In Star Trek: The Original Series, Why Does Spock Mention Vulcan Conquers by Romulans but Not by Klingons or Borg?

In the beloved Star Trek television series, The Original Series, characters like Spock often reference historical events and factions within the Star Trek universe. A particular question arises regarding why Spock mentions that Vulcan was conquered by the Romulans but not by the Klingons or the Borg. This article will explore the reasons behind this phenomenon in the context of Star Trek lore and characterize how such absences play a role in storytelling.

Understanding the History of the Romulans and Vulcan

The Romulans are a sub-species of Vulcans. They were banished from Vulcan centuries ago due to their rejection of logic during the Sundering, which occurred before the 9th century B.C.E. The rupture in Vulcan society was significant, leading to a civil war that the Romulans lost. This loss compelled them to leave their homeworld, founding their own space empire based on the principles of emotion and ambition rather than logic and restraint.

The history of the Romulans and Vulcans is complex, and this event sets the stage for their mutual animosity. During the Original Series, characters like Spock, half-Vulcan and half-human, often allude to this past. However, other factions like the Klingons and the Borg are not mentioned in this particular context.

Why Does Spock Mention the Romulans but Not the Klingons?

Vulcans and Klingons share a long history of conflict. The Klingons, known for their aggression and militaristic tendencies, would have a challenging time attempting to conquer the Vulcans. Vulcan individuals are significantly stronger and more skilled in combat than both humans and Klingons. A Vulcan individual is estimated to be three times stronger than a Human, whereas a Klingon is only approximately twice as strong as a human. Additionally, Vulcans are not easily flustered during combat due to their rigorous mental training through disciplines like Kolinar and martial arts such as Suus Mahna. Furthermore, pre-Federation Vulcan technology was more advanced than that of the Klingons, making a conquest even more improbable.

Given these significant advantages, Spock would logically mention the Romulans as the conquerors of Vulcan. The comparison highlights the stark differences and the reason for Vulcan's exile and subjugation. This is in stark contrast to the potential for a confrontation between the Vulcans and the Klingons, which would likely be a straightforward battle of strength and technology. Thus, Spock's focus on the Romulans is a strategic choice that underscores the unique historical and cultural context of the two races.

Do the Borg Conquer Vulcan in Star Trek Lore?

The discovery of the Borg Collective happened nearly 200 years after the founding of the United Federation of Planets, and the events occurred well into the 24th century. By the time of The Original Series, Federation history had not yet included encounters with the Borg. Therefore, the question of the Borg's conquest of Vulcan would not arise during the events of The Original Series.

In subsequent Star Trek series and movies, we have seen the Borg influence and conflict with the Federation, and even a brief encounter with a Vulcan named T'Pol in Enterprise. However, a standalone conquest by the Borg of Vulcan is not a part of the Original Series timeline.

The Borg's advanced technology and assimilation strategies make them formidable opponents, but the focus of The Original Series remained on understanding the individual impact of characters like Spock and the overarching crises of space exploration.

Conclusion

The differences in how Spock mentions the conquest by Romulans, but not Klingons or the Borg, is a deliberate choice in Star Trek: The Original Series. It reflects the intricate historical ties between the races and serves to illustrate the unique roles and impacts of each faction within the stories. These choices enhance the narrative complexity and provide deeper insights into the rich Star Trek universe.

Understanding these details helps fans appreciate the depth and interconnectedness of Star Trek lore, enriching their understanding of Spock's references and the broader context of the series.