The shuttle rattled constantly, it's sounds resonating throughout the metallic shell and accompanied with violent shakes that rocked the passengers and pilot within.

Michael Burnham sat on one side, alone and dressed in a Starfleet orange jump suit. A thick collar around her neck which flashes to show it was on and a containment field around her as well as standard cuffs. A necessary precaution to which she had agreed to. For the sake of the other prisoners that were dressed in grey. They didn't think she was anything different. Something Starfleet had wanted to keep on the down-low now.

Ever since she had turned—three weeks into her imprisonment—she had become a huge threat that no one knew what to do with. After she had awoken from her transformation to this, her new form required a new and exclusive diet of blood; the manic need had caused her to fall into a frieze. She hadn't been able to be charged with that given the circumstances. Her life sentence was still in question since… she was technically dead. It took 5 months to have the control to sit around humans and other life forms that smelt good. Her new abilities were assessed and as long as she was fed regularly, she was good to go. However, heightened senses did little in her favour. The Collar simply helped overwhelming her hearing if she stepped out of line; it couldn't otherwise hurt her. Her vampire nature was an obviously evolved version of what the humans on earth knew from their mythology.

Hard stone like skin, alluring beauty, heightened senses, ruby red eyes that change black on a few variables, Strength and speed, most importantly; retractable Fangs. All characteristics of a hunter. A predator. It certainly made humans around her feel attracted to her yet at the same time, sensed something was wrong about her. Self-preservation instinct that also was echoed with many species that she met with. All found themselves uncomfortable in her presence; something she could see and feel in their postures, heat they gave off and the smells.

Yet the three humans across her were far too occupied to really know the danger they were across to. The ambient sounds all around her were far too distracting for Michael to really concentrate on them either.

"50 cons…. Vaporised." The first male continued, bald and had a lot of stubble, "So here we are, miners for the war effort." He continued with a bitter chuckle.

"Half the screws on Tellun are Andorians…" The Asian Female spoke up, an edge of boredom in her tone as she lazed in her seat. "The scumbag ones that are cold in all the wrong places"

"They're always cold in all their places." The bald one chuckled, "At least, the three I killed were."

Silence of conversation died as the man still chuckled though Michael found herself opening her contact covered eyes (to cover the red for those who didn't know) and stared through the shuttle window to the outside space. Space was one of the few things she found herself staring out most since her turning. Her new vision allowed her for her to see so much more than before.

The new lights, colours and the distance… she could see stars twinkling much brighter; their colours of life, the chemical clouds that were ever unsettling in it's soup as they cooked up the next element for a future race. It was beautiful to see. Her memory was perfect to recall each different sighs as if it were in front of her live.

The space outside now was moving fast in their travel. Exposing different sectors though even that did little to really capture her attention.

"So, what are you in here for, Starfleet?" The bald guy questioned, his attention shifting to her.

Michael's eyes slowly turned to face him, expressionless.

"You don't know that is?" The second guy questioned, his eyebrow shooting up in surprise. The Bald one shrugged. "That's Michael Burnham."

"The Mutineer?"

All their gazes drifted to her with newfound interest

The woman's eyes narrowing her with new emotions, a hateful glare. "I had a cousin on the Europa when it fell." She started, her body heating up with a flush of blood and heat. "She along with 8000 are dead for what you did."

"8186." Michael corrected, not looking to her anyway. No need for the temptation.

The while shuttle gave another shudder before alarms raised. "Warning, Proximity alert. Scanning." The computer warned.

Michael turned though as light turquoise colours in her vision appeared around the windows. Her eyes focusing on the small creatures, recognising them though she could see the organisms much clearly now; each about the size of a grain of sand, emitting its bioluminescence glow that showed that they were feeding.

"Err, we got some bugs in the works." The pilot spoke, calling through, the shuttle dropping out of warp

"Well you better suit up and play exterminator." The replay called through.

"Great." The pilot huffed out in annoyance, pinging the shuttle into auto and abandoned her seat, side skipping her field space to the bemusement to the others; they hadn't realised it was there

"What's.. what's going on?" The second male asked, his heart rate picking up in his nerves.

"Species GS56. An organism that's feeding on our ship's power relays." Michael answered, the lights flickering as she spoke as the craft shook. "Unless exterminated, they'll drain the ship of all the power, the shuttle will drift and you'll die of affiliation when the air runs out or when the heating fails. We'll also loose artificial gravity too but that's not the main priority." She had more chances than they did to survive in those conditions. Her skin was ice cold and she didn't rely on oxygen. She'd be fine.

All the human's hearts increased faster, anxiety hovering in the air as the doors leading to the bay doors sealed.

"Can you come back?!" The second guy called in alarm but the pilot had already stepped out.

"Relax." Though the woman's posture suggested otherwise. "The pilot's taking care of it." However a few seconds later the computer spoke after a thump.

'Warning, safety tether disconnected. Warning. Auto Pilot malfunction.'

The pilot floating away as they started to drift.

The atmosphere immediately turned tense as panic all around her set in, though Michael stayed perfectly still, watching as they tried to get out of their cuff and swearing quietly about it. Storm around them raged much loudly, she could hear the slow 'tinks' in the works. The creatures must have been in a frenzy for this quick of penetration. The chemical storm cloud no doubt had been their primary food source before the processed shuttle powers attracted them. Much easier to process no doubt. She understood that feeling.

Suddenly the whole shuttle stop but Michael gasped sharply as a piercing electric sound resonated into the metal, the shift in the air changed and it felt like a tickle in the air, bushing over her skin like a breeze but then the resonator changed, a lower hum echoing with it; she could feel the shuttle move though she pulled a face as it heightened as a second tractor beam took over the first but then it was gone; loading into the ship cargo bay.

She let out a sharp breath. God, she hated that.

All around her though, new sounds seemed to press in on her. A hum of engines; the warp ones particularly loud, then there was the moving machinery; grinding sounds of turbo lifts, the doors opening and closing, a loud intercom that all seemed to go off at once and over each other. Then there was population on the ship… she could hear the chatter's, their steps and movements all over the ship… their heartbeats that were dotted all about..

The ship was worse. A lot worse… After her turning, they had made sure her cell was soundproof to keep her calm; they didn't want to aggravate her if they could help it. With her senses so new to start with, it was easy to get overwhelmed with all this new information she was hearing, even if she could process it much faster. It'd have to take some getting used to.

The bay doors opened after they had come to as top, three armed guards came in though briefly ran over who they had on board before they started to un-cuff them. Michael took a steady breath as her field around her was dropped though she could sense the caution in the guard's movements as they removed her cuffs; eyeing the collar no doubt but she followed the other three out into a single line but she was immediately met with a lot of visual simulation.

Lights shone down from the ceiling of the hanger, most of the surfaces were white but that didn't stop it from reflecting off as well as the metallic surfaces, such as the shuttle to the far side. It was a huge space with panels and cargo pallets stacked up beside the walls, a few bollards that not only acted as a guard to any malfunctioning shuttle but as further storage. A few screen monitors also provided aid for repairs, flashing data all over it. The shields across the hanger glowed and rippled. It was a lot to focus at once.

The doors a head opened though she immediately let her focus shift to it; watching as a slim female human came down, her skin a light brown and her hair black that was pulled up into a pony trail. Her eyes were a dark brown that were focused to the other prisoners as she stopped at the top of the stairs that head in and out of the hanger.

"Welcome to the USS Discovery." She started in a hard tone, stepping down after a moment. "I'm Commander Landry, I'm the Chief of Security here…. I see we've unloaded a lot of trash today…" Her steps moved along their line though her eyes landed onto Michael, her posture stiffening up as she stopped in front of her, examining her with a mixture of weariness; taking in her pale face, collar and stance.

Michael met her gaze though didn't blink; watching her own reflection in her eyes. There was subtle shift as she stepped back. "And Starfleet's mutineer." Her tone cooler though she turned with a clip of her fingers. "Follow me."

The group started to move, Michael walked last after them though stepping through the doors, the sudden increase of human scents ticked at her throat, renewing the ache of thirst dully; they had made sure to feed her up before the travel though the draw was still there…

There were a mixture of species they passed as they walked to wherever Landry was taking them, however she could tell that 85% of this ship was human. The recycled air in the vents said as much.

The prisoners began their remarks until hushed by Landry, her attention returning to the woman in turn as they were designated to the Mess hall; the stretch of human food billowing out at the doors.

"You three, with them." She directed the following guards into the room after the others "Burnham, Captain wants to talk to you."

Relief flowed through Michael at that; she wouldn't have to endure sitting through the meals. So Landry knew her physiology enough to know she couldn't eat food. She couldn't see much logic either in waiting through it. Of course, all the captains who needed to know were no doubt informed… she was the 'first' of her kind here. Even if they couldn't find who attacked and turned her to start with.

Landry walked ahead of her, her hand gripping her phaser as they got into the turbolift though Michael stared ahead, still as a statue.

"I know what you are," Landry started, "your lack of blinking is unsettling."

"I don't need to blink like you." That said, Michael blinked anyway, refreshing a new layer of fluid over her contacts. "The liquid in my eyes are dissolving my contacts. More I blink, the faster they dissolve."

"Couldn't care less on that." Landry answered, "But you're a threat to this ship. I don't see why you're not being taken to the brig straight off."

"I don't either." Michael was well aware she was a danger. She didn't need someone else telling her of that. Silence relapsed between them and Michael still didn't break it first but Landry was twitchy. The turbolift came to a stop and opened.

Almost immediately she was hit with the airflow of the bridge, most human scents, the sounds of the bridge that were familiar, whistles of notifications and chatter of work…then the immediate sight out the far screen into space; all monitors were facing in towards the screen but there were ones at the edge, covering all other ship details that were non-critical. Two pilot seats, one empty while a black woman with her hair tied up into braid and a top of head pony to be kept out the way was tapping away at her screen in front. In the centre was the captain's chair but Michael could recognise the back of the head of who sat in that chair…

Within seconds of entering, Saru's ganglia extended, turning around in alarm as his hands drifted to his head. He stiffened as he saw her.

"Saru…" Her voice was quiet, not that she expected him to hear her but she only watched as he turned back to the window, looking as if he was trying to stuff the ganglia back up into his head. Landry's movements distracted her away so she followed her to the side door along though Michael could hear a single heartbeat within. The doors sprung open and closed sharply after her; leaving Landry on the other side.

The lights were unexpectedly dark, purposeful it seemed yet it was a welcome in comparison to the rest of the ship. Yet it didn't not hinder her sight; easily making out the man's shape by the window as he gazed out, as if they were outside. His scent was strong, rich and appealing that suggested he spent a lot of time here.

"No matter how far in space you are, always feels like you can see home, don't you think?" The captain questioned, revealing a , to break the ice no doubt. He paused though when she didn't answer, "Maybe it's just me."

As she stood, Michael felt her contacts finally dissolve, blinking a little to clear the residue away though her hand disappeared into her pocket for a fresh set she had been supplied with for the trip. The Captain still stood by the window.

"Apologies for the light… or lack of. A recent injury. I have to suffer light change slowly." He started though slowly turned to face her as the lights turned up. "But I know with you, you can still see in whatever lighting, right?"

His gaze fell onto her face; though his heart picked up a beast faster. Though he was smiling. He wasn't nervous, nor scared; more intrigued than anything else.

"Captain Gabriel Lorca. Welcome to my ship." He started, his hand reaching to a pot on his standing desk that was between them. Though he nodded her closer. Her eyes narrowed for if a second then darting over in a heartbeat to the edge

Captain Lorca flinched, almost knocking the bowl off the edge surface; his heart leaping with extra thud of surprise. However he let out a laugh. "Of all the things I expected in this universe, of all the alien species, cultures and races; meeting something like you… well it's an interesting turn of events."

"Not the sort of expression I'd use, Captain." Michael finally spoke.

Captain Lorca shrugged, crushing the cookie open and started to chew on it loudly. "Maybe not. But this…" Gesturingto her body, "is a work of something much grander. I don't think it's…much coincidence that the one woman who started this war was transformed into something of myth and legends."

"You think I was targeted specially?" he hadn't been the first to assume. After all, she hadn't been completely alone. Her cell block had three other women who were also killed. She had heard that theory before from Sarek after she had calmed from her frenzy; he had come to see her of course, yet they hadn't spoken. He had no doubt sensed the pain she had gone through.

"Hm, not entirely. But to go from human to a vampire, I had read the stories. It couldn't have been easy… to endure the change, killing those doctors and guards without a scratch or bruise… or broken bones… to heal up from the damage inflicted beofre. Now solid as a rock and cold as ice. Impressive, I had to admit."

Michael looked away. Her memory of the night hadn't been very clear and still wasn't; she only read the after reports. Broken ribs, fractured leg, bruised organs…She had taken a beating before the vampire had bitten her by logic conclusion.

"Your eyes though… they give it all away." He lent onto his elbows with a chuckle, "Forgive my curiosity. Reading about you to…seeing you in front of me is quite something. Not just what you are, either but who you are, Michael Burnham."

"What did you want me to come here for?" Getting straight to topic than his beating around the bush. "Personal assessments? Curiosity?"

"Both." He answered with a shrug. "Can you blame me?"

Michael didn't blink. What game was he playing? "I was being transferred from Starbase 21's prison facility to another with little warning. By all accounts and federation requirement, I should have had a warning. Then half way our shuttle goes down conveniently close to this brand new star ship."

Captain Lorca shrugged. "What are you implying, Burnham?"

"You know what I mean, Captain Lorca."

A tight smile stretched over his face, a calculating expression crossing over his features. "Fate plays it hands and we have to deal with it. Which leads me to what to do with you now you're here." He moved around his desk, his arms folding. "Can't put you in the brig with the others… that won't end well for them. I could use your skills than waste them anyway. I have a project that could do with all the brilliant minds we have."

"No."

Captain Lorca's eyebrows shot up, affronted at her denial. "No?"

"I am not human anymore. But my new nature makes me a real threat to this ship. My diet is strict and If someone breaks their skin around me, that also won't end well. My self-control over blood list is… still developing. While I can tolerate being around humans…" She left it trailing. Surely he could recognise the danger. "Not just my blood lust either. My strength would pose another area of concern. I know only a few people on this ship know my true nature but the crew self-preservation instincts tell them that something is very wrong about me."

The captain sighed deeply out. "As long as you're fed, you're controlled. You wear that collar for a reason and I expect you to do what you can to maintain this secret for the sake of the crew unless told otherwise. Let the crew think what they want. Nature aside, you were a Starfleet officer dedicated to a cause. But there aren't just free rides on my ship when there's a war raging. One that you started. I need all the mind I can get." His tone immediately hardening.

Her eyes narrowed, though felt a slight vibe of threat at his change of attitude and demand that didn't sit well, enough for an echo of a growl to rumble briefly from her chest, enough to put Captain Lorca on edge, unsettling him which worked as he moved back around the desk with a upbeat pulse. He knew what she meant on preservation instincts now.

"You're dismissed." Lorca nodded his chin to the door so she turned and headed over to the door as it opened and slipped on her new set of contacts.


Landry escorted her down to a new deck though in silence until the lift opened.

"You've been put onto day shift. But until then, you'll be bunking with a human cadet. She won't know what you are so keep that under your hat." Landry was saying. "Dr Culber will come by to give you your… supplements for while you're here. Our replicates don't accommodate your needs. Captain don't want you eating the crew either."

They slowed towards a door when it popped open. Michael stepped inside.

"You'll be escorted at 0800 hours to work on your new projects and otherwise confined to quarters. Three days until your shuttle to the prison coloney is up and running"

"Work on what?" But the door closed quickly and Landry's steps walked away at a brisk pace.

A soft puff of air escaped her lips. Of course, secrecy. Though she surveyed the room. Two beds were stationed at either side either side; plain and neatly organised. Behind the heads of the beds were what looked to be a desk spaces. After that, further storage and a matter synthesiser.

The scent inside was strong but that was expected to a bed room, weak enough to assume the Cadet hadn't been here for a few hours. The smell was pleasant and had an edge of appeal, it was easy to tell which side of the room was hers on its concentration.

She darted forwards to the left bed and she lowered herself gently down onto it's edge. Her eyes lingering on the pillow. On it was a small insignia of their badges… with USS discovery inscribed over the top. As if she needed a bed. She couldn't sleep—didn't sleep. Not since she turned. What use was a bed but for sitting on? Would she have to pretend to sleep too? She could stand for days without moving an eye. Here, she had to pretend; limit herself even more. It was hard. Human life and vampire life… it blurred the lines that remembering human limits was different.

Time did feel different to her, maybe that was because she had all eternity at her fingertip, time was relative. Hours could pass so quickly or so slow…. No in between for her. Her own curse; while everyone slept, she'd stay awake to continually dell on… everything and what her future held. How long would Starfleet even last? Would it fall or strive for thousands of years. Would she somehow outlive it all? Everyone she'd know would be dead. That was a depressing thought. She'd be alone. One of a kind. Eternity was going to be a long time for that. Perhaps that was what she deserved for all of this. Maybe that could be why she was turned.

Heavy footsteps caught her attention, drawing her from her thoughts before the door even opened. A short female came bounding in, her hair the first noticeable thing about her given it's bright orange colour that was barely contained within the bun at the base of the woman's neck. She was pale and a slightly rounder build than Landry's and had blue ques that widened in surprise as soon as she saw her.

Immediately the woman's posture shifted and a grin on her lips. "Oh.. This is so cool!" She started, giving Michael the immediate impression that this one was a huge talker. Great. "They said— they said that because of my special needs that I wouldn't get a roommate… that was such a let-down because roommates are like auto built-in friend so.. They just told me I was getting one so I guess that's you.." She rambled though she moved to seat herself down on the opposite bed.

Michael didn't say anything but moved to lie back on her bed, resting her hands on her stomach.

"You very look pale, are you okay?" Her head tilted, looking at her with more curiosity. Michael nodded though it amused her for a moment. "So I'm Sylvia Tilly …what's your name?"

"Michael." Despite feeling aspirated already, she kept her tone monotone. She wasn't for first impressions, not dressed like this nor collared.

"Huh… I've never met a Michael that was a girl… can I give you a nick name, something more approachable—"

"No."

"Oh, yeah, right. Okay, I won't." She stuttered, fiddling with her jacket though her cheeks noticeably flushed with a blush. "So… The only Michael I heard of was…the mutineer; Michael Burnham…"

Apparently she didn't stop… Michael closed her eyes.

"Are… are you her?"

The vampire could almost hear the begging of the denial. But she let her silence answer for her. Sooner or later she'd find out.

Tilly's pulse increased and the flush of heat went straight to her cheeks as it hit her. Her eyes drted about, trying to find some other topic. "Hm… what's… eer what's with that collar?" Her voice rose ti a much higher pitch.

'Black Alert. Black Alert.'

Immediately the lights turned blue and the LED lights that lined the edges of the room turned from a warm colour to a cold, giving the room a whole new feel but Michael sat up at the sudden feel in the air, not quite pressure nor static or electric like the tractor beams but the entire ships sounded more muted as well, yet she could something in the atmosphere… it made her shiver.

"What's going on?" She questioned, turning her attention back to Tilly who nervously fidgeted with the hem of her blue shirt.

"Weren't you told?"

"No."

"Then I can't tell you." Tilly was quick to lie down, rolling onto her face but her pulse had increased in her nervousness.

Michael's eyes narrowed at her but sudden sound of water around her pulled her attention to the head of her bed where her eyes focused onto the droplets of water rise off the surface… and all around her off the walls as if the gravity systems were failing. Then they descended back into their surfaces a few moments later, the feelings in the air fading away. But it made her feel uneasy. What were they doing on this ship?

"Tilly…" Michael started, "What the hell did this do?" She heard Tilly swallow and her heart thumped fast yet she didn't answer.

Then Michael's head turned automatically turned as she heard steps once again approach the doors, a ding.

"Come!" Tilly reacted first, rolling off the bed and onto her feet; cheeks flushed and the doors opened. Their lights returning to normal.

Outside the door stood a tall Latina male, cladded into white medical uniform and a matching badge with a cross, his greying brown hair cut short with slight stubble beard down his jaw and over his top lip. In his hand was a silver case that was locked.

"Dr Culber?" Tilly questioned, frowning deeply.

Dr Culber smiled though his eyes slid to Michael. Though she sniffed, noting the smell. Blood. Bagged if she had to guess.

"Could you give us the room, Cadet Tilly. I won't be long."

"Of coruse." Tilly was more than happy to go, moving past him and down the hall. Dr Culber stepped in and the door shut behind him sharply.

He continued to look at her for a long moment before stepping closer. "I suppose you already know what this is?"

Michael nodded. "I was forewarned of your arrival, but I can smell it."

Dr Culber nodded coming over to place the case beside her. "When Lorca told me to get these, he informed me of what you are; as precaution should anything happen in your stay."

"I'm not surprised." A smart decision.

Dr Culber smiled softly, surprisingly at ease as he pulled out a small PADD from under his arm. "For future references, how often do you require feeding? How much do you need?"

"I don't need to eat every day, but three days at maximum between feeding at the moment. I don't need to have a whole lot at one time; little and often such as daily works as feeding patterns. Generally, a couple of pints. But If I've been starved out of feeding longer than a week; I…sort of require a little more than 8 pints however that behaviour…isn't safe around humans."

"You fall into a feeding frenzy? Like sharks that smell blood?"

"Precisely."

Culber nodded, noting this down. "Blood preferences of species and types?"

"Human, mostly. Especially ones that eat meat."

The doctor nodded. "I suppose…"

"I can work with Vulcan types, despite the colour it can fill the craving just as equally. Tellarite, Kelpien, Andorian; No. The last one simply because it's too cold."

Culber laughed "Sounds like you're a picky eater when you say it like that" He joked.

Michael felt her lip twitched though she slipped the case onto her lap and Culber stepped forwards to unlock it with his finger print. Inside were 12 pouches of blood, each label by type and species. She picked one up, feeling it softly though as it moved.

"This should last you the stay while you're here however, if you need more, don't hesitate to ask." He said. "I'm here to help, whatever you need"

"Even something like me?" The question left her lips without a lot of thought. Since her turning, everyone had been focused on what she was, what she represented yet this doctor, he wasn't treating her like she was a convicted and dangerous monster; he wasn't scared of her either. Which was odd. Yet refreshing.

She felt his gaze on her soften though she closed the case, keeping the bag in hand still.

"Yes." He answered, offering her a small smile. "Is there anything else I can do?"

Michael shook her head. She was physically otherwise perfect. She was already starting to listen past the ship's noise, like a background hum that was always there. Or was it her distracted mind that hushed the sounds back?

She brought the bag to her lips, her fangs sharpening out to pierce the thin plastic though she noted the generally curious look she got but he knew when to excuse himself though immediately, despite it being cold, the blood felt good, the tingle of it felt like it renewed some sense back. Relief, like getting a cool drink on a hot day. She sucked the bag dry, a minor reminder it wasn't endless or as much as she was used to so she had two more and left the bags inside the case. She could hear Tilly's steps again so she shoved the case under her bed and lay down, keeping her eyes closed. She had nothing to say to her after all….


Morning felt like it had taken forever to arrive. Tilly's snore for 8 hours was like a timer though she stayed as she was; lying on her back over the covers; she hadn't bothered to move though she had found herself listening to the conversations going around. Whispers of her presence on the ship and something about a spore drive was a common occurrence but she had little context to understand what they really meant by the use of spores. How did mushrooms fit in on this ship?

Tilly had gotten up early and dressed in just as a much hurry as she did to leave though Michael moved when the clock timed 20 to 8. Peeling off her mustard convict gear though careful not to touch the collar (it really didn't like to be knocked sharply) before setting the matter synthesizer for a designated set of clothes; which only appeared to be a blue jump suit this time; no doubt to blend in more with the crowd. Lorca's idea, maybe.

It took 15 minutes to be ready, the smell it gave off as it was made not entirely pleasant; like mildly burned cotton. She slipped it on, putting in another set of contacts and requesting permissions for the synthesiser to create more.

Her eyes flickered to the clock as it just turned from 7:59 to 8:00, she darted quickly to the door and it opened to reveal Saru, fidgeting with a bowl of blueberries.

"Saru." She spoke. First time in 6 months she had seen him. While he looked the same, his posture and tone said enough. It was odd to see him with so much more detail, like the rest of the star ship. Had her human eyes really been that…blind. Though she could see the flush of blood under his skin, a completely different pattern of vessels than what she expected though his face was much redder than it had been. His ganglia was once again extended, though seeing those in detail did made her want to cringe; not the Kelpien's best features.

"First officer Saru." The Kelpien corrected, though he nodded her along and she complied, feeling oddly stiff.

The morning staff were milling about but she felt each of their stares as they passed. Some moving a little further away, whispering to each other; not knowing she could hear the remarks

'Did you hear?'

"It can't be her'

'She shouldn't be here."

All around. It showed that everyone knew who she was, even on a brand new star ship.

"Congratulations on your promotion." Michael spoke after a moment. What else could she say to fill the silence? A lot, probably. An Elephant in the room. Despite all that had happened, she had thought a lot on what happened between them… and what she had seen at the funeral of Georgiou through the recording.

Saru nodded, "Thank you. Powers at be were….impressed at my actions at the battle of the binary stars." He sighed softly. "I just wish I could have done more."

"I understand." She shouldn't have done what she did, then Georgiou would still be alive and she'd be human. Wishful thinking, a desire for the impossible and the reality of never being able to go back.

"Bluebe-" Saru stopped shortly in his sentence, pulling the bowl back then shook his head. "Sorry."

"It's fine." Forgetting was natural. Even with his instincts telling him one thing, his ganglia wouldn't give him the fine details. Though the silence relapsed again, she listened out further through the ship though it took a moment but she could hear something, it wasn't like an engine or machinery but small sounds, like trilling and tinks that she could almost miss. What was that? "What do spores have to do with with ship?" She asked after a moment though his head turned sharply to her with a look of bemusement.

"Excuse me?"

"Last night. I kept hearing something about a spore drive. One of the few conversations that kept popping up. I was another topic too."

"You were in your room, how in—" He stopped in his tracks, his head titling as he looked at her. "Your hearing is that good?"

Michael nodded, sighing softly. "I can hear everything on the ship. All in my hearing range."

"How Far is your hearing range?" His tone was much harder, his grip on the glass much tighter

"I'm not entirely sure. A mile, maybe longer." She shrugged softly, "I haven't been to a planet side base for full range in an atmosphere and most bases aren't bigger than a mile in all directions." She couldn't hear outside the ship simply sound couldn't travel through the void of space. "My containment rooms had been made to be soundproof."

Saru stared at her for a long moment. "And you can hear everything at any time? Can you do anything about that?"

"I can't turn it off… or manipulate my hearing. But I can…focus to let the ship sounds become background but they're much louder when everyone else goes to sleep. Cadet Tilly snoring for 8 hours hardly kept my attention to my room."

Saru nodded though a dent formed in his skin as he continued walking again. "While I knew your senses have heightened, I never imagined they were…that good."

"It can be overwhelming. I can process it, my cerebral capabilities are also heightened to deal with it but as a result in general… I get bored very easily."

"I haven't been able to… review the full reports of what you are. But this information does little comfort to me." He same to a stop outside a set of doors and turned to face her

Michael's head turned, the trilling sounds much louder… but on the other side she could hear a few people milling about, Tilly's scent lingering in its doorway that also suggested she worked in there.

"Captain Lorca has assigned you to Engineering under Lieutenant Stamets. He'll task you specific duties while you remain here." His hand gestured to the door though she turned to look back to him. He made the move to leave.

"First Officer Saru." She started, there was no other time since the present to tell him, she only had a day and a half left on this ship; he doubted she'd see him again to tell him much more. Saru paused at the addressment. "I… I saw a recording of the speech you gave. At Captain Georgiou's funeral." His face softened at the mention of her. "It was beautiful." She sighed in deeply. "I know that… nothing I can do will make up for the loss of her and everyone else to this War. I live with it every day and I know the…guilt and regret will never leave me. I can't ever forget…" Forgetting was a luxury. Only time her memory failed her was in her frenzy state or the human memories that were…too weak to remember. Another curse to this new form. But she didn't deserve to forget it either.

Saru continued to look at her for a long moment, contemplating her words. "I know that you feel regret. But you, species momentary aside here, are dangerous. You can be… manipulative. Now with what you are in the mix… I cannot fathom the danger you put everyone in. Lorca doesn't see that. He doesn't fear what normal people should. I know people can sense it around you."

"I do not intend to stick around to cause issues, Saru. I don't want trouble." Though his words stung, as true as it ever was. It wasn't just because he was a Kelpien and she was a vampire; a designed human-drinking killer.

"To what I agree as well. There are 135 lives on this ship. We cannot afford any more losses because of you." He straightened up, ready to leave. "But, regardless. I'll do what I can to protect my captain… better than you did with yours."

Her jaw clenched tightly but he quickly took his leave with the last word. It awakened the ache of hurt within her unbeating heart. A tightness in her throat that almost tasted bitter, his steps getting further and further away but she couldn't follow it. His words aimed specific. A further reminder of her betrayal.

After a moment, she moved and entered the room, immediately met with the dark room, for stations under the door overview and a containment cube down to the side, on it's opposite side was a 5th monitor but behind that were circular compartments that were lit white, only one red and empty; past those was a balcony back up, no doubt to another view spot and alternative exit to other parts of the ship. Beside the tube holdings was another door, much more solid and looked to have a little more security.

She slipped down the stairs quickly, turning her focus to the two humans working at the stations who were concentrating on their work.

"I'm looking for Lieutenant Stamets." Michael stated. Her voice toneless to shroud her mood. She could distract herself with work. Better than nothing like yesterday, pretend to not feel the sting of Saru's words.

"He's in there." The woman nodded, "But you'll have to wait for him to come out."

Michel eyed the security to the door, Moving towards it but otherwise stood still, going over what she had seen in much more detail in her mind… though the trilling sounds were much denser behind the doors… and in the tubes. Were these the spores the people were on about?

The door pinged open, though her surprise presence outside made the blond and very pasty man flinch back, gripping the handle of his canister tightly. "For the love of…" He stopped, shaking his head but his expression was far from happy. He moved gruffly from the door. "Who are you?" He grumbled.

"Michael Burnham." She replied.

His blue eyes watched her wearily as he slipped the canister into the spare slot but she had seen enough. The spores. Light turquoise and danced around in the glass canister; warping around each other than any contact; the sounds echoing and varying. It was… chaotic music. Unheard by human standards. Almost distracting

"Lorca sent me down here."

Stamets face darkened at the mention of the captain, obviously not a fan of him either.

"Huh, and here I was expecting a Vulcan."

"Humans can be raised on Vulcan. I understand the misconception." That was no doubt the case though he looked less than impressed with her remark back.

Stamets eyes her for a long moment though he looked to his station and picked up two memory chips, one red, the other yellow. "I suppose since Lorca thinks you're such an asset, go through the codes and reconcile them."

Michel reached up and took it from his fingers though she immediately felt him recoil as their fingers touched; his hand was quick to pull back and his pulse, like most humans by now, quickened.

"I will need more. I work fast."

"Fine." His tone was very curt so she took that as her cue to leave.

She walked towards the spare station next to Tilly who moved further away, her mouth opening to say something before closing, coughing with clear discomfort but Michael simply plugged in the data chip and turned on the holographic projector.

Series of code lines immediately to display though it took a moment for her to see what she was looking at though having context would have been ideal…


Okay, This is very close to the canon stuff simply because it's a ground start for me. I'm curious to see how she can work as a vampire on board bc why not! ehehe

There is a second part to cover the rest of the ep.

Please drop a comment, I'd love to hear your thoughts!