Please note that all reflections at the beginning of the chapter are optional. If you're not interested in analyses from a fan fixated on canon, feel free to skip them—they're not essential to the story. To that end, I'll put them in bold so they can be easily skipped.

The idea that Spock could be a father gives me the opportunity to explore the phenomenon of hybridity, which will be touched upon several times throughout the narrative. I'll address it here, assuming I'm not the only one finding the topic worthy of interest.

Personally, I find the Vulcan perspective on Vulcan-human crossbreeding the most intriguing. Although this issue is not directly addressed in the series or films, there are several interesting hints.

Firstly, we know that despite the Vulcans' peaceful disposition, Spock had a hard time and was mistreated throughout his youth due to his difference.

Even more strikingly, according to T'Pring, she rejected Spock not because she had fallen for someone else, but because he is a legend, and she didn't want to be married to a legend. But what does that mean exactly? Among fans, the most commonly accepted belief is that Spock is vary famous as a commander. Among Trekkies, this is a given, but it's hard to see why Spock would be so renowned on his planet. He does not achieve anything particularly legendary from a Vulcan perspective. He's not even the first Vulcan to join Starfleet.

However, Spock is undoubtedly a legend as the first Vulcan-human hybrid born on this planet. If T'Pring's words refer to this, then she rejected him because of his humanity. Given Spock's high family status, his parents might have seen an advantage in marrying their daughter to a hybrid, but it is clear that she herself was not interested in introducing human DNA into her lineage. It is logical; even less emotional mothers hope for the best for their children. Yet, from a Vulcan point of view, Terran blood does not appear advantageous..

On the other hand, Spock disobeyed his father by joining Starfleet Academy. While such behavior is common among humans, considering that Sarek refused to speak to his son for eighteen years, it's likely that such an act is unacceptable for Vulcans. Especially since Sarek was not motivated by anger. He acted logically. If Spock's disobedience is severe enough that it is logical for the father to disown his son, then it must be intolerable for Vulcans. Such behavior would certainly be seen as a deplorable result of human interbreeding. It's even more regrettable when one recalls that, according to the priests, it was because of his "human blood" that the half-Vulcan failed the Kolinahr at the last moment.

Furthermore, Spock is so insulted when it is suggested that he acts or thinks like a human that it is hard to imagine that this aspect of him was ever respected or encouraged by anyone in any way.

Besides Spock, two other hybrids appear in the canon (ENT). There is Lorien, the son of T'Pol and Tucker, whom we briefly encounter in an alternate reality unrelated to TOS and which does not add anything notable to our topic. There is also Elizabeth, cloned from the DNA of T'Pol and Tucker once again. She is created by Terra Prime, a group of xenophobic human extremists who plan to use the poor child to denounce the genetic pollution resulting from the coexistence of humans with extraterrestrials. As such, some humans do not seem to view this mixed heritage very favorably either.

To this, we can add various indelicate comments made by all prominent Vulcans throughout the series, indicating that despite friendly and even close relationships between certain individuals, Vulcans have certain reservations regarding the human race.

Thus, according to the clues we have, it seems that Vulcans are not very keen on interbreeding with us. It can be assumed that this is largely because they find humans intolerable due to their emotional nature, a trait clearly unbearable to any self-respecting Vulcan.

Nevertheless, I'm aware that some might find it odd to make serious deductions from purely imaginary stories. But of course, that's the joy of being a fan, and I hope this little aside has been interesting to you. Feel free to share your own thoughts on the matter, as it goes without saying that the more, the merrier :)


Curled up on the bed in her tiny, messy cabin, Jo was deep in thought. She'd gone over it a thousand times, but she still couldn't decide what to do: abort or give the ovum? There seemed to be as many pros as cons on each side, and she was really fed up with racking her brain over it.

She sighed, thinking about the Vulcan link that bound her. On one hand, it was nice to feel connected to someone again, but since it was the Commander, it kind of ruined the reunion. The worst part was that this stupid link made her feel the egg. It was like a little hot blob that, like a magnet, created its own energy field around it. A freaking weird thing.

In a sense, it was like the Commander was forcing his way between her and her decision. He was compelling her to consider his opinion, with an almost oppressive insistence. there was a certain violence to this intrusion that felt off. But of course, it wasn't fair to blame him, since he couldn't help it.

She sighed again and rolled onto her back. Among the thoughts constantly swirling in her head was this whole sacred child thing. What was this Kircan shit? Did it mean other Vulcan kids were second-rate? And what was so special about these kids anyway? Did they develop mutant superpowers? Were they able to potty-train earlier than others? To her, they probably just seemed even more Vulcanly idiotic than average.

Damn! She didn't want it! And getting it extracted to float around in a jar didn't appeal to her either. A part of her marinating in some viscous juice... Ugh. Besides, abortion was the best way to make sure the Commander would leave her alone. Otherwise, who knew? Because of that, one day or another, that fucking Vulcan might just show up out of the blue. And obviously, there would always be something between them, which was the last thing she wanted… No. For sure, it was better to end it. Clearly.

She got up, determined, and pressed the door's open button, but for the umpteenth time, she didn't get out. She could feel that bloody egg inside her. … Fuck it! The doors closed again in front of her indecisive face, and she rubbed her eyes as if to clear them.

Because she felt that egg like it was part of her, it was somewhat different. It was the whole difference between having a tooth pulled and losing a toe. A tooth, you don't really feel it, so not many people mourn a rotten molar. But a toe, you feel it, so if it's gone, it's disturbing to the point where a lot of people bawl like babies when they lose a crappy toe. In this case, it was kind of the same. It was too weird to get rid of that damn egg now that she felt it as clearly as a freaking toe. ... But on the other hand, a toe didn't have any plans to break free and screw up your life.

Frustrated, she started pacing back and forth (actually, three steps in the length of the tiny cabin cluttered with tools). She didn't have much time left to think about it, and she had to decide.

She recalled the Commander, who had desperately tried to change her mind. Even though he was all stiff and Mr. Freeze-like, he had seemed seriously desperate. It really seemed important to him because being a single parent, you had to really want it. After all, having a kid stuck to your ass changes your life. Especially since he didn't seem to have what it took to be parent of the year.

Just the idea of him, all tense, with a kid in his arms… it didn't fit. She pictured him, all high and mighty, unwrapping a diaper full of crap… Pffft. Hahaha! Damn, she'd pay good money to see that.

Jo froze in the middle of the room as this new idea struck her. Come to think of it, if she wanted to screw him over, this was the perfect opportunity. Until now, she hadn't thought of looking at the problem from this angle, but given her indecision, this new perspective brought a fresh insight. He was after the worst possible trouble? Why not give him what he wanted?

For the rest of her life, she could picture him getting pissed on or trying to shove his damn logic into a five-year-old's head or dealing with a teenage meltdown. It was the kind of thought that put you in a good mood every day. Jo chuckled. Bloody hell, it was worth it for the laugh alone. No doubt, he was going to shit bricks.

This delightful thought finally tipped the scales substantially. Fine. Since this was what he wanted, he'd get it. She'd leave him his darn little tadpole, he'd have a crappy life, and good for him. Of course, he'd have some great times too, and she wished him plenty of them, but for sure, he was going to suffer. She laughed at the thought of him running around like an idiot behind a restless kid. Resolute, she opened the door again and finally stepped out to find that dumb Vulcan to announce her decision.

Spock looked up from the console, sensing a change in the energy flow connecting them.

He stood and approached his Captain's chair.

"Captain, may I be excused for a moment?"

"Go ahead," Jim said, consulting the navigation data on a tablet.

Kirk glanced at the navigation data, noting that the deadline was approaching.

"Mr. Spock?"

"Captain," the Vulcan said, returning to him.

"Are you going to see Miss Stone?"

"Indeed."

Jim gave him a somewhat worried smile.

"In that case, allow me to accompany you," he said, setting his tablet down.

"Why, Captain?" Spock asked, raising an eyebrow.

"It would be more appropriate," Jim evaded.

Given Stone's previous aggression, it seemed prudent to oversee this interaction. And although he had immense respect for Spock's intelligence, it was undeniable that the Vulcan didn't understand women very well and sometimes tended to offend them. Given this, it seemed that having someone who could act as a go-between wouldn't hurt.

"While I do not wish to contradict you, Captain, I must question the necessity to ...

"I insist, Mr. Spock," Jim interrupted, standing up.

The Vulcan nodded and they took the elevator to the techs' floor. They stepped out just as Jo was arriving in the hallway. She jumped when she saw them, then realized that Spock had probably sensed something through the link. Jo scowled, feeling like a spy was constantly monitoring her every move. Fuck it—she couldn't wait for this to be over.

"Captain," she said, standing at attention.

"Miss Stone," he greeted her.

"Have you made your decision?" Spock asked with all Vulcan delicacy.

Jo gave him an inscrutable look and forced a smile.

"Since you're so eager, the answer is yes, I've made my decision."

"Before you inform me of it, I would like to speak with you for a moment, if the Captain has no objection."

The latter reluctantly nodded.

"Please," Spock said, indicating the hallway.

Jo followed him with a sigh, and they moved a few meters away while Jim watched them discreetly. The young woman leaned casually against the wall, looking bored.

"What now?"

"Miss Stone, I want you to make your final decision with full knowledge of the facts, and therefore I must inform you that I lied to you."

"I thought Vulcans didn't lie," she said suspiciously.

"Unless there's no other choice."

"And what did you lie to me about?" she asked, crossing her arms.

"The koon-ut-so'lik. I could have removed the link, but I didn't. I didn't believe you would have considered my proposal otherwise. Now that you've had time to reflect, I believe it is your right to have all the facts to make an informed final decision."

"What? You mean you put me through this on purpose!?"

"Yes."

Spock ceased his efforts to maintain the connection, allowing the link to dissolve instantly.

"Fucking asshole!' Jo yelled as her fist slammed into his face.

Already on edge, Jim leaped to get between them.

"STONE! Touch him again and you'll deal with me!" he shouted in his most authoritative voice.

Jo glared at the Vulcan with a furious look as tears welled up in her eyes, then abruptly turned and ran down the hallway. Spock watched her disappear with indifference while Jim was left dumbfounded.

"Why did she…? What just happened?" he asked, bewildered.

"She had made her decision without knowing all the factors involved. I thought it fair to inform her," Spock explained.

"Well, I'd say that wasn't the best idea," Jim said, astonished at such a lapse in judgment. "Did she hurt you?"

Spock looked at him as if the question were utterly ridiculous.

"Still, that girl is completely unhinged," Jim said, still shocked.

"I would rather say she was spontaneous and brutal," Spock corrected.

"She's uncontrollable. It makes you wonder how she was accredited for interstellar travel," Jim said, not too pleased that she had roughed up his second again.

"That remark is not objective. This situation is exceptional. In fact, I don't think it is necessary to file a report on this incident, Captain."

Jim gave him an incredulous look.

"She hit her superior," he reminded him.

"It was a personal discussion, and she is pregnant with my child. As hierarchy does not apply to this type of interaction, I consider there to be no fault."

"I still think …"

Jim didn't finish his sentence as he saw Stone coming back toward them, visibly furious. He stepped in front of Spock to prevent any further attacks, but the young woman stopped at a safe distance and lifted her head.

"Commander, I accept your offer," she spat out, imagining his kid shit in his face.

Jim's eyes widened in disbelief.

"Very well. You may go. I will keep you informed of any developments."

Jo glared daggers at the Vulcan, gave the captain a curt nod, and stormed off.

Of course, she would never have considered his offer without his damn link. However, he had manipulated her, and for that, he was a fucking bastard. She had headed to the infirmary, intending to put an end to all this, but as she walked, she realized something. Yes, he had lied to her, but at least he'd had the decency to admit it. And he'd told her the truth while she could still say no—although he could have kept quiet, and she'd never have known. That didn't make him any less of an asshole, but at least it meant the choice was hers now.

And if the choice was hers, she knew exactly what to do: screw his life over.

Amazed, Jim watched the young woman until she disappeared down the corridor.

"Well… That was an unexpected turnaround,"

"I suppose so," Spock said dispassionately.

"So… we're still making a detour to Vulcan?" Jim asked, suddenly realizing what that implied.

"Yes. If you have no objections, Captain."

"None at all," Jim said with a strange smile.

Jim looked at him knowingly and patted him on the shoulder.

"Spock, do you realize? You're going to be a father!" he said, as if having trouble believing it himself.

"It certainly seems so."

Jim, ever observant, caught the faint trace of relief in Spock's voice. He smiled to himself, quietly pleased that his friend was finally finding some resolution to the situation.

Spock turned as if to indicate that there was no need to be emotional and called the elevator to finalize the last details of their stop on Vulcan.

oOoOo

The grand hall of the assisted reproduction laboratories was a vast, circular space with raw, white stone walls. The atmosphere exuded a severity that matched the sterile surroundings, an austerity appropriate to the professionalism of the facility. Two large, rounded doors led to the outside, but Dr. Njwyegf, standing in the middle of the hall, did not seem to expect his guest to come through them. He watched the center of the room where, after a few moments, a shimmering form materialized in front of him.

"Mr. S'chn T'Gai," the doctor said in his native language.

Spock inclined his head in greeting.

"Dr. Njwyegf."

They stared at each other for a moment without speaking.

"Please follow me."

They walked along a curved corridor carved from unpolished stone, and Spock found himself feeling a sense of comfort. It had been a long time since he had been in a Vulcan complex. While Vulcan architecture often had an airy quality, it was also inspired by caves and mountainous cavities, cooler places historically favored by Vulcans.

They emerged into another circular space, this one adorned with alcoves. The geneticist headed towards one and gestured for his guest to enter. A smooth white glass table with two matching chairs contrasted with the pale, roughly cut stone of the wall. Spock took a seat, followed by his host.

"What is the reason for your visit, Mr. S'chn T'Gai?" the doctor asked, getting straight to the point.

"I need to resort to artificial gestation," Spock said even more bluntly.

The doctor nodded.

"If it involves an embryo with your genetics, I assume you are referring to a procedure similar to the one you yourself underwent."

"I cannot confirm that. I am not sure I know all the details of my conception."

"It would be appropriate to inform you."

Dr. Njwyegf joined his hands in front of him.

""Your parents' request for assistance was accepted in 2229 standard date. It fell under regulation 2344b, which governs cases where mothers face difficulty carrying a pregnancy to term. We extracted an embryo in early gestation. It developed in an artificial environment for one semester. Afterward, it was reimplanted to complete growth. You were born prematurely and had to finish your development in an incubator."

Spock nodded.

"I intend to apply for a different procedure. The embryo shares my genetics, but the human mother will not participate in the gestation. The child must develop entirely in an artificial environment."

The doctor regarded him gravely.

"Unfortunately, it will not be possible to proceed in this manner."

"Why not?"

"The law prohibits it since 2250 standard date."

Spock raised an eyebrow in surprise. The law's effective date coincided with his departure from Vulcan to join Starfleet. An odd coincidence.

"It is regulation 34b01," the geneticist continued. "It prohibits assisting the procreation of different species when they are unable to reproduce naturally due to too great a genetic distance."

Unperturbed, Spock stared at his counterpart for a moment.

"The embryo is three-quarters human; thus, the genetic distance is minor."

Njwyegf straightened and met his gaze.

"It is impossible to assert beyond all doubt that a human/Vulcan hybrid such as yourself could reproduce without external intervention," the doctor pointed out.

Spock greeted him coldly.

"It is, however, likely."

"A probability is not sufficient."

Spock concentrated for a second to suppress the irritation he felt rising within him.

"It is not about enabling a gestation that would otherwise be impossible, but rather allowing the embryo to develop in an artificial uterus," he said calmly. "If it is not viable, it will cease to develop and will be discarded."

"Under our internal protocol, we are required to assist any viable embryo under our care. If your child exhibited the same growth difficulties as you did, our internal rules and civil law would conflict. It is a situation we logically need to avoid."

"Understood," Spock said thoughtfully. "However, the circumstances warrant reconsideration."

"What circumstances?"

"The mother is determined to terminate her pregnancy, and the child is a…," Spock said, staring intently at the doctor. "Under Earth laws, no action can be taken to prevent it, which is why I am forced to use your services."

Njwyegf frowned.

"I see. In that case, I advise you to submit your case to an extraordinary council. Perhaps it would be possible to make an exception."

Spock thinking that such a procedure would involve considerable delays.

"Of course, it is the most logical course of action, but the mother will not be willing to wait for the council's decision."

The doctor looked at him solemnly.

"In that case, I cannot be of any help. But I must emphasize that it is your duty to prevent this situation from occurring. Such a thing would be… inconceivable", Njwyegf replied, his tone somber.

"Indeed. I will do what I can," Spock assured him as he stood up. "Dr. Njwyegf."

"Mr. S'chn T'Gai," the doctor saluted, standing up as well.

Spock retraced his steps alone, as the host was not required to accompany the visitor upon departure according to Vulcan politeness rules. He walked slowly, the familiar architecture of the corridors helping him focus. He concluded with 99.9% certainty that Stone would choose to terminate the pregnancy, even estimating the odds on the higher side.

So there was only one logical option left, and he had to succeed. Otherwise, the fault would be unforgivable.


Note:

According to Spock, his Vulcan name is unpronounceable by humans (TOS 'This Side of Paradise'). While the canon hasn't provided further details, two names have become fan favorites.

The first is Xtmprsqzntwlfb, which appears in The USS Enterprise Officer's Manual, a fan reference book published in 1980, created by Geoffrey Mandel and Doug Drexler.

The other is S'chn T'Gai. This name first appeared in the 1985 novel Ishmael by Barbara Hambly and, more recently, on a Strange New Worlds poster.

Personally, I prefer S'chn T'Gai because its spelling feels authentic, while Xtmprsqzntwlfb seems to have been created by randomly selecting consonants.

On the Spock gestation, in the 1976 vinyl "Inside Star Trek," there is a peculiar interview where Roddenberry questions Sarek (Marc Lenard) about Spock. Sarek provides details about Spock's development, which aligns with the description provided here. As an audiobook, the material is not considered canon.

In Terra Prime, Enterprise canonized all options. Elisabeth will be the first Vulcan-human test tube baby. When she dies at a few months old, it's believed to be an inter-species incompatibility, but after analysis, Phlox determines that it was a cloning error and assures that a Human and a Vulcan could indeed have a natural child.

For my part, since it is not very well known, it seemed interesting to me to use the Sarek interview to introduce it to those who are unaware of its existence.

The interview can be heard on YouTube (Extremely Rare Interview with Gene Roddenberry and Mark Lenard) or easily found in transcription using the keywords Sarek-Roddenberry-interview.