Among the Stars - 21104.01

By Tokat

The warm night air of San Francisco wrapped the balcony in a loving embrace as the bay sparkled under the lights of the the moon, the city, and Starfleet Academy. The little pub known as The Sailor's Star sat in just the right spot so the balcony had a perfect view of one of the city's many hidden wonders. Most of the cadets at the Academy had no idea, but The Sailor's Star was a hot spot for many officers visiting San Francisco on business.

“Sampling San Francisco's night life and swapping old stories really brings back a lot of memories,” the oldest of the officers seated at the table began. “Now, we've all shared our stories except you.” He pointed expectingly to the odd man out, a Vulcan. “What about you, Mr. Tokat? … Why did you first decide to join Starfleet?”

Tokat looked toward the man who was his senior in both age and rank, “I could say I joined to expand my intellectual horizons or explore the vast unknowns of space, but these would not be entirely true.” The Vulcan sat his glass of brandy down in front of him, and prepared to tell his story. “Of course, these are the reasons I remain in Starfleet and continue to serve, but I am afraid my original purpose in joining was far less admirable.”

I was only a boy of seventeen, almost eighteen, when a Starfleet recruiter visited the University at Vulcana Regar. I had already finished my secondary studies for that day and had come to visit my mother. As I waited for her in her office, the dean of her department came by and suggested that I attend the exposition in the commons area.

I decided to take a look for myself and found that there were representatives from dozens of different industries and companies from throughout the Quadrant. Each had set up a display to offer information to anyone curious about their organization. I was simply biding my time until my mother finished her last class, so I had not taken a great deal of interest in any one booth until I came to the Starfleet exhibit. Officers in full duty uniform, one from each department, made the thought of exploring the galaxy and learning that which had never been known seem so fascinating. I took what information they had available and wanted to learn more. The recruiter invited me to tour a Federation Starship, and while the experience had left me enthralled, I still was not quite ready to join. I wanted to discuss the decision with my family.

I knew my mother would be open-minded about the subject. “I only want you to succeed in whatever career you pursue,” she told me. “If you decide that you are best suited to succeed aboard a starship, then I will support that. I do want you to be certain of your decision, however.” She always supported my decisions like that, whether she thought they were good decisions or bad ones.

My father on the other hand was far more difficult to convince. Even now, I do not know what he finds distasteful about a career in Starfleet, but he was determined that I would not follow that path. “The men in our family have been successful politicians for generations. Why would you want to throw away our family's legacy, Tokat?”

“When I toured that starship I noticed that everyone there had a sense of purpose. Everyone was making a difference in their own way, from the ship's Captain to the crewman who was servicing a power relay--” I tried to explain.

“--A politician can make just as profound a difference, Son. Even Starfleet relies on politicians to make its decisions.” At that time, I had no idea that he was actually correct.

“Even so, Father, it seems far more logical to bring about change through action than to sit around discussing the subject in theory.” “Without those discussions, your Starfleet would have no purpose.” I remember he raised his eyebrow at me, “What is it that really intrigues you about Starfleet?”

I had hoped to avoid sharing my true inspiration with him. My father is a very traditional Vulcan. He would chastise me for any simple display of emotional attachment. He still does, in fact. I knew when I told him the truth, he would not be pleased in the slightest.

“When I think of myself exploring the uncharted regions of the universe, sailing among the stars I've studied since I was a child, and learning things that no one has even dreamed of,” I hesitated, but finally brought myself to finish, “it excites me.”

My father's response was immediate, “It excites you? You would choose your career in life based not on logic and reason, but on a fleeting, irrelevant emotion?” I could feel the disappointment in his words as he turned to walk away. “My son is a fool. An emotional, illogical fool.”

Mother suggested that I give him some time to reconsider, but I knew within reason that he would not. Once my father made up his mind about something, the decision was final. But I did hope that if he met the recruiter, he might understand.

Several weeks later I arranged for the recruiter to visit our home. He had agreed to speak with my father and answer any questions or concerns my parents had. When he arrived however, things did not go quite so well. Father did not welcome the discussion with open arms; it was clear that he was determined not to be swayed. Even so, the recruiter did his best. He explained the role of each department on a ship, the curriculum at the Academy, he even mentioned the political opportunities available to Academy Honor Graduates.

“I understand why you would be hesitant about your son's decision, Somal, but Tokat is eager to serve not only the people of Vulcan but people all across the Federation. Starfleet can provide this opportunity, and give him the resources to excel in whatever field he chooses: science, medicine, even politics if he wishes.”

“My son is a brilliant mind, and I would not see his talents wasted by Starfleet aboard some starship. He is meant to make decisions, not blindly follow orders.” In retrospect, I suppose I should have taken this as a compliment, but at the time I only saw it as an insult.

“I agree with you, Somal. I see the same talent you see in the boy. That's why I am recommending he attend Starfleet Academy for officer training, not simply enlist. That would be a waste of talent, but as an officer he would be making decisions and leading men and women to make a difference.”

But my father would not hear of it. “No,” he said flatly, “I will not allow Tokat to enroll. His decision is not based on sound logic, and to entertain the delusions of a fool is to perpetuate his folly. Our conversation is over. Good day, Lieutenant.”

Something about how my father dismissed the recruiter, and my opinions, caused me to reach a decision. “You are correct, Father. This conversation is over.”

I remember Father raised his eyebrow in curiosity. He must have thought I was conceding my argument. He should have known I would not do so lightly.

“Lieutenant, tell me again, what is the minimum age to enroll in Starfleet Academy without parental consent?”

The Lieutenant smiled as he answered, “Eighteen.”

“Unless I am mistaken I just observed my Eighteenth birthday last week, right Father? That would make me a legally competent in regard to contractual agreements.”

“You would not dare.”

My response was cold and calculated, and I was so certain of it. “I would. And I shall.”

After we stood there staring back at each other for longer than I found comfortable, we both knew we would never see eye to eye. All that was left was to accept this, and sign on the dotted line.

“I believe we have some paperwork to attend to, Lieutenant? Are you available now?”

“Of course, Mr. Tokat. We can go back to my office and take care of the details there.”

We left and went straight to his office where I signed my name to the enrollment form. I did so with every bit of resolve I could muster, and I have not regretted this fact for one instant.

The officers at the table had leaned forward as he told his story, taking in the rare glimpse into a Vulcan's private life. The oldest asked him, “So you enrolled against his wishes. How did your father take that?”

Tokat picked up his nearly empty glass of brandy and swirled it around again as he answered, “Naturally, he took offense. He was so offended that he did not come to see me off as I departed for Earth.”

He turned up the glass and finished the last of the deep colored liquor as he saw Amanda enter the Sailor's Star below. He stood as he sat the glass back down on the table with a click. “If you'll excuse me gentlemen, I have plans this evening.”

As Amanda came up the stairs to meet him he concluded his tale. “To this day my father resents my profession. But I have accepted this. One day I hope to prove to him what I have already discovered for myself.”

He looked to each officer at the table before he wrapped his arm around his mate lovingly, “That my future lies among the stars.”