WARNING: The following contains spoilers for Star Trek: Discovery Season 3, Episode 3, "People of Earth," now streaming on CBS All Access.
Since Star Trek: Discovery Season's 2 final episodes, the leadership of the U.S.S. Discovery has been up in the air following the departure of Captain Christopher Pike. As interim Captain, Saru proved he had what it took to lead the Discovery, and the Kelpien officially gets the position in the series' latest episode. But that's not all; he also chooses his First Officer: Michael Burnham
The First Officer position is an important one in the Star Trek universe. In this position, officers, also referred to as "Number One," essentially work as the second-in-command of the ship, and the Captain's most trusted advisor. Notable First Officers include The Original Series' Spock, and The Next Generation's William Riker. Michael is now among those to hold the title and position.
In "People of Earth," Michael reunites with her crew, and although it's a heartwarming return, she also shows that she isn't the person she used to be. After all, Burnham spent a whole year on her own, operating outside of Starfleet's regulations. She's learned to survive in this new future, and she's picked up plenty of new tricks and traits along the way. Those new skills prove handy in "People of Earth," as Michael and Booker's off-the-books actions lead to a peaceful conflict between the United Earth Defense Force and a dangerous group of dilithium raiders.
As the episode comes to a close, Saru offers the position of First Officer to Michael despite her changes. Burnham accepts the offer, cementing the U.S.S. Discovery's new leadership, though she recognizes she will have to relearn some of the things she might have let go of in her time alone, and Saru trusts her to do so.
It's a beautiful moment between the two characters, especially considering the complicated and at times tumultuous relationship they've had on the series. When Star Trek: Discovery began, Burnham and Saru were at odds with one another, and their relationship bordered on contemptuous. Over time, though, the two of them have grown closer and learned to trust each other, even going so far as to develop a deep, emotional bond. And now, that bond is taken even further by Michael becoming the Discovery's First Officer.
Streaming on CBS All Access, Star Trek: Discovery stars Sonequa Martin-Green as Commander Michael Burnham, Doug Jones as Commander Saru, Anthony Rapp as Lt. Commander Paul Stamets, Mary Wiseman as Ensign Sylvia Tilly, Wilson Cruz as Dr. Hugh Culber, David Ajala as Cleveland "Book" Booker, Blu del Barrio as Adira, Ian Alexander as Grey, Tig Notaro as Chief Engineer Reno, Ethan Peck as Spock and Michelle Yeoh as Philippa Georgiou. New episodes of Season 3 air on Thursdays.