Prologue

Most people remember the one who trail blazed a new path, the first to go or the first to accomplish the feat of the century. The same was true of Lieutenant Commander Spock, the first Vulcan to enter Starfleet and earn the ambitious role of science officer aboard the U.S.S. Enterprise.

But what most people often forget is the one who came after, the inspired follower, intending to make for themselves a name and a future. T'Rindtlnyxe was among these driven individuals. She entered Starfleet after placing aside acceptance into one of Vulcan's top universities. There in Starfleet she gained the nickname T'Rin, due to the incredible challenge of pronouncing her Vulcan name among her human acquaintances.

She studied many sciences, mathematics, histories, astrophysics, a wide variety of interplanetary literature, and even the arts. Her interests were everywhere as she sought a path in life; but true to her Vulcan nature, T'Rin logically eliminated any unfavorable roads. She wanted to be the best. Therefore, she had to choose according to her best gifts and abilities.

One particular evening of study found T'Rin in the Daestrom Library. She brushed away a lock of long auburn hair while intently analyzing A Series of Klingon Wars: Batlh and tuHmoH, an immensely thick text jammed with detailed passages of Klingons describing their victoires. T'Rin sat alone well after closing time, a priviledge given to her by the benevolent librarian who saw a unique determination rarely found at the Academy. After a few sips of hot peach tea, she looked out of the library's front wall made of complete glass. Her lips parted in awe.

A stunning San Francisco night sky shone before her deep blue eyes. She was very familiar with the warrior Orion, Pisces the Fish, and her favorite, the Pleiades. Their name had a direct translation from Ancient Earth's Greek: "to sail". T'Rin took in the starlight. She could not waste her enrollment in Starfleet and end up in some mining colony. Spock's accomplishments piled high above her already, what could she do to match and one day surpass him? T'Rin saw the Pleiades twinkling back at her. Her eyes widened slightly. Exploiting Spock through her own performance would require besting him in his most comfortable state. In other words, aboard the Enterprise. Setting sail among the stars would be a good place to begin.

Just as the Vulcan stood quietly in thought, her roommate Merida came running with enthusiasm at discovering her friend.

"T'Rin! Thought I'd find you here, always staring at the sky," she placed her hands on her curvy hips, "Come on, it's late girl. You need your rest for Professor Pike's test tomorrow. It's not like you to be ill-prepared."

T'Rin clapsed her hands uniformly in the small of her back. Merida. Always worried. Typical of humans, to be swayed by anxiety. Tonight there was no need. T'Rin turned on a dime to face her roommate.

"Your concern is noted and valued, Merida, nonetheless I have a new priority."

Merida looked at her friend quizzically.

"Wha- hold on what now?"

T'Rin looked directly into her eyes with a gaze of the utmost sincerity.

"I am going to be the stellar cartographer of the U.S.S Enterprise."