Leah thinks of telling Kirk so, of saying he's sick to inflict such a punishment, and all she can think of is being thrown back to those tentacles, tangled and squeezed and invaded again until Kirk decides, in his infinite fucking mercy, that she's had enough.

I bet you Kirk does think he's being merciful here, sparing her the booth and getting her off and lovingly brushing off the assassination attempt.

Also, appropriate icon is for once appropriate.