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Table of Contents
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The whale probe incident had brought a number of issues to light and each one was discussed at length by a number of Federation agencies and departments. Starfleet also had a number of meetings, involving Command and the Federation Council, which raised concerns ranging from the perceived vulnerability of Earth's power systems and its reliance on solar sourced energy, to the inability to protect Earth from the probe. There were other issues as well, but most were subtopics derived from the two primary concerns regarding power and planetary defenses.
However, the issue that gained the most attention was that of the humpback whales, which had been used to deter the whale probe. A worldwide, and eventually Federation-wide, conversation was started about continuing and even expanding the process to include other species which had disappeared over the last 300 years or so.
Then a proposal was put forward to broaden the effort to include all types of flora and fauna from many eras. The whole process started to snowball and, eventually, various factions were calling for everything from trilobites to dinosaurs!
Finally, the discussions became a genuine issue which was hotly debated and many options discussed concerning the plusses and minuses associated with any topic, but no more than this one.
The Federation Council then set up a research committee to look into the issue as part of the debate. Starfleet became a member of that committee. Obviously someone would have to retrieve any candidates chosen for repopulation, as the term was being used. Since no civilian or scientific agency had the means or knowledge on how that could be done, Starfleet was 'offered' the job.
A very reluctant Operations Division studied the issue for all of fifteen minutes and threw up their collective arms in despair. Not wanting to appear to be opposed to such a 'noble' effort, they would place the entire issue into the hands of the one person with the experience who could actually give a realistic appraisal of the proposal. He could present Starfleet and the Federation Council with a realistic response. If the proposal was deemed feasible, then the means of how it could be carried out would be another topic altogether.
But first things first; therefore, Command called its favorite, and coincidently only, qualified candidate: James T. Kirk and his able crew.
Captain's personal log, Stardate 8458.4, Enterprise is home once again, following the incident with Sybok on Nimbus III. We've submitted our after action reports and recommendations with Command. Mister Spock has taken a leave of absence to discuss Sybok with Sarek. I fear the conversation will be difficult and I do not envy Spock's task. Mister Scott has patched up 'his' ship and I believe we are ready for whatever Command gives us. Enterprise remains in orbit on standby orders as we are next in line for rotation duty.
Upon receiving a summons to appear before Command, Kirk wondered what it was for. Was Enterprise being retired ahead of schedule? Was he being relieved of command? Had V'Ger returned? It was an emergency summons and that was unusual in itself. If it involved regular duty rotation, he would have been notified through normal channels, but an emergency summons was very strange indeed.
Following the theft and subsequent loss of the old Enterprise, Command would have been justified to ease him out the back door of Starfleet Headquarters both literally and figuratively. He was able to put that off due to his saving Earth from the alien whale probe.
With much curiosity, then, Kirk entered the headquarters building and found himself in Starfleet's oversized briefing room. Kirk was accompanied by McCoy, Scott, Uhura, Sulu, Chekov, Kyle, and Barrows. The Enterprise officers settled into their seats uneasily and studied the faces of those already gathered.
But Kirk was genuinely confused. If this was to be an 'announcement' that Enterprise was being taken out of service and the crew retired or reassigned, then why were the civilians here and who were they? Only two were instantly recognizable, Doctor Gillian Taylor and the Federation Council President. The others were in various types of scientific garb or bureaucrats, if he was guessing correctly. Lastly, there was the Admiral of the Fleet, Robert Bennett.
As soon as Kirk and his people were settled, the President stood all smiles and very outgoing. Immediately Kirk was worried, whenever a politician wanted something really bad or nearly impossible to do, they became overly friendly. So, he braced himself for the worst... and it came.
Taking her place at the speaker's podium, Madam President Ouralan had an air of superiority and intelligence that suggested debating her or questioning her decisions was a waste of time. Kirk knew that wasn't the case as she had proven her ability to work with anyone and deal with any issue regardless of its nature or scope.
"We are gathered here at the suggestion of the Federation Life Sciences Department and a sub-committee devoted to a single issue which may or may not be practical or feasible. This meeting will be the start of resolving those issues once and for all." Turning to face the Enterprise crew, the president smiled warmly. "I will begin by introducing our very special guests, Captain Kirk and his famous crew from the starship Enterprise."
There was a brief but enthusiastic applause followed by a large grin on the face of Gillian Taylor.
Now Kirk's confusion was compounded. What the devil was going on here? He looked at his crewmates. Although pleased by their reception, they also wore looks of mixed emotions; worry and intimidation.
"Also with us is Doctor Bearn of the Federation Life Sciences Department; Mr. Callahan, Minister of Wildlife Preservation and Conservation; Dr. Gillian Taylor, who I believe the crew already knows, and finally, the person who called this meeting, Admiral of the Fleet Bennett."
"We will start with a brief outline of the proposal before us. It comes from the agency assigned to the project, Mister Callahan?"
Somewhat nervous, but friendly, the middle-aged human stood to speak. "It is hereby proposed that we rescue various extinct life forms from the past and transplant them in a manner similar to that employed by Captain Kirk and Doctor Taylor, when they brought the whales back from the twentieth century."
The ensuing silence was deafening until a surprised Kirk broke it. "How many extinct species do you want bring back?"
As Callahan took his seat the obvious questions ensued in rapid succession.
"Will that include dinosaurs?" Chekov asked innocently.
Uhura was curious, "Or elephants and rhinos?"
Kyle added a candidate, "And sabre toothed cats, too?"
"Wait, wait!" The president was trying to stop the flood of questions from the Starfleet officers. "You missed out on the earlier meetings. We've already narrowed the list considerably. There were concerns about the wisdom of rescuing some species. Doctor Bearn, will you explain, please?"
Standing at the introduction, the man spoke quickly as if it were an emergency situation. He seemed as nervous as a fish out of water and uncomfortable with the open forum setting. This was probably because he was more used to labs and research work. "We want to restore only those life forms that became extinct as a direct result of human actions. Therefore, no dinosaurs or any others from man's earliest known history such as sabre toothed tigers or trilobites will be considered. All of those extinctions were proved to be the result of other natural phenomenon. Even if mankind did contribute to the situation, they were not entirely responsible."
"However, those hunted to extinction or were lost due to the destruction of natural habitats or ecologies, those are the targeted species."
"So I ask again, how many are you proposing to bring back?" Kirk was curious but mostly, he was worried. A job like this could be... endless.
The doctor remained standing and continued matter-of-factly, "We would like to bring back 1,324 various animals, insects and plants."
"Is there going to be room for all of them on one ship?" Scotty's question may have sounded a bit ridiculous but it did make a valid point and brought the discussion back to reality.
"That will take a lot of work and just how do you plan to locate and gather the specimens? You'll need a lot of people and a really big ship!" McCoy was more than a little excited, but he too had a realistic concern.
"I said we'd like to... but this meeting will help finalize that list and make any changes necessary." That said, the doctor finally sat down, as if relieved of a great burden.
Kirk perked up, "You mean this isn't a 'done deal' yet?"
"No, Captain, it's one of the reasons you and your crew is here now." The Council President seemed conciliatory in tone and manner. "You know the problems involved."
Sighing heavily Kirk spoke directly to Doctor Bearn. "Let's forget the transportation issue entirely for now. You have a much bigger issue at hand that you all seem to be forgetting; time travel. Starfleet has severely restricted the practice and for many excellent reasons." He turned to the admiral for confirmation.
"True enough, Captain."
Bearn protested mildly. "But you've done so, sir, several times as I recall. Why is it an issue now?"
Again Kirk sighed and tried to explain without losing his patience. "Our first time travel incident was a total accident. During that particular 'adventure,' we, myself and crew, nearly caused a major problem which would have altered Earth's history in incalculable ways, none of which would have been good. The second time was with approval of command, but again, it involved my crew a bit too much and Command had second thoughts on the wisdom of allowing it in the first place, which is why they put many restrictions on the process."
"The third time was to rescue the whales, but solely as a means to counter the probe which was destroying Earth. There wasn't much of a choice in the matter and, once again, my crew's contact with the twentieth century was... tricky at best. We were extremely fortunate to leave without doing too much damage to the timeline."
Kirk rested a moment and caught Scotty's attention. "There is another issue, that of actually getting there! It's tough on the ship in question. Mister Scott, if you will..."
The ship's chief engineer rose to the occasion, literally. "Aye! The Captain speaks the truth. Our original time travel incident nearly stranded us in the past. The engines and other systems were stressed beyond their designed limits. Only a Herculean effort on the part of my people and a wee bit o' luck allowed us to return safely."
"When we traveled aboard the Klingon ship, it was even worse. The dilithium crystals deteriorated to the point of being nearly useless."
"Yet, you did return," the doctor countered smugly.
"Aye, but only due to a special effort by Commanders Uhura and Chekov and we nearly lost Chekov in the process! Anyway, as I was saying, using the slingshot method puts an incredible stress on a ship and there is no way to predict how the ship will be affected. If the ship is damaged in the process, repairs may be impossible, especially if you're back in time. Where can I get a warp coil in the twentieth century? Or a matter/anti-matter mix valve? It's too much of a gamble. As it was, the Klingon ship was a near total wreck by the time we returned."
Scotty sat down hard; sure that he had made his point.
Before anyone had a chance to counter his points, McCoy chimed in. "There's another issue here. I was present during all three time travel... adventures. Forgetting the danger to the timeline or the ship, there's the crew to be considered. Scotty's right, we were very lucky to survive. I had to personally intervene to save Commander Chekov. He could not have survived twentieth century medical procedures. But more than that, a time travel voyage is not a luxury cruise. It's hard on the human body and mind. There's a lot of stress associated with the process and unless the voyage is absolutely essential, I would not advise it for the weak of heart, body or mind." He paused a moment then added, "One more consideration is that of bio-contamination. Returning to the past could expose the crew to a long since dead or inactive disease. After all, if the species in question died out, who's to say we won't be bringing what killed them along for the ride?"
Satisfied, McCoy folded his arms across his chest in a defiant manner, challenging anyone to question him or his opinions.
The Federation President nodded with a smile. "This is why the crew of the Enterprise was invited to this meeting. We need as much information as possible before proceeding."
"Does that mean the project will be scrapped?" The question came from the Minister of Wildlife Preservation and Conservation.
"Not necessarily, but we must do some serious thinking about it. It's not just a noble effort to bring back plants and animals that disappeared due to mankind's interference, regardless of how noble or even right it may seem. We must ask ourselves, can it be done safely and without consequences of its own? Frankly the thought of interrupting the time line scares the life out of me. While trying to save... buffalo, we may make mankind extinct!" The president looked at Kirk.
He was beginning to like the lady more and more all the time. It was true what he had heard about her: she was a real thinker all right.
Gillian finally spoke and she hit home as well. "We need to consider one more thing while trying to make a decision regarding the rescue of extinct species. When I came along with Captain Kirk, the twenty-third century acquired an expert on whales. If you start bringing back other animals to this century, who will be the experts? Even a well-trained veterinarian of your time might be adequate, but what about the peculiarities of those animals of the past? Do any of your people know how to treat them or even deal with them? You can't get all the answers out of books or computer records. What are you going to do? Put an ad in a twentieth century newspaper for a vet to come to the future? However, if you want to avoid altering history, then bringing experts from the twentieth century isn't a realistic option."
Dr. Taylor's sarcastic nature may have rubbed some of those present the wrong way but Kirk smiled at her and mothed 'well done.'
Another period of silence was interrupted by the admiral. "At this point, I'd like to suggest an adjournment so everyone can consider the various points made here. I also wish to discuss the matter in detail with my people. He nodded at the Enterprise officers and smiled. "If that's acceptable to everyone..."
The president jumped up at the opportunity. "By all means, Admiral; I declare this meeting adjourned until next week. We will meet again, Thursday at the same time and place, subject to the availability of the Starfleet officers. I expect answers to the many questions and issues raised here. Thank you for your time and input."
A very subdued group stood and filed out slowly with little or no conversation. Kirk tried to reach Gillian but was blocked by Admiral Bennett's sudden appearance. "Kirk, I need to see you in my office."
"And my officers?" Kirk asked.
"Just you, at least for now," Bennett spun on his heels and walked briskly to the nearest exit.
Kirk sought out his friends who were waiting patiently. "Mister Scott, return to the ship. You have the conn. Hopefully I won't be too long. Be ready to get underway as soon as possible, just in case. I'm not sure what the admiral wants but better be prepared."
"Aye, sir, we'll be ready for sure."
The captain watched as the collection of friends disappeared down the long corridor and into a turbolift. Then he left for Bennett's office, walking at a brisk pace.
In just a few minutes, Kirk entered the 'old man's' office. There was no one in the outer room, so he moved, hesitantly to the inner office. There he found an exasperated figure leaning back in his chair, staring out the window. Without turning, he spoke. "Come in, Kirk, and take a seat. I sent my aide on an errand so we won't be disturbed."
Taking a seat as directed, he tried to figure out what the senior officer was thinking. In the end he found out he was completely wrong about the reason for his presence.
Turning back to face Kirk, the elderly human smiled slightly, "Thanks, Jim. I was hoping you and your people would be able to lay this issue to rest. There were enough issues raised to bury the project once and for all." He paused and smiled again. "I really like that Doctor Taylor. I think she put the final nail in the coffin!" He laughed at his own words.
"Just where did this proposal come from in the first place, sir?"
"Somebody in the Federation Council got wind of a movement to reinstate or repopulate extinct flora and fauna. It started in the general population as 'what if' or 'wouldn't it be nice if we could' conversations after you returned with the whales. Then it grew. Finally, Federation council members were approached for help. They in turn came to us and asked specifically for you and your crew."
"Do you think we'll hear any more about this, sir?" Kirk displayed equal amounts of curiosity and worry; well, maybe a little more worry.
"I doubt it. Frankly, I'm glad. It's a really bad idea as you, your crew and Doctor Taylor pointed out. I don't think anybody thought it through. My crews and ships have more important things to do and with a lot less risk all around. Are you okay with that assessment, Captain?"
"Yes, sir! If it's okay with you, I'll return to Enterprise and continue preparations for the mission to the Torrin Corridor. Rumor has it that Benar Five needs assistance with food and medical supplies. Enterprise is next on the duty rotation list, so I expect a call... soon."
Standing, the 'old man' offered his hand to Kirk. "Of course and thanks for your input, okay?"
"Anytime, sir." Kirk shook the man's hand firmly and left in a hurry, glad to be finished with the issue of species rescue... he thought.
In a matter of just a few hours, Enterprise had taken aboard emergency relief supplies and was leaving, heading for the priority one delivery of those items, just as Kirk had expected.
The crew settled into a routine and everyone seemed relaxed. Kirk stood up from his command chair and studied the main viewer, "Estimated time of arrival at Belnar Five."
A brief glance at his console gave Chekov the answer. "Thirty-nine hours, twelve minutes at warp six, sir."
Walking about the bridge, Kirk commented to no one in particular, "Let's deliver the goods and make some colonists happy."
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© 2024 Brad McDonald / U.S.S. Kitty Hawk
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