple days disappeared. She wondered if she would be one of the screams that would pass into oblivion soon. In her moments of the extreme pain she really did want there to be an end and sometime she saw the only way out through death. Amanda had a hard time accepting the fact that she would die young and never live a life as a free Terran, but she realistically knew that was the truth.
The blood trickling down her face brought her back to the present moment. She looked at her dirty and soiled prisoner jumpsuit. Her hair was starting to clump together from not being washed. The aching of her muscles and the sore places where new welts were now forming reminded her of the constant presence of pain she had to endure. Her last interrogation was with the evil man she decided to call, "Mr. Hell Wagon." The nickname gave her some semblance of humor and personal revenge for the man who was treating her so poorly. The female lieutenant was always present and Amanda lovingly called her "Lieutenant Kiss Ass." She never addressed them as such but they were called that in her own ruminations. At times she really wanted to voice them aloud.
The interrogation was relatively the same and nothing was different about it. She was hit and thrown around and she would defend herself, but the last words of the man were "This is our final goodbye. Do enjoy your new home."
It made a shiver go down Amanda's spine as she recalled the words. She heard her door slide open and she winced when she stared at the bright light source. She felt some fear that they had brought the light torture to her cell and this may have been what the man had meant.
Instead, a man walked into her cell she could not make out his appearance completely. She knew it was an Imperial Starfleet officer based on the colors of the uniform. The man had blond hair but she couldn't make out the details of his face.
The man approached her space and grabbed her face harshly. She started to shake but tried to keep her breathing calm.
"You are Amanda Grayson. Correct?"
Amanda managed to make out a reply. She kept thinking this was it. She was going to die here, right now, "Y-Yes."
"I'm Fleet Admiral George Kirk. Your prison sentence at this correctional facility has come to an end, but your punishment will not end here."
Amanda almost sobbed. She knew it. The head of Starfleet came just to rub it in her face. She was getting sent to a correctional camp.
She could hear the twisted smile in Kirk's voice, "Your punishment isn't what you think. No, it may be far worse. By decree of the Emperor you will be given as a bride to the new Governor of Vulcan. You are no better than the Orions and Deltans that are sex trafficked throughout the universe. You will be the first involved in a disgusting union between the two worlds. On top of this we will revoke your citizenship to Terra. You are now a Vulcan citizen."
Amanda had no words to say. She was trying to process this information. Was this some sick joke? It took her a moment to come to terms with the question. Only the Terran Empire would do something like this. Kirk violently let go of her face.
"In two days you will be cleaned off and shipped to Vulcan to live out the remainder of your days. You look like filth and smell horrendous. Maybe we should just give you to the Vulcan like this? It would be comical, but I won't stop the plans the Emperor has for you."
The Fleet Admiral left through the door and it slid shut. Amanda didn't know if it was worse to go to a correctional camp or become a sex slave. Amanda's face went white and she felt nausea. She had heard stories of male Vulcans raping their wives. They didn't feel emotions and she knew that sex had to be a power thing for them. They had no concept of love and that scared Amanda. She would be forced to have sex with an old man. Governors were always old men. The thought made her want to throw up.
Amanda could not believe that she was no better than a prostitute or sex slave. She was the daughter of an Admiral and a talented linguist. She had been exposed to some of the most respected people in the Terran Empire. She received her education from some of the most prestigious schools. Whoever this Vulcan was, would he even respect her mind? Her intellect? She told herself that it probably wasn't the case. A single tear ran down her cheek and onto the cold ground. No one married outside of their race. Amanda had hoped to get married one day to someone she loved and trusted. That dream wasn't something she thought about recently because she never thought she would get to that point in her life. But that didn't stop the dull aching emotion that filled her chest. More tears spilled from her as a sob escaped her mouth, and she shook uncontrollably from her weeping. Her heart mourned over the loss of a future that couldn't be hers and the fate that was forced upon her.
Author's Note:
Hello! I've been busy with work and life. I spent a good deal of time looking at the outline of this story and refining it. I struggled writing this chapter but decided to post it anyways.
Sorry for not updating sooner.
As a side note, I have been envisioning James Frain's Sarek and Mia Kirshner's Amanda from Star Trek: Discovery.
Thanks to everyone who reviewed last chapter. It means the world to me and motivates me to keep writing this story. Please leave a review and let me know what you think!