Did Kirk meet Sarek before Journey to Babel ?

[Zeppster]

But if you put it along with the comment in the Corbomite Maneuver that's 2 instances where Spock's family is referred to in past tense.

There was also an episode(Conscience of the King) where there's a reference to Vulcan's being a conquered race. Then it was disputed in another episode in season 2. TOS did a much better job with things in continuity compared to shows in that era. But it wasn't perfect.

 

[Kryton]

True, dat...but KNOWING WHAT WE NOW KNOW, couldn't Spock have been referring to his parents in the past tense because he knew he was persona non grata in the House of Sarek because of his choice to pursue a Starfleet career as opposed to a career as a scientist on Vulcan?

I mean, seriously...if you've been "disowned" (as Spock was, arguably, by his father), don't you generally refer to your family (who you presume you're unlikely to see ever again) in the past tense?

Oh yeah...I can come up with a Treksplanation like the best of them. And don't beat me up...I am a Vulcan, there is no pain! (I actually used that phrase when dealing with certain physical issues I had back in the '70s. It really helped to a certain extent. )