MONDO EXTRAS

In a commercial break, Nimoy gives us a little history on the Vulcan handshake and the accompanying "live long and prosper." He thought Vulcans should have their own way of greeting one another, and came up with it for "Amok Time." He pitched it to the director, and the director went with it. Funny story: I went to a wedding in Newport this past weekend, and when the rabbi gave the final blessing, he held his hand over the bridal couple in the Vulcan handshake. I don't think it was intended, but now Mathra is black and blue from me poking him.

Kirk wants to know what's wrong with Spock, and -- okay, I have to get this down. Kirk says, "Why...must he die...whywithineight days...explain?!" He's worried that it's syphilis. Bones doesn't know, but all Spock's vital signs are screwy, and dammit, he's just not himself lately. "Spock won't tell me what it is, but if it isn't stopped somehow, the physical and emotional pressures will simply kill him!" Bones says. Kirk stares at Bones for a millisecond and then goes into a Melodramatic Muse as he wanders away. "You say you're convinced he knows what it is?" Kirk asks. "He does, and he's as tight-lipped about it as an Aldeberon [sic] shellmouth," Bones confirms colorfully. Kirk leaves, and Bones calls after him, "No use to ask him, Jim, he won't talk." Kirk's retreating back is all, "Says you!"

In his quarters, Spock stares at a computer photograph of a possessed-looking Vulcan child. His door buzzes, and he allows Kirk in. Kirk tells Spock that he's aware of the Deathwatch Beetle at his door, and he wants to know what can be done. Can of Raid? Very large shoe? Spock looks down and doesn't say anything. "Is it something only your planet can do for you?" Kirk wonders. Spock avoids him, and Kirk grabs his hand, pleading, "Spock!" urgently. Slash -- it's not just an ornamental cut in medieval clothing anymore. Holding a pointy object, Spock's hand shakes in Kirk's grasp, and Kirk gets concerned. Spock wrenches himself out of Kirk's disturbing grasp. Kirk looks hurt and rails at him, "You've been called the best first officer in the fleet. That's an enormous ass...ettome. IF I have to LOSE...thatfirstofficer, I want to know why." Spock gets up and mopes around his quarters. "It is a thing no Outworlder may know except those very few who have been involved." Ooh! Ooh! Did you notice that? He said "except those very few" -- bet Bermaga are holding onto that for dear life! "Vulcan understands, but even we do not speak of it among ourselves. It is a deeply personal thing. Can you see that, Captain, and understand?" Spock pleads. Kirk mulishly says he can't, and orders him to explain. Spock tells him that there are some things which "trahnscend" his duty to the service. Kirk wants to know if Spock could be persuaded by his promise to zip his lips and throw away the key.