The Ek'tevan Prerogative
By Mary K. Hanson
Limited Copyright © 2010
Disclaimers: This story is based on characters in the 2009 alternate reality version of "Star Trek". Although the story itself is an original and belongs to me, and the characters of Sa'aat, Tasmeen, Semuk and a few other Vulcans, and the race known as the Coh'Lie are my own creations, this story in no way intends to infringe on the copyright of Paramount Picture or CBS or any other legal owner of copyright as regards "Star Trek", its world and/or its characters.(1) This is a piece of fan fiction meant for entertainment purposes only. I am not making a profit of any kind from the very limited publication and distribution of this piece.
Generally, all Vulcan words and translations are from the VLD (Vulcan Language Dictionary) and the Vulcan to English Dictionary . I did make up a few words and phrases of my own based on the aforementioned dictionaries and the tenants of Vulcan grammar.
Although based in Trek canon, I have taken a few liberties with the characters and their personal histories (as does all fan fiction).
Back Story: This story takes place about a year after the destruction of the planet Vulcan by Nero of Romulus. On New Vulcan, Spock Prime has been murdered, and Commander Spock (herein know simply as "Spock") has been contacted on the Enterprise to advise him of this crime. Spock has also been enjoined to come to New Vulcan as quickly as possible in answer to new statutes than have been enacted on New Vulcan which affect all Vulcan citizens. As the Enterprise is not currently engaged in any urgent mission, and is occupied with the pick-up and transport of Federation personnel on Cindery 23, Kirk allows Spock to take a shuttlecraft to New Vulcan, and Uhura and McCoy accompany him. On New Vulcan, Spock is reunited with a much beloved teacher he had as a teenager, but their reunion is tainted by the facts that New Vulcan is currently on the verge of civil war and Spock is being used as a pawn between warring factions. This story is in six acts with a short epilogue.
Rating: This story has a firm MA rating for mature themes, language, violence, sexual content, murder and rape.
The story is in a sort of screenplay format, so it might be a little difficult to read at first. Once you get used to the style, though, it'll be easier to read... and I think you'll like the story. It's "dark" but suspenseful.
NOTE: The numbers you may see throughout the text, like (3) refer to endnotes that define and explain terms in more detail.
ACT ONE:
Interior: Transitional Council Cathedral on New Vulcan, Hallway
Dressed in their Star Fleet Uniforms, Dr. Leonard McCoy and Lieutenant Nyotah Uhura are standing together in a hallway outside of some huge doors inside the cathedral. McCoy is holding his communicator up trying to find a spot in the hallway where reception is good enough for him to contact the Enterprise.
McCoy
McCoy, to Enterprise. Come in, Enterprise.
(to Uhura)
And you wonder why I hate these things. They never work when you need them to.
Uhura takes the communicator from him and does something simple to boost the signal. As she hands it back to McCoy, we can hear Captain Kirk's voice coming from the small device.
Kirk
(Voice over communicator)
Kirk, here. Bones? Is that you?
McCoy
Yeah, it's me, Jim. Although I still don't really know why I was sent on this away mission. It's not like I have expertise in Vulcan politics or diplomacy or anything like that.
Kirk
(Voice over communicator)
Someone's got to keep an eye on Spock and Uhura when they're off-ship, doctor. What's New Vulcan like?
McCoy
Weird… and beautiful. Like their old planet but without all the dust and the giant crab-things walking around the desert. It's amazing how much progress they've made in less than a year, Jim. There is already a central city and some outlying townships, food and water processing facilities, acreage set aside for farming and greenhouses, hospitals, schools… You got to hand it to them; the Vulcans certainly aren't slackers.
Kirk
(Voice over communicator)
Is Spock enjoying himself?
McCoy
How could you tell if he was?
(more seriously)
Actually, Jim, that's why I contacted you. Spock was separated from us almost immediately after we landed and we haven't seen or heard from him since. He's not responding to our communicator calls and I can't get any of these tight-lipped green-blooded SOB's to tell me where he is. We can still get him on the tricorder, so we know he's still alive -- although it's a little difficult tracing him with all the other Vulcans around. I know Spock can handle himself, but I admit I am worried…
Kirk
(Voice over communicator, somewhat jokingly)
Well, isn't that touching? Bones, I didn't know you had it in you!
(more serious)
Tell you what: I'll put in a communiqué to the Transitional Council seat from here; see if that doesn't rattle some cages and get you some answers. But, you know, the Vulcans have always been pretty private about the goings-on on their planet and within their government. They've also been through a lot over the past several months; and I'm sure having the murder of Spock Prime on their doorstep isn't helping matters any… It's not unusual for them to ignore us Humans when they're deep in discussions. And the fact that they haven't confiscated any of your gear or blocked communications with the ship is an encouraging sign. Keep me apprised of the situation, though. If your situation changes or anything else looks hinky to you, let me know immediately.
McCoy
Will do, Jim. How's your taxi trip going?
Kirk
(Voice over communicator)
Cindery 23 is little more than an asteroid with a base on it: weird… and beautiful. Like the Garruda Nest along the Klingon border but without all the radiation-fleas, and Klingon battlecruisers flying around. We should have everyone packed up and off the rock within another day or so.
McCoy
Sounds like a plan, Jim. I'll keep you apprised. McCoy, out.
McCoy pockets his communicator just as a young Vulcan girl approaches. She is perhaps 8 to 10 years old. Her name is Tasmeen. She does not speak to the Humans, but slips between them toward the large doors. With a hand-held instrument that emits a melodic tone, she unlocks the doors, opens them and indicates to the Humans to enter the room beyond.
Interior: Transitional Council Cathedral on New Vulcan, Formal Chamber, Back Seating Area
McCoy and Uhura enter through the side door into the back of the cathedral's main hall, the "formal chamber". There is no one else seated in this area, but there are several Vulcan soldiers in ceremonial regalia standing along the walls. Tall arched windows behind them, give this space its only source of light. All of the soldiers wear dark, diamond-shaped masks that cover their faces mouth to chin, but leave the eyes exposed so they can see everything around them. Each masked soldier stands at strict attention, and each holds a lirpa(2 )at his side. Tasmeen, leaves, and we hear a distinct "click" when the doors shut completely again. McCoy and Uhura slip into a pew at the fore of the seating area and sit down. McCoy looks irritated, Uhura concerned.
The view shifts to show us what they can see of the cathedral from the seating area.
Interior: Transitional Council Cathedral, Formal Chamber, McCoy's POV
The ceiling is lofted to 30 feet or more overhead and has skylights that flood portions of the cathedral's main floor with sunlight. Between the skylights are chandeliers that look like hanging rock formations glittering with glowing crystalline deposits. Below the ceiling, there seems to be acres of floor space between the back seating area and the dais at the front of the cathedral. On the dais are long low tables set up in a horseshoe arrangement. Beyond the tables is a raised area where the ministers' chairs, like six tall thrones, are situated behind matching footstools. Banners with cursive Vulcan calligraphy running down them hang from the walls behind the ministers' chairs.
The floor space between the seating area in the back and the dais area in the front has been buffed to a high polish and reflects everything around it. It is completely vacant of furniture, but there are Vulcans milling around, some singularly, some in small groups. The whole place echoes with their quiet talking. The Vulcans are dressed in formal attire; the males in long coats and slim dress pants, and the females in floor-length chalice-shaped dresses, their heads covered by veils or scarves. Some of the females sport heavy jewelry made of dark metal and large flat stones. It is obvious in this gathering that the females out-number the males three or four to one.
The view shifts back to the seating area at the rear of the cathedral.
Interior: Transitional Council Cathedral, Formal Chamber, Back Seating Area
McCoy
(grumbling under his breath)
Well, there's nothing subtle about what the Ministers think of us Humans, is there? Could we have been placed any further away from them?
Uhura
Yes. They could have left us outside.
McCoy
That might actually have been a little less insulting.
Uhura shushes the doctor, and looks around.
Uhura
Do you see Spock?
McCoy
(craning his neck to look around)
I don't see him anywhere…
(indicates)
…But there's that Sa'aat fellow we met earlier.
(loud enough for Sa'aat to hear him)
Sa'aat - !
Interior: Transitional Council Cathedral, Formal Chamber, Floor Area, McCoy's POV
The male, Sa'aat, turns at the sound of McCoy's voice. He is tall and lean, with dark eyes; quite handsome even by Human standards. Although he wears the traditional Vulcan "bangs" in the front, he has a long braid of black hair running down past his shoulders to the lower part of his back. The braid is decorated with white-gold ribbon filaments. He is dressed in formalwear, but not a military uniform, although he has the rank of General. Sa'aat is about 20 years Spock's senior, but he looks about the same age as Spock, and is very fit and trim. He lowers his gaze to the floor as he walks past the other Vulcans and heads toward where the Humans sit. Some of the other Vulcans follow Sa'aat with their eyes. As he heads toward the Humans, Sa'aat walks with a somewhat stiff posture, as though he is aware of the eyes upon him and does not like the way they feel. Others among the Vulcans on the floor give McCoy steely stares and raised eyebrows.
When Sa'aat nears the back area, the masked soldiers around the perimeter of the area all bang the cudgel end of their lirpas on the floor as a form of salute. The sound echoes through the chamber. Sa'aat ignores their formality.
Interior: Transitional Council Cathedral, Formal Chamber, Back Seating Area
McCoy
(loudly, irritated, to the other Vulcans on the floor who are giving him dirty looks)
Sorry, I didn't know speaking wasn't allowed in here… since you were all doing it.
Sa'aat
(as he approaches, to McCoy, his voice low)
Speaking is permitted -- by Vulcans. This is a Formal Chamber. Guests are generally limited to viewership rights only. Quiet is preferred. If you must speak to one another, do so in a respectfully low tone. Otherwise remain still and do not address any of the Ministers or citizens of Vulcan in this place unless you are addressed first or are otherwise given permission to do so.
McCoy
So, you go by the idea that "Humans are best seen and not heard"; is that it?
Sa'aat gives McCoy a long stare before responding to him.
Sa'aat
Perhaps I am not as adept at your language as I thought I was. Did you not understand what I said previously?
McCoy
I understood you… I'm just ignoring the fact that you told me to shut up.
Sa'aat raises an eyebrow, looking somewhat surprised by the brash tone used by McCoy. McCoy continues:
McCoy
You know, maybe it would help if you'd given us a heads-up on Vulcan etiquette before you plopped us down in the middle of a place like this.
Sa'aat
And may I respectfully suggest that it may behoove Star Fleet to properly educate its personnel on planetary customs before assigning said personnel to away missions.
McCoy
Nice.
Uhura puts a hand on McCoy's arm to stop him from saying anything else, and leans in toward Sa'aat. She speaks to him as quietly as she can.
Uhura
(speaking in Vulcan)
May have permission to address you, Karh-Lan (3) Sa'aat -- ?
Sa'aat again exhibits mild surprise and tilts his head toward Uhura in acknowledgement. The two speak to each other in Vulcan (unless noted otherwise):
Sa'aat
Permission is granted.
(a statement of fact)
You recognize my rank.
Uhura
Although you wear no uniform, sir, I noted your braid the moment we first met you at the dock. It's usually reserved for the highest-ranking officers of the Vulcan Military, isn't it? And the ornamentation denotes your skill at K'a'sum'i (4) -- the Vulcan martial art form.
Sa'aat
You speak my language and know our customs surprisingly well. Perhaps not all of Star Fleet's personnel are woefully under-educated after all.
Uhura looks insulted but says nothing.
Sa'aat
Who are you again?
Uhura
Lieutenant Nyotah Uhura. I am a communications specialist and xenolinguist aboard the Federation starship USS Enterprise…
(after a short pause)
Now, the other Human doesn't know what I am saying to you, Kahr-Lan Sa'aat, so you will not be dishonored in his eyes when I tell you -- that I find your tone and your attitude thoroughly offensive.
Sa'aat
(in English)
Fascinating --
McCoy
What did she say?
Sa'aat ignores McCoy, and Uhura continues in Vulcan as does Sa'aat.
Uhura
We Humans may sometimes be excused our ill manners; we are, after all, the younger species and have much to learn. But I was under the impression that Vulcans were more advanced, more matured, and above sarcasm and belligerent pettiness.
Sa'aat
We are -- as a whole. But lately planetary matters, duties and… other issues… have distracted some of us from our better selves. I very much beg your pardon.
Uhura
Thank you.
The conversation switches to Federation Standard (English):
Sa'aat
Uhura… Sarek mentioned an "Uhura". You are the Human female that has attached herself to Spock, are you not?
Uhura
Spock and I are a couple, yes.
Sa'aat
"A couple"? You are not promised to him; you are not his ko-kugalsu (5). There has been no bonding. No wedding.
Uhura
Technically, no. But we do have a relationship.
Sa'aat
Not among the Vulcan people, you do not. The Ministry will never recognize a union which is so… casual… in its nature. You may engage in guv-tvi-rivak (6) with Spock, but you are not "a couple".
McCoy
What does that mean? "Guv-tvi-rivak"?
Uhura
(in Vulcan to Sa'aat)
Again, I don't like your tone -- or what you are inferring.
Sa'aat
(in English)
What you like is immaterial. I merely state facts in order to clarify your status in my own mind. It is choices like these -- taking on a female in such a manner -- which adds to the impression among the Ministers that Spock is a radical whose rebelliousness is seemingly irrepressible.
McCoy
Spock a "radical"? That's a laugh. He's probably the most "conforming" man I know.
Sa'aat
(answering McCoy, but looking at Uhura)
Quite the contrary; it seems to be in Spock's nature to consistently challenge traditional beliefs and holdings, and defy authority when he feels he is in the right. You, of course, heard how he entered your Star Fleet -- ?
McCoy
I thought he just enlisted -- like everyone else.
Sa'aat
(answering McCoy, but looking at Uhura)
He enlisted in defiance of the then-seated Vulcan Ministry. No one of Spock's breeding had ever before been offered a situation within the Vulcan Science Academy.
McCoy
Spock's "breeding"? You mean because he had a Human for a mother -- For all their professed "logic" is still amazes me how bigoted some Vulcans are when it comes to Humans.
Sa'aat continues to ignore McCoy and does not respond.
McCoy
You know, you can ignore me all you want, Sa'aat, but I'm just going to keep talking to you anyway…
Sa'aat looks at McCoy, and takes in then exhales one long breath as though he is trying to keep himself calm.
Sa'aat
(to McCoy)
Quite frankly…
(looking back at Uhura)
…the Ministers were against his inclusion altogether, but Spock so excelled in his studies, and so quickly advanced through his schooling that they could not, in all logic, ignore his achievements. And they dared not deny him entry into the Academy when he applied there lest they look like fools… On the day he was to be inducted, the Ministers all stood before him, praised his accomplishments, spoke to him of his flawless record, and generously offered him entry into the Vulcan Science Academy. And after working so hard to attain their acknowledgement of his skills and value, Spock thanked them… then promptly handed their offer of admission directly back to them, turned on his heel, walked out of the hall, and entered Star Fleet.
McCoy
(more to himself than the others, bemused)
Way to go, Spock -- !
Sa'aat
(ignoring McCoy's outburst, to Uhura)
His was an act of passive rebellion the likes of which Vulcan had not seen in decades. No Vulcan in the history of the Academy had ever refused admission. And, certainly, no one had ever thanked the Ministers with one breath and then "spat" at them with the next… The entire planet was in an uproar over him. Some wanted him banished from Vulcan altogether, labeled an emotionally uncontrollable vrekasht7; others had nothing but praise for him and his uniquely well-developed sense of Self.
Uhura
…He's never mentioned any of this to me.
Sa'aat
It is not the Vulcan way: to bring attention to oneself in such a manner. But whether he invites it or not, or speaks to it or not, Spock seems always to be at the heart many debates on our world. As young as he is, he is already something of a "legend" among our people. To those who esteem him, Spock is the embodiment of the best attributes of both Humans and Vulcans: intelligence, strength, logic, harmony, passion, and tenacity of spirit. But to those who scorn him, he is an upstart "half-breed" who does not know his place. At times, it is dangerous for him to be among his own people…
McCoy
Is that what happened to Spock Prime? Something sudden and "dangerous" from his own people?
Sa'aat
An astute observation. However, I am not at liberty to discuss the issue.
McCoy
Well, look at that. You're actually speaking directly to me.
Sa'aat's eyebrows arch in reaction to the humor and sarcasm in McCoy's tone.
Uhura
(to Sa'aat, concerned)
Is Spock in danger now?
Sa'aat
That will depend entirely on his response to the Ministry this day, I suspect.
Uhura
And are you one who scorns him, or who esteems him?
Sa'aat
You seek to discover if I am an ally. "Know your enemy…" That is the teaching of one your great ancient military leaders, is it not?
Uhura
If what you say is true, then Spock needs all the friends he can get right now… I want to know where you stand.
Sa'aat
I have known his family for quite some time, and am something of… what Humans would call a "distant cousin" of his father Sarek. More than that, however, we have a history, Spock and I. I was his Osavensular T'Guv (8) when he was younger. Do you understand that term?
Uhura
Yes. But I didn't know Spock had one.
McCoy
What is it - ?
Sa'aat
(directed toward Uhura)
Must we spend the entire afternoon with a vocabulary lesson?
Uhura
(to McCoy)
I'll explain it to you later…
(to Sa'aat)
It's a long way from a Osavensular T'Guv to a K'a'sum'i-trained Kahr-Lan of the Vulcan Military…
Sa'aat
A very long way, indeed… What you see before you is a result of years of… "adaptation".
McCoy
Yeah, well, that's interesting and everything… and we'd just love to hear all about your life story, but right now we're more concerned about Spock.
Sa'aat
(to Uhura)
Is he always like this?
Uhura
Pretty much, yes -- But we are concerned about Spock. You may not be aware of this, but we haven't seen him since yesterday just after we arrived, after you escorted him away. No one will tell us what's happened to him or what's going on here…
McCoy
Which is all a real polite way of saying: We want to know where Spock is, and we want to know now.
Sa'aat
I understand your consternation; and it is not entirely misplaced. This appearance today in front of the Ministers may prove difficult for Spock. For his sake, and yours, let us hope that he is less inclined to rebellion today than he is to compliance.
Uhura
What do you mean?
Sa'aat
In the aftermath of the acts of the war criminal Nero of Romulus, Spock, like all mature Vulcan males, has been called before the Ministers in response to a newly enacted edict labeled the "Ek'tevan (9) Prerogative". It is meant to address our status as an endangered species, and to set forth new laws associated with the reestablishment of the Vulcan race. Spock was informed of the conditions of the edict after he left you, and has been given time to contemplate how he should best respond to them. He will be standing before the Ministers with his answer any moment now.
Uhura
What are the conditions of the edict?
Sa'aat
They are basically three-fold, and --
Sa'aat is interrupted by the entry of the Ministers into the chamber; their arrival heralded by bells and chimes. Sa'aat speaks to both McCoy and Uhura:
Sa'aat
No matter what happens, be silent. Do not interrupt. And do not leave this space.
(he points to the masked soldiers)
The guards take their profession very seriously.
Before McCoy or Uhura can respond or ask any more questions, Sa'aat turns away and heads toward the front of the cathedral.
Interior: Ministry Cathedral, Formal Chamber, Front Dais
Along with Sa'aat, all of the other Vulcans on the floor also head toward the front of the chamber, and remaining standing, even as the Ministers take their seats.
The Ministers are all elder Vulcans, two males and four females. All of the Ministers are dressed in the formal robes of their station. One of the males is Sarek, Spock's father, and the other is a man named Semuk. Semuk is stocky, like a brick wall, and has the sharp features of a bird of prey. Among the females is T'Pau, a clanswoman to Sarek who stands apart from him at the moment. Despite her advanced age, she is focused, physically strong, and brilliant. The other females are lesser matriarchs: T'Pessmar, Ne'Milk, and Teylon. Although T'Pau is the eldest of the group, she allows Semuk to take the lead in the proceedings. After the other Ministers are settled, Semuk makes a formal announcement. (Everyone speaks in Vulcan -- except the Humans.)
Semuk
All attend.
The chamber goes silent.
Semuk
In this Formal Chamber of the Transitional Council of Ministers of New Vulcan we call before us the citizen Spock, son of Sarek of Vulcan, to answer to the Ek'tevan Prerogative.
From a side entrance, Spock enters the room. He is wearing his Star Fleet uniform; and comes to silent attention before the Ministers in front of the dais, standing in front of the tables. Sa'aat moves up quietly near him, but the two men do not engage each other in any way. Spock stands with his hands folded behind his back and waits for the Ministers to address him before he speaks. Semuk leans forward in his chair and addresses Spock first.
Semuk
Spock, were you not provided with suitable Vulcan attire?
In his seat, Sarek shifts slightly as though he is bracing himself against a fight or a blow, but otherwise he contains his feelings. Spock's eyes go to his father, then back to Semuk. He remains calm and composed.
Spock
Local clothing was provided to me, Minister. Thank you. However, as no edict has been passed to countermand my personal decisions regarding attire, I decided to wear clothing of my own choosing.
Semuk
Considering the fact that you rejected the former Ministry's offer of inclusion in the Vulcan Science Academy for a position in Star Fleet, and now come before us in the uniform of a Star Fleet officer, one might come to the conclusion that your choice was meant as an insult to this body.
Spock
That was not my intention, Minister.
Interior: Transitional Council Cathedral, Formal Chamber, Back Seating Area
McCoy is leaning in close to Uhura and whispers in her ear. (The Humans speak English.)
McCoy
What are they talking about?
Uhura
Spock's uniform. Apparently, they're taking offense to the fact that he's not dressed in clothes they set out for him.
McCoy
Well, that doesn't bode well, does it?
One of the masked soldiers takes a few steps in McCoy's direction and brandishes the lirpa. McCoy puts a hand up and waves the soldier away.
McCoy
Okay, okay… Sorry… I'll be quiet.
The soldier backs off.
Interior: Transitional Council Cathedral, Formal Chamber, Front Dais
Semuk sits back in his chair and T'Pau leans forward. Spock remains standing still, but his eyes leave Semuk and turn to T'Pau. (The Vulcans all continue to speak exclusively in their own language.)
T'Pau
Spock, son of Sarek, you have read the aforementioned edict in its entirety, have you not?
Spock
I have, Minister T'Pau.
T'Pau
And what is your understanding of the edict?
Spock
The Ek'tevan Prerogative seeks to establish new laws for the Vulcan citizenry as regards the reproductive rights of the mature male portion of the population. To wit, all Vulcan males who are of age and healthy enough for reproduction are ordered to surrender both a sa-nei-masu (10) and blood sample to the State in order to establish a new and comprehensive genetic materials bank. Second, the males are directed to submit to a chemically induced plak-tau (11) in order to facilitate the impregnation of one or more Vulcan females and to ensure the rapid reestablishment of the Vulcan race. Third, all Vulcans, male or female, are from the date of the issuance of the edict forward, permitted to marry and mate with only other Vulcans; this, in order to guarantee the integrity of the Vulcan gene pool.
Interior: Transitional Council Cathedral, Formal Chamber, Back Seating Area
Uhura slides to the edge of the pew and covers her mouth in shock. McCoy looks very concerned, and leans in to her, trying to read her face. He wants to ask her what's happening, but he glances at the armed soldiers, and keeps silent instead.
Interior: Transitional Council Cathedral, Formal Chamber, Front Dais
T'Pau seems pleased with Spock's stated understanding of the edict.
T'Pau
Your interpretation is generally accurate. However, the Ek'tevan Prerogative does not SEEK to establish new laws; it IS the new law. And so, accepting that this edict is now law and is not up for debate, you are hereby given the opportunity to stand before this Transitional Council and to enter into the permanent record your acceptance of the new laws and your promise of fulfillment of your duties as a citizen of New Vulcan. What say you?
Spock
As my blood type is rare, Ministers, I may submit to the surrendering of my blood for use by the State --
Semuk looks over to T'Pau and the two seem pleased.
Spock
However --
Semuk and T'Pau turn their attention back to Spock, each with an eyebrow raised. In his chair, Sarek swallows, but says nothing.
Spock
I refuse to submit to a chemically induced plak-tau and I will not allow my genetic material to be made available for reproductive purposes by the general populace as outlined in the Prerogative. I will not allow the State to decide who will bear my offspring. Further, I will not comply with any edict that seeks to dictate to me whom I shall or shall not wed.
The room fills with muffled gasps and murmurings. The Vulcans all seem to be struggling to contain themselves. Spock remains standing still, his hands behind his back.
Interior: Transitional Council Cathedral, Formal Chamber, Back Seating Area
Uhura has tears brimming in her eyes. McCoy looks desperately at her for answers.
McCoy
(whispering)
What the hell is happening?
Uhura
They're asking him to --
One of the soldiers steps directly forward and lowers the blade end of his lirpa at Uhura. She stops speaking. Reluctantly, the soldier returns his weapon to its upright position, but he does not step back this time. McCoy puts a protective arm around Uhura's shoulders and glowers at the soldier.
Interior: Transitional Council Cathedral, Formal Chamber, Front Dais
The Ministers allow the noise in the hall to continue for a few moments, then T'Pau intervenes and demands silence.
T'Pau
Hizhuk!
Everyone in the gallery goes immediately silent, and T'Pau focuses her gaze steadily on Spock. But it is Semuk who speaks next:
Semuk
Before her death, you were bonded to T'Pring were you not?
Spock
You know well that I was, Minister.
Semuk
That marriage was pre-arranged for you; "dictated" to you, if you wish. Why do you balk over the dictation of a mate now?
Spock
(bowing slightly to T'Pau)
Although I grieve with thee at the loss of your adopted child, Minister T'Pau, and although I had every intention of following through with the pre-arranged marriage, as my father wished it so…
(to Semuk)
…my bonding with T'Pring is no longer an issue and so poses no obstacle to my own choice of a mate. I am now free to choose whomever I please; and as an unattached, free Vulcan male, I choose not to allow the State to curtail my options.
T'Pau's face is calm but her eyes burn. Through tight lips she speaks to Spock.
T'Pau
Spock. Dissention is not an option. The law is the law.
Spock
I recognize the Ministry's stance in the matter; however, I will not comply.
T'Pau
Then you will be found in violation --
Spock
I understand.
T'Pau
-- An arrest will follow.
Spock
If I am to be arrested, then I demand that legal representation be made available to me in order that I might --
Semuk
Since you have stated before this authoritative body your willful refusal to comply with the law, Spock, your request for legal representation on the matter is summarily denied. You have already pronounced yourself guilty.
Sarek
Spock.
Spock remains standing still, but his eyes go to his father.
Sarek
If you refuse to comply with the Ministry's demands, you must understand that the biological samples will be compulsorily removed and the plak-tau will be forced upon you.
Spock
You would steal from me that which I will not willingly surrender, Father?
Sarek
I do not wish this process to be… forcibly imposed upon you.
Spock
But you will allow the State to rape me if I refuse to lie down.
Semuk
Your flair for the melodramatic is well known to us, Spock. There is no "rape" in the conditions of the edict.
Spock turns his attention back to Semuk.
Spock
No? You wish to invade my body and force sa-nei-masu from me against my will, and then have me rendered chemically incapable of denying consent to mate with females who are not of my choosing. If that is not rape, what do you call it, Minister?
Semuk
The law.
Spock
Then the law in itself is a violation.
Semuk
Every other capable male in this chamber has complied with that law, Spock. It is only you who stands against it.
Spock
Surely, you are not suggesting that simply because others have submitted to this pronouncement that I must submit as well, Minister. "Everyone else does it" is an argument used by Human children.
Semuk
How dare you --
Before Spock can reply to Semuk, Sarek rises from his chair and addresses Spock. He chooses his words very carefully.
Sarek
Spock. In the face of extinction, the Ek'tevan Prerogative was put into place to provisionally forestall any further deterioration of the Vulcan race and to encourage an influx of new births. In order to revive our population, reproduction is --
Spock
Reproduction can be achieved through artificial insemination and consent of the individuals involved. Survival of our species cannot be dependent on the rape of the males of Vulcan, Father.
Semuk
Stop using that word.
Spock
The word is accurate, is it not?
Sarek
Spock -- This is not a permanent condition. As the Ministry sees it, the surrender by edict of the reproductive rights of the males of Vulcan is a temporary solution to a short-term but immediate problem.
Spock
Is that your best argument, Father? That this debasement is transitory?
T'Pau
In this fragile transitional period wherein the Vulcan people seek to recuperate from the genocide imposed upon us by Nero of Romulus and to reorganize ourselves into a cohesive and authoritative planetary body once more, power was freely given to this Council, Spock, by the existing population of New Vulcan to establish whatever laws it saw best to enact. Just as jurisdictions on other worlds and in other times have imposed laws to curtail reproduction when it was necessary to safeguard the planetary whole, this Council imposes laws to increase reproduction to do likewise. We hold that our species needs to procreate as rapidly as possible in order to ensure our survival, and the edict will ensure that. It was, therefore, a practical and wholly logical response to an unnatural predicament.
Spock
I beg to differ, Minister. It seems clear to me that this edict as it stands was not made with dispassion, or wisdom, or consideration of its long-term impact on the males of Vulcan. Logic did not prevail in this instance; rather, your response seems to be little more than a product of desperation and blatant aggression by the State against its citizenry.
The noise level starts to rise in the room again and T'Pau puts a hand up, ordering silence. When everyone is more controlled, she continues speaking.
T'Pau
This debate is futile. No mature Vulcan male may refuse this edict, Spock.
Spock
As you are often wont to point out, Minister T'Pau: I am not entirely Vulcan. I am half-Human.
T'Pau
Irrelevant.
Semuk
There are no exceptions.
Spock
(more determined)
Then may I point out the illogic of an edict which on the one hand seeks to create a "pure" Vulcan blood line by disallowing mix-species marriage, but then on the other hand demands that a hybrid such as myself mate with pure-blooded Vulcans in order to perpetuate the species.
T'Pau
Did you truly believe, Spock, that we did not take your particular situation into consideration before we called you to stand before us? Your physiology is predominantly Vulcan. The trace Human elements will be removed from your donations and from any ensuing fetuses which may result from your plak-tau. The Vulcan essence will be made pure.
Spock
Your statements presuppose that I will comply with the edict. I state, again: I will "donate" nothing.
Sarek
Spock --
Spock
This is unacceptable, Father.
T'Pau
Your refusal is unacceptable -- and immaterial. You will comply.
Spock
I will not.
The noise level in room starts to rise once more, and T'Pau puts a hand up once again, demanding silence. When everyone has once more settled down, she continues to Spock:
T'Pau
There will be no further discussion. The edict stands as it is written. Do you wish your answer on the record to stand as "noncompliant", Spock?
Spock
Any genetic material you are able to wrest from me will be against my will and without my consent.
T'Pau
So be it.
(announcing to the room)
Let the record show that the citizen Spock, son of Sarek, has openly and with full knowledge of the consequences of his response, refused to obey the laws of New Vulcan as stated in the Ek'tevan Prerogative. The Transitional Council therefore has no option but to place Spock under arrest, and to have him confined until such a time as the genetic samplings can be procured and he can be made ready for the inducement of a plak-tau.
(to Sa'aat)
Kahr-Lan Sa'aat.
Sa'aat steps up directly behind Spock. Spock knows he is there, but does not look at him. He is looking at his father, who looks stoically back at him.
T'Pau
Place this citizen under arrest.
Sa'aat takes Spock by the upper arm and starts to draw him toward the exit. Spock resists, but stalls for a moment when Sa'aat moves in close enough to whisper very quietly against his cheek.
Sa'aat
(whispering gruffly)
Resistance at this juncture is imprudent, Spock. Come with me, and I will try to obviate any State-sanctioned intrusion upon your person.
Spock
(speaking just as quietly, through his teeth)
I have no intention of exhibiting, in any way, obedience to this edict. You may arrest me, Sa'aat, but I will resist you.
Spock pulls his arm from Sa'aat's grasp, and the two men start to grapple. As soon as the fight starts, some of the masked soldiers from the back of the cathedral rush forward to assist Sa'aat. Although Spock is fighting with everything he has, Sa'aat seems to be careful not to mark Spock or inflict any lasting damage. When Sa'aat realizes the other soldiers are closing in, however, he steps forward and delivers several sudden blows with the K'a'sum'i technique that stun Spock and drop him to his knees.
Sarek looks concerned by the violence but does not step away from his chair or leave the dais.
Sa'aat orders the solders to back off, and they -- somewhat reluctantly -- comply with his command. Some look at T'Pau waiting to see if she will countermand Sa'aat. She does not. Sa'aat steps in close to Spock again. Taking hold of Spock's torso and lifting him up onto his feet, Sa'aat again whispers against Spock's skin.
Sa'aat
Do not force me into the position of having to injure you further, Spock. Endure… and survive.
Breathing hard and still stunned, Spock is unable to resist and is lead out of the formal chamber by Sa'aat. After a hand-signal from T'Pau, the masked soldiers follow the general.
Interior: Transitional Council Cathedral, Formal Chamber, Back Seating Area
Uhura jumps up out of the pew, and rushes to the exit nearest her. McCoy hurries after her.
McCoy
What the hell just happened?! Uhura!
Interior: Transitional Council Cathedral on New Vulcan, Hallway
With McCoy right behind her, Uhura rushes through the hallway down to where Sa'aat, Spock and the soldiers are exiting the cathedral's formal chamber. ((We can hear the rumble of continued conversation inside the hall, and T'Pau calling for order in Vulcan.)) Spock is still stunned and unsteady on his feet, and Sa'aat is holding him in a firm grip to keep him from toppling to the floor.
Uhura
Spock!
Spock lifts his head and looks in her general direction but doesn't seem to be able to focus his eyes on her. As Sa'aat leads Spock away, the masked soldiers form a line that blocks the hallway and doesn't permit Uhura or McCoy to pass.
Uhura
Spock!!
The soldiers are unmoving, and McCoy draws Uhura away from them. Leading the reluctant Uhura quickly down the hallway, McCoy flips open his communicator as he walks.
McCoy
I'm hailing the Enterprise … and then you can explain to both the captain and me exactly what just happened here.
1 Star Trek ® is a registered trademark of Paramount Pictures Corporation.
2 Lirpa: A Vulcan weapon built as a long shaft with a heavy cudgel at one end and a curved axe blade at the other, approximately 7 feet in overall length.
3 Karh-lan: Vulcan word for the rank of General
4 K'a'sum'i: a Vulcan martial arts form which focuses on deadly force
5 Ko-kugalsu: Vulcan word for fiancée; female promised to a male in marriage
6 Guv-tvi-rivak: The Vulcan word for fornication; sex between consenting non-married adults. [[Author's note: As the relationship between Sa'aat and Spock is revealed more, Sa'aat's reasons for objecting to Uhura's "attachment" to Spock will become more understandable.]]
7 Vrekasht: Vulcan for "outcast"; usually used to designate a Vulcan who has been cast out of society because he/she is unable to control his/her emotional outbursts and is not considered "suitable" for polite company.
8 Osavensular T'Guv: literal translation from the Vulcan it means "honored teacher of sex"; it is the title given to those enjoined to teach young Vulcans the more subtle side of sex: arousal, foreplay, sexual technique, stamina, self-gratification, etc. Males generally teach males and females generally teach females. [[Author's Note: This position is not part of Trek canon; it is something I made up for this story. It is based on similar teachers in ancient Greek and Roman history on Earth. I assumed that since modern Vulcans repressed their emotions and sexual urges/libido, and did not engage in open discussions of sexuality, they would have to have some sort of "schooling" in sex by honored professionals in order to gain some proficiency at it. Since Vulcans also tend to put structure and ritual around such things, I created the position of the Osavensular T'Guv to answer to that precedent.]]
9 Ek'tevan: Vulcan word for extinction
10 Sa-nei-masu: Vulcan word for "semen"
11 Plak-tau: the "Blood fever", that last part of the Vulcan Pon Farr mating ritual in which renders the Vulcan male incapable of conscious thought, speech or decision-making, and can only be abated through mating.