Sonequa Martin-Green credited as playing...
Michael Burnham
- Captain Gabriel Lorca: Amazing, isn't it? Different universe, and somehow the same people, had a way to find each other. The strongest argument I have ever seen for the existence of destiny.
- Michael Burnham: I'm not sure if I believe in destiny.
- Captain Gabriel Lorca: Is that so? Sitting in that cell all alone, facing a life sentence of solitude, future full of misery. A little part of you had to know that wasn't the end of your story. You were destined for something more.
- Michael Burnham: Destiny didn't get me out of prison, Captain. You did that.
- Michael Burnham: You are a captain now.
- Sylvia Tilly: No, I'm not. She is. I'm nothing like her, Michael. She's terrifying, she's... she's like a twisted version of everything I've ever aspired to be. I'm gonna have nightmares about myself now.
- Michael Burnham: You don't actually have to be her.
- Sylvia Tilly: But how do I project that strength?
- Michael Burnham: I've been trying to understand them better. And Terran strength... is born out of pure necessity. Because they live in constant fear - always looking for the next knife aimed at their back. Their strength is painted rust. It's a facade. But you have the strength of an entire crew that believes in you. Fortify yourself with our faith in you. That's what a real captain does.
- [the Discovery crew are wondering about the strange behavior of ships they have encountered]
- Saru: I may have something. The quantum signature of the Cooper, as well as that of the Vulcan cruiser, are inconsistent with ours.
- Michael Burnham: That's not possible. All matter native to our universe resonates with the same quantum signature, nothing can change it.
- Captain Gabriel Lorca: That's true. Unless... this is not our universe.