Entry tags:
Luceti Application
Name: Elle
Journal Username:![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png)
spohkh
E-mail: lianebeaulac@yahoo.ca
AIM: Spohkhs
PLURK: Spohkh
CHARACTER
Name: S'chn T'gai Spock
Canon: Star Trek: Into Darkness
Gender: Male
Age: 29
Wing Color: Black
Canon Point: The moment that Spock is beamed back onto the ship after finally being able to subdue Khan. Instead of beaming back onto the ship where he can give Kirk the blood he supposedly needs to live, Spock would be landing in Luceti.
Canon Point Explanation: There has been a lot of character development and growth for Spock in the most recent movie, and I would like to be able to incorporate that into game-play.
History: http://en.memory-alpha.org/wiki/Spock_(alternate_reality)
Personality:
“Mr. Spock. The mind of the Enterprise. The fearless genius who ensures a calm force of intelligence guides their every mission. But look deeper and you will see an outsider who does not belong, a man of two worlds. This tears him apart, the constant battle between what he thinks and what he feels. What does he do? Does he follow his head, embracing logic and the path of reason? Or does he follow his heart, knowing the emotions he cannot control may destroy him?” That quote from the 'Into Darkess' trailers pretty much sums up Spock, but for the sake of the application, we will expand.
On the outside, almost everything about Spock appears stereotypically Vulcan. He is the epitome of cool, calm and collected; professional to the extreme in many ways, and he takes great care to mirror these Vulcan ideals. An example of this is seen in Spock's formal speech patterns, his great effort to remain composed during a crisis situation, and how he takes care not to demonstrate anything that could be considered favoritism towards those who are close to him. It's even found in the way he occasionally straightens his uniform when he stands.
Spock was born and raised on Vulcan, where the teachings and traditions of Surak are adhered. The main purpose of this discipline is to maintain that logic should dictate all thoughts and actions, and that emotions should be deeply repressed. In Pre-Surakian history Vulcans were ruled by emotions, and they were known to be a violent, warrior race. According to Spock's father, Sarek, emotions run deeply and strongly within Vulcans, and, in many ways, are stronger then that of Humans’. Without logic to keep them in check, Vulcans are prone to becoming dangerously aggressive.
As much as Spock tries to appear purely Vulcan, he is actually quite conflicted. Spock, with a mixed heratige, is half Vulcan and half Human; two halves that he has had a difficult time reconciling with one another. To say Spock is completely ruled and motivated by logic would be untrue; the fact is he has a very emotional need for acceptance among his Vulcan peers. However, this driving need for acceptance mostely stems from his Vulcan father, and that is what drives Spock to hide his emotions under an icy mask of logic, boardering on superiority. But he's not completely Vulcan, he's also half Human, and it is this side that occasionally surfaces. Sometimes these breaches in his façade can have dangerous consequences... for example: when he nearly strangled Cadet Kirk on the bridge, or chased after Khan with every intention of killing him. Spock believes that becoming emotional is not only a hindrance to his duty, but also a detriment to the people he cares about. And that is why he remains separate, while also seeking acceptance.
Spock's duality would be the main reason why he cultivated several options for himself. Acheiving Kolinahr (a Vulcan practice that purges all emotion), as well as gaining an admission into the Vulcan Science Academy (VSA) are among the highest goals a Vulcan can ever hope for, and yet Spock turned it all down for a career with Starfleet. Spock is aware that Vulcans don't typically join the military; such a move went against everything a traditional Vulcan was expected to do. The Vulcan High Council accused him of trying to satisfy his Human half’s need for rebellion. Though this accusation may have had some truth (because the council did inadvertantly insult his mother), Spock was more likely satisfying a need to find a place where both sides of himself could be tolerated, perhaps even embraced.
This is not to say that Spock shuns traditional aspects of Vulcan culture, on the contrary, as mentioned earlier, he’s very serious about following the practices and logical ways of Surak. There are even traditional Vulcan dietary practices Spock follows, such as not eating meat and never touching food with his hands. Also, despite being a military officer, Spock only resorts to fighting when he is emotionally compromised or experiencing some form of mental instability (inhebriated...). Otherwise, he considers 'brawling' a very uncultured and undignified way to handle a dispute, which is an attitude common among most Vulcans. He is much more likely to deal with an enemy assailant using a quick and effiecent neck pinch.
Needless to say, it’s the satisfaction of scientific research that makes serving onboard a starship relevant to his interests. What's appealing about Spock throughout his journeys is his combination of innocence and naivete with dark, alien mysteries. Spock has a curiosity that is insatiable, and paired with a Vulcan strength he seems to never slow down nor tire of his research. He respects all life forms, and generally dislikes taking life if he believes there are other alternatives. However, this isn’t always the case. As a Vulcan, his deeply hidden emotional ties that he shares with only a few people in his life cause him to react instinctually when compromised or turned agressive. This can be seen when after Kirk's death, Spock literally hunts down Khan with every intention of annihilating him. The only reason he stopped was Kirk's name, and the promise that his friend could be saved. This moment shows so much growth in the Vulcan, as he seems to finally understand and grasp the value of friendship, and how much he is willing to do to protect those who are close to him.
His relationship with his mother, Amanda Grayson, is an important aspect of Spock’s duality. While Spock often endured harsh criticism and bullying from his peers growing up, his mother often assured him that, no matter what path he chose, she would always be proud of him. In this sense, Amanda may have been the only person in Spock’s life prior to starfleet who truly accepted him regardless of which half he chose to identify with. She meant a great deal to him, and seems to be a large factor in the motivations behind his choices. The way he declined admission into the VSA could be considered a huge example of this, as well as how upset he gets when people speak ill of her, or imply he didn’t care about her.
Her death resulted in a profound emotional break-down, with an overwhelming sense of grief, regret and anger. It’s likely he harbours guilt for not being able to express his love for her more freely; the fact she’s gone now probably doesn’t help matters much. In some ways, its Spock's Human half that may be what preserves her memory the strongest. This combined with Spock Prime’s advice to put logic aside in favor of doing what feels right may have left Spock with more of an appreciation for this Human half. He even said so himself that Earth was the only real home he had left.
However, since a year has passed since the death of Amanda Grayson, Spock has finally started to acknowledge his regret for not being able to save her, and properly grieve. On the other hand, this regret to save another is experienced once again after the death of Admiral Pike, who had been a great mentor for both Kirk and Spock.
Even so, his inner struggle to feel comfortable in his own skin appears to be an ongoing battle. On one hand, he seems to have learned that acknowledging his Human half isn’t such a bad thing... but on the other hand, his ties to the Vulcan people are stronger than ever since the destruction of their planet. Spock even considered leaving Starfleet in favor of helping his people build a Vulcan colony for those that survived the devestation. Perhaps he believes that a way to find his true self lies in his developing friendship with James T. Kirk. Spock’s “future self” from the prime reality said this relationship would help define who he was. With this in mind, it’s very easy to see why he decided not to resign from Starfleet after all, instead choosing to serve as Kirk’s First Officer and Science Officer.
To expand on that, the movie 'Into Darkness' sees Spock mature in many ways. Though while he remains characteristically stubborn about admitting to Kirk that they are indeed friends, his loyalty to the ship and her Captain is quite obvious (as can be seen when Spock once again becomes Captain, and attempts to save everyone by paralelling George Kirk's actions... but everyone refuses to budge.). Spock regards the Enterprise more 'home' now than ever, as if he is meant to be there. The obvious disappointment when Spock is transferred after Kirk loses his ship just goes to show that he does indeed have a preference. But, he doesn't make a fuss and as always follows orders because that is the logical thing to do.
There are other aspects of Spock’s personality that is witnessed in the original series that hint at a more pronounced duality. For example, he’s scientific, but also displays proficiency in the arts. He gets along fairly well with animals (tribbles and cats, for example), but finds being around children awkward. He can be insensitive to the plights of others (and will admit as much if confronted about it), and yet he’s demonstrated a good bedside manner on more than one occasion. These attributes are likely present in his movie counterpart as well. Contrary to what Dr. McCoy might tell you, Spock does have a personality. It's distinct and multi-layered, and - like most of us - he'll act differently around different people. Very few get to see the "real" Spock under the Vulcan cool, and we might be just as grateful for this!
From the movie 'Into Darkness', we can see a more human side of Spock that is gently controlled, and you can almost see how the transition from the young Spock to the old (and much cooler Leonard Nimoy) Spock. For example, Spock's willingness to die to save a multitude of others (because the needs of the many outweigh the needs of the few) disturbs his friend Nyota. She offhandedly states that just because he doesn't fear death doesn't mean that he shouldn't take others feelings into consideration.
Nyota Uhura: At that volcano, you didn't give a thought to us. What it would do to me if you died, Spock. You didn't feel anything. You didn't care. And I'm not the only one who's upset with you. The Captain is, too.
James T. Kirk: No, no, no. Don't drag me into this. She is right.
Spock: Your suggestion that I do not care about dying is incorrect. A sentient being's optimal chance at maximizing their utility is a long and prosperous life.
Nyota Uhura: Great.
James T. Kirk: Not exactly a love song, Spock.
Spock: You misunderstand. It is true I chose not to feel anything upon realizing my own life was ending. As Admiral Pike was dying, I joined with his consciousness and experienced what he felt at the moment of his passing. Anger. Confusion. Loneliness. Fear. I had experienced those feelings before, multiplied exponentially on the day my planet was destroyed. Such a feeling is something I choose never to experience again. Nyota, you mistake my my choice to feel as a reflection of my not caring. Well, I assure you, the truth is precisely the opposite.
Here does Spock not only show that he still mourns his home planet and his mother, but that he cares deeply. Again, I feel that this gives us a resonance of what Spock is to become in his older counterpart. In an episode of TNG, Data approaches Ambassador Spock and asks him that 'as you examine your life, do you find you have missed your humanity?' Spock says that 'he has no regrets.'
Data is confused, 'no regrets?' That is a human expression.' Ambassador Spock is silent for a moment, then said 'yes.... fascinating.' Spock seems to be embracing his human side while still maintaining strict Vulcan control.
Unless of course, something drastic happens.
Strengths:
Physical:
It is understood that Vulcans have around three times the strength than that of an average human. Spock, being a Vulcan/Human hybrid is of no exception.
Physical Control: The hormonal activity within the Vulcan body can be regulated consciously by trained Vulcans. This allows such individuals to control their adrenaline, thyroid, and other metabolic systems which, in turn, allows them to alter their heart rate, oxygen consumption, and other bodily resources. This training also gives Vulcans amazing recuperative abilities, allowing them to control their bodies to repair internal or structural damage at an accelerated rate while in a self-induced hypnosis. (TOS episode: "A Private Little War") This process is also known as a healing trance.
Vulcans are also capable of surviving for long durations without food or sleep. Under stress, Vulcans can do without sleep for weeks. ( TOS episode “The Paradise Syndrome”) A possible exception to this control is during the reproductive cycle, Pon farr. Unless the Pon Farr satisfied, a Vulcan would die within eight days of the process beginning. (TOS episode: "Amok Time"; VOY episode: "Blood Fever")
Highly trained in Martial Arts. The one that Spock was most known for in TOS, though it was shown briefly during the Narada fight scene in the movie (only if you knew what to look for) was Suus Mahna. Suus Mahna is an elegant Vulcan martial art that draws its roots back to the days before the teachings of Surak had tamed the Vulcan spirit. It draws upon internal strength, using the body's own energy to perform the techniques. The style is graceful, and eschews brute force for speed and alacrity. The primary repertoire of a Suus Mahna fighter involves using one's opponent's energy and strength against them. Suus Mahna could be considered a "fluid" art, believing in presenting nothing for an opponent to strike.
Mental:
Many Vulcans are contact telepaths, and they have been observed taking part in a number of telepathy-related actions and rituals, including an instance where Commander Spock was telepathically aware of the simultaneous deaths of 400 other Vulcans on a faraway ship, the U.S.S. Intrepid, whose crew was entirely Vulcan. (TOS episode "The Immunity Syndrome,")
A "mind-meld" is a technique for sharing thoughts, experiences, memories, and knowledge with another individual. It usually requires physical contact with a subject, though instances of mind-melds without contact have been seen. Mind melds have been used to erase memories, as Spock performed on James T. Kirk in the TOS episode "Requiem for Methuselah." Mind melds can also allow more than one mind to experience memories and sensations, and sometimes even interact with the memories. Examples of this can be seen during the Narada invasion; Spock melds with the Romulan guard to locate Captain Christopher Pike, and again during Pike's death.
Emotional:
Vulcans, as a matter of custom and policy, suppress or think past all emotional influence by living lives of rigid emotional self-control through meditative techniques and training of mental discipline. Vulcans are not depicted as having no emotions; although they themselves make this claim, Vulcans are exceptionally emotional. They developed techniques to suppress their emotions precisely because of the damage they can cause if unchecked.
Vulcans were known for their high degree of honesty. They were extremely reluctant to tell a lie, and indeed it was said that "Vulcans could not lie". However, they would do so for what they perceived as logical reasons, though they rarely referred to their dishonesty as "lying." An example of this was provided by Spock Prime in the Motion Picture.
[Spock notices a elder Vulcan walking in the docking bay]
Spock: Father!
[the elder Vulcan turns and is revealed as Spock Prime]
Spock Prime: I am not our father.
[Young Spock, now recognizing who he is, approaches]
Spock Prime: There are so few Vulcans left, we cannot afford to ignore each other.
Spock: Then why did you send Kirk aboard when you alone could have explained the truth?
Spock Prime: Because you needed each other. I could not deprive you of the revelation of all that you could accomplish together, of a friendship that will define you both in ways you cannot yet realize.
Spock: How did you persuade him to keep your secret?
Spock Prime: He inferred that universe-ending paradoxes would ensue should he break his promise.
Spock: You lied.
Spock Prime: Aww... I... I implied.
Spock: A gamble.
Spock Prime: An act of faith. One I hope that you will repeat in your future in Starfleet.
Spock: In the face of extinction, it is only logical that I resign my Starfleet commission and help rebuild our race.
Spock Prime: And, yet, you can be in two places at once. I urge you to remain in Starfleet. I have already located a suitable planet on which to establish a Vulcan colony. Spock, in this case, do yourself a favour: Put aside logic. Do what feels right.
[Spock Prime turns and leaves]
Spock Prime: Since my customary farewell would appear oddly self-serving, I shall simply say...
[Shows Vulcan hand salute]
Spock Prime: Good luck.
Weaknesses:
Physical:
Pon Farr is a psycho-physical condition affecting Vulcans, in which Vulcan males and females go into heat every seven years, going into a blood fever, becoming violent, and finally dying if they do not mate with someone with whom they are telepathically bonded or engage in the ritual battle known as kal-if-fee. The most famous example of this process is given in the TOS episode 'Amok Time' where Spock became physically and emotionally violent on board the Enterprise.
Mental & Emotional:
Amanda Grayson: As much as they claim to have complete control over their emotions, Vulcans have been known to lose emotional and mental control. High stress situations can be a factor as is seen when Spock is goaded into a fight when Kirk questions Spock's love for his mother. However, Spock did just lose his planet and had watched his mother die.
One thing that is noted as being different between reboot Spock and Spock from TOS is that the younger version is prone to showing frustration, irritation, anger, and a sense of cockiness that rivals Kirk's but in a different way. We can see examples of this during the hearing where Kirk is brought under charges for cheating on the Kobayashi Maru. However, Spock's tendency of 'know-it-all' ism seems to be a universal constant.
Considering Into Darkness, while Spock may be doing well in embracing his humanity in small ways, he still holds onto very strict Vulcan control unless in private moments with those close to him. Sometimes, during a drastic situation, his emotional control cracks. For example, the scene in the movie where Kirk sacrifices his life to save the ship, Spock has to watch him die. James T. Kirk: I'm scared, Spock... help me not to be... how do you choose not to feel?
Spock: I do not know. Right now, I am failing.
James T. Kirk: I wanted you to know why I couldn't let you die... why I went back for you...
Spock: Because you are my friend.
Here we see Spock cry over the death of his friend, and then completely lose control as he attempts to hunt down and destroy Khan.
It is unproved that Spock has weaknesses for the following: Cats, Tribbles and Chocolate.
Journal Username:
spohkhE-mail: lianebeaulac@yahoo.ca
AIM: Spohkhs
PLURK: Spohkh
CHARACTER
Name: S'chn T'gai Spock
Canon: Star Trek: Into Darkness
Gender: Male
Age: 29
Wing Color: Black
Canon Point: The moment that Spock is beamed back onto the ship after finally being able to subdue Khan. Instead of beaming back onto the ship where he can give Kirk the blood he supposedly needs to live, Spock would be landing in Luceti.
Canon Point Explanation: There has been a lot of character development and growth for Spock in the most recent movie, and I would like to be able to incorporate that into game-play.
History: http://en.memory-alpha.org/wiki/Spock_(alternate_reality)
Personality:
“Mr. Spock. The mind of the Enterprise. The fearless genius who ensures a calm force of intelligence guides their every mission. But look deeper and you will see an outsider who does not belong, a man of two worlds. This tears him apart, the constant battle between what he thinks and what he feels. What does he do? Does he follow his head, embracing logic and the path of reason? Or does he follow his heart, knowing the emotions he cannot control may destroy him?” That quote from the 'Into Darkess' trailers pretty much sums up Spock, but for the sake of the application, we will expand.
On the outside, almost everything about Spock appears stereotypically Vulcan. He is the epitome of cool, calm and collected; professional to the extreme in many ways, and he takes great care to mirror these Vulcan ideals. An example of this is seen in Spock's formal speech patterns, his great effort to remain composed during a crisis situation, and how he takes care not to demonstrate anything that could be considered favoritism towards those who are close to him. It's even found in the way he occasionally straightens his uniform when he stands.
Spock was born and raised on Vulcan, where the teachings and traditions of Surak are adhered. The main purpose of this discipline is to maintain that logic should dictate all thoughts and actions, and that emotions should be deeply repressed. In Pre-Surakian history Vulcans were ruled by emotions, and they were known to be a violent, warrior race. According to Spock's father, Sarek, emotions run deeply and strongly within Vulcans, and, in many ways, are stronger then that of Humans’. Without logic to keep them in check, Vulcans are prone to becoming dangerously aggressive.
As much as Spock tries to appear purely Vulcan, he is actually quite conflicted. Spock, with a mixed heratige, is half Vulcan and half Human; two halves that he has had a difficult time reconciling with one another. To say Spock is completely ruled and motivated by logic would be untrue; the fact is he has a very emotional need for acceptance among his Vulcan peers. However, this driving need for acceptance mostely stems from his Vulcan father, and that is what drives Spock to hide his emotions under an icy mask of logic, boardering on superiority. But he's not completely Vulcan, he's also half Human, and it is this side that occasionally surfaces. Sometimes these breaches in his façade can have dangerous consequences... for example: when he nearly strangled Cadet Kirk on the bridge, or chased after Khan with every intention of killing him. Spock believes that becoming emotional is not only a hindrance to his duty, but also a detriment to the people he cares about. And that is why he remains separate, while also seeking acceptance.
Spock's duality would be the main reason why he cultivated several options for himself. Acheiving Kolinahr (a Vulcan practice that purges all emotion), as well as gaining an admission into the Vulcan Science Academy (VSA) are among the highest goals a Vulcan can ever hope for, and yet Spock turned it all down for a career with Starfleet. Spock is aware that Vulcans don't typically join the military; such a move went against everything a traditional Vulcan was expected to do. The Vulcan High Council accused him of trying to satisfy his Human half’s need for rebellion. Though this accusation may have had some truth (because the council did inadvertantly insult his mother), Spock was more likely satisfying a need to find a place where both sides of himself could be tolerated, perhaps even embraced.
This is not to say that Spock shuns traditional aspects of Vulcan culture, on the contrary, as mentioned earlier, he’s very serious about following the practices and logical ways of Surak. There are even traditional Vulcan dietary practices Spock follows, such as not eating meat and never touching food with his hands. Also, despite being a military officer, Spock only resorts to fighting when he is emotionally compromised or experiencing some form of mental instability (inhebriated...). Otherwise, he considers 'brawling' a very uncultured and undignified way to handle a dispute, which is an attitude common among most Vulcans. He is much more likely to deal with an enemy assailant using a quick and effiecent neck pinch.
Needless to say, it’s the satisfaction of scientific research that makes serving onboard a starship relevant to his interests. What's appealing about Spock throughout his journeys is his combination of innocence and naivete with dark, alien mysteries. Spock has a curiosity that is insatiable, and paired with a Vulcan strength he seems to never slow down nor tire of his research. He respects all life forms, and generally dislikes taking life if he believes there are other alternatives. However, this isn’t always the case. As a Vulcan, his deeply hidden emotional ties that he shares with only a few people in his life cause him to react instinctually when compromised or turned agressive. This can be seen when after Kirk's death, Spock literally hunts down Khan with every intention of annihilating him. The only reason he stopped was Kirk's name, and the promise that his friend could be saved. This moment shows so much growth in the Vulcan, as he seems to finally understand and grasp the value of friendship, and how much he is willing to do to protect those who are close to him.
His relationship with his mother, Amanda Grayson, is an important aspect of Spock’s duality. While Spock often endured harsh criticism and bullying from his peers growing up, his mother often assured him that, no matter what path he chose, she would always be proud of him. In this sense, Amanda may have been the only person in Spock’s life prior to starfleet who truly accepted him regardless of which half he chose to identify with. She meant a great deal to him, and seems to be a large factor in the motivations behind his choices. The way he declined admission into the VSA could be considered a huge example of this, as well as how upset he gets when people speak ill of her, or imply he didn’t care about her.
Her death resulted in a profound emotional break-down, with an overwhelming sense of grief, regret and anger. It’s likely he harbours guilt for not being able to express his love for her more freely; the fact she’s gone now probably doesn’t help matters much. In some ways, its Spock's Human half that may be what preserves her memory the strongest. This combined with Spock Prime’s advice to put logic aside in favor of doing what feels right may have left Spock with more of an appreciation for this Human half. He even said so himself that Earth was the only real home he had left.
However, since a year has passed since the death of Amanda Grayson, Spock has finally started to acknowledge his regret for not being able to save her, and properly grieve. On the other hand, this regret to save another is experienced once again after the death of Admiral Pike, who had been a great mentor for both Kirk and Spock.
Even so, his inner struggle to feel comfortable in his own skin appears to be an ongoing battle. On one hand, he seems to have learned that acknowledging his Human half isn’t such a bad thing... but on the other hand, his ties to the Vulcan people are stronger than ever since the destruction of their planet. Spock even considered leaving Starfleet in favor of helping his people build a Vulcan colony for those that survived the devestation. Perhaps he believes that a way to find his true self lies in his developing friendship with James T. Kirk. Spock’s “future self” from the prime reality said this relationship would help define who he was. With this in mind, it’s very easy to see why he decided not to resign from Starfleet after all, instead choosing to serve as Kirk’s First Officer and Science Officer.
To expand on that, the movie 'Into Darkness' sees Spock mature in many ways. Though while he remains characteristically stubborn about admitting to Kirk that they are indeed friends, his loyalty to the ship and her Captain is quite obvious (as can be seen when Spock once again becomes Captain, and attempts to save everyone by paralelling George Kirk's actions... but everyone refuses to budge.). Spock regards the Enterprise more 'home' now than ever, as if he is meant to be there. The obvious disappointment when Spock is transferred after Kirk loses his ship just goes to show that he does indeed have a preference. But, he doesn't make a fuss and as always follows orders because that is the logical thing to do.
There are other aspects of Spock’s personality that is witnessed in the original series that hint at a more pronounced duality. For example, he’s scientific, but also displays proficiency in the arts. He gets along fairly well with animals (tribbles and cats, for example), but finds being around children awkward. He can be insensitive to the plights of others (and will admit as much if confronted about it), and yet he’s demonstrated a good bedside manner on more than one occasion. These attributes are likely present in his movie counterpart as well. Contrary to what Dr. McCoy might tell you, Spock does have a personality. It's distinct and multi-layered, and - like most of us - he'll act differently around different people. Very few get to see the "real" Spock under the Vulcan cool, and we might be just as grateful for this!
From the movie 'Into Darkness', we can see a more human side of Spock that is gently controlled, and you can almost see how the transition from the young Spock to the old (and much cooler Leonard Nimoy) Spock. For example, Spock's willingness to die to save a multitude of others (because the needs of the many outweigh the needs of the few) disturbs his friend Nyota. She offhandedly states that just because he doesn't fear death doesn't mean that he shouldn't take others feelings into consideration.
Nyota Uhura: At that volcano, you didn't give a thought to us. What it would do to me if you died, Spock. You didn't feel anything. You didn't care. And I'm not the only one who's upset with you. The Captain is, too.
James T. Kirk: No, no, no. Don't drag me into this. She is right.
Spock: Your suggestion that I do not care about dying is incorrect. A sentient being's optimal chance at maximizing their utility is a long and prosperous life.
Nyota Uhura: Great.
James T. Kirk: Not exactly a love song, Spock.
Spock: You misunderstand. It is true I chose not to feel anything upon realizing my own life was ending. As Admiral Pike was dying, I joined with his consciousness and experienced what he felt at the moment of his passing. Anger. Confusion. Loneliness. Fear. I had experienced those feelings before, multiplied exponentially on the day my planet was destroyed. Such a feeling is something I choose never to experience again. Nyota, you mistake my my choice to feel as a reflection of my not caring. Well, I assure you, the truth is precisely the opposite.
Here does Spock not only show that he still mourns his home planet and his mother, but that he cares deeply. Again, I feel that this gives us a resonance of what Spock is to become in his older counterpart. In an episode of TNG, Data approaches Ambassador Spock and asks him that 'as you examine your life, do you find you have missed your humanity?' Spock says that 'he has no regrets.'
Data is confused, 'no regrets?' That is a human expression.' Ambassador Spock is silent for a moment, then said 'yes.... fascinating.' Spock seems to be embracing his human side while still maintaining strict Vulcan control.
Unless of course, something drastic happens.
Strengths:
Physical:
It is understood that Vulcans have around three times the strength than that of an average human. Spock, being a Vulcan/Human hybrid is of no exception.
Physical Control: The hormonal activity within the Vulcan body can be regulated consciously by trained Vulcans. This allows such individuals to control their adrenaline, thyroid, and other metabolic systems which, in turn, allows them to alter their heart rate, oxygen consumption, and other bodily resources. This training also gives Vulcans amazing recuperative abilities, allowing them to control their bodies to repair internal or structural damage at an accelerated rate while in a self-induced hypnosis. (TOS episode: "A Private Little War") This process is also known as a healing trance.
Vulcans are also capable of surviving for long durations without food or sleep. Under stress, Vulcans can do without sleep for weeks. ( TOS episode “The Paradise Syndrome”) A possible exception to this control is during the reproductive cycle, Pon farr. Unless the Pon Farr satisfied, a Vulcan would die within eight days of the process beginning. (TOS episode: "Amok Time"; VOY episode: "Blood Fever")
Highly trained in Martial Arts. The one that Spock was most known for in TOS, though it was shown briefly during the Narada fight scene in the movie (only if you knew what to look for) was Suus Mahna. Suus Mahna is an elegant Vulcan martial art that draws its roots back to the days before the teachings of Surak had tamed the Vulcan spirit. It draws upon internal strength, using the body's own energy to perform the techniques. The style is graceful, and eschews brute force for speed and alacrity. The primary repertoire of a Suus Mahna fighter involves using one's opponent's energy and strength against them. Suus Mahna could be considered a "fluid" art, believing in presenting nothing for an opponent to strike.
Mental:
Many Vulcans are contact telepaths, and they have been observed taking part in a number of telepathy-related actions and rituals, including an instance where Commander Spock was telepathically aware of the simultaneous deaths of 400 other Vulcans on a faraway ship, the U.S.S. Intrepid, whose crew was entirely Vulcan. (TOS episode "The Immunity Syndrome,")
A "mind-meld" is a technique for sharing thoughts, experiences, memories, and knowledge with another individual. It usually requires physical contact with a subject, though instances of mind-melds without contact have been seen. Mind melds have been used to erase memories, as Spock performed on James T. Kirk in the TOS episode "Requiem for Methuselah." Mind melds can also allow more than one mind to experience memories and sensations, and sometimes even interact with the memories. Examples of this can be seen during the Narada invasion; Spock melds with the Romulan guard to locate Captain Christopher Pike, and again during Pike's death.
Emotional:
Vulcans, as a matter of custom and policy, suppress or think past all emotional influence by living lives of rigid emotional self-control through meditative techniques and training of mental discipline. Vulcans are not depicted as having no emotions; although they themselves make this claim, Vulcans are exceptionally emotional. They developed techniques to suppress their emotions precisely because of the damage they can cause if unchecked.
Vulcans were known for their high degree of honesty. They were extremely reluctant to tell a lie, and indeed it was said that "Vulcans could not lie". However, they would do so for what they perceived as logical reasons, though they rarely referred to their dishonesty as "lying." An example of this was provided by Spock Prime in the Motion Picture.
[Spock notices a elder Vulcan walking in the docking bay]
Spock: Father!
[the elder Vulcan turns and is revealed as Spock Prime]
Spock Prime: I am not our father.
[Young Spock, now recognizing who he is, approaches]
Spock Prime: There are so few Vulcans left, we cannot afford to ignore each other.
Spock: Then why did you send Kirk aboard when you alone could have explained the truth?
Spock Prime: Because you needed each other. I could not deprive you of the revelation of all that you could accomplish together, of a friendship that will define you both in ways you cannot yet realize.
Spock: How did you persuade him to keep your secret?
Spock Prime: He inferred that universe-ending paradoxes would ensue should he break his promise.
Spock: You lied.
Spock Prime: Aww... I... I implied.
Spock: A gamble.
Spock Prime: An act of faith. One I hope that you will repeat in your future in Starfleet.
Spock: In the face of extinction, it is only logical that I resign my Starfleet commission and help rebuild our race.
Spock Prime: And, yet, you can be in two places at once. I urge you to remain in Starfleet. I have already located a suitable planet on which to establish a Vulcan colony. Spock, in this case, do yourself a favour: Put aside logic. Do what feels right.
[Spock Prime turns and leaves]
Spock Prime: Since my customary farewell would appear oddly self-serving, I shall simply say...
[Shows Vulcan hand salute]
Spock Prime: Good luck.
Weaknesses:
Physical:
Pon Farr is a psycho-physical condition affecting Vulcans, in which Vulcan males and females go into heat every seven years, going into a blood fever, becoming violent, and finally dying if they do not mate with someone with whom they are telepathically bonded or engage in the ritual battle known as kal-if-fee. The most famous example of this process is given in the TOS episode 'Amok Time' where Spock became physically and emotionally violent on board the Enterprise.
Mental & Emotional:
Amanda Grayson: As much as they claim to have complete control over their emotions, Vulcans have been known to lose emotional and mental control. High stress situations can be a factor as is seen when Spock is goaded into a fight when Kirk questions Spock's love for his mother. However, Spock did just lose his planet and had watched his mother die.
One thing that is noted as being different between reboot Spock and Spock from TOS is that the younger version is prone to showing frustration, irritation, anger, and a sense of cockiness that rivals Kirk's but in a different way. We can see examples of this during the hearing where Kirk is brought under charges for cheating on the Kobayashi Maru. However, Spock's tendency of 'know-it-all' ism seems to be a universal constant.
Considering Into Darkness, while Spock may be doing well in embracing his humanity in small ways, he still holds onto very strict Vulcan control unless in private moments with those close to him. Sometimes, during a drastic situation, his emotional control cracks. For example, the scene in the movie where Kirk sacrifices his life to save the ship, Spock has to watch him die. James T. Kirk: I'm scared, Spock... help me not to be... how do you choose not to feel?
Spock: I do not know. Right now, I am failing.
James T. Kirk: I wanted you to know why I couldn't let you die... why I went back for you...
Spock: Because you are my friend.
Here we see Spock cry over the death of his friend, and then completely lose control as he attempts to hunt down and destroy Khan.
It is unproved that Spock has weaknesses for the following: Cats, Tribbles and Chocolate.