Escaping Empire

Brian, look! I think I've escaped empire! It would have to be empire with a little 'e', as I don't think it is possible to escape the shadow of the Empire. But I think that I've unharnessed myself. For definition, empire metaphorically refers to any oppressive regime, whether institution or individual. The proof will be in the pudding, however. We shall see how the slave shall deal with new-found freedom...