Ruth Cartwright was a 23rd century Human woman whom James T. Kirk had a deep relationship with during his Starfleet Academy years.
Biography
Kirk and Ruth dated in the year 2250 while Kirk lived in Iowa. She disagreed with Kirk's Starfleet career choice, and they broke up shortly before Kirk left for the Academy. She changed her mind, however, and moved to San Francisco to be with him shortly after his first semester exams. (TOS comic: "Starfleet Academy!")
- By an alternate account, they met in 2252. (Ruth Cartwright article at Star Trek.com.)
Kirk and Ruth often socialized together with Kirk's Academy instructor Benjamin Finney and his wife Naomi Finney on Earth. The night the Finneys announced Naomi's pregnancy with Jamie Finney was the night Kirk and Ruth ended their relationship. (TOS novel: The Autobiography of James T. Kirk)
In 2267, the USS Enterprise visited the Amusement Park planet and discovered the planet had the technology to bring fantasies to life. Because of this ability, Ruth was brought to life for Kirk. (TOS episode & Star Trek 12 novelization: Shore Leave)
In 2268, Commander Spock read a log entry in Kirk's personal log in which Kirk said he'd felt a sense of happiness, being at peace, and belonging when he was with Ruth. Kirk wondered what might have happened if they'd stayed together. (TOS novel: Ghost-Walker)
In 2270, as Spock sought to determine, via mind meld, if Kirk's body was really inhabited by Shaun Christopher's mind, Spock searched for memories of Ruth. (TOS novel: The Rings of Time)
Appendices
Background
Ruth was not given a full name in her televised debut in "Shore Leave". The surname "Cartwright" comes from the TOS - Strange New Worlds 10 short story: "Empty".
Appearances
- TOS episode & Star Trek 12 novelization: Shore Leave
- TOS comic: "Starfleet Academy!"
- TOS novel: The Autobiography of James T. Kirk
References
- ST website: StarTrek.com
- TOS novel: The Rings of Time
- TOS - Strange New Worlds 10 short story: "Empty"
External links
- Ruth Cartwright article at Memory Alpha, the wiki for canon Star Trek.
- Ruth Cartwright article at Star Trek.com.