In The Mirror.. Dinner With A Side Of Ambition!

Imperial Governor Solomon Cooper entertains his guests with a wonderful dinner and delicious spirits. My OCs by www.deviantart.com/s2ka He has become famous for his dinner parties over the years having entertained guests from the Emperor Philippa Georgiou to Romulan diplomats, to various starship captains. Other Imperial governors make it a point to vie for a dinner invitation from the Governor of Vulcan, but only a select few receive one. 

This evening Captain Providencia Castro sits beside her old captain, now the Terran Imperial Governor of Vulcan, for dinner at the same table the late Emperor Georgiou dined at many times. Castro is more than aware of the significance of where she is sitting and the feeling of pride wells up within her. She has dined many times with Cooper in the past when he was captain of the ISS POTEMKIN but this is the first time she's done this with him as the governor of Vulcan. Castro knows that this is much more than a dinner invitation. The governor has already told her about the grave situation the TERRAN EMPIRE finds itself in and has hinted at actions he's prepared to take. 

Next to the governor, T'Var, his 'concubine' and companion sits quietly listening to the small talk between the three Terrans. As his concubine, she knows her place is to be silent in public, look beautiful, and only speak when spoken to. However T'Var is much more than 'arm candy' for a powerful man. She is his most trusted advisor and confidant. She is also his conduit to the Vulcan people. Through her and her contacts in the underground movement, he has been able to bring this troublesome planet and its people to heel without much bloodshed or brutality. T'Var had been sent by the underground to spy on Cooper when he took over the governor's posting seven years ago. She was carefully placed in the governor's household as a servant. She came to his attention a few weeks after his arrival when she 'accidentally' spilled the brandy she was pouring on the commander of the governor's bodyguard regiment during an informal meeting with the governor. That officer had been making derogatory remarks about the Vulcan people at the moment T'Var was pouring him a drink. He was outraged and tried to kill her with his dagger when the governor intervened, sparing her life. Later that day Cooper had T'Var brought to him in his office and he questioned her at length. She answered his questions frankly and honestly, when he asked her for her opinions on various subjects dealing with the Vulcan people, she was clear and concise with her answers. They conversed for hours that day and finished late that evening. 

The next day Cooper had T'Var begin training as his body servant which she initially found distasteful, but after getting to know the governor's martial habits and discipline routines, she found them tolerable and the man himself surprising. T'Var learned that Cooper has a great understanding of the Vulcan species, their culture and their history. She found out that he had spent many years on Vulcan as a child when his father was posted here as a bodyguard officer for a former governor. He had been tutored by the Vulcan educator Sarek of Shi Kahr and learned not only how to speak the Vulcan language, but the teachings of Surak as well. This impressed T'Var and she became more intrigued with him. Cooper often had her attend him during meetings with Vulcan leaders and on numerous occasions he would ask for her opinions on the matters discussed. That would sometimes annoy the leaders but after a time they realized she had some influence on him, they became more amiable towards her. Those same Vulcans grew to rely on her to bring their requests and problems to the governor for consideration. Cooper, on the other hand, began to rely on her insight into the needs and wants of the Vulcan people. They began spending alot of time together in the governor's off time having deep philosophical discussions on the Terran occupation of Vulcan and the near enslavement of the Vulcan's themselves. T'Var argued for Vulcan autonomy, freedom and self rule. Things that any Terran would consider subversive and treasonous, punishable by painful death. She was astonished to learn that Cooper honestly agreed with her on that matter but was more of a pragmatist. He favors Vulcan self rule and freedom, but he wants them to remain a part of the Terran Empire, possibly as allies with full citizenship and representatives in the Imperial Senate. Cooper believes that a free and willing Vulcan would be much more of an asset to the Empire than a subjugated one. He surprised her when he stated that if the same offer was made to the Andorians, Tellarites, Denobulans, and Betazoids, the Terran Empire would be far stronger than it is today and the constant rebellions would cease. He even brought this idea up to the Emperor on more than one occasion only to be rebuked the first time then later she seemed more open to it after non Terrans helped expose Gabriel Lorca's insurrection. They hunted down and captured many of his collaborators turning them over to Terran loyalists. 

T'Var and Solomon Cooper grew closer as time went by. She went through her first Pon Farr and mated with him by choice. She understood that by Terran law they could not marry but chose to join with him anyway, becoming his wife in every way but one. Now she sits at the table as the future of the Terran Empire is discussed.

Dr. Ashley on the other hand happily indulges in drinking the many different liquors on the governor's table. He has had his Vulcan servants pour some of the rare vintage Romulan Ale for his guests, filling their glasses with the attractive blue liquid. While most of the diners have barely touched the strong liquid, Ashley has already finished two glasses and is working on her third. She has already cast a covetous glance at the other liquors, quickly sampling the Saurian brandy and the 300 year old Scotch. Ashley sighs as the liquors course warmly through her veins and she begins to relax. Her former brother-in-law always knew how to set a table and has unparallelled taste when it comes to spirits. When the invitation to dinner from him reached her on the POTEMKIN, she was instantly excited and happily looked forward to the entire meal. If Ashley felt even a little apprehensive about anything it would be how her sister, Cooper's former wife, had betrayed him and ruined their marriage. She had taken up with one of his rivals and attempted to denounce him to Imperial Starfleet Command for abandonment, a charge that could have ruined his career. The intervention of the Emperor herself prevented these charges from being lodged and an Imperial investigation uncovered the conspiracy against Cooper. Ashley quickly disavowed any knowledge of her sister's actions, which was the truth, and was spared any retribution. She has always liked Solomon Cooper and was angered by her sister's selfish and short sighted betrayal. She hadn't really spoken to him after all was said and done. Her sister was spared the death penalty because if Cooper's intervention with the Emperor. He was granted a divorce and Ashley's sister was imprisoned. The doctor is releaved to know he doesn't hold any of that against her.

Gabriella Gutierrez sits as silent as T'Var. Gabby knows that she has to be silent and offer her opinion carefully and only if it is asked for. She feels a little more relaxed when they sat at the impressive table in the governor's private dining room. She could feel her stomach grumble from hunger, it has been several days since she's eaten anything substantial, only nibbling on fruit here and protein supplements there. The smell of the food being served is delightful. Fresh vegetables roasted in olive oil, Vulcan figs and a juicy Andorian roast. The assembly of alcoholic beverages is impressive and she curiously starts sipping the Romulan ale served to everyone in ancient Vulcan glasses. The electric blue liquor strikes her system like a lightning bolt travelling it seems like warp speed to her head. Gabby begins to feel the effects of the ale immediately, as a warming sensation creeps over her body. She takes another sip and suddenly various parts of her body seem to tingle. She begins to feel more relaxed and a little aroused from the alien beverage. At that moment she became aware of the conversation between Captain Castro and Governor Cooper. 

Castro sips on her glass of Romulan ale as she engages the governor in discussing the current political and military situation of the Terran Empire. The liquor does not seem to effect the captain at all as she speaks with her usual clarity and surity. 

"That fucking fool Lorca stirred up a damned hornets nest with his coup attempt.." Castro spat "His actions emboldened the rebels who chose to renew their attacks on us but luckily the fleet was up to the task and the Emperor's attack on the rebel headquarters pretty much destroyed their leadership. But after he returned from wherever he was hiding and tried to depose her, his minions rose up all over the Empire trying to seize ships and overthrow the government. You already know that I had to stamp out a mutiny on my ship.."

The governor sips his ale and motions to his servants to bring over the food. He turns toward Castro smiling slightly as if he's aware of something advantageous. 

"Yes, the fate of our Empire dances on the edge of a knife.." he says as he sits his glass of ale down for a moment. "What you probably do not know is there has been three changes of leadership in out government over the last ninety days!"

Castro and Ashley nearly choke on their drinks when they hear the governor's words. Castro's eyes widen in shock for she is not aware of these happenings. The POTEMKIN was on deep space assignment and missed much of the upheaval. Only becoming aware of certain events since the death of the Emperor. 

"What happened? " Ashley asks as she pours more Romulan ale in her empty glass.

Cooper looks over his plate of food that was just placed in front of him by his servant then checks T'Var's. She nods slightly with satisfaction about her meal, a mixture of Vulcan and Terran vegetables. He turns his attention back to his guests as more prepared plates are being placed in front of them.

"Well Emperor Georgiou's idiot nephew sized control on Earth by bribing the Imperial Guard and some lords and senators..." Cooper explains calmly.

"But he didnt last long. Another faction brought forward Michael Burnham, Georgiou's adopted daughter who we all thought was dead, and she overthrew him. She was actually one of the body doubles Philippa had made up of both of them years ago."

Castro grunts as she listens to the governor as he spins this tale. Cooper laughs a little at her reaction.

"This double was surgically altered and was the spitting image of Michael. She was convincing enough to fool everyone and seize power. She actually had a coronation in the capital before she was assassinated by the captain of the ISS Shenzhou who also killed everyone at the imposter's coronation."

Dr. Ashley suddenly erupts in laughter at the governor's story. She slips slightly in her chair before regaining her balance. Castro and Cooper laugh at the inebriated doctor as T'Var glances slightly at her before eating a fork full of salad.

"Are you all right doctor?" the governor asks sounding amused.

"She's drunk off her ass! " Castro laughs 

Ashley frowns at their laughter and pours a glass of Saurian brandy this time.

"Not as drunk as I intend to be..." she mumbles as she giggles at her own words. "Please Solomon, continue with your story.."

The governor leans forward in his chair folding his hands in front of him as he continues the tale.

"As you probably guessed already, she didn't last long either. In a few days she was killed by a suicide bomber while entering the Imperial Palace. After that the Senate took control of the government and Starfleet was placed on alert in the Terran solar system. Right now Earth is the most heavily defended planet in the galaxy."


Castro shakes her head as she begins eating. The taste and aroma of the food are wonderful to her. It really has been a long time since she's had a unreconstituted meal and this is absolutely delicious. She smiles approvingly at the governor and she is curious about the rest of the update.

"So how does this leave the Empire? Who's running the show?" Castro asks between chewing.

Cooper begins to cut his food and takes a fork full before he finally continues. 

"The Senate and lords control the Terran solar system and Alpha Centauri directly with the ships of the Imperial Home Fleet. The various planetary governors have either given their loyalty to the Empire or has gone over to the latest claimant to the throne, Grand Admiral Vitaly Timochenko."

Castro and Ashley gasped in shock at the sound of that name. Vitaly Timochenko, nicknamed the 'Murmansk Madman' promoted to Grand Admiral after his bloody conquest and annexation of the Gorn by a grateful Emperor Georgiou. A few months before her death Georgiou sent him into Klingon space with one mission, destroy what is left of the Klingon species at all cost. She gave him one quarter of the Imperial Fleet, 255 ships of all types to get the job done. With that fleet he has driven the Klingons to near extinction and was about to deliver the death blow when word of the Emperor's death and the rise and fall of would be successors reached him. Members of his loyal fleet proclaimed Timochenko Emperor much to the chagrin of the Imperial Senate and the Terran lords most of them are sworn enemies of his. 

"The 'Murmansk Madman' as Emperor? Oh fuck no!" Dr. Ashley exclaims as she shakes her head in disbelief.

Castro mirrors Ashley's display of disbelief by shaking her head. 

"Timochenko is a butcher and one of your rivals." she says barely masking her contempt. "If he becomes Emperor, he'll come for you... hell he'll come for us all.."

Ashley pours another drink and gulps it down quickly. Feeling a little more drunk but fortified she turns her gaze to the governor.

"If I know anyone, I know you Solomon.." she says, her voice loud but unsteady. "I know that you have a plan formulating.."

Castro smiles amusingly at Ashley, knowing that the dear doctor will have a huge hangover in the morning. But drunk or not, Ashley is right, if anyone has a plan to turn this threat around, it's Solomon Cooper. 

"What's your plan sir?" Castro asks calmly.

Cooper leans forward more in his chair staring Castro deep in her brown eyes. His attitude serious and determined.

"The Senate is so afraid of that man becoming Emperor, they have granted me proconculor powers and have commissioned me to take charge of the Imperial Senatorial Forces." He recounts. "There's just one thing missing, there are no Senatorial Forces. Most of the fleet is either fighting what's left of the rebels, sitting on the sidelines, or about to join Timochenko. So I'll have to build a fighting force from scratch. That's where you come in Pulli" 

Castro smiles widely as she anxiously anticipates the govenor's plan.She knows it will be cunning and bloody but fun as all hell...

"Who's throat do you want cut, sir?" She asks

Cooper smiles approvingly at his old student. 

"Well, I need a fleet.." he states matter of factly. "There are forty-two ships in the 40 Iridani Repair Yards as we speak, not to mention thirty-five more nearing completion in the construction yards. I shall need your help taking those ships, in the name of the Terran Imperial Senate."

Castro nods slightly but concern shows in her eyes. 

"I and my crew are with you sir," she declares with a clear voice. "But how are we going to pull this off? I don't have enough people.."

Cooper laughs slightly and reclines in his chair. Obviously he has already figured that part out.

"Remember one of the last things I told you before I left the POTEMKIN to take this opportunity? " he asks her

"When you have to kill a snake, cut its head off first.." she answers

Cooper nods his head with pride, satisfied that his protégé still remembers his teachings. 

"Exactly" he says, pride echoes in his voice. "We have about forty-two heads to cut off. I know that their first officers won't turn down an Imperial promotion.. and each member of the crews move up in rank."

Ashley, Gabby and T'Var have been listening to the conversation between the governor and Captain Castro quietly. Ashley loves the plan so far, Gabby is horrified by it because at least forty-two people are going to die and she can't do anything about it. T'Var shows no sign of anything at all. She finishes her meal quietly as if they have been discussing a shopping list.

"I have a couple of questions Solomon.." Ashley says, slightly slurring her words. 

The governor motions for her to proceed, he is sure that she'll surprise him somehow. 

Ashley clears her throat with a shot of scotch then speaks.."First, how are you gonna get to those captains? And second, you'll need to send troops to those ships to enforce your rule... where are you going to get them? Not to mention crews for the new ships? Oops.. sorry, that was three questions.." 

Cooper takes a few bites of his dinner and answers her after he swallows. 

"They have been invited to a meeting scheduled for late tomorrow in my audience room. Once they are all assembled, an execution team from POTEMKIN shall emerge and do the deed." 

He turns his gaze towards the captain. 


"I know you have personnel capable of handling this matter quickly and discreetly captain?" Cooper asks as if already knowing the answer.

Castro smiles as she casts a glance at Gabby who fights hard to hide her astonishment.

"Yes sir, I do!" Castro answers with confidence. 

Cooper smiles and nods his head with glowing pride at his protégé. 

"And as for the manpower to board those ships and crew the others, our friends the Vulcans will help us there." Cooper confidentially explains. "Members of my Terran personal guard and Vulcan volunteers shall handle the rest."

Ashley pours another glass of Saurian brandy and offers a toast... 

"Be bloody, be bold and resolute!" She shouts before downing the brandy...

Gabby nervously swallows another drink...






 In The Mirror.. We Meet Again!