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The emergency supply delivery went smoothly and, as Kirk had predicted, Enterprise and her crew made a lot of anxious colonists very happy indeed. Just before breaking orbit, Uhura informed Command, 'mission accomplished' and waiting for further orders. Unfortunately, the reply included orders to attend another meeting and continue discussions on the proposal to rescue extinct lifeforms. Kirk made the response to those orders personally, vocalizing his 'less than enthusiastic' opinion on the matter. However, in the end, he acknowledged the orders and gave a reasonable ETA for his return.
If that wasn't enough, on the way back to Earth, the ship received a number of inquiries and updates from the various agencies and people involved in Operation Ark. There were three very noticeable omissions though; Gillian, the Federation Council President and Bennett. Regardless, it was beginning to sound like the mission would take place in spite of the many dangers, problems and pitfalls which had been outlined by the Enterprise crew and Gillian. While en route to Earth, Kirk called for a meeting of his own to discuss the situation. If his crew was going to meet with the proponents again, he was going to be 'fully armed' to deal with them.
Within five minutes of calling for the meeting, the conference room was full of his best people. He was the last to enter and found the room 'buzzing' with two-person and three-person conversations at varying degrees of elevated levels. This was particularly true of Scotty. The man's voice could be heard in the corridor with the doors closed. For this reason, Kirk decided to start his conversation with the Chief Engineer.
The room quickly became quiet as Kirk took a seat. "Looks like some people won't take no for an answer." He noted subdued laughter by Uhura and Kyle but let it pass before continuing. "So we're going back to look at rescuing extinct species one more time. Mister Scott, let's start with you and your team. Exactly what would be necessary for, first of all, making the trip and, second, housing the various flora and fauna?"
The elder Scotsman looked somewhat overwhelmed but took the bit in his mouth and ran with it. "Well, sir, starting with the journey, it would depend on the ship, of course."
Playing devil's advocate, Kirk gave the man one of his own 'what if' proposal. "Okay, let's say Enterprise is chosen. Not very likely I grant you, but if it were, what would be necessary to see it through?"
Sucking in a deep breath, Scotty began thinking out loud. "Well, sir, I'd boost the shields significantly, not easy to do when the majority of the ship's power is going straight to generating enough speed to make time travel possible. We barely made it back after rescuing the whales, but we could boost the shields by taking power from other sources."
"Like the impulse engines?" Kyle sounded more hopeful than anything else. Slightly intimidated by the senior officers and department heads, he never-the-less pursued his line of thought. "They could be tapped directly to the shields with a little work."
"But won't we need impulse power to make and maintain Earth orbit, then break orbit when we leave?" Chekov was confused.
"We could set up a circuit switching mechanism and alter between the two functions."
"Aye, Mister Sulu, that would work, but we'd be in big trouble if the switching mechanism circuit failed at a critical point. And if the shields are tied to the impulse engine outputs, it might mean we'd be in a tight spot if we needed a power boost elsewhere."
Kyle tried again, "We could install an auxiliary power unit in the shuttle bay. Plenty of room there and that could be a back-up, just in case."
"Actually, we should think about stuffing all our cargo holds with any critical parts that might be needed in the twentieth century," Chekov added.
"Then where do we put all the extinct species we'd be bringing back?" Uhura was only slightly condescending to her friend, but Chekov looked crushed.
"Sorry, Pavel, but I'm just trying to cover all the possibilities." Uhura finished on a smile directed at the navigator.
Kirk leaned forward, "What about that, Mister Scott? What changes would we have to make to the ship itself to accommodate the specimens?"
"Remember what I had to do just to bring back two whales? Multiply that by a factor of one hundred or more. Since we don't know what we'll be transporting, it's hard to know."
Barrows was suddenly struck by a thought, "What about ship's systems? With all the livestock and plants, it could overload our water, food and recycling systems. After all, the ship is designed to accommodate about 500 humanoids."
Nodding, Kirk agreed, "Good thinking!"
"And the transporters, will they be able to handle everything we need to bring aboard? It's not just the animals, but what they need to survive." Sulu looked positively worried. "We may need special atmospheres, temperatures and environments as well."
McCoy had been quiet up to this point but chimed in, continuing Sulu's train of thought. "Another small detail the committee overlooked. If we're bringing animals, they need to eat and while we're on the subject, you know what comes next... animal waste."
"Yuck!" Yeoman Barrows wrinkled her nose and her exclamation brought a smile to just about everyone's face.
The captain also smiled at her reaction, "You getting all of this, Yeoman?"
Blushing, she pointed to her steno tricorder and confirmed, "Yes, sir."
"When the bureaucrats think up these projects, I wish they'd think them all the way through." McCoy was exasperated. "Doctor Taylor brought up a good point. Who's going to take care of the animals? Not just when we bring them back to our time, but on the actual journey? The whales were okay because Spock's mind meld reassured them and, as intelligent creatures, they... behaved themselves. But what about a buffalo or a large predatory cat, are they going to remain calm for the trip?"
"Stun them for the trip and deliver them to the people who came up with this hair-brained idea just as the stun is wearing off." Kyle was only half serious, but he received more than a few nods of approval. Even still, he was embarrassed by his outburst and said so, "Sorry, Captain."
Kirk was trying to hide his smile and doing a poor job of it. "It's okay, Mister Kyle. I tend to agree."
McCoy was beaming, "If they make us go, I suggest Scotty has a 'transporter malfunction, along those lines of thought. Put a lion in Doctor Bearn's office."
Now everybody was laughing. The captain hated to bring them back to reality but he needed answers and not comedy. If he was going back into a meeting with the people who were advocating the return of extinct species, he wanted to be fully armed and ready. "Let's get back to the problems at hand, please."
"Not in my hands, Jim," McCoy replied firmly.
The Captain wasn't sure if the doctor was referring to the waste problem again or the larger issue. Either way, he ignored the comment and pressed the main problem. "Okay, what type of ship would we really need?"
"Not the Enterprise!" Scotty was both loud and adamant.
"Agreed!" Sulu took up the engineer's case without being asked. "Our ship is designed for exploration, defense, first contact missions and, as we have just demonstrated, delivery of emergency supplies. What is needed is a... warp drive warehouse!"
Uhura chimed in, "Unless all we transport are small specimens."
"That might help with the issues of supplying food and the... byproducts." Barrows was thinking out loud. "But how much food do we need?"
Chekov now jumped in, "With the whales, we picked them up and returned to our own time almost immediately. But if we're going to collect a number of specimens... that could take a long time! We might have to be in orbit for weeks or more. How can we supply food and water even for smaller animals for an extended period of time?"
"Looks like Sulu's idea of a warp drive warehouse isn't such a bad idea after all." Uhura sounded impressed.
"That still leaves fooling with the timeline!" McCoy was not smiling and seemed on the verge of an emotional outburst.
A very quiet Chekov offered an opinion, "I'd rather not do that again, it was very painful." He rubbed his head to emphasize the point.
In so doing, McCoy cracked a smile. "For all of us, Pavel. We were worried you might not make it. Which brings up another point, Jim, not only do we risk contaminating the timeline, we put our own people at risk." He nodded towards Chekov.
"Good point, Doctor. Mister Chekov, forgive me for not thinking about that in the first place."
Nodding and smiling, the Russian was conciliatory towards his captain. "You had other things on your mind, sir."
"Not so much that I can forget one of my crewmembers, for any reason."
There was a long moment of silence, finally Scotty spoke quietly. "I think we've said all we can say, sir."
"Agreed, Jim, we're flogging a dead horse." McCoy looked tired.
"May I offer another thought or two before we finish, Captain? Uhura looked and sounded apologetic.
"What is it, Nyota?"
She drew a deep breath and spoke in her usual soothing manner. "I was thinking about my home, Africa. As a child I was taught about the wildlife that surrounded us. How it all worked as a complete ecological system, each part dependent on the other. If we rescue a predator, won't we also need to rescue his prey? If we rescue a plant eater, do we rescue his plants? Will those plants become part of the existing ecology or destroy it? How many times has mankind relocated or transplanted fauna and flora with good intentions only to have it take over the indigenous life forms with detrimental results? There are many examples of mankind destroying local habitats with the expansion of cities and such, but it also includes just the thing we're discussing now. Where will we put these rescued species?
"Also, a parent animal 'teaches' their young how to survive, but if we rescue young healthy animals, who teaches them? If we intend to repopulate the lost species, then we need two, male and female. That doubles the problems we face regarding transportation, food and environment. More importantly, what about that? What do we do regarding a habitat? Many animals died out because their habitat disappeared or was drastically altered. It's all part of the total ecology. We can't drop a sabre tooth tiger into a desert or a buffalo into a swamp. If the natural habitat doesn't exist anymore, do we recreate it? If so, how do we do that? We would have to bring back everything to make it work. That would include soil, plants, insects, temperature, humidity, correct rainfall... like I said, everything.
"If the intent is to actually repopulate the species, how many animals will be enough? The whales seem to be getting by with just the pair. What about other species? How many will it take? A pair? A group? A herd? Should there be more males than females or the other way around? Do we need to check the animals for genetic defects before we use them as breeding stock? Maybe a geneticist can provide the answers, but what makes a healthy gene pool and is it the same for all animals? What does it take for the species to not only survive but thrive?"
McCoy smiled broadly, "You know, Nyota, you may have missed your calling. You should have concentrated on the life sciences."
"Thank you, Doctor. I was just trying to cover all the possibilities. I think it's important that the people who are advocating the rescue of extinct species, regardless what type they are cannot be thought of as a straight forward issue as someone might imagine."
Turning to face Kirk, McCoy pointed to Uhura, "Jim, you may want to let her make our presentation at the next meeting. She's got a pretty good handle on the most important issues."
"Well, she is a communications officer... " Kirk smiled, "Uhura, can you draw up a summary for the meeting? I'd like to present it to the Federation President and the Admiral of the Fleet."
"Aye, sir, no problem," Uhura finished on a warm smile and a sparkle indicative of her personality and confidence.
Kirk turned to face Barrows, "I trust you got her 'dissertation' on record?"
Smiling in triumph, she responded with a positive tone, "Absolutely, sir! I'll be sure she gets a copy to work with, plus all the other suggestions made."
"Outstanding! Nyota, feel free to add anything else you think might be needed. I want everyone associated with this project to have a complete picture of what they are proposing. This may provide the wake-up call that's needed."
"Meeting over, Jim?" McCoy sounded hopeful.
"Meeting over, Doctor! Let's get home and put this thing to rest once and for all!"
When Enterprise arrived back at Earth, it was given an immediate berth in spacedock. Kirk requested permission to grant the crew shore leave once the meeting was concluded. Of course, that was dependent on any changes in Starfleet priorities. For now, though, that did not include McCoy, Scott, Sulu, Uhura, Barrows, Chekov and, of course, himself as they had to participate in the ark project debate and any subsequent meetings. While the crew prepared the ship, the captain received a summons from Bennett. He and his senior officers were to report at once.
Arriving at the admiral's office, Kirk became worried. The 'old man' seemed somber and distracted. Once everyone was seated, he spoke. "Starfleet has been placed in an awkward position. For some unknown reason, Federation Council has decided to move forward with what is now being referred to officially as 'Operation Ark.' I can tell you this much. I fought it as hard as I could and restated all the negative aspects as loudly and as strongly as possible. I used the arguments from your people and Doctor Taylor, but all to no avail. For some reason, certain members of the Federation Council have become very enthusiastic and adamant about this project and I can't get them to see otherwise.
"However, I did manage to make a change in their plans. Before a long term or permanent process begins, a trial mission will be carried out to determine the practicality of the idea. We want to closely monitor the stress placed on both crew and ship."
Kirk could see where the admiral was headed and spoke. "And Enterprise has been chosen... or is it more like drafted?"
Now smiling, Bennett looked guilty. "I'm sorry, Jim. It's the one condition Federation Council placed on Starfleet. They thought we were trying to... sabotage the project with our 'single ship only' to start the project. So, if only one ship can be used, it would be the one that started the process. Details of the test mission must be worked out and that will provide an opportunity to present our case again."
"Understood, sir, and we appreciate your effort."
"I just hope you don't have to make that trip. I argued strongly against it, but once more, I was the only voice of reason in a room full of... arrogant politicians." He became quiet and added, "It's the best I could do."
McCoy spoke frankly, "It was not exactly a 'joy ride' to the twentieth century, sir. I actually protested the idea from the beginning."
"He did indeed," deadpanned Sulu.
Nodding in understanding, the senior officer agreed. "I know it wasn't a decision that was made lightly."
"Far from it, sir, we were in a bind and it required immediate action," Scott stated simply.
Uhura added, "Our choices were quite limited, Admiral."
Another silence ensued and Kirk leaned forward, "Admiral, permission to speak freely."
"Always, Captain."
"Very well; we still believe the project is wrong. My communications officer has put together a synopsis of our many... reservations. I believe it should be heard by everyone who is interested. Perhaps we can still talk them out of it."
Bennett looked even more tired than before and spoke quietly once more. "Kirk, you and I go a long way back. Your crew has performed your duties beyond expectations on a regular basis. I can think of no one better qualified to lead the mission, if it happens. However, I can think of a number of reasons why it shouldn't happen. That's why you are here." He paused and gathered his thoughts, looking somewhat defeated. "I should have been more forceful about getting this project cancelled. I must be getting too old for this job and should think about retirement."
"I'm sure you did your best, sir. But I'm willing to bet you didn't have a lot of friends in the room during your last discussion. This time, you have us." Kirk indicated his crewmates and friends.
"Here, here!" McCoy declared.
"Absolutely, Sir," Chekov added.
"Give me ten minutes to speak, Admiral, and they'll think twice about completing the project." Uhura was confident and smiling warmly at Bennett.
The senior Admiral returned the smile and added, "Well, if I'm going out, I'd like to do it with style and a sense of accomplishment. If we can get this project cancelled, I'll be forever in debt to each one of you."
"Does that include a free round of drinks at my favorite pub?"
Scotty was only half-serious, but the admiral responded enthusiastically and smiled broadly. "It does indeed, Engineer!"
Kirk stood, "Then phasers on heavy stun and shields at maximum. Full speed ahead!"
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© 2024 Brad McDonald / U.S.S. Kitty Hawk
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