wanttaja@ssc-vax.UUCP (Ronald J Wanttaja) (10/28/85)
When STIII came out, I posted a "logical" plot for a sequel. With the
current discussion of "Where the main characters should go," I'm throwing
my two credits worth in, using some data from my old posting. I've never
seen the animated series, and have read hardly any of the novels, so this
doesn't take those into account. (An aside... about eight years ago, I
tried to read a Trek novel. I threw it away, disgusted, when the author
had Spock using profanity in the first few pages. However,
_The_Final_Reflection_ did relieve my concerns about the novels... it was
great!)
KIRK: Disobeyed orders, stole a Starship. Star Fleet wants his taffrail.
But public acclaim at his results makes it impossible to can him. What do
military organizations do to brilliant officers who break the rules?
Simple... they decorate him, and send him to command the most
out-of-the-way hellhole assignment in existance. Kirk accepts when Star
Fleet offers to drop most of the charges against the rest of his crew.
SPOCK: Not guilty of anything. However, most military organizations have
regulations prohibiting dead people from holding commissions. I doubt if
Star Fleet bureaucracy could handle it. The commander of Star Fleet summed
it up in STIII: "I don't understand Vulcan mysticism." Spock's logical
career? Vulcan ambassador to the Federation. Sarek has had it, he's gone
Vulcan-senile. An angry confrontation with Kirk in his quarters? Saying
at the rejuvenation ceremony, "The death of my son blinds my logic?"
(approximate quote). Besides, the appointment of a "Dead person" would
throw the other ambassadors off balance, a shrewd political move.
SAAVIK: Federation aide-de-camp to Spock. From what I've read (on the
net) about her background, a good position for her.
McCOY: Star Fleet's not sure about him either. But he passes his psyco
boards. He becomes concered about Kirk's reaction to his newest
assignment, and about Kirk's seeming obsession of "making the Klingons pay"
for David's death. He arranges to follow Kirk into exile.
SULU: Starship command, of a heavy cruiser. The last "Constitution" Class
ship is due to be launched and Sulu gets it. To capitalize on the public
acclaim for Kirk, the ship is renamed "ENTERPRISE." (This is to avoid
having to show any more of those "Excelcior" abominations :-) )
UHURA: Starship command, scout class. She has the seniority, and she's
worked with the Federation's best commander. Wouldn't it be neat if "Mr.
Excitement" was assigned to her ship? :-)
SCOTT: Unfortunately for Scotty, Stiles has extensive connections and is
furious. Scotty has committed sabotage of a front-line ship. They
compromise on full retirement for Scott, who emigrates to the same planet
where Kirk is assigned.
One must not forget Kirk's nephew. It's been 20+ years since the "Vomit
monster," and by now he must have graduated from the Academy (where else
would Kirk send him?). He wrangles an assignment and Kirk's flag
Lieutenant... this gives the ST universe someone younger, who can do the
dashing bits and get his shirt ripped :-).
My proposed plot summary was previously posted, but one can see that the
above setup leaves you with a lot of leeway.
Ron Wanttaja
(ssc-vax!wanttaja)
Special bonus Trivia Question: Did Kirk
*ever* use the exact words, "Beam me up, Scotty,"
or is it another "Play it again, Sam"?