VULCAN, 2279

"Everyone died because of a practical joke that need never have occurred. The great Stephen King, so noted for his gore and viscera, should instead be loudly commended for the build-up in this story that shows that, had someone truly cared and been able to help, even this sad soul could have been brought to reason. Many humans walk through this novel, but in truth only Carrie is a wise being--a homosapien. But her wisdom is erased by illogical behavior. Any careful being, even we who so guard our emotions, can learn from this stupidity, and from an emergent piece of wisdom : Just because one can do something, it does not always follow that one should. Just as Carrie had powers, so did her tormentors. The power they chose not to use--the power of restraint--caused Carrie to follow their lowly example. Everyone died because everyone used their dark, hidden powers."

Saavik nodded, and began to take questions from a class and teacher that she knew had been set up by her family's enemy, T'Pring. But this time, she was ready.

"Saavik--were these emotional images vividly rendered?"

"Indeed, Teacher. Of particular note was the fate of an adult that Carrie had trusted, and yet helped to deceive her."

"What was this fate?"

The teacher awaited her answer, the better to tear it to pieces under an impossible standard. But then, she saw her desk come at her from across the room, held aloft by nothing. It split her in two as it hit.

"Thank You, Teacher. Next question?"

The students stared over in horror, uncertain of what was going on. A boy asked a question.

"Did she learn no restraint from her parents?"

Saavik shook her head.

"Carrie's mother was a disturbed woman."

Suddenly, the boy's mother burst in, looking positively demonic. She grabbed her and his sister by the ears.

"You are filthy, illogical creatures! You damage our House's name! But I shall cleanse you. Oh, by Surak, I shall cleanse you."

Bleach was poured on the pair, as they writhed in agony. The mother smiled.

"I do what a mother must--no less."

Saavik pointed.

"You--had a question, I believe."

The girl was shaking.

"I--I---why didn't they just run away?"

Around them, all outside doors and windows slammed shut without notice. Saavik shrugged.

"It would have been rude to leave."

T'Nan, perhaps the least subtle of T'Pring's agents, stood up.

"Does this emotionalist novella have a point?"

A piece of glass broke off, and neatly sliced the quarrelsome girl's head off.

"Cruelty has no point. It is merely cruelty, whether we call it practical jokes or xenophobia. And anyone can be cruel."

The desks began to fly about the room, and students were strangled by their own robes. Saavik smiled.

"Absolutely anyone at all."

In a flash, the death was done. The Teacher was alive, no one had been bleached, strangled, or severed. Saavik concluded.

"These images were indeed vivid. I myself have seen them play out before my eyes, when my attention wandered. But I doubt anyone here would experience quite the same thing."

While the others gathered themselves, Saavik quickly looked out the window, at the one she loved best. It was useful having a boyfriend who was a level 12 Psi. Not that she didn't have other uses for Peter Kirk.

"Next week, I shall review one of King's longer works, of which I have recently taken an interest."

A raven flew in through the window, and alighted on her shoulder.

"It is called....The Stand."
 

Happy Halloween!