Spirkin Off

“Vulcan’s own first experience with non Vulcan life forms, thousands of years ago, was one of aggression and violence from a people who called themselves Duthulhiv. It is currently believed that these were Orions. So it was a testament to their dedication to peace and nonviolence that when Vulcans introduced themselves to Terrans, they did so with an outstretched…” Mr. Monroe paused now, standing in front of the projected photo of the statue in Bozeman Montana.

The statue depicted Zefram Cochrane shaking hands with an austere looking Vulcan, Solkar. Spock presumed that Mr. Monroe was about to say “with an outstretched hand,” But as his eyes landed on Spock, seemed to think better of it. Spock resisted a loud sigh. He was grateful however that Mr. Monroe’s curriculum did not include the detail that Solkar was in fact Spock’s great grandfather. 

Mr. Monroe changed the slide and opened an interactive galactic map of the quadrant. He manipulated the map until they were focused on Vulcan, with her twin planet, T’khut hovering behind.

Spock’s planet.

Vulcan glowed, vibrant and orange against the inky abyss around with the three dark seas framing each expanse of desert. T’khut sat alongside, her volcanoes glowing in sharp relief against her dusty dark terrain. Spock knew an ache that he breathed into, and released. How strange to desire a planet.

“Vulcans are a pacifist race who live in the Eridani System.” Mr. Monroe stated, “Their planet is almost entirely covered in desert terrain with some mountains, but despite the harsh terrain, Vulcans have built magnificent cities, such as shi’Kar, pictured here.” he manipulated the map in and in and in, finding the satellite image of of shi’Kar, with its concentric circles of pathways between its buildings and districts. The computer recognized the city and several images came alongside with profile images of shi’Kar, its glass and metal spires glinting against the orange sky and red desert sand as Mr. Monroe continued. “Their culture is one based entirely in logic. Vulcans as a people feel no emotion, and embrace intellect, reason and progress.”

Spock blinked at this proclamation.

Why did Mr. Monroe say that? Of course Vulcans felt emotion. Their entire species had nearly obliterated itself due to the intensity of their emotion. That was why they had chosen the path of logic and restraint. It was why he and his father sat for nearly two hours of meditation each day. Why they sought to master their emotions, to prevent the undue suffering of themselves and others.

“Spock is, of course, half Vulcan on his father’s side.” He continued, and Spock felt his neck and ears flush as, at the mention of his name, it seemed that the students all felt they’d been given permission to stare at him. “Spock, can you share more about what life is like on Vulcan?” he asked.

Before Spock could accept or deny this request, a student spoke up; “Is it true you all live in tents?”

“No.” Spock replied simply.

“I heard Vulcans don’t eat meat—that they are allergic to it.” Another student said.

“Some of us do not eat meat. But there are others…” he paused before he continued reluctantly, “Some who live further from the cities where it is impossible to eat a vegetarian diet, still hunt and eat meat,”

“So you’re a vegetarian?”

“Yes."

“Can you read minds? I heard they can read minds!” a girl near the back of the room piped.

At the front of the room, Mr. Monroe raised a finger as if to quell this question, but none of the children paid him any mind, and Spock was already explaining.

“Many Vulcans can detect thoughts through…” Spock thought he could not get any warmer and yet he was quite certain that right now he looked like old Terran caricatures of extraterrestrials, flushed entirely green. “through physical contact.”

The room seemed to lean away from Spock in unison.

“Why are Vulcan’s ears so pointy?” One boy asked.

“Tory,” Mr. Monroe called in a reprimanding tone.

“What?” Tory asked.

“That’s rude,” he stated.

“You said he doesn’t have feelings, so I can’t hurt his feelings, right?” He asked. Mr. Monroe’s brow furrowed.

“Whether someone’s feelings are hurt or not doesn’t give us the right to disrespect them. Report to Principal Chapman’s office right now,” Ms. Monroe ordered.

Tory huffed in disbelief.

“Now, Tory.”

Tory stood and left, sighing loudly and darting a glare at Spock as he passed.

“Spock, I’m so sorry,” Mr. Monroe pressed a finger to his temple.

“Apologies are unnecessary,” Spock stated, “Offense can only occur where emotions are present.” He recited what his father had told him many times after he'd endured many more insulting statements from Vulcan children.

Mr. Monroe did a double take at this, and he saw several students stare at him sharply. Mr. Monroe sighed loudly. “Alright. It’s time for lunch, and then when we come back we’ll talk more about the founding of the Federation.” he said. “Spock, a moment?”

The class ushered out, all still staring at him as he approached Mr. Monroe’s desk where the man sat down heavily.

“Spock, I'd like to apologize. I didn’t mean for you to have so many questions thrown at you or for you to share anything that made you uncomfortable. I should have asked you before, privately.” Mr. Monroe said.

“As I have stated, no offense was taken.” He said. But then he thought of the teacher’s comment that Vulcans felt no emotion. “Mr. Monroe?”

“Yeah?” The man leaned forward, his elbows braced on his knees and his fingers lightly interlaced as he regarded Spock, their heads almost level.

Spock wondered for a moment how to correct the Terran in his misconception. But then...who was he to speak for all Vulcans? He only knew his own experience. He knew his own emotions that tore at him, shredding him internally and disorienting him. And as he’d been soundly and repeatedly informed, he was not the standard Vulcan.

Instead, he intoned, “Thank you for your explanation of Vulcan. It was pleasing to behold photos of the planet and city once more.”

Mr. Monroe smiled, and they both looked up once again at the glittering glass and metal towers of shi’Kar that were still projected on the screen.

“It’s a beautiful city.” Mr. Monroe nodded.

“Indeed.” Spock agreed.