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=== Act One ===
  
=== Act One ===
  ⚫
A meal is slid into Burnham's holding cell; Burnham pushes it aside violently. Tilly tells her she predicted to Georgiou that she would not eat it and says she will have Dr. {{mu|Hugh Culber|Culber}} force-feed her later. The guards drag Burnham back into the agonizer, where Tilly demands she swear allegiance to Georgiou and name her co-conspirators. Burnham refuses and Tilly takes pleasure in activating the agonizer before leaving her to sleep in the device. During the night, Owosekun tortures her further. Burnham continues to reject food over time, and Culber arrives to force-feed her. At one point, Burnham awakens to find Detmer outside her cell as Georgiou observes remotely. Detmer urges her to give in and reveals that no one has heard from {{mu|Gabriel Lorca}}, who recruited Burnham into the plot against Georgiou.
   
  ⚫
Later, Georgiou visits an unconscious Burnham and reminisces about Burnham childhood. She was quiet when awake but screamed at [[night]] in her [[sleep]], "fighting to escape." One night, Georgiou stopped restraining Burnham and she sleepwalked to a field of [[firefly|fireflies]], which calmed her, allowing Georgiou to carry her back to her [[bed]]. They did that each night, but Burnham never recalled it when awake. Georgiou says she was saddened when Burnham outgrew her night terrors, though she wonders if she ever truly did. She unveils a small globe filled with fireflies and urges Burnham to trust her. She leaves and Burnham awakens, turning her head to see the fireflies. She eats a piece of [[bread]], staring contemplatively.
⚫
A meal is slid into Burnham's holding cell, Burnham pushes it aside violently. Tilly tells her she predicted to Georgiou that she would not eat it and says she will have Dr. {{mu|Hugh Culber}} force-feed her later. The guards drag Burnham back into the agonizer, where Tilly demands she swear allegiance to Georgiou and name her co-conspirators. Burnham refuses and Tilly takes pleasure in activating the agonizer before leaving her to sleep in the device. During the night, Owosekun tortures her further. Burnham continues to reject food over time, and Culber arrives to force-feed her. At one point, Burnham awakens to find Detmer outside her cell as Georgiou observes remotely. Detmer urges her to give in and reveals that no one has heard from {{mu|Gabriel Lorca}}, who recruited Burnham into the plot against Georgiou.
  
   
  ⚫
Owosekun brings Burnham to Georgiou's quarters, where {{mu|Saru}} attends to her. She kneels and salutes, and Georgiou dismisses Owosekun and Saru. Burnham apologizes and pledges allegiance, though Georgiou says she only sought to rule her empire with Burnham. She offers not only to name her co-conspirators, but to execute them herself. Georgiou tells her to have Detmer assist her. Burnham tells Georgiou she can trust her again, though the emperor appears skeptical and tells her not to return until she proves herself.
⚫
Later, Georgiou visits an unconscious Burnham and reminisces about Burnham childhood. She was quiet when awake but screamed at [[night]] in her [[sleep]], "''fighting to escape''." One night, Georgiou stopped restraining Burnham and she sleepwalked to a field of [[firefly|fireflies]], which calmed her, allowing Georgiou to carry her back to her [[bed]]. They did that each night, but Burnham never recalled it when awake. Georgiou says she was saddened when Burnham outgrew her night terrors, though she wonders if she ever truly did. She unveils a small globe filled with fireflies and urges Burnham to trust her. She leaves and Burnham awakens, turning her head to see the fireflies. She eats a piece of [[bread]], staring contemplatively.
  
   
  ⚫
{{mu|Ellen Landry}} walks down a corridor when she is fired on by Detmer. The two trade fire briefly before Landry incapacitates her. Walking away, Landry is shot by a waiting Burnham. Later, Burnham and Detmer enter Georgiou’s [[ready room]], where Owosekun and Tilly have joined her for a drink. Burnham throws onto the table before her the badges of Landry, {{mu|R.A. Bryce}}, and more than a half-dozen other conspirators. Burnham then fatally stabs Detmer in front of them. "''Now it's done''," she says.
⚫
Owosekun brings Burnham to Georgiou’s quarters, where {{mu|Saru}} attends to her. She kneels and salutes, and Georgiou dismisses Owosekun and Saru. She apologizes and pledges allegiance, though Georgiou says she only sought to rule her empire with Burnham. She offers not only to name her co-conspirators, but to execute them herself. Georgiou tells her to have Detmer assist her. Burnham tells Georgiou she can trust her again, though the emperor appears skeptical and tells her not to return until she proves herself.
  
   
  ⚫
In Georgiou's quarters, she and Burnham share a meal served by Saru. Burnham remarks that the kitchen has stopped serving [[Kelpien]] and Georgiou responds that Kelpien flesh is "''too high in cholesterol and stringy''." Saru agrees and departs. Burnham says she "came to the light" weeks prior but remained in the brig out of stubbornness. She also notes Georgiou used "[[backchannel]]s" to sabotage the alliance against the empire, which Georgiou says was not difficult. Burnham notes that Georgiou listened to her about the threat, and Georgiou demands she tell her the truth from now on. Burnham says she does not know where Lorca is and deflects a question about whether she still loves him, though she vows to kill him. She tells Burnham to track him down.
⚫
{{mu|Ellen Landry}} walks down a corridor when she is fired on by Detmer. The two trade fire briefly before Landry incapacitates her. Walking away, Landry is shot by a waiting Burnham. Later, Burnham and Detmer enter Georgiou’s [[ready room]], where Owosekun and Tilly have joined her for a drink. Burnham throws onto the table before her the badges of Landry, {{mu|R.A. Bryce}} and more than a half-dozen other conspirators. Burnham then fatally stabs Detmer in front of them. "''Now it's done''," she says.
  
   
  ⚫
Later, Saru brushes Georgiou's hair as she remarks that events are unfolding as she hoped. She tells him to remain in her service rather than return to Burnham but he warns her that he is about to undergo ''[[vahar'ai]]'' and expects to die. He asks her to cull him, but she reveals that ''vahar'ai'' is not the end of his life. She instructs him to lock himself away and after a few days will find himself "changed forever." She tells him about his prime universe counterpart, [[Saru]], who became stronger after undergoing ''vahar'ai''. He is surprised by her trust in him, but she tells him she could sense his regret at leaving her was genuine. Saru is distraught when he realizes his sister and family would still be alive had they known, but Georgiou tells him to avenge them by staying alive. "''You are not Terran''," he says, startling Georgiou, who insists she is and that she will mold her home to what she wishes it to be. Georgiou dismisses Saru and checks her wristband [[bio-scanner]], which still displays green.
⚫
In Georgiou’s quarters, she and Burnham share a meal served by Saru. Burnham remarks that the kitchen has stopped serving [[Kelpien]] and Georgiou responds that Kelpien flesh is "''too high in cholesterol and stringy''." Saru agrees and departs. Burnham says she "''came to the light''" weeks prior but remained in the brig out of stubbornness. She also notes Georgiou used "''back channels''" to sabotage the alliance against the empire, which Georgiou says was not difficult. Burnham notes that Georgiou listened to her about the threat, and Georgiou demands she tell her the truth from now on. Burnham says she does not know where Lorca is and deflects a question about whether she still loves him, though she vows to kill him. She tells Burnham to track him down.
  
−  
⚫
Later, Saru brushes Georgiou's hair as she remarks that events are unfolding as she hoped. She tells him to remain in her service rather than return to Burnham but he warns her that he is about to undergo ''[[vahar'ai]]'' and expects to die. He asks her to cull him, but she reveals that ''vahar'ai'' is not the end of his life. She instructs him to lock himself away and after a few days will find himself "''changed forever''." She tells him about his prime universe counterpart, [[Saru]], who became stronger after undergoing ''vahar'ai''. He is surprised by her trust in him, but she tells him she could sense his regret at leaving her was genuine. Saru is distraught when he realizes his sister and family would still be alive had they known, but Georgiou tells him to avenge them by staying alive. "''You are not Terran''," he says, startling Georgiou, who insists she is and that she will mold her home to what she wishes it to be. Georgiou dismisses Saru and checks her wristband [[bio-scanner]], which still displays green.
  
   
 
=== Act Two ===
  
=== Act Two ===
  ⚫
On the [[bridge]], {{mu|Airiam}} reports intercepting a coded message to Lorca's alias identity from [[Duggan]], who Burnham identifies as one of Lorca's top lieutenants. The message originated from [[Risa]] six hours prior. Georgiou orders Tilly to take ''Discovery'' there at high warp, overriding Tilly's offer to go alone with Burnham in a shuttlecraft. {{mu|Nilsson}} takes the ship to maximum warp. Upon arriving, {{mu|Gen Rhys}} reports detecting a single Class A shuttle and no other warp-capable vessels within a hundred light years. Burnham confirms the shuttle contains Duggan, noting that he is a "cheap bastard" who has not bothered to properly fix the craft. Duggan powers up, but Georgiou orders the vessel disabled and Duggan kept alive. A single torpedo does the job, prompting Duggan to hail ''Discovery''. Georgiou questions him over the viewscreen, and Duggan reveals that while she was distracted by the Coalition, Lorca rallied the Klingons and Romulans against her. Burnham has him beamed to the brig and orders the Honor Guard to accompany them while promising Georgiou she is not having second thoughts.
   
  ⚫
With Culber and others looking on, the detained Duggan quips that in person, Georgiou is not so terrifying and lightly tells her not to trust Burnham. "''Of course you can... when I want you to''," Burnham says, pulling out a phaser and shooting Duggan in the head. She turns the weapon on Georgiou as Rhys and Nilsson enter and kill two of her guards. Burnham reveals she was able to take advantage of Georgiou's second chance to kill her and save the empire. Georgiou responds that even now Burnham can make a different choice, and that she changed after seeing another way to live. Burnham says she never should have trusted her, and Georgiou responds that she "''never did... not like [she] wanted to''." Suddenly, Tilly, Owosekun, Saru, and another Kelpien arrive and start shooting at the traitors. Burnham kills the other Kelpien. Saru kills Culber. Burnham and Georgiou engage in a knife fight; Georgiou gains the upper hand but hesitates to slash Burnham's throat. Meanwhile, Tilly kills Airiam and Owosekun kills Rhys. Georgiou, having been stabbed with a dagger, withdraws her sword and stabs Burnham through the stomach, whispering "''Sorry''." The two lie side by side, dying.
⚫
On the bridge, {{mu|Airiam}} reports intercepting a coded message to Lorca’s alias identity from [[Duggan]], who Burnham identifies as one of Lorca’s top lieutenants. The message originated from [[Risa]] six hours prior. Georgiou orders Tilly to take ''Discovery'' there are high warp, overriding Tilly's offer to go alone with Burnham in a shuttlecraft. {{mu|Nilsson}} takes the ship to maximum warp. Upon arriving, {{mu|Gen Rhys}} reports detecting a single class-A shuttle and no other warp capable vessels within 100 lightyears. Burnham confirms the shuttle is Duggan, noting that he is a "''cheap bastard''" who has not bothered to properly fix the craft. He powers up, but Georgiou orders the vessel disabled and Duggan kept alive. A single torpedo does the job, prompting Duggan to hail ''Discovery''. Georgiou questions him over the viewscreen, and Duggan reveals that while she was distracted by the coalition, Lorca rallied the Klingons and Romulans against her. Burnham has him beamed to the brig and orders the honor guard to accompany them while promising Georgiou she is not having second thoughts.
  
−  
⚫
With Culber and others looking on, the detained Duggan quips that in person, Georgiou is not so terrifying and lightly tells her not to trust Burnham. "''Of course you can... when I want you to''," Burnham says, pulling out a phaser and shooting Duggan in the head. She turns the weapon on Georgiou as Rhys and Airiam enter and kill two of her guards. Burnham reveals she was able to take advantage of Georgiou's second chance to kill her and save the empire. Georgiou responds that even now Burnham can make a different choice, and that she changed after seeing another way to live. Burnham says she never should have trusted her, and Georgiou responds that she "''never did... not like [she] wanted to''." Suddenly, Tilly, Owosekun, Saru and another Kelpien arrive and start shooting at the traitors. Burnham kills the other Kelpien. Saru kills Culber. Burnham and Georgiou engage in a knife fight; Georgiou gains the upper hand but hesitates to slash Burnham's throat. Meanwhile, Tilly kills Airiam and Owosekun kills Rhys. Georgiou, having been stabbed with a dagger, withdraws her sword and stabs Burnham through the stomach, whispering "''sorry''." The two lie side by side, dying.
  
   
 
=== Act Three ===
  
=== Act Three ===
  ⚫
Saru holds the dying Georgiou as Tilly and Owosekun observe. She notes he survived his ''vahar'ai''. She passes out briefly and awakes to find herself back on icy [[Dannus V]] with Burnham and [[Carl]]. She is disoriented, surprised to learn she experienced some three months in the space of a few moments. Georgiou, however, is still afflicted and in pain. Carl reveals that he is the [[Guardian of Forever]] and the wooden door explodes and reconstitutes as a great time-travel vortex.
   
  ⚫
Aboard the {{USS|Discovery}}, [[Paul Stamets]] and [[Adira Tal]] are having difficulty hacking into the {{KSF|Khi'eth}}'s systems remotely. Adira posits that the ship was trapped in the [[Verubin Nebula]] a hundred and twenty-five years prior, and thus may no longer be intact. Stamets says something must be sending the signal on repeat and pulls more power for their effort. [[Jett Reno]] approaches, irked that they have rerouted so much power for their efforts and interrupted her work transitioning the ship from warp plasma conduits to fully polaric conduits. Adira explains their task and objects to Reno, who is snacking on black [[licorice]], having food in [[engineering]]. She replies that it is "''not food, it's candy, it's practically an accessory''." [[Cleveland Booker]] approaches and plugs a glowing device into the console. He explains that static in the [[space]]-[[subspace]] barrier is preventing their connection. He explains that [[courier]]s traveling to remote areas use [[range extenders]] to amplify weak subspace signals, though Stamets is skeptical since he obtained the device from the [[Emerald Chain]]. ''Discovery'' can now link its sensors to the ''Khi'eth'' to gather data.
⚫
Saru holds the dying Georgiou as Tilly and Owosekun observe. She note he survived his ''vahar'ai''. She passes out briefly and awakes to find herself back on icy [[Dannus V]] with Burnham and [[Carl]]. She is disoriented, surprised to learn she experienced some three months in the space of a few moments. Georgiou, however, is still afflicted and in pain. Carl reveals that he is the [[Guardian of Forever]] and the wooden door explodes and reconstitutes as a great time-travel vortex.
  
   
  ⚫
On the planet, Burnham asks what a Guardian of Forever is. Carl says he is a space-time portal in hiding because many tried to use him to kill people during the [[Temporal War]]s. He is "''nowhere near [his] original coordinates''," and Burnham notes that only the Sphere entity, with over a hundred thousand years of data and access to contemporary Federation databases could have extrapolated his location. Carl says that the still-dying Georgiou was sent back not to be cured, but to be tested to see if she would make different choices, whether her time in the prime universe had changed her. Georgiou says she must have been found wanting since she killed Burnham again, though Carl notes that she tried for peace, saving Saru, which she didn't have to do. He offers for her to walk through the portal, but she refuses to return to the mirror universe. But Carl says he will send her back to a time when the mirror and prime universes were "still aligned" so she will not die. However, he notes her life will still be difficult. She asks if Burnham can accompany her, but Carl says she is where she needs to be. He tells her to walk through when ready and disappears.
⚫
Aboard the {{USS|Discovery}}, [[Paul Stamets]] and [[Adira Tal]] are having difficulty hacking into the {{KSF|Khi'eth}}'s systems remotely. Adira posits that the ship was trapped in the [[Verubin Nebula]] 125 years prior, and thus may no longer be intact. Stamets says something must be sending the signal on repeat and pulls more power for their effort. [[Jett Reno]] approaches, irked that they have rerouted so much power for their efforts and interrupted her work transitioning the ship from warp plasma conduits to fully polaric conduits. Adira explains their task and objects to Reno, who is snacking on black [[licorice]], having food in [[engineering]]. She replies that it is "''not food, it's candy, it's practically an accessory''." [[Cleveland Booker]] approaches and plugs a glowing device into the console. He explains that static in the [[space]]-[[subspace]] barrier is preventing their connection. He explains that [[courier]]s traveling to remote areas use [[range extenders]] to amplify weak subspace signals, though Stamets is skeptical since he obtained the device from the [[Emerald Chain]]. ''Discovery'' can now link its sensors to the ''Khi'eth'' to gather data.
  
   
  ⚫
Georgiou tells Burnham she gave her "new life" by bringing her to the prime universe. Burnham says her feelings for Georgiou are for her alone, not because of her prior relationship with the late Captain [[Philippa Georgiou]]. Georgiou says she wishes she had said all this earlier and that she regrets not telling Burnham about [[San]], but Burnham urges her to tell the people she will meet upon walking through the portal. Before entering, Georgiou turns back and tells Burnham, "''This era is different, more Terran than where you came from. Saru has navigated ''Discovery'' admirably. But he's not the only one who's suited for the captain's chair. You have always been far greater than you could imagine, Michael''." Burnham responds that Georgiou is as well. Burnham offers a [[Vulcan salute]] as Georgiou responds with a [[Terran salute]] and walks into the portal, which flashes and disappears.
⚫
On the planet, Burnham asks what a Guardian of Forever is. Carl says he is a space-time portal in hiding because many tried to use him to kill people during the [[Temporal War]]s. He is "''nowhere near [his[ original coordinates''," and Burnham notes that only the Sphere entity, with over 100,000 years of data and access to contemporary Federation databases could have extrapolated his location. Carl says that the still-dying Georgiou was sent back not to be cured, but to be tested to see if she would make different choices, whether her time in the prime universe had changed her. Georgiou says she must have been found wanting since she killed Burnham again, though Carl notes that she tried for peace, saving Saru, which she didn't have to do. He offers for her to walk through the portal, but she refuses to return to the mirror universe. But Carl says he will send her back to a time when the mirror and prime universes were "''still aligned''" so she will not die. However, he notes her life will still be difficult. She asks if Burnham can accompany her, but Carl says she is where she needs to be. He tells her to walk through when ready and disappears.
  
−  
⚫
Georgiou tells Burnham she gave her "''new life''" by bringing her to the prime universe. Burnham says her feelings for Georgiou are for her alone, not because of her prior relationship with the late [[Captain]] [[Philippa Georgiou]]. Georgiou says she wishes she had said all this earlier and that she regrets not telling Burnham about [[San]], but Burnham urges her to tell the people she will meet upon walking through the portal. Before entering, Georgiou turns back and tells Burnham, "''This era is different, more Terran than where you came from. Saru has navigated ''Discovery'' admirably. But he's not the only one who's suited for the captain's chair. You have always been far greater than you could imagine, Michael''." Burnham responds that Georgiou is as well. Burnham offers a [[Vulcan salute]] as Georgiou responds with a Terran salute and walks into the portal, which flashes and disappears.
  
   
 
=== Act Four ===
  
=== Act Four ===
  ⚫
Saru reports to a holographic projection of [[Admiral]] [[Charles Vance]] about their findings, though Vance is concerned about the use of Emerald Chain technology. Booker replies that he ensured it was safe before installing it on his own ship years earlier. ''Discovery''{{'}}s [[spore drive]] makes it more attractive to [[Osyraa]], who is running short on [[dilithium]], calling for extra caution, Vance says. He tells Booker to follow [[Starfleet]] protocol if he wishes to remain aboard ''Discovery'', but he replies that Osyraa doesn't follow any protocols and that having him as a non-Starfleet participant could prove beneficial. Saru receives an alert that Burnham is beaming back to ''Discovery'' alone, and Booker leaves to meet her. Vance questions if Saru is distracted by the Kelpien crew of the ''Khi'eth'' and orders him to report as soon as he learns anything further. He also offers condolences regarding Georgiou.
   
  ⚫
In a corridor, Booker tells Burnham he's sorry for her loss and they embrace. Later, in her quarters, Burnham tells Saru they will not see Georgiou again.
⚫
Saru reports to a holographic projects of [[Admiral]] [[Charles Vance]] about their findings, though Vance is concerned about the use of Emerald Chain technology. Booker replies that he ensured it was safe before installing it on his own ship years earlier. ''Discovery'''s [[spore drive]] makes it more attractive to [[Osyraa]], who is running short on dilithium, calling for extra caution, Vance says. He tells Booker to follow [[Starfleet]] protocol if he wishes to remain aboard ''Discovery'', but he replies that Osyraa doesn't follow any protocols and that having him as a non-Starfleet participant could prove beneficial. Saru receives an alert that Burnham is beaming back to ''Discovery'' alone, and Book leaves to meet her. Vance questions if Saru is distracted by the Kelpien crew of the ''Khi'eth'' and orders him to report as soon as he learns anything further. He also offers condolences regarding Georgiou.
  
−  
⚫
In a corridor, Book tells Burnham he's sorry for her loss and they embrace. Later, in her quarters, Burnham tells Saru they will not see Georgiou again.
  
   
 
The crew gathers to toast Georgiou, with Dr. [[Hugh Culber]] calling her "''the most stubborn patient I've ever had''." Other crewmembers share their ambiguous opinions about about her. Burnham says she was "''like a mother, almost; like a sister, almost. I loved her, and hated her, sometimes both at the same time''."
  
The crew gathers to toast Georgiou, with Dr. [[Hugh Culber]] calling her "''the most stubborn patient I've ever had''." Other crewmembers share their ambiguous opinions about about her. Burnham says she was "''like a mother, almost; like a sister, almost. I loved her, and hated her, sometimes both at the same time''."
  +
  +
== Memorable Quotes ==
  +
"''Even Genghis Khan learned that his grip on power could not hold if he didn't let the people he conquered worship their own gods.''"
  +
:- '''Goergiou''' to Burnham (mirror)
  +
  +
  +
"''This is the orison of every parent, Michael, as I hoped you would learn someday: 'Why can't they ''just'' believe what I say?' 'Why do they only learn from pain?'''"
  +
:- '''Georgiou''', as Burnham is tortured
  +
  +
  +
"''&hellip;You are not Terran.''"<br />
  +
"''Of course I am.''"<br />
  +
"''The way you speak-''"<br />
  +
"''Enough.''"<br />
  +
"''Please, return to where you are from, emperor. Should you fail to do what is expected of you, they will kill you.''"<br />
  +
"''This is my home, now and forever. And I will make it what it needs to be. That is how I will survive.''"
  +
:- '''Saru''' (mirror) and '''Georgiou'''
  +
  +
  +
"''What happened to you?!''"<br />
  +
"''I have changed. I have seen another way to live, another way to rule.''"<br />
  +
"''There is no other way. There's an iron fist, and there's death.''"
  +
:- '''Burnham''' (mirror) and '''Georgiou''', as Burnham betrays her
  +
  +
  +
"''She passed through. See that's what you do with doors. You pass through. You've really got to get yourself up to speed with modern technology.''"
  +
:- '''Carl'''
  +
  +
  +
"''Who are you? Really?''"<br />
  +
"''Really? &hellip; I am the [[Guardian of Forever]].''"
  +
:- '''Burnham''' and '''Carl''', revealing his true identity
  +
  +
  +
"''I haven't seen you since the dawn of time. Where the hell have you been?''"
  +
:- '''Stamets''' to Reno
  +
  +
  +
"''You're- you're not allowed to have food in here.''"<br />
  +
"''This isn't food, it's candy. It's practically an accessory.''"
  +
:- '''Adira''' and '''Reno'''
  +
  +
  +
"''Consider yourself lucky. You're getting a second shot, that's pretty unique. But it won't be easy. The paper says the forecast will be bumpy and painful. Lots of rainstorms, and heartaches, but that's life. Or so I'm told.''"
  +
:- '''Carl''', warning Georgiou of what's to come for her
  +
  +
  +
"''I said you sentenced me to death when you brought me to this universe. In truth, the greater part of me was already dead. You gave me new life, and the rest of your crew isn't so bad either.''"
  +
:- '''Georgiou''', to Burnham
  +
  +
  +
"'''I've seen that some endings are inevitable. Mine, Captain Burnham's, and perhaps [[Philippa Georgiou|your Philippa]] was destined for her end as well.''"<br />
  +
"''You are my Philippa.''"<br />
  +
"''Michael&hellip;''"<br />
  +
"''I mean, what I feel for you&hellip; belongs to you. No one else.''"<br />
  +
"''I wish I'd learned all this before now.''"
  +
:- '''Georgiou''' and '''Burnham'''
  +
  +
  +
"''This era is different. More Terran than where you came from. Saru has navigated ''Discovery'' admirably, but he's not the only one who's suited for the captain's chair. You have always been far greater than you could imagine, Michael.''"<br />
  +
"''So have you, Philippa.''"
  +
:- '''Georgiou''' and '''Burnham'''{{'}}s final words to one another
  +
  +
  +
"She was a pain in the ass. And she meant more to me than I could ever put in words. Georgiou was the wall I crashed into over and over and over again. She was a tormentor, but a truth-teller. She was a mirror I never knew I needed. Like a mother almost. Like a sister, almost. I loved her&hellip; and hated her. Sometimes both at the same time. More than anything, she was my friend. She was the most unexpected of gifts, and I will miss the hell out of her.''"
  +
:- '''Burnham'''
   
 
== Background information ==
  
== Background information ==
  ⚫
=== Production history ===
−
<!--
  
  +
[[File:Terra Firma, Part 2 poster.jpg|thumb|Dannus V poster for this episode]]
  ⚫
* {{d|4|October|2020}}: Title publicly revealed {{el|directories.wga.org/project/1134306/star-trek-discovery/}}
  +
 
=== Title ===
  
=== Title ===
  ⚫
* {{Latin episodes}}
−
=== Story and script ===
  
  +
 
=== Cast and characters ===
  
=== Cast and characters ===
  +
* [[Rachael Ancheril]] ([[D. Nhan]]) is not credited and [[DIS regular cast non-appearances|does not appear]] in this episode.
−
=== Preproduction ===
  
  +
−
=== Visual effects ===
  
−
=== Music and sound ===
  
−
-->
  
 
=== Continuity ===
  
=== Continuity ===
−
* [[Carl]] reveals himself to be the [[Guardian of Forever]], first seen in {{TOS|The City on the Edge of Forever}}. This is also the only other episode in which his newspaper, ''[[The Star Dispatch]]'', appears.
 +
* [[Carl]] reveals himself to be the [[Guardian of Forever]], first seen in the {{s|TOS}} episode {{e|The City on the Edge of Forever}}. This is also the only other episode in which his newspaper, ''[[The Star Dispatch]]'', appears.
 
* Carl also confirms that Georgiou's experience in the [[mirror universe]] created an offshoot [[alternate timeline]] of that universe:
  
* Carl also confirms that Georgiou's experience in the [[mirror universe]] created an offshoot [[alternate timeline]] of that universe:
−
** {{mu|Paul Stamets|Stamets}}, {{mu|Ellen Landry|Landry}}, {{mu|Ronald A. Bryce|Bryce}}, {{mu|Keyla Detmer|Detmer}}, {{mu|Gen Rhys|Rhys}}, {{mu|Airiam}}, and {{mu|Michael Burnham}} all die in [[2255]] as a result of their participation in {{mu|Gabriel Lorca}}'s attempted coup. [[Terran emperor|Emperor]] {{mu|Philippa Georgiou|Georgiou}} also succumbs to her wounds shortly after her fight with Burnham.
 +
** {{mu|Paul Stamets|Stamets}}, {{mu|Ellen Landry|Landry}}, {{mu|Ronald A. Bryce|Bryce}}, {{mu|Keyla Detmer|Detmer}}, {{mu|Gen Rhys|Rhys}}, {{mu|Nilsson}}, and {{mu|Michael Burnham}} all die in [[2255]] as a result of their participation in {{mu|Gabriel Lorca}}'s attempted coup. [[Terran emperor|Emperor]] {{mu|Philippa Georgiou|Georgiou}} also succumbs to her wounds shortly after her fight with Burnham.
−
** {{mu|Saru}}'s ''[[vahar'ai]]'' occurrs in 2255 as well, despite him still being alive in [[2257]] of the "normal" mirror universe (as seen in {{e|The Wolf Inside}}). Thanks to Georgiou's warning, he survives the experience without being culled and passes his knowledge on to other [[Kelpien]]s.
 +
** {{mu|Saru}}'s ''[[vahar'ai]]'' occurs in 2255 as well, despite him still being alive in [[2257]] of the "normal" mirror universe (as seen in {{e|The Wolf Inside}}). Thanks to Georgiou's warning, he survives the experience without being culled and passes his knowledge on to other [[Kelpien]]s.
 
** The [[Terran Empire rebellion|organized rebellion]] against the [[Terran Empire]] is covertly sabotaged by Georgiou through back channels.
  
** The [[Terran Empire rebellion|organized rebellion]] against the [[Terran Empire]] is covertly sabotaged by Georgiou through back channels.
 
* [[Risa]] is depicted as having a [[ring system]] in this episode, unlike in prior depictions. This may be a feature unique to the mirror universe.
  
* [[Risa]] is depicted as having a [[ring system]] in this episode, unlike in prior depictions. This may be a feature unique to the mirror universe.
  +
* Emperor Philippa Georgiou quotes [[Victor Hugo]] in her monologue: "''Even the darkest night will end and the sun will rise.''" This quote is from the [[novel]] ''[[Les Misérables]]''.
   
 
=== Reception and aftermath ===
  
=== Reception and aftermath ===
 
* {{aftershow connect}}
  
* {{aftershow connect}}
−  
⚫
=== Production history ===
  
⚫
* {{d|4|October|2020}}: Title publicly revealed {{el|directories.wga.org/project/1134306/star-trek-discovery/}}
  
−  
−
=== Production ===
  
⚫
* {{Latin episodes}}
  
   
 
== Links and references ==
  
== Links and references ==
 
=== Starring ===
  
=== Starring ===
−
* [[Sonequa Martin-Green]] as [[Michael Burnham]] / {{mu|Michael Burnham|Michael Burnham (mirror)}}
 +
* [[Sonequa Martin-Green]] as [[Michael Burnham]] / [[Michael Burnham (mirror)]]
−
* [[Doug Jones]] as [[Saru]] / {{mu|Saru|Saru (mirror)}}
 +
* [[Doug Jones]] as [[Saru]] / [[Saru (mirror)]]
 
* [[Anthony Rapp]] as [[Paul Stamets]]
  
* [[Anthony Rapp]] as [[Paul Stamets]]
−
* [[Mary Wiseman]] as [[Sylvia Tilly]] / {{mu|Sylvia Tilly|Sylvia Tilly (mirror)}}
 +
* [[Mary Wiseman]] as [[Sylvia Tilly]] / [[Sylvia Tilly (mirror)]]
−
* [[Wilson Cruz]] as [[Hugh Culber]] / {{mu|Hugh Culber|Hugh Culber (mirror)}}
 +
* [[Wilson Cruz]] as [[Hugh Culber]] / [[Hugh Culber (mirror)]]
 
;And
  
;And
 
* [[David Ajala]] as [[Cleveland Booker|Cleveland "Book" Booker]]
  
* [[David Ajala]] as [[Cleveland Booker|Cleveland "Book" Booker]]
Line 109: Line 168:
   
 
=== Co-starring ===
  
=== Co-starring ===
−
* [[Emily Coutts]] as [[Lieutenant|Lt.]] [[Keyla Detmer]] / {{mu|Keyla Detmer|Keyla Detmer (mirror)}}
 +
* [[Emily Coutts]] as Lt. [[Keyla Detmer]] / [[Keyla Detmer (mirror)]]
−
* [[Patrick Kwok-Choon]] as Lt. [[Gen Rhys]] / {{mu|Gen Rhys|Gen Rhys (mirror)}}
 +
* [[Patrick Kwok-Choon]] as Lt. [[Gen Rhys]] / [[Gen Rhys (mirror)]]
−
* [[Oyin Oladejo]] as Lt. [[Joann Owosekun]] / {{mu|Joann Owosekun|Joann Owosekun (mirror)}}
 +
* [[Oyin Oladejo]] as Lt. [[Joann Owosekun]] / [[Joann Owosekun (mirror)]]
−
* [[Ronnie Rowe Jr.]] as Lt. [[R.A. Bryce]] / {{mu|R.A. Bryce|R.A. Bryce (mirror)}}
 +
* [[Ronnie Rowe Jr.]] as Lt. [[R.A. Bryce]] / [[R.A. Bryce (mirror)]]
−
* [[Sara Mitich]] as Lt. [[Nilsson]] / {{mu|Nilsson|Nilsson (mirror)}}
 +
* [[Sara Mitich]] as Lt. [[Nilsson]] / [[Nilsson (mirror)]]
   
 
=== Uncredited co-stars ===
  
=== Uncredited co-stars ===
−
* [[Phi Huynh]] as an Honor Guard
 +
* [[Ross Carter]] as {{mu|Haj}}
−
* [[Bart LaRue]] as the [[Guardian of Forever|Guardian voice]] ({{small|archive voice}})
 +
* [[Phi Huynh]] as an [[Unnamed Terrans|Honor Guard]]
−
* [[Greg Leach]] as an Honor Guard
 +
* [[Bartell La Rue]] as Guardian voice ({{small|archive voice}})
  +
* [[Greg Leach]] as an [[Unnamed Terrans|Honor Guard]]
   
 
=== Stunt doubles ===
  
=== Stunt doubles ===
Line 125: Line 185:
   
 
=== References ===
  
=== References ===
−
[[2254]]; [[3064]]; [[3187]]; [[accomplice]]; [[agonizer]]; [[agonizer booth]]; [[alliance]]; [[Andorian]]s; [[appetite]]; [[artist]]; [[backchannel]]; [[badass]]; [[bed]]; [[biodata]]; [[bitch]]; [[black licorice]]; [[bowler hat]]; [[bread]]; [[brig]]; {{revname|The|Burn}}; "[[Carnelian]]"; {{ISSr|Charon}}; [[cholesterol]]; [[cigar]]; [[Class A shuttlecraft]]; [[co-conspirator]]; {{mu|Coalition}}; [[Coridanite]]s; [[daughter]]; [[death opera]]; [[Denobulan]]s; [[DNA]]; [[DOT-7]]; [[Emerald Chain]]; [[emperor]]; [[field manual]]; [[firefly]]; [[floor]]; [[force-feeding]]; [[ganglia]]; {{revname|Philippa|Georgiou}}; [[Guardian of Forever]]; [[Honor Guard]]; {{revname|Victor|Hugo}}; [[interrogator]]; [[Kelpien]]s; {{mur|Genghis|Khan}}; ''[[KSF Khi'eth|''Khi'eth'', KSF]]''; [[kitchen]]; [[Klingon]]; [[life sign]]s; {{mur|Gabriel|Lorca}}; [[mirror universe]]; [[mother]]; [[night]]; [[night terror]]; [[orison]]; [[Osyraa]]; [[oxygen]]; [[palace]]; [[parent]]; [[phaser]]; [[pain]]; [[prime universe]]; [[propaganda]]; [[quadrant]]; [[rebellion]]; [[retirement]]; [[revolt]]; [[Rigelian]]s; [[Risa]]; [[Romulan]]s; [[rules of engagement (law)|rules of engagement]]; [[San]]; [[serial number]]; [[sleep]]; [[sleepwalking]]; [[spitting]]; [[subspace relay]]; [[sun]]; [[sword]]; [[Tantalus field]]; [[technical manual]]; [[Tellarite]]s; [[Temporal War]]; [[Terra]]; {{mu|Terran}}; [[Terran Empire]]; [[Terran salute]]; [[toast]]; [[traitor]]; ''[[vahar'ai]]''; "[[Vicar]]"; [[Vulcan salute]]; [[warp conduit]]; [[week]]
 +
[[2254]]; [[3064]]; [[3187]]; [[accomplice]]; [[Fleet admiral|admiral]]; [[agonizer]]; [[agonizer booth]]; [[alias]]; [[alliance]]; [[Andorian]]s; [[apology]]; [[appetite]]; [[artist]]; [[backchannel]]; [[backup cell]]; [[badass]]; [[bed]]; [[biodata]]; [[bitch]]; [[Booker's ship]]; [[boot]]; [[bowler hat]]; [[bread]]; [[brig]]; {{revname|The|Burn}}; [[cage]]; [[candy]]; {{dis|captain|rank}}; [[captain's chair]]; "[[Carnelian]]"; {{ISSr|Charon}}; [[cholesterol]]; [[christening]]; [[cigar]]; {{USSr|Clarke}}; [[Class A shuttlecraft]]; [[Class C shuttlecraft]] ([[Unnamed Class C shuttles#Shuttlecraft (2255)|unnamed]]); [[co-conspirator]]; {{mu|Coalition}}; [[coat]]; [[commander]]; [[conversation]]; [[coordinates]]; [[Coridanite]]s; [[courier]]; [[daughter]]; [[death opera]]; [[Denobulan]]s; [[dilithium]]; [[distress call]]; [[DNA]]; [[door]]; [[DOT-7]]; [[Emerald Chain]]; [[emperor]]; {{USSr|Europa}}; [[Federation database]]; {{dis|field|agriculture}}; [[field manual]]; [[firefly]]; [[floor]]; [[force-feeding]]; [[ganglia]]; {{revname|Philippa|Georgiou}}; [[Guardian of Forever]]; [[history]]; [[Honor Guard]]; [[hug]]; {{revname|Victor|Hugo}}; [[interrogator]]; [[Kelpien]]s; {{mur|Genghis|Khan}}; {{KSFr|Khi'eth}}; [[kitchen]]; [[Klingon]]; [[laughter]]; [[licorice]]; [[lieutenant]]; [[lieutenant commander]]; [[life sign]]s; [[light year]]; [[long-range sensor]]; {{mur|Gabriel|Lorca}}; [[Milky Way Galaxy]]; [[minute]]s; [[mirror universe]]; [[month]]s; [[mother]]; [[newspaper]]; [[night]]; [[night terror]]; [[orison]]; [[Osyraa]]; [[oxygen]]; [[palace]]; [[parent]]; [[percent]]; [[phaser]]; [[photon torpedo]]; [[pain]]; [[patient]]; [[plasma warp conduit]]; [[polaric warp conduit]]; [[prime universe]]; [[propaganda]]; [[protocol]]; [[quadrant]]; [[range extender]]; [[rebellion]]; [[report]]; [[research vessel]]; [[retirement]]; [[revolt]]; [[Rigelian]]s; [[Risa]]; [[Unnamed Alpha and Beta Quadrant moons#Risa mooons|Risa's moons]]; [[Romulan]]s; {{dis|rules of engagement|law}}; [[San]]; [[serial number]]; {{USSr|Shran}}; {{mu|Siranna}}; [[sister]]; [[sky]]; [[sleep]]; [[sleepwalking]]; [[snake]]; [[space]]; [[spacetime portal]]; {{dis|Sphere|lifeform}}; [[spitting]]; [[spore drive]]; ''{{revname|The|Star Dispatch}}''; [[Starfleet]]; [[Starfleet uniform (32nd century)]]; [[Starfleet uniform (late 2230s-2250s)]]; [[subspace]]; [[subspace relay]]; [[sun]]; [[sword]]; [[Tantalus field]]; [[technical manual]]; [[teenager]]; [[Tellarite]]s; [[Temporal War]]; [[Terra]]; {{mu|Terran}}; [[Terran Empire]]; [[Terran Empire uniform#23rd century|Terran Empire uniform]]; [[Terran salute]]; [[toast]]; [[traitor]]; [[unconsciousness]]; ''[[vahar'ai]]''; [[Verubin Nebula]]; "[[Vicar]]"; [[Vulcan salute]]; [[week]]; [[wrist]]
   
 
==== ''The Star Dispatch'' ====
  
==== ''The Star Dispatch'' ====
 
[[Andoria]]; [[Augustus]]; [[battle royale]]; [[blue giant]]; [[Centarius]]; [[Dominus of Qo'noS]]; [[famine]]; [[Highness]]; [[Iaponius]]; [[Imperial Highness]]; {{USSr|Jenolan}}; [[Magnificence]]; [[Majesty]]; [[Milky Way Galaxy]]; [[Mother of the Fatherland]]; [[Norpin V]]; [[Norpin colony]]; [[Unnamed individuals (23rd century)#Norpin colony authorities|Norpin colony authorities]]; [[Overlord of Vulcan]]; [[quatloo]]; [[Regina Andor]]; [[San Francisco]]; [[sector 9]]; [[Starfleet Command]]; [[Unnamed Starfleet Headquarters personnel (23rd century)#Starfleet Command senior officials|Starfleet Command senior officials]]; [[Unnamed Starfleet personnel (23rd century)#Search-and-rescue officials|Starfleet search-and-rescue officials]]; [[supernova]]; [[throne world]]; [[Tkon Empire]]; [[Unnamed Alpha and Beta Quadrant stars#Tkon Empire sun|Tkon Empire sun]]; [[Unnamed Alpha and Beta Quadrant planets#Tkon Empire throne world|Tkon Empire throne world]]
  
[[Andoria]]; [[Augustus]]; [[battle royale]]; [[blue giant]]; [[Centarius]]; [[Dominus of Qo'noS]]; [[famine]]; [[Highness]]; [[Iaponius]]; [[Imperial Highness]]; {{USSr|Jenolan}}; [[Magnificence]]; [[Majesty]]; [[Milky Way Galaxy]]; [[Mother of the Fatherland]]; [[Norpin V]]; [[Norpin colony]]; [[Unnamed individuals (23rd century)#Norpin colony authorities|Norpin colony authorities]]; [[Overlord of Vulcan]]; [[quatloo]]; [[Regina Andor]]; [[San Francisco]]; [[sector 9]]; [[Starfleet Command]]; [[Unnamed Starfleet Headquarters personnel (23rd century)#Starfleet Command senior officials|Starfleet Command senior officials]]; [[Unnamed Starfleet personnel (23rd century)#Search-and-rescue officials|Starfleet search-and-rescue officials]]; [[supernova]]; [[throne world]]; [[Tkon Empire]]; [[Unnamed Alpha and Beta Quadrant stars#Tkon Empire sun|Tkon Empire sun]]; [[Unnamed Alpha and Beta Quadrant planets#Tkon Empire throne world|Tkon Empire throne world]]
   
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=== External link ===
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=== External links ===
 
* {{IMDb-ep|tt12047894}}
  
* {{IMDb-ep|tt12047894}}
  +
* {{mbeta-quote|Terra Firma|Terra Firma, Part 2}}
   
 
{{mirror universe episodes}}
  
{{mirror universe episodes}}
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{{DIS nav|season=3|last={{e|Terra Firma, Part 1}}|next={{e|The Citadel}}}}
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{{DIS nav|season=3|last={{e|Terra Firma, Part 1}}|next={{e|Su'Kal}}}}
 
[[Category:DIS episodes]]
  
[[Category:DIS episodes]]

Revision as of 18:41, 6 February 2021

Real world article
(written from a Production point of view)
MA DIS arrowhead
Warning!
This page contains information regarding Star Trek: Discovery, and thus may contain spoilers.

Georgiou uncovers the true depths of the plot against her, leading her to a revelation about how deeply her time on the USS Discovery truly changed her.

Summary

Teaser

Aboard the ISS Discovery, Joann Owosekun, the head of Emperor Philippa Georgiou's Honor Guard, throws an enraged Michael Burnham into the brig. Burnham demands that Georgiou kill her for her betrayal, as the law dictates, and tells her that every moment of hesitation will make the emperor appear weaker. Burnham posits that Georgiou has become so weak that she built the ISS Charon as a palace for her retirement. Georgiou insists that the Charon is both a legacy and something for the Terran Empire's subjects to live for. Burnham spits in Georgiou's face. Georgiou responds by saying that Genghis Khan maintained power over a vast area by allowing the locals to retain their customs rather than more brutally subjugating them. The Terrans will never get spoils of war in peacetime, Burnham says. The Romulans, Klingons, Andorians, and Tellarites are forming an alliance against the Empire called the Coalition, she adds. The Denobulans, Coridanites, and Rigelians will follow and should all be attacked now. The Empire cannot fight the entire galaxy, Georgiou says, but Burnham insists they would "think twice about alliances if we flew down and roasted them on spits." But Georgiou says she is changing the rules of engagement and has Burnham thrown into the agony booth, where Owosekun tortures her.

Georgiou watches the proceedings from her quarters. Captain Sylvia Tilly enters and asks why Burnham is still alive. Georgiou insists she is not showing mercy to Burnham. Tilly responds that they must still root out her accomplices and notes that Keyla Detmer likely knew of her plans. Georgiou discloses she will have Burnham turn them in after she is broken by torture, and places Tilly in charge of the interrogation, for which she demands free reign.

Act One

A meal is slid into Burnham's holding cell; Burnham pushes it aside violently. Tilly tells her she predicted to Georgiou that she would not eat it and says she will have Dr. Culber force-feed her later. The guards drag Burnham back into the agonizer, where Tilly demands she swear allegiance to Georgiou and name her co-conspirators. Burnham refuses and Tilly takes pleasure in activating the agonizer before leaving her to sleep in the device. During the night, Owosekun tortures her further. Burnham continues to reject food over time, and Culber arrives to force-feed her. At one point, Burnham awakens to find Detmer outside her cell as Georgiou observes remotely. Detmer urges her to give in and reveals that no one has heard from Gabriel Lorca, who recruited Burnham into the plot against Georgiou.

Later, Georgiou visits an unconscious Burnham and reminisces about Burnham childhood. She was quiet when awake but screamed at night in her sleep, "fighting to escape." One night, Georgiou stopped restraining Burnham and she sleepwalked to a field of fireflies, which calmed her, allowing Georgiou to carry her back to her bed. They did that each night, but Burnham never recalled it when awake. Georgiou says she was saddened when Burnham outgrew her night terrors, though she wonders if she ever truly did. She unveils a small globe filled with fireflies and urges Burnham to trust her. She leaves and Burnham awakens, turning her head to see the fireflies. She eats a piece of bread, staring contemplatively.

Owosekun brings Burnham to Georgiou's quarters, where Saru attends to her. She kneels and salutes, and Georgiou dismisses Owosekun and Saru. Burnham apologizes and pledges allegiance, though Georgiou says she only sought to rule her empire with Burnham. She offers not only to name her co-conspirators, but to execute them herself. Georgiou tells her to have Detmer assist her. Burnham tells Georgiou she can trust her again, though the emperor appears skeptical and tells her not to return until she proves herself.

Ellen Landry walks down a corridor when she is fired on by Detmer. The two trade fire briefly before Landry incapacitates her. Walking away, Landry is shot by a waiting Burnham. Later, Burnham and Detmer enter Georgiou’s ready room, where Owosekun and Tilly have joined her for a drink. Burnham throws onto the table before her the badges of Landry, R.A. Bryce, and more than a half-dozen other conspirators. Burnham then fatally stabs Detmer in front of them. "Now it's done," she says.

In Georgiou's quarters, she and Burnham share a meal served by Saru. Burnham remarks that the kitchen has stopped serving Kelpien and Georgiou responds that Kelpien flesh is "too high in cholesterol and stringy." Saru agrees and departs. Burnham says she "came to the light" weeks prior but remained in the brig out of stubbornness. She also notes Georgiou used "backchannels" to sabotage the alliance against the empire, which Georgiou says was not difficult. Burnham notes that Georgiou listened to her about the threat, and Georgiou demands she tell her the truth from now on. Burnham says she does not know where Lorca is and deflects a question about whether she still loves him, though she vows to kill him. She tells Burnham to track him down.

Later, Saru brushes Georgiou's hair as she remarks that events are unfolding as she hoped. She tells him to remain in her service rather than return to Burnham but he warns her that he is about to undergo vahar'ai and expects to die. He asks her to cull him, but she reveals that vahar'ai is not the end of his life. She instructs him to lock himself away and after a few days will find himself "changed forever." She tells him about his prime universe counterpart, Saru, who became stronger after undergoing vahar'ai. He is surprised by her trust in him, but she tells him she could sense his regret at leaving her was genuine. Saru is distraught when he realizes his sister and family would still be alive had they known, but Georgiou tells him to avenge them by staying alive. "You are not Terran," he says, startling Georgiou, who insists she is and that she will mold her home to what she wishes it to be. Georgiou dismisses Saru and checks her wristband bio-scanner, which still displays green.

Act Two

On the bridge, Airiam reports intercepting a coded message to Lorca's alias identity from Duggan, who Burnham identifies as one of Lorca's top lieutenants. The message originated from Risa six hours prior. Georgiou orders Tilly to take Discovery there at high warp, overriding Tilly's offer to go alone with Burnham in a shuttlecraft. Nilsson takes the ship to maximum warp. Upon arriving, Gen Rhys reports detecting a single Class A shuttle and no other warp-capable vessels within a hundred light years. Burnham confirms the shuttle contains Duggan, noting that he is a "cheap bastard" who has not bothered to properly fix the craft. Duggan powers up, but Georgiou orders the vessel disabled and Duggan kept alive. A single torpedo does the job, prompting Duggan to hail Discovery. Georgiou questions him over the viewscreen, and Duggan reveals that while she was distracted by the Coalition, Lorca rallied the Klingons and Romulans against her. Burnham has him beamed to the brig and orders the Honor Guard to accompany them while promising Georgiou she is not having second thoughts.

With Culber and others looking on, the detained Duggan quips that in person, Georgiou is not so terrifying and lightly tells her not to trust Burnham. "Of course you can... when I want you to," Burnham says, pulling out a phaser and shooting Duggan in the head. She turns the weapon on Georgiou as Rhys and Nilsson enter and kill two of her guards. Burnham reveals she was able to take advantage of Georgiou's second chance to kill her and save the empire. Georgiou responds that even now Burnham can make a different choice, and that she changed after seeing another way to live. Burnham says she never should have trusted her, and Georgiou responds that she "never did... not like [she] wanted to." Suddenly, Tilly, Owosekun, Saru, and another Kelpien arrive and start shooting at the traitors. Burnham kills the other Kelpien. Saru kills Culber. Burnham and Georgiou engage in a knife fight; Georgiou gains the upper hand but hesitates to slash Burnham's throat. Meanwhile, Tilly kills Airiam and Owosekun kills Rhys. Georgiou, having been stabbed with a dagger, withdraws her sword and stabs Burnham through the stomach, whispering "Sorry." The two lie side by side, dying.

Act Three

Saru holds the dying Georgiou as Tilly and Owosekun observe. She notes he survived his vahar'ai. She passes out briefly and awakes to find herself back on icy Dannus V with Burnham and Carl. She is disoriented, surprised to learn she experienced some three months in the space of a few moments. Georgiou, however, is still afflicted and in pain. Carl reveals that he is the Guardian of Forever and the wooden door explodes and reconstitutes as a great time-travel vortex.

Aboard the USS Discovery, Paul Stamets and Adira Tal are having difficulty hacking into the KSF Khi'eth's systems remotely. Adira posits that the ship was trapped in the Verubin Nebula a hundred and twenty-five years prior, and thus may no longer be intact. Stamets says something must be sending the signal on repeat and pulls more power for their effort. Jett Reno approaches, irked that they have rerouted so much power for their efforts and interrupted her work transitioning the ship from warp plasma conduits to fully polaric conduits. Adira explains their task and objects to Reno, who is snacking on black licorice, having food in engineering. She replies that it is "not food, it's candy, it's practically an accessory." Cleveland Booker approaches and plugs a glowing device into the console. He explains that static in the space-subspace barrier is preventing their connection. He explains that couriers traveling to remote areas use range extenders to amplify weak subspace signals, though Stamets is skeptical since he obtained the device from the Emerald Chain. Discovery can now link its sensors to the Khi'eth to gather data.

On the planet, Burnham asks what a Guardian of Forever is. Carl says he is a space-time portal in hiding because many tried to use him to kill people during the Temporal Wars. He is "nowhere near [his] original coordinates," and Burnham notes that only the Sphere entity, with over a hundred thousand years of data and access to contemporary Federation databases could have extrapolated his location. Carl says that the still-dying Georgiou was sent back not to be cured, but to be tested to see if she would make different choices, whether her time in the prime universe had changed her. Georgiou says she must have been found wanting since she killed Burnham again, though Carl notes that she tried for peace, saving Saru, which she didn't have to do. He offers for her to walk through the portal, but she refuses to return to the mirror universe. But Carl says he will send her back to a time when the mirror and prime universes were "still aligned" so she will not die. However, he notes her life will still be difficult. She asks if Burnham can accompany her, but Carl says she is where she needs to be. He tells her to walk through when ready and disappears.

Georgiou tells Burnham she gave her "new life" by bringing her to the prime universe. Burnham says her feelings for Georgiou are for her alone, not because of her prior relationship with the late Captain Philippa Georgiou. Georgiou says she wishes she had said all this earlier and that she regrets not telling Burnham about San, but Burnham urges her to tell the people she will meet upon walking through the portal. Before entering, Georgiou turns back and tells Burnham, "This era is different, more Terran than where you came from. Saru has navigated Discovery admirably. But he's not the only one who's suited for the captain's chair. You have always been far greater than you could imagine, Michael." Burnham responds that Georgiou is as well. Burnham offers a Vulcan salute as Georgiou responds with a Terran salute and walks into the portal, which flashes and disappears.

Act Four

Saru reports to a holographic projection of Admiral Charles Vance about their findings, though Vance is concerned about the use of Emerald Chain technology. Booker replies that he ensured it was safe before installing it on his own ship years earlier. Discovery's spore drive makes it more attractive to Osyraa, who is running short on dilithium, calling for extra caution, Vance says. He tells Booker to follow Starfleet protocol if he wishes to remain aboard Discovery, but he replies that Osyraa doesn't follow any protocols and that having him as a non-Starfleet participant could prove beneficial. Saru receives an alert that Burnham is beaming back to Discovery alone, and Booker leaves to meet her. Vance questions if Saru is distracted by the Kelpien crew of the Khi'eth and orders him to report as soon as he learns anything further. He also offers condolences regarding Georgiou.

In a corridor, Booker tells Burnham he's sorry for her loss and they embrace. Later, in her quarters, Burnham tells Saru they will not see Georgiou again.

The crew gathers to toast Georgiou, with Dr. Hugh Culber calling her "the most stubborn patient I've ever had." Other crewmembers share their ambiguous opinions about about her. Burnham says she was "like a mother, almost; like a sister, almost. I loved her, and hated her, sometimes both at the same time."

Memorable Quotes

"Even Genghis Khan learned that his grip on power could not hold if he didn't let the people he conquered worship their own gods."

- Goergiou to Burnham (mirror)


"This is the orison of every parent, Michael, as I hoped you would learn someday: 'Why can't they just believe what I say?' 'Why do they only learn from pain?'"

- Georgiou, as Burnham is tortured


"…You are not Terran."
"Of course I am."
"The way you speak-"
"Enough."
"Please, return to where you are from, emperor. Should you fail to do what is expected of you, they will kill you."
"This is my home, now and forever. And I will make it what it needs to be. That is how I will survive."

- Saru (mirror) and Georgiou


"What happened to you?!"
"I have changed. I have seen another way to live, another way to rule."
"There is no other way. There's an iron fist, and there's death."

- Burnham (mirror) and Georgiou, as Burnham betrays her


"She passed through. See that's what you do with doors. You pass through. You've really got to get yourself up to speed with modern technology."

- Carl


"Who are you? Really?"
"Really? … I am the Guardian of Forever."

- Burnham and Carl, revealing his true identity


"I haven't seen you since the dawn of time. Where the hell have you been?"

- Stamets to Reno


"You're- you're not allowed to have food in here."
"This isn't food, it's candy. It's practically an accessory."

- Adira and Reno


"Consider yourself lucky. You're getting a second shot, that's pretty unique. But it won't be easy. The paper says the forecast will be bumpy and painful. Lots of rainstorms, and heartaches, but that's life. Or so I'm told."

- Carl, warning Georgiou of what's to come for her


"I said you sentenced me to death when you brought me to this universe. In truth, the greater part of me was already dead. You gave me new life, and the rest of your crew isn't so bad either."

- Georgiou, to Burnham


"'I've seen that some endings are inevitable. Mine, Captain Burnham's, and perhaps your Philippa was destined for her end as well."
"You are my Philippa."
"Michael…"
"I mean, what I feel for you… belongs to you. No one else."
"I wish I'd learned all this before now."

- Georgiou and Burnham


"This era is different. More Terran than where you came from. Saru has navigated Discovery admirably, but he's not the only one who's suited for the captain's chair. You have always been far greater than you could imagine, Michael."
"So have you, Philippa."

- Georgiou and Burnham's final words to one another


"She was a pain in the ass. And she meant more to me than I could ever put in words. Georgiou was the wall I crashed into over and over and over again. She was a tormentor, but a truth-teller. She was a mirror I never knew I needed. Like a mother almost. Like a sister, almost. I loved her… and hated her. Sometimes both at the same time. More than anything, she was my friend. She was the most unexpected of gifts, and I will miss the hell out of her."

- Burnham

Background information

Production history

Terra Firma, Part 2 poster

Dannus V poster for this episode

Title

  • This is one of seventeen Star Trek episodes with titles derived from Latin.

Cast and characters

Continuity

Reception and aftermath

Links and references

Starring

And

Special guest star

Guest starring

Co-starring

Uncredited co-stars

Stunt doubles

References

2254; 3064; 3187; accomplice; admiral; agonizer; agonizer booth; alias; alliance; Andorians; apology; appetite; artist; backchannel; backup cell; badass; bed; biodata; bitch; Booker's ship; boot; bowler hat; bread; brig; Burn, The; cage; candy; captain; captain's chair; "Carnelian"; Charon, ISS; cholesterol; christening; cigar; Clarke, USS; Class A shuttlecraft; Class C shuttlecraft (unnamed); co-conspirator; Coalition; coat; commander; conversation; coordinates; Coridanites; courier; daughter; death opera; Denobulans; dilithium; distress call; DNA; door; DOT-7; Emerald Chain; emperor; Europa, USS; Federation database; field; field manual; firefly; floor; force-feeding; ganglia; Georgiou, Philippa; Guardian of Forever; history; Honor Guard; hug; Hugo, Victor; interrogator; Kelpiens; Khan, Genghis; Khi'eth, KSF; kitchen; Klingon; laughter; licorice; lieutenant; lieutenant commander; life signs; light year; long-range sensor; Lorca, Gabriel; Milky Way Galaxy; minutes; mirror universe; months; mother; newspaper; night; night terror; orison; Osyraa; oxygen; palace; parent; percent; phaser; photon torpedo; pain; patient; plasma warp conduit; polaric warp conduit; prime universe; propaganda; protocol; quadrant; range extender; rebellion; report; research vessel; retirement; revolt; Rigelians; Risa; Risa's moons; Romulans; rules of engagement; San; serial number; Shran, USS; Siranna; sister; sky; sleep; sleepwalking; snake; space; spacetime portal; Sphere; spitting; spore drive; Star Dispatch, The; Starfleet; Starfleet uniform (32nd century); Starfleet uniform (late 2230s-2250s); subspace; subspace relay; sun; sword; Tantalus field; technical manual; teenager; Tellarites; Temporal War; Terra; Terran; Terran Empire; Terran Empire uniform; Terran salute; toast; traitor; unconsciousness; vahar'ai; Verubin Nebula; "Vicar"; Vulcan salute; week; wrist

The Star Dispatch

Andoria; Augustus; battle royale; blue giant; Centarius; Dominus of Qo'noS; famine; Highness; Iaponius; Imperial Highness; Jenolan, USS; Magnificence; Majesty; Milky Way Galaxy; Mother of the Fatherland; Norpin V; Norpin colony; Norpin colony authorities; Overlord of Vulcan; quatloo; Regina Andor; San Francisco; sector 9; Starfleet Command; Starfleet Command senior officials; Starfleet search-and-rescue officials; supernova; throne world; Tkon Empire; Tkon Empire sun; Tkon Empire throne world

External links

Mirror universe-related episodes
ENT: "In a Mirror, Darkly" • "In a Mirror, Darkly, Part II"
DIS: "Into the Forest I Go" • "Despite Yourself" • "The Wolf Inside" • "Vaulting Ambition" • "What's Past Is Prologue" • "Terra Firma, Part 1" • "Terra Firma, Part 2"
TOS: "Mirror, Mirror" • "The Tholian Web"
DS9: "Crossover" • "Through the Looking Glass" • "Shattered Mirror" • "Resurrection" • "The Emperor's New Cloak"
Previous episode:
"Terra Firma, Part 1" 		Star Trek: Discovery
Season 3 		Next episode:
"Su'Kal"
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