He didn’t bother rising to any of her bait- she thought she was queen of this castle? Fine, it didn’t bother Leland in the bit. One didn’t have to wear the crown and it tended to be safer where people looked over you. Let her think whatever she wanted about him, all he needed from her was her mind. She’d been the Emperor where she came from and that, that was something Leland could use. And he would use it, right up until he couldn’t anymore. And then he’d dispose of her, whether literally or just shuffling her off someplace where she couldn’t get to him. Back to Qo’nos maybe.
“I’m worried about Lt. Commander Spock,” Leland started with, figuring the best way to deal with Philippa was let her work towards her own goals which he had clearly stated don’t interact with his at all. “While he seems better, I’m worried and would like to keep a closer eye on him. Since you’ve had so much success with Ash, perhaps you’d like to give a crack at him?” If it was up to Leland, he’d play off the fact his mind was recently manipulated and that he couldn’t be trusted, but he was curious as to what, if anything, Georgiou would suggest.
“I think it’d be best if we managed to keep Mr. Spock away from his sister,” Leland continued, “lest she put herself in more danger for him. She seems to have quite the self-sacrificing streak and it’d be a shame to see Starfleet lose another fine officer.” His reasons for wanting Burnham safe were a bit selfish, but oh, well. It happened to align with Georgiou’s interests, so this little indulgence of his could be fostered for now.
She couldn’t hold back a tilt of her head. Hadn’t he been alerted of what happened? It was a shock, and if this was her ship, heads would roll. But of course, if it was her ship, Michael and Spock would have had no need to escape, because she’d take care of both of them. They’d be her weapons to use as they’d been in her universe.
“Leland, I’m afraid I don’t understand. Didn’t you see that they’ve escaped? Or are you assuming we will be able to find them before they get to Discovery?” That almost made sense. They might not have the spore drive, but their ship was faster than anything else Starfleet had. She was rather fond of the sleek black raptor.
“Yes, should be capture them again, I would love to lend a hand to pull lieutenant Spock’s strings. He was an amazing creature in my universe.” So many fond memories put a smug grin on her face. “But perhaps you should try a new game with Michael? We need to present ourselves as hope for them both. You failed at that miserably by separating them too quickly when we had them. Her instinct is to protect him. Let her. Then we’ll have them both.”
