STAR TREK
Schism
By J. B. Tilton
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Rating: K
Disclaimer: "Star Trek" and all related characters and events are the sole property of Paramount Pictures, Inc., except for those specifically created by me for this story. This is fan fiction and no infringement of copyright is intended.
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With the planet Vulcan on the brink of civil war, a small group decides to set off on their own and establish their own colony, free of the prejudices and bigotry they perceive they are subjected to on their home world.
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ONE
Surak looked once more at the buildings burning in the distance and then turned back into the room. Only one other individual was currently in the room. He resembled Surak with the pointed ears, upswept eyebrows, and slight green tinge to his skin. Unlike Surak, however, this man had a V-shaped ridge above the bridge of his nose. He was also wearing what appeared to be a military-type uniform.
"What you're proposing is not logical," Surak commented. "Now, more than ever, you are needed here. You're aware of our history just as I am. For the first time we have a chance to set our differences aside and become a single, united people. We will need the military if we are to accomplish that."
"And you'll have them," commented the other man. "Not all of us are leaving. Only those like me. Those with the ridges. Once we're gone the others will be more accepting of your new philosophy. Your devotion to total logic."
"This doesn't solve our problems," said Surak. "It avoids it. General. Tarok. You're in command of the garrison that protects the capital city. You command respect not only among the military but among the general population. They'll listen to you. And unlike some of your contemporaries you have remained calm since the fighting began."
"Which is why I've decided to leave," said Tarok. "Look, I don't subscribe to this new philosophy of yours. Total devotion to logic and the total suppression of emotions? I've studied your teachings and it occurs to me there is a basic flaw in your entire approach."
"And what might that flaw be?"
"I'm a military man. I have been my entire adult life. I came up through the ranks and became the youngest general in our planet's history. As a military leader it is necessary that I remain calm so that I can assess military situations and devise appropriate strategy for each instance. That requires a fair degree of logic on my part."
"I am well aware of that. It is one of the reasons you can be so helpful during our current crisis. You understand the necessity of devoting ourselves to logic. To suppress the violent emotions that has so often been the cause of strife and war among our people."
"That's my point. The flaw I mentioned. I can agree with your philosophy of devotion to logic. I've devoted a good portion of my life to it. It's the suppression of emotions that I cannot agree with. I don't see the logic in it. Is it logical to deny something that is so basic to who and what we are?"
"I must confess I do not have an answer for that query," replied Surak, looking a bit concerned. "But I do know that it's necessary if we're going to save our people. I do not believe it's possible to suppress only a portion of our emotions. We can't suppress only the bad ones and keep the good ones. If we're going to be successful it's going to be necessary for us to suppress all of our emotions. Only then can we put all of the bigotry and hatred behind us that is destroying our planet."
"That's never going to happen. Have you considered the consequences of what you've proposed? You ask any physician and they'll tell you that suppressing your emotions – keeping them bottled up inside you – can have very real physical affects."
"Then we'll develop ways to deal with those affects. I'm not saying it's going to be easy. Nor will it be quick. It may take decades or even centuries to achieve the goals I've proposed. But the sooner we start the sooner those goals can be realized."
"Even for those of us who don't necessarily subscribe to your point of view?"
"I am confident that once you see how effective my methods are you will come around to my way of thinking."
"A lot of people are going to die before that happens. As I said, once we're gone those who remain will be more readily willing to accept your teachings and philosophies. And I don't agree that it avoids the problem. It is the perfect solution. Much of the fighting is occurring because of the bigotry that exists for my people."
"That's being overdramatic and you know it," said Surak. "'Your people', as you put it, are nothing more than a minor genetic anomaly. You know as well as I do that extensive study has been done regarding people who were born with the ridges and they're nothing more than a minor cosmetic difference. It really has no bearing on anything of significance."
"That's easy for you to say," replied Tarok, a hint of anger in his voice. "You don't have the ridges. You don't have to put up with the looks and the innuendos and the bigotry that comes with them. I put up with it every day of my life."
"That's been changing for decades. People with the ridges are no longer treated as second-class citizens as they once were. Look at you. You have the ridges and you're the 4th highest ranking military leader on the planet."
"I'll admit it's better than it used to be. But we're still a long ways from being considered 'equals'. Even with all the laws in place prohibiting discrimination there are many who still find ways around those laws. Do you know that when I moved to the capital I couldn't get a room at the first place I applied? Oh, the woman was very diplomatic. She claimed she didn't rent to military personnel because they were too disruptive on her other tenants. But I could tell. She took one look at me and saw my ridges and decided she didn't want me living there."
"That was a long time ago, my friend. We've been friends for the better part of forty years and I've never treated you any differently because of the ridges. In fact, I was the one who recommended you for promotion to general."
"And I appreciate it. You've always been a good friend to me, Surak. I do treasure your friendship. That's why I think it's best that we leave now. While things are relatively calm. This could erupt into a full-scale civil war. If that happens I don't want to have to choose between those like me or supporting you."
"And you think leaving will solve all of our problems?"
"Of course not. I don't think anything can solve all of our problems. But if we leave it may be possible to avert such a war."
"Where will you go?"
"I'm not sure. Our newest ships are capable of sustaining warp 3 for a considerable amount of time. We'll need to go some places where they've never heard of Vulcan. Some Minshara class planet that's uninhabited. Some place where we can establish our own society and culture."
"You would abandon the centuries of our Vulcanian heritage?"
"Maybe not all of it. But your choice of words shows just how things are changing. You still call us Vulcanians. Many of our people have abandoned that antiquated term in favor of the term Vulcans. And more change every day. But if we're going to make a fresh start I think it's important that we distance ourselves from our Vulcan heritage. If you're right and Vulcan survives with your new philosophy we can always return later. Who knows? Maybe this devotion to total logic will put an end to the bigotry that my people face every day."
"I'm sure it will. As I said, it may take a long time to achieve my goals. I may not live to see it. But I am confident that one day Vulcan will be united as a single people free of the hatred and bigotry that have been our birthright. Vulcan will one day be a peaceful planet."
"We're leaving in four days. Even now the families of the crew are quietly being moved to the ships we've selected. They were originally cargo ships that we've been able to retrofit to carry all those who want to go. Once we're all loaded we plan to quietly leave the system."
"By telling me this you've giving me the opportunity to alert the proper authorities. I could put an end to your plans before they even get started."
"I was hoping that our friendship would count for something in that regard. As I said, we've been friends a long time and I value that friendship. I felt I at least owed you an explanation for why I was leaving."
"I cannot support you in this decision, Tarok. But I won't stand in your way, either. Logic dictates that each man must choose his own path. I don't agree with the path you have chosen but you obviously feel strongly about it. I'll remain silent until after you have left. I'll wait until you've been gone 2 days before I say anything to anyone. Perhaps when people learn of the extremes you're willing to go to preserve our way of life their attitudes will change."
"I wouldn't count on it. We're a violent people, Surak. We always have been and I don't believe that will ever change. But I do appreciate the consideration, my old friend."
"What of your wife? She does not have the ridges. I presume she will be going with you."
"Yes. Not all of those going have the ridges. Any who wish to come are welcome whether they have the ridges or not. Many of those joining us do not have the ridges but see things the way I do. That leaving Vulcan is the best way to avoid civil war."
"I wish you well, my friend. It may take months or even years to find a suitable place to establish your new society. Do you have any idea what term you will apply to this new utopia you propose?"
"It will hardly be a utopia. But in answer to your question, we haven't decided yet. I am confident that once we reach our destination—wherever that is—we will have decided on something appropriate. Farewell, my friend. It is my hope that we may one day meet again under somewhat more pleasant circumstances."
"That is my desire as well. Farewell, my friend. May you live long and be prosperous in your endeavors."
Surak and Tarok shook hands for the last time. Without another word, General Tarok turned and left the private chambers of his old friend knowing it would probably be the last time they would ever see each other.