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Mina watched Solok from across the room, his ever-stoic face seemingly the same as ever, if someone who did not know him better were to glance at him.
To Mina, the pain in her husband's eyes was plain as day, and though he was trying to shield against it, she felt his sorrow through their bond.
Her padd chimed quietly, bringing her the news she'd hoped to hear, and she got to her feet (a task that was becoming more difficult with every passing day), and walked over to the wide window and the view that held Solok's attention.
Solok was so lost in his thoughts that he did not feel her approach, and the brief surprise that flicked across their bond when she touched his shoulder brought a small smile to her face.
"Come with me," she said and curled her fingers around his, pulling him gently.
"Where are we going?" asked Solok.
"To say goodbye."
*****
The bridge was as abandoned as the rest of the ship, consoles silent and dark. On any other starship, it might have been unnerving to see the heart of command so still, but this was… this had been their home for so many years, that even in her final hours, the T'kumbra could not feel anything but familiar.
"This is a waste of time," said Solok, his jaw tight. "It's just a ship. A machine."
"I know you don't really believe that," said Mina, taking his hand.
"Sentiment is illogical…" responded Solok, refusing to meet her eyes.
"There's nobody here but us, Ashayam," Mina reminded him.
Solok took a step away from her, fingers reaching for the back of the Captain's chair. His chair.
"She's a good ship," he said quietly, and Mina doubted he even noticed himself using the oh-so human tradition of gendering the vessel.
"The best," replied Mina, a sad smile on her face. She moved closer, and placed her hand over his. "You know, we can probably get someone to steal the chair for us. It would look great in the study."
"No," said Solok, shaking his head. He pulled his hand from the chair, and stood straighter, resolve in his spine. "This is a goodbye. Cluttering our home will not change the fact. Besides, your father made us the chair that is currently in the study."
"Yeah, that's why it's wonky," smiled Mina. She cast her eyes around the room, a pang of sorrow in her own heart. "So many adventures."
"We have a greater one to come," said Solok, and placed his hand on her belly. Their daughter kicked beneath his palm. "Thank you for this, Mina."
"The baby, or the goodbye visit?" said Mina.
"Both," replied Solok, giving her a rare smile.
"You're welcome, Adun," said Mina.
He'd change his mind about the chair. At least, she hoped so; she'd already arranged to have it saved and delivered to their home on Vulcan. And if he didn't want it in the study, well... Maybe it would make a nice addition to the nursery.