The Autobiography of James T. Kirk (45 page)

I laugh. The cycle, it’s starting again. I’m not finished with the Galaxy, not ready to walk away from command. I want more.

But then, who doesn’t?

*
EDITOR’S NOTE:
Hodgkin’s Law of Parallel Planet Development was from a theory first proposed by the 21st-century biologist A. E. Hodgkin. He showed that if two planets had a similar biology, this could translate over time to similar societal developments. His theory was proven after his death when parallel humanoid societies were discovered across the Galaxy.

*
EDITOR’S NOTE:
This is a well-known Vulcan proverb, but its origin is unclear. It derives from the events of 20th-century Earth, when President of the United States Richard Nixon opened diplomatic relations with Communist China. The meaning of the proverb refers to the fact that it was considered a political success because of Nixon’s career history of being a virulent anti-Communist; as such, none of his opponents could accuse him of being “soft” on Communism. It is unclear, however, what Vulcan was a student of Earth history to the extent that they created a proverb. And it couldn’t be “ancient,” as the events it referred to were only 300 years old.

Kirk’s graduation photo from the academy yearbook.

The travel pass issued to young Kirk for his journey to Tarsus IV.

James Kirk with his friend Gary Mitchell taken aboard the
U.S.S. Hotspur
.

Kirk’s diploma from Starfleet Academy.

Kirk, Spock, and Yeoman Janice Rand taken around 2266.

A painting from the Starfleet Museum that commemorates the meeting of James Kirk and Christopher Pike. (The illustration favors Kirk; in reality, Pike was several inches taller.)

Photos and artifacts from Kirk’s journey to the 1930s found among his belongings after his death. Edith Keeler is seen in the photo strip, a common souvenir in 20th-century Earth.

This handwritten draft of a message to his son David, whom he had not met, was among Kirk’s effects. From the events described, it’s estimated to have been written in 2268 when David Marcus was around seven. It appears the message was never sent.

Dr. Carol Marcus and her son David, at age two.

Kirk, Spock, and Dr. Leonard McCoy on a camping trip to Yosemite National Park in 2287.

Kirk and Spock during Kirk’s first year as commander of the
U.S.S. Enterprise
.