In preparation for the Star Trek franchise’s 50th anniversary, I hope to soon publish Abrams-verse adaptations of classic Original Series episodes, a project IDW Comics has also undertaken. The biggest challenge, I think, will that with different actors playing these long-time beloved characters, these actors have somewhat different interpretations of the characters. For example, Chris Pine elected to mimic James Kirk’s famed arrogance, and not attempt to duplicate William Shatner’s speech patterns. And in my observation, the version of Spock played by Zachary Quinto, is more Vulcan than Spock played by Leonard Nimoy in some instances (putting on more of a superiority complex as seen with Vulcan characters in the more recent spinoffs), and more human in others (a determination to kill Khan in a murderous rage to avenge Kirk’s apparent death).
The following is a scene written in the spur of the moment, to be part of a larger story that will be an allegory to a present day issue. This ficlet is more of a practice exercise in writing how the newer versions of Kirk and Spock interact.
In this scene, Spock defines religious fundamentalism in the simplest of terms following a visit to a long-lost Vulcan colony where the inhabitants believe they are the first sentient species in the universe.
“Seems humans and Vulcans are more alike than we first realized,” Kirk remarked.
Spock’s right eyebrow twitched indicating his skepticism. “How so?” he curiously inquired.
“Well, for one,” Kirk offered, “these people’s mythology is very similar to that of ancient Egypt and Greece. And they’re not the first Vulcans I’ve seen who can be pretty damn stubborn when they’re convinced they’re right. Not to mention these people are very much like humans who still believed in fairy tales about how the world began even if the face of mountains of scientific evidence.”
“I would beg to differ,” Spock interjected. “For centuries, they have been isolated from the rest of the galaxy and have only recently become aware of alternative ways of life. Their society has not yet matured to the point where they can truly appreciate Infinite Diversity in Infinite Combinations.”
“Well, sure, there are some obvious differences,” Kirk offered with a slight grin. “I’m saying, you don’t find it at all strange that they would deny the existence of what’s staring them in the face.”
“It is fairly easy to look back over centuries of yours and my respective histories and judge what was right and wrong. But remember that their beliefs and values are based on emotional attachments to what has always been believed to be true.”
“So you’re saying some of your brethren do let emotion influence their thinking?” Kirk teased.
“These people certainly do. But they are far from reflective of mainstream Vulcan society.”
“I got it, Spock. You sympathize with their position, but you stubbornly refuse to admit they’re more similar to your people than you realize.”
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