Star Trek: Vulcan Read online

  CONTENTS

  INTRODUCTION

  WELCOME TO VULCAN

  GETTING HERE

  USING THIS GUIDE

  TIPS FOR A FUN TRIP

  WHAT TO WEAR

  LODGING TIPS

  ETIQUETTE

  VULCAN: A BRIEF HISTORY FOR OUTWORLDERS

  A HISTORY OF VIOLENCE

  SURAK AND THE TIME OF AWAKENING

  A SOCIETY REBORN; A SOCIETY DIVIDED

  VULCAN: A LANGUAGE PRIMER

  SHIKAHR

  GETTING AROUND

  SIGHTS AND ACTIVITIES

  SHOPPING AND ENTERTAINMENT

  DINING AND NIGHTLIFE

  LODGING

  LAKE YURON

  GETTING AROUND

  SIGHTS AND ACTIVITIES

  SHOPPING AND ENTERTAINMENT

  DINING AND NIGHTLIFE

  LODGING

  DEALING WITH AN UNEXPECTED OR UNWANTED KATRA

  KIR PROVINCE

  GETTING AROUND

  SIGHTS AND ACTIVITIES

  SHOPPING AND ENTERTAINMENT

  DINING AND NIGHTLIFE

  LODGING

  RAAL

  GETTING AROUND

  SIGHTS AND ACTIVITIES

  SHOPPING AND ENTERTAINMENT

  DINING AND NIGHTLIFE

  LODGING

  PARTICIPATING IN A VULCAN MARRIAGE RITUAL

  L-LANGON MOUNTAINS

  GETTING AROUND

  SIGHTS AND ACTIVITIES

  SHOPPING AND ENTERTAINMENT

  DINING AND NIGHTLIFE

  LODGING

  T’PAAL

  GETTING AROUND

  SIGHTS AND ACTIVITIES

  SHOPPING AND ENTERTAINMENT

  DINING AND NIGHTLIFE

  LODGING

  SO YOU WANT TO PURGE ALL OF YOUR EMOTIONS

  VULCANA REGAR

  GETTING AROUND

  SIGHTS AND ACTIVITIES

  SHOPPING AND ENTERTAINMENT

  DINING AND NIGHTLIFE

  LODGING

  VULCAN’S FORGE

  GETTING AROUND

  SIGHTS AND ACTIVITIES

  SHOPPING AND ENTERTAINMENT

  DINING AND NIGHTLIFE

  LODGING

  SURVIVING VULCAN’S FORGE

  ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

  SOURCES

  INTRODUCTION

  GREETINGS, TRAVELER, FROM THE PEOPLE OF THE PLANET VULCAN.

  That you have chosen our world as a focal point of your examination of other cultures evokes satisfaction in our people. Over the course of the past century, Vulcans have learned to better appreciate the notion of visitors from other worlds experiencing our society firsthand. This is due in large part to our long association with humans of the planet Earth, who seem endlessly fascinated with anything and everything they encounter. While our relationship with humans has at times been trying—and mine in particular, given my dual Vulcan-human heritage—my people realized long ago that we can learn much by interacting with other species. With this in mind, we have increased our efforts to foster a welcoming atmosphere on our planet and to establish organizations with the primary goal of ensuring a memorable experience for all who visit our world.

  Vulcan history is long and multifaceted, filled with successes and failures, triumph and tragedy. Once, we were all but consumed by emotions and violence, and it was the acceptance of logic and reason as our guiding principles that kept our civilization from annihilating itself. It has only been within the last few generations that the Vulcan people have allowed the full extent of our cultural heritage to become known to outworlders. Again, we have our friends from Earth to thank, for they are the ones who showed us how sharing our story also benefits us, as we too have learned from the sharing.

  As a visitor to Vulcan, you will discover that we observe many customs and protocols. These practices have been described by some outworlders as rather ritualistic in many ways. Our adherence to these time-honored traditions, like almost every other aspect of our society, is rooted in logic, but there is more to our people than this dedication to reason, as visitors already familiar with our people know. If this is your first time visiting our world, we hope you will take the opportunity to not just travel to various points of interest, but also immerse yourself in our culture and discover all that we have to offer.

  Live long and prosper,

  Spock

  Vulcan Ambassador to the Federation

  July 2387

  (Federation standard calendar)

  WELCOME TO VULCAN

  * * *

  “Logic is the cement of our civilization, with which we ascend from chaos using reason as our guide.”

  —T’Plana-Hath, matron of Vulcan philosophy

  GETTING HERE

  USING THIS GUIDE

  TIPS FOR A FUN TRIP

  WHAT TO WEAR

  LODGING TIPS

  ETIQUETTE

  VULCAN: A BRIEF HISTORY

  A History of Violence

  Surak and the Time of Awakening

  A Society Reborn; A Society Divided

  VULCAN: A LANGUAGE PRIMER

  GETTING HERE

  * * *

  Vulcan is located in the 40 Eridani A star system. The planet is open to visitors throughout its solar year, but outworlders are advised to be aware of the numerous celebrations and festivals that may complicate a recreational visit. While many of these events are open to non-Vulcans, be prepared for activities that are private or otherwise restricted to “locals only.”

  USING THIS GUIDE

  * * *

  You’ll note that many of the names for commercial establishments in this guide are rendered in Standard, or are named in accordance with the Federation’s common language. In reality, most of these businesses carry some sort of Vulcan name. The merchants we contacted for this guide supplied appropriate translations or their own tourist-friendly alternatives to simplify locating them. Don’t be surprised to see both “real” and “tourist” names on the front of most retail establishments. This will be true for all but a few historical sites, as you’ll see throughout this guide. Thanks to the planet’s real-time global positioning sensor network, it’s all but impossible to get lost on Vulcan.

  TIPS FOR A FUN TRIP

  * * *

  • Travel overland whenever possible. Visitors have access to air vehicles at most tourist-friendly locations around the planet, and transporters are available, but don’t cheat yourself out of the opportunity to observe Vulcan’s wondrous terrain from ground level.

  • There are a number of popular routes that use magnetic-rail trains to connect major population centers with landmarks and other points of interest. Personal desert flyers and other hovercraft are also available for rent or charter.

  • Try to fit in an overnight camping trip at one of the numerous sites in or near Vulcan’s Forge. Hiking trails with experienced guides will lead you to natural landmarks, ancient ruins, and eye-popping scenery.

  • Remember that you’re visiting a desert planet. Humanoids and similar life forms are strongly encouraged to drink sufficient daily quantities of water—or whatever nutrient equivalent is appropriate for your species.

  • For those of you who breathe oxygen, remember that Vulcan’s atmosphere is thinner than that of many worlds that are home to humanoid species. Also, the gravity here is higher. Depending on your physical condition and individual physiology, you may require an acclimation period before undertaking any strenuous activity.

  • There’s a distinct possibility that the planet might not exist in all realities, universes, and timelines. Check with your travel agent for details.

  WHAT TO WEAR

  * * *

  There’s a reason they say, “hot as Vulcan.” The planet�
��s arid, desert climate means plenty of hot days and cool nights, so dress in one or two layers of light clothing made from natural fibers or synthetic substitutes that allow ventilation. Assuming you have appendages, long-sleeve shirts and pants are encouraged, particularly with cuffs you can close to prevent sand from finding its way inside your clothing. Robust footwear suitable for hiking is an absolute must. A light jacket is usually enough for most nighttime activities. During the day, species with sensitivity to light and heat are encouraged to supplement their wardrobe with protective eyewear as well as wide-brimmed headwear.

  With respect to colors and styles, you can get away with pretty much anything in the larger cities, but more conservative dress is encouraged in the smaller provinces and especially in the various temples and historic or religious sites. When hiking in the desert, avoid bright primary colors, as they tend to attract predatory animals. Be especially aware of the le-matya, a large, wolflike beast possessing poisonous claws and uncanny speed.

  LODGING TIPS

  * * *

  Guest lodging is plentiful in all of the larger population centers as well as the other regions that attract a large number of visitors. Major cities like ShiKahr and Vulcana Regar offer accommodations for numerous species from throughout the Federation, but don’t expect such variety in smaller towns or outlying areas. “Be adaptable” should be your motto in these situations. Reservations are encouraged at any time, especially if you’re planning a visit during a prominent event or celebration.

  While hotels and other accommodations in the larger cities and prime tourist hot spots often feature diverse staffs with employees representing any number of races, this will rarely be the case in smaller towns and in the provinces. When arriving at your hotel, remember that Vulcans aren’t rude or even brusque by nature—unlike, for example, the Tellarites, who long ago elevated arguing to an art form. Instead, Vulcans are simply straightforward in most interactions. Unless the hotel employs non-Vulcans, don’t expect small talk or friendly chitchat while checking in or during your other dealings with members of the staff. In more remote locales, be prepared to observe Vulcan customs and traditions throughout your stay. For example, Vulcans are early risers, and meals at many hotels are served on a precise schedule. In fact, punctuality is the order of day in all things, so be late for breakfast at your peril!

  ETIQUETTE

  * * *

  Vulcans are a private, seemingly aloof people. Though they generally welcome outworlders, visitors should be mindful that they may encounter occasional reticence toward strangers, particularly from older members of the population and in those areas that are less traveled.

  Though many Vulcan customs and traditions have become familiar to outsiders thanks to centuries of integration with other worlds, Vulcans prefer to keep certain things to themselves. Much has been written about the pon farr, for example, but it’s still impolite to inquire about this challenging aspect of Vulcan biology, which occurs every seven years of adulthood and robs Vulcans of their emotional control. Few, if any, Vulcans are willing to openly discuss such matters, and almost never with outsiders.

  When moving about in public areas, visitors are reminded to restrain themselves with respect to displays of emotion. No, the entire planet isn’t a giant monastery, but those hoping for an experience similar to Carnival or Mardi Gras on Earth are encouraged to forego a trip to Vulcan and instead consider an extended stay on Risa or Wrigley’s Pleasure Planet.

  While it’s true that representatives from numerous worlds live and work here, there are still areas where outworlders are not permitted. These areas are noted throughout this guide, and tourists are encouraged to familiarize themselves with local customs and protocols whenever they travel to a new location.

  DID YOU KNOW?

  SAYING “HELLO” AND “GOODBYE” ON VULCAN

  Most Vulcans will acknowledge straightforward salutations such as Greetings or Good day, along with more casual forms of address like Hello. However, Vulcans tend toward formality and tradition when greeting or bidding farewell to one another.

  Unlike other species, Vulcans do not shake hands or otherwise touch each other when offering a salutation. Physical contact between Vulcans is a very private, even intimate, act, and it is rare to see such displays in public. What you will see is the customary hand gesture, with the greeter offering the salutation Sochya eh dif, or “Peace and long life.” The party receiving the greeting returns the hand gesture and replies, Dif-tor heh smusma, or “Live long and prosper.”

  Don’t be afraid to greet and say goodbye to Vulcans in this manner. Even if you bungle it the first time, Vulcans will likely appreciate the effort and courtesy you’re extending to them. Just be prepared to have any deficiency in your delivery corrected.

  VULCAN: A BRIEF HISTORY FOR OUTWORLDERS

  * * *

  A PLANET RICH IN HISTORY and culture and boasting a population of more than six billion, Vulcan stands apart from other Federation worlds as home to one of the most intriguing of all civilizations. The people of Vulcan thrive in a wondrous dichotomy between the ancient and the modern, the traditional and the progressive, the reserved and the chaotic. How is all of this possible from a society that prides itself on strict adherence to logic and conformity? The answer to that question is itself shrouded in layers of contradiction.

  A HISTORY OF VIOLENCE

  * * *

  Most outworlders know that Vulcans, despite their celebrated devotion to logic and strict emotional control, were once an aggressive, even barbaric people, embracing a warrior culture similar to that at the heart of the Klingon Empire. During the Age of Expansion, as it’s now known, Vulcan clans combined their numbers, establishing permanent settlements in order to protect areas that offered food, water, and shelter from the planet’s unforgiving environment. Most conflicts during this period were waged over control of such resources, and this innate societal aggression led to the Vulcan people being decimated by several civil wars. At one point, more than two thousand years ago, they found themselves on the brink of annihilation.

  SURAK AND THE TIME OF AWAKENING

  * * *

  As yet another war seemed inevitable, Surak, a Vulcan philosopher, renowned scientist, and outspoken pacifist, increased his efforts to end the protracted aggression and bloodshed. He enlisted emissaries from his growing legions of followers to carry forth his message of peace to the planet’s various governments and military leaders.

  Even in the face of repeated setbacks and the deaths of many of his most ardent supporters, Surak held true to his beliefs until he too died in battle. Despite this tragic loss, Surak’s message of tolerance and inclusion—the celebration of Kol-Ut-Shan or “Infinite Diversity in Infinite Combinations” not just among the Vulcan people but indeed among the limitless varieties of peoples found throughout the universe—soon began to take hold. This turning point in history is known as the Time of Awakening. Because of his unwavering values and leadership, which allowed his people to master their emotions and accept reason and logic as a means of guiding them from the darkness of unremitting conflict, Surak remains the most respected of all Vulcans.

  DID YOU KNOW?

  THERE WERE VULCANS ON EARTH BEFORE OFFICIAL FIRST CONTACT.

  According to the accepted story of the first contact between Vulcans and humans, the crew of a Vulcan spacecraft, while conducting a survey of the Sol system more than three centuries ago, detected a warp-powered vessel and traced its source to Earth. There, the Vulcan crew members first encountered humankind.

  What many people don’t know is that Vulcans had already visited Earth more than a century prior to this historic first meeting. After a small scout craft crashed in a remote area of North America in the mid-twentieth century, the two surviving crew members spent months living among humans and waiting for rescue. A recovery ship eventually arrived on Earth to take the two survivors home, but not before they had received an unprecedented opportunity to observe humanity at a time prior t
o many of the great social and technological achievements that would come to define it.

  A SOCIETY REBORN; A SOCIETY DIVIDED

  * * *

  While some might view them as an isolationist society, Vulcans in truth have long been prominent players in interstellar politics. Following the cessation of their numerous civil wars, the Vulcan people turned their formidable scientific and artistic abilities to the renewed development and expansion of their civilization.

  This was not a universal societal goal, of course, and a portion of the population was not content to follow Surak’s teachings. Not wishing to distance themselves from their emotions, tens of thousands of discontented Vulcans banded together. Knowing they would never be welcome on their home world, they marshaled the necessary resources to seek a new future among the stars. This monumental exodus came to be known as “the Sundering,” a schism between two fundamental sects of the Vulcan people, which remains unhealed to this day. These dissenters eventually found their way to a pair of worlds in a distant region of space, and it was these two planets that would form the foundation of the Romulan Star Empire.

  On Vulcan, progress proceeded apace under this new Age of Reformation. Though the effort took more than 1,500 years, the Vulcan people eventually returned to space and even discovered the ability to travel faster than light. A far-reaching space exploration initiative brought them into contact with numerous worlds and other civilizations, such as the Andorians, Tellarites, and the humans of Earth.