The Enterprise circled in orbit around Earth, preparing to dock. It was midway through the five-year mission, and Captain Jim Kirk was supervising from the bridge chair while simultaneously finishing looking through personnel change entries. It seemed he'd been doing that a lot recently, he mused. The crew was always shifting and reshaping, and never were there more reassignments than at the midpoint of a five-year stint.
He was casually scrolling and noting changes when an entry near the bottom caught his eye.
Resignation (Pending): Commander Spock
Jim did a double take, checking the entry again. Yes, that was what it said. But that couldn't possibly be right. It must be some kind of system error. Sure, Spock had been rather reclusive and thoughtful-looking the past few weeks, but definitely nothing to indicate a drastic change such as leaving the ship. The idea was almost ridiculous.
He didn't have to wonder long, because just then the doors whooshed open and the Vulcan in question entered the bridge.
"Hey Spock," Jim called, waving him over to his chair. "Look at this. I think we have a glitch." He showed him the padd.
Spock studied it for a second too long. "The entry is correct," he said, without expression.
Jim couldn't believe his ears. "Wait. What?"
"The entry is correct," Spock repeated flatly.
"You're – leaving? The ship. You're leaving the Enterprise?"
"Not the Enterprise. I am resigning from Starfleet."
"Wait, why?" Jim found himself saying, his voice rising a little. A few of the bridge crew had overheard and were staring. "What happened? Is something wrong?"
"Nothing has happened," Spock said. His voice was cold and clipped. "However, I have recently been meditating on my behavior aboard this ship, and I no longer think it a suitable place to remain."
"What are you even talking about?" Jim asked.
"You. Khan. The other people with whom I have been less than controlled. My actions have been less than Vulcan. More – intense – at times, than even a human. You have said so yourself."
"Spock, that was never what I meant. I never thought you should leave."
"I am fully aware of that. However, you were correct. These emotional – lapses are inappropriate. Unacceptable. I have come to the conclusion that the only option is to return to New Vulcan. To pursue kolinahr at Gol."
"Kolinahr?"
"The purging of all emotion."
Jim sat stunned for a second. He cleared his suddenly tight throat. "But – what about us? The crew? Uhura? And what about yourself?"
"A first officer is replaceable," Spock said matter-of-factly. "And I have already settled the issue with Nyota. Lieutenant Uhura," he corrected himself. "And as for your last question, this is myself."
"Spock," was all Jim could manage.
Spock walked away, up the stairs to the turbolift. He turned to face Jim, still sitting in shock, and before the doors closed in front of him he raised his hand in the Vulcan salute. His tone was carefully neutral as he said the traditional words, "Live long and prosper."