RIP Mr. Spock, 2230-2387?

We recently lost one of the true giants of science, space exploration, interstellar diplomacy and pithy observations of human behavior. The logic to counterbalance Bones McCoy's passions, he was the yin for Bones' yang, helping to make Kirk a more complete Captain. But he was much more. As a half human, half Vulcan, Mr. Spock was the ultimate outsider who made himself essential to those around him. By not fitting in with either of his cultures, he was able to stand outside of them and understand them better than they sometimes understood themselves. Spock refused to deny his human side and become the fully logical Vulcan, but he was able to suppress his emotions when it was crucial to the Enterprise's survival as Kirk spoke in dramatic pauses. Yet he shed a tear for V'Ger.

Spock was born to Vulcan diplomat Sarek and human school teacher Amanda Grayson. Spock blazed new trails early, being the first Vulcan to join Starfleet. This decision did not sit well with his father, however, and relations were strained between father and son for many years to follow. Spock first served under Captain Christopher Pike (along with his future captain, James Tiberius Kirk). By 2265, Spock had risen to the the rank of Lieutenant Commander, first officer and science officer on the U.S.S. Enterprise under Kirk for a five year mission. After the mission's completion, during which he saved Kirk and the Enterprise crew's collective ass many times, he returned to Vulcan to purge all emotions, but the presence of V'Ger spurred Spock to return to service on the Enterprise.

Perhaps most impressive of his many feats was sacrificing his life in order to repair plasma conduits (despite Scotty's hysterical objections), allowing the Enterprise to escape the detonation of the Genesis Device by the evil but sexy Ricardo Montalban. Just to screw with him, Spock chose Bones of all people to transfer his katra through one hell of a mind-meld. But no worries, because Spock actually CAME BACK TO LIFE due to regeneration on the new Genesis planet (it also may be related to the fact that some earthling named Leonard Nimoy was offered lots of money and a chance to direct Star Trek III and IV. I'm not sure if that has anything to do with Spock's sudden regeneration or not. Perhaps it was just coincidence.)

Anyway, Spock's later accomplishments were more in the field of diplomacy, where he negotiated a peace accord with the Klingons, and later attempted to make peace between the Vulcans and the Romulans. Mr. Spock was also a master three dimensional chess player, as well as an accomplished musician.

Live long and prosper, Mr. Spock. Live long and prosper.

ABOVE: Earth nation Canada has apparently honored Mr. Spock by placing him on their five pound note