Star Trek: The Original Series - 162 - Shadow of the Machine Read Online Free PDF Page A

MacNeil?” Spock asked suddenly.
    “Uh . . . uh . . . well . . .” MacNeil stammered.
    But before the man could say any more, Spock continued: “Believe me, Lieutenant, it is always a mistake to meet your hero. Many years ago I was afforded the opportunity of spending three weeks aboard a terraforming vessel with the celebrated agronomist and biotechnician Elliot Tarrall. His proposal for developing closed-system exofarming on the outer colonies was a work of inspired brilliance and required reading when I was at the Academy. During my time aboard ship, I made three attempts at engaging Doctor Tarrall in conversation regarding sustainable development, and each time I found him to be rude, arrogant, self-opinionated, and more than a little narcissistic.”
    Spock motioned toward the doors behind Lieutenant MacNeil. “I believe you were about to show me the way to my quarters.”
    Somewhat nervously, Lieutenant MacNeil led the Vulcan commander out of the transporter room and into the corridor.
    • • •
    The short, somewhat rotund Vulcan seemed to appear from out of nowhere. The crowd of off-duty crew members parted before him like dissolving mist as he stepped forward, his hand already raised in the traditional Vulcan salute.
    “Live long and prosper, Commander Spock. I am Syvar, captain of the Potemkin. It is an honor to have you on my ship.”
    Spock returned the salute. “Peace and long life. The honor is mine, Captain. The Potemkin is a fine ship. I have been made most welcome, particularly by Lieutenant MacNeil.”
    “A most promising officer,” Syvar returned.
    “He has not been aboard the Potemkin long?” Spock asked.
    “He was assigned to us two days ago. First time aboard a starship. He was a communications officer on Starbase 35, since graduating from the Academy eighteen months ago. After the V’Ger event,” Syvar said, “he requested a transfer. He felt that he ‘needed to get out from behind a desk and make a difference.’ ”
    These words sounded all too familiar to Spock. “I have heard another human voicing a similar sentiment of late.”
    “Lieutenant MacNeil is learning quickly, and I am satisfied with his progress.” Syvar leaned in closer, his manner almost conspiratorial. “When you have a crew that is seventy-five percent Vulcan, one realizes that there are certain preconceptions . I prefer not to be the ‘exception that proves the rule,’ as the old Earth saying goes.”
    “Indeed,” Spock replied.
    The Vulcan captain swept a hand at the empty patch of floor in front of the observation port at the other end of the recreation deck. The two men began to make their way through the crowd.
    “I am surprised to find you here, Commander, rather than in your quarters preparing yourself,” Syvar said.
    There was something in the captain’s words, a curious tone, that caused Spock to stop suddenly in his tracks.
    It took Syvar a moment to realize that his guest was no longer walking beside him. After hesitating for a second, he returned, stopping in front of Spock.
    “What would I wish to preparemyself for, Captain?” Spock asked at last.
    “Now that the crisis has passed and you are returning to Vulcan,” Syvar said, “there can be only one reason.”
    Spock nodded thoughtfully at this, suddenly comprehending the captain’s words. “Now I understand: the generously appointed quarters, the meditation stone, even volunteering the Potemkin .”
    The Vulcan captain clasped his hands behind his back and peered up at his guest. “I wanted the honor of escorting you personally. Call it an indulgence on my part.”
    Spock leveled a quizzical expression at the man opposite him and waited for him to explain.
    “I once undertook the Kolinahr ritual,” Syvar explained. “No one more than I understands, or fully appreciates, the discipline and devotion to which you have committed yourself in the pursuit of total logic.”
    “You climbed the steps?” Spock asked.
    Syvar