A Healer's Soul
Disclaimer: I do not own Star Trek: The Original Series; the honor of that is with Gene Roddenberry.
Captain Kirk sat in the command chair on the bridge of the U.S.S. Enterprise as it traveled at a steady warp four towards its destination. After signing a few crew reports and handing them back to Yeoman Rand, he swung his chair around to face his Vulcan Science Officer.
"Mister Spock, are the reports on Covillis II's culture accurate?"
Spock shifted to face the Captain, turning away from the science console he had been leaning over and straightening, hands moving to fold behind his back in the familiar stance.
"May I ask which report in particular you are inquiring about, Captain?"
"Oh you know the one, Spock. The one that states that the Covilli have chosen a way of life like that of Vulcan, if not stricter." Kirk smiled at the Vulcan, waiting for the response he knew was to come.
Spock lifted an eyebrow at the Captain's preference for discussion before dryly giving an answer in his monotone voice.
"According to Star Fleet's first contact observations, the Covillis II's culture is one centered around science and knowledge. Although not much is known about its history, it is said that in order to further their scientific advancements the Covilli removed all emotion from their being approximately one thousand twenty nine years ago, in order to support a more logic focused mind without the hindrance that emotions would bring to their daily life. As a result of this action, the Covilli's scientific achievements have grown 109.253% as of that point in their history, enabling them to gain the knowledge for warp capability roughly three hundred and forty five years ago. As of now, Covillis II is the leading world on scientific advancement in this sector upon its discovery by Federation ships two years ago. The diplomatic team the Enterprise is being sent to collect has been on the planet working to secure the Covilli membership into the Federation. If they succeed, the scientific and technological knowledge gained will be an immense asset to the furthering of current sciences in the Federation as a whole, including medicine and technology."
"If I didn't know any better, I'd think there was awe and a little bit of excitement in your voice, Spock."
Kirk turned his head towards the turbo lift where Doctor Leonard McCoy was standing, wondering how long the man had been standing there before he'd spoken up.
"Indeed Doctor, I am most curious to learn more about the Covilli and what they can teach us."
"Well, based on what I've heard, I reckon these people are like you're long lost cousins, Spock. Let's just hope they're better behaved than those Romulan one's of yours."
McCoy walked closer to the science station as he spoke, coming to a stop between it and the captain's chair.
"The Covilli people have shown no penchant for violence, Doctor. As they have no emotions at all, I see no reason why they would act like the Romulans, since the emotional incentive is not present. Indeed, we can be grateful for the fact that without emotions there is no risk for them to act like humans either."
"Well now what's that suppose to mean, Spock? You and I both know that there's nothing wrong with human emotions. Heck, it's been proven on several occasions that that they're a good thing rather than bad. However that brings up another point I find silly."
"And what point would that be, Doctor?"
"This whole 'no emotion' thing. You cannot tell me that these beings don't have a single lick of emotion in their bodies. It's just not possible."
"I do not see why such a thing is impossible, Doctor. In many of the reports given by Star Fleet it has been said that the Covilli display no emotion or mood in any way or circumstance."
"Well now, Spock, if you do recall they said the same thing about Vulcans when humans first encountered your kind, but we all know now that that's complete hog-wash."
McCoy threw a small smirk towards Kirk, which he returned knowingly, before continuing.
"As for these Covillis II fellas, well, if they don't have any emotion what-so-ever, then how do you explain their need to learn new things? Isn't curiosity an emotion, Spock?"
"Actually, Doctor, curiosity is defined as a behavior, not an emotion. Therefore it is perfectly legitimate for beings that do not have or do not need emotion to still be curious enough to strive for further knowledge. As the most emotionally expressive being on this ship, I would have thought that you would know what is or is not classified as such."
Kirk could see the small smirk that lay just under the Vulcan's carefully controlled face and couldn't help but think that Spock was internally thinking Gotcha. Bones gave a small frown in return and opened his mouth to retort, but Kirk cut him off before he got started again.
"Helm, how soon until we reach Covillis II?"
The officer stationed at the helm in front of the view screen checked a few of his instruments before reporting back.
"ETA is approximately four hours, sir."
"Thank you, helmsman. So, gentlemen, before we reach the planet how about you two join me for some lunch and we can continue this discussion in my cabin? Lieutenant, you have the con."
Kirk stretched his arms out to encompass both men before steering them towards the turbo lift, not waiting for them to give an answer.
"Fine, Jim, but this isn't over, Spock. There's no way you can get me to accept that a whole species of people just up and wiped all their emotions from their being and not one single individual had something to say about it."
The turbo lift doors slid shut just as Spock was about to reply, effectively cutting the bridge off from whatever response he was about to make.
Four hours and twenty minutes later found Kirk, Spock, and McCoy walking towards the transporter room after having arrived in orbit around Covillis II. Upon arrival, Kirk had hailed down to the planet, asking about the Federation diplomats in attendance at the Covilli embassy. Ambassador Mark Poletsig had responded with a tired, but ultimately happy demeanor.
"Captain Kirk, what a pleasure to see that you've made it here in such a timely manner. Unfortunately, negotiations are not quite finished up yet, but we're close. I am glad you've made it here so soon actually."
"Why would that be, Ambassador?"
"Well the Covilli here seem to be interested in meeting a Captain of the fleet. It has something to do with wanting representation of what they can expect from humans who have a similar inclination to explore space and learn new things. So what do you say? Are you willing to go through a little interview before we leave?"
Kirk thought it over for about thirty seconds before agreeing. After all, with it came the chance to go down and see a little bit of the planet and its people.
"I'll be beaming down with my First Officer and Chief Medical Officer in about fifteen minutes if that's alright with you, Ambassador?"
Ambassador Poletsig smiled broadly.
"Splendid! I'll meet you at the entrance to the embassy then, Captain."
So that's what led to the three friends casually making their way to the transporter room. Along the way Kirk noticed that Bones seemed to be lost in thought as he walked.
"What's up, Bones?"
McCoy looked up from the floor he had been staring at and glanced at Kirk.
"Hmmm? Oh, well I was just thinking about what Spock had said earlier."
Spock, who stood to the right of Kirk as they walked, shifted his gaze over to the Doctor, paying closer attention as the two began talking.
"What about?"
"Well you remember when he said that the Covilli increased their development rate by about 100%?"
Spock interjected at that point.
"109.253% to be exact."
McCoy scowled at Spock before continuing.
"Ok, fine, but I was thinking, to have grown so much technologically, do you think they ever took the time to grow as a species?"
"What do you mean, Bones?"
They entered the transporter room and went to stand on the respective pads on the platform.
"Well, with them not being 'held back' by emotion, did they ever learn to handle differences among themselves and others? How did they figure out morals and ethics, right and wrong?"
"Maybe they worked that all out before they rid themselves of emotion for good."
"Maybe..."
Although McCoy didn't seem convinced, Kirk decided to leave it for now and turned to the crewman manning the transporter controls.
"Alright Mister Kyle, energize."