Jim entered the bridge. He took his seat at his command chair and was silent. The officers around him looked at each other apprehensively.
Among Vulcans, when one commits an error in the chain of one's logical reasoning, one recognizes and acknowledges it, explains the origin of that fallacy, and avoids that particular misstep in the future. Among humans, when one commits an error of any sort, be it some offensive word or act against an individual's emotional sensibilities or a lapse in judgment, one apologizes.
"Report, Commander Spock."
"No anomalies to report, captain. We have received our next assignment and are currently en route to the planet Piegenavyr to collect scientific data. Previous readings indicate that the planet may be suitable for colonization. We will stop at Outpost 51 to collect some necessary supplies. Estimated time of arrival is 1755."
The word 'sorry' is derived from the word 'sorrow,' and the original meaning of the sentence was much stronger than its common use today. The official entry on the Federation database dictionary states that the noun form of 'sorry' meant "pained at heart; distressed, sad; full of grief or sorrow." To be sorry is an emotional condition.
The accepted phrase in Terran Federation Standard is "I am sorry."
"Acknowledged." The captain looked ahead.
For the remainder of his shift, the captain reviewed fifteen reports, completed his own large stack of paperwork, read two articles on improvements in warp core technology, and received a transmission from Starfleet Headquarters.
It is strange that Terrans associate an apology with sorrow. The formal legal definition of 'apology' is "the pleading off from a charge or imputation; defence of a person from accusation or aspersion." An apology in the courts is an explanation, a justification for a whatever crime perceived to have been committed. Theoretically, this designation is closer to the Vulcan act of error acknowledgment.
"Captain Kirk."
"Admiral."
"Would you kindly explain to me why the Atkinnons demand a termination of all relations with the Federation when we expected a radically different outcome?"
"No explanation, sir."
"Does that mean you can't explain or won't."
"Take your pick, sir."
"I am not in the mood to be trifled with, captain. You were given specific orders to obtain a treaty that would allow the Federation to build mining facilities and a space dock on that planet."
"The captain is not responsible for the outcome of that mission, admiral," I stepped forward. "I am."
The captain turned his head and looked at me sharply. The admiral looked mildly shocked.
"You, Commander Spock? I find that hard to believe."
"I neglected to account for a key cultural practice and therefore jeopardized the success of the mission. I recommend, however, the Starfleet send another delegation to the Atkinnons. Though they are a unstable, fickle species, they are not known to hold grudges. A conciliatory gesture will make them amenable to any suggestions."
"You are certain of this?"
"Yes, sir. In fact, Admiral Pike would be an ideal candidate for this mission. He is known among them as an excellent man of solid character, and his status as a Starfleet hero would appease their wounded pride."
"Captain? What is your opinion of this situation?"
"I apologize for placing you and Starfleet in such an untenable situation."
"I would advise, captain, that you do not take such a tone of voice with your superiors."
"Duly noted, sir."
"Commander Spock, I do not think it's necessary to formally write a citation in your files for this. I'm sure it was an unfortunate misunderstanding."
"That is generous, admiral, but unnecessary."
The admiral waved absently. "Nonsense. I'm just glad we got this neatly sorted. Gentlemen, thank you very much."
The view screen went blank. The captain glared at me.
"What the fuck was that."
"The admiral desired to—"
"I do not need you to bail me out of everything."
The captain left the bridge.
I'm sorry—"An explanation offered to a person affected by one's action where no offence was intended, coupled with the expression of regret for any that may have been given; or, a frank acknowledgement of the offence with expression of regret for it, by way of reparation."
