Georgiou's eyes lingered on the screen ahead of her with a blank expression, her eyes running over each and every face that was on the screen. None of the faces she really cared about but they had one thing in common; MIA. Most were the USS Shenzhou's crew as well. Again, she didn't care for it.

Behind her, she could hear Ash Tyler talk quietly with Leland, going over Voq's memories of her counterpart as if it was the first time they had had this discussion. No doubt reiteration for more in-depth answers now they were actually here.

"Was she…alive when she was put into stasis?" Leland pressed tightly.

"No. Freshly dead…but with experimental medical intervention and introduction of vampire venom, reviving her would still occur. As long as the blood is running the venom through the body until it becomes redundant."

"Then let's assume Captain Georgiou was turned, how long has she been a vampire for?"

Tyler sucked on his teeth for a long moment. "She would have been in stasis for a few months. No more than three. L'Rell wanted to send the body to a facility to develop bioweapons so we—Voq, I mean— removed the captain from one stasis pod to another. A small vessel, like an escape pod with a trajectory to a Klingon outpost. They never heard anything of that. I believe L'Rell forgot after starvation started to kick in."

"Okay, frozen for three months, but it's still been over a year. Leaves us with an estimation of….13 months." Leland exhaled, "We have to assume that Ophelia Yetson has turned her to her cause. Telepathy, sire bond and past trauma of the human life would account for that. Georgiou will have to be treated as much as a threat as Yetson."

"She'll be her second in command," The former emperor spoke up after a moment, running her own assessments on what she knew of her counterpart "the rest would fall in line after her and…if there's anything really left; most would see this Georgiou as a…person of authority given her position as their former captain." It was logical reasoning; Ophelia would not be there all the time so someone had to maintain order. Clearly that had to Captain Georgiou.

It was odd though, seeing her own, human-Starfleet face in the mixtures of faces of the MIAs—removed from the KIA group now.

"How did Yetson tell the difference between you two?"

"Our scents."

"You're the same person." Leland pointed out, folding his arms. "Literally. Aside from your quantum signature. You have the same fingerprints. Your human DNA is even identical. No doubt your vampire one too."

"Not necessarily." Tyler pointed out, matter-of-factly "Different sires. Each new vampire inherits a few genetic information from their sires. It's carried in their scent. Vampires can pick it up"

"Hardly noticeable if you're not paying attention," Philippa added dryly before turning her focus to the human captain. "Do you want me to go after Georgiou?"

"No." Leland turned to the screen. "Right now, Yetson's intentions are clearly to gather a bigger population for something. Since the loss of Lieutenant Gant; it's shown us the targets. I've already advised most of the former human Shenzhou crew to transfer to isolated outposts and ships under aliases. How's our surveillance of Titus V?"

"Without bio signs, tracking vampires are near impossible to distinguish from our surveillance ships against the terrain. The planet is class M but not a good atmosphere for long-term oxygen-nitrogen breathers. We…have located defensive turrets around the planet's orbit. Unknown configuration so we're not able to get any closer without triggering it or potentially alerting Ophelia of our presence." Tyler debriefs, on the screen to a display of Titus V.

Almost earth-like, large continents of water with large patched of land which, while was green with life, there were clear signs of decay. Possibly the environment recovering from a catastrophe. Her eyes turned from the screen to the sensors. Higher amounts of nitrogen and CO2 with a high temperature. But, then again, the humidity was one thing but general planet temperature would easily mask any ice-cold temperature differences. Too small to be seen, even with their sensors.

Her mind could find a few strategic reasons for this planet. Location to many different territories was no doubt the main one.

Tyler carried on undisturbed, "I…also have to believe the ship Ophelia is using has a cloak since we've not seen any ships come and go from the planet. Life-signs do appear but… they don't last long." His tone lowered as he spoke, turning grave. "Human, Klingon and Orion, mainly. Concentrations of biomatter littler the surface but it's clear the vampires migrate a lot."

"We should detonate an anti-matter warhead into the system's star. The problem will go away after that" Sure, an entire system or two but it would stop a problem resurfacing.

"Let's not hit the nuclear option, Agent Georgiou." Leland pointed out with a raised eyebrow. "At least, not yet. Cornwell wants the vampire Shenzhou crew intact..." Leland shook his head scoffing with disagreement.

"So?"

Georgiou glowered a flicker of ire washing through her at the divergence of the actual topic. She was clearly meant to do something. Hunting the other Georgiou would be fun, perhaps a little exciting; her own counterpart was out there and no doubt willing to fight. Having no idea what laid out here; waiting. There was the thrill of the thought of taking on her counterpart; to fight someone with her own face. She didn't like Captain Georgiou; a weaker, Starfleet version of herself. Soft because this world didn't have the same demand for survival. But now… there was a hint of a thrill. Being a vampire certainly would have changed her.

Made her a worthy competition.

"Right now, we have to continue our surveillance. We have other, more immediate problems to address, such as Lieutenant Spock."

Georgiou huffed out, though not entirely displeased. Michael's adoptive brother. That would certainly make things a little more interesting in the meantime. Certainly was curious to hear about his crimes and convenient absence, especially for a Vulcan and more so given he wasn't even a full-blooded one at that.

"Georgiou, I want you to track him down yourself. I've managed to acquire the warp trail of the shuttle he stole from the psychiatric facility." Leland picked up a PADD tucked under an arm with a stern look towards her. "We need to get to him first. He should have…information we need about the signals."

Her lips pressed together as she eyes the human man, his heart rate steady a held a strong amount of confidence. One of the reasons she wasn't fond of him but like most human and humanoid species with a pulse, there were small signatures that betrayed their reactions. He was used to her presence; that would have to change.

Georgiou plucked it from his fingers without a word and sauntered away.

Michael eyed the hologram ahead thoughtfully. Tracing each of the red, gradient-like lines of the figure, clear signs it was something with wings… Vulcan eyesight was good, but she had hoped for better; to see more of this being; what they looked like beyond the silhouette. Both the pictures from the tricorder from Terralysium window and from the recording from the camera floated beside the first. Barely shedding light either. Human eyesight was severely limited. The camera wasn't any better; unable to adjust in the frames it had to offer anything more than Spock's drawings.

"Hello, Tilly," Michael announced quietly though didn't break her stare with her work as she heard the human huff.

"Ugh,"

"Super senses."

"Ugh, again." Tilly poked her in the arm and sat down beside her. "I didn't expect to find you in the mess this early."

Michael's eyes flickered from the hologram to her friend's face, pink-cheeked from the early morning jog with her locks of red curls tied away. "I'm meeting the Captain and I wanted to go over the briefing for this afternoon with him. Cornwell—"

Tilly perked straight up. "Ooh, your fourth date!"

Of course, that would be what she'd pick up. "It's hardly a date." She corrected.

"Oh really, so tell me, my relationship-clueless friend, what do you think they are." Tilly poised her with a look. "Spend an evening in the armoury the other night, lunch with him the next day which continued into you two running bridge diagnostics—while not the best start, I'm sure I could get involved and spice things up a bit—" Tilly side tracked, "Then there was yesterday's dinner, or his dinner at the least in his ready room."

Michael tisked softly, her fingers turning off her projector and the images in front of her died away. "Remind me, why do I talk to you on my activities?"

"Because I've got the social skills to fill a pool and yours fills a tea-spoon." Tilly fired back without hesitation, "It's your way of asking for help in a way that you're comfortable with."

"I'm starting to revise that." Michael deadpanned, though… she couldn't deny the ensign's point.

Tilly paused though…a beat passing. "Did you enjoy yourself?"

Michael shifted her eyes away before she sat back, her hands moving onto her knees. Did she enjoy herself? Recalling those pockets of time with him was so easy as if they had just occurred and…while her emotions had been otherwise low… she could feel the slight difference in herself. She felt…lighter around him. They talked, mostly to the topic but there had been divergences to that that often broke the mood from captain and commander to something more…personal. Nothing that she felt uncomfortable with. She hadn't called him by his first name yet in such a situation but allowed him to use her first name basis when he wanted. She didn't mind that. She knew she was the problem but the fact he wasn't pushing for her to get to his level, it did make it easier to step forwards.

She could appreciate that.

"I did."

"Then let's class it as… semi-dates. You're getting to know each other, you're…probably defrosting a little, so to speak." Tilly smirked a little at her pun. "I'm so proud!"

Michael rolled her eyes softly, "how was working with Commander Reno?" Changing the topic away from herself now. "I heard you made a breakthrough with using the asteroid samples."

Tilly immediately brightened up more. "Oh, it's all sorted, the engineering room and the crops are now safe from jammers and…" She paused, before looking at herself before realizing she was in her gym attire, her expression barely dropped "Well, I've made up Stamets's new augments and I also made you a thing as well…. I left it in my jacket pocket."

Michael raised her eyebrow. "Me a thing?"

Tilly nodded. "Yeah. But…I kinda want to keep its function quiet but it'll totally help you if you install it under the skin."

Her eyebrows pulled in, not sure what her friend was really on about. What purpose could any technology be on vampire flesh?

"I'll take a look at it later but I won't promise anything." She'd leave it for Tilly to come to her about it. If it was so important, she would. She didn't see the current point of allowing unknown technology under her skin plus, getting it under there would be very difficult.

"That's all I'm asking."

Michael was about to answer before she heard a familiar set of footsteps before the doors to the mess hall opened; Pike's scent drifting in a moment before the man himself came in.

Tilly jumped up quickly, a smirk returning to her lips. "I'll see you later, Michael." She added before ordering a smoothie from the replicator and grinned as she passed the captain.

Pike eyed the human for a moment before his blue eyes turned to her. "She's in a good mood." He mused, moving toward the replicator and ordered a tea and egg and bacon breakfast wrap and took a seat in Tilly's former chair. "I take it you had an interesting night."

Michael smiled softly. "The usual. I've got a brief ready for the senior staff on this…red angel Spock saw. I…may need this morning off to work on some V.L issues that have popped up. Cornwell needs some support on that front."

"Than you can have it." He agreed, "Mind if I…inquire what sort of issues," he added, taking a bite from his wrap. She could sense his genuine curiosity on the subject, one they hadn't necessarily approached before.

"Starfleet's starting to show resistance towards the VL's desire for expansion as a government body. Cornwell's reopened the dilithium mines to start up trades outside the federation and development of a currency." Most species outside the federation had a currency. Bars, slips and strips of gold-pressed Latinum. The federation did not and to deal with them, they had to have the currency to start with. Selling Dilithum was a good start and they had a whole planet to mine from given how early the original mine had started before its closure. "There have been rumours of human trafficking but that's nothing to do with the VL."

Pike's chewing slowed a fraction though he became thoughtful. "So…let me get this straight Starfleet is having issues with vampires establishing themselves as a separate government? I thought Starfleet had rules against discrimination and the prime directive." This tone dropped from his chirpier mood to something more serious.

Michael shrugged. "We're the first species to evolve from inside the federation and from one of the main founding species. There's still…a lot of work to be done to be on equal footing. Most clans that are away are doing their part. All clan leaders have to report in because our population is so small. I am a government member of the VL, more so than the others given I was the first transformed."

Pike mulled silently. "Still not…right."

Her shoulders rose and dropped to from a shrug. "Call it a work in progress. The rest of the federation and Starfleet have to adjust to our presence. Vampires are the first undead species and the majority of the humans fear us. Other species share that prejudice over what they've seen over the Klingon war a few months ago."

Pike said nothing, though continued to eat and she was mildly glad he didn't. He after all, while felt like a supporter, he had no 'right' of opinion; their bond was broken and was a Starfleet captain. Unless he was turned or their imprint bond was…fixed somehow, he would be 'voiceless' on the matter. She didn't doubt he already knew that.

"Well, if something concerning the V.L comes up, I'll see to you getting the time off to see to it," Pike spoke as he finished up.

"Thank you, captain."

Pike nodded with a tighter smile. "We're going to expect Number One today, or at least she'll be paying Discovery a visit later this morning. She'll be able to shed more light on Spock and status of the enterprise."

Michael nodded, "I'm looking forwards to hear what she'd have gathered."

Pike's expression relaxed. "She's very resourceful and more often than not, ends up with people owing her favours."

She knew a little of the first officer of the Enterprise but she knew to expect efficiency from the crew of the Federation's flagship. It was clear this woman ran a tight ship when the captain was away and was well respected by the crew and by the captain. Michael could imagine they'd probably get along well if they worked together.

"I would like to meet her at some point, if possible." Her mind flickering back to her V.L work; the chances of meeting today were unlikely but there were other opportunities given Pike's placement here.

Pike nodded. "I'll see what happens but I'm sure you'll get that chance."

Michael spared a glance to her PADD and sigh. "I have to go." Cornwell would be annoyed if she picked up late.

The captain nodded, "I'll see you later."

Michael smiled back at him, picking up her stuff before darting away through the ship.

The vampire barely stopped until she got closer to her quarters though she picked up Saru's scent nearby. She stopped, though she sniffed carefully as she followed his trail. The scent was…off. Unusual for Saru.

A higher amount of adrenaline and cortisol indicated stress… what could rile up a Kelpien on a starship—aside from herself and Stamets?

"Commander Saru." She ducked into the science lab, hearing Saru's heartbeat- which too was a little faster than usual, only to see the commander sitting in the darkened room, holding a cup of tea and a salt shaker; examining the display of a monitor as he seasoned his drink; his usual green eyes were now more squinted and his pallor was…pale but she could feel his body heat was also too high. Her concern heightened though he didn't jump at her presence like most would have.

"Commander Burnham." He greeted stiffly, sniffling before he took a testing sip of his tea before pulling a face, adding more salt into. "What can I do for you today?"

"I was going to ask why you're up so early…you're clearly not well."

Saru shook his head. "I've just got the next course for the CTP ready for this afternoon ready. I started it last night and…" he paused, a hand coming to touch the back of his head. "I should really get back to it."

"No." Michael flittered to his side properly, "Your… your body chemistry is off. You need to rest or go to sickbay." Her hand came to his head though he immediately shied away. "Saru…"

The Kelpien groaned out softly, closing his eyes before he started back sipping. She took the moment to brush her fingers down the back of his head; his body tensing up but the heat against her skin was astounding. He was not alright.

"Saru, let's get you to sickbay. I will drag you if I have to." She spoke calmly, "You can do me for insubordination after you're treated."

"It's just…a rhinovirus." He weakly excused

"No, it's not. A cold lingers in the immune system before the symptoms immerge; I can tell the differences between the compromised systems and the healthy. You were fine yesterday, this is a sudden onset." She didn't wait before she dropped her hand and easily pulled him to his feet, his fingers tightening on the mug but he didn't fight her on the matter; which for her actions was still off.

"I'm sure you're a little too busy, haven't you…got a meeting with Admiral Cornwell, I saw your shift change this morning on the roster"

Michael guided him with her through the door, out into the lighter space. "I'm sure she'll understand my tardiness with a reasonable excuse."

Saru jump grumbled quietly.

"Dr Culber." Michael was relieved to see the doctor in Sickbay though she nodded to Stamets; though she interrupting, the human immediately got into a doctor mode as he saw Saru.

"Put him here."

"This really isn't necessary, it'll pass." Saru tried though Dr Culber barely nodded as he waved a tricorder over him, a frown appearing over his face.

"Saru, this isn't a cold." Michael pointed out

"No, it's not," Culber confirmed, dropping the scanner down before picking up a light, testing Saru's pupil's responses which looked delayed. "Thank you, Commander. But I'll need to run some tests before I can get a diagnosis."

The hint was clear and she knew she was pushing her luck to stay…

Michael nodded though her eyes flickered to Stamets. "You busy this morning?"

"Yes."

"Okay, I have a meeting with Admiral Cornwell, you're welcome to join when you're free." She left it at that, sparing a final look to Saru before she flickered away…the discomfort of leaving him not leaving her.

"The Vulcan High Command had opened negotiations with another three species," Cornwell spoke, "But one species wants more than just dilithium."

In her quarters, there were four holograms of the other clan leaders. Cornwell once again leading the debrief to them though they all stood in the usual circle stance as the hologram of information stood between them.

"What do they want?" Dexter asked, her ruby eyes fixed on Cornwell with a very passive expression. "We do have limited recourses."

"Bloodstone has a wider selection of recourses and space we do not actually need ourselves."

"You want to sell this species land?" Michael clarified. "They'd give them the rights of using sections of the plant for…a colony or perhaps a new vein of mining."

"We're only using a single small continent of land at the moment ourselves but I want to set up an agricultural centre we can use to grow crops and sell that as well. It'll expand our recourses and acquire interstellar goods."

Michael frowned though she felt the air of caution. "It won't be safe for them on the planet, not with us there."

"They are aware of the risks."

"What would we get for this if we agreed to sell them a few acres of land? Right now, Gold pressed Latinum isn't our priority." This was Russo on her left, his head tilting a fraction.

"We'll be able to purchase a few of their cargo ships and get access to their outposts. Their region is… high in ore but low in produce." Cornwell reasoned. "Yes, even if we were to sell them sections of the land and they use it to for crop, we'd be able to still make a sizeable profit to enable us to develop our technology."

"What about our ties to the federation?" Russo pressed, "We were all part of it and they owe us for fighting the war. Hell, I was transformed for it."

"We have to show some face of independence," Dexter pointed out, "We can't just…acquire ships or even a dry dock without reason from them and expect nothing to be paid back in some way. We have all the schematics of federation technology and ways of getting them without needed the federation directly. We'll…develop more on our own."

"Indeed." Cornwell smiled. "Our ties with the federation are loosening so we need to make sure we don't sink if something were to happen. With a rogue fraction of Michael's Sire, the vampire reputation is an easy scapegoat of blame. Let's not give the federation a reason to cut us loose so soon."

A few titters echoed.

"But, back to the topic, the Vulcan High Command are expecting a confirmation by the end of this meeting for them to pass this along. Once they know what we're able to offer, negotiations will continue."

"If we are to sell land we need to set a reasonable and general border." Matthews pointed out. "They won't be allowed to cross into our section without authority and vice versa."

"Agreed." Michael input, "but, if we're going to develop, we need more numbers. There's…just not enough vampires for our demands." That math was simple and they needed more than just vampires.

"Is there not a waiting list of willing candidates?"

"We dismissed them after the war, bringing them up might cause an uproar in Starfleet." Spoke Cornwell, "We can't use Starfleet officers."

"We still need humans." Dexter pointed out, "We need them not just for their numbers but also reproduction, we need them to help maintain and grow as we expand. What if they resign from Starfleet first and join our cause?"

"There are several non-Starfleet or federation colonies we can approach." Cornwell mused. "We can sell them an acre of land for them as well and offer them protection. We have all the time to see if they're willing to open up those….areas of negotiations. We have to be selective on that front."

A few smiles were cracked, they all knew that. Though Michael had seen most of the war-turned vampire's records. Selective indeed. One wrong person would easily turn into an Ophelia. Ophelia was the risk they were all too aware of as well as the federation.

"Starfleet won't be happy about our numbers growing. They'll turn up the heat."

"The prime directive, we can enforce that easily. The colonies that aren't linked to Starfleet or the federation don't have to fall under their jurisdiction. Once they agree to an alliance, then the prime directive it otherwise active." Cornwell pointed out.

The hologram in the centre changing into the image of Bloodstone. The planet looking as it normally did.

"Our facilities are in the equator here," a small selection of dots lit up in the surface. "The boundary of it is significantly large anyway, that will not change and it's divided always between our clans. The mines are here," Another dot lit up. "That will stay under your control Matthews but Dexter, if your clan returns to the planet, you could start the agriculture facility in our sunnier regions. Your parents are botanists as well as your siblings and you were raised in a vineyard by your uncle."

Dexter nodded, though with an air of caution on her face. "As long as I have able bodies and industrial replicators, I could get a foundation started by the end of the month. I'll contact my family and see what they can do."

"See to it."

Cornwell's focus changed "Burnham, keep to eyes open on your missions. If there's anything of interest that we can use, do not hesitate to call, any time or day. You have my emergency channel at your disposal."

"Yes, Governor."