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Scott declared the tragedy a ‘freak accident’.
At 1432 ship time, sensors registered an abrupt pressure differential within the plasma conduit line E-17. A series of previously undetected microfractures had developed along the conduit’s outer lattice, which compromised the conduit’s structural integrity, and resulted in a sudden plasma rupture that produced a localized release of superheated plasma and ignition of surrounding systems.
Fortunately, the automatic containment protocols activated immediately, and the resulting fire was contained, before reasonable damage to the Enterprise could occur. However, personnel stationed within the affected corridor were exposed to lethal thermal and radiation levels. There were 16 casualties, and 34 injured receiving medical attention for plasma burns, radiation exposure, and decompression trauma.
After Spock assisted with recovery efforts, he excused himself to his former quarters, where he mediated for 1.25 hours. He then proceeded to the mess hall to replenish himself, and liaised with Uhura. However, the absence of his ashayam from the communal area concerned Spock, so at 1905, he departed to the medical bay. At 1923, The Doctor confirmed that he had not seen their Captain since the accident, which concerned Spock further. Therefore, he immediately returned to their shared quarters, with a hot mug of tea, to console him.
As Spock expected, his ashayam had not taken their loss well.
“I brought you a drink, ashayam.” Spock greeted, carefully.
Jim did not move nor make a sound at his presence.
Sitting down beside him, with his legs dangling off the edge of their bed, Spock observed the way his partner was curled up in a fetal position: knees tucked, shoulders hunched and eyes half-shut; the grief-stricken expression was evident on his features. Sighing, Spock rested a hand on his shoulder, and caressed the skin with the pad of his thumb. “You need to drink, ashayam.” Spock gently reminded him. “For me, Jim…”
His ashayam stared back at the cup for approximately 17.88 seconds, before finally producing a sigh of his own, and slowly sat up. Jim did not voice his appreciation, however Spock felt it through their bond as their hands briefly touched passing the mug.
“Thank you, t’hy’la.” Spock murmured. He observed Jim drink approximately 1/3 of the tea in 1.04 minutes; then kissed him on the forehead. Spock flinched back — the grief and guilt radiating off of his partner was overwhelming. “It wasn’t your fault, ashayam.” Spock reached for Jim’s free hand, and caressed it with a Vulcan kiss. “You are a brilliant Captain. Even I did not predict this… incident to occur.”
Jim let out a shuddered exhale. “People died, Spock.” He replied with a rough, almost growled, sound. “Men under my command, men I was responsible for, men with hopes and dreams and friends and families, incinerated in a matter of seconds, and—“
Spock pulled Jim toward his chest.
He gripped his uniform tightly, and a guttural sob tore out from his chest. “—There’s not even anything left to bury!”
“I know…” Spock tucked his partner’s head against his chest, and pressed a kiss into his hair. “It’s… unfortunate.”
“Unfortunate?” He sneered. “They were people, Spock.” Jim stressed, clutching onto Spock as though his life depended on it. “What if Scotty had been down there? What if—“ He hiccuped, “What if you were in there—“
“I was not, ashal-veh. I am here.” Spock held him closer. “I am here, with you, ashayam, and we are safe. We are okay, t’hy’la.”
Jim made another broken, horrible sound, and Spock continued to hold him, rubbing circles into his back, and murmuring softly into his hair.
He held him like that for 38.5 minutes, until his beloved partner finally succumbed to exhaustion and passed out in his arms, and Spock tucked him into bed beside him.
They would not return to the alpha shift the following morning, but the enterprise would recover, and they would rise again.