An Emperor's Dilemma

by mandassina

A coda of sorts to the Dreams series with my co-author LoyaulteMeLie. Years have passed, and for Emperor Burnell, his throne is now as secure as he can make it - but how does he secure it for his dynasty? Full story is written and should be posted in its entirety within a week.

9. Epilogue 3: 30 Years Later

Epilogue 3 – 30 Years Later

Today is Empire Day, the culmination of a week of celebrations. In the Palace, awards are handed out to those who have earned them during the past year.

Prominent among them is a young Captain in the Imperial Fleet, Philippa Georgiou, receiving an award from Emperor Alfred Burnell the Just – an epithet the Emperor was able to earn only thanks to his father's iron will and ruthless politics in reforming the Empire so that justice and not the whims and will of powerful yet petty men could rule. In the history books, this remarkable man is remembered as Austin the Reformer.

Philippa is a young woman of exceptional ability and exceptional ambition. She takes the medal graciously, another to add to the many she already has. She has been an exceptional servant to the Empire since she stepped up to office, following in the footsteps of her father Edward. If anyone was to ask, her loyalty is unwavering and unquestionable. No one has ever suspected the rage and resentment boiling just beneath the surface of her calm and devoted exterior.

Edward never forgot or forgave the legal murder of his father Philip. Throughout her formative years, Philippa, his namesake, absorbed the legacy of that family bitterness. In due course, when she has gathered enough power, she will strike for revenge, bringing down the Burnell Dynasty and stepping up to become Her Most Imperial Majesty, Mother of the Fatherland, Overlord of Vulcan, Dominus of Qo'noS, Regina Andor, Philippa Georgiou Augustus Iaponius Centarius.

So, this is it. If you've enjoyed the story, please leave a review.