#pathos-ii

[iilovepathos]

[temporaltourguide]

bunch of cool electronic stuff of pathos-ii

[invisiblestation]

[anonymousewrites]

Logos and Pathos (Book 4) Chapter Six

TOS! Spock x Empath! Spouse! Reader

Chapter Six: Emotional Test

Summary: Spock and (Y/N) train cadets and go out on a test flight. (Well, not before spending some time together).

            Spock and (Y/N) sat at their stations, observing the bridge quietly.

            “Leaving Section Fourteen for Section Fifteen,” reported Sulu at the helm.

            “Stand by.” Saavik, a young Vulcan, sat in the Captain’s chair, back straight and professional as ever. “Project parabolic course to avoid entering the Neutral Zone.”

            “Aye, Captain, course change projected,” said Sulu.

            “Captain,” said Uhura. “I’m getting something on the distress channel.”

            “On speakers,” ordered Saavik.

            “Imperative!” A distressed voice appeared over the speakers. “This is the Kobayashi Maru, nineteen periods out of Altair VI. We have struck a gravitic mine and have lost all power. Our hull is penetrated, and we have sustained many casualties.”

            “This is the Starship Enterprise,” said Uhura. “Your message is breaking up. Can you give your coordinates? Repeat. This is starship—”

            “Enterprise—!” said the Kobayashi Maru. “Our position is Gamma Hydra, Section 10.”

            “In the Neutral Zone,” observed Saavik.

            (Y/N) and Spock glanced at her. How would Saavik act in this moment?

            “Hull penetrated, life support systems failing,” said the Kobayashi Maru. “Can you assist us, Enterprise? Can you assist us?”

            “Data on the Kobayashi Maru,” said Saavik.

            The computer beeped. “Subject vessel is third class neutronic fuel carrier, crew of eighty-one, three hundred passengers.”

            “Damn.”

            (Y/N) was amused to hear a Vulcan curse. Spock glanced at them, and (Y/N) smiled.

            Saavik paused as she assessed her possible courses of action. “Mr. Sulu, plot an intercept course.”

            Spock raised a brow.

            “May I remind the Captain that if a starship enters the zone—” began Sulu.

            “I’m aware of my responsibilities, Mr. Sulu,” said Saavik calmly.

            Sulu turned back to the helm. “Estimating two minutes to intercept. Now entering the Neutral Zone.”

            She did it, thought (Y/N).

            “Warning,” said the computer. “We have entered the Neutral Zone. Warning.”

            “We are now in violation of Treaty, Captain,” said Spock, still perfectly composed.

            “Stand by in transporter room, ready to beam survivors aboard,” said Saavik, keeping herself calm—a proper Vulcan.

            Good, not getting flustered. Once you make a decision, you must see it through without fear.

            “Captain, we’ve lost their signal!” alerted (Y/N).

            “Alert,” said Sulu. “Sensors indicate three Klingon cruisers, bearing 3-1-6, mark 4, closing fast.”

            “Visual,” said Saavik. Her tone was clipped. “Battle stations, Activate shields.”

            “Shields activated,” said Sulu.

            “Inform the Klingons we are on a rescue mission,” said Saavik.

            “They’re jamming all frequencies,” reported (Y/N). A good choice from her, but it won’t get her far here.

            “Klingons on attack course and closing,” warned Sulu.

            “We’re in over our heads,” decided Saavik. “Mr. Sulu, get us out of here.”

            “I’ll try, Captain,” said Sulu.

            “Alert!” The computer beeped. “Klingon torpedoes activated.”

            “Evasive action!” ordered Saavik.

            A bang sounded, and the bridge rocked back and forth.

            Saavik held herself in the chair and pressed the comms button, keeping control of herself. “Engineering, damage report.”

            “Main energizer hit, Captain,” reported Scotty.

            “Engage auxiliary power. Prepare to return fire,” ordered Saavik.

            Another explosion shook the bridge, and (Y/N) held onto their seat to keep from falling out. Strong attacks. Bones sprawled across the ground as it trembled.

            “Shields collapsing, Captain!” said a cadet.

            “Fire all phasers,” said Saavik.

            “No power to the weapons, Captain,” said Spock.

            A third explosion rocked the ship.

            “Captain, it’s no use,” said Scotty over the comms. “We’re dead in space.”

            “Activate escape pods. Send out the Log Buoy,” said Saavik. “All hands abandon ship. Repeat, all hands abandon ship.”

            A knock sounded on the door of the bridge. “Alright, open her up.”

            (Y/N) stood as the door slid open and Kirk stepped onto the bridge. Saavik turned around in the captain’s chair and regarded him carefully.

            “Any suggestions, Admiral?” she said. The red alarm lights flashed around her, the alarm blared, but her gaze remained steady.

            “Prayer, Mr. Saavik,” said Kirk. “The Klingons don’t take prisoners.” His aura warmed at the joke. “Lights!”

            The alarms switched off, and the regular lights switched on.

            “Motors on,” said another official, walking in.

            “Trainees, to the briefing room,” said Spock.

            (Y/N) pressed the comms button. “Maintenance Crew, report to Bridge simulator.”

            “Physician, heal thyself,” said Kirk, looking with a grin at Bones.

            He rolled over and pushed himself up. “Is that all you gotta say? What about my performance?”

            “I’m not a drama critic,” said Kirk, and Bones rolled his eyes (but there was no malice, only amusement). He looked at Saavik, still standing in the simulator. “Well, Mr. Saavik, are you going to stay with the sinking ship?”

            “Permission to speak candidly, sir?” said Saavik.

            (Y/N) and Spock shared a look, curious about what she would say. They had guesses, but they didn’t assume.

            “Granted.” Kirk was never one to shy away from honesty.

            “I don’t believe this was a fair assessment of my command abilities,” said Saavik, succinct and to the point.

            “And why not?” remarked Kirk.

            “Because there was no way to win,” said Saavik.

            “A no-win situation is a possibility that every commander may face,” said Kirk. “Has that never occurred to you?”

            “No, sir. It has not,” said Saavik, hands laced behind her back and still composed.

            “How we deal with death is at least as important as how we deal with life, is it not?” said Kirk.

            Yes, thought (Y/N). Every Starfleet officer would see death. It was how they dealt with it that mattered. They needed to keep their heart and mind in the face of terror and grief, even when it became hard, unbearable. However, (Y/N) knew they had no idea how they’d react if they lost one of their dearest friends or family. Their eyes drifted to Spock. Without him, would I be myself? Or would I lose part of my heart forever? (Y/N) didn’t want to think of it.

            “As I indicated, Admiral, the thought had not occurred to me,” said Saavik.

            Her Vulcan-ness didn’t show any emotion, and (Y/N) remained unsure of what she was feeling. However, (Y/N) had been married to Spock long enough to guess that Saavik was disappointed in herself for not “winning” the test, even though there was no winning. There was only experience.

            Ah, well. She’s young. We all had something to learn then, thought (Y/N).

            Well, now you have something new to think about,” said Kirk. “Carry on.” He turned and headed to the door. Bones, (Y/N), and Spock followed, leaving Saavik in her sinking ship alone.

            “Jim,” said Bones. “Wouldn’t it be easier to just put an experienced crew back on the ship?”

            “We had our second round of fun already, Bones,” chuckled Kirk. “We have to let the next generation have their turn. Galloping around the cosmos is a game for the young, Doctor.”

            (Y/N) and Spock glanced at one another. Interesting thought from Kirk. They didn’t have much of an opinion one way or another. Spock and (Y/N) believed in training good officers for the next generation of starships, but they also believed in their own abilities.

            “Spock, (L/N), aren’t you dead, too?” joked Kirk. “Your ghosts must be loitering to wonder what rating I’ll give your cadets.”

            “I am understandably curious,” said Spock.

            “I was curious to hear Saavik’s thoughts,” said (Y/N). “She is bright and capable, and this was her first time through the simulator.”

            “Fair,” said Kirk. “As for Spock, your cadets destroyed the simulator room and you with it.”

            “The Kobayashi Maru scenario frequently wreaks havoc with students and equipment,” stated Spock, factual as ever. “As I recall, you took the test three times yourself.”

            “With a unique final solution,” said (Y/N), smiling.

            “That’s one word for it,” said Bones. “ ‘Unique.’ ”

            “Innovative, is what I’d use,” said Kirk. A glimmer of mischievous amusement shone in his eyes. “It had the virtue of never having been tried.” He looked at Spock and (Y/N) and turned over the book he was carrying. It was physical, so ancient, and an old Earth story—A Tale of Two Cities. “By the way, thank you for this.”

            “We know of your fondness for antiques,” said Spock, inclining his head in acknowledgement.

            “ ‘It was the best of times, it was the worst of times,’ ” said Kirk, quoting the first line of the book. “Message?”

            “None that we’re conscious of,” said Spock.

            “Other than ‘Happy Birthday,’ ” said (Y/N), smiling.

            “Captain Spock, Commander (L/N), space shuttle leaving n five minutes,” said the PA system.

            “Where are you two off to, now?” asked Kirk.

            “The Enterprise,” said Spock. “We must check in before your inspection.”

            “And you?” asked (Y/N).

            “Home,” said Kirk, smiling and walking away.

            (Y/N) watched him go. “I wonder if he was serious.”

            “About what?” said Spock.

            “Leaving all command of the Enterprise to younger officers,” said (Y/N). “I know that the next generation is capable, but we’re not…senile or incapable.”

            “Not at all,” said Spock.

            “…I think he wants to be out in the stars. Being an Admiral is far less exciting that a starship captain was,” said (Y/N). “Bones thinks he’s hiding from himself."

            “Hiding from oneself,” mused Spock. “How interesting, that people ignore their own mind.”

            “And heart,” added (Y/N). They paused before smiling. “But, Kirk has his friends. And he’s always been strong. He’ll work things out.”

            “Indeed.” The data of their previous adventures supported (Y/N)’s conclusion.

l

            “No matter how many times we do it, I love stepping aboard the Enterprise,” said (Y/N). They walked with Spock through the halls towards their quarters, still prepared to their liking. What else was there to do after checking in and ensuring all cadets were learning their roles and way around the ship properly but to have some fun?

            “It is our ship,” said Spock with unusual (for him) fondness. “Though I find myself ill at ease as the ‘Captain.’ ”

            “You never did go looking for a command position,” said (Y/N). They smiled. “I’m sure Saavik will be ready soon enough.”

            “She progresses well,” said Spock. “However, she has the stubbornness I possessed when young. She must learn the world outside of just logic.”

            “Logic steers you but not the rest of the world,” said (Y/N), nodding. “And that’s something she has to account for.”

            “Precisely,” said Spock, opening she door for (Y/N).

            “Do you know what I think?” said (Y/N) as they stepped in.

            “What?” said Spock.

            “I think Saavik will get the chance to see an excellent captain at work,” said (Y/N).

            “You refer to Admiral Kirk,” said Spock, knowing his spouse.

            “I do,” said (Y/N).

            “Admiral Kirk is not scheduled to come aboard, and we are not currently planning on any test flights,” said Spock.

            “When has Kirk done anything to plan?” said (Y/N).

            “He has…‘unique’ approaches to situations, as you might say,” said Spock.

            (Y/N) chuckled, and Spock glanced at them fondly. He enjoyed their smiles, and no matter how many times he saw one, he was reminded of his fondness every time.

            “He’ll show up, and we’ll go for a flight, I’m sure,” said (Y/N).

            “You’re quite certain,” said Spock.

            “Your intelligence is rubbing off on me,” teased (Y/N), raising two fingers. As Spock smiled softly and touched their fingers with his own, (Y/N) winked. “That, and Bones is going to talk to Kirk and give him a birthday present, and if anyone can talk Kirk out of self-pity and anxiety, it’s Bones. Kirk’ll be flying on the Enterprise within a day.”

            Spock pressed his fingers firmly to (Y/N)’s. “A hypothesis accompanied by logic and your knowledge of Kirk’s emotions.”

            “I’m good at what I do,” said (Y/N), smiling proudly.

            “You are, T’hy’la,” said Spock, gazing at (Y/N) lovingly. They were always attractive when they became efficient. When they put together facts and their own, excellent observations into a logical explanation of something happening, Spock was thrown head-over-heels into a reminder of why he loved them and always would. Intelligence was attractive to everyone; logic was sexy to a Vulcan.

            “Spock,” said (Y/N). “I can feel your emotions.”

            “Ah.” The marriage bond was quite strong, so as Spock gazed at (Y/N) and admired their (sexy) logic, (Y/N) was fully aware of where his mind must be trailing.

            (Y/N) smiled. “Don’t worry. I like them with you.”

            “Oh?” Spock stepped closer.

            “Mhm.” (Y/N) hummed. “And, you know, we have some time until Kirk inevitably arrives…The cadets are busy. It’s the evening recreation hours…”

            They raised their hand and entwined their fingers with Spock’s. He suppressed a shiver as their fingers ran over his, and (Y/N) felt his emotions heighten into flames. They smiled, lifted his hand, and kissed the palm.

            “T’hy’la…” said Spock, voice low. A heavy green blush rested on his cheeks and on his ears.

            “Husband,” said (Y/N), smiling and kissing the back of his hand next.

            “You are testing my self-control,” said Spock, eyes lidded

            “You know I don’t mind when you let go,” said (Y/N).

            With those words and another pass of (Y/N)’s fingers over his, Spock scooped (Y/N) up into his arms. They let out a surprised chuckle, and Spock held them close.

            “Then let go I shall,” said Spock, eyes lidded before he leaned in and kissed them.

            (Y/N) kissed him back, throwing their hands over his neck. “I love you, Spock,” they said softly, smiling.

            “And I love you, T’hy’la.” Spock leaned back in. “I shall show you how much I do.”

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[companionwolf]

soma hoodie. it's actually really nice.

[dread-red-queen]

🚫Do Not Re-Upload/Edit My Shots/Art Without My Permission🚫

[Bluesky][Patreon][Instagram][Tumblr][AO3][Nexus][Ko-Fi[Discord]

We're back on the Pathos Hype Train XD

A while ago I designed a Costume for Lucanis from @karinamay's Fic Pathos So considering what happened in that fic I thought I would design a costume for Illario

Read Pathos HERE

Read the Sequel Pathos 2 - flying Home HERE

Behind the scenes sketch and line art available on Patreon

[soma-shitposts]

Hello!!!!!!!! Hope you're having a nice day!!!! I'm insane about your SOMA au, it's so nice to see an au where Simon is spared from The Horrors

Your au has so much potential and I think that's really neat, was anyone there when Simon woke up? Imagine how scary it must be if you're a pathos employee just chilling and then one of the dive suits gains sentience and starts freaking out, I'd hate to be the one to explain to him that he's not human and he's 100 years in the future

You said in one of your posts that he becomes the poster guy for robot rights, what did he do to become that popular? I'm genuinely curious about what some guy at the bottom of the ocean can do to become a major figure in what sounds like a civil rights movement

*emerges from the salt marsh covered in conference presentation abstracts and barnacles* oml I haven’t thought deeply about my beloved Paranoid Android of Pathos II AU in too long… I’m so glad that goofy little concept has been fun for you too!

1. Was anyone there when Simon woke up?

Kind of? In my head the diving suit+scanner was an abandoned pet project of Catherine’s that was quite literally shoved in a closet somewhere when other projects began to take priority. (The world isn’t ending; research is just Like That sometimes.) The closet happened to have a structure gel leak which contaminated the suit and bam! Simon is Very Confused and concerned about suddenly being in a closet. Catherine is in her office at the time, so hyper focused on her work she doesn’t really hear him come out of the closet and when he asks where he is/what’s going on she kind of assumes he’s a technician that got lost until she turns around and promptly Nopes Out. Explaining to him that he’s not human and 100 years in the future is Ross’ job (AI psychologist - that’s kind of in his job title, right?)

2. Why does Simon have international acclaim for pioneering android rights?

I’m not gonna lie that was a joke based entirely on the crack premise of him getting arrested for stealing from the on-station Panera Bread restaurant (which is entirely my own ridiculous invention for silliness purposes). I guess the reason why the world would care is because like…you arrested a robot. Does the robot’s ‘creator’ get prosecuted or does the robot? I imagine the case was dropped because it was so absurd and had never happened before but it technically set the precedent that a) AI scans are independent of their physical ‘creators’ and b) are entitled to basic rights insofar as the legal system and its proceedings.

A bit of a stretch to call it a civil rights movement since Simon is the only scan that’s ‘awake’ although I’m sure the Carthage Industries Ethics Committee is having a hell of a time figuring out if they need to stop using such scans/should they try to make more androids like Simon for profit/etc. Bad day to be in the corporate offices.

…although I reiterate that factoid was born from the joke premise of Simon stealing from Panera. A restaurant on Pathos II. At the bottom of the ocean. Because Carthage Industries has taste. So this is all a goofy crack scenario anyway lol

[glassrunner]

i want and need to rewatch soma but... i am simply not emotionally strong enough..............

[halfwayriight]

SOMA: Pathos-II

[foone]

I kinda want to write Well There's Your Problem fanfic about fictional horror game disasters.

Tell me what happened at the Pathos II installation (from SOMA). What's going on at the Beira D oil rig? (from Still Wakes The Deep).

And so on.

[internetskiff]

I've sometimes seen this sentiment, especially among reviewers, that SOMA's WAU ""monster plot"" contributes nothing to the main game's story, and that the storyline would infact benefit from the WAU's removal. If you ask me, that couldn't be further from the truth. The WAU is at the root of everything. Frankly, it's the main reason the game's moral dilemmas are.. well, dilemmas at all. If the WAU wasn't making monsters, wasn't there to warp the life around Pathos-II as it saw fit, the game wouldn't have even started. Pathos-II would've just remained dormant forever. Simon wouldn't be there, and neither would any of the obstacles he faces on his journey to preserve humanity. The main reason the WAU isn't directly beneficial to Earth is exactly because its understanding of "life" is so skewed. Its not just bringing things back - its bringing them back incorrectly. Every single "monster" we meet builds a case both against and for the WAU's continued existence.

The Construct shows the WAU's failure to understand humanity in the physical sense, shoving a Human brain scan into a misshapen robot body and calling it a day, leaving it to babble to itself as it aimlessly wanders the halls of Upsilon.

The same could be said for Carl Semken and the other Mockingbirds, though to a lesser degree - though capable of speech, they're still very delusional and oftentimes end up going insane. Still, in some ways you see the WAU's understanding of human psychology progress with each new mockingbird - they become increasingly coherent and increasingly sane, Catherine and Robin Bass being great examples. While the Construct has lost so much of itself you can no longer tell who it used to be, the other Mockingbirds have their sense of self intact. With the WAU's unreliable nature cemented, we move on to its attempts at preserving humans physically, with Amy Azarro being the first proper example Simon gets to witness.

She's kept alive in what seems to be a perpetual state of discomfort, and judging by the structure gel slowly overtaking her I believe the WAU may be slowly converting her into one of the Fleshers. Its keeping her alive, yes, but its doing so at any cost necessary - it doesn't matter if she's in constant pain as long as she doesn't flatline. Its treatment of actual organisms is practically an inversion of its treatment of the Mockingbirds - instead of prioritizing the mental wellbeing of the subject, the WAU prioritizes their physical wellbeing with little to no care for the mental state its "patient" is in the entire time.

Fleshers live and breathe, but they seemingly aren't "all there" at all. The lights are on, but no one's home anymore. All they do is wander the ruins of the CURIE and lash out at anyone who enters their territory - the WAU has basically reduced them to animals.

Terry's been driven insane from all the structure gel infesting his insides, and though his goal was "technically" benevolent (putting everyone into a permanent dream state where the WAU could make them live the best possible versions of their lives), he achieved it through incredibly violent means, conducting what was basically an attack on Theta and causing its downfall. So far, its attempts at preserving humans physically have simply resulted in increasingly grotesque and violent monstrosities - but I would argue you see that begin to change when Simon reaches Omicron.

When you reach it, you see the aftermath of a particularly gruesome procedure WAU had carried out - everyone's blackboxes have exploded, turning their heads to mush. We find out that one of the employees, with the help of someone particularly close to the WAU, had figured out how to poison it. They have been receiving "visions" and "messages" from a comatose Johan Ross - the WAU's "AI psychologist", someone it desperately tried to restore from a comatose state by manipulating structure gel with electromagnetic fields. Either the WAU deliberately retaliated when it figured out the poisoning plot, or it had simply overdone it when restoring Johan Ross - sacrificing an entire station's worth of lives to bring someone back. Either way this shows a tremendous amount of intelligence on the WAU's part - and also paints it as either exceptionally cruel or exceptionally empathetic depending on the perspective you view it from. Either it considered Johan so important to it that it was willing to sacrifice most Omicron staff, or it was willing to violently retaliate in order to preserve itself. Either way, Omicron houses what I believe to be a sign of the WAU's steadily improving understanding of humanity - Dr. Johan Ross.

He has been restored with both his physical health and mental faculties (relatively) intact. He isn't violent, and he perfectly understands what condition he is currently in - but despite that he doesn't seem to be physically suffering. He is still driven to eliminate the WAU, but it seems to be less out of personal suffering and more out of fear in regards to the suffering its other creations may go through. I believe he's an example of a semi-perfectly restored human - both him and Simon himself. They're both cases of, as Catherine puts it, "a sound mind in a sound body". But although the signs are there, there is no outright definitive proof that the WAU's creations will only continue to get better.

And that's what makes the game's final moral dilemma so compelling to me. The whole game has been providing us with both evidence and counterevidence towards the WAU's idea of restoring humanity. Now, it's up to you to act as its jury and executioner. By killing it you either stop it from torturing the memory of humanity, or you doom humanity to extinction in all senses of the word. By keeping it alive, you either doom the remnants of humanity to an eternal torturous existence, or you give the WAU a chance at creating something new. There is no way of knowing what choice is correct - because you don't know what the WAU is thinking. You never get to. You don't know its plans, you don't know if it even has the capacity to actually learn from its mistakes, hell, you don't even know if its capable of thought - but here it is. Making things. Terrible things, but there's a chance that it'll only get better with time. Simon himself is evidence of that chance. It has already managed to make what could be classified as a "complete" person. And if you kill it, Simon's going to be the last "complete" person it managed to bring back.

[iilovepathos]

[temporaltourguide]

okay time to go backwards in pathos-ii for photography and NO im not gonna turn safe mode on, its the thrill of the hunt!

[chromatophorium]

Pics of my Simon 2 helmet that I made for Sci-Fi World Malmö. Promised I'd post more but I was a bit busy.

Definitely learned a lot from making this! (Probably not ever making the rest of the outfit. ...Maybe painting a dull-blue jumpsuit and black gloves to be pathos-II branded and dirty but nothing more. But if I make anything more out of foam it would be the power-suit helmet if I find a piece of see-throu plastic that can serve as the visor. But that' definitely a next year project.)

[anonymousewrites]

Logos and Pathos (Book 4) Chapter Eleven

TOS! Spock x Empath! Spouse! Reader

Chapter Eleven: Emotional Experiment

Summary: Khan faces his foes in a final battle. What are the costs?

            “Admiral on the Bridge,” said Sulu.

            “Battle stations,” ordered Kirk instantly. “Tactical on viewscreen.”

            A display of their ship, Reliant, and Regula I appeared onscreen. They were orbited at precisely the same speed for the moment, but in their condition, that would change quickly. Reliant was gaining.

            “She can still outrun and outgun us,” said Spock. “But there is the Mutara Nebula at 1-5-3 mark 4.”

            “Scotty, can we make it inside?” said Kirk.

            “The energizer’s bypassed like a Christmas tree, so don’t give me too many bumps,” said Scotty.

            “No promises,” said Kirk. “On your way.”

            “Trouble with the nebula, sir, is all that static discharge and gas clouds our tactical display,” said Saavik. “Visual won’t function, and shields will be useless.”

            “Well, we can’t get much worse,” said (Y/N).

            “Highly imprecise,” said Saavik.

            “But not incorrect,” said Spock.

            “Sulu, set the course for the Mutara Nebula,” said Kirk.

            “Aye, sir,” said Sulu.

            The Enterprise flew onwards, and everyone remained tense. They knew Khan was coming for them, and they needed to make it to the nebula first.

            “Estimating nebula penetration in 2.2 minutes,” said Spock. He looked up. (Y/N)’s practiced understanding of their husband told them he was looking grim. “Reliant is closing.”

            Reliant fired, and the Enterprise braced. The ship shook as they were hit, but the shields held (for the moment).

            “That was close,” sighed Kirk.

            (Y/N) could feel the fear in the air, and they nodded. “They don’t want us going in.”

            “Admiral, what happens if Reliant fails to follow us into the nebula?” asked Saavik.

            “I think we can guarantee that she’ll follow us, Lieutenant,” said Spock. “Remind me to explain to you the concept of the human ego.”

            “And the desire for revenge,” said (Y/N).

            “Best speed, scotty,” said Kirk to the comms.

            “One minute to nebula perimeter,” said Spock.

            The doors to the Bridge opened, and David walked in.

            “They are reducing speed,” observed Spock.

            “Captain, Khan is unstable. However, he cannot keep his cool as he once did. If we were to provoke him—”

            “We could force him to make a mistake,” said Kirk.

            (Y/N) nodded.

            “(L/N), patch me in,” said Kirk.

            “You’re on, Admiral,” said (Y/N) quietly.

            Kirk leaned forward, paused, and spoke to Khan across the comms. “This is Admiral Kirk. We tried it once your way, Khan. Are you game for a rematch?” Kirk glanced back. “(L/N), anything to add?”

            (Y/N) smirked. Their turn. ���Khan, we’re laughing at the superior intellect.”

            Kirk grinned, and Spock nodded approvingly. (Y/N) cut the comms.

            “I’ll say this for him,” said Kirk as they watched the rear monitors display Reliant closing on them. “He’s consistent.”

            “We are now entering the Mutara Nebula,” said Spock.

            They hit the edge, and the lights and machines flickered throughout the Enterprise. The ship shuttered.

            “Emergency lights,” said Kirk.

            Spock pressed a button, and the lights came back on. Slowly, the Enterprise flew around and above the Reliant to get behind.

            “Target,” said Kirk.

            “Phaser lock inoperative sir,” reported Sulu.

            “Best guess, Mr. Sulu,” said Kirk. “Fire when ready.”

            The Enterprise fired and hit Reliant. It shook, and then Khan fired back. The viewscreen fritzed, and the crew tensed.

            “Hold your course,” said Kirk as Reliant swung around to face them.

Again, the viewscreen glitched. As soon as it came back, Reliant was firing.

            “Evasive starboard!” shouted Kirk.

            The Enterprise canted to the side and fired back. Reliant’s shots hit them, and theirs hit Reliant. Each was badly damaged, and (Y/N) held on as fear clouded the air and the ships shook.

            “Damage, Mr. Scott?” asked Kirk, knowing the answer would be bad.

            “Admiral, I’ve got to take the mains off the line,” said Scotty. “It’s the radiation…” He trailed off.

            “Scotty!�� said Kirk.

            “We’ve got him,” said Bones’s voice. “We’re getting him to Sickbay, but the radiation level is increasing.”

            The doors of the Bridge opened. “Could you use another hand, Admiral?” Chekov stood stiffly before Kirk.

            Kirk smiled. “Man the weapons console, Mr. Chekov.”

            Chekov smiled and took his place.

            “Spock,” said Kirk, swiveling towards him.

            “Sporadic energy readings,” reported Spock. “Port side, aft. Could be an impulse turn.”

            “He won’t stop now. He’s come too far,” said (Y/N). “He’ll be back.”

            Kirk nodded. “But from where is the question.”

            “He’s intelligent but not experienced,” said Spock. “At least, not as much in space combat, as we are. His pattern indicates two-dimensional thinking.”

            “And his anger clouds his judgement,” said (Y/N).

            “Full stop,” said Kirk.

            “Full stop, sir,” acknowledged Sulu.

            “Z-minus ten thousand meters,” said Kirk. “Stand by photon torpedoes.”

            The Enterprise “lowered” on their z-axis through the nebula, remaining still in the sky. Everyone on the Bridge was silent as the Reliant came into view, as if the Enterprise’s flying would become “louder” if they spoke.

            “Torpedoes ready, sir,” said Chekov quietly.

            “Look sharp,” said Kirk as the viewscreen flashed with static. The moment it showed the ship before them, he clenched his fist. “Fire.”

            Chekov pressed the button, and the torpedoes shot out. It hit the engine of Reliant, shaking the ship.

            “Fire,” repeated Kirk.

            Again, the torpedoes fired and hit their target dead-on, further destroying Reliant. Over and over, they fired. The Enterprise wasn’t letting Khan go on to hurt more people. His era had ended centuries ago.

            However, Starfleet was not cruel. Khan would answer to proper justice—the law. Enterprise was not vengeful as him.

            “(L/N), send to Commander Reliant, ‘Prepare to be boarded,’ ” said Kirk.

            “Aye, sir,” said (Y/N). They turned to their control panel. “Commander Reliant. This is Enterprise. Surrender and prepare to be boarded. Enterprise to Reliant, you are ordered to surrender your vessel. Respond. Come in, Reliant. You are ordered to surrender your vessel.” (Y/N) furrowed their brow. “No response, Captain.” That could only mean more trouble.

            “Admiral, scanning an energy source on Reliant, a pattern I’ve never seen before,” said Spock. He put it onscreen, and David’s eyes widened.

            “It’s the Genesis wave,” said David.

            “What?” Kirk and (Y/N) spoke and rose at the same time.

            “They’re on a build-up to detonation” said David.

            “How soon?” said Kirk.

            “Four minutes,” said David.

            “He’s detonating it to kill us with him,” said (Y/N). That was how far his vengeful spirit had taken him and his blackened heart of hatred. They looked at Spock in worry, and he touched their arm in reassurement.

            “We’ll beam aboard and stop him,” said Kirk.

            “You can’t,” said David.

            Kirk grimaced and pressed comms. “Scotty, I need warp speed in three minutes or we’ll all dead. Scotty!”

            “Admiral, still no response from Reliant,” said Uhura.

            “Mr. Sulu, get us out of here at best possible speed,” said (Y/N), taking charge as everyone tried to get communications up within their ship. “Chekov, assist with navigation. Divert any power we can into thrusters.”

            “Dim the lights if we have to,” said Kirk. “I’d rather fly in darkness then not fly at all.”

            As (Y/N) and Kirk took charge, Spock looked at them. He watched Kirk keep control of the ship as cadets glanced at each other worriedly. He didn’t need empathy to see the fear written on their faces. Kirk was trying his best to help and remain their Admiral, but the situation was growing…dire. Spock’s best friend was going to die, and he along with him.

            Spock’s eyes went to (Y/N) as they walked through the Bridge. Each bit of instruction they gave was simple and let the cadets and lieutenants focus on something other than fear. He saw their hand brush each person’s shoulder to divert their negative emotions to clear their mind. His t’hy’la was helping everyone, supporting the ship, putting everyone before their own heart. After all, (Y/N)’s death could be approaching, too.

            Spock would not live with that. He would not live with his spouse’s death. He would not live with (Y/N) gone.

            His decision was made before he even rose from his chair and left the Bridge.

l

            As Spock descended through the levels of the Enterprise, he felt his desire to reach out to (Y/N) through their marriage bond, but he refused his instincts. If he told them now of what he planned, (Y/N) would follow him—brave, loving person that they were—and Spock couldn’t have that. He needed time to do what was right for them and everyone else he cared for.

            Spock arrived in Engineering with single-minded purpose. Immediately, he went to a control panel and punched in several codes. Then, he stepped towards the chamber filled with radiation—and the parts to get the Enterprise flying to safety.

            “Are you out of your Vulcan mind?!” Bones moved between him and the door. He had been treating all of the engineers suffering from radiation exposure, and he knew damn well what awaited Spock if he were to go in. “No human can tolerate the radiation that’s in there.”

            “As you’re so fond of observing, Doctor, I am not human,” said Spock. He stepped forward.

            Bones grabbed his shoulder and gritted his teeth. “You’re not going in there.”

            “Perhaps you’re right,” said Spock. “What’s Mr. Scott’s condition?”

            Bones looked at Scotty, leaning tiredly against a wall from the effects of the radiation. “Well, I don’t think that he—”

            Spock pressed his fingers into Bones’s neck. “I’m sorry, Doctor. I have no time to discuss this logically.” He lowered Bones’s unconscious body to the ground and took Scotty’s gloves. Reaching out, Spock put his fingers on Bones’s temple. “Remember.”

            And then, Spock stood on the platform to rotate him into the chamber filled with radiation. Closing his eyes, he reached out to the marriage bond.

            I love you, T’hy’la.

            This was to save (Y/N). This was to save Kirk, Bones, Scotty, Uhura, and all the rest of his friends. This was to save everyone.

l

            “Time left?” said Kirk.

            On the Bridge, everyone remained on high alert, working to find a solution for their escape.

            “Two minutes, ten seconds,” said Saavik, as precise as Spock.

            “Engine Room, what’s happening?” said (Y/N), running a hand through their hair. They needed Scotty to respond so they could get the engines working. “Still no response, Admiral.”

            Kirk grimaced. “Time?”

            “Thirty seconds,” said Saavik.

            “Distance from Reliant?” said Kirk.

            “Four thousand kilometers,” said Chekov.

            Fear descended through the Bridge, and (Y/N) waved it away from their senses. They reached out towards Spock to steady their senses. They frowned. Spock? He wasn’t at his station.

            “We aren’t going to make it, are we?” said Sulu softly.

            Kirk looked at David. David shook his head.

            I love you, T’hy’la.

            “Sir, the mains are back online!” said a lieutenant in shock.

            “Bless you, Scotty!” breathed Kirk. “Go, Sulu!”

            Sulu was already punching in warp speed, and the Enterprise lurched back into proper flight. A moment after they sped towards safety, Genesis detonated. A blinding flash of blue light shot through space, and the Enterprise crew shut their eyes as they flew from it, escaping by a hair. The aftermath of Genesis fritzed on the viewscreen, a golden light of a newly-forming planet.

            (Y/N) stared blankly at it. I love you, T’hy’la echoed in their mind. Why had Spock…(Y/N) clutched their heart as pain shot through them—Spock’s pain.

            “Spock,” they gasped painfully.

            “(L/N)?” said Kirk, turning around.

            (Y/N)’s marriage bond with Spock was straining like a torn muscle, aching as they tried to stand. They gripped the back of their chair shakily. “Spock, he—I—” Something was deeply, deeply wrong, and (Y/N)’s stomach turned.

            “Admiral, I think you’d better get down here.” Bones’s voice appeared over the comms. “(Y/N)…It’s Spock.”

            (Y/N) flew out the door, heart pounding. I love you, T’hy’la sounded like a drumbeat in their ears. I’m coming, Spock. I’m coming, husband. I’m coming.

l

            “Spock,” cried (Y/N) as they entered Engineering. They could feel his pain so deeply, and it was destroying them from the inside out. Spock lay, barely conscious, within a chamber filled with radiation, and (Y/N)’s heart broke.

            They ran towards the door of the chamber, but Bones restrained them.

            “No! You’ll flood the whole compartment,” said Bones.

            “But it’s Spock!” said (Y/N) desperately.

            “Scotty—”

            “I can’t,” said Scotty sorrowfully to Kirk.

            “He’s dying,” begged (Y/N). “Please!”

            “He’s dead already,” said Scotty softly.

            “It’s too late,” said Bones.

            “…Spock,” said Kirk, tears welling into his eyes.

            Bones and Scotty let go of (Y/N)’s arms, and they moved to the glass separating them from their husband. Bones, Scotty, and Kirk floated behind them, grief overwhelming the entire Engineering room, but it barely registered for (Y/N). All they felt was the pain of Spock, and they fell to the knees.

            “Spock,” they whispered, gazing at him. Spock lay against the door of the decontamination chamber, and he looked at them. Their marriage bond thrummed with love, and (Y/N) suppressed a sob.

            “Are you…out of danger?” said Spock hoarsely.

            “Yes,” said (Y/N). “We’re all safe because of you.”

            Spock gazed at (Y/N), and Spock felt their grief. He shook his head. “Don’t grieve, T’hy’la.”

            “How can I not?” said (Y/N). “You’re leaving me.” Their voice broke on the words.

            “It was…logical,” said Spock. “The needs of the many…outweigh—”

            “The needs of the few,” said (Y/N) softly.

            “Or the one,” said Spock. Himself. He gazed at (Y/N), and they felt a tear roll down their cheek.

            “Oh, Spock,” said (Y/N). “Why do you have to be…you?”

            “T’hy’la,” said Spock. “I…will always love you. I have been, and always will be, yours.” He pressed his hand in a Vulcan salute to the window. “Live long and prosper.”

            “I love you, Spock,” said (Y/N) softly.

            Spock smiled, his eyes closed, and his hand fell from the window.

            “No…” sobbed (Y/N), covering their mouth. Spock was gone. He was dead. Their husband and part of their heart was dead. Grief—their own, no one else’s—filled them to the brim. They leaned their forehead against the window. “Spock…” Tears dripped down their cheeks, and sobs wracked their body. The love of (Y/N)’s life was gone.

            They would never be the same.

l

            (Y/N) stood, stone-faced, as the coffin lowered through the Enterprise. Their hand touched their neck where a ring now hung from a necklace—matching the one on their ring finger. Spock was gone. Nothing would ever be the same. Their truest form of happiness, their love, was dead.

            Their grief swallowed them whole, and the mourning of the rest of the crew settled over them like a veil of evil. Even Saavik was tense and still, and there was a slight sheen of tears in her eyes. (Y/N)’s tears had long-since dried up. They had cried their heart out, and still sadness swallowed them whole.

            “We are assembled here today to pay final respects to our honored dead,” said Kirk. He spoke not just for Spock but for all who died in the fight against Khan. “And yet it should be noted that, in the midst of our sorrow, this death takes place in the shadows of new life, the sunrise of a new world, a world that our beloved comrade gave his life to protect and nourish.

            “He did not feel this sacrifice a vain or empty one, and we will not debate his profound wisdom at these proceedings. Of my friend, I can say only this…Of all the souls I have encountered in my travels, his was the most—” Kirk choked on a sob “—human.”

            Saavik looked down, fighting to keep her face emotionless. The loss of her mentor was difficult, and it was a profound moment for a Vulcan, even if they kept their expression empty most of the time.

            “(Y/N)…Do you want to speak?” said Kirk.

            (Y/N) stepped forward. “Spock…is the greatest man I ever met. He was smart. A great officer. But, most importantly, he truly cared about everyone he worked with. He wanted to do the best at every job so that they could be safe. And I…I will always love him for it. For his brilliant mind and big heart.” They touched the coffin and closed their eyes. “I love you, Spock. Always.”

            For a moment, they could almost imagine the marriage bond filled with love. But (Y/N) knew he was gone. Forever.

            “Honors!” said Sulu.

            Scotty began to play “Amazing Grace” on the bagpipes.

            The coffin slid forward, and (Y/N) watched it with a heavy heart. Everyone was still and somber. The coffin reached the end of the conveyor belt, and, then, it was fired into space. Spock and his coffin would return to Genesis; life came from death, and Spock deserved to be somewhere filled with new possibility. (Y/N) held Spock’s ring tightly. He was gone.

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[mhsdatgo]

Seeing this AGAIN in my class that is dead silent right after a maths test I'm sure I failed big time.