Michael Burnham quotes from Star Trek: Discovery

Michael Burnham

Everyone applying to the Command Training Program will be smart. Personality doesn't count.

Sylvia Tilly

That's just something people with no personality say. Wait... which... which in no way means you... you absolutely have a personality!"

Michael Burnham

6.5 seconds is not an arbitrary number. Your new time will earn you a physical endurance commendation. Today your goal is 6.5 seconds. Then, getting a transfer on a Constitution-class like the Enterprise. After that, first officer track. See your path. Stay on it. Reach your destination. Cadet to captain; just like that.

Michael Burnham

You chose Spock over me. Didn't you? You were forced into that decision. Why not tell me the truth?

Sarek

Spock went against my wishes and joined Starfleet over the Vulcan Expeditionary Group. The choice I made merited nothing. What would be gained by telling you that?

Michael Burnham

Instead, you made me believe I failed you. You manipulated me. Do you have any idea what living with that lie did to me?

Sarek

I did not. But I do now. I failed you, Michael Burnham.

Michael Burnham

Help me understand what you did. It could make us grow closer, not further apart. That's what families do.

Sarek

Technically, we are not related.

Michael Burnham

You can do better. But I won't push you. We'll have this conversation one day. Father.

Sylvia Tilly

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.

Ash Tyler

I need to tell you something. Whatever you do, whatever this place makes you do, whatever happens to you. Or me. However we change I am here to protect you. Nothing will ever stand in the way of that. Nothing. Do you understand what I'm saying?

Michael Burnham

Yes. I'm saying it back.

Gabriel Lorca

What are you afraid of?

Michael Burnham

Georgiou.

Gabriel Lorca

You mean Emperor Georgiou.

Michael Burnham

Logic tells me she's not the woman I betrayed, but this feels like a reckoning.

Gabriel Lorca

Your Georgiou is dead. She's a ghost.

Michael Burnham

Haven't you ever been afraid of a ghost?

I see where the Federation puts its pennies.

Christopher Pike

Do not covet thy neighbor's starship, commander. Besides, we've got the new uniforms.

Saru

And lovely uniforms they are, Captain.

Michael Burnham

Very...colorful.

Christopher Pike

Are you saying it's some kind of a lifeform? Maybe it is a damn spider, I hate spiders.

Michael Burnham

It is premature to assign any anthropomorphic distinction or intent."

Michael Burnham

Can we have a better version of this conversation?

Is there a valuable question in your arsenal?

Michael Burnham

Yes, you actually think the beard is working?

Michael Burnham

I think our father would be disappointed in your lack of effort, don't you?

I disappoint him, he disappoints me, the sun sets, a new day begins.

We will never relate as equals so long as you attempt to assume every burden as yours alone.

Michael Burnham

Since we're being honest with each other, you need to stop taking whatever this is out on me! You need to identify why you're really angry!

There is nothing to identify. I am angry, pure and simple.

Michael Burnham

Because you feel like you failed as a Vulcan, or as a Human?

What I feel is that failure is liberating! And for the first time, I enjoy expressing emotion!

Sarek

It is the secret wish of every parent that our children make right the mistakes we ourselves have made. I know I have not always been the ideal father. Or husband, Amanda. I am…

Impossible.

Sarek

I will accept 'improbable'.

Michael Burnham

Well, that's big of you, father.