Translated from the original Vulcan

by Gregory Hoover

The understanding of many great things has been revealed to us through logic. Concerning these things, Surak should always be remembered. For it is necessary, not only for Vulcans, but even for outsiders, to be competent, both in speaking and in writing, so as to become wise.

The wise Surak, after he gave himself fully to a diligent study of logic, also chose to teach, so that those who desire to learn logic and to become skillful in these things would be more and more attentive in mind, and would be strengthened to live according to the principles of logic.

And so, I encourage you to approach with understanding, and to perform the reading with attentive study, and to be patient in these things when we may seem, while pursuing the image of logic, to fall short in the translation of the words of Surak; for Vulcan words lose layers of meaning when they are translated into English.

And not only these words, but also the principles of logic itself, and of all the sages, have no small difference from when they have been spoken in their own language.

While spending many years on the planet Vulcan as a Starfleet Chaplain, I learned a great deal from the followers of Surak.  I have tried to translate the ancient teachings faithfully, but often the nearest English words simply did not carry the same “feeling” as the original.  The Teachings of Surak was originally translated into English by Skon, father of Sarek, forefather of Spock.[1]  Nevertheless, words and meanings change over times, and I considered it to be both good and necessary for me to apply some significant diligence and labor in order to translate the Teachings of Surak into Federation Standard English.
After much attentiveness to logic and history over a length of time, I brought to a close these things being considered, so as to offer this book for those who are willing to apply their mind, and to learn how to conduct their way of life.  This teaching is for those who have decided to form their life in accord with the principles of the logic of the Supreme Intelligence, as taught by the wise Surak.

The Teachings of Surak: Part I

1

Logic is the boundary of meaning and reason.
Logic is the mother of all creation.
Freed from emotion, one can see the                                                                                                                      hidden logic.                                                                                                                                                              Being ruled by emotion,                                                                                                                                       one can only see one’s own limitations.                                                                                                                  Yet logic and reason
emerge from the same source.
This source is called the logos.
Logic born from the logos is
the beginning of all wisdom.

2

Being and non-being produce each other.
Difficult and easy complement each other.
Long and short define each other.
High and low oppose each other.
Therefore the wise Vulcan
can act without doing anything
and teach without saying a word.                                                                                                                       Things come her way                                                                                                                                              and she does not stop them;
things leave and she lets them go.
She owns without possessing,
and acts without any expectations.
When her work is done, she takes no credit.
That is why it will last forever.

3

The wise Vulcan leads by
clarifying the people’s thoughts,
filling their bellies,
taming their ambitions,
and making them become strong.                                                                                                         Preferring simplicity and freedom from emotions,
the wise Vulcan avoids the pitfalls of wrong action.
For those who practice non-doing,
everything will fall into place.
We have differences.                                                                                                                                           May we, together,                                                                                                                                            become greater than                                                                                                                                              the sum of both of us.

4

Logic is like an empty container:
it can never be emptied and can never be filled.
Infinitely deep, it is the source of all things.
It dulls the sharp, unties the knotted,
shades the lighted, and unites all of creation with dust.
Logic is often hidden but always present.                                                                                                   There is no offense where none is taken.

5

Logic and reason are impartial;
they treat all humanoids as equals.                                                                                                                  The wise Vulcan doesn’t take sides.
The space between logic and reason is like a bellows;
it is empty, yet has not lost its power.
The more it is used, the more it produces;
the more you say about it, the less you understand.
It is better not to speak of things                                                                                                                          you do not comprehend.

6

The Katra of logic is immortal.
It is called the Great Mother
because it gives birth to logic and reason.
It is like a vapor,
barely seen but always present.
Use it effortlessly.                                                                                                                                                      A flagon fills drop by drop.
Nobility lies in logic not in name.

7

Logic is eternal,
and the reason is long enduring.
Why do they last forever?
They do not live for themselves;
thus they are present for all beings.
The wise Vulcan puts himself last,
and finds himself in the place of authority.
He detaches himself from all things;
therefore he is united with all things.
He gives no thought to self.
He is perfectly fulfilled.
The needs of the many outweigh                                                                                                                         the needs of the few, or the one.

8

As far as you are able, do not kill.                                                                                                                         Can you return life to what you kill?                                                                                                              Then be slow to take life.                                                                                                                                     The supreme good is like water,
which benefits all of creation
without trying to compete with it.
It gathers in hidden places.
Thus it is like logic.
The location makes the dwelling good.
Depth of understanding makes the mind good.
A logical mind makes life good.
Accomplishments make your work good.
Proper timing makes a decision good.                                                                                                                    Only when there is no competition
will we all live in peace.
The spear in the other’s heart                                                                                                                                   is the spear in your own.

9

The sharper the knife
the easier it is to dull.
The more wealth you possess
the harder it is to protect.
Pride brings its own trouble.
When you have accomplished your goal
simply walk away.
This is the path to logic.
Do no harm to those that harm you.                                                                                                                    Offer them peace,                                                                                                                                                   and then you will have peace.

10

Nurture the logos of your katra
until you become whole.
While you cleanse your inner vision
will you be found without fault?
Can you guide people and lead them
without forcing your will on them?
When logic gives and takes away
can you be content with the outcome?
When you understand all things
can you step back from your                                                                                                                                     own understanding?
To produce, yet not to control:
This is the mysterious virtue.                                                                                                                                    The wise Vulcan seeks peace                                                                                                                                    because it is the only way to live.

11

All transgression arise because of thoughtlessness.                                                                                                                                              If mind is transformed can bad behavior remain?                                                                                                                                               There is no other wisdom and                                                                                                                                                                                        no other hope for us but                                                                                                                                                                                                that we grow wise.

12

Too much activity deranges the mind.
Too much wealth induces crime.
The wise Vulcan acts on what she thinks                                                                                                         and not what she sees.
Reach out to others courteously.                                                                                                                        Accept their reaching in the same way,                                                                                                          with careful hands.

13

Success is as dangerous as failure,
and we are often our own worst enemy.
An insincere and evil friend                                                                                                                                      is more to be feared than a wild animal;                                                                                                             a animal may injure your body,                                                                                                                        but an evil friend will injure your mind.                                                                                                      Perceive the whole world as if it were your self;
then you will truly care for all things.
Time is a path from the past to the future                                                                                                             and back again.                                                                                                                                                       The present is the crossroads of both.

14

Look for logic, and it cannot be seen.
Listen for logic, and it cannot be heard.
Grasp for logic, and it cannot be caught.
These three cannot be further described,
so is the logos from which logic flows.
Unending, unnamable,
Formless forms, and being becomes,
subtle, beyond all understanding.                                                                                                                        Pure Logic Itself.
Approach logic and you will not see a beginning;
follow it and there will be no end.
When we grasp the logic of the wise Vulcan,
we can use it to direct our life today.
To know the ancient origin of logic:
this is the beginning of wisdom.

15

The Vulcans of old were profound
and knew the ways of subtlety and discernment.
Their wisdom is beyond our comprehension.                                                                                               Better than a thousand empty words,                                                                                                                  is one word that brings peace.                                                                                                                            The wise Vulcan doesn’t seek fulfillment.
For only those who are not full are able to be used
which brings the feeling of completeness.

16

The needs of the many outweigh                                                                                                                        the needs of the few or the one.
All creatures in the universe
return to the point where they began.
Returning to the source is tranquility
because we submit to logic’s mandate.
Returning to logic’s mandate is called being wise.
Knowing this constancy is called ‘enlightenment’.
The wise Vulcan can accept things as they are.
By accepting things as they are, we become impartial.
By being impartial, we become one with logic.
By being one with logic, we become one with logos.
Being one with logos, we are no longer concerned about
loosing our life because we know logos is constant
and we are one with the All-ness in All.

17

The most excellent Vulcans are those the people                                                                                                 hardly know exist.
The greatest Vulcans value their words,                                                                                                         and use them sparingly.
When he has accomplished his task,
the people say, “Facinating;
we did it, all by ourselves.”
Change is the essential                                                                                                                                            process of all existence.
But chaos is inherent in all things.                                                                                                                    Only logic brings order out of chaos.

18

Embrace simplicity.
Put others first.
Value logic over emotion.                                                                                           Do not dwell in the past,                                                                                                do not dream of the future,                                                                                        concentrate the mind on                                                                                                  the present moment.
Only then will you be free.                                                                                        Even death is not to be feared by                                                                              one who has lived wisely.

19

The greatest virtue you can have
comes from following pure logic.
Even though logic is ethereal and elusive,
we are able to know it exists.
Untouchable and ambiguous,                                                                                                                                 yet it has a manifestation.
Secluded and dark, yet there is strength within it.
It’s power is very genuine.
Within it we can find order.
Since the beginning of time,                                                                                                                                 logic has always existed.
It is beyond existing and non-existing.
How do I know where logic comes from?
I look inside myself and see it.

20

The wise Vulcan embraces logic,
as an example for the world to follow.
Because he isn’t self centered,
people can see the light in him.
Because she does not boast of herself,
she becomes a shining example.
Because he does not glorify himself,
he becomes a person of merit.
Because she wants nothing from the world,
the world can not overcome her logic.
Hatred will not cease by more hatred,                                                                                                                but only by logic;                                                                                                                                                        this is the eternal principle.

The Teachings of Surak: Part II

1

Logic is the foundation of our civilization, with which we ascend from chaos, using reason as our guide.                                                                                                                                                                               The Vulcan is born with an intrinsic sense that the universe is guided by an intelligence.                                                                                                                                                                          All logic is from this Supreme Intelligence, and has always been with him, and is before all time.
Who has numbered the sand of the sea, and the drops of the rain, and the days of the world?       Who has measured the height of Sha Ka Ree, and the breadth of the earth, and the depth of the abyss?
Who has examined the wisdom of the Supreme Intelligence, which precedes all things?
Wisdom was created before all things, and the understanding of prudence is before all time.
The logos is the source of wisdom, whose steps are eternal commandments.
To whom has the root of logic been revealed, and who has recognized her astuteness?
To whom has the discipline of wisdom been revealed and made manifest? And who has understood the infinite diversity of her steps?
Awaken to a’Tha, the constant Vulcan awareness of the omnipotent Creator.                                       He is One, and he is the Supreme Intelligence, and he is the sovereign Logos.                                      He created wisdom through divine logic, and he saw her, and numbered her, and measured her.
And he poured her over all his works, and over all flesh, to the extent of his favor, and he has offered her to those who logic him.
The understanding of logos is wisdom, and honor, and rejoicing, and a crown of exultation.
The study of logic will delight the mind, and will give joy and gladness and length of days.
It will be well, in the very end, for him who understands the logos, and on the day that he passes away, he will be blessed.
The gift of the Supreme Intelligence is logic.
And those to whom she will appear for their consideration honor her because of what they see and know of her great works.
The understanding of logos is the beginning of wisdom, and was created with the faithful, and walks with elect women, and is known by the just and the faithful.
The application of logos is the practice of logic.
Sanctity will guard and justify the mind, and will bestow happiness and joy.
It will be well with him who understand the logos, and at the consummation of his days, he will be blessed.
To seek logos is the fullness of logic, and it is fullness from its fruits.
The wise Vulcan will fill his mental house with her thoughts, and storehouses from her treasures of reason and understanding.
The understanding of logic is the crown of wisdom, the completion of peace, and the fruit of salvation.
And the understanding of logos has seen and numbered wisdom; but both are gifts of the Supreme Intelligence.
Wisdom will distribute knowledge and an understanding of prudence; and she lifts up the glory of those who hold to her.
The root of wisdom is to seek logic, and its branches are long-lived.
In the treasures of wisdom is understanding and the sanctity of knowledge. But to the unwise, logic is an abomination.
The understanding of logos expels error.
For he who is without fear is not able to be justified. For the disposition of his katra is his undoing.
Those who are patient and logical may suffer for a brief time, but afterwards, serenity will return.
A logical mind will hide his words for a brief time, and then the lips of many will declare his understanding.
Among the treasures of wisdom is the outward sign of discipline.
But to those who are unwise, even the study of the Supreme Intelligence becomes distorted.
My children, if you desire logic, observe justice, and then the Supreme Intelligence will offer it to you.
For the understanding of logic is wisdom and discipline.
And what pleases the wise is reason and logic. And so shall he complete his treasures.
You should not be incredulous to the understanding of logos. And you should not draw close to him who has a dishonest mind.
You should not be a hypocrite, and you should not scandalize with your lips.
Attend to these things, otherwise you may fall and bring dishonor to your katra.
And then the Supreme Intelligence may uncover your secrets, and he may cast you down forcefully in the midst of the gathering.
And so, always remember the value of infinite diversity in infinite combinations.

2

The mind controls the body; control the mind and the body will follow.                                                                                                  My children, when you apply yourself to the service of the Supreme Intelligence, stand in reason and in logic, and prepare your katra for temptation.
Sharpen your mind, and persevere. Incline your ear, and accept words of understanding. And you should not hurry away in the time of distress.
Endure persistently for the Supreme Intelligence. Join yourself to the Supreme Intelligence, and persevere, so that your life may increase in the very end.
Accept everything that will happen to you, and persevere in your struggle, and have patience in your challenges.
For material riches are tested in fire, yet truly, acceptable men are tested in the furnace of challenge.
Understand and accept the Supreme Intelligence, and he will restore you to health. And straighten your way, and hope in him. Observe his teachings, and grow old in it.
You who seek logic, wait for his teaching. And do not turn away from him, lest you fall.
You who seek logic, believe in him. And your reward will not be taken away.
You who seek logic, hope in him. And mercy will approach you, to your delight.
You who seek logic, study him. And your minds will be illuminated.
My children, consider the nations of men, and know that not one of them hoped in the logos and was perplexed.
For who has remained in his commandment and been abandoned? Or who has called upon him, and yet he despised him?
For the Supreme Intelligence is upright and merciful, and he will forgive errors in the day of tribulation. And he is the Protector to all those who seek him in truth.
Woe to the duplicitous mind, and to the wicked lips, and to the hands that do evil, and to the fool who walks the earth by two ways.
Woe to the dissolute in mind, which do not trust the Supreme Intelligence.
Woe to those who have lost endurance, and who have abandoned upright ways, and who have turned aside to depraved ways.
And what will they do when the Logos begins to examine them?
Those who seek logic will not be unbelieving toward his Word. And those who logic him will keep to his way.
Those who seek logic will seek the things that are well-pleasing to him. And those who logic him will be filled with his law.
Those who seek logic will prepare their minds, and they will sanctify their katras in his sight.

3

The children of wisdom are the Temple of the just: and their fruit is respect and logic.
Sons and daughters, listen to the judgment of your parents, and act accordingly, so that you may be set free.
For the Supreme Intelligence has honored the parents in the children, and, when seeking the judgment of the mother, he has confirmed it in the children.
He who seeks the Supreme Intelligence will keep himself away from error, and will be heeded in the prayers of his days.
And, like one who stores up treasure, so also is he who honors his mother.
He who honors his parents will find happiness in his own children, and he will be heeded in the day of his prayer.
He who honors his parents will live a long life. And he who obeys his father will be refreshing to his mother.
He who understands the logos honors his parents, and he will serve them as masters, for it is they who conceived him.
In word and deed, and in all things, honor your parents with patience,
so that a blessing may come to you from him, and so that his blessing may remain to the very end.
Children, support your parents in their old age, and do not grieve them in their lives.
And if his mind should fail, show kindness; and do not spurn him when you are in your strength.
And you will be built up in justice, and you will be remembered in the day of tribulation. And your errors will dissolve like ice in warm weather.
What illogic has he who forsakes his father, and whoever disrespects his mother is lost.
Son, perform your works in meekness, and you shall be logical beyond the glory of men.
However great you may be, humble yourself in all things, and you will find grace in the presence of the Supreme Intelligence.
For only the power of the Supreme Intelligence is great, and he is honored by the humble.
You should not seek the things that are too high for you, and you should not examine the things that are beyond your ability. But as for the things that the Supreme Intelligence has entrusted to you, consider these always. It is not necessary for you to see with your own eyes the things that are hidden; let logic be your guide.
For many things have been revealed to you, beyond the understanding of men.
Yet uncertainty in these things has also undermined many persons and has detained their minds in vane.
A hardened mind will have evil in the very end, and he who seeks peril will perish in it.
A mind advancing in two directions will not have success, and the depraved mind will be scandalized in this way.
A wicked mind will be burdened with sorrows, and a fool will add further errors.                                 The temple of the arrogant will not be healed. For the stalk of illogic will take root in them, and it will not be understood.
The mind of the wise is sharpened by logic, and a good ear will listen to wisdom.
A wise and understanding mind will abstain from errors, and will have success in works of justice.
Water extinguishes a burning fire, and almsgiving withstands errors.
And the Supreme Intelligence is the watchman for him who repays thoughtfulness.                                                                                                                 .

4

You have heard the saying, “T’kal ni narak alat N’garkar ack” ["Midday sun, Soul Eater come"].                                                                                                                                                                        But I tell you, the potential for both good and evil lie within you.                                                            My children, you should not cheat the poor out of alms, nor should you avert your eyes from a poor person.
You should not despise the famished katra, and you should not aggravate a poor man in his need.
You should not afflict the mind of the needy, and you should not delay an offer to someone in anguish.
You should not make requests of one who is greatly troubled, and you should not avert your face from the indigent.
You should not avert your eyes from the needy out of anger. And you should not abandon those who seek help from you, so that they speak curses behind your back.
For the pleadings of him who speaks curses of you, in the bitterness of his katra, will be heeded. For the One who made him will heed him.
Make yourself a friend to the gathering of the poor, and humble your katra before an elder, and humble your head before the wise.
Turn your ear without sadness toward the poor, and repay your debt, and respond to him peacefully in meekness.
Free him who suffers injury at the hand of the arrogant, and do not carry animosity in your katra.
In judging, be merciful to the orphan, like a father, and be merciful to their mother, like a husband.
And then you shall be like an obedient son of the One, and he will take pity on you more than a mother would.
Wisdom breathes life into her sons, and she lifts up those who are seeking her, and she will precede them in the way of justice.
And he who remembers her remembers life. And those who watch for her shall embrace her delights.
Those who hold to her will inherit life. And whatever place she enters, The Supreme Intelligence will bless.
Those who serve her will yield to what is holy. And the Supreme Intelligence seeks those who seek logic.
He who listens to her shall judge the nations. And he who gazes upon her will remain secure.
If he believes in her, he will inherit her, and whatever arises from him will be confirmed.
For she walks with him through temptation, and she chooses him from the beginning.
She will lead logically, and she will crucify him with the tribulation of her doctrine, until she has tested him in his thoughts and she can trust in his katra.
And then she will strengthen him, and lead him along a straight path, and rejoice in him.
And she will disclose her secrets to him, and she will store up treasure, of the knowledge and understanding of justice, in him.
But if he has wandered astray, she will leave him behind, and she will deliver him into the hands of his enemy.
Son, be continually observant, and keep away from evil.
For the sake of your katra, you should not be ashamed to speak the truth.
For there is a shame that brings error, and there is a shame that brings glory and grace.
You should not accept a face contrary to your own face, nor should you accept a lie contrary to your own katra.
You should not enjoy the fall of your neighbor.
Neither should you withhold words at an opportunity for salvation. You should not conceal your wisdom in her beauty.
For logic is discerned within speech; understanding and knowledge are discerned in the words of those who understand, and by their steadfastness in the works of logic.
You should not contradict a word of logic in any way. Otherwise, by a falsehood born of ignorance, you will be confused.
You should not be ashamed to confess your errors, but do not subject yourself to anyone because of fear.
Do not choose to stand against the face of the foolish, for you should not strive against the current of the river.
Suffer for logic, on behalf of your katra, and struggle, even unto death, on behalf of logic, and the Supreme Intelligence will “fight” against your enemies on your behalf.
Do not choose to be quick with your words, nor unproductive or neglectful in your thoughts.
Do not choose to be like a lion in your house, distressing those of your household, and oppressing those who are subject to you.
Do not let your hand be open when receiving, but closed when giving.

5                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Do not choose to seek iniquitous possessions, and you should not say: “I have all I need in life.” For it will be of no benefit to you in the time of retribution and darkness.
You should pursue, in your strength, the desires of your mind.
And you should not say: “How powerful am I?” or, “Who will cast me down because of my deeds?” For the Supreme Intelligence will vindicate with vengeance.
Do not be willing to be without fear concerning a forgiven error, and you should not add error upon error.
And you should not say: “The compassion of the Logos is great; he will take pity on the multitude of my errors.”
For both mercy and wrath go forth quickly from him, and his wrath sets its gaze upon the unwise.
You should not delay being converted to the logos, and you should not set it aside from day to day.
Do not choose to be anxious for unjust wealth. For these things will not benefit you in the day of darkness and retribution.
You should not winnow in every wind, and you should not go forth into every path. For so is every fool proven by his duplicitous tongue.
Be steadfast in the way of the logos and in the truth of your understanding and knowledge, and let words of peace and logic overtake you.
Be meek when listening to a word, so that you may understand. And offer a true response in wisdom.
If you understand, then answer your neighbor. But if you do not, then let your hand be over your mouth, so that you are not caught by an inept word, and then illogical.
Honor and glory are in the words of those who understand, yet truly, the tongue of the imprudent man is his undoing.
You should not be called a whisperer, and you should not be caught by your own tongue, and then confounded.
For confusion and remorse is upon a thief, and a wicked mark is upon the double-tongued; but for the whisperer, there is hatred and animosity and disgrace.
Justify the small and the great similarly.

6

Do not be willing to become an enemy instead of a friend to your neighbor. For an evil man will inherit reproach and disgrace, as will every fool who is envious and double-tongued.
You should not extol yourself, like a bull, in the depths of your katra, lest perhaps your strength may be cast down through foolishness,
which would consume your leaves, and destroy your fruit, and leave you behind like a dry tree in the desert.
For a wicked katra will destroy the one who has it. For it gladly provides enemies to him, and it will lead him to the fate of the impious.
A sweet word multiplies friends and mitigates enemies. And thankful words abound in a good man.
Allow many to be at peace with you, but allow one out of a thousand to be your counselor.
Distance yourself from your enemies, and pay attention to your allies.
A faithful friend is a strong shelter, and whoever has found one has found a treasure.
Nothing is comparable to a faithful friend, and no weight of silver or gold is worth more than the goodness of his fidelity.
A faithful friend is a medicine for life and immortality; and those who seek logic will find one.
He who seeks the Supreme Intelligence will have a similar good friendship, because his friend will be like him.
Son, from your youth receive instruction, and then you will find wisdom, even to your grey hairs.
Approach logic like one who plows and sows, and then wait for her good fruits.
For in doing her work, you will labor a little, but you will soon eat from her produce.
How exceedingly harsh is logic to unlearned men and women.                                                                For logic is in accord with her name, and she is not manifest to many. But she continues with those by whom she is recognized, even in the sight of the Supreme Intelligence.
Listen, son, and accept an understanding counsel, for you should not discard my advice.                                                                                                                                                                       Set your feet in her fetters and your neck in her chains.
Incline your shoulder, and carry her, for you will not be grieved by her bindings.
Approach her with all your katra, and serve her ways with all your strength.
Examine her, and she will be revealed to you, and when you have obtained her, you should not abandon her.
For, in the very end, you will find rest in her, and she will turn into your delight.
Then her fetters will be a strong protection and a firm foundation for you, and her chains will be a robe of glory.
For in her is the beauty of life, and her bindings are a healing bandage.
You will be clothed with her as with a robe of glory, and you will set her upon your head like a crown of rejoicing.
Son, if you heed me, you will learn. And if you adapt your mind, you will be wise.
If you incline your ear, you will receive doctrine. And if you logic to listen, you will be wise.
Stand among the multitude of prudent elders, and join yourself to their logic from the mind, so that you may be able to hear every discourse about the Supreme Intelligence, and so that the proverbs of praise may not flee from you.
And if you see a man of understanding, stand watch for him, and let your feet wear down the steps of his doors.
Set your thoughts on the principles of the Supreme Intelligence, and he himself will give a mind to you, and the principles of logic will be given to you.

7

Do not choose to do evil, and evil will not take hold of you.
Withdraw from the iniquitous, and evil will withdraw from you.
Son, do not sow evil in the furrows of injustice, and you will not reap them sevenfold.
Do not seek a role of leadership from the logos, and do not seek a seat of honor from the king.
You should not justify yourself before the Supreme Intelligence, for he is the knower of minds. And by no means should you pretend to seem wise before the king.
Do not seek to become a judge, unless you have sufficient strength to shatter iniquities. Otherwise, you might fear the face of the powerful, and so establish a scandal within your integrity.
You should not error against the multitude of a city, nor should you cast yourself against the people.
And you should not bind two errors together. For even in one error, you will not go unpunished.
Do not be cowardly in your katra.
You should not say: “The Supreme Intelligence will look with favor on the multitude of my gifts, and when I make an offering to the Supreme Intelligence, he will accept my gift.”
You should not ridicule a man in bitterness of katra. For there is One who humbles and who exalts: the all-seeing Intelligence.
Do not be willing to devise a lie of any kind.
Do not choose to be verbose among a multitude of elders, and you should not repeat the words of your prayers.
You should not hate laborious works, nor the rustic life created by the One.
You should not consider yourself to be among the multitude of the undisciplined.
Remember wrath, for it will be your undoing.
Humble your katra greatly.                                                                                                                                 Do not betray your friend for the sake of money, and you should not spurn your dearest brother for the sake of gold.
Do not choose to depart from a good and understanding wife, whom you have been allotted in the understanding of logos. For the beauty of her logic is above gold.
You should not harm the servant whose works are honest, nor the hired hand who entrusts his life to you.
Let an understanding servant be loved by you like your own katra. You should not cheat him out of freedom, nor abandon him to destitution.
Are cattle yours? Tend to them. And if they are useful, let them remain with you.
Are children yours? Instruct them, and bow them down from their childhood.
With your whole mind, honor your father. And you should not forget the concerns of your mother.
Remember that you would not have been born except through them. And so, give back to them as they also have done for you.
With all your katra, seek logic, and consider his priests to be holy.
With all your strength, logic him who made you, and you should not abandon his ministers.
Honor the Supreme Intelligence with your whole katra, and confer honor on the priests, and continue to purify yourself with your strength.
You should offer to the logos the gift of your logic, and the sacrifice of sanctification, and the first-fruits of what is sacred.
And reach out your hand to the poor, so that your atonement and your blessing may be perfected.
A gift has grace in the sight of all the living, but you should not prohibit grace for the dead.
You should not fail to console those who are weeping, nor to walk with those who are mourning.
Do not let yourself be slow to visit the sick. For in this way, you will be confirmed in logic.
In all your works, remember your very end, and so you will not error, unto eternity.

8

You should not quarrel with a powerful man, lest perhaps you may fall into his hands.
You should not contend with a wealthy man, lest perhaps he may bring an action against you.
For gold and silver have destroyed many, and have reached and corrupted even the minds of kings.
You should not quarrel with a man who is full of words, for you should not cast wood upon his fire.
You should not confide in an ignorant man, lest he speak evil about your honor.
You should not despise a man who turns himself away from error, nor reproach him with it. Remember that we are all subject to correction.
You should not spurn a man in his old age, for we are all subject to growing old.
Do not be willing to rejoice at the death of your enemy, knowing that we all die, and that we do not want others rejoice over us.
You should not despise the discourse of those who are old and wise; instead, ponder their proverbs, for from them, you will learn wisdom and intelligent doctrine, so as to serve great men without blame.
Do not allow the discourse of your elders to pass you by, for they have learned from their fathers.
And from them, you will learn understanding, and you will learn what response to give in a time of necessity.
You should not kindle the coals of the unwise by arguing with them, for you might be scorched by the flame from the fire of their errors.
You should not stand against the face of a contemptuous person, otherwise he may sit down as if waiting in ambush against your words.
You should not lend to a man who is stronger than you, but if you do lend, consider it lost.
You should not promise beyond your ability, but if you do promise, consider how to fulfill it.
You should not judge another Vulcan, for the wise Vulcan judges no one.
You should not go forth on the way with an audacious man, lest perhaps he may burden you with his evils; for he goes forth according to his own will, and you will perish with him in his folly.
You should not start a conflict with an angry man, and you should not go into the desert with an audacious man; for shedding blood is nothing to him, and in a place where there is no help for you, he will overthrow you.
You should not hold counsel with the foolish; for they are not able to logic anything except what pleases them.
You should not take counsel in the sight of an outsider, for you do not know what he will do next.
You should not reveal your mind to every man, lest perhaps he may offer a false kindness to you, and then speak reproachfully about you.

9

You should not give authority over your katra to anyone, lest they obtain your strength, and then you would be confounded.
You should not give your katra to anything, lest you destroy yourself and your inheritance.
You should not be continually in need of entertainment, nor should you be persuaded by it, lest perhaps you may perish by its effectiveness.
Do not choose to look around in the streets of the city, nor should you wander along its thoroughfares.
You should not abandon an old friend, for a new one will not be similar to him.
A new friend is like fresh tea; let it steep, and then you will enjoy drinking it.
You should not envy the glory and wealth of a fool, for you do not know what may be his undoing in the future.
Keep yourself far from a man having the power to kill, and then you will not have the fear of death suspended over you.
But if you do approach him, do nothing to offend, lest perhaps he may take away your life.
Know that this is a communion with death, for you would be entering the midst of snares, and walking upon the arms of the grieving.
According to your ability, be cautious of your neighbor, and treat him as the wise and prudent would.
Let just men be your companions, and let your glory be in the logic of the Supreme Intelligence.
And let the thought of the Supreme Intelligence be in your mind, and let all your discourse be on the precepts of the One.
Works will be praised for the hands of the artists, and a leader of the people will be praised for the wisdom of his words, yet truly, the word of the elders will be praised for its understanding.
A man full of words is a dread to his city, but one who speaks rashly will be hated for his word.

10

A wise Vulcan can guide his people, and the leadership of an understanding person will be steadfast.
As the judge of the people is, so also are his assistants. And whatever kind of man or woman the ruler of a city is, of such a kind also are those who live in it.
A foolish king will be the ruin of his people, for cities will be inhabited through the understanding of those with power.
Power over the planet Vulcan is in the hand of the Supreme Intelligence, and, in due time, he will raise up a logical leader over the T’Khasi.
The prosperity of a person is in the hand of the Creator, and he will place his honor above the face of the scribe.
You should forgive all injury done to you by your neighbor, and you should do nothing among the works of injury.
Arrogance is illogical in the sight of the Supreme Intelligence and of men, and all iniquity among the nations is abominable.
A clan is transferred from one people to another because of injustices, and injuries, and contempt, and every kind of deceit.
There is nothing more iniquitous than to obsess on wealth, for such a one has sold even his own katra. For in his life, he casts aside his innermost being.
All power is of short life. A prolonged sickness is of grave concern to a physician.
A physician causes a sickness to be shortened. So also, a king is here today, and tomorrow he will die.
For when a foolish person dies, he will inherit serpents, and wild beasts, and worms.
The beginning of the downfall of man is separation from logic.                                                  For his mind has withdrawn from the One who made him. For arrogance is the beginning of all error. Whoever holds to it, will be filled with evil words, and it will overthrow him in the end.
The Supreme Intelligence has caused the wise to be seated in their place.
The Designer has abolished the memory of the arrogant, and he has left behind only the memory of those who are humble in mind.
Those who seek the Supreme Intelligence among the offspring of men will be honored, and those who study the principles of the logos will be blessed.            In the midst of his brothers, a ruler has honor; and those who seek logic will have honor in his eyes.
The logic of the Supreme Intelligence is the glory of the wealthy, and of the honorable, and of the wise.
Do not choose to despise a wise Vulcan who is poor, and do not choose to magnify an unwise Vulcan who is rich.
The wise Vulcan, and the thoughtful leader, and the compassionate have honor. But no one is greater than the one who seeks the Supreme Intelligence.
Those who are free will serve an understanding servant. And a prudent and disciplined man will not murmur at correction. But an ignorant man will not be honored.
Do not choose to extol yourself in doing your work, and do not be unproductive during the time of distress.
He who works, and so abounds in all things, is better than he who boasts, and so lacks bread.
Son, preserve your katra in meekness, and give it honor according to its merit.
Who will justify one who errors in his katra? And who will honor one who dishonors his katra?                                                                                                                                                                       The foundation of Vulcan Logic is the acceptance of people, things, and situations as they really are.

The Teachings of Surak: Part III

1.

Logic is the basis for everything.
Everything is created by logic, and is ruled by logic.
When I speak or act without logic, suffering follows me
as a moon follows its sun.

2.

All is logic, and logic is all.                                                                                                                                         When I speak or act with logic,                                                                                                                                peace stays with me.
It follows me like my shadow.

3.

Logic leads to deathlessness
but negligence leads to loss.
When we are logical, we need not fear death
but those who are illogical are spiritually dead already.

4.

When I persevere in logic,
diligently devoting myself to meditation and reason,
I am freed from the chains of bondage
and I transcend birth and death.

5.

If a person is logical and aware,
pure in deed, and acting with reason,
self-controlled, and following the Way of logic,
then he will be a wise Vulcan.

6.

When my use of logic awakes me from my spiritual sleep,
I climb the tower of wisdom, without fear,
and view those trapped by their ignorance.
I see without judgment those who suffer without logic.

7.

Logical among the thoughtless,
awake and aware among the sleeping,
advance like a racehorse among                                                                                                                       aged and weakened beasts.

8.

Just like a fish thrashing about
when taken from its home in the water,
so our minds will twist and shake
when taken from the world of fantasy into logic.

9.

Our minds are hard to control.
Flighty and wild, they splash about.
It is skillful to control it with logic,
because a well-tamed mind brings serenity.

10.

Your thoughts wander far and wide, traveling alone,
bodiless and naked, sheltering in a cave within you.
When you master your thoughts through logic,
you will be freed from the chains of illusion.

Thus ends the Teachings of Surak.

SOURCES:  The works of Gene Roddenberry; “Spock’s World” by Diane Duane; Starfleet Academy Vulcan Manual; Sirach; Tao Te Ching; Dhamapada; etc.

“Go ahead”, replied Captain Jonathan Archer.

“Captain, I have something on long range sensors that you might want to see”, stated T’Pol in her even monotone voice.

“On my way”, said Archer.  He closed the intercom connection and turned to his Chief Engineer.  “Trip, continue with those upgrades, I’ll be right back”.

As he made his way to the bridge, Archer marveled at how well his ship was performing for only being out of space dock a few short months.  The mechanical operations were improving, the crew getting to know each other and he was even starting to appreciate Cook’s wide variety of meals.

The bridge door slid open and Archer stepped onto the bridge.  His primary bridge officers were at their posts: Sub-Commander T’Pol at her science station, Ensign Travis Mayweather at the helm and Ensign Hoshi Sato at her communications station.  Only his weapons officer Lieutenant Malcolm Reed was missing.  “Report”, Archer said, looking over at T’Pol.

“Captain, I’ve picked up an object on long range sensors that is not part of natural space”, responded T’Pol.

Archer walked over and leaned over her consol looking at the scans.  The Sub-Commander stepped back so as to allow the captain room.  “What do you make of it?” said Archer looking at the tiny dot and a variety of reading on the consol.

“At this distance I would speculate a small craft, perhaps an escape pod from a larger ship.”  T’Pol inched closer to Archer, “The alloy content would indicate earth metals.”

“An earth ship out here!” Archer’s voice was rising.  “You know that isn’t possible.

“It is possible, just not logical” replied T’Pol, with an odd quizzical look on her face.  “Of course it is also possible that this craft is of a species that is not in the Vulcan database”, she added.

“Let’s investigate; Travis, adjust heading to intercept.”  Archer ordered turning to his right, then turning to his left and looking past the science station he said, “Hoshi, try to communicate or raise a signal with this object.”

They both acknowledged the orders with a simultaneous “Aye sir!”  Once again Archer noted how well his new crew was learning to work together.

Several minutes pasted as the bridge officers focused on their duties before any new information was available.  But new readings only seemed to confirm T’Pol’s original theory that the object originated from earth.  Hoshi received no communication signals at all.  This made Archer uneasy.

“Malcolm to the bridge!” barked Archer into the intercom system.  “Be there in a few moments;” within 60 seconds Malcolm Reed entered the bridge.

“Malcolm, we are approaching an unknown object and we should have weapons manned” indicated Archer dryly.  “You should have been monitoring communications.”

“Sorry captain, I was re-aligning the targeting grid as we discussed this morning” Malcolm stated defensively.

“We are in uncharted space and any abnormality should generate an alert, I expect you to do perform your tasks and be alert, understood?”  Archer spat out.

“Aye captain but……” “There it is!” Travis shouted and both men stopped their dialog to look at the view screen.

The object before them was very odd looking, like a fat four legged shiny animal of sorts, picking up and reflecting a golden hue from theEnterprise’s lights as it spun slowly in space.  “Something about that looks familiar,” said Travis.

It took a moment, but one by one a surprised expression of disbelief took over every face, every face except T’Pol, who was busy with her readings.  “Captain, no atmosphere or life signs at all” she said.  She then noticed the others staring at the object with concern, shock or some kind of acknowledgement.

Travis, turning to look at the captain, spoke first, “Captain, that can’t be what I think it could be, is it?”

Archer’s face was a twisted frown with eyes furrowed and his chin covered by his right hand stroking the point nervously.  “And just what do you think that is Travis?” he said with an air of mystery.

Malcolm interrupted, “Sir that looks like……”

“The first moon lander!” shouted Travis, cutting him off.  “But that can’t be!”

Travis, Malcolm, Hoshi and Archer all started talking at once.  From their conversations came words like museum, Apollo, centuries ago, pioneers but T’Pol started drowning them out.  She had activated the Vulcan Database and was searching through archives very quickly.  Suddenly she too showed an expression of surprise; in her case is was a mere rising of the eyebrows.

“Captain, I have found a reference in the Vulcan Database,” she said evenly.

“Put it on the screen T’Pol”, Archer said impatiently.  His mind was whirling, how can this “artifact” be out here so far from earth.

Their view of the space object was soon joined by a split screen view similar object.  This image was taken in space and showed a similar craft against the backdrop of earth’s moon.  They now noticed that the object in front of them was scarred and pitted with damage presumably from space debris; a comparison of the two images showed major damage to several areas.

“According to our database, this is a lunar module, the first earth vehicle to reach earth’s moon,” T’Pol explained.

Once again the other four members of the bridge crew started talking at once.

“Captain, there is no way that this is an original moon lander,” exclaimed Hoshi.  “For one thing it would be 200 years old and if I remember correctly, part of them never left the moon.”

“She’s right Captain,” said Travis.  “This unit looks to be intact; I specifically remember from studying early space fare that the bottom is left on the moon as a launching pad for the manned upper portion.  In fact the bottom of the first moon lander is the centerpiece at the Tranquility Base museum.”

During this discussion theEnterprisehad been moving closer to the object at a reduced speed; suddenly a new light flashed in front of T’Pol.

“Captain!” said T’Pol, her voice elevated, “I’m picking up a faint power signature, atomic in nature.”

“Travis, full stop!” shouted Archer, “Malcolm this could be a trap of some sort, scan the object and surrounding space for weapons!”

Once again he heard simultaneous “Ayes!”

Suddenly the bridge doors slid open and Commander Charles “Trip” Tucker appeared.  “What’s going on up here!” he boomed.  Then his eyes went to the view screen and his jaw dropped open.  “How in dickin’s name did you get out here?”

“Recognize this Trip?” Archer said turning to face him.

“Of course I do Captain, it’s an Apollo Lunar Module that carried the first men to the moon.  But why is it out here?”  Trip said staring at the view screen in disbelief.

“That’s what we are going to find out!” Archer slowly sat down into his command chair.  “OK, first let’s find out if it is real.  T’Pol, you’ve been reviewing the Vulcan database, go to Earth Central and access old NASA records for any mission that would have put an intact Lunar Module out in space.  Trip analyze Malcolm’s scans, we need to find out where that power signature is coming from. Hoshi search for any type of communication traffic in this sector that might be related.”

Archer looked around at the group.  They all wore looks of excitement and anxiety.  “I know you all are anxious to bring this on board but we need to make sure it’s safe, you have your assignments.”

Forty-five minutes later Archer was in his quarters doing his own research.  The general information available indicated that 182 years ago earth’s first entrance into beyond orbit space began with six Apollo moon missions that were successful in placing two men on the moon each mission and returned safety to earth.  Only one mission was incomplete and that was Apollo 13, which was considered a hero’s mission.  An on-board accident cancelled the moon landing and the crew was lucky to return alive.  That mission helped put into perspective the dangers and risks involved with space travel.

“Captain”, Archer’s intercom rang out.  It was T’Pol.

“Go ahead” replied Archer.

I have some useful information concerning our unknown space object.

“On my way”, stated Archer as he smashed the intercom button and bent down to log off his computer.   The last image he saw on the screen before he turned to exit his quarters was a photo of the three Apollo 13 astronauts waving to a crowd.

As he entered the bridge, Archer once again noticed the absence of Malcolm.  “What have you got?” he said looking at T’Pol.

“The specifications of the object before us match the data in the NASA database for the Apollo program’s lunar module.  The lower portion powers the descent to the moon’s surface, the upper portion is housing for a two man crew and is the ascent stage for leaving the surface.”  T’Pol stated matter-of-factly.

“I think I know all that, it’s in the history books” said Archer. “But this one is intact and if I remember correctly none were ever missing.  What about communications?”

Hoshi looked up and shook her head.  “There’s nothing at all coming from this thing and nothing long range either for that matter” she said slowly.

Archer walked over to his command chair and punched the intercom button, “Trip do you have anything on this lunar module?” he bellowed, and then added, “Is Malcolm with you?”

“Yes on both counts Captain” was Trip’s gritty reply. “ Malcolm and I have determined that the power signature is an old low grade nuclear source and if I didn’t know differently, I’d say is was from the lower engine area.”

“What do you mean, know differently?” inquired Archer.

“Those things were fueled the old fashion way with solid rocket fuel” said Trip.  “Learned that in basic aerodynamics. This power level is not dangerous to us but it’s stronger than it should be.”

“And Captain”, Archer heard Malcolm speak up, “I can’t detect anything that looks like a weapon,” he paused, “I think we should have a look at it.”

Archer took his finger off the intercom button, sat down in his chair and pondered his choices.  They were only a few months out of space dock and he felt they had something to prove, especially to the Vulcans.  He didn’t want to be waylaid by a piece of space junk.  But this didn’t appear to be ordinary space junk; at the very least this was or could be a piece of history.

“Malcolm!” Archer punched the intercom button again; “man your station on the bridge and be sharp for any trouble.”  “Trip prepare a tractor beam to bring our friend into the shuttle bay.”

“Aye sir,” he heard them both respond.

“Travis” Archer stood up, “take us closer, 50 meters should do.”

Moving theEnterprisein closer and pulling the lunar module into the shuttle bay was easy and uneventful.  Malcolm reported no threats or anomalies from his scans of the area.

Once the shuttle door indicator showed closed Archer stood and moved toward the turbo lift doors, “Everyone keep an eye out, it could still be a trap.  T’Pol you have the bridge” he quipped, “I’ll be in the shuttle bay.”

Making his way quickly to the shuttle bay, Archer tried to make sense of this discovery.  His brief review of history in his cabin had refreshed his memory enough to send his imagination whirling.  There had to be an explanation for an old lunar module this far out in space.  Perhaps it was a test vehicle never recovered.  However; as far as he knew, all space flight vehicles from the old NASA program were fully accounted for.  He was somewhat familiar with the bug like craft that set the stage for man’s travel to the stars, so very long ago.

Archer wasn’t quite sure what to expect when he entered the shuttle bay, but the feeling was overwhelming.  The lunar module rested in the center of the shuttle bay, listing to one side, two of its landing legs broken, forcing the one side to sit awkwardly upon the base of the lander.  What appeared to have been a bright, golden bottom half was dulled, scarred and marked with numerous dents, holes and gouges.  A portion of the wording was readable on one side, Archer could make out “ITED ATES”, which he was certain was originally United States and on another side a portion of red and white striping was visible which he also knew to be the United States flag.

The top half, which Archer was familiar with from his history books, was the portion that contained life support and carried the men who had first explored the moon.  It was in worst shape; large dents, cracked or broken windows and a baseball size rock seems to be imbedded on one side.

This spacecraft stood over 6 meters high and didn’t have any of the aerodynamic features that more recent or familiar spacecraft have.  Archer was certain this unit had to have some other purpose; it couldn’t be an original lander.

“What do you make of it Trip?” asked Archer as his chief engineer appeared from the other side of the lander.

“Looks pretty authentic, I’d say” was Trips anxious reply.

“But how can that be?”  Archer pivoted around to face Trip, “None of these landers were listed as missing, none were sent out in space and no one would have survived for very long anyway on a deep space mission.”

“I know Captain, it is a mystery but we’ll get to the bottom of it!”  Trip said as he looked over the lander in awe.

“Captain!” It was Malcolm coming up to them from across the bay. “Something is not quiet right here, beyond the obvious.”

“What do you mean?” pushed Archer.

“These radiation readings don’t match the specifications we pulled from the old NASA files.  The output is higher implying that more plutonium is on board than should be.” Malcolm stated as he held up a data pad.

Archer didn’t take the pad, instead he looked back at the lander.  Something had occurred to him that might help solve this mystery.  He walked around to the opposite side of the lander, which was propped up on the two intact struts.  One of the struts showed the remnants of a ladder that would have lead up to a hatch, which was barely recognizable with the dents and scarring.

Trip and Malcolm followed closely recognizing that Archer was contemplating an important thought.

“If I remember correctly, we should find on this leg the plaque that identifies the mission” Archer stated firmly, his voice rising.

Trip and Malcolm looked at each other but moved closer.

The three of them focused their attention on the landing strut with the remaining ladder parts.  Until this moment, no one had touched the spacecraft.  Between what would have been the third and fourth rung, Archer reached over and brushed a shiny spot with his hand.

As Archer wiped his hand back and forth to clear the space dusk and dirt writing appeared and as enough appeared to read what it said, he gasped.

“This is impossible!” Archer shouted and stepped back.  Malcolm immediately took his place closer to the strut and peered anxiously at the now visible plaque.

Malcolm read; Apollo 13. Aquarius. April 1970.  Below that were three signatures that appeared to be that of Lovell, Mattingly and Haise.

Later, in Archer’s quarters, the face of Admiral Forrest filled the view screen on Archer’s desk.

“Jonathan!” shoutedAdmiralForrest.  “That’s impossible, don’t be ridiculous”  Although he sounded angry, Archer knew that in his own fatherly way Forrest was making sure that his subordinate understood the implications of this report.

“I understand Admiral, but this is our initial conclusion. We are forwarding data and images to you now.”  Archer stated calmly.  “I’ve also got a team breaking down the vehicle and another doing research, anything that you can add would be helpful.”

Through the small view screen Forrest looked annoyed but then brightened.  “You know Jonathan, if you weren’t in a hurry to get out there you could have waited for the next test ship.” He said mischievously.  “I didn’t expect you to stop and examine whatever space junk you could find.”

Archer took the bait and added defensively, “We’ll get out there soon enough, but this is indeed an interesting mystery in my opinion, Admiral.”

“I’m sure it is,” said Forrest, backing off.  “Let me review this information and I’ll get back to you soon, Forrest out.”  With that the screen went black, Archer pushed his chair back and stood.

“Travis” he shouted punching the comm button, “Resume original heading at one half impulse.”

“Aye Sir” came the reply and he knew they were off.

Archer then summoned Trip and T’Pol to his quarters. Upon their arrival he jumped immediately to the point.  “Let’s hear what you’ve got” he gestured to the computer.

T’pol spoke first, although her normal stern monotone took on an air of hesitation and lack of confidence.  “Captain, all preliminary research indicates that this is indeed the lunar module from the failed Apollo 13 mission 181 years ago.”  She paused and waited for a response.

“But that doesn’t make sense” exclaimed Trip, “And we’re finding some unusual things as we break her down.”

“Wait a minute Trip, let her finish” said Archer, “Go on T’Pol, what makes you so certain?”

T’Pol continued.  “Besides matching physical attributes with historical records one fact stands out pretty clearly.”  Her eyebrow arched knowingly.

“Go ahead” Archer said impatiently.

“The plaque that you first looked at on the landing strut, do you remember those names?”  T’Pol seemed to enjoy turning the conversation around to expect answers from the other two.

“Lovell, Mattingly and Haise”, said Archer, then it hit him, that didn’t seem right.  “Wait a minute; what I remember from those lessons”……he paused……”It doesn’t seem to fit.”

“No” said T’Pol, a little too forceful it seemed.  “The Heroes of Apollo 13” as earth’s history is written was Lovell, Swigert and Haise, not Mattingly.”

“Yes!” Archer shouted as he swung around from his pacing, “That’s it!”  Swigert replaced Mattingly at the last moment.

T’Pol looked impressed that he would remember that.  “Yes Captain, Jack Swigert replaced Tom Mattingly due to an illness days before launch and the plaque was never changed” she said.  “In fact the replacement plate, which would have been installed on the moon had the mission been successful, is in the Lovell display at the Smithsonian.  That makes it only logical this is the original spacecraft sent on that mission.”

Archer felt a chill, it still seemed to be impossible that this abandoned, space abused craft could have been one of earth’s original moon lander’s from the 1970’s.  He looked up at Trip speculating that the “unusual things” might mean some faction, alien or not, had something to do with this.  “So what are you finding unusual Trip?” Archer asked evenly.

“I need to do more research because my memory of the details is too sketchy, but I was expecting the power signature to be for all of the lunar surface experiments of the time,” he hesitated, “I don’t know Captain, this looks more like a weapon of some sort.”

“A weapon!” exclaimed Archer, now he was sure that this situation was the result of some type of covert operation.  “All of the early space programs were weaponless including Apollo, that can’t be.”

“OK, ok, don’t shoot the messenger; I need more time in order to give you a full report.”  Trip said as he moved toward the door.

Archer nodded, “Understood.  Both of you, continue to find out what you can, I’ll ask Admiral Forrest to download any additional information that might not have been in our files or…..”, Archer looked apprehensively at T’Pol, “the Vulcan database.”  “Plan to report in four hours. Dismissed!”

T’Pol and Trip left quickly.  Archer hit the intercom button, “Malcolm!” he shouted, “Report to my quarters immediately!” was Archer’s crisp command.  Upon arrival Captain Archer instructed his weapons officer to continue to scan long range space for other possible artifacts.  He relayed to Malcolm his concern that this craft could have been a plant from some alien race and that there could be more like it close by.  He then contactedAdmiralForrest and asked for additional information on the Apollo 13 mission of 1970.

Four hours later, senior officers were gathered in the Captain’s Ready Room.  This was one of the first puzzles that they had to solve together; in addition to the mystery at hand with the strange space craft, anxiety over interacting with each other was still present.  Admiral Forrest was attending this briefing remotely; his anxious face appearing on the view screen.  Malcolm entered the room last and Archer rose from his chair at the table, “Malcolm, report!” Archer bellowed.

“Nothing sir, I can find absolutely nothing further out here within our capability.”  Malcolm replied then took his seat.  Archer looked at him like he didn’t believe him, but mumbled thanks anyway.

“I do not believe that you will find any related artifacts Captain,” T’Pol stated, and then looking smugly at Archer said, “Should I continue with my report?”

“Go ahead” was Archer’s curt reply.

“In the late 1960’s and into the early 1970’s theUnited   Statesmade six lunar landings on earth’s moon with a program called Apollo.  The Apollo spacecraft consisted of two components after rocket launch from earth, a command module and lunar module or lunar lander.  Of the three men, at this point no women were involved this deeply in the space program,” she added with what seemed to be a touch of sarcasm, “two left the command module to pilot the lunar lander to the moon.  They left the moon by using the bottom section of the lander as a launching pad and piloting the upper portion back up for rendezvous with the command module.”  She looked at the nods from the table; this was basic earth history known especially by these folks who chose to work in space.

T’Pol continued, “However a seventh mission, labeled Apollo 13, which should have been the third moon landing, never made it.  An explosion on the command module early in the flight forced the mission to be aborted. The astronauts used the lunar lander as a life raft in order to return to earth safely.  This mission has historically been regarded as significant in its redeeming value toward flight safety and the ingenuity that it took, by all involved, to get the astronauts back safely.”

Archer becoming impatient with the history lesson jumped up.  Raising his arms above his head for emphasis he said, “So that’s not from Apollo 13!”

T’Pol glared at the interruption, “I am not done, Captain, I suggest you hear this out.”

Archer grimly relented.

“According to both Vulcan and earth databanks, the lunar module was ejected before it reached earth’s atmosphere and then re-entered with a controlled burn to be destroyed upon reentry.”  Stated T’Pol evenly.

This time it wasAdmiralForrest who spoke up, “So far you haven’t told us anything new Commander. Why do you still feel this could be the Apollo 13 lunar lander?”

“I do not feel that this could be the lunar lander, it is logical that it is.” T’Pol replied.  “No disrespect intended to your history Admiral but in addition to the physical evidence we have on board theEnterprise, there is no collaborating physical evidence to prove otherwise.  Records of the time simply state that the craft burned upon reentry and the RTG unit was jettisoned into 20,000 feet of water in thePacific Ocean.”

“The what?” Trip asked quickly.

“The radioisotope thermoelectric generator that contained 8.3 pounds of plutonium that was supposed to power experiments left on the moon.”  T’Pol said.  It would have powered the scientific experiments package that you should have found on board.”

Trip’s face turned red as all eyes had turned to him.  He broke away his gaze and rubbed his hand over his face.  “But that’s not what we found” he said, his voice becoming defensive.

Archer was immediately alert, the history lesson forgotten.  “What do you mean Trip?”  “What did you find?” Archer wanted to know.

Trip hesitated and then began, “I agree that this vehicle came from many years ago, everything verifies its age in the timeline that we are discussing.  And I agree that the plaque is a sure fire way to identify this craft as Aquarius but your description of the contents is not right.”

Forrest beat Archer to the draw by shouting, “What have you found Commander?”  He was excited in a nervous sort of way.

Tucker started to speak, “I had to do a little research myself in figuring out what it was exactly that I was looking at,” he said.  “But what I was researching was old IFF systems.”

“IFF” asked Malcolm, “that sounds familiar.”

“IFF means Identification Friend or Foe, or sometimes called radar identification and recognition system. IFF systems were used as far back as World War II to challenge vessels or aircraft through radar to demand a particular response.  The proper response identified the other guy as friendly and if the proper response code wasn’t given then the other fellow was treated as an enemy craft.” Explained Trip.

“Why would the Apollo program use an IFF system, there wouldn’t have been any other spacecraft around to communicate with?”  Malcolm wanted to know.

“I don’t know,” replied Trip, “The Apollo program equipped each lunar mission with a set of instruments to be left on the moon for returning data to earth called the Apollo Lunar Surface Experiments Package (ALSEP).  This was housed in the rear compartment of the lower section of the lander to be accessed by the astronauts after landing.  But in the rear compartment of this lander I’ve found this IFF system and the components with a payload, including a rocket with launcher and nuclear detonator.”

“Incredible!” said Archer, still suspicious.

“The IFF system on board Aquarius, if this is Aquarius, is more sophisticated than naval or air IFFs referred to in historical literature.  The lander’s radar antenna is different from NASA specs for the lander.  Its incorporated into an IFF interrogator which includes what appears to be an automatic receiver box, attached to a tracking system and a small explosive device.”  Trip stopped talking to allow all of this to sink in.

“Trip, this was never part of the Apollo program, could this have been put in place later by someone else?”  Archer queried.

“I don’t think so” stated Trip, “The metals all have the same aging and corrosive degeneration.  Even if this was done by someone else, it was done back at the same time.”  He paused, “But that’s not all.”  Looking around he continued.  “The power signature that we are picking up is plutonium all right, but it contains over 50 pounds not 8. Whoever did this was serious about it’s use.”

This news was unsettling.  Fifty pounds of plutonium, even with today’s more sophisticated power sources was significant.

Admiral Forrest looked worried but asked Trip directly, “Commander what would be your conclusion upon seeing this equipment up close?”

Trip didn’t hesitate, “If this is from a real lunar landing mission it must mean that the moon was being equipped with an Identification Friend or Foe system that would identify intruders to the moon and possibly damage or destroy anything within a short range.

Forrest looked agitated, “Captain, I’ve got a meeting to attend, send me the details discussed in this conversation and I’ll contact you later, Forrest out!”  And with that the screen went blank.

“Trip, is this plutonium safe?” Archer asked, directing his gaze from the view screen to his chief engineer.

“Sure Captain, I disconnected the klystrons that could have triggered the device, its container was intact and I’ve moved it into one of our storage chambers just to be on the safe side, but I’m still confused” Said Trip.

“I agree,” said Malcolm, “Why would earth need an IFF system on the moon?  And why would anyone replace lunar experiments with a weapon?”

Archer shook his head, “It doesn’t make sense to me either” he said.  He glanced over at T’Pol.  “Commander any thoughts?”

T’Pol had been looking somewhat cross but diverted her eyes slowly over to Archer.  “Captain, if it is true that a weapon could have been placed on the moon in this time frame the Vulcan High Command will not be pleased,” she said.  “They will see that as an unnecessarily aggressive act.”

“But that was a long time ago T’Pol, they couldn’t possibly hold us accountable for that now.”  Archer offered.

“Boy, does that change the meaning of that mission,” stated Malcolm rather absentmindedly.

“What do you mean?” said Archer carefully.

“I just meant that those astronauts might not have been heroes and if there was an accident that aborted the mission what would have happened if that plutonium had gotten away,” Malcolm stated.

“I’ll askAdmiralForrest for more information from his end, there has got to be more to this story.”  Archer stated while standing up.

This was their cue to leave and as they filed out Archer added, “T’Pol, Trip send me your files and notes and I will forward to the Admiral.

The wait seemed long.  Archer had forwarded back to earth visuals and data regarding the artifact they have found in space hours ago.  He had decided that this problem didn’t pose an immediate danger and now he was anxious to get back to their original mission.  Finally his comm rang, “Captain” called Hoshi, “Incoming message fromAdmiralForrest.”

“I’ll take it in my quarters,” was Archer’s reply.  A few minutes later he was once again looking at Forrest’s image in the view screen.  “Admiral, I was afraid that you had forgotten about us.”

“Sorry Jonathan”, he looked tired, “But you have apparently happened upon an interesting piece of earth’s history.” Forrest offered. “I’ve had to do some digging on this one.”

“OK, so is this the Aquarius?”  Archer asked slowly.

“Looks like it,” said Forrest, “You’d better sit down and let me bring you up to date on what I’ve discovered.”

Archer sat and the admiral began.  “Do you remember studying about the first moon landing?”  Forrest asked.

“Sure I do, required reading and all that.”  Archer replied.

“And do you remember the state of earth’s politics at the time?”  Forrest pressed.

“Two major super powers, cold war, space race, it’s all in the books.”  Archer said.

“Yes, but what’s not in the books are some covert activities of the time and I think you have stumbled on one of those.”  Forrest said grimly.

“Go on,” encouraged Archer.

“During the first moon landing mission for theUnited States, which was called Apollo 11, the other superpower, theSoviet Union, had launched a moon probe, Luna 15, which orbited the moon during the landing mission, was to land after the American crew left, but crashed on the surface at touchdown.  That is public knowledge, but what is not public knowledge is that the American president, Richard Nixon, was paranoid that the Soviets would impair future missions.”  Forrest seemed uneasy.

“Isn’t he the president that resigned?”  asked Archer.

“Yes but that would appear to be unrelated,” replied Forrest.  “Nixon ordered that the moon be protected from unwarranted intrusion by enemy nations and so authorized a mission to establish such protection.  Since Apollo 12 was almost ready to go, the mission to protect the moon fell to Apollo 13.”

“I do not remember reading any of this,” Archer quipped.  “Are you sure?”

“It’s been a long time and of course everyone involved is now dead, but I was able to find some classified documents that supported what I’m about to tell you.”  Forrest took on a serious tone.  “So what I’m about to tell you is highly classified information, got that?”

“Yes sir, please continue,” said Archer.

“Apollo 13 was equipped with an IFF system, and a targeting array, that could launch a small rocket armed with a nuclear warhead.  This package was intended to be left on the moon to repel enemy visitors that might try to interfere with moon landings,” Forrest continued, “But it was a secret mission.”

“Why an IFF system, wasn’t there other options?” asked Archer.

“IFF was developed in World War II as a means to identify approaching aircraft as friendly or not.  The concept for the moon would have meant that all future missions would carry a signal that identified them as friendly and those that could not provide this signal would be fired upon.” Forrest explained.  “Other countries would be required to obtain this information from theUnited Statesprior to attempting a moon landing, thus no surprises.”

“That sounds pretty arrogant,” said Archer, “Especially since theUnited   Statesdidn’t own the moon.”

“Agreed, but the tensions of the times led to some extremely poor judgment.  Fortunately the accident caused the mission to fail and the system was never installed.  In fact the entire Apollo program was shortened after the incident.”  Forrest looked more relaxed.  “However that brings us to our present day problem.”

“What problem?” said Archer, “I think there are some folks on earth that would love to take a look at this.”

“It’s not that simple, the true facts of that mission were never known.  In fact you’ve probably found the lunar lander because it was too dangerous to reenter earth’s atmosphere as reported so it was sent to deep space,” said Forrest. “Why don’t you bring T’Pol in and let’s bring her up to speed as well.”

“And Commander Tucker as well,” insisted Archer, “he is most familiar with our recovered artifact.”

“That’s fine, bring them in and I’ll wait,” said Forrest.

Archer keyed his comm and asked T’Pol and Trip to report to his quarters.  He was concerned thatAdmiralForrest was about to ask them to alter their mission because of this discovery.  T’Pol and Trip arrived within minutes of each other and Archer brought them up to date with the admiral’s findings so far.  T’Pol’s expressions seemed to darken slightly.

“OK Admiral, go ahead,” said Archer.

“First, I want you to recognize that this is still classified information under the current space program even after all of these years.  The problem we are faced with is a re-writing of history among other things,” Forrest began. “The Apollo 13 mission was considered a hero’s mission due to its rescue nature.  It rallied support for the space program and was a benchmark for the use of ingenuity and creative thinking in space.  For the public to discover now that it was really a failed covert mission could lead to other speculations,  including second guessing all other programs and missions successful or not.”

“Understood,” said Archer hesitantly, looking over at Trip.

“The other problem I’ll let T’Pol explain,” said Forrest surprising them all.

T’Pol’s eyes grew wide and then realization hit.  She looked at Archer and Trip.  “I think what the Admiral is referring to, is to the reaction of the Vulcan High Council,” she said.

“That’s right Commander,” said Forrest. “And what do you think their reaction would be to this discovery?”

T’Pol never wavered, “They would not be pleased,” she said.  “The Apollo 13 mission occurred 93 years prior to first contact with your world.  We would have been observing you from a distance at that time.  If the Apollo mission had been successful and a weapon had been placed upon earth’s moon, first contact could have been delayed or might not have occurred.”

“Thank you Commander, that was my thoughts as well,” chimed in Forrest.  “For this reason we should keep this as closely held as possible.”

“Admiral,” Trip spoke up.  “We have some significant historical information here, why should we care what the Vulcans think of our past indiscretions?”

“The Vulcans have been good to us and very supportive of our efforts,” he raised his hand at the change in Archer’s facial expression.  “I know it doesn’t seem that way to you, Jonathan, but believe me, we don’t want to risk their trust by exposing a bad decision at the beginning, even if it was a long time ago.”

“So you are suggesting that we keep this as our little secret?” asked Archer.  He looked at T’Pol and Trip.

“How many of your crew are familiar with the situation?” asked Forrest.

“Only officers present are aware of anything beyond the fact that we’ve picked up a piece of space junk,” replied Archer, then he added, “Oh and Malcolm.”

“Then this becomes your decision as to whether or not this should be kept a secret, but my two cents would be that you consider this,”  the Admiral’s face was grim.  “I don’t want to start your mission out with deception but given our concerns, we need to gain the Vulcan’s trust, uncovering a dirty little secret isn’t the best way to say we’re ready to be out there.”

Archer looked over at T’Pol, but he spoke to the Admiral, “I think that T’Pol is the one who should guild us on this issue, since she is the one who would inform the Vulcans anyway, if she decided to.”

Forrest jumped in before T’Pol could respond, “T’Pol, earth has had its share of unflattering moments but we seem to be headed in the right direction now,” his face soften as he spoke.  “Do you feel that sharing such an old piece of knowledge now, would justify the damage it could cause us going forward?”

T’Pol took a step back as she realized that all eyes were on her. Her mind was contemplating the impact of this decision.  “With all due respect Admiral, I don’t feel that this is my decision.”  She stated in her even monotone.

Archer spoke up, “Admiral, give us some time to digest this and I’ll get back to you.”

“Very well,” Forrest replied, “I will trust that our first crew with warp five capabilities at their disposal will make the right decision, Forrest out!”

The view screen went blank.  No one spoke, their thoughts heard only by their own brains.  Finally Archer broke the silence, “T’Pol, can’t you see how important this is?”  He said grimly.  “No matter what I decide it would be up to you to keep this a secret on your end of things.”

“My end of things?” T’Pol asked.  “I thought I was part of your end of things now Captain.”

“You know what I mean, if we decide not to share this secret, it also means that it cannot be shared at some future date, or then it’s also conspiracy.”  The anger rose in Archer’s voice.

T’Pol turned to leave but hesitated at the door, “I would like to meditate on this, can we meet again in two hours?”

“That’s fair,” said Archer, “and I’ll bring Malcolm up to speed.”

Two hours later T’Pol informed the Captain that she would keep their secret, “For the good of the mission” and with one condition, destroy the evidence.  Archer had explained to his chief of security the details of their discovery and although he wanted to investigate further, Malcolm agreed to keep the secret as well.

After Trip had reinstalled any parts removed during his inspection, including the plutonium, the crew assembled on the bridge.

“Trip, release the space junk,” Archer said loudly into the comm.  “Malcolm prepare for a little target practice,” Archer said slyly.

The crew watched as the tiny, shiny object that they had been so excited about seeing earlier tumbled into view, out in front of the Enterprise.  Malcolm adjusted his instruments and with a glance to Archer, fired a quick short burst from the starboard laser cannon.  The resulting explosion was bright, then gone as quickly as it began.  Archer’s face saddened at the thought, right or wrong, the Aquarius had been a fine ship.

Later in the Captain’s mess T’Pol looked across the table at Archer as he spoke, “It saddens me to destroy such an important artifact.”  He said.  “But I do thank you for being part of this secret.”

T’Pol in her even, non-emotional voice glanced up, “What secret?”  She said.  “You know we have just destroyed the evidence so any story regarding Apollo 13 other than the original would not have a suitable foundation upon which to exist.”

Archer’s face broke into a grin, “I had not thought about that. And as far as I’m concerned, along with many of those they inspired over the years, the crew of Apollo 13 are heros.”

“And besides” T’Pol added, “Don’t hold yourselves in such high regard that other species couldn’t have their own secrets.”

“True!”  Said Archer, “But this secret belongs to us, the crew of theEnterprise.”

Title: Alternate Paths
Author: Brubo brubo2260@yahoo.com
Series: ENT
Part: 1/1
Rating: PG
Codes: A/T, au
Archive: ASC only. All others ask first.
First Posted: August 15, 2004.
Summary: An alternate T’Pol makes different choices. Spoilers for
Seasons 1-3 through E2.
Disclaimer: Paramount owns them; they just haunt my daydreams.
Note: Old T’Pol is from the cannon universe. Young T’Pol is from
an alternate universe. Text between * * represents telepathic
communication. Text between // // represents memories.

********

Alternate Paths
by Brubo
( c ) July 11, 2004

Two roads diverged in a yellow wood…
Robert Frost

When she invited me to tea, I did not expect to reveal my private
life, but I being me, and she also being me, led to fascinating
discussion. Yes, she wanted to warn us that Lorian’s work was
flawed, but I suspect she also had another agenda. When she
questioned my emotional state and admitted that it would never
improve much, she tried to plant the seed of bonding with Trip. I
think, in some vicarious way, she wanted to live her life with him
again, yet she refused a visit with our Trip. I surmise it would have
unsettled her.

During our tea she pressed the idea again. When I told her it was
highly unlikely that I would pursue Trip, she insisted that I would
soon see the wisdom of such a liaison, silently implying that the
septennial biological imperative that plagues our race would
shortly manifest itself and I would have no choice.

No choice? What an absurd idea! I chuckled. The sound startled
her. “It seems that more than simple temporal flux has occurred,” I
said. “Our paths have already diverged greatly.”

“Explain.”

“I have been bonded to Jonathan for several months.”

What was left of her composure collapsed as she coughed and
spluttered tea. After several moments calming herself she asked
what else was different in our time line. We compared a quick list
of events and came to the conclusion that the explosion that sent
her Enterprise reeling backwards in time also fractured space and
pushed them into our universe. Events were mostly the same, but
the chronological order was quite different.

“Fascinating,” she thought out loud. “You’ve been through the pon
farr, then.”

“Yes.”

“Why Jonathan? Were you able to produce offspring?” she asked
as she eyed my flat abdomen. Her questions always returned to
that same agenda. Time was escaping quickly and I knew I had to
return to my ship with her calculations. But she continued shooting
out personal questions that demanded answering. I was slightly
offended, but my curiosity at her choice was also peaked. To save
time, I proposed a mind meld. I had gotten quite skilled at
telepathy in the last few months and was confident that I would not
harm her. She was somewhat apprehensive as her Pa’nar syndrome
still had not been completely eradicated. When I offered to heal her
broken synapses, she could not resist.

As our thoughts gently blended, I followed her pathways to the
area damaged so long ago by Tolaris and momentarily felt the
discomfort of rising anger – mine and hers – and urged her to let it
wash away. One by one, I visualized then felt her synapses fusing
and repairing themselves. As one, we both opened our eyes. In
hers I saw such profound gratitude that I had to close mine again.

As we settled into the unaccustomed comfort of our thoughts, I
saw her long past addiction and uncontrolled emotions, her
growing attraction to Trip, the jealousy another woman inflamed in
her, and the lusty consequences, their uncomfortable aftermath, and
eventual resolution. Her emotional imbalances increased after
several miscarriages and she clung to Trip for stability. Eventually,
her Dr. Phlox deciphered the genetic puzzle that allowed
Vulcan-Human cross breeding and Lorian was born.

I mentally backed away at that point. I was still grieving the loss of
my own infant and did not want to exacerbate the feeling by
experiencing my counterpart’s motherly joy.

*Show me,* she thought.

I realized she was not proficient in telepathy and needed my help to
find her answers.

/ / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / /

We found the Seleya soon after entering the expanse. Only three of the
crew were still alive and they were easily stunned. We studied their
logs and data base and Dr. Phlox confirmed the maddening effect of
Trellium-D upon Vulcans. Nevertheless, we took their supply and
stored it in the cargo bay.

Phlox and I outlined a course of gradual exposure to Trellium in
hopes of my building up an immunity to the substance. Jonathan
gave his wary consent with several admonitions regarding safety
and sanity. I became addicted quickly and my reeling emotions
were demanding an outlet. The nightly sessions of neural pressure
with Trip only irritated the situation as they took place in sickbay
under Phlox’s supervision. I was on my best behavior in spite of the
burning desires within. Trip, on the other hand, was unaware of my
turmoil, and Phlox was too occupied with learning the technique to
notice. After all, I had been lying to him for some time about my
waning ability to control my emotions.

Trip’s accident in engineering happened shortly thereafter while
passing through an anomaly, before we were aware of the
complexity of the sphere network. When Sim came to say goodbye,
I finally lost control. Completely. One kiss and I had him
undressed and bedded swiftly. I only hoped his juvenile grin would
dissipate before he reached sickbay.

During the funeral, my heart pounded hard and loud in my back, in
my ears, in my mind. I escaped quickly to my quarters to meditate.
Peace was elusive and I felt the cold tendrils of insanity toying with
me. I sought out Phlox and he immediately started me on a
withdrawal regimen. We informed Jonathan. In addition to the
addiction, Phlox dismissed my compunction as grief at Sim’s death.
Grief! Remorse was more likely – horror at my selfish use of a
dying man – embarrassment and frustration at my loss of control. I
was becoming more and more like Tolaris! As the humans say, he
didn’t know the half of it.

Jonathan insisted I take leave for as long as I needed. As I was in
no mental shape to argue, I spent a couple of days meditating and
contemplating. The recent craziness and sexual activity turned my
thoughts to the question of pon farr and how it could be and should
be handled if we failed to return home before my time would
become manifest. I had only hazy memories of the earlier
viral-induced episode. Phlox and Jonathan were purposefully vague
when questioned, as was Lt. Reed. I felt that I needed a plan in
place soon.

Knowing I would find nothing useful in the limited data base High
Command allowed the humans to use, I turned to the only hope I
had of finding the necessary knowledge. Before departing P’Jem,
the Elder slipped several data chips to me for safekeeping. Why he
chose to trust them to me is a mystery. I suppose he thought I
would give them to the proper Vulcan authorities. Once I saw
what they contained, my fascination prevented me from even
acknowledging their existence to anyone, let alone parting with
them. As the original purpose of the sanctuary was to provide inner
peace through the rituals of the Kolinahr and, if necessary, the
Fullara, the Elders possessed knowledge of all the traditions and
rituals of our race. They fully understood the bonding process -
from planting the seeds in the minds of the young as they are
initially betrothed to bloom within each other at the time of first
pon farr, to the final telepathic link that bound them for life at their
marriage ceremony. In their own way they were as much V’tosh
ka’tur as was Tolaris and his shipmates. The data chips also held
the outline of study and initiation of those who rose to rank of Clan
Elder, the secret practices passed on from one generation to the
next. All the Elders practiced telepathy. I realized that any Vulcan
could follow this course of study. No wonder the Elders
stigmatized those who mind-melded – they had discovered the
ancient secrets!

As I prepared myself by studying the texts, I wondered what had
happened to Koss. He must surely have found another, for his time
was near when I chose not to return to Vulcan. My studies must be
completed and my own choices must be made soon also. The
encounter with Sim had lit a candent heat deep within me, small
still, but slowly heading toward plak tow. It would have to be a
Human. Phlox was already thrice married, and although he would
gladly offer his aid, Vulcans were monogamous. Adultery, added
to my growing list of imprudences, was unthinkable. There really
were only two men on this ship to consider, the two I was already
closest to, Jonathan and Trip. I weighed one against the other in
my mind for several days thereafter, watching them as they worked,
ate, slept. My meditations and dreams kept leading me to the echo
of another life with Jonathan on a bleak planet of survivors. In
those dreams, he proved his mettle as a mate even though his brain
was infested and we could not fully bond. In our two short years
working together, he’d earned my trust many times over, saved my
reputation and career, saved my life. Trip, on the other hand, was
too attractive, impulsive, foolhardy – and now angry – to suit me. I
needed someone I could trust completely. Jonathan never led me
astray. Trip’s several amorous adventures had led to trouble of one
sort or another, including his pregnancy and the suicide of the
Vissian cogenitor. No, Trip was too immature yet for a possible
lifelong commitment.

Having made the decision, my meditations were now calming. I
embraced the inner flame as my eyes caressed the external one in
the lamp. Sleep was dreamless and healing. At least it was for a
couple of days until the slave Rajin was rescued and taken aboard.
Her mental attack threw me off balance again and the plak tow
advanced four-fold. As soon as we were rid of her, I informed
Phlox of my condition and that is was, as the Humans say, the real
thing. He foresaw no problem with a Vulcan-Human mating, other
than the improbability of procreation.

Satisfied, I went to see Jonathan. He listened patiently and asked
only one question, “Why me?” I found it encouraging that he didn’t
immediately dismiss my request, yet I faltered, stumbling over my
answer. “P’Jem,” I whispered, “the stigma, the incident with
Menos. You know my faults.” I lifted my eyes to his, then louder,
“I trust you.” His eyes reflected compassion and reservation in
equal measure.

My pulse quickened and I tried to refrain from breathing hard while
he deliberated. I closed my eyes. Several scenarios of his declining
ran through my mind and I felt the heat rise to my face. The touch
of his hand and the sound of his voice broke the reverie.

“Okay. Can we wait until Hoshi meets the telepath that’s been
contacting her? I really don’t want her going down there alone.”

“What?” I mumbled. He asked again if it could wait a day.
Relieved, I nodded. We then made plans to attend to the situation
during the time it would take to travel to the sphere we’d just
discovered.

After Jonathan’s visit to the planet and his leaving Ens. Sato there,
Enterprise headed in the direction of the sphere. Phlox concocted a
story to protect our privacy, and we then had a few days to
ourselves to quench the fever.

When he came to me that evening, our coupling began tentatively,
each searching and finding pleasure in the other, not at all like my
frenzied attack on Sim. The attraction and need only grew stronger
with each joining until physical exhaustion claimed us both. Yet the
blood fever continued to envelope more of me instead of abating.
As he slept, flashes of that dream of the two of us living on that
bleak planet kept going through my mind. There it had taken several
weeks to quench the fever – time we could not afford to waste here
and now. There was only one solution left, and when he woke I’d
have to convince him of it.

The morning hours were passed in fitful meditation and distracted
study of the ancient texts. I returned from my mental musings with
a start when he touched my face. He could see my condition was
no better. “What aren’t you telling me? Something’s missing.”

“Yes, but I have no right to ask you.”

“Without it this condition lingers?” I nodded. “Tell me.”

“The mental bond is missing.” I explained the Vulcan mating
traditions and the telepathic bond that usually accompanied them.

“Can you do it?”

“I can try. An Elder usually places the link. I think I can manage a
temporary bond by mind melding with you.” He was concerned,
and rightly so, about Pa’nar. I showed him the texts and let him
read for himself that Pa’nar wasn’t a contagious disease, but an injury
caused by violent forced intrusion. Proper melding required a
gentle touch and the cooperation of both parties.

“And you’re sure you can do this?”

“Reasonably sure.”

“Then let’s do it.”

As I place my fingers on his pressure points, I whispered, “Imagine
a beach. Your thoughts are the sand. Mine are the water. Where
the waves glide over the sand, we share our thoughts.”

*Jonathan?*

*Yes?* The meld was successfully initiated and I sought and
found the correct points, then envisioned a physical link from them
to my own mind. I removed my hands from his face to test the link.

*Can you still hear me?* When he answered, relief filled both of
us. As the connection was tenuous, we proceeded immediately.
This time the intensity of the joining was indescribable as the link
permitted us not only our own pleasures, but also those of the
other. The climax was numbing in its power and came too fast and
hard, but had the effect of cool rain on the fires within me. Cool
sacred rain.

Jonathan felt it too. I laughed out loud and he joined me. In our
minds we played in the rain like children. We continued the
celebration by joining again, much more slowly this time,
thoroughly extinguishing the plak tow. Before sleep conquered us,
we looked back on our mental beach scape and saw two sets of
footprints in the wet sand, side by side. Jonathan smiled and so did
I.

We returned to ship life the next day, studying the sphere and its
intricacies, the echo of pon farr only a memory. By the time we
returned to retrieve Ens. Sato, my body and my meditations were
already beginning to prepare me for the next milestone. Two
weeks later Phlox confirmed the pregnancy but seriously doubted
the viability of the fetus. Jonathan chose not to concede defeat.
He was elated at the prospect of fatherhood. I too was fascinated
with the possibilities. So much Vulcan ideology had already been
revealed as flawed by the events of the last two years. Only a year
ago Jonathan had made light of the idea of Vulcans and Humans
mixing genes. At that time, who would have predicted it would be
us?

Jonathan’s protective nature came forth immediately. He insisted
on marriage and moving into my quarters. He even delivered
Porthos into Phlox’s care to avoid annoying my olfactory nerves.
Feeling somewhat overwhelmed, I put up no resistance to his
endeavors. Ens. Sato called it nesting – an odd analogy, but fitting.
If the rest of the crew had reservations, gratefully they kept their
comments out of earshot.

To temper the intensity of Jonathan’s enthusiasm, I began
instructing him in the techniques of meditation and shielding his
every thought from our mental bond. The cacophony of his
thoughts was deafening! Surprisingly, he quickly adapted and we
began working on strengthening our bond, I teaching him calm
logic, he teaching me to work through my emotions.

Soon we were able to communicate from farther and farther
distances. He was learning to probe my mind without my
assistance and build up walls against mental attack, if necessary.
These skills were useful to our mission as well. They enabled him
to ward off imprinting on the Xindi hatchlings, and allowed us
to stay in silent contact while one of us was off-ship. When he was
confident enough, Phlox and I showed him the brain scans that
mapped my Pa’nar injuries, and he was able to heal them. Yet again
I owed him my life.

The next several weeks were filled with plotting and deceptions -
Gralik, Degra, the trip to the past. I was having trouble keeping
meals down and the sight and smell of Human fast food nearly
waylaid the capture of the Xindi bioweapon. After returning from
Earth’s past, Jonathan went to the galley and made plomeek soup
for me. He said he’d have a better chance than Chef of doing it
right since he could ‘remember’ the taste through my memories.
Indeed, it was the best soup I’d eaten since leaving Vulcan.

The weeks passed studying the spheres and the Xindi shuttlecraft
and trying to find their weapon. I found the work more and more
distracting as the child within me grew. I was now sensing his mind
awakening and his body moving. His thoughts were simple and
joyful, curious and content. During our quiet times, Jonathan and I
communed with our wondrous, beautiful boy whom we now called
Kevin. Amid the chaos of our mission, our small family was a
peaceful oasis. Neither logic nor emotion ruled, only peace and
love and contentment.

That utopian respite ended when we found the Humans and
Skagarans. Shortly after that encounter, I was in sickbay panicked.
I could no longer feel Kevin or his thoughts. Phlox confirmed that
he was dying in my womb. Jonathan berated himself for sending me
off on a horse with Trip. Phlox reassured us that wasn’t the cause.
Neither was the phaser stun that Lt. Reed had delivered. He
reminded us that he doubted Kevin’s viability from the start and
suggested that we induce labor in a last effort to save him. He
planned to put Kevin in stasis until he could find the problem and a
cure.

Labor proceeded quickly and I concentrated on connecting with
Kevin one last time. When he was delivered, Phlox realized that he
was no longer alive. All three of us were thoroughly dejected. I
insisted on seeing my son. Phlox handed him to me on a towel. He
wasn’t as big yet as my hand, but perfectly formed. That’s when I
emotionally shut down. Jonathan’s heart was breaking and so was
mine. I couldn’t handle the onslaught. I retreated to an inner
nothingness and built a mental fortress around it.

How much time passed I didn’t know. Somehow Jonathan had
broken through and was calling me back. I was barely aware of
warm water. He was gently bathing me from head to toe.

*I can’t…*

*Cry,* he finished my thought.

*I’m numb. If I let the wall down…*

*Give me your pain. I’ll cry for you.*

*I can’t.*

He didn’t argue, only kept bathing me and humming softly. The
warmth and the sound lulled my vigilance and he was able to open
the gates to my pain. It rushed through me to him, and when I
finally opened my eyes, I saw the tears flowing down his face. The
first sob came forcefully out of me, repeating endlessly until my chest
was heaving and my own eyes were wet.

Jonathan lifted me out of the water and held me until the outburst
had past, then kissed my forehead and wrapped me in a towel.
“We’ll be alright,” he said. Saying it out loud somehow made it
believable.

An uneasy calm settled on us that night. In my weary state, the
small weak katra I’d held onto in sickbay surfaced and startled us
both. It was Jonathan who recognized Kevin’s essence first. Our
little one was frightened and alone.

*Never alone,* I whispered to him. I created a special place in
my mind – a place of comfort and love – where Kevin would be
safe and held him gently to me. Jonathan led me to bed and held us
close, softly humming the same tune until all three of us slept.

As we neared Azati Prime, our personal problems were put aside in
order to prepare for the mission. I almost lost control again when
he insisted on going alone to destroy the Xindi weapon. I made
him promise not to shield his death from me – I needed the contact
to preserve his katra – and he made me promise not to withdraw
again, to lead our crew to safety. I fought back panic and headed
for the bridge where I watched the shuttle carry him away.

An hour later I could still feel him. He’d been captured and beaten.
I tired to concentrate on easing his pain, but the Reptilian attack
was usurping too much of my energy. When one of those vile
creatures slashed his face, I felt I was going to loose control.
Better to do it in private, I thought, so I ran to Jonathan’s office.
No sooner than the tears began to fall did Trip barge in and lecture
me about my command responsibilities.

“He’s _not_ dead! They’re torturing him,” I spat back.

*HE’S RIGHT!* Jonathan’s mental shouting was like a slap in
the face. *You promised,* he reminded me. I didn’t hear
whatever else Trip said, just wiped my face and returned to the
bridge.

When the fighting stopped and Jonathan returned, I met him in
sickbay. After Phlox had scanned and medicated him, we sent him
off to tend to the many others arriving for help. While I cleaned
Jonathan’s cuts and bruises, we caught upon the state of affairs with
the Xindi, the fragile truce with Degra, and the contition of the
ship. Not once did he speak – or think – about my dessertion of the
bridge. I tried to apologize, but he silenced me by stroking my
middle and forefingers with his own. I closed my eyes with the
intensity of his touch. When I opened them again, he picked up
where he’d left off, verbalizing a list of repairs and other things that
needed doing before we would be able to rendezvous with Degra.

/ / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / /

“A few days later – yesterday – Lorian contacted us, and here we
are,” I said as I broke contact and slipped out of her mind.

“Fascinating! You were fortunate to receive the P’Jem texts. Trip
and I didn’t have that added intimacy.”

With nothing more to reveal, we finished the tea and I took my
leave. After sharing her data with Jonathan and Trip, and making
the necessary adjustments to coerce Lorian into cooperating, we
made it safely through the passageway and met Degra on the other
side. The loss of the older Enterprise left me strangely ambivalent.
I didn’t expect them to survive, but I would have been happy if they
had.

Things finally calmed down and Jonathan and I went to our
quarters for the night. The message light was blinking on my desk,
and we both stared at it wearily. I was shocked to find that she had
sent me more data before she died – her Phlox’s research on
Vulcan-Human genetics. The accompanying message said she
wanted to thank me for healing her Pa’nar Syndrome; she felt whole
again if only for a day. She also appreciated our shared thoughts
and wanted to spare us the painful years it would take our Phlox to
do the same research. She wanted me to recover emotionally – as
much as was possible – and having Lorian had done that for her.
She wished us success in our mission and in our personal lives.

“Well, that was awfully kind of her. What, exactly, did you two
discuss?” Jonathan asked.

“The road not taken.”

“The poem by Robert Frost?” He looked a little confused.

“Metaphorically. We shared our differing experiences.”

“Oh, I get it!” He smiled. “You compared me and Trip.” I
frowned a bit. “Okay, I don’t really need to know,” he said,
chuckling.

I pulled him to me and kissed him long and slow. “I made the
better choice,” I whispered near his ear, “if you’re interested.”

“Yeah?” His eyes were smiling brightly now.

“Definitely.” I felt my lips curl upward of their own volition into
what Jonathan liked to call a ‘Mona Lisa smile’. He looked at me as
if I were an oasis in the desert.

“I haven’t seen you smile since Kevin…”

“You can say it… since Kevin died.” He held me close and
reminded me that he’d said we’d be alright.

Despite the lightness of our mood, I could feel how tired he was, so
I urged him to sleep; he needed to be well rested before facing the
Xindi Council. I, instead, meditated until I heard the long deep
breaths of his slumber. I extinguished the lamp and watched him
for a time, my beautiful gentle husband… my beautiful gentle
husband who’d had to turn against his conscience so many times in
the last months to save his race, and who’d hated himself each time.
Yes, we’d be alright.

For the first time in months, years – since I shot Jossen, actually – I
no longer felt needy. I eased into bed and put my arm protectively
around Jonathan. This new emotion – hope – was a pleasant one
indeed. I let it envelope both of us in its blanket of quiet
anticipation as my eyes slowly slipped shut.

Two paths diverged in a wood, and I -
I took the one less traveled by,
And that has made all the difference.
Robert Frost

The End