The Tirok Maneuver

X

 It was a difficult goodbye to say the least.

As Spock entered the bridge for the last time he was met with everyone standing at attention.

"Spock," Kirk said, approaching him, "It has been an honor to serve with you. Your memory will be ingrained in StarFleet history forever. You are offering the greatest sacrifice to us, to save our ship, and we thank you."

Kirk broke his stance and approached Spock, pulling him into a hug, "And I will miss you, ashayam." he whispered, barely audible.

The rest of the bridge came forward, teary eyed to say their goodbyes.

Last to come forward was Mac'hla, who stood calmly before him.

Slowly she held up the ta'al, hands finally still.

"Live Long and Prosper." she said strongly.

Spock mirrored them, "Live Long and Prosper."

"Spock, your memory stays with me. I will push through. I will become stronger." they promised.

"I would expect no less of you, Lieutenant." he said, never breaking his stoicity.

Spock turned and entered the turbo lift, holding up the ta'al as the doors closed.

Mac'hla clasped her hand over her mouth and stifled a sob.

Scotty and Bones looked over to her, shocked.

Hadn't she told them yesterday that she didn't feel emotion?

McCoy felt a pain in his chest as he realized that the whole time she had been speaking with them, she was holding onto the emotionless facade.

She was hurting.

Trembling, Mac'hla stumbled forward, trying to get back to their station.

Kirk looked at them with sympathy, "Lieutenant... you are dismissed."

"Sir, I am fine-"

"No. You aren't... but that's alright. Just get some rest." he said.

She nodded and entered the turbolift and as soon as the door closed she wiped her eyes and straightened up.

"How very easily humans are fooled." they remarked, and bit their lip.

They exited and strode through the halls towards the shuttle bay.

She caught a glimpse of Spock pausing in front of the door for only a moment before plowing in.

They took a deep breath and charged in after him.

"Spock!" they said suddenly, coming in behind them.

"Lieutenant, what-?!" Spock asked, but his words fell short as Mac'hla reached over and pinched where his neck met his shoulders.

"I am sorry, Commander. But I cannot let you go."

Mac'hla pulled Spock out into the hallway, gently leaning him against the wall to keep him safe once the force field was dropped.

She straightened her uniform. Though she was heading to her death, there was no reason to not look put together.

She hopped into the shuttlepod, placing in the coordinates for the black hole.

They took a deep breath and pulled their hair back.

"This is the logical choice." she told herself, "I will not let them die."

Mac'hla pulled a voice modifier from their boot fidgeted with it