Burnham regained her senses. She can sense Tilly beside her. The sounds of the medical equipment around her became apparent. The pain from her lower torso had dulled. Her eyes opened to the colorful scenery of sick bay. Burnham's hands were on her lap cupped together. Burnham turned her attention onto the ensign who was leaned forward snoring away. Burnham reached a hand out grabbing onto Tilly's. Tilly's eyes opened then a look of relief replaced her tired demeanor.

"Good morning," Burnham said.

"You've been out cold for a few hours," Tilly said. "I was scared for a moment there that you were not going to wake up."

"A wise figure on Vulcan once said, 'The only way to defeat fear is by saying no'," Burnham said. "'Faith of the heart keeps one intact and their mind soothed during a difficult time.'"

Tilly was glowing before Burnham.

"I love it when you say things like that," Tilly said.

"And how is the patient today?" Parchi appeared at the front of the bed.

"Adequate," Burnham said.

"You are on medication for the pseudo pain your father gave you," Parchi said.

"He is alive," Burnham said. "I can feel him."

"Recipient of a Vulcan Soul-Graft, I don't doubt that," Parchi said. "one and only so far in recent years." Parchi checked the woman's vitals then jotted down on the padd. "Doctor Soval is busy with a operation. Lab 3 had a bad accident." Parchi looked over toward the women. "He will be out in the next thirty minutes give or take to discharge you."

Parchi left the two as Burnham turned her attention toward Tilly.

Vulcan family bonds were different from any other kind of bond in Vulcan society. Different than a bond shared with a pet, different with a bond shared between two children engaged at the age of seven, katras bound to each other in any life time, and a bonded Vulcan couple. Vulcans were capable of feeling the losses of many of their own at a time of crisis happened. Four hundred, a thousand, and a million. Family bonds were different. One could not feel what they were feeling, whether they were in pain, and hear their thoughts. It was a constant presence in the mind. Vulcans were unique in this aspect with their various types of bonds that connected one person to the other.

Vulcan bonds were public knowledge as much as other telepathic species. The general fact of a Vulcan sharing a part of their soul with a human was even more common knowledge. Vulcans kept back somethings regarding their culture from the general public. Secrets they would take to their katra receptacles or to the great beyond. Burnham, even as a human who lived among them, would do the same. She had taken a vow of secrecy. Something that she could only tell in extreme emergencies. She came out of the mess hall then encountered the captain who did not seem to be happy.

"Is this about my request for shore leave?" Burnham asked.

"Yes," Lorca said. "It's about your family. And Ensign Tilly."

Burnham raised a eyebrow.

"Captain?" Burhham said, tilting her head.

"Tilly just sent me a request for shore leave," Lorca said.

"I did not ask her or give her any ideas," Burnham said.

"I know Sarek has been attacked at the embassy," Lorca said. "you could have been more subtle regarding your decision. We don't need crew morale going into jeopardy because two officers are taking shore leave while they don't."

"Captain, you are fully capable of refusing that request," Burnham said.

"Yes, yes," Lorca said, with a sigh. "would you?"

"We're at war," Burnham said.

"That is not a answer," Lorca said.

"It is," Burnham said. "The needs of the many outweigh the needs of the few."

"So that is your answer," Lorca said.

"Aye," Burnham said, with a nod.

Lorca stepped aside.

"Off you go," Lorca said. "and if Tilly is there, make sure she doesn't go with you."

"That I will," Burnham said, with a nod then made her way down the corridor.