Commander Philip Boyce, M.D.
Context
Boyce is one of the main characters in a 1965 pilot episode for the Star Trek TV series, The Cage. The Cage was rejected and didn’t air, which led to much rework on the show.
Said rework resulted in the original series for Star Trek with Captain Kirk, the classic version of Mister Spock, Lieutenant Sulu, Lieutenant Uhura, Ensign Chekov, etc.
Eventually, the material of The Cage and the character of Captain Pike were worked back into the Star Trek continuity as an ill-fated Kirk predecessor. As of this writing (early 2018), I hear that the currently airing Star Trek series will also reference The Cage as it reaches this point in the Trek timeline .
This profile is best read after the Captain Christoper Pike character profile, which explains the plot.
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Background
- Real Name: Dr. Philip Boyce.
- Marital Status: Unrevealed, likely single.
- Known Relatives: None.
- Group Affiliation: Starfleet, United Federation of Planets.
- Base Of Operations: U.S.S. Enterprise, NCC-1701.
- Height: 5’11” Weight: 145 lbs.
- Eyes: Gray Hair: Pale Blond
Powers and Abilities
Boyce is a veteran Starfleet doctor, comfortable with the exotic medical challenges of intergalactic exploration.
He also served as an informal counselor to the crew, who trusted and relied upon his advice.
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History
Boyce served aboard the Enterprise during Christopher Pike’s captaincy. His medical skills saw quite a bit of use as the Enterprise was exploring largely unknown and uncontrolled space at that time.
He is also one of the few people to have visited Talos IV since the Enterprise’s mission there resulted in General Order Seven. This directive made future visits to Talos IV punishable by death.
Description
Boyce was a White male of average height and build. The pale color of his hair and eyes gave him a slightly Nordic look.
When he wasn’t on duty, Boyce would eschew his uniform for the more comfortable open-collared crew jumpsuits.
Video
Gene Roddenberry — the Star Trek creator — describes The Cage and what happened.
Personality
Boyce had a quiet strength of presence. It encouraged others to seek his counsel in difficult times. He never used this trust to impose his will but sought instead to encourage those around him to carefully consider their own course of action.
His natural charisma was aided by his intelligence. Boyce was one of the first crew members to recognize the extent of the threat posed by the Talosians’ illusions.
Quotes
“A man either takes life as it happens to him, meets it head-on and licks it, or he turns his back on it and withers away.”
On doctors and bartenders: “We both get the same type of patients : the living and the dying.”
DC Universe History
The Enterprise crew has encountered the X-Men on several occasions. These included a crossover with the Kirk-era Enterprise.
Boyce and his fellow crew could appear in the DCU in a similar manner, particularly if Hypertime is involved.
Beyond that, Boyce’s stats are suitable for an elite military doctor in most futuristic settings.
Game Stats — DC Heroes RPG
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Dr. Boyce
| Dex: 03 | Str: 02 | Bod: 02 | Motivation: Responsibility of Power |
| Int: 07 | Wil: 05 | Min: 06 | Occupation: Chief Medical Officer, U.S.S. Enterprise |
| Inf: 05 | Aur: 06 | Spi: 06 | Resources {or Wealth}: 005 |
| Init: 013 | HP: 025 |
Skills:
Charisma: 06, Medicine*: 07, Scientist (Analysis, observation, research): 05, Vehicles (Space)*: 03, Weaponry (Firearms)*: 03
Advantages:
Iron Nerves, Military Credentials (High, Rank: Commander).
Connections:
Enterprise Crew from 2251-2263 (High), Starfleet Medical (High).
Drawbacks:
Age (Old).
Equipment:
See the Star Trek Personal Equipment write-up.
Laser [BODY 03, Heat Vision: 08. Boyce’s service in Starfleet took place before phasers had come into widespread use, when laser weapons were used for self-defense]
Design Notes
Unlike later Star Trek characters, Boyce and his contemporaries have a Wealth score since the Federation hadn’t enacted its moneyless economy at this point (AFAICT).
Source of Character: Star Trek (TV series), character played by John Hoyt.