In 2269, this image of Surak was created by the Excalbians in a plot devised to better understand the differences between good and evil. Surak was paired with the image of Abraham Lincoln, as well as Captain James T. Kirk and Commander Spock as figures who were "good". Spock later observed that the Excalbian-created Surak registered as humanoid, despite being a product of matter-energy conversion, while Excalbians themselves were used as the source matter.
Spock displayed emotion when he met the image of Surak, something Surak understood and stated, "Let us speak no further of it." He was "pleased" to note the differences between Vulcans and Earth men.
When Surak discovered the fact that the Excalbians wished them to "fight to the death," he wanted no part in it. He first wished to arrive at a peaceful settlement with the four images of evil – Genghis Khan, Phillip Green, Zora, and Kahless the Unforgettable. When Kirk began planning for the fight, Surak's logic told him that they should consider more peaceful actions.
Surak considered the present situation analogous to the one that occurred in ancient Vulcan, and would not participate in any fighting, as it was "more logical to heal than kill." Spock was touched by Surak's conviction to pacifism. After the others agreed, Surak walked to the enemy camp with his message of peace. After a long conversation with Colonel Green, Surak was killed and his voice was imitated by Kahless in an attempt to lure and kill Kirk, Spock, and Lincoln. (TOS: "The Savage Curtain")
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Background information[]
Surak was played by Barry Atwater.
The original name of this character, as conceived by Gene Roddenberry, was "Lvak". In an 8 May 1968 story outline for "The Savage Curtain", Roddenberry likened the character to Abraham Lincoln, saying, "[He's] an equally great figure from Vulcan's historical past – and the usually imperturbable Mr. Spock is as surprised and shaken as Kirk with Lincoln." On 3 December 1968, researcher Joan Pearce – on the basis of male Vulcan names having been established with the routine of starting with the letter "S" – proposed "Savak, Solak, [and] Surak" as alternative names for the character. It was Fred Freiberger who selected "Surak". (These Are the Voyages: TOS Season Three)
External links[]
- Surak at Memory Beta, the wiki for licensed Star Trek works