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Set just after the episode Dreadnought.
A/N: This is from Tuvok's point of view. Regular text indicates the present, italics indicate the past.
When a Vulcan considers someone to be a friend, it is a great honor. Vulcan loyalty transcends all obstacles. I am reminded of the famous example of Spock's loyalty to Captain Pike. He commandeered the Enterprise and defied the order against approaching Talos IV in order to allow Captain Pike the opportunity to live out the rest of his days in peace and happiness, unencumbered by his body.
This decision nearly cost him his life, for the penalty for going to Talos IV is death. What motivated him to do it?
"We have to talk about this trend you're exhibiting toward flagrant emotionalism, Spock," Kirk said, half in jest.
"There is no need to insult me, Captain. My actions were completely logical," Spock replied.
Completely logical...
What motivated me to stay behind on Voyager when Captain Janeway engaged the self-destruct to destroy Dreadnought?
"Computer, arm the self-destruct sequence," Janeway said.
The crew began to head for the escape pods, but I stood riveted to my spot on the bridge. "You, too, Tuvok," she added.
"Captain, it would be logical for you to have someone to assist you in the event that you become incapacitated," I said.
She smiled and allowed me to stay.
Captain Janeway is a competent pilot and would have been perfectly capable of executing the maneuver by herself. There is only one logical reason why I would condemn myself to certain death just to spare her the loneliness of dying alone.
Because she is my friend.