Spoilers What causes Sam Kirk to leave Starfleet?

[Nerys Myk]

Have to wonder if the folks behind ST '09 read Best Destiny. From Memory Beta:

In the past, some forty-five years earlier, the reader is introduced to a young Jimmy Kirk. At 16 years old, he embodies every parent's worst fears: he is brash, rebellious, impulsive, cocky, and reckless.

 

[fireproof78]

Have to wonder of the folks behind ST '09 read Best Destiny. From Memory Beta:

I never understood the challenges of finding Kirk to be rebellious in 09. I feel like it's a pretty good trope to explore.

 

[Mr. Laser Beam]

Best Destiny was Diane Carey. George Kirk was a diplomatic security officer.

Actually in that novel George was the FIRST officer.

 

[Victoria]

Actually in that novel George was the FIRST officer.

P81: (they have just arrived on the Enterprise: Pike is speaking) "George, that's First Officer Lorna Simon down there. Lorna, Commander George Kirk"

P132: "I'm in security" George grunted

Sounds to me as though George Kirk is in security and the first officer is someone else.

 

[The Wormhole]

I forget the character's name, but the first officer of the Enterprise in Best Destiny is an elderly woman. Young Jim Kirk asks her why she isn't a Captain at her age, she says something like "that's a pain in the ass I don't need."

EDIT: Just read the post above mine, that elderly woman is named Lorna Simon. I really should pay more attention before I post.