"You look like crap."

"Thank, Tilly." Michael didn't open her eye as the cadet hovered near her. Her body heat radiating out that gave the vampire the approximation of her stance given her sense of smell was still a little covered with Garlic that hung around. It had been lessened since her change of clothes but she hadn't yet showered.

Right now, she was focusing on healing. Her arm was back in place as was her eye but Culber had a blood soaked sponge pressed strapped it (and her shoulder) to help in the external healing and she had fed plentiful before Tilly arrived but she knew he wanted to keep her under observation given her more…sullen demeanour.

Michael couldn't blame him and she was glad he didn't press too much but he knew who had done this… it almost made her feel dreaded to see her landing party again and even Cornwell like this… Her report was going to be interesting…. So many people would be interested to learn about a dangerous, non-federation vampire was on the loose, cold-blooded and homicidal.

Ophelia was right in a certain degree. One how would they as a species be pained as if a group or even one went rogue. They'd all be painted with the same brush. They were the federation's strength and weakness. A high population for their kind was… unfavourable to them in times of peace if something were to happen.

"Do you want to talk about it?" Tilly's voice breaking her out of her revive.

"No." She regretted how abrupt it sounded, opening her eyes though she offered the human a more apologetic look. "Sorry. It's just… she played her mind-games. It's a lot for even me to process."

Tilly offered a small, brief smile and to what she hoped was understanding. "I think you're still amazing."

She didn't answer, reaching up to the sponge to re-soak it with a fresh lot of blood. "How's the mission gone?"

"It went to plan." Ash's voice echoed, making her freeze up a fraction before the scent of heavy garlic began to filter back into the room. Eyes turned to see him at the door frame. His boots and trousers were still lightly powdered by garlic dust though his face was lined with concern. "Can I come in?"

For a moment, it was on the tip of her tongue to say No, leave her alone but… that was hardly fair. He was here to see her no doubt. Touching, where or not she wanted to read into it.

"Sure."

"Want me to leave you to it?" Tilly's eyes flickered between them.

"It's alright, Tilly. I think sending you away is becoming a bad habit." Ash chuckled, clapping her shoulder lightly. "You're a good friend if you've put us with all of our issues and still allow yourself to be scurried away."

Tilly beamed, her hands settling on her lips. "Well, I'm best friends with an undead vampire on a teleporting space ship and fighting an alien war and…previously being tossed into an alternative universe by an imposter-captain. Basically no competition on being sent away when you're in the middle of crazy shit."

Ash paused for a moment, considering her words. "Interesting way to see it."

"How did the mission go, Ash." Michael interrupted softly, masking her mood to an indifferent tone. Her patients was a little thin now and the two of them talking across her was hardly helping. "Is Georgiou back?"

Ash's focus returned, giving her a nod. "Yep. All parties are accounted for. Georgiou, from what I know is having a shower. I didn't realise how…far that garlic power goes." His lip's pursed down, suppressing his amusement. "Now, the bomb is in place, L'Rell had one detonator, we have the other. We keep her in check and she keeps the empire in check. Cornwell's planning to assign her a vampire guard once her place is established. "

"I take it she wasn't pleased?"

"Hm…" Ash paused, "She never wanted the position which makes her morals work more to favour. However, the guard is something she'd have to get used to. She'd know it'll maintain her protection as Chancellor; also eyes and ears of her compound. A vampire is… the best she'd ever get. Klingons know what a danger they are. They won't risk their lives on an attempt when a vampire is there." A note of an apology lingered in his gaze on how he phrased his words.

"It's logical. I'm glad that was considered."

Tilly spoke up next, fingers fiddling with the hem of her uniform. "We're going to head to the Sol system, it's been allowed to the detour from the vampire facility for a celebration and an awards ceremony for a few days.

"Georgiou won't be allowed to leave the ship, though she's proven she can walk without a collar, Cornwell won't risk it given the more humans around and… we're not advertising her current existence to the rest of the federation." Ash finished, "She might get…moody. No one's gone in to tell her that so I think it may fall to you."

"Great." Michael's voice remained dry, pulling a face but again, it wasn't new and was logical. "Were you the one to take the collar off her to start with?"

"I…may not be the head of security at the moment, I still know the emergency codes for the collars. It seemed logical that Georgiou could take…her on in full power."

Her eyes flickered away as the attention drew back to her Sire. "I'm glad you did."

Tilly's warm hands suddenly wrapped around her own. "There's no shame, Michael…"

Michael hissed softly, shaking her head. "It's not that simple. Tilly…"

"But—"

"No." her tone turned final, hard as she pulled her hand from hers and sat up. "Don't. Not now."

Both of their eyes were wide with surprise but Tilly regained her integral with a swift nod before looking to Tyler.

"You stink."

His eyebrows pulled in before he took the hint, looking down at himself. "Garlic bomb."

Tilly's head cocked to the side, a snort escaping her lips. "Who developed that?"

"A Vulcan researcher on Bloodstone. A few months ago. Very effective. It's a vampire equivalent of tear-gas really." All attention turned to the other two again as they talked, though this time, she didn't allow it to bother her, sitting back and closed her eyes, vaguely listening in as they carried on.

It was a relief to finally get discharged from sickbay. Entering her room. Michael was gifted to see the planet of Jupiter pass by her window. Its chemical chaotic storms of methane, ammonia, water and hydrogen sulphite that raged with vast stripes that ran different directions to each other, the red dot that circled angrily. It all was oddly calming. Despite the healed injury to her eye, her vision was perfect clarity to obverse it.

She wandered over to the window, allowing her sight to drink in the natural beauty of it. She had never seen her own system with her new sight…. She had always seen Vulcan as her home but here… it felt good to return, no matter how brief.

Her eyes followed to the brief edges of the small ring that Jupiter had, the ships and small shuttles that came and went from Jupiter's Orbital station.

She left the window briefly, changing in a new, clean set of blue uniform, back in time to see Mars pass into view. The shuttles and crafts were much more frequent with the shipyards and dry docks, and construction of new star ships were continuing. It was a vastly different energy than the station but oddly satisfying to watch.

Ding.

Her smile died a fraction as the door chimed. Her audio suppressor was on, so she didn't who it was. She hoped it wasn't Paul… or Admiral Cornwell… any human or even Saru would be ideal….

"Come." She didn't turn though she was immediately welcomed by two scents and a heavy heart beat. "Admiral, Commander Saru."

"Burnham." Admiral Cornwell darted forwards, stopping a few feet to her left. "I know you wanted some alone time but I need you to fill out an in-depth report regarding your Sire, including a visual report so we know who to look for. Any details about your interactions and to… her unique abilities."

"Stamets told you?"

"Nothing without clarifications. She seemed to know he had imprinted with a touch and intimidated two vampires without much difficulty. Georgiou had difficulty with her. That says something."

Michael nodded, "She's telepathic. Something we're…capable of. Given time."

"Telepathic?" Saru's voice echoed with an edge of incredulous, "I thought you lot lost your brains—if you excuse how that sounds."

Cornwell's li curled. "Commander, our complete nervous and function system is threaded microscopically though our entire crystalline form. It's why our limbs can still move independently if removed."

Saru's brow rose, humming with a hint of contempt. "I never considered telepathy as part of the vampire physiology on top of everything else." He shook his head.

"It's included in earth myths of the Vampire. But… I suppose if our nervous system evolves as we age, tapping into another wouldn't be too hard." Cornwell mused, then her focus returned. "I know that she's your sire, and powerful. If we do face her, I will ask you to stay away from involvement. If she can get into people's head, I do not want her to cave you to her side of a fight."

Michael nodded again, though she felt glad to be told; that the admiral was putting a more active part in this whole thing. Had to, she supposed.

"Understood, Admiral."

Cornwell nodded though she frowned deeply with depth of more concern. "What's the problem?"

Michael tore her eyes from the window to face the two, Earth dock creeping ever closer from the other side of the glass. "She…." She paused, the top of her tongue to say something about the interest in coming for her…for her imprint if that day ever came. Yet…. It was like the words couldn't pass from her throat to her lips. "She's not good." Michael finished, "She's a psychopath with no moral compass... Human life is worthless to her."

Cornwell's face didn't look overly convinced but she took the reasoning without being too surprised. "Given her age, assuming it's a large number, its second nature. We have to keep considering the…cultural differences between the ones not in the federations. She just might be worse-case situation if the loss of her Imprint is any indication."

Michael looked at her sharply, injuring.

"No one busts into a high-security federation space-prison and beats a very specific prisoner to near-death for nothing, Burnham." The look was soft that came with the tone. "Now, Commander Saru will fill you in on what's going to happen next. I need to go." Cornwell decided, "Get to your report as soon as possible."

Cornwell said nothing further before she flickered away in a heartbeat. Michael solemnly turned eyes turned to Saru, his head turned towards the door until it closed again. His face and posture relaxing somewhat as they were alone.

"Michael." He inhaled deeply, "I asked Admiral Cornwell to…inform you of a new development you might be interested in." From his pocket, he pulled out a small case, "I know Ambassador Sarek wanted to also give this to you himself but given our time over the last year or so, and given we were both on the Shenzhou, I was able to persuade him to allow me the honour."

"What are you on about, sir?" Her eyes flickered to the case for only a moment before returning to his face. She couldn't sense any negative emotions from his posture, his scent remained light and no negative flushes of hormones. He was in a very good mood. It was almost bothering her if her curiosity hadn't been peaked.

"With aid in both saving the fifty eight thousand lives on Star base one and with finalising the hydro bomb placement on Quo'noS, it was seen fit to…fully expunge your records to go along with your previous pardon and to be reinstated back into Starfleet with your previous rank, Commander. I've seen to acquiring you back on Discovery after your mandatory time in Bloodstone is up."

Michael's body froze up as his words echoed in her mind. For a second, she didn't know what to think. Joke from Saru, or someone higher for the sake of it but… Saru wasn't that cruel. But her actions did have a price to pay and now…. They were letting her off further? Not to mention, she had already come to terms of the uncertainty of her long future; she hadn't considered staying around more than necessary.

Tilly would no doubt be pleased… Another thing for her to celebrate about. Stamets too to degree would be happy given their clan dynamics, especially now of all timings with Ophelia rocking the boat. She hadn't quite…considered what her sire would have done with him.

Yet, this felt…good. In a way. She would have a future with her friends. With the crew. With Discovery. Until Ophelia came for them. But she shook that thought away. Not now. She had years to wait before she could cross that angry, blood-raged Tinkerbelle.

A soft smile curled on her lips, accepting the case as he held it out, allowing a cool finger to touch over the smooth silver surface, touching over the pips in its surface to the two crossing circles of the science division. That felt…warm. Much warmer than her skin.

"Here, let me." Saru reached forwards, his fingers delicately pulling it from the case, inhaling deeply before he placed it in its proper place on the left side of her chest. Light from the Sol's sun glinting through the windows, lighting up not just her skin but it bounced off the edge of the badge.

Saru inhaled deeply, his lips too curled up into a smile, stepping back. "Welcome back, Commander Burnham."

Michael watched the few Starfleet officers and new graduates rushing about in preparation for the event inside; the hustle and bustle was loud so she kept herself outside near the water fountain. Paris's are was… warm though it wasn't raining, the threat of it hung in the air, tinging the smell of the atmosphere damp. She could almost see the weight of the grey clouds in the mid-afternoon sky on its grey shading.

She couldn't help the mild interest to see what the rain would do to her sense of smell once it started. Wash away the smell of people, the…stone of concrete or perhaps dirt? She'd find out.

"Isik for your thoughts?" The voice was distant, turning her focus from her stare to the water to the sound of a human heart beat down the way that echoed with a deep, rich scent that was familiar. Her head turned, watching as Amanda strolled towards her with a folded umbrella by her side though Michael found herself staring.

She hadn't seen her mother's face since before her transformation and vice versa. Almost exactly as she remembered, but the clarity that enhanced her vision made her see so much more in her human face. Though Amanda wasn't old, the lines of her face looked to be much deeper, the natural flush of blood coloured her pale cheeks and her blue eyes sparkled.

Michael smiled softly. "I'm happy to see you." She stepped forwards, opening her arms. There was no hesitation, her mother stepped into them, warm hands wrapping around her though her head shifted away as her temple brush her ear. It was like hugging a heater. Though pleasant; she could feel her heartbeat against her silent chest and the blood pumped through her veins through the thin fabrics.

After a moment, Amanda pulled away with a sigh, relaxing back as her hands came to clasp the top of her shoulders and her blue eyes flickered all over her face; taking her in. "Sarek said you were cold." She chuckled, "temperature wise, at least. I have to admit, it's a bizarre feeling."

Michael nodded. "I won't take offence to any remarks on what I am, mom. I've heard them all."

Amanda's smile dimmed before she shook her head. "Nothing I won't get accustomed to, Michael. Although, potential dinners might… be awkward to accommodate if on the chance you return to Vulcan for a visit."

A short laugh escape her lips. She couldn't help it, she knew that Amanda was both serious and joking in that statement. "Then it's probably best that you don't. I would hate to put you off your meals due to my…dietary differences."

Amanda hummed, almost in disapproval. "I am glad to see you. I was worried you were going to stay on the ship or… go straight to the facility. I was worried I wouldn't see you again." Her topic shifting to something else though Michael didn't mind.

"I've been allowed to stay for a few days, then I definitely have to go." Her duties called. Especially as a sire. Amanda understood that; or at least knew she had turned a few people to have this responsibility of care if she didn't know the identities. "I'm glad you're here."

"Of course." Amanda sighed, "How are you? I was informed you…met her."

Michael's expression froze for a second, before her jaw clenched. "I'd…prefer it if…no one brought it up."

"You're okay, Michael. It's an open wound that'll heal." Her hand moved, brushing up over her cheek with a sigh, the woman's warmth seeping into the hard, cold nature of her skin, rubbing soft circles over her cheek with her thumb. "When you're ready, I'm here if you want to talk about it."

Her head bobbed softly. "I know."

Sarek's voice pulled her attention away, her head turning to see him walking with Admiral Cornwell towards one of the buildings, talking about the position of new ships and her role as head of vampire community.

"We're a few hours away before the event starts. Ships are still arriving. Then, would be ideal for you to announce the new affairs for your kind, admiral." Sarek was saying. "I have already informed you of potential concerns from other species now vampires are so widely known. Some are wondering what other species Earth has if this planet produced your kind."

Cornwell snorted softly, "You mean produced one of the galaxies most dangerous predators, you mean."

"I did not want to cause offence, but yes." Sarek replied, "Hidden species are common but apex predator species of a dominant one are not. If Earth had vampires, what else does it have? Could another species be hiding? Those are many questions being asked now by many. Out of fear and curiosity."

"Well, I'm sure we can devote time and recourses in searching Earth for elves and unicorns once this is all done. Maybe catch a werewolf." The sarcasm not lost before the Vulcan and vampire headed into the other building, the door closing after but their conversation continued.

"Let's head inside." Michael decided, tilting her head towards the door, "It's starting to rain."

As if listening, the weight of the clouds folded before the water drops began to patter around. Large droplets and small alike fell like clear marbles before striking the ground, spreading over its surface. The sound of water patters echoing like choirs of sounds as the water stuck different materials… almost like a melody. It was… beautiful, but Michael took the lead in towards the building, allowing herself to talk idly with her mother, about her future now she was commander again.