A/N I am attempted to clean out my hard drive and this is one of the straglers. I hope you enjoy.

I will post the next chapter for 'When You Wish...tomorrow.

Botsey

My Choice

I removed myself from my post, and gestured for my replacement. For the first time in my life I am faced with feelings of uncertainty. As I entertd the lift, there were seconds before the doors closed and she entered. Through our bond she is privy to my distress and is aware of the crash that approches and I welcome her presence, although my visage does not change.

"I am sorry. I am so sorry."

And then she touched me. She caressed my face. My shields are up and then in a moment of complete and total clarity I realize what I had almost done. The reason for my choice of the USS Farragut was to insure her safety for I had documented the competence of that ship's captain. So few females had their own ship, but I knew Captain Margaret Maclin, would take very good care of what was mine.

She rebelled against my choice, questioned the logic behind it, tracked me down, would not take 'No' for an answer. She made her demands, advised me of her refusal, and I complied. In retrospect, I really could not have expected any other action from My Choice.

If she was not who she was. If she was not determined to receive her due I would have been responsible for her life's termination.

With that I grabbed what was mine, I held on ato her for dear life's sake. For the first time in my existence, someone could have read something in my face. The look of guilt that incriminated, and the horrendous thought of her loss, of her removal from my life came to my conscious thought. The pain of that realization overwhelmed me.

One of two people in the entire universe who understood me thoroughly was still alive, was here with me. There would have been no way that I could have survived a triple loss-my mother, my planet and My Choice. She gives me her comfort, her caresses, her kisses.

But, with clarity my Vulcan sense hummed into my consciousness. For as much as I would want to remain in her presence, I have a duty to perform.

"What do you need?"

'The needs of the many out weigh the needs of the few or the one.'

So my response is,

"I need for all to continuing performing admirably."

She has released me for she understands that at some later time, we will address personal needs. I step out and proceed back to the bridge. As my choice watches my departure.