The Candidate
Captain Christopher Pike sat in the briefing room studying the dossier on the screen before him. His first officer was opposite him, her eyes also intent on the data.
"He sounds too good to be true," Pike commented.
"A genius even by Vulcan standards," the woman replied, a smile lighting up her lovely features. "Amazing."
"But he 's so young!" Pike exclaimed. "Vulcan or not, most men his age are still junior officers. It's unlike us to even consider him."
"Captain, he's been through Starfleet Academy in record time. Passed his exams with the highest ever recorded marks and is the only student to have gained every possible prize. I heard he gave many of his lecturers' inferiority complexes. It shook them up when he started teaching them new theories." She laughed. "As you know, my brother teaches advanced computer studies there. He says that Mr Spock left him way.... way... behind."
Pike grinned. "I don't know about your brother, but remembering my academy days I'd say that some of those old fossils needed to be shaken up." He leaned back and sighed. "The same goes for some in the science department on this ship." His eyes clouded over with anger as he recalled how the lack of knowledge and laxness of discipline of the previous science officer had almost cost the destruction of the Enterprise. Murphy had been too old and set in his ways to change and Pike had asked Starfleet to transfer him to a base. Once that had been resolved he had asked for a suitable list of candidates to replace Murphy, and had insisted on interviewing them himself.
"When do you want to interview Mr Spock," the first officer asked.
"As soon as Lt Strann is here. I'd like a Vulcan's opinion."
Number One was startled. "But, Captain, Strann is chief of astrophysics. If Mr Spock becomes science officer he will head all science and medical departments, outranking Lt Strann - who is twice his age - and many other older officers. Strann might resent him. If so, he won't give you unbiased advice."
"You still know so little about the Vulcans on this ship, Number One. Strann can't be biased. He'll give me an honest appraisal." Pike hesitated then added, "I doubt I'd trust a human in his position though."
"I've tried to understand them, Captain, but they are a very closed group."
Pike nodded. "I know. It's difficult. I'd trust any of them with my life though. Their integrity is not to be doubted."
The door hissed open and a tall, aquiline Vulcan officer in science section blue entered. "Lt Strann, reporting as ordered, sir."
"Please be seated," Pike said, and watched as the Vulcan sat down next to him. Strann was an excellent officer, a gifted astrophysicist, but reserved, as all Vulcans seemed to be. Pike knew he could never have anything other than a professional relationship with him or any of his compatriots serving on the Enterprise. No human could, it seemed. Number One had been right in her view of them as a closed group. The Vulcans maintained strict privacy, and did not interact with humans in any social activities. It was disconcerting at times but he and his crew had become accustomed to their ways and respected their right to live life in their preferred manner. Pike was proud of his Vulcan officers; all were exceptional in their chosen fields.
"Please read this dossier, Lt Strann," he said. "It belongs to one of the applicants for science officer. I'd like your opinion."
Strann surveyed the details in moments. He raised an eyebrow; a gesture that was common amongst Vulcans but Pike had not fathomed out its meaning. "Fascinating," Strann murmured.
"Well, Lt Strann, what do you think?" Pike asked
"May I see the countenance of the applicant?" Strann requested.
"Go ahead," Pike said, watching the other closely.
Strann touched the console and, a moment later; the picture of a young, dark-haired Vulcan appeared on the screen. The astrophysicist's eyebrow climbed until it was almost under his hair, and Pike wondered if he was witnessing Vulcan surprise.
"I know he's very young," Pike said," but his credentials are outstanding."
"Indeed sir - most impressive," Strann replied. "I am aware of Lt Spock. It is said that he has the finest scientific mind of his generation. He is half human and the first of his kind, yet in all his studies, he has surpassed the achievements of full Vulcans. He is truly remarkable."
Pike and the first officer exchanged a glance. Vulcans were not generous with their praise yet Strann had just praised Spock, or had he? Perhaps he was just relating known facts. Pike brushed his confusion away; this was not the time to try and understand Vulcans. He touched audio control. "Lt Spock to briefing room four," he said. Pike wanted to meet this enigmatic hybrid youngster, for he interested a captain looking for the very best crew for his ship.
The Enterprise was orbiting Starbase 10; one of two starships there at this time. Five highly qualified candidates were now back on base awaiting the result of their interview. Lt Spock was the last one to be seen. As the officers awaited Spock, Pike prepared himself for what he was sure would be an interesting meeting. The only thing that bothered Pike was Spock's youth. That apart, Vulcans were the greatest scientists in the galaxy, but they tended to specialise. To have one of them as science officer would be a major asset to any ship but a Vulcan/human hybrid who surpassed full Vulcans in brilliance would surely be an unique posting for both the Enterprise and Starfleet. It would reinforce their fine sounding words concerning tolerance and equal opportunities for all species.
Number One had noticed from the dossier that Spock was handsome in his own way, but it did not prepare her for the power of his presence as he entered the room to stand with military poise before them. Humans generally found the reticent, dignified Vulcans attractive but Spock was exceptional even for his species. Genius and physical magnetism was a potent mix.
Pike invited the young Vulcan to sit down. Spock obeyed then as Pike introduced the others, bowed his head to both of them with graceful and courteous respect.
"The testimonial from your previous commander is impressive, Lt Spock," Pike said. "He believes that your actions during the encounter with the Klingons saved his ship. He doesn't want to lose you but feels that your talents were being wasted on a survey vessel, and recommends that I give you an appointment aboard the Enterprise, preferably as science officer."
"Captain Meyer honours me, sir." Spock's voice was toneless.
A typical Vulcan reaction to praise, Pike thought. "Why do you want to serve aboard the Enterprise?" he asked, as he took in the stiff and austere mien of the young officer. Spock was even more expressionless than Strann! Pike was intrigued. No one would have guessed Spock's human ancestry in a million years... He was the most 'Vulcan' Vulcan Pike had ever met. No doubt his Vulcan genes dominated.
"On a starship there is exceptional opportunity for the acquisition of knowledge, sir."
"The pursuit of knowledge is commendable, Mr Spock, but it is only a part of the job. A science officer runs the largest and most varied section on the ship. Your expertise in scientific fields is outstanding but it is not in itself enough. Do you have the ability to command people who are older and more experienced than you are?"
The young Vulcan stared straight ahead. "Sir, the science officer must rely on the skills and knowledge of those specialists under his command. He must sift through their reports and make the final judgements himself. He must have the ability to do anything, in an emergency, that his staff can. He must understand their work. He must ensure that all data is correlated. The captain's command decisions rely on clear and precise information."
Pike was very interested both in the words and the manner of their delivery. If Mr Spock was able to do all that he had said, then he would be the finest science officer in the fleet. He noted that Number One was looking at the Vulcan with approval. If Spock met her exacting standards then he had to be a very strong candidate indeed. He relied on his first officer's judgement. She had an unerring sense of intuition about people.
"As for my age," Spock continued, "it would be unimportant to the other Vulcans aboard. My people respect ability. Age, gender or species are irrelevant."
Pike smiled a little. Vulcans were.... Vulcans but humans made up the largest group on his ship. How would they react to such a young and serious science officer?
"Lt Strann, do you want to ask any questions?" he suggested, interested in the other Vulcan's response to Spock.
Strann bowed his head then began, " Lt Spock, your experience of working with humans is limited. They are sometimes illogical, even unreasonable by our standards, how then would you relate to them?"
Pike restrained a chuckle. Blunt. They were so blunt. Not everyone appreciated that.
Spock looked at Strann with dark, piercing eyes. "My mother is human, sir. I have had more experience in dealing with humans than any other Vulcan in Starfleet."
Pike and Number One exchanged a grin at that reply.
"Indeed," Strann commented then fell silent.
"Lt Spock, what are your interests?" Number One asked.
Spock turned but did not look directly at her. "Scientific study and research, Commander."
"And your interests outside work?"
"Research occupies most of my off-duty time, sir," Spock replied.
"And that is all?" she inquired.
"I am a scientist," he replied in a calm monotone.
"How do you relax?" the first officer persisted. "Do you participate in sports? Are there any hobbies that you enjoy?"
The young lieutenant hesitated before responding, "I practise certain Vulcan martial arts. I play chess. I study music and play several instruments."
Number One had watched the ship's Vulcan complement working out and doing inhumanly impossible exercises and fighting techniques. What level of skill did this youngster possess? He was slim, almost slightly built, compared to some of the others. How would he fare against the powerfully built Lt Sival of Engineering? Yet, appearances could be deceptive. He would certainly have no problem on taking on any human aboard. His physical fitness was a given but was he mature and understanding enough to handle the most complex and varied department on the ship? Were his interpersonal skills sufficient to deal with the demands that would be placed on him as science officer?
Pike stood up and everyone followed his example. "Would you like to see the bridge, Mr Spock?" he asked.
"It would be an honour, sir," came the polite reply.
Pike led the way and once in the turbolift he surreptitiously watched the candidate for his reactions to the sights and sounds of the big ship. Spock had never been aboard a starship before and most newcomers were overawed. However, the Vulcan stood in silence, hands clasped behind his back, eyes front. Calm seemed to radiate from him and Pike nodded with approval. The youngster was cool, collected, and not given to panic. His record from the academy and his first posting on the survey ship Athena were exemplary. He was the most promising candidate yet.
The bridge crew acknowledged their captain. Pike introduced Spock to them then said, "Please feel free to check the science station, Lt Spock."
Spock hesitated for just a split second before bowing to Pike then making his way over to the console. He sat down, his hands immediately finding the complex sequences required for a class one check of the library computer system, and he was soon immersed in the work.
The others looked on with a certain admiration that bordered on awe as the data on the screens flashed by faster than any human's eyes could follow. Strann cocked his head to one side and stared at the output with deep concentration and Pike somehow knew that even he was having difficulty keeping up. Then the reports from both academy and the Athena had not exaggerated this youngster's abilities it seemed.
Number One turned to her captain to await his signal. At his nod, she depressed a key on the helm console. A moment later, the alarm sounded. "Captain, unidentified object approaching at high warp speed." Her hands worked the controls with usual efficiency.
Pike sat down on the centre seat. "On screen. Magnification ten."
The object that appeared on the viewer swirled and changed, plunging the bridge into a kaleidoscope of shifting, brilliantly coloured patterns.
"Magnification ten, sir," Number One reported.
"Mr Spock, what is that?" Pike asked.
He watched with keen interest as the young Vulcan stood, bent over the hooded sensor scan and stared into it. After a few seconds he reported, "Sir, sensors indicate a solid body at the heart of an energy field that... "He stiffened a little. " Captain, Zimmerman radiation is being emitted. It is lethal to humans."
Pike was more than surprised at the youngster's observation. "Oh come on now, Mr Spock. Zimmerman radiation has only been observed three times in one hundred years. You must be mistaken."
"Zimmerman radiation has been observed three times in one hundred and five point six years, sir. First discovered by Professor Dianne Zimmerman, Astronomer Royal, Earth... Sir, this is illogical."
Pike tried to keep a straight face. This was proving to be the most fascinating part of a very long day. He kept up the illusion of reality and continued, "It is illogical, Mr Spock. How can you be so sure that this is Zimmerman radiation? It is a very rare sight."
Spock turned and faced Pike. "I have an eidetic memory, sir, but if you wish I shall compare readings to library computer records. He straightened and lifted his chin slightly. "I have been monitoring communications channels from Starbase Ten and all orbiting vessels. There are no emergency procedures being implemented. As their sensors would have detected any approaching menace, I can only conclude that the readings are particular to the Enterprise and that you have set me a test."
He half-turned and placed long fingers on the console. "I now present to you the computer comparisons that prove my observations and the method by which we could have destroyed the object in a real emergency."
The communications officer, who had been about to play his part by introducing a false message from the starbase, grimaced then chuckled as Pike ordered the test abandoned then added, "That will not be necessary, Mr Spock."
Pike regarded the calm demeanour of the candidate. Mr Spock had been the only one of the six interviewed who had discovered it was a test - and fast too - within seconds. He had been cool, efficient, as he had determined and evaluated the situation. This was fast, painstaking Vulcan thoroughness at its best. Pike shook his head a little. To recognise such a rare form of radiation and find the defence against it so quickly was quite a feat. A science officer of such skill would mean the difference between life and death to his ship and crew.
Pike wanted the best. He was determined to have the best crew in Starfleet. The young officer had all the makings of the finest science officer in the fleet. He was cold, remote but no one expected a Vulcan to be the life and soul of the party. Lt Spock was little more than a boy but he was self-assured, highly competent, and projected a maturity that seemed almost incongruous in one so young. Pike had a feeling deep in his gut, that this young Vulcan was perfect for the job.
"Thank you, Lt Spock," he said. "Please wait in the officer's lounge."
The Vulcan bowed courteously then left the bridge. Pike looked round at his crew and then could not restrain his amusement any longer. He burst into laughter. The other humans joined him. They had been through this test six times before. If any of those candidates had been science officer in a real situation, the Enterprise, the starbase and all other orbiting craft could have lost thousands of personnel.
Lt Strann watched his crewmates in silence. Probably didn't understand their reason for laughing, Pike knew. "Well," Pike said, after recovering his composure, "I think I'll take my chances with such a perceptive, exceptionally gifted young officer. Opinion, Number One?"
"I agree, Captain," she replied. "Amazing abilities."
"Lt Strann?" Pike inquired.
Strann nodded. "Lt Spock is remarkable yet modest and respectful. He is an honourable Vulcan, sir. I believe he will make an excellent science officer."
"No qualms about working under him?" Pike wanted to make sure that Strann meant what he had said earlier.
"None, sir."
"Do you foresee any problems within the science department?"
Strann was silent as he considered the question. "There shall be problems. It is inevitable that humans will find it difficult to take orders from one who is their junior in age. Amongst Vulcans there will be no such dilemma."
Pike sighed and sat back on his chair. He studied the calm Vulcan officer and again tried to penetrate the lack of expression, attempting to find the small telltale signs he could so easily read in a human. As usual, he was unsuccessful. "Well, I'm not going to pass up the chance of gaining a science officer of that calibre because a few humans will resent his youth." He leaned over. "Number One, please contact the other candidates for me. Thank them for applying. The job has been filled. Lt Strann, accompany me to the officer's lounge. Let's give Mr Spock the good news."
Spock stood as the captain and astrophysicist entered. He gave no outward show of his joy when informed that he had been accepted for the post of science officer. He bowed his head with respect to the man who was now his commander.
Christopher Pike's reputation was a fine one. He was an outstanding captain with exceptional command skills and had a calm, efficient personality. Spock knew he would be able to work with this human for Vulcans respected him. Of the twelve starships in the fleet, only the Enterprise had so many Vulcans aboard. Twenty-four, no twenty-five now.
Spock thought of his parents. His mother would be thrilled at his promotion but would it make any difference to Sarek's opinion of him and the career he had chosen? He dismissed it from his mind. It was useless speculation.
"Pre-launch briefing in six hours, Mr Spock." Pike smiled. "I will see you then." He turned to Strann. "Look after him, Lt," he said, then turned and left the two Vulcans together.
Spock raised his eyebrow and looked at the astrophysicist. He wondered what the captain had meant, but he said nothing and waited for Lt Strann to speak as was normal when a younger Vulcan was before an elder. Strann returned his gaze for some seconds before he spoke in the soft tones of the Vulcan language.
"Your courtesy does you credit, Lt Spock. I, and the other Vulcans aboard, will be honoured to serve under your command. It will be difficult for one as you to fill such an exalted rank but you may depend on our assistance in all matters. Please do not hesitate to contact me at any time."
Spock kept his telepathic shields tightly shut. He was very aware of the power of the other's mind as it tentatively reached out to him. He could not afford to bend even a little, in case his annoying human emotions reared. "You honour me, Lt Strann," he replied in a formal tone, his face devoid of any expression.
Immediately, Strann withdrew, "Forgive me, Lt Spock, but you are alone here. We others have bond-mates, bond-brothers or sisters aboard. Your solitary status is unusual."
"I have always been alone, Lt Strann. It is of no matter," Spock replied, as bitter memories of his childhood on Vulcan surfaced. Half-breed. Uncontrolled human. Less than a Vulcan. Because of those taunts, he had set out to prove himself better than his peers. He had outclassed them all in every field but most of all he had become a true emotionless Vulcan and showed no sign of his despised humanity. This had gained his father's grudging approval until the day Spock had decided to apply to Starfleet Academy. He forced the memories down, guiltily subduing those of his beloved mother who had always understood him as a child. He had no right to condemn her and her species and he knew it.
Strann's voice broke into his turmoil. "It is known that you have suffered due to your human heritage. It is regrettable that despite IDIC there is still intolerance. It is also understood that your honoured father disapproved of your entry into Starfleet."
Spock knew that his features had become hard and cold at those words. Strann hesitated, then continued, "I beg your pardon if I have caused offence. I only wished to convey to you the support of our small community on the Enterprise, and bid you welcome."
"Thank you," Spock replied, pleased now by the other's words. The prospect of working amongst like-minded and tolerant Vulcan scientists would be welcome. "If you will excuse me, I must return to starbase for a short time."
Strann bowed. "Indeed. On your return, if you will permit it, I shall introduce you to your staff."
"Very well," Spock replied, and left the officer's lounge. He restrained his excitement. No one suspected. No one knew that beneath his serenity, delight at being accepted as science officer of the Enterprise was playing havoc with his composure.
Pike called with admiralty with his decision and the method by which he had arrived at it. His old friend, Admiral Ben-Levi laughed knowingly. "You always were inventive, Chris."
Pike grinned. Simon knew him too well. They had served together for four years and had become firm friends.
"A brave decision, though," Ben-Levi continued. "Lt Spock is regarded as the best the academy has ever produced. Quite a loner though, even amongst Vulcans. He has a brilliant scientific mind. One wonders what he'll be like when fully mature. Chris, maybe you'll be the one to mould him. We need young people of his calibre in the fleet. If his interest is kept he'll go to the very top. Encourage him to make his future in Starfleet. Befriend him, if he'll accept it. I know Vulcans are difficult to understand, but Chris, maybe you'll be the one to do it. After all there are more Vulcans on the Enterprise than on any other ship."
Pike nodded. "I know, Simon, and I'll try. I like the boy. There is something about him; I don't know what it is. Strann likes him too, or at least he approves of him."
"Good luck, Chris. Take care. Ben-Levi out."
Pike broke contact and settled back in his chair. His thoughts turned to Spock and the lightning speed and efficiency he had shown, as though he was almost a part of the computer system. The comm signal interrupted his musings. It was his communications officer calling from the bridge.
"Captain Garrovick from the Farragut wants to speak to you, sir."
Pike sighed with pleasure at the thought of Garrovick's reaction to the news of the Enterprise's new science officer. The Farragut had just recently arrived and Pike - in the middle of interviews - had not yet had the chance to talk to his old friend from the academy.
"Put him on," he said. He was going to enjoy this.
***
Lt Spock, newly appointed science officer of the USS Enterprise, walked along the main concourse of the starbase on his way to the transporter section. He held a carryall in which was his precious lyre, a small assortment of informal Vulcan clothing and some personal mementoes. He would need little aboard the ship, as fabricators would supply all his needs.
The pathway was bustling with personnel on shore leave. Spock walked alone amongst them, unaware if the impression he made. Through the grapevine, everyone knew about his unique passing of the test and his subsequent appointment.
A group of young men and women from the Farragut came towards him from the opposite direction; a laughing group of junior officers on their first deep space mission. They were wrapped up in each other's company, flirting, joking, and having fun.
Spock ignored the noisy humans for his mind was on the message he had sent to Vulcan to inform his parents of his promotion. How would Sarek receive the news? he was wondering, when one of the humans knocked against him with enough force to send the carryall flying from his hands. He stood still, rigid with tension, and recoiled from the momentary touch. A turbulent mass of emotions had penetrated right through his telepathic shields.
The human found his balance, stared up at Spock, and flushed a deep red.
"C'mon, Jim," one of the others said.
The man named Jim swallowed hard and he bent to retrieve the case then handed it to Spock. "Please excuse me. I'm very sorry," he said.
Spock could sense that he was genuinely contrite and that startled him into staring into the other's bright hazel eyes. To his further surprise, he noted that the human did not flinch from him. He remembered to lower the intensity of his gaze, for it was almost impossible for humans to take. They feared the almost hypnotic projection of his telepathy. Like all Vulcans who had contact with outworlders, he had learned not to stare openly into human eyes yet this particular young man had not seemed the least bothered and gazed up at him with an interest that soon changed to recognition.
"You are Lt Spock," he stated, "the new science officer of the Enterprise."
"Affirmative," Spock replied. He tightened his shields against the barrage of the human's enthusiasm and curiosity.
"I'm Lt James T Kirk of the Farragut. Congratulations on your new appointment."
"I am honoured, Lt Kirk," Spock replied, wondering why this human was so interested and so polite. Several humans of his acquaintance did not practice even basic courtesy. He bowed his head and was about to move away when Kirk spoke again.
"I wish you every success on your voyage. Good luck."
A strange, warm feeling enveloped the young Vulcan. He frowned in puzzlement, wondering what had happened, but immediately forced it aside. "I do not believe in luck, Lt Kirk. It is illogical. However, I thank you and wish you a successful mission on the Farragut."
The humans smiled. "It was an honour to meet you, Mr Spock. Perhaps we'll meet up again some day."
Spock raised an eyebrow. He had to get away from this peculiar and disconcerting human. "If you will excuse me. Captain Pike is expecting me."
"Oh, sure." Kirk stood aside. "Goodbye, Mr Spock."
Spock bowed again and walked on, a deep conviction growing within him that he would meet this man again. He wondered why the prospect of that was so interesting. With new resolve, he dismissed the feelings as illogical and continued on his journey.
The memory of Kirk persisted though and a sudden premonition of standing at this man's side, and of courage and determination that matched his own filled his mind. He was forced to use strict control to negate the disturbing image. He was a Vulcan. He was science officer of the USS Enterprise.
**
Lt Kirk stared after the Vulcan's retreating figure. He chastised himself for being so clumsy. Vulcans didn't like being touched and what had he done? Crashed right into one! What must Lt Spock have thought of him? Not much, he guessed. He sighed with regret at being made to look such a fool in front of such a person; science officer of the Enterprise, no less. What an achievement in one so young!
"What is it, Jim," his friend Gary asked. "You look like you saw a ghost."
Kirk shook his head. "I'm okay."
Yet, he did feel a little shaky. Why did he have the very strong conviction that he would meet Spock again? It was a gut instinct and they were never wrong. He had stared into a Vulcan's eyes; something that space legend said was impossible to bear. There had been a strange jolt as that alien gaze had seemed to penetrate deep into his mind. He shivered a little and returned to his friends. If it was fated then he would meet Lt Spock sometime in the future but right now the Farragut awaited him. On that ship, he would begin his real training for starship command.
In his mind's eye he saw himself wearing captain's stripes and a Vulcan - that very Vulcan - at his side. He laughed at himself. He was only a junior lieutenant. If he were to reach captain then it would be years - many years - in the future. He dismissed the daydream and threw himself into enjoying his shore leave.
Ten hours later, on the observation deck of the Farragut, he watched the Enterprise depart. He watched her with a longing that he did not begin to understand. Something about her was different. She seemed to call out to him. She was special. He shook his head to dismiss such ridiculous thoughts.
He did not know that someday she would be his...