Getting an estimation of Discovery's arrival was much shorter than planned but nothing Michael couldn't work with. Now fed, even her thinking seemed to be faster, her control felt unprecedented from before. She couldn't deny her self-control before had been stretched far passed the limits, but now she knew the differences.
Planning, though, she had heard enough from Lorca. He was obviously tied into this delusion of her being here. She hadn't ruptured the idea of course; his desire for her to stay was far too…exploitable. Resistance would be believable and playing it so was necessary.
But she couldn't do it alone. She was not in her frenzied state, nor would Lorca provoke her into it so she needed a trigger to work her own morals into a literal slaughter. Someone or something. Someone that Lorca wanted dead. Someone who had the same interest to take him down.
Philippa Georgiou was… the only option now. Even though she believed she was the enemy. But the emperor would have little choice really but Michael hoped that she'd accept the fact she was not the daughter she thought she was. Just another Michael. But not her Michael.
It was going to be a long conversation and Michael could already imagine how it was going as she crawled along the Jefferies tubes. Philippa was going to be pissed, by instinct; scared of her. Trust was not going to be on the table but they'd have a mutual enemy. That should be enough. After all, this Georgiou was Terran. It was their way.
Corridors weaved around her, following her nose and the sound of gunfire and collapsing bodies. Michael didn't have to go too far until the Emperor was back insight. The men around her were meaningless as she weaved through and grabbed Philippa and shoved her against the wall, pulling her gun then darted away; leaving the small group without their emperor.
Michael came to a short stop as soon as she made it into her counterpart's bed room then moved to secure the door. Her fingers dug into the metal door frame, the low grindings as she forced the handles to overlap into a rough bow then turned her attention away.
Philippa was hunched over, breathing heavily but her gaze was straight to her, her heart racing though Michael couldn't help but note the woman's pale pallor and worrying lack of reaction to the venom in her system.
In her scent though, Michael did pick up the smell of a drug in her blood, tinging her scent with a sour edge but Michael quickly concluded that it was a type of painkiller, given she wasn't strapped down and screaming with the pain given how long since her bite. It impressed her for sure it had even been developed in the first place.
Philippa's hand moved to her neck, stepping back. "What the hell…" Though she straightened up.
Michael held her hands out, "I'm not here to hurt you."
Despite all, this made the emperor scoff. "I think we're way past that, dear." Her voice laced with venom as she spoke.
"It was not my intention, Philippa. You know what I am. Lorca used my thirst and had me starve myself to retain my human cover. I snapped." Michael answered, her fingers came to her face, knowing she looked…worse than what the Emperor had last seen her as. Hardly painted a picture of trust. "I am sorry."
Philippa's breath evened out though her hand curled around the hilt of her dagger. "It's Philippa now?"
"I am not your daughter." Michael stepped closer though to relief, Philippa didn't move back. "I know that given today's events, it might sound unlikely but before today…we've never met." She guested a finger between them. "I am Michael Burnham but I am not your Michael Burnham. I come from another universe, where there are more of my kind." Even if that was just Cornwell— not the point.
From her pocket, she pulled out her Philippa's badge, holding it so the emperor could see before she stepped forwards slowly. The weariness of the human in front increased, eyes slitting in further distrust before those brown eyes flickered to her palm, the federation badge glinting innocently up in the burned light. There was hesitation but carefully, the emperor reached forwards and plucked it from her hand, withdrawing quickly as her warm fingers brushed the cool palm of skin.
"That is my captain's badge." Michael started, stepping away to allow the woman to see it. "It also contains a quantum variance of my world. I know there's no way for you to test it without a scanner but… I hope it will be enough."
There was a soft intake of breath, so soft it was almost miss-able if it weren't for her hearing as the text of the badge shone into view. Soft fingers touching over it for a second before her palm wrapped around it. Michael waited though.
Philippa moved, though not quite turning her back, there was a discontent agitation to it. .
"You're from the United Federation of planets?"
Michael's eyebrows pulled together but nodded. "I am. Me and my ship were…taken here under Lorca's scheming. We originally thought it was an accident. He used me to get here…to attack you."
Philippa eyed her for a long moment then back to the badge. While believing— to a degree, she didn't trust her.
"I am sorry for that."
"You infected me." Anger coloured the woman's tone, a hand returning to her neck; where she could see the edges of a dressing.
Michael pursed her lips softly though somewhat nodded. "I cannot help with that. Once the venom is in, it's in."
Philippa growled out in annoyance, stalking away towards the bed before seating herself at the end, her body flushing with heat, with anger though the evidence of pain was becoming clear. Michael could smell how far she was along. She moved closer, watching the subtle signs as the emperor flinched as she appeared though allowed her the badge to be taken from her, feeling the comfort as it was back in her pocket. Safe.
"I know there's nothing I can say to offer trust… but I need you to help me."
The quizzical look flashed through Philippa's face. "Help?" She scoffed lightly. "With what you can do, you don't need it."
"No, I need his guard down, to stall him until my ship gets here."
Philippa sucked her teeth, debating quietly for a long moment and fingers tracing over her neck still. "What's you plan?"
"I need to turn off the containment field surrounding the energy orb. I haven't been able to access any computers but I suspect the controls are…exclusive."
The Emperor nodded tightly. "In the Throne room."
"I suspected as much." Michael inhaled deeply before lowering herself down more to her level. "I need you to be bait for Lorca. Play limp and weak, they shouldn't see you as a big threat with me in the room, plus, I think Lorca doesn't expect me to go to him empty handed."
If possible, the emperor looked even more soured. "He'll kill me straight off."
"Not likely. Given the spread of venom in your system, the areas its passing is making the skin impenetrable before it hardens when the rest of the biological systems turns. You're still too early to be fully protected by this but—"
"I don't care for the details." Philippa interrupted, eyes flashing "I don't want details, I want it to go away. It hurts and I cannot afford weakness if you're about to hand me off to Lorca!" She snapped.
Michael growled, a warning but that didn't put the Emperor off much. "I know the risks. But I know you don't have the luxury of time to argue against me. I'm going to stop him. Maybe you'll get to kill him…. But I cannot go there without you. You will secure his delusional belief that I am on his side."
Philippa's face darkened but after a moment of debate, she forcibly nodded. "I hate that you have a point." After a moment, she pushed herself up onto her feet, mentally steering herself ready
Michael rose up as well, straightening out her armour though her eyes drifted down to the emperor's armour for a moment. "Maybe—"
"No. You're not going to touch my amour with any intention to break it open like the last time."
"I just want you to look the part." Michael reasoned.
Philippa shook her head sternly. "No."
Michael glowered then moved forwards and in a second, scooped the Emperor up into her arms. Her weight balanced though she felt the heat in the steely look as Philippa's brain caught up. After a minor adjustment, the Terran allowed herself to rest her head against her shoulder and fall limp. Michael could feel the grumble resonate without her having to say anything though suppressing the slight smirk, she darted from the room— the handle dealt with a swift kick.
Michael slowed to a regular pace as she neared the heartbeats of the rebels. All turned their guns at her though she noted their eyes widened and heart beats increased, especially when they realised who she was holding.
"Take me to Lorca." Her voice was toneless though the guards had their guns pointed to her, the feel of the threat tingled her fangs but she withheld as they led her back to the throne room.
Ahead, one of the rebels had a hold of their communicator. Though their shoulder hid the screen, it was easy to figure the why. From the throne room, she heard the receiving chirp. It almost made her want to roll her eyes. So predictable
"She's here." Landry's voice echoed loudly in the throne room.
The doors opened though her eyes found Lorca even before she stepped past the threshold.
His face had a few cuts down, blood long-dried and still dressed up in his protective vest, fiddling with Philippa's sword in hand but now, it was the expression in his face that matched the rest of the people. As soon as he saw her, his lips pressed together in a closed smile, eyes lightening up though there was a question that receded within them as he saw the limp woman in her arms.
"Michael." He chuckled. "I am surprised…"
Michael frowned, tilting her head if fake curiosity. "Did you not anticipate my arrival?"
That made him laugh softly, almost to agreement. "I…didn't quite expect this." Nodding to Philippa. "She alive?"
"Barely."
He eyed her cautiously though his grip tightened on the sword before he moved closer. "I did expect you to kill her."
"I got distracted by her guards. I wasn't exactly picky when they had more blood in their veins at the time." Michael shrugged, causally. "I didn't quite realise how… good it was." She looked away, to seem abashed though her gaze drifted down to Philippa's face. The woman's acting was on point; she looked to be asleep.
Lorca's head turned, his eyebrow shooting up. "You like not having the federation's leach?" This was his way of double checking; as if anticipating she'd go for the option he had presented her earlier.
"You were right…" She looked up to him. "Since day one, I've always had the restrictions. Now… I suppose I won't have that to the same degree anymore."
That caught his full attention, eyes widening a fraction but the excitement tinkled in his gaze with almost baited breath.
"But," Michael carried on, her eyes boring into his intently, emphasizing that there was more than just primal desires in her motivation. He knew her better than that. "This decision is also made on the basis that you spare Discovery and her crew and allow them to leave."
His eyes flickered down. "And…Philippa here? She may not be dead yet but I will have to kill her to secure my place on the throne. Are you willing to give her up so easily?"
Michael looked down, pondering even. "She's not like my Philippa. She only wears her face and bared the same name…" She looked up back to Lorca. He nodded to a guard who holsters his weapon and stepped forwards, arms open to receive the emperor. Michael immediately growled possessively, fangs sharpening in an instant. Her arms curling the emperor against her body more. A slight hitched intake from the woman was the only indication of discomfort. This guard's eyes widened and stopped head, his pulse picking up as his instinctual fear tingled down his spine. The others around them twitched with unease, especially Landry.
"Michael." A note of careful warning in Lorca's tone.
"I still see her as food."
That almost amused him but he nodded her to the guard. Hesitantly, she adjusted her grip; assessing the guard's stance, weapons— both phaser and dagger- both would be in the Emperor's grip within a moment's notice. She growled softly as a warning at him though as she gently passed her along but the guard immediately had to compensate; not realising the emperor's true and sudden weight that almost made him drop her; Michael though didn't hesitate to adjust his grip. It still amazed Michael that Philippa was able to retain her unconscious appearance. But that felt like a good enough warning on the Emperor's acting abilities.
Her eyes watched as the guard stepped back, the guns less on the emperor though all to her.
"Sir, Discovery's closing in on the ship."
Lorca nodded though his gaze returned back to Michael, eyeing her up for a moment, his pulse picked up with excitement. She held his gaze. From his pocket, he gently pulled out a small communicator like device.
Michael frowned softly before a high pitched sound resonated from it, one that sent a dull shiver down her spine….resonating through her body. A hiss escaped her lips, had hands clamping over her ears.
"Ease, Michael." Lorca assured, pocking the device as it still blared, "Don't get me wrong. I'm glad you're joining the cause but precautions have to be made."
"You can't hear it?!"
He shook his head. "No. it's out of human hearing range but this resonating frequency… I find is quite disagreeable with crystalline at high speeds. I hope you understand my reasoning."
Her eyes narrowed but forced herself to nod. He was slowing her down…. But where that technology came from wasn't a surprise. The bastard had learned from Mudd…. Of course he wanted to find a way to control her… She could feel her instincts coil within her, to jump at him, tear away and crush the device.
Lorca moved back, stepping merrily even as he got to the throne. Michael watched his every move, each tap and swipe. "Discovery's in communications range. I think it's time to say our farewells." Stating that was for her benefit no doubt. He stepped back formally though her eyes watched as a holographic screen flicked up; exposing the entire bridge of Discovery to their sight. It was a welcome sight. Even if it hadn't been that long.
Saru, Detmer…Rhys, Bryce… Owosekun, Airiam. Serious but focused. A clear sign for her that had a plan and a way. Whatever it was, they were waiting on her. It filled her with confidence and pride.
"Mr Saru." The smile hung in Lorca's voice as he spoke. "It's good to see you. I'm glad I got to say good bye to you and the rest of the crew. I want you to know that my admiral for you was and is sincere." His back straightened as he spoke. "Now, when I look at you, I see a formidable unit of soldiers that I crafted. If I thought for a second you'd shed your cult-like devotion to the federation, I'd enlist you and your skills—"
"We're not interested to listen to your sentiments, Lorca. Where's Specialist Burnham?" Clear that Saru wasn't putting up with anything that came from his lips. It was…enjoyable to observe.
"She's fine. More than fine really… because of her choice to stay, I'll allow you all to leave."
"I will need conformation from her, you are not a reliable source."
Her lip twitched though she watched as Lorca stepped aside.
"I'm right where I need to be, Saru." She spoke, calm and collective as ever before winking.
Saru nodded stiffly but the hint of satisfaction lined the delicate folds of his face. "Thank you. That is all I needed to see."
The momently flicker of confusion hung only a moment in the air, but she knew Philippa took that as her cue. Suddenly rolling from the guard's arms and shoved his dagger up nose and pulled out his phase in the same strike.
Michael moved; feeling how her body reacted with movement, each step flaring mild pain; forcing her to stick to a human pace but she was far more durable as she swung her fist against the ribs of the closest guard without holding back the force; she was slower, but she was still strong.
The bones crunched but she didn't have the time to think much of it as she dodged a phaser blast, taking cover before the windows were shot in by phaser fire. It sunk heavily in the air, the feel of it almost electric but it was all the distraction she needed. Guns fired of those who recovered, dodging them with ease, but the pain grew.
Then Landry suddenly took her on like a fool— also aware Philippa was fighting Lorca— knocking out her weapon was almost too easy, the look of surprise echoing on the woman's face but this wasn't the Landry she knew to feel all too upset on hurting. She dodged the weak fist and grabbed the woman's wrist and squeezed; the bones crunching immediately as if they were made of glass; her screams echoing around but movement caught her attention throwing the human female into the blast of the weapon; disintegrating her…
Again, Michael dodged the second blast and the soldier fell dead with a swift crack— her eyes turning to Philippa but she could see the effect of both fighting and venom was having on her; movements slower and Lorca was exploiting it quickly; shoving the emperor to the floor and raised the sword. Michael grabbed a fallen knife, tossing it and watched with mild satisfaction as it truck her former captain between the amour of his shoulder; a low grunt of pain but Michael moved forwards.
Lorca yanked the knife out but she slid in front of Philippa, intercepting the blow to her neck; feeling the metal cave… then the suckle sounds of cracking metal before the integrity failed; the blade snapping halfway… then the sounds increased. Pain running through her entire body… just about grabbing his hand before she felt her body lock up fully.
Then there was quiet for a second, filled only with Lorca's heavy breathing in front and philippa's rapid breath and heartbeat behind her.
"Did you really think I had one setting?" He growled, anger in his voice, no longer holding the blade but the silver device "If I pushed you now, you'd shatter like you did before… What stops me from lighting you up is you're important for my future…. I won't have to resemble all of you if you keep resisting, Michael…"
She glared with heat, fury rising within her but his focus was on her, the buzzing got hight but she couldn't move…couldn't breath or cry out; her body stiff as a statue but she could feel white-hot snags of pain… running down her all old shatter scars…feel it spread up… up her chest, neck… cheek. A sense of fear ran through next as she realised that she was cracking….
Then Lorca jerked suddenly in surprise; blood suddenly spurting from his lips; the closeness, she could feel it coat against her skin; but the broken edge of a blade stuck out through his chest… but She could see the figure of Philippa behind; pulling the blade back; more blood though she remained frozen. Watching both as Lorca choked on his blood, falling to his knees…and Philippa as she dropped the blade down but Michael's mind was to the pain radiating more down her wrist; the integrity there weakening; then with a audible crack, her wrist gave and Lorca slumped to the floor; dead.
Her weight immediately began to shift without his; unable to move, she could feel herself start to fall forwards...until pair of warm arms caught her quickly.
"Michael?" She could sense the emperor's concern and confusion but the woman gently lowered her down to her back, leaving her staring up to the ceiling. A relief but she could feel the cracks still spread...the words on her tongue but she could say nothing… Philippa's fingers touched lightly over her face; over the cracks before she disappeared from her line of sight… then the dull sound of a phaser discharge then the sound was gone, her body was released.
A sharp gasp leaving her lips but she hissed out in pain. Her hand clamping around the stump of her hand
"Fuck!" She pushed herself up, her body compensating and could feel as the cracks began to close… her hand lay a meter away. Michael didn't hesitate to grab it, shoving it back on, pain sering down though it was just as much of a relief…
"Here…" Philippa's voice was strained, the mission was on point. Michael forced herself back up— a part of her glad that she had over fed; the extra she could feel was being put to good use in her biological repairs. Michael touched over the screen, satisfied as it confirmed the containment field had dropped…
Her mission was done…
Philippa let out a heavy breath, her hand coming to her chest… Michael's attention moved but she could hear why; her heart had taken a very rapid beat… the smell of the venom had reached her heart, spreading now… more pain if the painkiller had worn off. She seemed to sink to the floor… gritting her teeth.
"Philippa…" Michael moved, kneeling down but Philippa shook her head, leaning from her touch against a metal column, sweat beading over her forehead.
"Kill me…"
Michael blinked in surprise. "What?"
"Kill me." Philippa panted out, shaking her head. "I… don't…want to be...like you."
Michael frowned but she shook her head. "I can't— I can't do that."
Philippa's eyes closed, a wash of pain flickering through her face though. "I'm…not…her." Her words slurred together but Michael knew what she meant but even then, she couldn't kill her…not now.
Moving forwards. Michael couldn't help herself but scoop her up… her fingers coming into contact with a communicator from her belt, her attention on the emperor as she succumbed to the venom as she ordered the extraction…then everything was swallowed in gold.