into darkness

here, beyond the realm of air I've given what this job remands for everything I've e'er held dear my closest friend, the 1st, is near but with a glass between our hands no proper farewell can we share. the reaper comes for me alone my duty done, the core repaired though radiation thru-and-thru there wasn't choice, I had to do as fate demanded and declared the good of many o'er my own. now I'm grappling with this fear for never have I faced my death oh, cheated it, a time-or-three by making wagers that would be by any standard, wasted breath had luck not smiled ear-to-ear. tell me, Spock, what is the way to shed the terrors of demise? your kind is practiced of the art of separating mind from heart still, no answers swim your eyes just tears for all you will not say. I thought emotion left your kind yet now a tear drips just for me it must swell in your human part the always kind-yet-distant heart that fills and guides you, quietly while shadowing a cunning mind. oh, what a soiree this has been - as Don and Sancho, side-by-side this Universe that billows stars a sea of dust and suns was ours a crew and star ship - what a ride there will not be the likes again. yes, dear friend ... chances taken, rules did bend but I have no regrets to claim blessing, was this daring dance with you, across a great expanse an honor no one else can claim but now that trek is at an end ... live long and prosper, my old friend ... live long and prosper …