Black Heart Machine’s expression softened as Dock explained her situation. The only sisters Machine had ever had were her sisters of the Peak, and they shared her ideologies—well, most of them did at least. Some were only here taking refuge, and the black mare would never drive another female away because she understood the importance of this place having more than a singular function. Perhaps it could be the same for Dock. A place to get away. To think and dream and calculate plans so that she might find happiness regardless of the situation.

“Well, you came here today without them, which proves that you indeed can.”
She thought it was important to show Dock just exactly how much strength she had, even if she didn’t realize it. She did have free will—just like every other being on this earth. Free will was the greatest gift the gods ever gave them all. They had the ability to make choices—some hard, and some simple. The more obligations we thought we had—to family, to tradition, to others—the harder our choices often were. Black Heart Machine’s obligations were no different.

“Give it time Dock,” she offered wisely. “And know that you can always come here if you feel overwhelmed.”

As much as Black Heart Machine wanted Vulcans to be fierce and strong warriors of the cause, she also knew that not all of them could be. It was equally important that mares have a safe place. She could only show them the door; it was up to them to make the choice to walk through.

BLACK HEART MACHINE